JP2002018100A - Pachinko island stand - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko island stand capable of efficiently storing the Pachinko balls overflowing from an upper tank and the Pachinko balls discharged from a counting device in a storage tank. SOLUTION: The storage tank 13 has an overflow ball guiding trough 45 guiding the Pachinko balls overflowing from the upper sub-tank 7 from one end to the other end in the storage tank 13. A plurality of overflow ball drop ports 47 are formed on the overflow ball guiding trough 45 between return ball discharge ports 43, and the pachinko balls are dropped into the storage tank 13 from the overflow ball drop ports 47 and stored so that they are swelled near the overflow ball drop ports 47 and recessed between the overflow ball drop ports 47. Since the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge ports 43 are stored at recessed portions, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper sub-tank 7 and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device 27 can be efficiently stored in the storage tank 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plurality of pachinko machines, an upper tank for temporarily storing pachinko balls, and a counter for counting the number of prize balls installed and corresponding to each of the plurality of pachinko machines. The device, a storage tank for storing the pachinko balls used in the pachinko machine, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls counted by the counting device, and the pachinko balls stored in the storage tank. The present invention relates to a pachinko island stand on which a ball-lifting device for lifting to an upper tank is installed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a storage tank for storing pachinko balls is provided in a pachinko island stand, and the pachinko balls in the storage tank are pumped to an upper tank by a ball lifting and feeding device. The overflowing pachinko balls were to be returned to the storage tank again. Also, in recent years, a pachinko hall that introduces a carry-less system that returns pachinko balls acquired by a player directly to a pachinko island stand via a counting device installed corresponding to each pachinko machine without carrying the pachinko balls to a prize exchange. However, in the storage tanks of the pachinko island of such a carry-less system, not only overflow balls from the upper tank as described above but also pachinko balls discharged from the counting device are stored in the storage tank. Was to be returned directly to

[0003]

However, in the conventional storage tank, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device do not overlap with the overflow balls from the upper tank when returned to the storage tank. The pachinko balls interfered with each other and could not be efficiently stored in the storage tank. The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a pachinko machine capable of efficiently storing pachinko balls overflowing from an upper tank and pachinko balls discharged from a counting device in a storage tank. To provide island stand.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a plurality of pachinko machines, an upper tank for temporarily storing pachinko balls, and a plurality of pachinko machines are provided. A counting device installed corresponding to each machine and counting the obtained prize balls, a pachinko ball used in the pachinko machine, a pachinko ball overflowing from the upper tank and a pachinko ball counted by the counting device. In a pachinko island stand in which a storage tank for storing and a ball lifting device for discharging pachinko balls stored in the storage tank to the upper tank, the storage tank overflows from the upper tank. An overflow ball guiding gutter for guiding a pachinko ball from one end to the other end in the storage tank is provided, and the overflow ball guiding gutter includes a pachinko ball flowing down on the overflow ball guiding gutter in the storage tank. And forming a plurality of overflow ball drop opening for dropping the, it is characterized in that 該溢 Re ball drop opening is formed so as to be located between the return ball outlet of the counting device. With this configuration, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and flowing down on the overflow ball guide gutter fall from the overflow ball drop opening into the storage tank, the vicinity of the overflow ball drop opening rises, and the overflow ball drop opening and the overflow ball fall. The space between the falling port and the entrance falls. That is, the stored pachinko balls are stored in the storage tank such that the upper surface of the pachinko balls has a waveform. And
Because the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port located above this depressed part are stored in the depressed part,
Pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and pachinko balls discharged from the counting device can be efficiently stored in the storage tank without trouble such as poor ball handling.

[0005] Further, in the invention described in claim 2,
In the storage tank, the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port of the counting device are stored below the return ball discharge port, and discharged from the return ball discharge port when the storage tank is filled with the pachinko balls. A first return ball guiding gutter for guiding the pachinko balls toward the downstream side in the storage tank, wherein the overflow ball guiding gutter guides the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank toward the upstream side in the storage tank. It is characterized by doing. With this configuration,
The pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port not only fall directly below the return ball discharge port, but also flow down the first return ball guide gutter toward the downstream side in the storage tank. Even if the lower part of the storage tank is full of the stored pachinko balls, the pachinko balls flow down to the downstream side in the storage tank and are stored. For this reason, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device can be efficiently stored in the storage tank.

Further, in the invention according to claim 3,
A plurality of pachinko machines, an upper tank for temporarily storing pachinko balls, a counter installed for each of the plurality of pachinko machines and a counting device for counting acquired prize balls, and a pachinko machine used in the pachinko machines A storage tank for storing the balls, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls counted by the counting device, and a ball lifting device for discharging the pachinko balls stored in the storage tank to the upper tank. ,
In the pachinko island stand where is installed, the storage tank has an overflow ball guiding gutter that guides the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank toward the upstream side in the storage tank, and a return ball discharge port of the counting device. And a second return ball guiding gutter for guiding the discharged pachinko balls toward the downstream side in the storage tank. With this configuration, the pachinko balls that overflow from the upper tank and flow down on the overflow ball guide gutter are stored from the upstream side in the storage tank, and are discharged from the return ball discharge port to be returned to the second return ball. Since the pachinko balls flowing down the guiding gutter are stored from the downstream side in the storage tank, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device can be efficiently stored in the storage tank. .

Further, in the invention according to claim 4,
A pachinko ball quantity control mechanism is provided, which controls the pachinko balls in the storage tank of each pachinko island so that the quantity of pachinko balls is equal by passing pachinko balls between adjacent pachinko islands. is there. With this configuration, the prize ball obtained in the game is used by a pachinko machine installed on another pachinko island stand, or when the player does not return the obtained prize ball to the pachinko island stand (for example, (Such as loading a ball box full of prize balls on the feet), even if the amount of stored pachinko balls on a particular pachinko island is reduced, pachinko balls can be replenished from adjacent pachinko balls. Therefore, not only can the amount of storage in the storage tank be kept constant between the pachinko islands, but also the pachinko balls can be efficiently stored in the storage tank. In addition, design the allowable amount of pachinko balls in the storage tank to be small (reducing the size of the storage tank).
Is also possible, which leads to cost reduction of pachinko island facilities (including pachinko balls), which is effective.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a schematic configuration of a pachinko island stand 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko island stand 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a side view showing the inside of the pachinko island stand 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko island stand 1 is, as is well known, formed into a rectangular parallelepiped frame, and a plurality of pachinko machines 2 are arranged on both sides in the longitudinal direction in a back-to-back direction. Further, the pachinko machine lending machine 3 is provided with a pachinko ball lending machine 3 so as to be sandwiched between the pachinko machines 2, and the pachinko ball lending machine 3 corresponds to the pachinko machine 2 on a one-to-one basis. It is provided, and pachinko balls are lent out by coins or bills, or prepaid cards or bill storage cards.

