JP2006204388A - Game ball circulation system and game machine island - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game ball circulation system and a game machine island capable of preventing game ball overflow in a carrying device even in the case that abnormality occurs in the carrying device which recovers game balls discharged from a game machine or a lower storage tank. <P>SOLUTION: When detecting that the abnormality has occurred in one of recovery conveyors 60R and 60L, the opening/closing device 33 of the lower storage tank 30 on the side of the recovery conveyor where the abnormality has occurred is controlled and a game ball discharge port is forcibly closed. Also, the opening time of a route opening/closing device 16g for distributing game balls from a replenishing distribution path 16 to the forcibly closed lower storage tank 30 is made shorter than the opening time of the route opening/closing device on the normal side, and the storage amount increase of the closed lower storage tank 30 is reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball circulation system that collects game balls discharged from each game machine through a circulation path in a game machine island in which a plurality of game machines are accommodated, and supplies and circulates them again to each game machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for dealing with abnormalities occurring in a circulation path.

  In gaming machine islands that house a plurality of gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the game balls used for gaming are circulated and repeatedly used in the gaming machine islands. Specifically, the game balls discharged from each gaming machine are collected with a cage or the like at the lower part of the island, and this is lifted to the upper storage tank of the gaming machine island while being polished by a lifting device, and the polished game balls are collected. From the upper storage tank, it is supplied again to each gaming machine through a basket or the like.

  In addition, game balls overflowing from the upper storage tank are stored in a plurality of lower storage tanks arranged at the lower part of the gaming machine island, and when the storage amount of the upper storage tank decreases, the discharge port of the lower storage tank Control is performed such that the shutter is opened and the game ball is sent to the ball introduction port of the lifting device to maintain the game ball circulating in the gaming machine island at an appropriate amount.

  When a circulation abnormality such as a game ball clogging occurs in such a gaming machine island, the game ball may overflow somewhere in the circulation path. For example, when a game ball is clogged in a path for supplying game balls from the upper storage tank to each gaming machine, the game balls are successively transferred to the upper storage tank by the lifting device. Game balls will overflow. Therefore, a system has been proposed in which, when such a circulation abnormality is detected, a game ball is transferred from the gaming machine island having the abnormality to another gaming machine island through an inter-island transport path to prevent overflow. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-17719 A

  By the way, conventionally, as a means for collecting the game balls discharged from the gaming machine and the lower storage tank and transporting them to the ball introduction port of the lifting device, the downhilled cage has been used, but the driving pulley and the driven pulley It is conceivable to use a conveying device such as a conveyor that electrically circulates an endless belt that is stretched over the belt.

  When an abnormality occurs in such a transport device, the game balls discharged from the gaming machine and the lower storage tank are stopped on the transport device and eventually overflow from the transport device. In particular, when a large amount of game balls are discharged from the lower storage tank at once, the game balls overflow from the transfer device in a short time. In this case, since the place where overflow occurs is not the upper storage tank, even if the game ball is transferred from the upper storage tank to another gaming machine island as shown in Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent overflow in the transfer device. Can not.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of transfer devices, if an abnormality occurs in the transfer device of any system, the stored game balls are transferred to the normal transfer device for the lower storage tank on the transfer device side with the abnormality. It cannot be reused by returning to the circulation path on the side. For this reason, if the game balls overflowed during circulation are returned to such a lower storage tank at a normal rate, there is a problem that the number of game balls that can be used for circulation decreases.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and when an abnormality occurs in a transport device that collects game balls discharged from a gaming machine or a lower storage tank, the transport device in which the abnormality has occurred. An object of the present invention is to provide a game ball circulation system and a game machine island capable of preventing overflow of game balls.

  Further, the present invention is such that game balls overflowed in a normal circulation path are collected in a storage tank that cannot return the game balls to the normal path due to an abnormality in the transport device, and the number of game balls that can be used for circulation decreases. The purpose is prevention.

In the invention according to claim 1, the game balls discharged from each gaming machine are collected through the circulation path (60, 12, 13, 16) in the gaming machine island in which a plurality of gaming machines are accommodated, and again each gaming machine. A game ball circulation system for supplying and circulating
A storage tank (30) for storing game balls to be circulated;
An opening and closing device (33) for opening and closing the outlet of the storage tank (30);
A transport device (60) for forming a recovery path in the circulation path (60, 12, 13, 16), recovering the game balls discharged from the storage tank (30) and transporting them with power;
Detection means (81, 62g, 62j, 62k) for detecting an abnormality of the transport device (60);
Control means (80, 82) for closing the opening / closing device (33) when the detection means (81, 62g, 62j, 62k) detects an abnormality of the transfer device (60). It is a ball circulation system.

  According to the above invention, when an abnormality of the transfer device (60) is detected, the discharge port of the storage tank (30) that discharges the game ball to the transfer device (60) is closed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a large amount of game balls from being discharged from the storage tank (30) at once to the abnormal transfer device (60) and overflowing from the transfer device (60). That is, even if the operation of the gaming machine is continued after the abnormality of the transfer device (60), the amount of gaming balls discharged from the gaming machine is relatively small, so that a large amount of discharging from the storage tank (30) is prohibited. If you do, there will be a certain amount of time before overflowing. If the abnormality of the transfer device (60) is recovered during that time, it is not necessary to interrupt the game, and the player is not disturbed.

  The transport device (60) may be an endless belt type conveyor or another system as long as it can transport the game ball by power. Abnormalities in the transport device (60) include, for example, an abnormality in the drive source, endless belt breakage, overflow detection at the end of transport and emergency stop for ensuring safety. included.

