JP2008036235A - Game media conveying system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ball conveying device which enables the proper conveyance of Pachinko balls. <P>SOLUTION: The ball conveying device which is provided on a game machine island component body and coveys Pachinko balls P almost alongside the game body includes a ball conveying unit 520 which moves and conveys the carried Pachinko balls P upward to the upstream side end part of a replenishing gutter and a gutter side detection sensor, a movement detection sensor C2, a carrying sensor C3 and a drum torque sensor for detecting the moving state of the Pachinko balls P and a controller which carries out a control to stop the drive of the ball conveying unit 520 when judging that jamming with the Pachinko balls P occurs based on the moving state detected with these sensors. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium transport system for transporting game media for playing with a gaming device.

  Conventionally, for example, a game device generally called “pachinko” is widely known as an entertainment facility. A plurality of the gaming devices are arranged side by side to constitute an island structure. At the top of the island structure, a game medium transport device is provided for transporting and distributing game media such as pachinko balls to each game device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The one described in Patent Document 1 transports a pachinko ball introduced from a counter to a main tank through a counter ball collecting bowl that is inclined downward toward the center of the island, and is connected to the downstream end of the main tank. The collected ball collector is transported to an upper tank provided on the upper part of the island using a lifting and polishing machine standing in the center of the island. Then, a replenishment rod that descends from the upper tank toward the end of the island is provided, the pachinko balls transported to the upper tank are sent to the replenishment cage, and the pachinko balls are replenished to each gaming machine from a replenishment pipe provided in the replenishment cage. The structure to do is taken.

JP 2005-261733 A

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, for example, when a pachinko ball is jammed in the middle of a replenishment basket, there is a problem that an extra pachinko ball may continue to be sent out to this jammed portion.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium transport system capable of appropriately transporting game media.

The game medium transport system of the present invention is provided in an island structure in which a plurality of game devices to be played using game media are installed in substantially parallel, and the game media is transported substantially along the alignment direction of the game devices. A medium transport system, which is provided in a longitudinal direction substantially in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the gaming devices, transport lanes for transporting the game media, a transport inlet for transporting the game media, and transport to the transport entrance The transport lane connected to the upstream end of the transport lane, and a transport unit that moves the game medium moved upward to transport to the vicinity of the upstream end of the transport lane in the moving direction of the game medium. Based on the moving state detected by the moving state detecting means, the carrying state for detecting the moving state of the gaming medium, the carry-out port for carrying out the gaming medium carried by the carrying unit. If it is determined that the game medium is clogged state, characterized by comprising a control unit that controls to stop the conveying of the game medium by the conveying portion.
According to this invention, the game medium transport system transports the game medium to the game medium transport system and transports the game medium loaded from the transport inlet to the transport outlet connected to the upstream end of the transport lane. And a moving state detecting means for detecting the moving state of the game medium. When the control unit determines that the game medium is in a jammed state based on the movement state detected by the movement state detection unit, the control unit controls to stop the conveyance of the game medium by the conveyance unit.
Therefore, the game medium transport system can stop the transport of the game medium to the transport lane by the transport unit when the game medium is jammed in the transport lane. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the extra game media from being continuously conveyed to the jammed portion, and the game media can be appropriately conveyed.

In the game medium transport system of the present invention, the transport lane is provided in the longitudinal direction in substantially the same direction as the arrangement direction of the game devices, and the first transport lane is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can be moved by its own weight. And the gaming medium is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can move by its own weight, and an upstream end in the movement direction of the game medium is the first end. A second transport lane provided at a height higher than the downstream end in the moving direction of the game medium in one transport lane, and the carry-in port is connected to the downstream end of the first transport lane The game medium is loaded from the first transport lane, the transport unit transports the game medium transported to the transport inlet to the vicinity of the upstream end of the second transport lane, and the transport outlet. Is Serial is connected to an upstream end of the second conveying lane, it is preferred configuration for unloading the game medium transported by the transport unit to the second conveying lane.
According to the present invention, as the transport lane, the first transport lane is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can be moved by its own weight, and the upstream end is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can be moved by its own weight. Are provided at a height position higher than the downstream end of the first transport lane. And in the conveyance part, the game medium carried in from the carrying-in port connected with the downstream edge part of the 1st conveyance lane is conveyed upwards, and the carry-out port connected with the upstream edge part of the 2nd conveyance lane To be carried out.
For this reason, the game medium transport system moves the game medium moved to the downstream end of the first transport lane upward in the transport unit, and transports it to the upstream end of the second transport lane. Game media can be transported substantially along the line-up direction of the game devices. Therefore, even if the length of the island structure is increased, the vertical dimension difference between the position of the upstream end of the first transport lane and the position of the downstream end of the second transport lane is minimized. The game media can be guided in a limited state. Therefore, the height of the island structure can be reduced. In addition, the installation work of the island structure can be easily performed, and it is possible to provide a sufficient gap between the upper end of the island structure and the ceiling surface, improving the efficiency of air conditioning and strengthening the crime prevention surface. Can be achieved.

In the game medium transport system of the present invention, the movement state detection means includes a carry-out state detection means for detecting a carry-out state of the game medium in the vicinity of the carry-out port, and the control means is detected by the carry-out state detection means. A configuration is preferable in which when the game medium is determined to be in a jammed state based on the carried-out state, the control by the transport unit is stopped.
According to this invention, the moving state detecting means is provided with a carrying-out state detecting means for detecting the carrying-out state of the game medium in the vicinity of the carrying-out port, and based on the carrying-out state in the vicinity of the carrying-out detected by the carrying-out state detecting means. The conveyance by the conveyance unit is appropriately stopped.
For this reason, the number of extra game media to be replenished to the carry-out destination can be minimized by detecting the carry-out state of the game media at the carry-out destination.

In the game medium transport system of the present invention, the movement state detection means includes a carry-in state detection means for detecting a carry-in state of the game medium in the vicinity of the carry-in entrance, and the control means detects the carry-in state detection means. It is preferable that when the game medium is determined to be in a jammed state based on the carried-in state, control is performed to stop the conveyance by the conveyance unit.
According to the present invention, the moving state detecting means is provided with the carrying-in state detecting means for detecting the carrying-in state of the game medium in the vicinity of the carrying-in port, and based on the carrying-in state in the vicinity of the carrying-in port detected by the carrying-in state detecting unit. Thus, the conveyance by the conveyance unit is appropriately stopped.
For this reason, when the game medium is jammed in the vicinity of the carry-in entrance, the transport unit is not driven to a state in which the jammed game medium is transported, and an increase in processing load or breakage of the transport unit can be prevented.

In the game medium transport system of the present invention, the transport lane is provided in the longitudinal direction in substantially the same direction as the arrangement direction of the game devices, and the first transport lane is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can be moved by its own weight. And the gaming medium is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can move by its own weight, and an upstream end in the movement direction of the game medium is the first end. A second transport lane provided at a height higher than the downstream end in the moving direction of the game medium in one transport lane, and the carry-in port is connected to the downstream end of the first transport lane The game medium is loaded from the first transport lane, the transport unit transports the game medium transported to the transport inlet to the vicinity of the upstream end of the second transport lane, and the transport outlet. Is It is connected to the upstream end of the second transport lane, and the game medium transported by the transport unit is transported to the second transport lane, and the carry-in state detecting means is located downstream of the first transport lane. And a downstream state detection unit that detects a movement state of the game medium in the game, and the control unit determines that the game medium is clogged based on the movement state detected by the downstream state detection unit. A configuration in which the conveyance by the conveyance unit is controlled to be stopped is preferable.
According to this invention, the carry-in state detecting means is provided with the downstream state detecting means for detecting the moving state of the game medium on the downstream side of the first transport lane, and the first transport lane detected by the downstream state detecting means is detected. Based on the movement state on the downstream side, the conveyance by the conveyance unit is appropriately stopped.
For this reason, for example, when a large amount of game media exists on the downstream side of the first transport lane, the drive of the transport unit can be stopped, and the processing load of the transport unit is rapidly increased by transporting a large amount of game media at once. And damage can be prevented.

In the game medium transport system according to the present invention, the transport section is provided substantially continuously at the transport inlet, and is opposed to the transport path section having a transport path plane inclined upward and to the transport path plane. A transport member provided with a plurality of fins provided at least partially on the transport path surface so as to move substantially along with the game medium being lifted up and separated from each other; and Drive means for driving at least a part of the fins to move upward substantially along the transport path surface, and the carry-in state detection means is provided between the transport inlet and the transport path section, A pressing state detecting unit configured to detect a pressing state when the game medium is pressed substantially downward by the fin; and the control unit detects the pressing state detected by the pressing state detecting unit. Flip, when it is determined to have been pressed in over a predetermined pressing force, configured to determine that the game medium is clogged state is preferred.
According to this invention, at least a part of the transport path is movable substantially along the transport path surface of the transport path facing the transport path surface of the transport path section that is provided substantially continuously at the transport entrance and is inclined upward. A transport member having a plurality of fins that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval in a state where the game medium is lifted is provided, and the fins of the transport member are moved upward along the transport path surface by the driving means. ing. Further, the moving state detecting means is provided with a pressing state detecting means for detecting a pressing state when the game medium is pressed substantially downward by the fin, and a predetermined state is determined according to the pressing state detected by the pressing state detecting means. When it is determined that the game has been pressed at a pressure equal to or greater than the pressing force, the game medium is determined to be clogged.
For this reason, for example, when the game medium is clogged between the fin and the vicinity of the transport path, it is possible to easily recognize the clogged state of the carry-in entrance only by detecting the pressing state of the game medium substantially downward by the fin. it can.