In addition, the pachinko island stand 1 has a counting device 27 as counting means for counting the prize balls obtained by the game, and a take-in / discharge for taking in / discharging the prepaid card or the ball storage card or the like. An apparatus (not shown) and a prize exchange apparatus (not shown) for exchanging prize balls for receipts or cards are provided for each pachinko machine 2. Since various devices as described above are provided for each pachinko machine 2, the number of balls can be stored in a receipt or a card and exchanged for a prize, and it is necessary to carry the pachinko balls to a prize exchange. Absent. The card or the like stores an ID number required to identify the card, and a card theft prevention device is provided for each pachinko machine 2, so that the card or the like may be misused or stolen. There is no.

Above the longitudinal end of the pachinko island stand 1, a display lamp 23 composed of display lamps 24a to 24e indicating the storage status of the pachinko balls in the storage tank 13 described later is installed. .

In FIG. 2, a doffing and feeding device storage unit 5 in which a doffing and feeding device 4 is stored is set up substantially at the center of the pachinko island stand 1. The ball lifting device 4 according to the present embodiment lifts pachinko balls using a belt-shaped transport belt, and the belt-shaped transport belt is disposed so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pachinko island stand 1 and has a lower portion. The pachinko balls introduced from the introduction gutter 4a are lifted up while being polished upward, and discharged from the upper discharge gutter 4b to the upper tank 6 described below.

An upper tank 6, 7 for temporarily storing the pumped pachinko balls is provided above the ball lifting device 4. From the upper tanks 6, 7, the pachinko machines 2 are provided with pachinko balls. The supply gutter 8 for supplying the water is provided to be inclined toward the longitudinal end of the pachinko island stand 1. Also, on the side of the upper tank 7, an arc-shaped arch supply gutter 2 is provided.
2 (see FIG. 1) is installed in connection with the adjacent pachinko island stand 1. The arch supply gutter 22 is for transferring pachinko balls by a sprocket or the like, and is for transferring pachinko balls between adjacent pachinko islands 1.

The pachinko balls pumped by the ball pumping device 4 are first sent to the supply gutter 8 connected to the upper tank 6 (hereinafter referred to as the upper main tank 6) with the highest priority. The overflowed pachinko balls are then sent to a supply gutter 8 leading to an upper tank 7 (hereinafter, referred to as an upper slave tank 7), and the pachinko balls overflowing in the upper slave tank 7 are further passed through an overflow duct 20 and a relay gutter 14. The storage tank 13 at the lower part of the pachinko island stand 1 is guided to the overflow ball guiding gutter 45. When sufficient pachinko balls are not stored in the storage tank 13, the arch supply gutter 22 is driven to supply pachinko balls from the adjacent pachinko island stand 1, and the overflow duct 20 and the relay gutter 14 are similarly connected. It is guided to the overflow ball guide gutter 45 of the storage tank 13 at the lower part of the pachinko island stand 1 through the. The pachinko balls guided to the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 form a bottom plate 49 of the storage tank 13 (see FIG. 3).
To be stored in the storage tank 13.
The pachinko balls stored in the storage tank 13 are polished by the ball lifting device 4, and are always pachinko balls that are cleaned. In addition, the overflow duct 20 is formed integrally with the doffing apparatus storage unit 5.

A distribution chute 9 for guiding pachinko balls to each pachinko machine 2 is provided in the supply gutter 8 in correspondence with each pachinko machine 2. The number of the pachinko balls taken in by the distribution chute 9 is counted by a counting device (not shown) located below the distribution chute, and then the prize provided on the upper rear surface of the pachinko machine 2 via the replenishing device 10. It is supplied to a ball tank (not shown) and used as a prize ball or a game ball. Further, at the downstream end of the supply gutter 8, there is provided a ball separator 11, and the pachinko balls flowing down to the downstream end of the supply gutter 8 are described later via the bellows 12 from the ball separator 11. The pachinko balls are circulated in the pachinko island stand 1 by being led out to the out ball collecting gutter 17.

On the other hand, used pachinko balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 are collected by an out-ball collecting box 16 as a receiving means having a counting function, and then discharged downward. The pachinko balls discharged from the out ball collecting box 16 are inclined downward from both ends of the pachinko island stand 1 toward the lower part of the ball lifting device 4 erected substantially at the center thereof. 17 is dropped.

At the lower part of the pachinko machine 2, a counter stand 25 is provided so as to project outwardly so as to be substantially perpendicular to the pachinko island stand 1. A ball box 26 is placed on the counter stand 25, and a function of returning a prize ball acquired by the player in the game and stored in the ball box 26 is additionally provided. The prize ball returned from the ball box 26 via the ball box 26 through the ball discharge space 29 formed below the pachinko machine 2 is dropped into the out ball collection gutter 17. Further below the counter stand 25,
A waistboard 21 constituting a lower external appearance of the pachinko island stand 1 is detachably mounted on the pachinko island stand 1. Since the out ball collecting gutter 17 is located inside the pachinko island stand 1 at a position corresponding to the waist plate 21, by removing the waist plate 21, maintenance of the out ball collecting gutter 17 and treatment for troubles such as clogging of balls are performed. Can be easily performed.

The out ball collecting gutter 17 is provided in the counting device 2.
The pachinko balls counted in step 7 and the pachinko balls used in the pachinko machine 2 are collectively collected, and a pachinko-shaped guide rail is laid along the longitudinal direction at the center of the pachinko island stand 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the downstream end of the out ball collecting gutter 17 on the right side of the doffing and feeding device 4 is connected to a relay tank 15 described later.
Out ball collecting gutter 17 on the left side of
The relay tank 18 is connected to the storage tank 13 via a connecting gutter 19. The out ball collecting gutter 17 is not limited to a ladder-shaped guide rail, and may be a belt conveyor or the like.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, a storage tank 13 is provided on one side of the doffing and feeding device 4, and the storage tank 13 has a width of about 3 times the width of the pachinko machine 2.
It is formed so as to have a length corresponding to up to four cars, and is designed so that the total capacity of the plurality of carton boxes 26 installed on the pachinko island 1 is allowable.

Therefore, the storage tank 13 and the storage tank 1
The structure of the relay tank 15 provided adjacent to 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inside of the storage tank 13 and the relay tank 15 seen from the second side plate 40b side, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a state where the inside of the relay tank 15 is seen through from a first side plate 40a side. In FIG. 4, the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 and the first return ball guiding gutter 48 are omitted for convenience.