In the invention according to claim 2, the circulation path (60, 12, 13, 16) is a first and second circulation path (60 (R), 12, 13, 16 () having a common part (12, 13). R), 60 (L), 16 (L)),
The transfer device (60) includes a first transfer device (60 (R)) that forms a recovery path of the first circulation path (60 (R), 12, 13, 16 (R)), and the second circulation path. (60 (L), 12, 13, 16 (L)) and a second transport device (60 (L)) that forms a recovery path,
The storage tank (30) includes a first storage tank (R1, R2) in which the discharged game balls are collected by the first transfer device (60 (R)), and a discharged game ball in the second transfer device ( 60 (L)) and the second storage tank (L1, L2) collected,
The detection means (81, 62g, 62j, 62k) includes first detection means (62K (R), 62g (R)) for detecting an abnormality of the first transfer device (60 (R)), and the second Second detection means (62K (L), 62g (L)) for detecting an abnormality of the transport device (60 (L)),
The game ball circulation system further includes
A first distribution path (27 (R)) for distributing game balls from the circulation path (60, 12, 13, 16) to the first storage tank (R1, R2);
A first path opening / closing device (16g (R)) for opening / closing the first distribution path (27 (R));
A second distribution path (27 (L)) for distributing game balls from the circulation path (60, 12, 13, 16) to the second storage tank (L1, L2);
A second path opening and closing device (16g (L)) for opening and closing the second distribution path (27 (L)),
When the first detection means (62K (R), 62g (R)) detects an abnormality of the first transfer device (60 (R)), the control means (80, 82) is configured to detect the first storage tank (R1, The opening / closing device (33) of R2) is closed and the opening time of the first path opening / closing device (16g (R)) is made shorter than the opening time of the second path opening / closing device (16g (L)), and second detection means ( When 62K (L), 62g (L)) detects an abnormality in the second transfer device (60 (L)), the opening and closing device (33) of the second storage tank (L1, L2) is closed and the second path The game ball circulation system according to claim 1, wherein the opening time of the opening / closing device (16g (L)) is shorter than the opening time of the first path opening / closing device (16g (R)).

  According to the above invention, the ratio of the circulating game balls distributed from the circulation path (60, 12, 13, 16) and stored in the storage tank (30) on the side of the abnormal transport device (60) is set to normal. Less than the proportion distributed and stored in the storage tank (30) on the side of the transport device (60). A large number of circulating game balls are not distributed from the circulation path (60, 12, 13, 16) to the storage tank (30), which is unable to return the game balls to the normal path due to the abnormality of the transfer device (60). In this way, a reduction in the number of game balls that can be used for circulation is prevented.

  The common part (12, 13) of the first circulation path (60 (R), 12, 13, 16 (R)) and the second circulation path (60 (L), 12, 13, 16 (L)) is, for example, The lifting device (12), the upper storage tank (30), and the like are applicable. The first distribution path (27 (R)) branches from the first circulation path (60 (R), 12, 13, 16 (R)), and the second circulation path (60 (L), 12, 13, 16 (L)) or a common part (12, 13). Similarly, the second distribution path (27 (L)) is not limited to the one branched from the second circulation path (60 (L), 12, 13, 16 (L)), but the first circulation path (60 (R) ), 12, 13, 16 (R)) or a common part (12, 13). Instead of controlling the opening time of the opening / closing device (33), the degree of opening of the opening device may be controlled.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the control means (80, 82) allows the opening / closing device (33), which has been closed due to an abnormality of the transport device (60), to be opened after a lapse of a predetermined time after the abnormality is resolved. The game ball circulation system according to claim 1, wherein the game ball circulation system is a game ball circulation system.

  According to the above invention, the forced closing of the discharge port of the storage tank (30) is released after a lapse of a predetermined time after the abnormality of the transfer device (60) is resolved, and it can be opened according to the necessity of discharge. Even when a large number of game balls are stopped at the transfer device (60), they are cleared by waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time after the abnormality is resolved.

In the invention according to claim 4, the transport device (60) lifts the game ball from the lower part to the upper part of the gaming machine island and forms a part of the circulation path (60, 12, 13, 16). The game ball circulation system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the game ball is conveyed toward the ball introduction port (18) of the device (12).

  According to the above invention, the transfer device (60) is directed toward the ball inlet (18) of the lifting device (12) that collects and lifts the game balls discharged from the gaming machine or the storage tank (30). Transports game balls.

The invention according to claim 5 is configured such that the transfer device (60) stops the transfer operation when a game ball overflow at the transfer destination is detected.
The game ball circulation system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the detection means detects a stop of the transfer operation as an abnormality.

  According to the above invention, the discharge port of the storage tank (30) is closed even when the operation of transporting the game ball is stopped due to overflow of the game ball at the transport destination.

The invention according to claim 6 has a display means (85) for displaying that an abnormality has occurred in the transfer device (60). The game according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 It is a ball circulation system.

  According to the said invention, it is alert | reported through a display means (85) that there exists abnormality in a conveying apparatus (60).

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine island provided with the gaming ball circulation system according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth aspect.

  According to the game ball circulation system and the gaming machine island equipped with the same according to the present invention, when an abnormality is detected in the transfer device that collects the game balls discharged from the game machine or the lower storage tank, the transfer device having the abnormality is detected. Since the discharge port of the storage tank that discharges the game balls is closed, it is possible to prevent the abnormal transfer device from overflowing with a large amount of game balls discharged from the storage tank.

  When there is an abnormality in either the first or second transfer device, the ratio of the circulating game balls distributed and stored to the storage tank on the transfer device side having the abnormality is determined as the storage tank on the normal transfer device side. If the amount is less than the proportion distributed to the storage tank, the amount of distribution to the storage tank closed due to the abnormality of the transport device is reduced, so that the number of game balls that can be used for circulation is prevented from decreasing. In addition, the closed storage tank is less likely to become full.

  In the case where the discharge port of the storage tank can be opened after a lapse of a predetermined time after the abnormality of the transfer device is resolved, even if a large number of game balls are parked at the transfer device and its terminal end Since it is wiped out while waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time, there is an effect that the game ball does not overflow even if a large amount of discharge from the storage tank is resumed thereafter.