In the game medium transport system of the present invention, the pressing state detection means is provided between the carry-in entrance and the transport path portion, and a movable plate that moves in the pressing direction when the game medium is pressed by the fins; Movable plate movement state detection means for detecting the movement state of the movable plate as the pressed state, and the control means is configured to detect the movable plate according to the movement state detected by the movable plate movement detection means. If it is determined that the game medium has moved by a predetermined amount or more, it is preferable that the game medium is determined to be jammed.
According to the present invention, the pressing state detecting means is provided between the carry-in port and the transport path portion, and moves in the direction in which the game medium is pressed by the fin, and the movable plate that detects the moving state of the movable plate. Board moving state detecting means, and based on the moving state of the movable plate detected by the movable plate moving state detecting means, it is determined that the game medium is jammed.
For this reason, the pressing state of the game medium by the fin can be detected only by detecting the movement amount of the movable plate, and the configuration can be easily simplified.

In the game medium transport system of the present invention, the movable plate is provided in a state in which the end portion on the carry-in port side rotates in the pressing direction around a rotation shaft provided in the vicinity of the end portion on the transport path portion side. The configuration is preferred.
Here, when the movable plate is provided in a state in which the conveyance path portion is rotated in the pressing direction around the rotation axis on the carry-in entrance side, the movable plate and the conveyance route portion are rotated when the movable plate is rotated by less than a predetermined amount. There is a possibility that the game medium cannot be transported due to the level difference between the two.
On the other hand, according to the present invention, the movable plate is provided in a state where the end portion on the carry-in port side rotates in the pressing direction around the rotation shaft provided in the vicinity of the end portion on the conveyance path portion side. Therefore, when the movable plate is rotated by less than a predetermined amount, the level difference between the movable plate and the transport path portion can be minimized, and the transport of the game medium can be continued. Therefore, the game medium transport system can transport game media more appropriately.

In the game medium transport system of the present invention, it is preferable that the pressing state detecting unit includes a biasing unit that biases the movable plate in a direction opposite to the pressing direction.
According to this invention, the urging means for urging the movable plate in the direction opposite to the pressing direction by the game medium is provided.
For this reason, for example, after the game medium in which the movable plate is moved in the pressing direction by less than a predetermined amount is conveyed, it is possible to continue the conveyance of the new game medium without performing the operation of returning the movable plate to the original position. Management of the game medium transport system can be facilitated.

In the game medium transport system according to the present invention, the transport section is provided substantially continuously at the transport inlet, and is opposed to the transport path section having a transport path plane inclined upward and to the transport path plane. A transport member provided with a plurality of fins provided at least partially on the transport path surface so as to move substantially along with the game medium being lifted up and separated from each other; and Drive means for driving at least a part of the fins to move upward substantially along the conveyance path surface, and the movement state detection means includes a drive state detection means for detecting the drive speed of the conveyance member. And the control means determines that the drive speed of the transport member detected by the drive state detection means is less than or equal to a predetermined speed with respect to the drive state of the drive means. Configured to control to stop the driving of the driving means is preferred.
Here, when the driving speed of the conveying member is slow with respect to the electric power supplied to the driving means or when the conveying member is stopped, the game medium is clogged between the fin and the conveying path portion, causing malfunction. Further, when the transport member is further driven, there is a risk that the transport member or the transport path portion may be damaged and become unrecoverable.
On the other hand, according to the present invention, the moving state detecting means is provided with driving state detecting means for detecting the driving speed of the conveying member, and the driving speed of the conveying member detected by the driving state detecting means is a predetermined speed. The driving of the driving means is stopped in the following cases.
For this reason, when the driving speed of the conveying member is slow relative to the power supplied to the driving means, or when the conveying member is stopped, the game medium is clogged between the fins and the conveying path portion, causing malfunction. Even when the driving means is in use, the driving means can be stopped in an emergency. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the breakage of the transport member and the transport path portion and the occurrence of a non-recoverable state.

In the game medium transport system of the present invention, it is preferable that the game medium transport system includes a game medium supply unit that is provided in the transport lane and supplies the game medium to the game device.
According to the present invention, the game medium can be supplied to the game apparatus while being conveyed, and the convenience of the game medium conveyance system can be improved.

  Hereinafter, a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game device called a “pachinko” will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a slot machine for playing using a spherical game medium, an arcade video game machine. It can also be applied.

[Game system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a part of the gaming system in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a part of the ball conveying device at the top of the gaming system. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the vicinity of the ball transport unit of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a replenishing rod in the ball conveying device. FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view in which the ball transport unit of FIG. 3 is enlarged. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ball transport unit. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the ball transport unit as seen from the top side. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view in which the transport drum member in the ball transport unit is sectioned in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a core portion constituting the transport drum member. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fin-installed cylinder portion that constitutes the transport drum member.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a game system, and this game system 100 includes an island structure 200, a game main body 300, a game medium lending device 400, and a ball transfer device 500 as a game medium transfer system. Yes. This gaming system 100 is configured as an island structure 200 that is a single independent structure in which a plurality of gaming main bodies 300 and a gaming medium lending device 400 are integrally installed on a floor of a store called “Hall”. ing. The game main body 300 and the game medium lending device 400 constitute a game device of the present invention.

And this island structure 200 is comprised on the rectangular frame, for example with a timber, aluminum alloy, etc. As shown in FIG. On both side surfaces of the island structure 200 with respect to the longitudinal direction, a gaming machine window portion 210 into which the game main body 300 is inserted and closed, a lending machine window portion 220 into which the game medium lending device 400 is inserted and closed, A plurality of openings are formed so as to form a pair with an unillustrated lifting machine window portion into which the lifting device 250 is inserted and closed. In the present embodiment, the case where the number of gaming machine window portions 210 and the number of lending machine window portions 220 provided on both side surfaces of the island structure 200 is the same will be described. It is good also as a structure opened only to the one surface side provided in the wall.
In addition, a lower portion of the island structure 200 is provided with a recovery storage portion 260 where the island recovery means 240 is provided, and an upper portion of the island structure 200 is provided with a transfer storage portion 270 where the ball transfer device 500 is provided. Yes. The island structure 200 includes a power supply means for supplying power to the game main body 300, the game medium lending device 400, the lifting device 250, and the ball transfer device 500, and the game main body 300 and the game medium lending device 400. , A control device for controlling the operation of the lifting device 250 and the ball conveying device 500, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the island collection unit 240 includes a collection basket 241 and a plurality of collection hoppers 242. The collection basket 241 is formed in a substantially bowl shape, for example, and is provided so as to be inclined downward from the end side of the island structure 200 toward the lifting device 250. The collection hoppers 242 are provided above the collection baskets 241 in a number corresponding to the number of game main bodies 300. The collection hopper 242 sends a substantially spherical pachinko ball P (see FIGS. 5 and 6) as a game medium collected by each game main body 300 to the collection basket 241.

  As described above, the lifting device 250 is provided adjacent to the game main body 300 and the game medium lending device 400 at a substantially central position of the island structure 200. The lifting device 250 collects the pachinko balls P that have flowed through the collection basket 241 and conveys the collected pachinko balls P to the ball conveying device 500 provided on the upper part of the island structure 200. Specifically, the lifting device 250 includes a ball collecting port 251 having a lower end portion connected to a recovery basket 241, a ball outlet port 252 provided at the upper end portion, and a pachinko ball from the ball collecting port 251 to the ball outlet port 252. An unillustrated lifting means for conveying P and a driving source (not shown) for driving the lifting means are provided. Further, the lifting device 250 is provided with a cleaning means (not shown), and the pachinko balls P collected by the cleaning means are cleaned.

[Configuration of ball transport device]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ball transport device 500 includes a replenishment basket 510 serving as a plurality of transport lanes, a ball transport unit 520 that connects these replenishment baskets 510, and a control device as a control unit (not shown). , Etc. Here, the replenishment rod 510 provided on the lifting device 250 side across the ball transport unit 520 constitutes the first transport lane in the present invention, and is provided on the end side of the island structure 200 across the ball transport unit 520. The supplied replenishing rod 510 constitutes the second transport lane.