First, the storage tank 13 is, as shown in FIG.
It is installed in the lower space below the counter 25 of the pachinko machine 2 for about four pachinko machines 2 to the right from the ball lifting device 4 of the pachinko island stand 1 (see FIG. 2). The tank base includes a first side plate 40a, a second side plate 40b, a front plate 41, a rear plate 42, and a bottom plate 4
9.

At the upper ends of the first side plate 40a and the second side plate 40b, a return ball discharge port 43 for discharging pachinko balls from the four pachinko machines 2 on the right side from the doffing and feeding device 4 into the storage tank. A first return ball guiding gutter 48 is provided below each of the return ball discharge ports 43. The first return ball guiding gutter 48 is a return ball discharge port 43 corresponding to the fourth pachinko machine 2 to the right from the ball lifting device 4.
(Fourth from the left in FIG. 3) is provided to be inclined downward from the lower side toward the front plate 41. The first return ball guide gutter 48 is provided on both the first side plate 40a and the second side plate 40b.

A fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 is provided at a position slightly away from the front plate 41 on the front plate 41 side of the first side plate 40a.
Is provided. The fifth sensor 73 detects that the amount of stored pachinko balls in the storage tank 13 is at the upper limit, and the height position thereof is approximately halfway between the upper end of the first side plate 40a and the downstream end of the bottom plate 49. positioned. Further, a first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69 is provided near the upstream end of the bottom plate 49 at a position adjacent to the rear plate 42 of the first side plate 40a. The first sensor 69 detects that the amount of stored pachinko balls in the storage tank 13 is at the lower limit, and its height position is located below the fifth sensor 73. In addition, between the first sensor 69 and the fifth sensor 73, a second sensor 70, a third sensor 71, and a fourth sensor 72 are provided at appropriate intervals in order from the first sensor 69 side. (For the height position of each sensor, see FIG. 7)
The second sensor 70, the third sensor 71, and the fourth sensor 72
Is not for accurately measuring the amount of stored pachinko balls in the storage tank 13 but for knowing the tendency of the amount of stored pachinko balls.

The first sensor 69 to the fifth sensor 73
Are provided corresponding to the display lamps 24a to 24e of the display lamp 23. That is, the first sensor 69 and the display lamp 24a, the second sensor 70 and the display lamp 24b,
Third sensor 71 and indicator lamp 24c, fourth sensor 72 and indicator lamp 24d, fifth sensor 73 and indicator lamp 24e
Correspond to each other, and when the sensor detects the stored pachinko balls, the corresponding display lamps are turned on.

At the center of the upper end of the front plate 41, the relay gutter 1
4 is formed, and the inlet 44 is formed.
An overflow ball guide gutter 45 for guiding the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper sub-tank 7 from one end to the other end in the storage tank is provided to be inclined downward from the rear plate 42 toward the rear plate 42. The overflow ball guiding gutter 45 has a width substantially equal to the opening width of the introduction port 44, and a downstream end thereof is provided with an interval from the rear plate 42. Guide plates 46 are provided upright on both sides thereof, and overflow holes for dropping balls 47 are provided at three places on each of the guide plates 46. The overflow ball drop openings 47 are formed at predetermined intervals, and are formed so as to be located substantially in the middle of the return ball discharge port 43. The overflow ball guiding gutter 45
A pachinko ball discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 and a pachinko ball falling from the overflow ball drop port 47 are provided so as to form a gap in the width direction between the pachinko ball and the first return ball guide gutter 48. Will fall into the storage tank from this gap.

The bottom plate 49 is inclined downward from the rear plate 42 toward the front plate 41, and is also inclined from the first side plate 40a to the second
It is also slightly inclined downward toward the side plate 40b, and the lower layer induction bypass 50 and the out ball priority bypass 51 are vertically arranged at the corner formed by the bottom plate 49 and the second side plate 40b along the inclination. They are provided in layers. The downstream end of the bottom plate 49 abuts on the front plate 41,
A merging portion 54 is provided on the second side plate 40b side of the downstream portion of the bottom plate 49.
Are formed. Above the junction 54, the downstream end of the junction inclined plate 55 that slopes downward from the first side plate 40a toward the junction 54 faces the front plate 41 on the upstream end side of the junction inclined plate 55. A connection port 57 to which the connection gutter 19 is connected is opened. At a portion where the bottom plate 49 of the front plate 41 abuts, a storage tank discharge port 56 to which the discharge gutter 4b of the ball lifting and feeding device 4 is connected is opened, and the pachinko balls in the merging portion 54 are connected to the storage tank discharge port. 56.

A first depressurizing plate 52 is provided above the merging portion 54 and the merging inclined plate 55 from the first side plate 40a to the second side plate 40b. This first depressurizing plate 52
Is formed so as to be inclined downward from the front plate 41 toward the rear plate 42, and is formed to have such a size as to substantially cover the merging portion 54 and the merging inclined plate 55. Behind the downstream end of the first depressurizing plate 52, the first slanting plate 52 has a width smaller than that of the first depressing plate 52 in the same inclination direction as the first depressing plate 52 from the first side plate 40 a to the second side plate 40 b. A two pressure release plate 53 is formed. The merging portion 5 below the second depressurizing plate 53 and at the downstream end of the bottom plate 49
On the fourth side, a lead-out path 58 that connects the storage space for pachinko balls and the junction 54 is formed. This derivation route 58
A pachinko ball formed in the storage space and formed between the merging inclined plate 55 and the downstream end of the lower part guiding bypass 50 is introduced into the merging portion 54.

The lower layer guiding bypass 50 and the out ball priority bypass 51 are provided by stacking the out ball priority bypass 51 on the upper layer of the lower layer guiding bypass 50. The lower layer guiding bypass 50, The length is slightly shorter than the longitudinal direction of the storage tank 13, and the downstream end thereof faces the upstream side slightly away from the junction 54. On the other hand, the downstream end of the upper ball priority bypass 51 is located so as to face the position immediately before the junction 54.
That is, the downstream end of the out ball priority bypass 51 is higher than the downstream end of the lower layer guiding bypass 50 and faces further downstream. In addition, the lower layer induction bypass 50
In the side surface on the side of the first side plate 40a, two inlets 59 for introducing a pachinko ball into the lower part induction bypass 50 are formed at the upstream end and substantially at the center thereof.