  Further, since the abnormality of the transfer device is displayed on the display means, it is possible to prompt an early recovery measure.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an internal structure of a gaming machine island 10 provided with a game ball circulation system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the internal structure of the gaming machine island 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine island 10 accommodates a large number of gaming machines 2 and their associated facilities, and an island frame and island pillars 11 for mounting the gaming machines 2 and the like are constructed on the floor of the gaming hall. Has been. Here, the gaming machine 2 is a pachinko machine that launches game balls (pachinko balls) and enjoys winning.

  In the center of the gaming machine island 10, a lifting device 12 that lifts the game ball while polishing it from the lower part to the upper part of the island is erected, and a large number of gaming machines 2 are provided on the left and right sides of the lifting device 12. It is installed on both the front and back sides of the gaming machine island 10 in a back-to-back state (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, a ball lending machine 3 for lending game balls is installed beside each gaming machine 2.

  An upper storage tank 13 for receiving and storing game balls lifted by the lifting device 12 is installed at the upper center of the gaming machine island 10. The upper storage tank 13 includes an upper tank full detection sensor 14 for detecting fullness and an upper tank empty detection sensor 15 for detecting emptyness.

  On both the left and right sides of the upper storage tank 13, supply distribution paths 16 for supplying game balls from the upper storage tank 13 to the gaming machine 2 and the ball lending machine 3 are installed so as to run over the upper part of the island. Yes. Even in a large game machine island that is long on the left and right, the supply distribution path 16 is used for a game machine 2 near the center of the island so that the flow of game balls does not become too high due to a long continuous downward slope. A central supply rod 16a for supplying balls and a remote supply rod 16b for supplying game balls to the gaming machine 2 and the like closer to the island are divided.

  The distant replenishment rod 16b includes an upper replenishment rod 16c extending slightly downward from the upper storage tank 13 to about half of the island end, and a relay distributor 16d attached to the end of the upper replenishment rod 16c. A first lower supply rod 16e that branches off from the relay distributor 16d and extends downwardly to the island end, and extends downwardly from the relay distributor 16d toward the central supply rod 16a toward the center of the island. And 2 lower supply rods 16f. The game balls are collected by the aligning and collecting unit 17 arranged at appropriate positions of the central supply basket 16a, the first lower supply basket 16e, and the second lower supply basket 16f and supplied to the gaming machine 2 and the ball lending machine 3.

  A plurality of lower storage tanks 30 for storing game balls are installed below the gaming machine 2 and the ball lending machine 3 provided side by side on the gaming machine island 10. Here, the right first lower storage tank R1 and the right second lower storage tank R2 are arranged on the right side of the lifting device 12 and the right first lower storage tank R2 on the right side of the right first lower storage tank R1. L1 and a left second lower storage tank L2 are arranged on the left side of L1.

  Each of the lower storage tanks 30 (R1, R2, L1, L2) has a bottom portion 31 that is inclined downward from the left and right ends toward the center, and has a game ball discharge port at the lowermost portion. Opening and closing devices 33a to 33d are provided for opening and closing. The lower storage tank 30 is configured such that a waist plate attached to the lower portion of the island pillar 11 also serves as a side wall of the container, so that a larger volume can be gained in a narrow lower space of the gaming machine island 10. .

  A recovery conveyor 60 is disposed below the plurality of lower storage tanks 30 provided so as to extend along these. The collection conveyor 60 is a conveyance device that conveys the game balls toward the ball introduction port 18 at the lower part of the lifting device 12, and the right collection conveyor 60R as the first conveyance device in charge of the right half of the gaming machine island 10. And a left collection conveyor 60L as a second transfer device in charge of the left half of the gaming machine island 10 is provided.

  The collection conveyors 60R and 60L collect the game balls discharged from each gaming machine 2 as out balls, and collect the game balls discharged from the discharge port of the lower storage tank 30 through the opening / closing device 33. As shown in FIG. 2, the game balls discharged from the gaming machine 2 as out balls are guided through the flow path pipe 19 onto the conveyance path of the collection conveyor 60.

  As described above, the first circulation path for circulating the game balls in the right half of the island is roughly in the collection conveyor 60R, the lifting device 12, the upper storage tank 13, the supply distribution path 16 (R), and the right half of the island. Each gaming machine 2 is arranged. Further, the second circulation path for circulating the game balls in the left half of the island is generally arranged in the left half of the island, the collection conveyor 60L, the lifting device 12, the upper storage tank 13, the replenishment distribution path 16 (L). And each gaming machine 2. Of these, the lifting device 12 and the upper storage tank 13 form a common part of the first circulation path and the second circulation path.

  The upper storage tank 13 is provided with an overflow pipe 26 for letting out the game balls that have not been discharged into the upper storage tank 13 among the game balls that have been lifted by the lifting device 12. The game balls flowing down the overflow pipe 26 are discharged and stored in the right first lower storage tank R1 or the left first lower storage tank L1.

  Further, the surplus game balls in the replenishment distribution path 16 are passed through the overflow pipe 27 connected to the relay distribution unit 16d to the right second lower storage tank R2 or the left second lower storage tank L2 disposed below it. Guided and stored. More specifically, a right overflow pipe 27 (R) as a first distribution path is connected to the relay distribution unit 16 d (R) of the supply distribution path 16 (R) on the right half of the island. The relay distributor 16d (R) includes a first path opening / closing device 16g (R) (see FIG. 2) that opens and closes the inlet of the right overflow pipe 27 (R). Whether to distribute game balls from the supply distribution path 16 (R) on the right half of the island to the right second lower storage tank R2 through the right overflow pipe 27 (R) by opening / closing the first path opening / closing device 16g (R). Is controlled.

  Similarly, a left overflow pipe 27 (L) as a second distribution path is connected to the relay distribution unit 16 d (L) of the supply distribution path 16 (L) on the left half of the island, and a second path that opens and closes the inlet thereof. An opening / closing device 16g (L) is provided. Whether the game ball is distributed to the left second lower storage tank L2 through the left overflow pipe 27 (L) from the supply distribution path 16 (L) on the left half of the island by opening and closing the second path opening / closing device 16g (L) Whether or not is controlled.