The replenishment basket 510 is formed in a longitudinal shape in substantially the same direction as the arrangement direction of the game main body 300 and the game medium lending device 400 of the island structure 200, and is directed from the transfer device 250 toward the end of the island structure 200, for example. It is provided in a state of descending and tilting at an angle of 5 minutes (2.86 degrees). The length dimension of the supply basket 510 in the longitudinal direction is set to the length dimension of two game main bodies 300 and game medium lending devices 400 as shown in FIG. Among these replenishing rods 510, the end of the replenishing rod 510 disposed adjacent to the lifting device 250 on the side of the lifting device 250 is connected to the ball discharge port 252 of the lifting device 250. Further, the replenishment rod 510 disposed at the end of the island structure 200 is connected to an end recovery hopper (not shown), and the pachinko balls P that have reached the end of the replenishment reed 510 are recovered from the end recovery hopper. It is transported to the collection basket 241 of the means 240. Further, a ball transport unit 520 is disposed between the replenishing rods 510 disposed adjacent to each other, and the end portions of the respective replenishing rods 510 are connected to the ball transport unit 520.
As shown in FIG. 4, the replenishing rod 510 includes a replenishing rod main body 511, a saddle side member 512, a roof plate 513, and the like.

  The replenishment rod main body 511 includes a pair of holding portions 511A provided in parallel with each other along the longitudinal direction. The holding portion 511A is formed in a substantially U shape with a side opening at the lower end. The replenishing bowl main body 511 is held by locking the holding portion 511 </ b> A to a locking portion (not shown) provided in the transport storage portion 270.

In addition, a lower side wall portion 511B is formed to rise from the upper end portion of the holding portion 511A. On the inner surface side of the lower side wall portion 511B, that is, the side facing the other lower side wall portion 511B, a transport plate holding portion 511C protrudes.
A conveying plate foot 511D is formed upright from the protruding tip of the conveying plate holding portion 511C so as to face the lower side wall 511B. Further, a concave groove 511D1 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the replenishing rod main body 511 on the surface of the conveying plate foot portion 511D facing the lower side wall portion 511B.

  Further, the replenishing rod main body 511 is provided with a conveyance plate 511E that connects the rising tips of the pair of conveyance plate legs 511D. The transport plate 511E is formed in a curved shape with a central portion raised upward along a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the replenishment rod main body 511. Thereby, the pachinko ball P that rolls on the transport plate 511E moves to the side of the transport plate 511E.

  In addition, a pair of substantially hook-like engaging portions 511 </ b> F protruding downward are provided at the lower portion of the conveying plate 511 </ b> E. These engaging portions 511F are formed with hook portions in directions opposite to each other, and are provided in parallel with the substantially central portion of the transport plate 511E along the longitudinal direction of the transport plate 511E.

The heel side member 512 is a substantially plate-like member erected along the side surface along the longitudinal direction of the replenishment jar body 511. A lower portion of the saddle side member 512 has a convex portion 512 </ b> A that protrudes inward of the replenishing rod main body 511. Then, the heel side member 512 has a lower portion inserted between the lower side wall portion 511B of the replenishing jar body 511 and the transport plate foot portion 511D, and the convex portion 512A is engaged with the concave groove 511D1 of the transport plate foot portion 511D. Thus, it is fixed to the replenishment bowl main body 511.
Further, a top surface engaging portion 512B having a substantially circular cross section is provided at the upper end portion of the heel side member 512.

Furthermore, a ball outlet 512C (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is formed in the heel side member 512 so as to correspond to a predetermined position above the game main body 300 and the game medium lending device 400, for example.
Each ball outlet 512C is provided with a ball supply chute 514 as a game medium supply unit. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ball supply chute 514 is connected to the game main body 300 or the game medium lending device 400, respectively.
The ball supply chute 514 is provided with an electric opening / closing valve (not shown), and the electric opening / closing valve is electrically connected to the game main body 300 and the game medium lending device 400. For example, when a predetermined signal is input from the game main body 300 or the game medium lending device 400, the electric on-off valve is opened, and the pachinko ball introduced to the ball replenishment chute 514 from the transport plate 511E via the ball outlet 512C. P is supplied to the game main body 300 or the game medium lending device 400 connected to the ball supply chute 514.

Furthermore, the movement state of the pachinko ball P rolling on the upper surface of the conveying plate 511E is detected at the end side of the island structure 200 of the side surface member 512, that is, on the downstream end side, at a position of a predetermined dimension from the end. A heel side detection sensor C1 is provided as a downstream state detecting means constituting the moving state detecting means and the carry-in state detecting means.
For example, the heel side detection sensor C1 emits light such as infrared rays from one heel side member 512 toward the other heel side member 512, and is emitted by a light receiving unit provided on the other heel side member 512. Receives light. And the heel side detection sensor C1 is electrically connected to the control device, and when light is detected by the light receiving unit, a predetermined detection signal is appropriately output to the control device. Note that the heel side detection sensor C1 is not limited to the above-described optical sensor and infrared sensor. For example, a light receiving portion is provided on the heel side member 512 on the light emitting side, and the light reflected by the pachinko ball P is received. Then, a configuration for outputting to the control device or a configuration using other sensors may be used.

The roof plate 513 is a plate-like member that is formed in a longitudinal direction in substantially the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the replenishing bowl main body 511. On both sides along the longitudinal direction of the roof plate 513, a substantially U-shaped top surface mounting portion 513A protruding downward is formed. The ceiling plate 513 is attached so as to cover the transport plate 511E by engaging the top surface attaching portion 513A with the top surface engaging portion 512B of the side surface member 512.
Here, a region surrounded by the transport plate 511E, the saddle side member 512, and the transport plate top surface portion 513 of the replenishing spear body 511 is a transport region for rolling and transporting the pachinko balls P.

As described above, the ball transport unit 520 is disposed between the replenishing rods 510 adjacent to each other, and connects the end portions of the replenishing rods 510. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ball transport unit 520 is fixed to a bracket 280 fixed in advance to the transport storage unit 270 of the island structure 200 by, for example, bolting.
The ball transport unit 520 is configured to transfer the pachinko ball P introduced from the replenishment basket 510 arranged on the lifting device 250 side, that is, the upstream side in the moving direction of the pachinko ball P, to the end side of the other island structure 200. That is, it is conveyed to the replenishment basket 510 arranged on the downstream side in the moving direction of the pachinko ball P.
The ball conveying unit 520 includes a lower case 530, an upper case 540, a conveying drum member 550 as a conveying member constituting the conveying unit, a driving unit 560 as a driving means constituting the conveying unit, and the like. ing.

  The lower case 530 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polyoxymethylene (POM: polyoxymethylene, generic name: Duracon). As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 to 7, the lower case 530 has a first side surface 530 </ b> A that faces the replenishment rod 510 disposed on the upstream side, and a first surface that faces the replenishment rod 510 disposed on the downstream side. Two side surfaces 530B, a front surface 530C in the same direction as the front surface of the game body 300 of the island structure 200, a rear surface 530D facing the front surface 530C, and the first side surface 530A, the second side surface 530B, the front surface 530C, and the rear surface 530D It is formed in a substantially box shape having an adjacent bottom surface (not shown). Further, an opening window 531 through which the transport drum member 550 can be taken in and out is formed on the upper surface side of the lower case 530. Further, an attachment portion (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the lower case 530, and the lower case 530 is fixed to the island structure 200 by, for example, bolting the attachment portion to the bracket 280.

On the lower side of the first side surface 530 </ b> A of the lower case 530, a first connection portion 532 serving as a carry-in port having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed to protrude toward the lifting device 250. A wall-shaped first stopper 532 </ b> A that rises from the bottom surface of the first connection portion 532 is formed at the base end portion of the first connection portion 532, that is, the inner side of the lower case 530.
The first stopper 532A is formed to have substantially the same height as the length from the lower end of the holding portion 511A of the replenishing rod main body 511 of the replenishing rod 510 to the conveying plate 511E. Further, the upper end portion of the first stopper 532A is provided with a not-shown flexible tongue piece portion that protrudes substantially in parallel with the conveying plate 511E of the replenishing rod 510 disposed on the upstream side. .
The first connecting portion 532 is inserted so that the end portion of the replenishing rod 510 arranged on the upstream side is in contact with the first stopper 532A. At this time, the tongue piece is engaged with the engaging portion 511F provided on the lower surface side of the conveying plate 511E, so that the height position of the upper surface of the conveying plate 511E and the height position of the upper end portion of the first stopper 532A are set. They substantially coincide with each other and prevent the generation of a gap between the transport plate 511E and the first stopper 532A.

In addition, a second connection portion 533 serving as a carry-out port having a substantially U-shaped cross-section opening on the upper side is formed on the upper side of the second side surface 530B of the lower case 530 so as to protrude downstream. A wall-like second stopper 533 </ b> A that rises from the bottom surface of the second connection portion 533 is formed at the base end portion of the first connection portion 532, that is, the inner side of the lower case 530. The second connecting portion 533 is placed and installed from above so that the end of the replenishing rod 510 disposed on the downstream side comes into contact with the second stopper 533A.
In addition, it is good also as a structure by which a flexible tongue piece part is provided from the 2nd stopper 533A of the 2nd connection part 533 similarly to the 1st connection part 532, In this case, this tongue piece part is good for the conveyance board 511E. By engaging with the engaging portion 511F, the replenishing rod 510 can be reliably connected, and the height positions of the transport plate 511E and the second stopper 533A can be reliably aligned.