Next, the relay tank 15 is mounted on the pachinko island 1
The pachinko machine 2 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped tank base installed in a lower space below the counter stand 25 of the fifth pachinko machine 2 to the right from the doffing and conveying device 4. The tank base includes a rear plate 42, a first side plate 60a, and a second side plate 60.
b, the upstream plate 61, the bottom plate 67, and the bottom surface of the out ball priority bypass 51. At the upper end of the first side plate 60a and the second side plate 60b, a return ball discharge port 43 for discharging the pachinko balls from the fifth pachinko machine 2 to the right from the ball lifting device 4 into the storage tank is formed. A guide plate 63 is provided below the return ball discharge port 43. The guide plate 63 is provided to be inclined downward from the lower part of the return ball discharge port 43 corresponding to the fifth pachinko machine 2 toward the center of the relay tank 15 from the doffing and feeding device 4 to the right. It is provided on both the first side plate 60a and the second side plate 60b. Below the downstream end of the guide plate 63, a merging bottom plate 68 forming a first merging portion 64 is provided with a first side plate 60a.
A gap is formed between the downstream end of the merging bottom plate 68 and the downstream end of the guide plate 63 on the first side plate 60a side.

The bottom plate 67 is inclined downward from the upstream plate 61 toward the rear plate 42, and is also slightly inclined downward from the first side plate 60a to the second side plate 60b.
The downstream end of the bottom plate 67 on the second side plate 60b side is in contact with the bottom surface of the out ball priority bypass 51 projecting toward the relay tank 15 side. A joining plate 65 having a notch formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 67 extends from the upstream plate 61 to the second side plate 60b. In addition, the upstream side plate 6
The portion where the bottom plate 67 abuts is provided with an out ball collecting gutter 17.
Is connected to the out ball introduction port 62.

As described above, the storage tank 13 and the relay tank 15
The structure of the storage tank 13 has been described.
The operation of the relay tank 15 will be described along the flow of pachinko balls with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the flow of pachinko balls in the storage tank 13 and the relay tank 15, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pachinko island stand 1 where the storage tank 13 is installed, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a state in which pachinko balls are stored in the storage tank 13.

First, as described above, pachinko balls that have been lifted by the ball lifting device 4 and overflowed in the upper secondary tank 7 are introduced into the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 in the storage tank 13 via the relay gutter 14, It flows down on the overflow ball guiding gutter 45. The pachinko ball falls from the overflow ball drop opening 47 to the bottom plate 49 of the storage tank 13 through the overflow ball guide gutter 45 and the first return ball guide gutter 48 while flowing down the overflow ball guide gutter 45. , And is stored in the storage tank 13. At this time, since the pachinko balls fall from the position where the overflow ball drop opening 47 is opened and from the downstream end of the overflow ball guiding gutter 45, the pachinko balls are preferentially stored below this position. It will be. Therefore, the upper surface of the stored pachinko balls is, as shown in FIG.
And a shape corresponding to a waveform is formed with the position corresponding to the downstream end of the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 as a vertex. That is, the overflow ball drop port 47
The position corresponding to the downstream end of the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 is formed in a convex shape, and the other position is a concave storage recess 74.
Is formed. Further, as described above, the position where the overflow ball dropout port 47 is formed is between the return ball discharge ports 43, and thus the position where the storage recess 74 is formed corresponds to the return ball discharge port 43. Position.

The pachinko balls discharged from the counting device 27 are returned to the storage tank 13 through the return ball discharge port 43.
The pachinko balls stored therein are discharged into the storage recesses 74, and the pachinko balls are stored in the storage recesses 74 as shown in the central portion (symbol S) of FIG. 7C. All the storage recesses 7 are formed by the pachinko balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 in due course.
When 4 is satisfied, the pachinko balls next roll on the first return ball guiding gutter 48, flow down to the front plate 41 side, and are gradually stored from the front plate 41 side. The storage recess 74
Before the ball is filled with the pachinko balls, a part of the pachinko balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 rolls on the first return ball guiding gutter 48 and flows down to the front plate 41 side. The first return ball guiding gutter 48 is inclined downward toward the front plate 41 as described above, but not only toward the front plate 41 but also toward the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 side. It may be one that slopes down. The first return ball guide gutter 48 overflows and the ball guide gutter 4 overflows.
When the pachinko balls are not inclined downward toward the fifth side, the pachinko balls overflowing from the storage recess 74 flow down toward the downstream side of the storage tank 13 and are efficiently stored from the downstream side of the storage tank 13. On the other hand, when the first return ball guide gutter 48 is also inclined downward toward the overflow ball guide gutter 45 side, the pachinko balls overflowing from the storage recess 74 are stored in the storage tank 13. It flows down toward the downstream side, and is stored in the adjacent storage recess 74 located downstream of the storage tank 13, so that it is efficiently stored in the storage tank 13,
This allows the maximum capacity of the storage tank 13 to be drawn out. In particular, it is effective in controlling the amount of pachinko balls to be described later.

The pachinko balls thus stored in the storage tank 13 are introduced into the lower-layer induction bypass 50 from the introduction port 59 formed in the lower-layer induction bypass 50, and then from the downstream end of the lower-layer induction bypass 50. Or
It is introduced into the junction 54 through the outlet path 58. At this time, since the first depressing plate 52 and the second depressing plate 53 are provided on the front plate 41 side of the storage tank 13 as described above, the pachinko balls introduced into the merging portion 54 are: There is no pressure from the stored pachinko balls.

On the other hand, the relay tank 15 is moved rightward from the doffing and feeding device 4 located above the relay tank 15 by 5 mm.
Pachinko balls from the second pachinko machine 2 are discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 onto the guide plate 63. The pachinko balls discharged onto both the guide plates 63 of the relay tank 15 are
8 and merges at the first merging section 64, after which the merging gutter 6
5 fall on. The pachinko balls that have fallen onto the merging plate 65 join the pachinko balls introduced from the out-ball collecting gutter 17 through the out-ball inlet 62 at the out-ball merging section 66. Then, the pachinko balls merged in the out-ball merging portion 66 flow down in the out-ball priority bypass 51, and are discharged from the lower end of the out-ball priority bypass 51 to the merging portion 54. That is, in the relay tank 15, the pachinko balls discharged from the fifth pachinko machine 2 on the right side from the doffing and feeding device 4 and the pachinko balls discharged from the sixth pachinko machine 2 to the right end from the doffing and conveying device 4. The pachinko balls are merged and discharged to a merging portion 54 in the storage tank 13. Therefore, the pachinko balls discharged from the fifth to right end pachinko machines 2 from the doffing and feeding device 4 to the right side from the doffing and feeding device 4 are discharged to the junction 54.

After the pachinko balls in the relay tank 18 are discharged from the connection port 57 formed in the front plate 41 onto the junction inclined plate 55 via the connection gutter 19, the pachinko balls are then discharged.
It flows down and is discharged to the junction 54. Relay tank 18
The pachinko balls discharged from the first pachinko machine 2 on the left side from the doffing and feeding device 4 and the pachinko balls discharged from the second pachinko machine 2 to the left end from the doffing and conveying device 4 Are joined by the same method as the relay tank 15. Therefore, the merging unit 54 includes the doffing and conveying device 4
The pachinko balls are discharged from all the pachinko machines 2 located on the left side of the pachinko island stand 1 with the.