  In addition, between the back surfaces of the gaming machines 2 arranged side by side on the front and back sides of the gaming machine island 10, a banknote transport device 21 that transports the banknotes taken into the ball lending machine 3 to the end of the island, and the ball lending machine 3. The coin transporting device 22 that transports the coins taken in to the end of the island is disposed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 10 apart from each other. At one end of the gaming machine island 10 (the right end in FIG. 1), a bank safe 23 that separates and stores the banknotes transported by the banknote transport apparatus 21 and a coin safe that separates and stores the coins transported by the coin transport apparatus 22. 24 are installed.

  Also, at the other end of the gaming machine island 10, a prize ball counter 25 is installed that collects and collects the game balls acquired by the player. Further, a control unit 80 for performing various controls related to circulation and storage of game balls in the island is installed at the upper end of the island where the prize ball counter 25 is located. The control unit 80 is connected to and managed by a hall management computer 5 (FIG. 9), which will be described later, for overall management of the entire game hall. Details of the configuration and operation of the control unit 80 will be described later. The game ball circulation system in the gaming machine island 10 includes a lower storage tank 30, an opening / closing device 33, a recovery conveyor 60, a lifting device 12, an upper storage tank 13, a supply distribution path 16, and an overflow pipe 27. The first and second path opening / closing devices 16g (R) and 16g (L) and the control unit 80 are configured as main parts.

  Next, the structure of the opening / closing device 33 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing various mounting states of the opening / closing device 33 by changing the opening / closing state. FIG. 4 shows a state where the mounting state of the opening / closing device 33 is viewed from above (inside the lower storage tank 30). Show. FIG. 5 shows a cross section taken along the line AA in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the vicinity of the lowermost part of the bottom 31 of the lower storage tank 30, the game balls in the lower storage tank 30 are divided into right and left sides of the discharge port 32 provided at the lowermost part of the bottom 31. A pair of game ball passages 34 for restricting inflow are arranged. The game ball passage 34 includes a road surface 31a from the left and right toward the central discharge port 32, a roof 41 that covers the discharge port 32 and the road surfaces 31a on both left and right sides from above, and a wall member that sandwiches the roof 41 from the front and rear ( (Not shown).

  The roof portion 41 is formed in a roof shape inclined downward from the center toward the left and right ends so as to distribute the game balls in the lower storage tank 30 to the left and right, and further, a flange portion 41a bent vertically downward at both ends. It has. The gap between the lower end of the flange portion 41a and the road surface 31a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the game ball is set so as to flow into the game ball passage 34 in one layer from this gap. .

  The opening / closing device 33 is attached so as to be fitted into the discharge port 32 in the center of the game ball passage 34. The opening / closing device 33 includes a main body case 51 and a tank opening / closing member 52 that is pivotably supported inside the main body case 51. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the opening / closing device 33 is viewed from above with the roof portion 41 removed.

  The main body case 51 has a box shape that fits exactly into the discharge port 32, is installed so that its upper surface is at the same height as the peripheral edge of the discharge port 32, and the center of the upper surface is left with both left and right edges 51 a. A large rectangle is opened (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 5, the center of the bottom surface of the main body case 51 has a communication portion 51 b that opens at a portion directly above the collection conveyor 60 disposed below the main body case 51. The tank opening / closing member 52 has front and rear wall portions and a bottom portion, and has a container shape with an open top surface, and has an outer shape that fits in a rectangular opening provided on the top surface of the main body case 51. Yes. A game ball outlet 52a is formed at the boundary between the front and rear side walls and the bottom 52b.

  The tank opening / closing member 52 is integrally fixed to a pivot 52c extending in the front-rear direction at the center in the vicinity of the upper portion, and the pivot 52c is rotatably supported by a bearing hole in the upper portion of the main body case 51. The pivot 52c is L-shaped and extends downward, and is bent into an L-shape at the lower end. The L-shaped portion at the lower end is inserted into a long hole-shaped shaft hole provided in a nut member 55 that is screwed into a screw member 54 that rotates forward and backward by a drive motor 53. When the drive motor 53 is rotated forward and backward, the nut member 55 moves to the left and right, and along with this movement, the tank opening / closing member 52 is tilted to the left or right about the pivot 52c (see FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when the tank opening / closing member 52 is in a horizontal state that is not inclined to the left or right, the upper ends of the right side wall 52d and the left side wall 52e are respectively higher than the edge portion 51a of the upper surface of the main body case 51. , And protrudes upward substantially by the diameter of the game ball. In the horizontal state, a closed state is formed in which the game balls cannot flow into the tank opening / closing member 52 by being dammed by the right side wall 52d and the left side wall 52e protruding from the edge 51a on the upper surface of the main body case 51.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, when the tank opening / closing member 52 is tilted downward to the left, the upper end of the left side wall 52e is located below the edge 51a of the upper surface of the main body case 51, and the tank opening / closing member starts from the left side of the discharge port 32. The left open state in which the game ball flows into 52. At this time, the upper end of the right side wall 52d protrudes from the edge 51a on the upper surface of the main body case 51 to prevent the game ball from flowing in from the right. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the tank opening / closing member 52 is tilted downward to the right, the upper end of the right side wall 52 d is below the edge 51 a of the upper surface of the main body case 51, and from the right side of the discharge port 32. A right open state in which a game ball flows into the tank opening / closing member 52 is achieved. At this time, the upper end of the left side wall 52e protrudes from the edge part 51a of the upper surface of the main body case 51, and prevents the game ball from flowing in from the left.