  The lower case 530 includes a transport path portion 534 that constitutes a transport portion that connects the upper end edge of the first stopper 532A of the first connection portion 532 to the upper end edge of the second stopper 533A of the second connection portion 533. , And disposed between the front surface 530C and the rear surface 530D. The transport path portion 534 includes a movable plate 535 that constitutes a moving state detection unit, a carry-in state detection unit, and a pressing state detection unit, and a curved surface portion 534A that is disposed adjacent to the second connecting portion 533 side of the movable plate 535. And a carry-out surface 534B that is disposed adjacent to the second connecting portion 533 side of the curved surface portion 534A and is connected to the upper end edge of the second stopper 533A.

The movable plate 535 is a plate-like member that connects the upper end edge of the first stopper 532A and the first connecting portion 532 side of the curved surface portion 534A, and is, for example, a synthetic resin such as polyoxymethylene (POM: polyoxymethylene, generic name: Duracon). It is formed by. A bearing portion 535A that protrudes downward is formed at the end of the movable plate 535 on the curved surface portion 534A side.
The bearing portion 535A is formed in a cylindrical shape that is coaxial with the direction from the front surface 530C toward the rear surface 530D, and a pin 535B serving as a rotation shaft protruding from the front surface 530C and the rear surface 530D is engaged therewith. The pin 535B is provided at a position where the height position is lower than the upper end edge of the first stopper 532A. Accordingly, by engaging the bearing portion 535A with the pin 535B, the movable plate 535 is slightly inclined at an inclination angle of, for example, 5 minutes (2.86 degrees) from the upper end edge of the first stopper 532A toward the curved surface portion 534A. And is attached so as to be rotatable about the bearing portion 535A.
Also, below the movable plate 535, an urging spring 535C as an urging means constituting the moving state detecting means, the carry-in state detecting means, and the pressing state detecting means is provided on at least one of the front surface 530C and the rear surface 530D, for example. It has been. One end of the biasing spring 535C is fixed to the front surface 530C or the rear surface 530D, and the other end is in contact with the movable plate 535. The urging spring 535C is configured such that when the movable plate 535 rotates downward about the bearing portion 535A, the distal end portion of the movable plate 535 on the first connecting portion 532 side is the upper end edge of the first stopper 532A. The movable plate 535 is urged upward so as to reach the height position.
Further, below the movable plate 535, there is provided a movable detection switch C2 as a movable plate moving state detecting unit constituting a moving state detecting unit, a carry-in state detecting unit, and a pressing state detecting unit. For example, the movable detection switch C2 is fixed to a surface facing the rear surface 530D of the front surface 530C, and has a button that can freely move forward and backward. The movable detection switch C2 is electrically connected to the control device. In the movable detection switch C2, when the movable plate 535 is rotated downward by a predetermined distance, the button is pushed by the lower surface of the movable plate 535, and a predetermined detection signal is output to the control device.

  For example, when a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls P are carried into the conveyance path portion 534 in the ball conveyance unit 520, the movable plate 535 is moved downward by the rotation of the conveyance drum member 550. The movable plate 535 is rotated.

  The curved surface portion 534A constitutes the transport path surface of the present invention. As described above, the curved surface portion 534A is provided adjacent to the second connecting portion 533 side of the movable plate 535 and is connected to the second connecting portion 533. It is connected to the first connecting portion 532 side. The curved surface portion 534A extends from the end portion of the movable plate 535 on the second connection portion 533 side to the end portion of the carry-out surface 534B on the first connection portion 532 side so that the curvature of the transport drum member 550 described later is substantially the same curvature. In other words, the curved surface is curved upward with a curved surface having a predetermined radius around the rotation axis of the transport drum member 550. Moreover, the central angle with respect to the circular arc which connects the 2nd connection part side edge part from the 1st connection part side edge part of curved surface part 534A is set to substantially right angle. Note that although an example in which the central angle of the curved surface portion 534A is substantially a right angle is described in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and any configuration may be used as long as the central angle is 90 degrees or less.

The carry-out surface 534B is integrally formed with the curved surface portion 534A and the second stopper 533A. In addition, the carry-out surface 534B is formed to slightly tilt upward from the upper end edge of the second stopper 533A of the second connecting portion 533, for example, in 5 minutes (2.86 degrees), and to extend toward the first connecting portion 532. Has been.
A carry-out sensor C3 serving as a carry-out state detection unit constituting the movement state detection unit is provided on the front surface 530C side of the carry-out surface 534B. The carry-out sensor C3 is fixed to the outside of the front surface 530C, for example. That is, a sensor hole 530C1 that penetrates the inside and outside of the lower case 530 is formed in the vicinity of the carry-out surface 534B of the front surface 530C, and a carry-out sensor C3 is provided facing the sensor hole 530C1. Examples of the carry-out sensor C3 include an optical sensor and an infrared sensor. That is, sensor light for detection is emitted from the sensor hole 530C1 toward the inside, and the sensor light emitted by a light receiving unit (not shown) provided on the rear surface 530D side is received. In the carry-out sensor C3, the light reception time interval of the sensor light received by the light receiving unit is output to the control device. The carry-out sensor C3 is not limited to this. For example, the light receiving unit may be configured to detect the sensor light reflected by the pachinko ball P, or may use another sensor.

The upper case 530C and the rear surface 530D are provided with mounting pieces 536 that protrude outward at positions adjacent to the first side surface 530A and the second side surface 530B, respectively. The attachment piece 536 is formed with a hole through which a bolt passes when the upper case 540 is attached.
Further, a U-shaped groove 537 communicating with the opening window 531 is formed at the upper end edges of the front surface 530C and the rear surface 530D. The U-shaped groove 537 is formed in a longitudinal shape from the approximate center position of the upper edge of the front surface 530C and the rear surface 530D toward the bottom surface. A conveyance drum member 550 described later is inserted into the U-shaped groove 537.

  Further, a motor attachment hole 538 is formed below the corresponding positions of the curved surface portion 534A and the carry-out surface 534B of the front surface 530C of the lower case 530. A motor 561 of the driving unit 560 is fitted and fixed in the motor mounting hole 538. Further, a transmission gear 562 of the drive unit 560 is rotatably supported on the front surface 530C.

  In the present embodiment, the first side surface 530A, the second side surface 530B, the front surface 530C, the rear surface 530D, the first connection portion 532, the second connection portion 533, the curved surface portion 534A, and the carry-out surface 534B of the lower case 530 are provided. Although the structure currently formed integrally is illustrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, the first side surface 530A, the second side surface 530B, the first connection portion 532, the second connection portion 533, the curved surface portion 534A, and the carry-out surface 534B are synthetic resins such as polyoxymethylene (POM: polyoxymethylene, generic name: Duracon). The front surface 530C and the rear surface 530D are formed of, for example, a metal member, etc., and the first side surface 530A, the second side surface 530B, the first connection portion 532, the second connection portion 533, the curved surface portion 534A, and the carry-out surface It is good also as the structure currently fixed to the front surface 530C side and rear surface 530D side of 534B.

  The upper case 540 is formed of, for example, a metal member. The upper case 540 is detachably attached to the lower case 530 and holds a conveyance drum member 550 described later rotatably. The upper case 540 includes a top surface 541, a front holding surface 542, and a rear holding surface 543 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 to 7.

  The top surface 541 is formed with a drum insertion port 541A through which a part of the transport drum member 550 can be inserted. In addition, at four corners of the top surface 541, that is, at positions corresponding to the attachment pieces 536 of the lower case 530, attachment / detachment pieces 541B projecting to the front surface 530C side and the rear surface 530D side are provided. Each of the detachable pieces 541B has a hole portion through which a bolt is inserted. Then, the upper case 540 is detachably attached to the lower case 530 by bringing the attachment / detachment piece 541B into contact with the attachment piece 536 of the lower case 530 and bolting.

  The front holding surface 542 and the rear holding surface 543 are formed continuously adjacent to the top surface 541. The front holding surface 542 and the rear holding surface 543 are arranged so as to cover the front surface 530C and the rear surface 530D of the lower case 530, respectively, in a state where the upper case 540 is fixed to the lower case 530. Further, the front holding surface 542 and the rear holding surface 543 are formed such that a drum mounting piece 544 protrudes downward at a substantially central position. A shaft insertion groove 545 formed in a longitudinal shape toward the top surface 541 is formed at the lower end edge of the drum mounting piece 544. The drum attachment piece 544 includes a drum holding member 551A that rotatably holds the shaft portion 551 in a state where the shaft portion 551 of the transport drum member 550 is inserted into the shaft insertion groove 545 of the drum attachment piece 544. For example, the conveyance drum member 550 is detachably attached by fixing by screwing or the like.

  The conveyance drum member 550 includes a shaft portion 551, a core portion 552, a fin installation cylinder portion 553, and a plurality of fins 554 having a conveyance blade portion 553C.

The shaft portion 551 is disposed on a substantially central axis of the transport drum member 550.
A drum gear 551B that can mesh with the transmission gear 562 of the drive unit 560 is fixed at a predetermined position on one end side of the shaft portion 551 on the front surface 530C side. For example, the drum gear 551B is fixed to the shaft portion 551 by notching a part of the shaft portion 551 and forming a hole through which the shaft portion 551 of the drum gear 551B is inserted into a shape corresponding to the notch.
Further, a pressing member 551C is inserted and fixed on the further end side of the fixing position of the drum gear 551B of the shaft portion 551. The pressing member 551C is engaged with the drum gear 551B to prevent the drum gear 551B from falling off. In addition, it is good also as a structure etc. which fix a drum gear 551B to the axial part 551 by inserting a pin member etc. in the radial direction of the axial part 551, and making this pin member and the drum gear 551B latch.
Further, an operation knob 551D is fixed to the end portion of the shaft portion 551 on the front surface 530C side. Specifically, a male screw portion (not shown) is provided at the end portion of the shaft portion 551 on the front surface 530C side, and an operation knob 551D is screwed and fixed to the male screw portion. Accordingly, the transport drum member 550 can be forcibly rotated by manually rotating the operation knob 551D. Therefore, for example, when the pachinko ball P is clogged in the ball conveyance unit 520, the conveyance drum member 550 is rotated by rotating the operation knob 551D, and the clogging can be eliminated.

  Further, the drum holding member 551A as described above is rotatably provided on the inner side of the fixed position of the drum gear 551B, that is, on the other end side. Further, similarly, a drum holding member 551A is rotatably provided at a predetermined position on the other end portion side on the rear surface 530D side of the shaft portion 551. Then, as described above, the drum holding member 551A is screwed to the drum mounting piece 544 of the upper case 540, for example, so that the transport drum member 550 is rotatably and detachably fixed to the upper case 540. Yes.

  Furthermore, the other end portion of the shaft portion 551 is provided with a drum torque sensor C4 as driving state detecting means constituting moving state detecting means as shown in FIG. The drum torque sensor C4 includes a meniscus C41 provided at the other end of the shaft portion 551, an infrared sensor (not shown) that detects infrared rays reflected from the meniscus by irradiating, for example, infrared rays toward the half moon pieces. Etc. The infrared sensor of the drum torque sensor C4 is electrically connected to the control device, and the detection interval of the meniscus C41 is input to the control device as a detection signal. Thus, the control device can calculate the rotational speed of the transport drum member 550 based on the detection interval of the half-moon C41 of the infrared sensor.

  The core part 552 is made of a synthetic resin such as Duracon. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the core portion 552 includes an inner cylinder portion 552A into which the shaft portion 551 is inserted, an outer cylinder portion 552B inserted through the fin installation cylinder portion 553, and these inner cylinder portions 552A. And a plurality of radiation connecting portions 552C for connecting the outer cylinder portions 552B. The inner cylinder part 552A, the outer cylinder part 552B, and the radiation connection part 552C are integrally formed of, for example, synthetic resin.

  The inner cylinder portion 552A is formed such that the diameter of the inner peripheral surface is substantially the same as the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 551, and the shaft portion 551 is fitted into the inner peripheral portion. Accordingly, when the shaft portion 551 is rotationally driven, the inner cylinder portion 552A is also rotated, and the transport drum member 550 is rotationally driven. In addition, although it was set as the structure which inserts the axial part 551 in the inner cylinder part 552A, it is not limited to this, For example, in the state which inserted the axial part 551 in the inner cylinder part 552A, the axial part 551 from the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder part 552A. It is good also as a structure fixed so that the axial part 551 may not rotate with respect to the inner cylinder part 552A by inserting a pin member toward the center axis | shaft. Further, a plurality of radial coupling portions 552C are formed in the radial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 552A. As described above, the inner cylindrical portion 552A and the outer cylindrical portion 552B are coupled by the radial coupling portion 552C. Has been.

  As described above, the outer tube portion 552B is connected and fixed to the inner tube portion 552A by the radiation connecting portion 552C. When the inner tube portion 552A is driven to rotate by the rotation of the shaft portion 551, the outer tube portion 552B is also driven to rotate. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, positioning pins 552B1 protruding in the outer diameter direction are formed at predetermined intervals, for example, at intervals of 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. These positioning pins 552B1 are formed at the end portion on the front surface 530C side in the axial direction of the outer cylinder portion 552B. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 552B, rotation stop portions 552B2 that protrude in the outer diameter direction at predetermined intervals and are formed in a longitudinal shape in parallel with the axial direction of the core portion 552 are formed. These rotation stoppers 552B2 are disposed, for example, two at equal intervals between adjacent positioning pins 552B1.

As shown in FIG. 10, the fin installation cylinder portion 553 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape using, for example, a synthetic resin. The inner peripheral diameter of the fin installation cylinder 553 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 552B of the core 552. Further, the length dimension in the axial direction of the fin installation cylinder portion 553 is formed to be approximately the same as the distance dimension between the front surface 530C and the rear surface 530D of the lower case 530.
And this fin installation cylinder part 553 is provided with a pin insertion hole 553A and a rotation stop insertion groove 553B at positions facing the positioning pins 552B1 and the rotation stop part 552B2 formed on the outer cylinder part 552B of the core part 552, respectively. Yes. Further, the pin insertion hole 553A is formed on the end side on the front surface 530C side of the fin installation cylinder portion 553, and a sliding groove is formed from the pin insertion hole 553A toward the end portion of the fin installation cylinder portion 553. Thereby, when inserting the core part 552 in the fin installation cylinder part 553, the positioning pin 552B1 can be slid along the sliding groove and moved to the pin insertion hole 553A, and the assemblability is improved.

  In addition, a plurality of fin installation holes 553C penetrating the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface and extending in the axial direction are formed in the fin installation cylinder portion 553 at predetermined intervals. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the fin installation holes 553C are arranged at equal intervals, for example, at intervals of 30 degrees, between the adjacent pin insertion holes 553A and the rotation stop insertion grooves 553B, and between the rotation stop insertion grooves 553B adjacent to each other. Each is provided in between. The fins 554 are inserted through the fin installation holes 553C so as to protrude from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side. In this embodiment, an example in which the fin installation holes 553C are formed at intervals of 30 degrees is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pachinko ball conveyed by the fin 554 to the curved surface portion 534A of the conveyance path portion 534 The distance is not particularly limited as long as it can be lifted and conveyed.

The fins 554 are substantially plate-like members formed of, for example, flexible synthetic resin such as urethane rubber, and are formed in a longitudinal shape along the axial direction of the transport drum member 550. As shown in FIG. 8, the fin 554 includes a fixed end portion 554A, an insertion portion 554B, and a conveying blade portion 554C. The fixed end portion 554A, the insertion portion 554B, and the conveying blade portion 554C are integrally formed.
The fixed end portion 554A is provided at an end portion of the fin 554, and is formed in a substantially T shape with respect to the insertion portion 554B. The fixed end portion 554A is a portion that is sandwiched and fixed between the core portion 552 and the fin installation cylinder portion 553. The length dimension in the tangential direction of the core part 552 and the fin installation cylinder part 553 is formed to be larger than the groove width of the fin installation hole 553C of the fin installation cylinder part 553. As a result, the fixed end portion 554A prevents the fin 554 from falling off the transport drum member 550.

  The insertion portion 554B is formed to rise substantially vertically from a substantially center position in the tangential direction of the fin installation cylinder portion 553 of the fixed end portion 554A. The insertion portion 554B is inserted into the fin installation hole 553C of the fin installation cylinder portion 553.

The conveying blade portion 554C is formed continuously with the insertion portion 554B and is inclined with respect to the insertion portion 554B at a predetermined angle. Here, the conveying blade portion 554 </ b> C is formed at a predetermined inclination angle that inclines in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the conveying drum member 550 toward the outer diameter side of the conveying drum member 550.
Further, the length dimension of the conveying blade portion 554C in the radial direction of the conveying drum member 550 is such that the gap between the tip end portion of the conveying blade portion 554C and the curved surface portion 534A of the lower case 530 is at least the diameter of the pachinko ball P to be conveyed. The size is smaller than the size.

  The drive unit 560 includes a motor 561, a transmission gear 562, and the like. As described above, the motor 561 is fitted into the motor mounting hole 538 provided in the front surface 530C of the lower case 530, and is fixed by, for example, screwing. The motor 561 is electrically connected to the control device, and rotates a motor shaft that projects from the front surface 530C side when predetermined power is supplied from the control device. A motor gear 561A is fixed to the tip of the motor shaft of the motor 561, and the rotational driving force of the motor 561 is transmitted to the transmission gear 562.

  As described above, the transmission gear 562 is rotatably attached to the front surface 530C and meshes with the motor gear 561A of the motor 561. The transmission gear 562 meshes with a drum gear 551B fixed to the shaft portion 551 of the transport drum member 550 in a state where the upper case 540 is fixed to the lower case 530. Then, the rotational driving force transmitted from the motor 561 is transmitted to the drum gear 551B, and the transport drum member 550 is rotationally driven.

The control device controls the overall operation of the ball conveying device 500.
Specifically, as described above, the control device is electrically connected to the lifting device 250, the heel side detection sensor C1, the movable detection switch C2, the carry-out sensor C3, the drum torque sensor C4, the motor 561, and the like. A predetermined power is supplied to these.
Further, the control device recognizes various detection signals input from the heel side detection sensor C1, the movable detection switch C2, the carry-out sensor C3, and the drum torque sensor C4, and the motor of the lifting device 250 and each ball transport unit 520. The drive of 561 is controlled.

  Specifically, the control device determines the clogged state of the pachinko ball P moving on the transport plate 511E based on the detection signal input from the heel side detection sensor C1. That is, the control device recognizes the time when the detection signal is not input from the heel side detection sensor C1. When the time during which this detection signal is not input is equal to or longer than a predetermined time set in advance, it is determined that the replenishment basket 510 is in a clogged state, for example, a ball transport unit 520 disposed on the upstream side of the replenishment basket 510. The motor 561 is temporarily stopped and driven again after a predetermined time.

  Further, when the control device recognizes the detection signal from the movable detection switch C2, the control device stops the motor 561 of the ball transport unit 520 of the ball transport device 500 and the lifting device 250.

  Further, the ball transport unit 520 recognizes the time when the detection signal is not input from the carry-out sensor C3 based on the detection signal input from the carry-out sensor C3. If the time during which this detection signal is not input is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, it is determined that the pachinko ball P on the carry-out surface 534B has not moved, that is, the replenishment basket 510 on the downstream side of the ball transport unit 520 is clogged. Then, control is performed to stop the motor 561 of the ball transport unit 520 provided with the carry-out sensor C3. Further, when the detection signal is input from the carry-out sensor C3 with the motor 561 stopped, the control to drive the motor 561 again is performed.

  Furthermore, the control device recognizes the rotational speed of the transport drum member 550 based on the detection signal input from the drum torque sensor C4. When the rotational speed of the transport drum member 550 is lower than a predetermined rotational speed set in advance, the control device urgently stops the motor 561 of the ball transport unit 520 of the ball transport device 500 and the transport operation of the transport device 250. To control.

[Game system operation]
Next, the operation of the ball transport device 500 in the installed gaming system 100 will be described.

  The pachinko balls P introduced into the collection hopper 242 provided in the game main body 300 arranged in the island structure 200 and the pachinko balls P introduced from the counting means (not shown) provided at, for example, the end of the island structure 200 are Then, it is stored in the collection tank 241 of the island collection means 240.

  Then, the control device controls the lifting means of the lifting device 250 to convey the pachinko balls P stored in the collection basket 241 from the ball collection port 251 to the ball discharge port 252.

  The pachinko balls P discharged from the ball discharge port 252 are introduced into the ball transport device 500. That is, the pachinko balls P are discharged onto the transport plate 511E of the replenishing basket 510 connected to the ball discharge port 252 and flow on the transport plate 511E to be transported downstream.

At this time, since the transport plate 511E of the replenishing rod 510 is formed in a substantially arc shape with the substantially central portion on the upper side, the pachinko ball P moves on the transport plate 511E along the saddle side surface member 512. Then, the pachinko balls P are conveyed and supplied to the game main bodies 300 and the game medium lending devices 400 from the ball outlets 512 </ b> C provided on the heel side member 512 through the ball supply chute 514.
In addition, when the pachinko balls P are sufficiently supplied to the ball supply chute 514, about 1/4 of the pachinko balls P in the vicinity of the final tail among the pachinko balls P supplied to the ball outlet 512C are balls. Projecting from the outlet 512C onto the conveying plate 511E. As a result, the pachinko balls P conveyed from the upstream side of the conveying plate 511E come into contact with some of the pachinko balls P near the final tail, bounce back to the central side of the conveying plate 511E, and are conveyed downstream. Is done.

  Further, the control device recognizes the number of transport movements per unit time of the pachinko balls P transported on the transport plate 511E based on a detection signal input from the heel side detection sensor C1 provided on the downstream side of the replenishment jar 510. . Then, when the number of transport movements is smaller than a predetermined number, the control device determines that the replenishment basket 510 is clogged with pachinko balls P conveyed from the upstream side, and the upstream of the replenishment basket 510 The motor 561 of the ball conveying unit 520 arranged on the side, that is, the upstream side, or the lifting means of the lifting device 250 is controlled to be temporarily stopped, and the lifting of the motor 561 and the lifting device 250 is again performed after a predetermined time. Control to drive the feeding means.

  Thereafter, the pachinko balls P transported by the replenishing basket 510 are carried into the first connecting portion 532 of the ball transport unit 520.

  Further, the control device controls the motor 561 of the ball transport unit 520 to rotate the transport drum member 550. Thereby, the fins 554 of the transport drum member 550 lift the pachinko balls P transported to the first connecting portion 532 to the unloading surface 534B side along the curved surface portion 534A. At this time, since the fins 554 are formed in a shape that is inclined in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the transport drum member 550, for example, the problem that the pachinko balls P are picked up by the fins 554 and are not discharged to the carry-out surface 534B is prevented. It becomes possible.

  And a control apparatus recognizes the detection signal input from the carrying-out sensor C3 provided in the side of the carrying-out surface 534B, and recognizes the movement state of the pachinko ball P in the carrying-out surface 534B. When the control device determines that the pachinko ball P on the carry-out surface 534B is clogged, the control device controls the motor 561 to stop. Then, when the control device recognizes that the clogged state of the pachinko balls P on the carry-out surface 534B has been eliminated based on the detection signal input from the carry-out sensor C3, the control device drives the motor 561 again and uses the conveyance drum member 550. Control to resume the lifting operation of the pachinko ball P is performed.

  In addition, when a predetermined number or more of the pachinko balls P conveyed from the upstream side are carried into the ball conveyance unit 520, the pachinko balls P are stacked on the movable plate 535 in multiple stages. When the transport drum member 550 is rotationally driven in this state, the movable plate 535 is pushed downward, and the movable detection switch C2 is pushed. In such a case, the control device recognizes the detection signal input from the movable detection switch C2, and urgently stops the motor 561 of the ball transport unit 520 in which the movable detection switch C2 is pressed.

  Further, the control device calculates the rotation speed of the transport drum member 550 based on the detection signal input from the drum torque sensor C4. When the rotation speed calculated in a state where the motor 561 is driven is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed set in advance, the ball transport unit 520 and all the balls disposed on the upstream side of the ball transport unit 520 are arranged. The motor 561 of the ball transport unit 520 and the lifting device of the lifting device are stopped in an emergency.

  Further, when the pachinko ball P starts to accumulate in the replenishing rod 510 due to the stop of the motor 561 as described above, the clogging of the pachinko ball P is detected by the carry-out sensor C3 and the rod-side detection sensor C1 of the upstream ball conveyance unit 520. Then, the motor 561 of the upstream ball conveying unit 520 is also stopped. Here, when the motor 561 of the ball transport unit 520 located on the downstream side of the lifting device 250 is stopped, the control device performs control to stop driving of the lifting means of the lifting device 250.

  On the other hand, the pachinko balls P carried out to the carry-out surface 534 </ b> B are carried out to the supply basket 510 connected to the second connecting portion 533. Then, the replenishment basket 510 connected to the second connection portion 533 transports the pachinko balls P to the downstream side and introduces them into the ball transport unit 520 disposed on the downstream side, similarly to the above-described supply basket 510. Hereinafter, similarly, the pachinko balls P are transported by the replenishment basket 510 and the ball transport unit 520 to the end of the island structure 200, and each game body 300 and the Pachinko balls P are supplied to each game medium lending device 400.

[Effects of Embodiment]
As described above, the ball transport device 500 of the gaming system as described above transports the pachinko ball P carried into the first connection portion 532 upward by the ball transport unit 520, and from the second connection portion 533. The pachinko ball P is carried out to the replenishment basket 510. When the control device determines that the pachinko ball P is in a clogged state, the control device controls to stop the pachinko ball P from being transported by the ball transport unit 520.
For this reason, when the game medium is jammed in the replenishment basket 510, the transport of the pachinko ball P to the replenishment basket 510 by the ball transport unit 520 can be stopped. Therefore, it can prevent that the extra pachinko ball P continues being conveyed by this clogged part, and the pachinko ball P can be conveyed appropriately.

Then, the ball conveying device 500 conveys the pachinko balls P carried into the first connecting portion 532 from the replenishing basket 510 arranged on the upstream side by the ball conveying unit 520, from the second connecting portion 533. The pachinko ball P is carried out to the replenishment basket 510 arranged on the downstream side.
For this reason, the pachinko ball P that has moved to the downstream end of the upstream replenishment basket 510 is transported upward and is transported to the upstream end of the downstream replenishment basket 510, whereby the pachinko ball P is played. Can be conveyed substantially along the direction in which they are arranged. Therefore, even if the length of the island structure 200 is increased, the vertical direction between the position of the upstream end of the upstream supply rod 510 and the position of the downstream end of the downstream supply rod 510 The pachinko ball P can be guided in a state where the dimensional difference is minimized. Therefore, the height of the island structure 200 can be reduced. Furthermore, the installation work of the island structure 200 can be easily performed. Moreover, since the height dimension of the island structure 200 becomes low, the efficiency of air conditioning can be improved. Furthermore, when a security camera or the like is installed on the ceiling, the height of the island structure 200 is reduced so that the field of view of the security camera is improved, the illegal use of the game main body 300 can be prevented, and the crime prevention side should be strengthened. Can do.

Further, the control device recognizes the conveyance state of the pachinko balls P in the vicinity of the carry-out surface 534B and the second connecting portion 533 based on the detection signal input from the carry-out sensor C3. When the control device recognizes that the transport state of the pachinko balls P in the vicinity of the carry-out surface 534B and the second connecting portion 533 is clogged, it stops driving the ball transport unit 520 provided with the carry-out sensor C3. I am letting.
For this reason, for example, even if a trouble occurs in the ball transport unit 520 on the downstream side of the ball transport unit 520 and the pachinko ball P is clogged in the replenishing basket 510, the control device uses the detection signal from the carry-out sensor C3 to Recognizing the clogged state of the pachinko balls P near the two connecting portions 533 and the carry-out surface 534B and stopping the motor 561, the number of extra pachinko balls P to be replenished to the replenishment rod 510 can be minimized. .

Further, when the control device recognizes the transport state of the pachinko balls P near the first connection portion 532 and recognizes that the transport state of the pachinko balls P near the first connection portion 532 is clogged, the first connection The driving of the ball transport unit 520 having the portion 532 is stopped.
For this reason, when the pachinko ball P is jammed in the vicinity of the first connecting portion 532, the ball transport unit 520 is not driven to transport the jammed pachinko ball P, and the processing load of the ball transport unit 520 is increased. And damage can be prevented.

Then, the control device recognizes the conveyance state of the pachinko balls P on the downstream side of the upstream replenishment rod 510 based on the detection signal input from the heel side detection sensor C1, and recognizes that the conveyance state is a clogged state. Then, the driving of the ball transport unit 520 located downstream of the heel side detection sensor C1 is stopped.
For this reason, when a large amount of pachinko balls P are present on the downstream side of the replenishment basket 510 on the upstream side, the driving of the ball conveyance unit 520 can be stopped, and the ball conveyance unit 520 by conveying a large amount of the pachinko balls P at a time. It is possible to prevent a sudden increase in processing load and damage.

Further, the control device detects that the pachinko ball P is clogged in the vicinity of the first connecting portion 532 and the pachinko ball P is pressed substantially downward by the fin 554 by the movable detection switch C2, and in the vicinity of the first connecting portion 532, When it is recognized that the pachinko ball P is clogged, the motor 561 is stopped.
For this reason, when the pachinko ball P is excessively carried into the first connecting portion 532 and is clogged, it is easily detected in the vicinity of the first connecting portion 532 only by detecting the pressing state of the pachinko ball P substantially downward by the fins 554. The clogged state can be recognized.

Further, a movable plate 535 is provided in the vicinity of the first connecting portion 532 and is rotatable in the direction pressed by the fins 554. Further, the movable detection switch C2 detects whether or not the movable plate 535 is rotated downward.
That is, when a predetermined number or more of pachinko balls P are carried from the first connecting portion 532 and the transport drum member 550 rotates in a state where it overlaps with the movable plate 535 in multiple stages, the movable plate 535 is moved by the fins 554. The pachinko balls P overlapped in multiple stages are pushed and rotated downward. Alternatively, the movable plate 535 rotates downward by the weight of the pachinko balls P that overlap in multiple stages. The control device detects the rotation of the movable plate 535 by the movable detection switch C2, and stops the motor 561 when the movable plate 535 rotates.
For this reason, when a large amount of the pachinko balls P are carried into the first connecting portion 532, the fins 554 of the transport drum member 550 scrape the pachinko balls P in a large amount, for example, between the fins 554 and the curved surface portion 534A. Inconveniences such as P clogging and pachinko balls P clogged between the fins 554 can be prevented, and the ball conveying unit 520 can be operated normally. Further, the pressing state of the pachinko ball P by the fin 554 can be detected only by detecting the rotation amount of the movable plate 535, and the configuration can be easily simplified.

The movable plate 535 is provided so as to be rotatable around a pin 535B provided at an end portion on the curved surface portion 534A side.
For this reason, when the movable plate 535 is rotated by less than a predetermined amount, the level difference between the movable plate 535 and the curved surface portion 534A can be minimized, and the pachinko ball P can be continuously conveyed. Therefore, the ball conveying device 500 can convey the pachinko ball P more appropriately.

Also, a biasing spring 535C that biases the movable plate 535 upward is provided.
For this reason, for example, after the pachinko ball P rotated by the movable plate 535 in the pressing direction by less than a predetermined amount is conveyed, the operation of returning the movable plate 535 to the original position is not performed, and the new pachinko ball P The conveyance can be continued, and the management of the ball conveyance device 500 can be facilitated.

Further, the control means supplies the predetermined driving power to the motor 561 of the driving unit 560, but the rotation speed of the transport drum member 550 detected by the drum torque sensor C4 is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed. The drive of the motor 561 is stopped.
For this reason, the pachinko balls P are clogged between the fins 554 and the curved surface portion 534A of the conveyance drum member 550, or the pachinko balls P are clogged in other portions, and the rotational driving force of the conveyance drum member 550 is reduced. In such a case, the abnormality of the transport drum member 550 can be detected and stopped.

A ball replenishing chute 514 is provided on the replenishing rod 510 of the ball conveying device 500.
For this reason, the pachinko ball P can be supplied to the game main body 300 while being transported, and the convenience of the ball transport device 500 can be improved.

[Modification of Embodiment]
The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various improvements and design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Is possible.

  For example, although the movement state detection means of the present invention has exemplified the configuration for detecting the conveyance state of the pachinko balls P in the plurality of replenishment rods 510 provided in series from the lifting device 250 to the end of the island structure 200, Further, the present invention may be applied to a configuration for detecting the conveyance state of the pachinko balls P in a configuration having only one replenishment rod provided from the lifting device 250 to the end of the island structure 200.

  Further, as the carry-in state detection means, the rotation detection state of the movable plate 535 is detected by the movable detection switch C2. However, for example, light such as infrared rays is emitted to block the pachinko balls P near the first connecting portion 532. You may use the optical sensor which detects a state.

  Furthermore, although the example using an optical sensor as the heel side detection sensor C1 and the carry-out sensor C3 has been shown, for example, a thin piezoelectric sensor is provided on the transport plate 511E, and the pressure change due to the pachinko ball P passing over the piezoelectric sensor is detected. It is good also as a structure etc. which detect and recognize the distribution | circulation amount of the pachinko ball P. And it is good also as a structure which provides a thin-shaped piezoelectric sensor as a press state detection means of this invention instead of the movable plate 535 and the movable detection switch C2.

  In addition, the half-moon C41 of the drum torque sensor C4 is attached to the shaft portion 551. However, for example, it may be attached to the shaft of the transmission gear 562 or the motor 561.

And it is good also as a structure which provides only at least 1 among the heel side detection sensor C1, the movable detection switch C2, the carry-out sensor C3, and the drum torque sensor C4.
With such a configuration, the configuration of the control device can be simplified.

Further, although the movable plate 535 is provided so as to be rotatable about the pin 535B, it may be configured to be capable of reciprocating in the vertical direction.
Further, although the movable plate 535 is provided so as to be rotatable around the end portion on the curved surface portion 534A side, the movable plate 535 may be provided so as to be rotatable around the end portion on the first connecting portion 532 side.
And it is good also as a structure which does not provide the urging | biasing spring 535C.

  Further, when the control device detects a detection signal from the movable detection switch C2, the control device 561 of the ball transport unit 520 or the lifting device 250 disposed upstream of the ball transport unit 520 provided with the movable detection switch C2 is provided. You may control to stop the drive of a lifting means. In this case, the amount of the pachinko balls P carried into the first connecting portion 532 can be reduced, and clogging of the pachinko balls P in the vicinity of the first connecting portion 532 can be eliminated.

Further, as the conveying member, the fin 554 protrudes from the peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical conveying drum member 550, and the fin 554 is moved upward along the arcuate curved surface of the curved surface portion 534A. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. .
For example, as the conveying member, an annular belt may be wound around a plurality of rotating shafts, and a plurality of fins may be provided on the belt. In such a configuration, a plate-like member that is inclined upward can be used as the transport path portion 534. That is, the rotation shafts of the conveyance members are arranged to face the lower end position and the upper end position of the conveyance path portion 534, respectively, and a belt having fins on the circumferential surface is wound around these rotation shafts.
Then, the driving means moves the rotating shaft so that the belt facing the conveyance path portion 534 moves upward, so that the fins provided on the belt also move upward along the conveyance path portion. Even with such a configuration, the pachinko balls can be easily transported upward along the transport path portion 534 by the fins.
In addition, the shape of the transport path portion is not limited to the flat plate shape as described above, but may be an arcuate curved surface shape as in the above embodiment, may be a shape that curves upward, or any shape. The pachinko balls can be transported upward by arranging the rotating shaft according to the shape of the transport path surface of the transport path section and winding the belt.

  In the above embodiment, a plurality of replenishing rods 510 are connected by a plurality of ball transport units 520. However, a configuration having only one ball transport unit 520 may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the substantially spherical pachinko ball P is used as the game medium. However, the game medium may be formed in a substantially elliptical shape or other shapes.

Although the best configuration for carrying out the present invention has been disclosed in the above description, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the invention has been illustrated and described primarily with respect to particular embodiments, but may be configured for the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art in terms of materials, quantity, and other detailed configurations.
Therefore, the description limited to the shape, material, etc. disclosed above is an example for easy understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The description by the name of the member which remove | excluded the limitation of one part or all of such is included in this invention.

  The present invention can be used for a game medium transport unit that transports game media for playing with a gaming device.

It is a front view which shows a part of game system in one embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows a part of ball conveying apparatus of the upper part of a game system. It is the front view which expanded further the vicinity of the ball conveyance unit of FIG. It is a perspective view of the replenishment basket in a ball conveyance apparatus. It is the enlarged front view which expanded the ball | bowl conveyance unit of FIG. It is sectional drawing of a ball conveyance unit. It is the top view which looked at the ball conveyance unit from the top side. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the conveyance drum member in the ball | bowl conveyance unit in the direction substantially orthogonal to an axial center. It is a perspective view of the core part which comprises a conveyance drum member. It is a perspective view of the fin installation cylinder part which comprises a conveyance drum member.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 ... Island structure 300 ... Game main body 400 which comprises a game device ... Game medium rental device 500 which comprises a game device ... Ball transport device 510 as a game media transport system ... Supply bowl 514 as a transport lane ... Game media supply part Ball replenishment chute 532 as a first connection portion 533 as a carry-in entrance, a second connection portion 534 as a carry-out exit, a conveyance path portion 534A constituting a conveyance portion, a curved surface portion 535 constituting a conveyance route surface, and a movement state detection Movable plate 535B constituting the means, carry-in state detection means, and pressing state detection means ... pin 535C as a rotation shaft ... moving state detection means, carry-in state detection means, and biasing means constituting the push state detection means Biasing spring 550... Transport drum member 554 as a transport member constituting the transport unit... Fin 560. The drive unit C1 as a stage: the heel side detection sensor C2 as the downstream state detection means constituting the movement state detection means and the carry-in state detection means. The movable part constituting the movement state detection means, the carry-in state detection means, and the pressing state detection means. Movable detection switch C3 as plate movement state detection means ... Unloading sensor C4 as unloading state detection means constituting movement state detection means ... Drum torque sensor P as drive state detection means constituting movement state detection means ... As a game medium The pachinko ball

Claims (11)

A game medium transport system provided on an island structure in which a plurality of game devices to be played using game media are installed substantially in parallel, and transports the game media substantially along the alignment direction of the game devices,
A transport lane that is provided in the longitudinal direction in substantially the same direction as the arrangement direction of the gaming devices, and transports the gaming media;
A carry-in entrance into which the game medium is carried;
A transport unit that moves the game medium carried into the carry-in entrance upward and transports the game medium to the vicinity of an upstream end in the moving direction of the game medium in the transport lane;
A carry-out port connected to the upstream end of the carrying lane, and carrying out the game medium carried by the carrying unit to the carrying lane;
A moving state detecting means for detecting a moving state of the game medium;
Control means for controlling to stop the transport of the game medium by the transport unit when it is determined that the game medium is clogged based on the travel state detected by the travel state detection means;
A game medium transport system comprising: The game medium transport system according to claim 1,
The transportation lane is
A first transport lane that is provided longitudinally in the same direction as the line-up direction of the gaming devices, and the game medium is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can be moved by its own weight;
The game apparatus is provided in a longitudinal direction substantially in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the game devices, and the game medium is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can be moved by its own weight, and an upstream end in the movement direction of the game medium is the first transport. A second transport lane provided at a height position higher than the downstream end in the moving direction of the game medium in the lane,
The carry-in port is connected to a downstream end of the first transfer lane, and the game medium is carried from the first transfer lane,
The transport unit transports the game medium carried into the carry-in entrance to the vicinity of the upstream end of the second transport lane,
The game outlet is connected to an upstream end of the second transfer lane, and the game medium transferred by the transfer unit is transferred to the second transfer lane. The game medium transport system according to claim 1 or 2,
The movement state detection means includes a carry-out state detection means for detecting a carry-out state of the game medium in the vicinity of the carry-out port,
The control unit performs control to stop the conveyance by the conveyance unit when it is determined that the game medium is in a jammed state based on the carry-out state detected by the carry-out state detection unit. Game media transport system. The game medium transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The movement state detection means includes a carry-in state detection means for detecting a carry-in state of the game medium in the vicinity of the carry-in entrance,
The control unit performs control to stop the conveyance by the conveyance unit when the game medium is determined to be in a jammed state based on the carry-in state detected by the carry-in state detection unit. Game media transport system. The game medium transport system according to claim 4,
The transportation lane is
A first transport lane that is provided longitudinally in the same direction as the line-up direction of the gaming devices, and the game medium is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can be moved by its own weight;
The game apparatus is provided in a longitudinal direction substantially in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the game devices, and the game medium is inclined at an inclination angle at which the game medium can be moved by its own weight, and an upstream end in the movement direction of the game medium is the first transport. A second transport lane provided at a height position higher than the downstream end in the moving direction of the game medium in the lane,
The carry-in port is connected to a downstream end of the first transfer lane, and the game medium is carried from the first transfer lane,
The transport unit transports the game medium carried into the carry-in entrance to the vicinity of the upstream end of the second transport lane,
The carry-out port is connected to an upstream end of the second transfer lane, and carries out the game medium transferred by the transfer unit to the second transfer lane.
The carrying-in state detecting means includes a downstream state detecting means for detecting a moving state of the game medium on the downstream side of the first transport lane,
When the control means determines that the game medium is in a jammed state based on the movement state detected by the downstream state detection means, the control means controls to stop the conveyance by the conveyance unit. Game media transport system. The game medium transport system according to claim 4 or 5,
The transport unit is
A conveyance path section provided substantially continuously at the carry-in entrance and having a conveyance path surface inclined upward;
A conveying member provided with a plurality of fins provided opposite to the conveying path surface so as to be movable at least partially along the conveying path surface and spaced apart from each other so as to lift up the game medium. When,
Driving means for driving the transport member in a state in which at least a part of the fin moves upward substantially along the transport path surface;
The carry-in state detection means is provided between the carry-in entrance and the transport path part, and includes a pressing state detection means for detecting a pressing state when the game medium is pressed substantially downward by the fins,
The control means determines that the game medium is in a clogged state when it is determined that the pressure is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressing force according to the pressing state detected by the pressing state detecting means. Game media transport system. The game medium transport system according to claim 6,
The pressing state detecting means includes
A movable plate that is provided between the carry-in port and the transport path portion and moves in the pressing direction when the game medium is pressed by the fin;
Movable plate movement state detection means for detecting the movement state of the movable plate as the pressed state,
When the control means determines that the movable plate has moved a predetermined amount or more according to the movement state detected by the movable plate movement detection means, the control means determines that the game medium is in a clogged state. Game media transport system. The game medium transport system according to claim 7,
The game medium is characterized in that the movable plate is provided in a state in which the end portion on the carry-in port side rotates in the pressing direction around a rotation shaft provided in the vicinity of the end portion on the transport path side. Conveying system. The game medium transport system according to claim 7 or 8,
The pressing state detecting means includes
A game medium transport system comprising biasing means for biasing the movable plate in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. A game medium transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The transport unit is
A conveyance path section provided substantially continuously at the carry-in entrance and having a conveyance path surface inclined upward;
A conveying member provided with a plurality of fins provided opposite to the conveying path surface so as to be movable at least partially along the conveying path surface and spaced apart from each other so as to lift up the game medium. When,
Driving means for driving the transport member in a state in which at least a part of the fin moves upward substantially along the transport path surface;
The moving state detecting means includes driving state detecting means for detecting a driving speed of the transport member,
When the control means determines that the drive speed of the conveying member detected by the drive state detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed with respect to the drive state of the drive means, the drive means stops the drive. A game media transport system characterized by control. A game medium transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A game medium transport system provided in the transport lane and provided with a game medium supply unit for supplying the game medium to the game device.