As described above, a storage tank discharge port 56 communicating with the doffing and conveying device 4 is provided at a portion of the downstream end of the confluence portion 54 which abuts on the front plate 41. The downstream end of the converging inclined plate 55 faces above the discharge port 56. Further, as described above, the downstream end of the out ball priority bypass 51 is located so as to face the position immediately before the junction 54, and the downstream end of the lower layer induction bypass 50 is located on the upstream side slightly away from the junction 54. It is coming. Further, the lead-out path 58 is also located upstream of the downstream end of the out ball priority bypass 51. Therefore, the merging inclined plate 55
The pachinko balls from the ball and the pachinko balls from the out ball priority bypass 51 are led out to the merging section 54 so as to cover the pachinko balls from the lower layer induction bypass 50 and the pachinko balls from the lead-out path 58, so that they are further stored. It is easy to be led out to the tank outlet 56. That is, the pachinko balls discharged from the fifth pachinko machine 2 to the right end from the doffing and feeding device 4 and the pachinko balls discharged from all the pachinko machines 2 located on the left side of the doffing device 4 The pachinko balls stored in the storage tank 13 are led out to the ball-lifting device 4 in preference to the pachinko balls.

Here, the state of the increase and decrease of the pachinko balls stored in the storage tank 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. As described above, the overflow ball drop opening 47 and the overflow ball guide gutter 4 are provided.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the pachinko balls dropped from the downstream end of No. 5 are stored so that a storage recess 74 is formed below the return ball discharge port 43, but the stored pachinko balls are In the normal state, the pachinko balls are stored on the fifth sensor 73 side, as shown in the right part of FIG. It has not been. In this state, if the pachinko balls continue to be discharged from the storage tank through the storage tank discharge port 56 and the return of the pachinko balls from the pachinko machine 2 is small, as shown in FIG. The stored balls gradually decrease toward the fifth sensor 73 side. Such a situation occurs, for example, when the player holds the prize ball obtained and does not return it to the pachinko island stand. In this state, when the pachinko ball is returned from the pachinko machine 2, for example, the pachinko ball returned from the pachinko machine 2 corresponding to the return ball discharge port 43 on the rightmost side in the figure is the right portion of FIG. As shown in (symbol T), the pachinko balls stored near the lower part of the fifth sensor 73 and returned from the pachinko machine 2 corresponding to the third returned ball discharge port 43 from the right in the figure are shown in FIG. As shown in the central part (symbol S) of (C), it is stored in the storage recess 74.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fifth sensor 73
When no pachinko balls have been detected, the display lamp 24e of the indicator lamp 23 is turned off, and it is notified that the number of pachinko balls stored in the storage tank 13 has not reached the upper limit. When the number of pachinko balls in the storage tank 13 continues to decrease and the first sensor 69 stops detecting the pachinko balls, the display lamp 24a of the indicator light 23 is turned off, and the pachinko balls stored in the storage tank 13 are turned off. Notify that is missing. Further, the second sensor 70 and the third sensor 7 depend on the amount of pachinko balls stored in the storage tank.
First, the fourth sensor 72 detects or does not detect a pachinko ball, but when each sensor detects a pachinko ball, a display lamp corresponding to each sensor is turned on and no pachinko ball is detected. Since the display lamp corresponding to each sensor is turned off, the second sensor 70 and the third sensor 7
1, display lamps 24b to 24 corresponding to the fourth sensor 72
By confirming the lighting and extinguishing of d, it is possible to know the state of the amount of pachinko balls stored in the storage tank. The first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69, the second sensor 70, the third sensor 71, the fourth sensor 72, and the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor)
73 and the arch supply gutter 22 constitute a pachinko ball control mechanism for controlling the amount of pachinko balls described later.

As described above, when the first sensor 69 is turned off, it means that the pachinko balls in the storage tank are insufficient, and it is necessary to have the pachinko balls supplied from the adjacent pachinko island stand 1. When the fifth sensor 73 is turned on, it means that the pachinko balls in the storage tank are excessive, and it is necessary to transfer the pachinko balls to the adjacent pachinko island stand 1. Therefore, the pachinko ball amount control for controlling the amount of pachinko balls by transferring the pachinko balls between the adjacent pachinko island stands 1 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating pachinko ball amount control according to the embodiment.

In FIG. 8, it is determined in step 1 whether or not the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 is OFF, and when it is determined "NO in S1" for detecting a pachinko ball, that is, when the pachinko machine in the storage tank is in operation. Since the ball storage amount has reached the upper limit, the arch supply gutter 22 is driven in step 2, and the pachinko balls are transferred to the adjacent pachinko island stand. After the transfer of the pachinko balls is started, it is determined in step 3 whether or not the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 is OFF. If “NO in S2” for detecting the pachinko balls is determined, the process proceeds to step 2. Returning, the pachinko ball is continuously transferred to the adjacent pachinko ball stand, and when it is determined “YES in S2” that the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 does not detect the pachinko ball, the process proceeds to step 4. In step 4, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed.
If it is determined “NO in S4” for the predetermined time not to elapse, the process returns to step 2 to continuously transfer the pachinko balls to the adjacent pachinko island, and it is determined “YES in S4” after the predetermined time has elapsed. At times, in step 5, the arch supply gutter drive is stopped, and the transfer of the pachinko balls to the adjacent pachinko island stand is stopped.

That is, when the amount of stored pachinko balls in the storage tank becomes excessive and the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 is detected, the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 is not detected and a predetermined time elapses. Until then, pachinko balls are transferred to the adjacent pachinko island. The reason for setting the predetermined time in step 4 is that when the transfer of the pachinko balls is stopped immediately after the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 is no longer detected, the stored amount of the pachinko balls increases after the transfer of the pachinko balls is stopped. Then, since the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 is detected immediately, the pachinko ball is transferred for a predetermined time after the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 is no longer detected, and the pachinko ball is detected. This is to allow time for the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 to detect again after the transfer is stopped. The predetermined time is set according to conditions such as the storage capacity of the storage tank 13 and the speed at which the pachinko balls are transported through the arch supply gutter 22. In the present embodiment, the predetermined time is desirably set to about 2 minutes 30 seconds.