  The detection unit 56 disposed in the vicinity of the nut member 55 detects the position of the nut member 55, thereby indirectly detecting the tilt state of the tank opening / closing member 52, and detecting an operation abnormality of the opening / closing device 33. It also serves as a part of the abnormality detection means. The central detection unit 56a detects that the tank opening / closing member 52 is in a horizontal state, and the right detection unit 56b detects that the tank opening / closing member 52 is in a left open state inclined downwardly to the left. The detection unit 56c detects that the tank opening / closing member 52 is in a right open state inclined downward to the right.

  As described above, the opening / closing device 33 rotates the drive motor 53 in the forward and reverse directions to change the posture of the tank opening / closing member 52 to a horizontal state or a state inclined to the left or right, thereby preventing the game ball from being discharged. In the lower storage tank 30, the state changes to a right open state in which game balls on the right side of the opening / closing device 33 are mainly discharged and a left open state in which game balls on the left side are mainly discharged. When the power is turned on, the opening / closing device 33 changes the posture of the tank opening / closing member 52 so as to be tilted to the left and right, confirms the current position, and then performs an initial operation to set the normal position (closed state). .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the game ball that has flowed into the tank opening / closing member 52 is once received by the bottom 52b of the tank opening / closing member 52, and then falls into the main body case 51 through the outlet 52a. After being received, it is discharged onto the collection conveyor 60 through the communication part 51 b of the main body case 51. Thereby, the impact when the game ball is discharged from the discharge port 32 of the lower storage tank 30 onto the collection conveyor 60 is mitigated, and the noise accompanying the discharge is also reduced.

  Next, the collection conveyor 60 will be described.

  6 shows the front of the collection conveyor 60, and FIG. 7 shows the plane of the collection conveyor 60. The collection conveyor 60 includes a frame 61, a drive unit 62 connected to one end of the frame 61, and a driven unit 63 connected to the other end of the frame 61. Further, an endless belt 64 is stretched between the drive pulley 62a of the drive unit 62 and the driven pulley 63a of the driven unit 63 so as to sandwich the frame 61 from above and below.

  The drive part 62 includes a base part 62b disposed on the island pillar 11, a drive pulley 62a attached thereto, a motor 62c, a motor power supply 62d, and a drive side tension roller 62e that removes the endless belt 64 from slack. , A drive side tension spring 62f that pulls the drive side tension roller 62e, and a limit switch 62g. Power is transmitted from the output pulley 62h of the motor 62c to the drive pulley 62a via the transmission belt 62i. Whether or not the endless belt 64 actually circulates is detected by a rotary slit 62j that rotates as the endless belt 64 moves and a slit sensor 62k that detects the rotation.

  The driven portion 63 includes a base portion 63b disposed on the island pillar 11, a driven pulley 63a, a driven side tension roller 63c, one end attached to both ends of the shaft of the driven pulley 63a, and the other end at a predetermined portion of the base portion 63b. And a pair of driven side tension springs 63d. The driven-side tension spring 63d pulls the driven pulley 63a toward the counter-driving unit 62 so as to eliminate the slack of the endless belt 64.

  The endless belt 64 moves from the driven portion 63 to the driving portion 62 with the surface on the driven side tension roller 63c side as a tension side with respect to the frame 61, and moves on the opposite side from the slack side to the driven portion 63 from the driving portion 62. It circulates so that it moves, and it is comprised so that the game ball mounted and conveyed by the tension | tensile_strength side may be delivered to the ball | bowl introduction port 18 of the lifting apparatus 12. FIG. When the transport amount to the ball introduction port 18 becomes excessive and the game ball is about to overflow from the ball introduction port 18, the limit switch 62g is pushed by the game ball likely to overflow and the contact is turned off to turn off the motor. It plays a role of stopping 62c.

  FIG. 8 shows a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. The frame 61 is substantially H-shaped in cross-section with a length that covers almost the entire length of the recovery conveyor 60, and the horizontal frame portion 61 b that forms the horizontal bar portion of H is wider than the endless belt 64. The horizontal frame portion 61b extends to both sides of the support portion 61c that supports the tension side of the endless belt 64 over almost the entire width from the back surface, and is slightly inclined downward toward the tension side surface of the endless belt 64. It is comprised with the ball receiving part 61d. When the transport amount increases, the game ball overflows from the endless belt 64 and is transported in a state of spreading to the ball receiving portion 61d.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the drive unit 62 includes a support plate 62l that supports the endless belt 64 from the back surface in the vicinity of the connection portion with the frame 61, like the support unit 61c. A game ball outlet 62m is provided over almost the entire width of the belt 64. The game ball discharge port 62m is an opening through which the game ball that has entered the gap between the endless belt 64 and the frame 61 is discharged.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the frame 61 is provided with a storage guide 66 that can store the string-like body 65 along the longitudinal direction of the frame 61. The storage guide 66 is provided on the front surface side and the back surface side of the frame 61, and a string-like body 65 having a length almost covering the entire length of the frame 61 is stored in each storage guide 66. Each storage guide 66 is provided with a slit-like opening 66a extending over its entire length, and both ends in the longitudinal direction are opened so that the string-like body 65 can be taken in and out. The string-like body 65 is constituted by a PP (polypropylene) band, a wire, or the like so as to have a certain degree of waist.

  The string-like body 65 is used when the endless belt 64 is replaced. Specifically, after connecting the end of the new endless belt 64 and the front side string-like body 65 of the frame 61 on the driven part 63 side, the end on the opposite side of the string-like body 65 on the drive part 62 side is connected. Then, the belt is pulled after passing between the drive pulley 62a and the drive side tension roller 62e along the route through which the endless belt 64 should pass. As a result, the new endless belt 64 follows the string-like body 65 and is passed over the drive pulley 62a and the drive-side tension roller 62e.

  Thereafter, the end of the endless belt 64 is reconnected to the other cord-like body 65 on the back side of the frame 61 on the drive unit 62 side, and the other end of the cord-like body 65 is connected to the driven portion 63 side. Pull the endless belt 64 almost once. The collection conveyor 60 is disposed in a narrow space below the lower storage tank 30, but the replacement work of the endless belt 64 can be smoothly performed by using the string-like body 65. Further, even if the endless belt 64 itself does not have a waist, the endless belt 64 can be easily passed between the drive pulley 62a and the drive side tension roller 62e by leading the string-like body 65.