On the other hand, in step 1, the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 does not detect a pachinko ball.
If "S" is determined, that is, if the amount of stored pachinko balls in the storage tank does not reach the lower limit, the process proceeds to step 6. In step 6, it is determined whether the first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69 is ON or not, and the pachinko ball is not detected (S6).
If NO is determined, that is, if the amount of stored pachinko balls in the storage tank has not reached the lower limit, the arch supply gutter 22 is driven in step 7 to transfer pachinko balls from the adjacent pachinko island stand. Is done. After the transfer of the pachinko balls is started, it is determined in step 8 whether or not the first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69 is ON. If it is determined “NO in S8” in which the pachinko balls are not detected, the process proceeds to step 7. Returning, the pachinko balls are continuously transferred from the adjacent pachinko island, and when the first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69 determines “YES in S8” to detect the pachinko balls, the process proceeds to step 9. In step 9, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed.
If "NO" is determined in step S9, the process returns to step S7, and the pachinko balls are continuously transferred from the adjacent pachinko island stand. If a predetermined time elapses and "YES in step S9" is determined, the arching is performed in step S5. The supply gutter drive is stopped, and the transfer of pachinko balls to the adjacent pachinko island is stopped.

That is, when the amount of pachinko balls stored in the storage tank is insufficient and the first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69 is no longer detected, a predetermined time elapses after the fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) 73 is detected. Until then, pachinko balls are transferred from the adjacent pachinko island. The reason for setting the predetermined time in step 9 is that if the transfer of the pachinko balls is stopped immediately after the first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69 is detected, the stored amount of the pachinko balls decreases after the stop of the transfer of the pachinko balls. Since the first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69 is not detected immediately, in order to prevent this,
The pachinko balls are transferred for a predetermined time even after the first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69 is detected, and a time is allowed from the stop of the pachinko ball transfer until the first sensor (lower limit sensor) 69 is no longer detected again. That's why. This predetermined time is, as in step 4, the storage capacity of the storage tank 13,
It is set according to conditions such as the speed of pachinko ball transfer of the arch supply gutter 22, but in the present embodiment, it is desirable to set it to about 2 minutes 30 seconds.

The storage tank 13 of the pachinko island stand 1 according to the embodiment has been described above. However, the storage tank 13 of the pachinko island stand 1 according to the above embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as a first embodiment) is described above. Like, overflow ball induction gutter 45
The pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 are stored in a storage recess 74 formed by storing the pachinko balls falling from the downstream end of the overflow ball drop opening 47 and the overflow ball guiding gutter 45. The pachinko balls overflowing from the upper auxiliary tank 7 and flowing down on the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device 27 through the return ball discharge port 43 are efficiently stored in the storage tank. Was. Not limited to such an embodiment, the upper tanks 6, 7
Ball guiding gutter 45 for guiding the pachinko balls overflowing from one end of the storage tank 13 in the longitudinal direction, and the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 for discharging the pachinko balls sent from the counting device 27. A second return ball guiding gutter 78 for guiding the storage tank 13 to the other end in the longitudinal direction may be provided. Such an embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inside of the storage tank 13 and the relay tank 15 according to the second embodiment as seen through from the second side plate 40b side. The same components as those in the first embodiment of the storage tank 13 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, the structure of the storage tank 13 according to the second embodiment is different from the structure of the guide plate 4 erected on both sides of the overflow ball guiding gutter 45.
6 is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the presence of the guide plate 75 and the upstream end plate 76 erected at the side and the upstream end of the second return ball guiding gutter 78, so that the structure is different. I will explain only. The relay tank 15 has exactly the same structure in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

In FIG. 9, the front plate 41 of the storage tank 13
In the center of the upper end of the relay trough 14, as in the first embodiment,
Is formed, and an overflow ball guiding gutter 45 is provided which is inclined downward from the introduction port 44 toward the upstream side in the storage tank 13. Unlike the first embodiment, the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 according to the second embodiment has no guide plates 46 on both sides thereof. Also,
Below the return ball discharge port 43, as in the first embodiment,
A second return ball guide gutter from below the return ball discharge port 43 (fourth from the left in the figure) corresponding to the fourth pachinko machine 2 to the downstream side in the storage tank 13 from the doffing and feeding device 4. 78
Is provided to be inclined downward. The second return ball guiding gutter 78 is provided on both the first side plate 40a and the second side plate 40b. Unlike the first embodiment, the second return ball guiding gutter 78 according to the second embodiment has a guide plate 75 erected on the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 side end surface and an upstream end thereof. An upstream end plate 76 is provided upright on the end face. Then, the guide plate 75, the upstream end plate 76, the first
The return ball discharge port 4 is formed by the side plate 40a and the second side plate 40b.
A space is formed in which the pachinko balls discharged from 3 flow down.

In the storage tank 13, the second return ball guiding gutter 7 is provided on the first side plate 40a and the second side plate 40b.
8 is provided, and the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 is located between the first side plate 40a and the second side plate 40b. Conversely, the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 overflows the first side plate 40a and the second side plate 40b. The first side plate 40a and the second side plate 40b are provided.
The second return ball guiding gutter 78 may be located between the second return ball guiding gutter 78 and the second return ball guiding gutter 78.

The pachinko balls overflowing in the upper sub-tank 7 are transferred to the storage tank 13 through the relay gutter 14.
It is introduced into the overflow ball guide gutter 45 inside and flows down on the overflow ball guide gutter 45. A part of the pachinko ball flows down the overflow ball guide gutter 45, and a part of the pachinko ball passes between the overflow ball guide gutter 45 and the second return ball guide gutter 78 from the side of the overflow ball guide gutter 45 to the storage tank 13 in the storage tank 13. Although falling toward the bottom plate 49, most pachinko balls flow down to the downstream end of the overflow ball guiding gutter 45. The pachinko balls fall from the downstream end of the overflow ball guide gutter 45 and are stored from one end side of the storage tank 13 in the longitudinal direction, that is, below the downstream end of the overflow ball guide gutter 45. In this way, the pachinko balls overflowing in the upper secondary tank 7 are stored from the downstream end side of the overflow ball guide gutter 45 of the storage tank 13, so that the other end of the storage tank 13 in the longitudinal direction, that is, the overflow balls, A space where pachinko balls are not stored is formed on the upstream end side of the guide gutter 45.

The pachinko balls sent from the counting device 27 and discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 flow down the second return ball guide gutter 78 to the other end of the storage tank 13 in the longitudinal direction.
That is, it falls below the upstream end side of the overflow ball guiding gutter 45.
At this time, since the guide plate 75 and the upstream end plate 76 are erected on the second return ball guide gutter 78 as described above, the pachinko balls are placed from the side or the upstream end side of the second return ball guide gutter 78. Is hardly dropped, and most of the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 are in the second return ball guide gutter 7.
8 and fall from the downstream end of the second return ball guiding gutter 78. As described above, the pachinko ball discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 and flowing down on the second return ball guide gutter 78 falls below the upstream end side of the overflow ball guide gutter 45, but overflows as described above. A space in which no pachinko balls are stored is formed in the lower portion on the upstream side of the ball guiding gutter 45, and the pachinko balls that have fallen from the downstream end of the second return ball guiding gutter 78 have the pachinko balls stored therein. It will be stored in a space that is not available. Therefore, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper auxiliary tank 7 and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device 27 can be efficiently stored in the storage tank 13.

The pachinko ball amount control mechanism for controlling the amount of pachinko balls shown in the first embodiment functions similarly in the second embodiment.

Although the detailed configuration of the pachinko island stand 1 has been described above, in the present embodiment, the plurality of pachinko machines 2, the upper sub-tank 7 for temporarily storing pachinko balls, and the plurality of pachinko A counting device 27 that is installed in correspondence with each machine 2 and counts the prize balls obtained; a pachinko ball used in the pachinko machine 2, a pachinko ball overflowing from the upper auxiliary tank 7, and counting by the counting device 27. A storage tank 13 for storing the pachinko balls and the pachinko balls stored in the storage tank 13 is stored in the upper sub-tank 7.
In the pachinko island stand 1 in which the ball lifting device 4 and the pachinko balls 4 are installed, the storage tank 13 is provided with the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper auxiliary tank 7 from one end to the other end in the storage tank 13. The overflow ball guide gutter 45 is provided, and the overflow ball guide gutter 45 is formed with a plurality of overflow ball drop openings 47 for dropping pachinko balls flowing down on the overflow ball guide gutter 45 into the storage tank 13. , The overflow ball drop 4
7 is formed so as to be located between the return ball discharge ports 43 of the counting device 27. With such a configuration, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper secondary tank 7 and flowing down on the overflow ball guide gutter 45 fall from the overflow ball drop opening 47 into the storage tank 13, and overflow ball drop openings 4.
The pachinko balls 7 are stored in the storage tank 13 such that the vicinity of the ball 7 rises and the space between the overflow ball drop ports 47 and the overflow ball drop ports 47 is depressed, that is, the upper surface of the stored pachinko balls has a waveform. Since the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 located above the depressed portion are stored in the depressed portion, there is no trouble such as poor ball handling, and the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper sub-tank 7. The storage tank 1 efficiently stores pachinko balls discharged from the balls and the counting device 27.
3 can be stored.

In the present embodiment, the storage tank 13 stores the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 of the counting device 27 below the return ball discharge port 43, and the storage tank 13 A first return ball guide gutter 48 is provided to guide the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 toward the downstream side in the storage tank 13 when filled with pachinko balls, and the overflow ball guide gutter 45 is provided. The pachinko balls overflowing from the upper sub-tank 7 are guided toward the upstream side in the storage tank 13. With this configuration, the return ball discharge port 43
Is discharged not only directly below the return ball discharge port 43 but also down the first return ball guide gutter 48 toward the downstream side in the storage tank 13. Even if the lower part of the ball 43 is filled with the stored pachinko balls, the pachinko balls flow down to the downstream side in the storage tank 13 and are stored. Therefore, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper auxiliary tank 7 and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device 27 can be efficiently stored in the storage tank 13.

In this embodiment, a plurality of pachinko machines 2, an upper auxiliary tank 7 for temporarily storing pachinko balls, and a prize ball installed and acquired corresponding to each of the plurality of pachinko machines 2 are provided. A storage device 13 for storing the pachinko balls used in the pachinko machine 2, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper auxiliary tank 7 and the pachinko balls counted by the counting device 27, The pachinko balls stored in the storage tank 13 are transferred to the upper sub-tank 7.
In the pachinko island stand 1 in which the ball-lifting device 4 and the ball-lifting device 4 are installed, the storage tank 13 guides the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper auxiliary tank 7 toward the upstream side in the storage tank 13. And a second return ball guide gutter 78 for guiding the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 of the counting device 27 toward the downstream side in the storage tank 13. It is characterized by the following.
With this configuration, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper secondary tank 7 and flowing down on the overflow ball guiding gutter 45 are stored from the upstream side in the storage tank 13, and discharged from the return ball discharge port 43. Since the pachinko balls flowing down the second return ball guiding gutter 78 are stored from the downstream side in the storage tank 13, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper auxiliary tank 7 and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device 27 are removed. It can be efficiently stored in the storage tank 13.

Further, in this embodiment, pachinko balls are transferred between adjacent pachinko island stands 1 to control the pachinko balls in the storage tank 13 of each pachinko island stand 1 so that the amount of pachinko balls becomes uniform. A ball amount control mechanism is provided. With such a configuration, the prize ball obtained in the game can be used by the pachinko machine 2 installed on another pachinko island stand 1, or
When the player does not return the acquired prize ball to the pachinko island 1 (for example, loading the ball box filled with prize balls on the feet), the amount of the stored pachinko ball of the specific pachinko island 1 Pachinko island stand 1 even if
The pachinko balls can be supplied from the storage tank 13, so that not only the storage amount of the storage tank 13 can be kept constant between the pachinko island stands 1, but also the pachinko balls can be efficiently stored in the storage tank 13. Furthermore, storage tank 1
Since it is also possible to design the permissible amount of the pachinko balls 3 to be small (downsizing the storage tank 13), the cost of the equipment (including the pachinko balls) of the pachinko island stand 1 is reduced, which is effective. .

Although the storage tank 13 according to the first embodiment described above is provided with the first return ball guide gutter 48, the storage tank 13 is not provided with the first return ball guide gutter 48.
The configuration may be such that the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port 43 fall directly into the storage tank 13.

[0056]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of pachinko machines, an upper tank for temporarily storing pachinko balls, and a plurality of pachinko machines are provided. And a counting device for counting the obtained prize balls, storing the pachinko balls used in the pachinko machine, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank, and the pachinko balls counted by the counting device. In a pachinko island stand equipped with a storage tank and a ball lifting device for lifting pachinko balls stored in the storage tank to the upper tank, the storage tank includes a pachinko ball overflowing from the upper tank. An overflow ball guiding gutter for guiding the ball from one end to the other end in the storage tank is provided.The overflow ball guiding gutter has a pachinko ball flowing down on the overflow ball guiding gutter in the storage tank. And forming a plurality of overflow ball drop opening that made, is characterized in that 該溢 Re ball drop opening is formed so as to be located between the return ball outlet of the counting device. With this configuration, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and flowing down on the overflow ball guiding gutter,
From the overflow ball drop port, it falls into the storage tank, the vicinity of the overflow ball drop port rises, and the space between the overflow ball drop port and the overflow ball drop port falls. That is, the stored pachinko balls are stored in the storage tank such that the upper surface of the pachinko balls has a waveform. And, since the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port located above the depressed portion are stored in the depressed portion, there is no trouble such as poor ball handling, and the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and counting. The pachinko balls discharged from the device can be efficiently stored in the storage tank.