  Next, the control unit 80 will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows a connection state between the control unit 80 and peripheral devices. The control unit 80 includes a circuit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown) as main parts. The control unit 80 includes a display device 85, a setting operation unit 86, a first path opening / closing device 16g (R), a second path opening / closing device 16g (L), and a motor 62c (R) for the right collection conveyor 60R. The motor 62c (L) of the left collection conveyor 60L is connected. Further, a conveyance detection signal 91R from the slit sensor 62k (R) of the right collection conveyor 60R, a limit signal 92R from the limit switch 62g (R) of the right collection conveyor 60R, and a slit sensor 62k (L) of the left collection conveyor 60L. And a limit signal 92L from the limit switch 62g (L) of the left collection conveyor 60L.

  Further, the control unit 80 is connected to opening / closing devices 33a to 33d attached to the lower storage tanks 30 (L1, L2, R1, and R2) via corresponding opening / closing device auxiliary control means 87a to 87d. ing. The control unit 80 outputs various control signals 93 such as an opening instruction and a closing instruction to the opening / closing device 33 via the opening / closing device auxiliary control means 87.

  In addition, a storage amount detection signal 94 indicating each storage amount is input from the upper storage tank 13 and each lower storage tank 30 to the control unit 80. In addition, a hall management computer 5 that centrally manages various gaming machines arranged in the game store is connected through a LAN (local area network).

  In addition to the motors 62c (R) and 62c (L) of each recovery conveyor, the control unit 80 performs operations of the opening / closing devices 33a to 33d, the first route opening / closing device 16g (R), the second route opening / closing device 16g (L), and the like. A function of controlling and managing the circulation and storage of game balls in the gaming machine island 10 is achieved. In addition, an abnormality detection unit 81, a forced closing control unit 82, a distribution management unit 83, and a restart delay time management unit 84 are provided in order to cope with the circulation abnormality of the game ball.

  The abnormality detection unit 81 recognizes that a drive system abnormality has occurred in the right collection conveyor 60R when the conveyance detection signal 91R is interrupted (does not change) for a predetermined time or longer. Further, the occurrence of an abnormality in which the overflow of the game balls occurs at the transfer end of the right collection conveyor 60R and the transfer operation of the right collection conveyor 60R is temporarily stopped is recognized based on the input state of the limit signal 92R.

  Similarly, the abnormality of the drive system of the left collection conveyor 60L is recognized based on the conveyance detection signal 91L, and the overflow of the game balls occurs at the end of conveyance of the left collection conveyor 60L, and the conveyance operation of the left collection conveyor 60R is temporarily stopped. The occurrence is recognized based on the input state of the limit signal 92L. The detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the collection conveyor 60 as a transport device includes the above-described abnormality detecting unit 81, left and right rotating slits 62j, a slit sensor 62k for detecting the rotation, and a limit switch 62g. .

  When the abnormality detection unit 81 detects an abnormality, the forcible closing control unit 82 functions to forcibly control the opening / closing device 33 of the lower storage tank 30 on the collection conveyor 60 side where the abnormality is detected. The distribution management unit 83 functions to manage the opening time of the first path opening / closing device 16g (R) and the second path opening / closing device 16g (L). In the normal state, the opening times of the first path opening / closing device 16g (R) and the second path opening / closing device 16g (L) are set to be the same, and when an abnormality occurs, one of the opening times is lengthened and the other opening time is shortened. It is supposed to be. The restart delay time management unit 84 functions to manage the waiting time from when the abnormality of the recovery conveyor 60 is resolved until the forced closing of the opening / closing device 33 is released.

  The display device 85 displays the status of various devices such as a recovery conveyor abnormality. The setting operation unit 86 accepts an operation for setting and changing the opening time of the first and second route opening devices 16g (R) and 16g (L), the time measured by the restart delay time management unit 84, and the like.

  Next, game ball circulation and storage operations in the gaming machine island 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game balls discharged from each gaming machine 2 as out balls are discharged onto the recovery conveyor 60 through the flow channel pipe 19. The game balls are transported by the collection conveyor 60 and flow into the ball introduction port 18 of the lifting device 12, are transported to the lifting device 12, are discharged to the upper storage tank 13, and are stored. The game balls stored in the upper storage tank 13 are supplied to each game machine 2 and the ball lending machine 3 through the supply distribution path 16.

  A part of the game balls supplied to the replenishment distribution path 16 is collected and stored in the left second lower storage tank L2 or the right second lower storage tank R2 through the overflow pipe 27 as a surplus. How much game balls are distributed to the overflow pipe 27 is controlled by the opening time of the first path opening / closing device 16g (R) and the second path opening / closing device 16g (L). Further, when the upper storage tank 13 is full and the game balls lifted by the lifting device 12 cannot enter the upper storage tank 13, the overflowed portion passes through the overflow pipe 26 and the left first lower storage tank. It is collected and stored in L1 or the right first lower storage tank R1.

  When the storage amount of the upper storage tank 13 is reduced, specifically, when the upper tank empty detection sensor 15 detects empty, the opening / closing device 33 is opened, and the game balls stored in the lower storage tank 30 are collected. It is discharged onto the conveyor 60. The discharged game balls are conveyed to the ball introduction port 18 of the lifting device 12 and circulate in the island as in the case of the out balls. When the storage amount of the upper storage tank 13 exceeds a certain level, specifically, when the upper tank full detection sensor 14 detects fullness, the opening / closing device 33 is closed.

  While the total amount of game balls existing in the gaming machine island 10 decreases as award balls are paid out from the gaming machine 2, it increases as the player throws game balls into the prize ball counter 25. And change. Therefore, the control unit 80 performs control for adjusting the total storage amount of all the lower storage tanks 30 in the island to an appropriate amount so that there is no shortage of game balls or the storage amount is over in the island. Is doing.

  When the storage amount of the entire island is excessive, control is performed to send out game balls to other gaming machine islands through an inter-island transport path (not shown). On the other hand, when the storage amount is insufficient, game balls are transferred from other game machine islands and replenished. Transfer between islands is performed through a path connecting the upper storage tanks 13 of adjacent islands.

  Therefore, when the game ball is sent to an adjacent island on the sending source island, the storage amount of the upper storage tank 13 decreases, and when the game ball becomes empty, the opening / closing device 33 of the lower storage tank 30 is opened. The amount of storage has decreased, and the amount of storage as an entire island has decreased. Such transfer control of game balls between islands is centrally managed by the hall management computer 5 and is executed by each control unit 80 based on the instruction.

  Next, operation | movement of the control part when abnormality arises in the collection conveyor 60 is demonstrated based on FIG.

  The controller 80 constantly monitors whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the recovery conveyors 60R and 60L (step S101; N). Specifically, when the conveyance detection signal 91R from the slit sensor 62k (R) is interrupted, it is determined that a conveyance abnormality has occurred in the right collection conveyor 60R, and the conveyance detection signal 91L from the slit sensor 62k (L) is interrupted. If it is determined that a conveyance abnormality has occurred in the left collection conveyor 60L. Such an abnormality occurs due to an abnormality of the motor 62c of the collection conveyor 60, cutting of the transmission belt 62i, cutting of the endless belt 64, or the like.

  Further, when the limit signal 92R is input from the limit switch 62g (R), it is determined that an overflow abnormality of the game ball supplied to the ball introduction port 18 of the lifting device 12 has occurred on the right collection conveyor 60R side. When the limit signal 92L is input from the switch 62g (L), it is determined that the same overflow abnormality has occurred on the left collection conveyor 60L side.

  When there is a recovery conveyor 60 in which an abnormality has occurred (step S101; Y), the abnormality is displayed on the display device 85 so that it can be determined which of the recovery conveyors 60R and 60L is on the left and right (step S102). Further, the opening / closing device 33 of the lower storage tank 30 on the side of the recovery conveyor 60 having an abnormality is controlled to be forcibly closed (step S103). As a result, no more game balls are discharged from the lower storage tank 30 to the abnormal collection conveyor 60, and overflow of the game balls from the collection conveyor 60 is prevented.

  Further, the opening time of the path opening / closing device 16g on the collection conveyor 60 side having an abnormality is set shorter than usual, and the opening time of the path opening / closing device 16g on the normal collection conveyor 60 side is set longer than usual (step S104). . As a result, the proportion of the circulating game balls distributed from the replenishment distribution path 16 and stored in the abnormal lower storage tank 30 on the recovery conveyor 60 side is distributed to the lower storage tank 30 on the normal recovery conveyor 60 side. Less than a percentage.

  That is, since the amount of distribution to the lower storage tank whose discharge port is forcibly closed is reduced, it is possible to earn time until the lower storage tank becomes full. Further, since the game balls stored in the lower storage tank 30 closed due to the abnormality of the recovery conveyor 60 cannot be reused for circulation in the gaming machine island 10, the distribution amount to the lower storage tank whose discharge port is forcibly closed By reducing the number, it is possible to prevent a decrease in game balls that can be used for circulation.

  For example, when an abnormality is detected in the right collection conveyor 60R, the opening time of the first path opening / closing device 16g (R) on the right collection conveyor 60R side is changed to a value shorter than usual, and the normal collection conveyor 60L side is changed. The opening time of the second path opening / closing device 16g (L) is changed to a value longer than normal. As a result, the number of game balls distributed from the supply distribution path 16 (R) to the lower storage tank R2 through the first path opening / closing device 16g (R) decreases.

  If such a state continues, the game balls will eventually become congested in the supply distribution path 16 (R), and the game balls will not flow out from the upper storage tank 13 to the supply distribution path 16 (R) due to the traffic congestion. The game balls are supplied exclusively from the upper storage tank 13 to the supply distribution path 16 (L), and the circulation of the game balls in the gaming machine island 10 is maintained in this state.

  The control unit 80 monitors whether or not the abnormality of the recovery conveyor 60 has been resolved (step S105; N), and when the abnormality is resolved (step S105; Y), the elapsed time from the time is counted (step S105; N). S106; N). During this time, the game balls that have stopped on the recovery conveyor where there is an abnormality and the game balls that have stopped near the ball introduction port 18 of the lifting device 12 are wiped out.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the abnormality was resolved (step S106; Y), the control unit 80 deletes the abnormality display of the recovery conveyor from the display device 85 (step S107), and the lower part on the collection conveyor 60 side where the abnormality has been resolved. The opening / closing device 33 of the storage tank 30 is set to be openable (step S108). Setting to be openable means releasing the forced close and returning to normal operation. Further, the control unit 80 returns the opening times of all the path opening / closing devices 16g (R) and 16g (L) to the normal setting (step S109) and ends the process (END). This process is repeated while the gaming machine island 10 is in operation.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment, the opening time of the path opening / closing device 16g on the collection conveyor 60 side having an abnormality is shortened, but may be zero. Moreover, a path opening / closing device may be provided also in the overflow pipe 26 from the upper storage tank 13, and the opening time thereof may be controlled so that the recovery conveyor side having an abnormality is shortened and the normal side is lengthened.

  In addition, the circulation path is composed of the first circulation path on the right half of the island and the second circulation path on the left half of the island. However, the circulation path may be composed of one circulation path or more circulation paths. Good. If there is an abnormality in any of the collection conveyors when configured with three or more circulation paths, the opening times of all the path opening / closing devices on the normal collection conveyor side may be set longer than normal, or normal collection The opening time of only a part of the route opening / closing devices on the conveyor side may be longer than usual.

It is a front view which shows the internal structure of the game machine island provided with the game ball circulation system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of the game machine island provided with the game ball circulation system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows various opening-and-closing apparatuses attached to the lower storage tank of a game machine island, changing the opening-and-closing state. It is a top view which shows the mounting state of an opening / closing apparatus. It is AA arrow sectional drawing of FIG. It is a front view which shows a collection | recovery conveyor. It is a top view which shows a collection | recovery conveyor. It is a BB arrow sectional view of Drawing 7. It is a block diagram which shows the connection state of a control part and its peripheral device. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control part regarding abnormality handling of a collection conveyor.

Explanation of symbols

L1 ... Left first lower storage tank L2 ... Left second lower storage tank R1 ... Right first lower storage tank R2 ... Right second lower storage tank 2 ... Game machine 3 ... Ball rental machine 5 ... Hall management computer 10 ... Game machine Island 11 ... Island frame and island pillar 12 ... Lifting device 13 ... Upper storage tank 14 ... Upper tank full detection sensor 15 ... Upper tank empty detection sensor 16 ... Supply distribution path 16a ... Central supply tank 16b ... Distant supply tank 16c ... Upper Replenishment basket 16d ... Relay distribution section 16e ... First lower supply bowl 16f ... Second lower supply bowl 16g (R) ... First path opening / closing device 16g (L) ... Second path opening / closing apparatus 17 ... Alignment sampling section 18 ... Ball introduction Port 19 ... Channel pipe 21 ... Banknote transport device 22 ... Coin transport device 23 ... Banknote safe 24 ... Coin safe 25 ... Premium ball counter 26, 27 ... Overflow pipe 27 (R) ... Overflow pipe 27 (L) ... Overflow pipe forming second distribution path 30 ... Lower storage tank 31 ... Bottom part of lower storage tank 31a ... Road surface of game ball passage 32 ... Lower storage tank discharge port 33 ... Opening / closing device 34 ... Game Sphere passage 41 ... Roof 41a ... Flange 51 ... Main body case 51a ... Edge of upper surface of main body case 51b ... Communication part of main body case 52 ... Tank opening / closing member 52a ... Outlet of tank opening / closing member 52b ... Bottom 52c ... Pivot axis of tank opening / closing member 52d ... Right side wall of tank opening / closing member 52e ... Left side wall of tank opening / closing member 53 ... Drive motor 54 ... Screw member 55 ... Nut member 56 ... Detector 60 ... Collection conveyor 60L ... Left collection conveyor 60R ... Right recovery conveyor 61 ... Recovery conveyor frame 61b ... Horizontal frame 61c ... Support Part 61d: Ball receiving part 62 ... Driving part 62a ... Driving pulley 62b ... Base part 62c ... Motor 62d ... Motor power supply 62e ... Driving side tension roller 62f ... Driving side tension spring 62g ... Limit switch 62h ... Output pulley 62i ... Transmission belt 62j ... Rotating slit 62k ... Slit sensor 62l ... Support plate 62m ... Game ball outlet 63 ... Driver 63a ... Driver pulley 63b ... Base 63c ... Driver side tension roller 63d ... Driver side tension spring 64 ... Endless belt 65 ... String-like body DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 66 ... Storage guide 66a ... Opening part 80 ... Control part 81 ... Abnormality detection part 82 ... Forced closing control part 83 ... Distribution management part 84 ... Resume delay time management part 85 ... Display device 86 ... Setting operation part 87 ... Opening / closing device auxiliary control Means 91R, 91L ... Conveyance detection signal 92R, 92L ... Limit Signal 93 ... control signal 94 ... storage amount detection signal

Claims (7)

A game ball circulation system that collects game balls discharged from each game machine through a circulation path in a game machine island containing a plurality of game machines, supplies the game balls to each game machine, and circulates them again.
A storage tank for storing game balls to be circulated;
An opening and closing device for opening and closing the discharge port of the storage tank;
A transport device that forms a recovery path in the circulation path and recovers the game balls discharged from the storage tank and transports them with power,
Detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the transport device;
And a control means for closing the opening / closing device when the detecting means detects an abnormality of the transport device. The circulation path includes first and second circulation paths having a common part,
The transfer device includes a first transfer device that forms a recovery path of the first circulation path, and a second transfer device that forms a recovery path of the second circulation path,
The storage tank includes a first storage tank in which the discharged game balls are collected by the first transfer device, and a second storage tank in which the discharged game balls are collected by the second transfer device,
The detection means includes first detection means for detecting an abnormality of the first transport device, and second detection means for detecting an abnormality of the second transport device,
The game ball circulation system further includes
A first distribution path for distributing game balls from the circulation path to the first storage tank;
A first path opening and closing device for opening and closing the first distribution path;
A second distribution path for distributing game balls from the circulation path to the second storage tank;
A second path opening and closing device for opening and closing the second distribution path,
The control means closes the opening / closing device of the first storage tank when the first detection means detects an abnormality of the first transfer device, and sets the opening time of the first path opening / closing device from the opening time of the second path opening / closing device. When the second detection means detects an abnormality of the second transport device, the second storage tank opening / closing device is closed and the opening time of the second path opening / closing device is made shorter than the opening time of the first path opening / closing device. The game ball circulation system according to claim 1. 3. The game ball circulation system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit enables the opening / closing device closed due to an abnormality of the transport device to be opened after a predetermined time has elapsed since the abnormality was resolved. The transport device is for transporting a game ball from a lower part to an upper part of a gaming machine island and transporting the game ball toward a ball introduction port of a transport device that forms a part of the circulation path. The game ball circulation system according to claim 1, 2, or 3. The transport device is configured to stop the transport operation when a game ball overflow at the transport destination is detected,
The game ball circulation system according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the detection means detects a stop of the transport operation as an abnormality. The game ball circulation system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, further comprising display means for displaying that an abnormality has occurred in the transport device.   A gaming machine island comprising the gaming ball circulation system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

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