In the invention according to claim 2,
In the storage tank, the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port of the counting device are stored below the return ball discharge port, and discharged from the return ball discharge port when the storage tank is filled with the pachinko balls. A first return ball guiding gutter for guiding the pachinko balls toward the downstream side in the storage tank, wherein the overflow ball guiding gutter guides the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank toward the upstream side in the storage tank. It is characterized by doing. With this configuration,
The pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port not only fall directly below the return ball discharge port, but also flow down the first return ball guide gutter toward the downstream side in the storage tank. Even if the lower part of the storage tank is full of the stored pachinko balls, the pachinko balls flow down to the downstream side in the storage tank and are stored. For this reason, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device can be efficiently stored in the storage tank.

In the invention according to claim 3,
A plurality of pachinko machines, an upper tank for temporarily storing pachinko balls, a counter installed for each of the plurality of pachinko machines and a counting device for counting acquired prize balls, and a pachinko machine used in the pachinko machines A storage tank for storing the balls, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls counted by the counting device, and a ball lifting device for discharging the pachinko balls stored in the storage tank to the upper tank. ,
In the pachinko island stand where is installed, the storage tank has an overflow ball guiding gutter that guides the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank toward the upstream side in the storage tank, and a return ball discharge port of the counting device. And a second return ball guiding gutter for guiding the discharged pachinko balls toward the downstream side in the storage tank. With this configuration, the pachinko balls that overflow from the upper tank and flow down on the overflow ball guide gutter are stored from the upstream side in the storage tank, and are discharged from the return ball discharge port to be returned to the second return ball. Since the pachinko balls flowing down the guiding gutter are stored from the downstream side in the storage tank, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls discharged from the counting device can be efficiently stored in the storage tank. .

Further, in the fourth aspect of the present invention,
A pachinko ball quantity control mechanism is provided, which controls the pachinko balls in the storage tank of each pachinko island so that the quantity of pachinko balls is equal by passing pachinko balls between adjacent pachinko islands. is there. With this configuration, the prize ball obtained in the game is used by a pachinko machine installed on another pachinko island stand, or when the player does not return the obtained prize ball to the pachinko island stand (for example, (Such as loading a ball box full of prize balls on the feet), even if the amount of stored pachinko balls on a particular pachinko island is reduced, pachinko balls can be replenished from adjacent pachinko balls. Therefore, not only can the amount of storage in the storage tank be kept constant between the pachinko islands, but also the pachinko balls can be efficiently stored in the storage tank. In addition, design the allowable amount of pachinko balls in the storage tank to be small (reducing the size of the storage tank).
Is also possible, which leads to cost reduction of pachinko island facilities (including pachinko balls), which is effective.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko island stand according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the inside of the pachinko island stand according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a state in which the insides of the storage tank and the relay tank are seen through from a second side plate side.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a state in which the insides of the storage tank and the relay tank are seen through from a first side plate side.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the flow of pachinko balls in the storage tank and the relay tank.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion where a storage tank of a pachinko island is installed.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing a state in which pachinko balls are stored in a storage tank.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing pachinko ball amount control according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a state in which the insides of a storage tank and a relay tank according to a second embodiment are seen through from a second side plate side.

[Explanation of Signs] 1 Pachinko Island stand 2 Pachinko machine 3 Ball game machine between 4 4 Ball-lifting device 6 Upper main tank 7 Upper sub-tank 13 Storage tank 15 Relay tank 17 Out ball collection gutter 22 Arch supply gutter (pachinko ball quantity) Control mechanism) 23 Indicator lamps 24a to 24e Indicator lamps 27 Counter 43 Return ball discharge port 45 Overflow ball guide gutter 46 Guide plate 47 Overflow ball drop port 48 First return ball guide gutter 69 First sensor (lower limit sensor) (pachinko ball) Amount control mechanism) 70 Second sensor 71 Third sensor 72 Fourth sensor 73 Fifth sensor (upper limit sensor) (Pachinko ball quantity control mechanism) 74 Storage recess 75 Guide plate 76 Upstream end plate 78 Second return ball guide gutter

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Makoto Yanagawa 2-102 Mino-cho, Kasugai-shi, Aichi F-term (reference) 2C088 BA11 BA28 BA75 CA24

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of pachinko machines, an upper tank for temporarily storing pachinko balls, a counting device installed corresponding to each of the plurality of pachinko machines and counting the obtained prize balls, and the pachinko machine A storage tank for storing the pachinko balls used in the above, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls counted by the counting device, and discharging the pachinko balls stored in the storage tank to the upper tank. In the pachinko island stand where the ball lifting device is installed, the storage tank is provided with an overflow ball guiding gutter that guides the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank from one end to the other end in the storage tank, The overflow ball guiding gutter is formed with a plurality of overflow ball drop openings for dropping pachinko balls flowing down on the overflow ball guiding gutter into the storage tank, and the overflow ball drop opening is provided with the counting device. Pachinko Isle of Eternal Youth, characterized in that it is formed so as to be located between the the return ball outlet. 2. The storage tank stores the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port of the counting device below the return ball discharge port, and returns the return balls when the storage tank is filled with the pachinko balls. A first return ball guide gutter is provided for guiding the pachinko balls discharged from the discharge port toward the downstream side in the storage tank, and the overflow ball guide gutter is provided for causing the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank to be located upstream in the storage tank. The pachinko island stand according to claim 1, wherein the pachinko is guided toward the side. 3. A plurality of pachinko machines, an upper tank for temporarily storing pachinko balls, a counting device installed corresponding to each of the plurality of pachinko machines and counting the obtained prize balls, and the pachinko machine. A storage tank for storing the pachinko balls used in the above, the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank and the pachinko balls counted by the counting device, and discharging the pachinko balls stored in the storage tank to the upper tank. In the pachinko island stand equipped with a ball-lifting device, the storage tank has an overflow ball guiding gutter that guides pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank toward an upstream side in the storage tank, and the counting device. And a second return ball guiding gutter for guiding the pachinko balls discharged from the return ball discharge port toward the downstream side in the storage tank. 4. A pachinko ball amount control mechanism for controlling pachinko balls in a storage tank of each pachinko island unit by passing pachinko balls between adjacent pachinko island units so as to equalize the amount of pachinko balls. The pachinko island stand according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: