JP2009201890A - Game medium circulation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately respond to rapid change in the amount of game medium supply to a game medium using machine even when the lifting of the game medium is stopped as necessary. <P>SOLUTION: A game medium circulation system includes: a lifting section 11 for lifting the game medium; an upper tank 12 for storing the lifted game medium; a first detecting section 13 for detecting the amount of storage in the upper tank 12; supply medium conveying passage 14L, 14R for conveying the game medium discharged from the upper tank 12; lower tanks 18L, 18R for receiving and storing the game medium overflowing from the upper tank 12 and also discharging the game medium to the lifting section 11; and second detecting section 19L, 19R for detecting the amount of storage in the lower tanks 18L, 18R. When the amount of storage in the upper tank 12 is a prescribed amount or more and also the amount of storage in the lower tanks 18L, 18R is a prescribed amount or more, the lifting of the game medium by the lifting section 11 is stopped. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium circulation system used on a gaming machine island.

  In general, a game machine island in which a plurality of game medium use machines (for example, a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a game medium lending machine attached to this machine, for example) is arranged in parallel, A game media circulation system for circulating game media (for example, pachinko balls) within the machine island has been constructed. As the game medium circulation system, the game medium is collected from a game medium use machine, a counter provided at the island edge, etc., and the game medium is transported while the collected game medium is transported upward. The upper polishing tank for receiving and temporarily storing the transported game media, and transporting the game media discharged from the upper tank along the parallel direction of the game media use machines. It is known that a supply means for supplying each game medium using machine is provided, and the game medium is circulated in the game machine island by each means.

  By the way, in the game medium circulation system, it is not always preferable in terms of noise, power consumption, abrasive consumption, etc., if the lifting and polishing means for lifting the game medium is always operating. For this reason, it has been proposed for the game medium circulation system to stop the operation of the lifting and polishing means when the upper tank is full (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-66099 A

However, in the conventional game medium circulation system, since the operation control for the lifting and polishing means is performed only in accordance with the storage state of the game medium in the upper tank, it can cope with a rapid change in the supply amount of the game medium to the game medium using machine. It may not be possible.
For example, the amount of game media to be replenished from the replenishing means to the game medium using machine varies greatly depending on the operating status of the game medium using machine. Specifically, when a big hit occurs in a plurality of gaming machines at the same time, etc., it is necessary to supply a large amount of game media from the supply means to each gaming machine.
On the other hand, the upper tank does not necessarily have a capacity capable of storing a large amount of game media due to the configuration of the gaming machine island.
Therefore, in the case where the operation control for the lifting and polishing means is performed only in accordance with the storage state of the game medium in the upper tank, for example, the gaming medium using machine in a state where the upper tank is full and the operation of the lifting and polishing means is stopped. When a large amount of game media needs to be replenished, a shortage of game media to be replenished occurs even if the game media is discharged from the upper tank to the replenishment means. It is conceivable that the supply of gaming media to the user machine is limited.

  Therefore, the present invention appropriately copes with a sudden change in the amount of game media supplied to the game media using machine even when the game media is not always lifted but stopped as necessary. An object of the present invention is to provide a game medium circulation system capable of playing.

The present invention is a game medium supply device devised to achieve the above object.
The invention according to claim 1 is a game medium circulation system used in a game machine island in which a plurality of game medium use machines are arranged side by side, and a transporting means for transporting the game medium upward. An upper tank for receiving and storing the game medium lifted by the lifting means, first detection means for detecting a storage amount of the game medium in the upper tank, and the game medium discharged from the upper tank in the game A replenishment medium transport path for transporting along the parallel arrangement direction of the game medium use machines above the game medium use machines for replenishment to the medium use machines, and the upper tank below the upper tanks Receiving and storing gaming media overflowing from the lower tank, discharging the stored gaming media to the lifting means, second detection means for detecting the storage amount of gaming media in the lower tank, and the upper Games in the tank When the first detection means detects that the body storage amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and the second detection means detects that the storage amount of game media in the lower tank is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, The game medium circulation system further comprises operation control means for controlling the operation of the lifting means so as to stop the lifting of the game medium by the lifting means.

  In the game medium circulation system configured as described above, the operation control unit performs operation control on the transporting unit based on both the detection result of the first detection unit and the detection result of the second detection unit. In other words, if game media overflows from the upper tank, the overflowing game media will be stored in the lower tank, but if the storage amount of game media in the upper tank exceeds a predetermined amount, If the storage amount of the game medium in each of the upper tank and the lower tank is not less than a predetermined amount without stopping the game medium lifting, the game medium is stopped being lifted by the lifting means. Yes. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the game medium using the game medium use machine while the operation of the lifting means is stopped while allowing the lifting means to stop the lifting of the game medium as needed rather than always. Even if a game occurs, for example, the game medium stored in the upper tank is stored not only in the upper tank but also in the lower tank on the condition that the game medium is resumed by the lifting means due to a decrease in the storage amount of the game medium in the upper tank. The game media being used can also be used for replenishment to the game media use machine.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recovery medium guide path for guiding the game medium to the lower tank on the lower side of the game medium use machine, and a third detection means for detecting the retention of the game medium in the recovery medium guide path And when the third detection means detects that the game medium stays in the collection medium guide path, regardless of the detection results of the first detection means and the second detection means, 2. The game medium circulation system according to claim 1, wherein operation control is performed on the lifting means so that the lifting means lifts the game medium.

  In the game medium circulation system configured as described above, when the third detection means detects the retention of the game medium in the collected medium guide path, it is forcibly lifted regardless of the detection results of the first detection means and the second detection means. Let the means lift the game media. That is, the first detection means detects that the amount of game media stored in the upper tank is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and the second detection means detects that the amount of game media stored in the lower tank is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Even in such a case, the lifting is performed without stopping the lifting of the game medium by the lifting means. Therefore, even if the game medium is not always lifted by the lifting means but is stopped as necessary, the game medium staying in the collection medium guide path is backflowed and jammed in the game medium use machine. It is possible to avoid the adverse effects that may occur due to the suspension of the operation of the transporting means, such as causing trouble.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to stop the lifting of the game medium by the lifting means instead of constantly, but only the game medium stored in the upper tank even in that case can be stopped. In addition, the game media stored in the lower tank can also be used for replenishment to the game media using machine. For example, a game to be replenished when it becomes necessary to replenish a large amount of game media. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where there is a shortage of media, and as a result, it is possible to appropriately cope with a sudden change in the amount of game media supplied to the game media using machine.

  Hereinafter, a game medium circulation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Example of schematic configuration of amusement machine island]
Here, the gaming machine island where the game medium circulation system is used will be described first. Here, a gaming machine island in which a plurality of pachinko machines using a pachinko ball as a game medium are arranged side by side is taken as an example.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a schematic configuration of the gaming machine island.
As shown in the figure, the gaming machine island 1 has a pachinko machine 2 that is an example of a gaming machine and a pedestal ball lending machine 3 that is an example of a gaming medium lending machine attached to the middle part of the gaming machine island 1. A plurality of rows are arranged side by side. Each of these functions as a game medium using machine that uses a pachinko ball as a game medium. The pachinko machine 2 and the ball lending machine 3 may be arranged in two rows on both sides of the lifting and polishing tower 11 to be described later so that the back sides of the pachinko machine 2 and the inter-ball ball lending machine 11 face each other. However, there are no particular limitations on the number and arrangement of the arrangement, and for example, the arrangement is arranged only on one side of the lifting polishing tower 11 or arranged in a row only on one side. It does not matter if it is provided.

  Further, in the gaming machine island 1, in addition to the pachinko machine 2 and the inter-ball ball lending machine 3, for example, a pachinko ball counter 4 is installed at the island edge. The counting machine 4 has a ball throwing portion for throwing pachinko balls, and counts pachinko balls thrown into the ball throwing portion.

[Configuration example of game media circulation system]
Next, the game medium circulation system used in the gaming machine island 1 as described above will be described. Here, a ball circulation system that circulates pachinko balls in the gaming machine island 1 having the above-described configuration is taken as an example.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a schematic configuration of the ball circulation system.
The ball circulation system in the illustrated example removes dirt from the pachinko balls by polishing in the vicinity of the approximate center of the parallel arrangement direction of the pachinko machine 2 and the ball lending machine 3 in the gaming machine island 1 (left and right direction in the figure). A lifting polishing tower 11 for lifting pachinko balls is provided. Here, “lifting” means that the pachinko balls are transferred substantially vertically from the lower side of the gaming machine island 1 toward the upper side of the gaming machine island 1. Therefore, the lifting polishing tower 11 functions as the “lifting means” in the present invention. Note that the lifting and polishing of the pachinko balls by the lifting and polishing tower 11 may be performed using a known technique, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

An upper tank 12 is provided in the upper part of the lifting and polishing tower 11. The upper tank 12 receives and stores the pachinko balls lifted by the lifting and polishing tower 11, that is, stores the pachinko balls at the top of the gaming machine island 1.
It is assumed that a first detection sensor 13 for detecting the amount of pachinko balls stored in the upper tank 12 is attached to the upper tank 12. And when the storage height of the pachinko ball in the upper tank 12 reaches the sensor installation position, the storage amount of the pachinko ball in the upper tank 12 is a predetermined amount or more, more specifically, the upper tank 12 is full or close to it. The state is detected by the first detection sensor 13. Therefore, the first detection sensor 13 functions as the “first detection means” in the present invention. As such a first detection sensor 13, it is conceivable to use a photoelectric sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like. The upper tank 12 may be provided with a plurality of detection sensors so as to be able to detect the storage amount in stages.

  From both sides of the upper tank 12, supply rods 14L and 14R extend toward both ends (island ends) of the gaming machine island 1 respectively. In each replenishing rod 14L, 14R, the pachinko balls lifted to the upper tank 12 by the lifting and polishing tower 11 are referred to as a pachinko machine 2 or an inter-ball ball lending machine 3 (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko machine 2 etc.”). ) Is formed. More specifically, the pachinko balls discharged from the upper tank 12 are transported along the parallel direction of the pachinko machine 2 etc. above the pachinko machine 2 etc. for replenishment to the pachinko machine 2 etc. In order to perform the conveyance using the natural flow of pachinko balls, the game machine is constructed obliquely so as to gradually lower from the center of the island 1 toward the end of the island. That is, the replenishing rods 14L and 14R function as the “replenishment medium transport path” in the present invention.

Further, a lower tank 15 is provided with a middle tank 15 for receiving pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank 12. A detection sensor 16 is also provided near the middle tank 15. The detection sensor 16 is turned off when no pachinko balls are accumulated in the middle tank 15, and is turned on when pachinko balls are accumulated in the middle tank 15.
Then, overflow hoses 17L and 17R extend from both sides of the middle tank 15 toward the lower side of the gaming machine island 1, respectively. The overflow hoses 17L and 17R are arranged vertically toward the lower side of the gaming machine island 1.

The lower ends of the overflow hoses 17L and 17R communicate with lower tanks 18L and 18R disposed below the upper tank 12 and the middle tank 15 and further below the pachinko machine 2 and the like. The lower tanks 18L and 18R receive pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank 12 via the middle tank 15 and store them. However, the bottom plates of the lower tanks 18 </ b> L and 18 </ b> R are inclined so as to gradually become lower toward the inlet chute of the lifted polishing tower 11 located at the bottom of the lifted polishing tower 11. Accordingly, the lower tanks 18L and 18R can discharge the stored pachinko balls to the lifting and polishing tower 11.
It is assumed that second detection sensors 19L and 19R for detecting the amount of pachinko balls stored in the lower tanks 18L and 18R are attached to the lower tanks 18L and 18R, respectively. When the pachinko ball storage height in the lower tanks 18L and 18R reaches the sensor installation position, the pachinko ball storage amount in the lower tanks 18L and 18R is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. The second detection sensors 19L and 19R detect that 18R is full or close to it. Therefore, the second detection sensors 19L and 19R function as “second detection means” in the present invention. As such second detection sensors 19 </ b> L and 19 </ b> R, similarly to the first detection sensor 13, it is conceivable to use a photoelectric sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like. As with the upper tank 12, the lower tanks 18L and 18R may be provided with a plurality of detection sensors so as to perform stepwise storage amount detection.

Further, on the upper side of the pachinko machine 2 and the like, a shutter 20R is disposed at the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the pachinko balls in the replenishment rod 14R on the side where the ball counter 4 is installed (right side in the figure). . The shutter 20R is configured to be openable and closable by a drive source such as an electromagnetic solenoid (not shown). The shutter 20R closes the pachinko ball on the replenishing rod 14R in the closed state, and opens the pachinko ball from the replenishing rod 14R in the open state. It is designed to allow spillage.
Then, the end hose 21R extends downward from the installation position of the shutter 20R. The end hose 21 </ b> R is arranged vertically toward the lower side of the gaming machine island 1, but may have a slight inclination or a bent shape. The lower end of the end hose 21R communicates with a lower tank 22 arranged separately from the lower tanks 18L and 18R on the lower side of the pachinko machine 2 and the like.

  The lower tank 22 receives the pachinko balls that have flowed down through the end hose 21R, the pachinko balls that have been thrown into the ball throwing portion of the ball counting machine 4, or the pachinko balls (out balls) that have been collected from the pachinko machine 2, etc. The storage is performed. However, the bottom plate of the lower tank 22 is inclined so as to gradually become lower toward the lifting and polishing tower 11 side, that is, toward the center of the gaming machine island 1. A lifter 24 is disposed next to the lower tank 22. Accordingly, the lower tank 22 can discharge the stored pachinko balls to the lifter 24. The lifter 24 receives the pachinko balls discharged from the lower tank 22 and lifts them upward. It has come to be able to do.

  An outrail 23R is installed between the lifter 24 and the lower tank 18R. The outrail 23R receives the pachinko ball lifted up by the lifter 24 and transports it toward the lower tank 18R. The outrail 23R is directed toward the lower tank 18R so as to perform the transport using the natural flow of the pachinko ball. It is constructed with an inclination so as to gradually become lower. That is, the outrail 23R guides the pachinko balls collected from the replenishment basket 14R, the ball counter 4 or the pachinko machine 2 etc. to the lower tank 18R on the lower side of the pachinko machine 2 etc. It functions as a “guideway”.

On the other hand, on the side where the ball counter 4 is not installed (the left side in the figure), an outrail 23L is disposed below the pachinko machine 2 and the like.
The outrail 23L receives a pachinko ball to be collected from the pachinko machine 2 and transports it toward the lower tank 18L. The outrail 23L is disposed on the lower tank 18L side so as to perform the transport using the natural flow of the pachinko ball. It is configured with an inclination so as to gradually become lower. That is, the outrail 23L guides the pachinko balls collected from the pachinko machine 2 and the like to the lower tank 18L on the lower side of the pachinko machine 2 and the like. It functions as a “guideway”.

  Assume that the third detection sensors 25L and 25R for detecting the stay of pachinko balls in the outrails 23L and 23R are attached to the outrails 23L and 23R. When pachinko balls accumulate on the outrails 23L and 23R up to the sensor installation position, it is detected by the third detection sensors 25L and 25R that the pachinko balls stay on the outrails 23L and 23R. It is like that. Accordingly, the third detection sensors 25L and 25R function as “third detection means” in the present invention. As such third detection sensors 25L and 25R, it is conceivable to use a photoelectric sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like.

In addition, a control box for controlling the processing operation in the ball circulation system (provided that the pachinko ball circulation is not hindered in any part of the gaming machine island 1, for example, the lower side of the pachinko machine 2 etc.) (Not shown) is provided. The control box has a function as a computer that executes a predetermined program by combining a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. Controls the processing operation in the ball circulation system, in particular, the driving operation of the lifting and polishing tower 11. However, the control box is configured to perform operation control on the lifting and polishing tower 11 based on detection results from the first detection sensor 13 to the third detection sensors 25L and 25R. That is, the control box functions as “operation control means” in the present invention.
If there is a host computer or the like that is a higher-level machine of the gaming machine island 1, the control box is communicably connected to the host computer or the like, and exchanges various data with the host computer or the like. It may be possible to perform.

[Example of processing operation of game media circulation system]
Next, an example of processing operation in the above ball circulation system will be described.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the flow of pachinko balls in the ball circulation system shown in FIG.

First, the basic flow of pachinko balls in the ball circulation system will be described.
In the ball circulation system, when a pachinko ball is thrown into the ball throwing portion of the ball counting machine 4 (step 101, the following step is abbreviated as “S”), the pachinko ball is provided on the back side of the ball counting machine 4. It flows into the lower tank 22 from the discharged outlet (S102). Pachinko balls (out balls) discharged from the pachinko machine 2 and the like also flow into the lower tank 22.

  The pachinko balls that have flowed into the lower tank 22 are discharged from the lower tank 22 and then lifted up by the lifter 24 (S103) and supplied to the outrail 23R. Then, it rolls on the outrail 23R as it is (S104), flows into the lower tank 18R, passes through the passage in the lower tank 18R (S105), and is taken into the lift polishing tower 11 from the inlet chute (S106). .

  The pachinko balls taken into the lift polishing tower 11 are lifted to the upper tank 12 while being polished by driving the lift polishing tower 11 (S107). Then, the pachinko balls that have reached the upper tank 12 flow into the replenishing rods 14L and 14R extending to the left and right of the upper tank 12, and are conveyed along the juxtaposed direction of the pachinko machine 2 and the like (S108). In this way, the pachinko balls that have flowed into the replenishing rods 14L, 14R are supplied to the respective pachinko machines 2 or inter-ball ball lending machines 3.

The pachinko ball on the replenishing rod 14R is normally opened when the closed shutter 20R is opened as necessary, so that the opened shutter 20R and the end hose 21R are opened from the downstream end in the transport direction of the replenishing rod 14R. Through (S109), it flows into the lower tank 22 (S110). The pachinko balls that have flowed into the lower tank 22 merge with the pachinko balls from the ball counting machine 4 or the pachinko balls (out balls) discharged from the pachinko machine 2, etc., and then lifted up by the lifter 24 (S103). It is supplied to the rail 23R. Then, it rolls on the outrail 23R as it is (S104), flows into the lower tank 18R, passes through the passage in the lower tank 18R (S105), and is taken into the lift polishing tower 11 from the inlet chute (S106). .
On the other hand, pachinko balls (out balls) discharged from the pachinko machine 2 and the like on the side where the ball counter 4 is not installed (left side in the figure) flow into the outrail 23L (S111). Then, the pachinko balls that have flown into the outrail 23L flow into the lower tank 18L, pass through the passage in the lower tank 18L (S112), and are taken into the lifting and polishing tower 11 from the inlet chute (S106).

  The pachinko balls that have been lifted and polished by the lifting and polishing tower 11 and have flowed into the replenishing rods 14L and 14R through the upper tank 12 have accumulated on the replenishing rods 14L and 14R. In other words, when pachinko balls exceeding the amount flowing out from the replenishing rods 14L, 14R to the pachinko machine 2 or the like or the end hose 21R come out of the lift polishing tower 11, the lift polishing tower 11 The pachinko balls that come out accumulate in the upper tank 12 beyond the branch portion from the upper tank 12 to the replenishing rods 14L, 14R. Then, when stacked up to a predetermined height, the first detection sensor 13 is turned on, and when pachinko balls are accumulated, the pachinko balls overflow from the upper tank 12 to the middle tank 15 (S113).

  The pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank 12 are guided to one overflow hose 17R (right side in the figure) through the middle tank 15, and flow down (spontaneously fall) in the overflow hose 17R and supplied to the lower tank 18R. (S114). The bottom plate of the middle tank 15 is inclined to guide the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper tank 12 to the overflow hose 17R. That is, the pachinko ball overflowing from the upper tank 12 flows to the lower tank 18R with priority over the lower tank 18L.

  The pachinko balls that have flowed into the lower tank 18R merge with the pachinko balls from the outrail 23R (S105) and are taken into the lifting and polishing tower 11 (S106). However, when a large amount of pachinko balls are flowing from the outrail 23R, priority is given to the pachinko balls from the outrail 23R, so that the pachinko balls that have flowed from the overflow hose 17R are accumulated in the lower tank 18R. become.

  When the lower tank 18R is filled with pachinko balls, the second detection sensor 19R in the lower tank 18R is turned on, and the overflow hose 17R is gradually filled with pachinko balls. Thereafter, when the filling height in the overflow hose 17R reaches the position of the middle tank 15, the pachinko ball overflowing from the upper tank 12 is guided from the middle tank 15 to the other overflow hose 17L (left side in the figure). It flows down in 17L and is supplied to the lower tank 18L (S115).

The pachinko balls that have flowed into the lower tank 18L merge with the pachinko balls from the outrail 23L (S112) and are taken into the lifting and polishing tower 11 (S106). However, when a large amount of pachinko balls are flowing from the outrail 23L, the pachinko balls from the outrail 23L are given priority, so the pachinko balls that have flowed from the overflow hose 17L are accumulated in the lower tank 18L. become.
Further, even when pachinko balls exceeding the amount that can be processed by the lifting and polishing tower 11 flow into the inlet chute at the lower part of the lifting and polishing tower 11, the pachinko balls from the lower tank 18R side are lower in the lower tank 18L. Since it flows more than the pachinko balls from the side, the pachinko balls accumulate in the lower tank 18L.

  With the above procedure, the ball circulation system supplies the pachinko balls to the pachinko machine 2 or the ball lending machine 3, and the pachinko balls collected from the pachinko machine 2 and the like are thrown into the ball counter 4 With respect to the pachinko balls, the pachinko balls are circulated in such a manner that the lifting and polishing tower 11 lifts them upward and supplies them to the pachinko machine 2 again.

  The pachinko ball circulation operation may include a pachinko ball transfer operation with another gaming machine island. That is, when a plurality of gaming machine islands are installed and pachinko balls can be exchanged between the gaming machine islands via an island transfer conveyor, similarly to the pachinko ball circulation operation in each gaming machine island, It is conceivable that pachinko balls are exchanged between each gaming machine island and circulated, thereby adjusting the amount of ball storage between each gaming machine island.

In the series of processing operations described above, the control box may control the drive of the lifter 24 based on the detection results of the second detection sensors 19L and 19R or the third detection sensor 25R. Specifically, the lifter 24 is stopped when the third detection sensor 25R in the outrail 23R is on or when both the second detection sensors 19L and 19R in the lower tanks 18L and 18R are on. It is conceivable that pachinko balls are stored in the lower tank 22.
Similarly to the shutter 20R, the control box may control its opening / closing drive based on the detection result of the detection sensor 16 in the middle tank 15. Specifically, when the detection sensor 16 is turned on, the shutter 20R is opened.

By the way, in the ball circulation system, from the viewpoint of noise, power consumption, abrasive consumption, etc., it is desirable that the pachinko balls are not always lifted by the lifting and polishing tower 11 but are stopped as necessary. However, even in that case, it should be possible to appropriately cope with a sudden change in the replenishment amount of the pachinko balls to the pachinko machine 2 or the like.
For these reasons, in the ball circulation system described in the present embodiment, the control box controls the pachinko ball lifting operation by the lifting polishing tower 11 as described below.

Here, the drive control of the lifting and polishing tower 11 by the control box, that is, the characteristic processing operation of the ball circulation system in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of drive control of the lifting and polishing tower 11.

  The control box gives an instruction to the drive source of the lifting and polishing tower 11 to start driving the lifting and polishing tower 11 with the start of operation of the ball circulation system. That is, during operation of the ball circulation system, in principle, the control box drives the lifting and polishing tower 11 to cause the lifting and polishing tower 11 to lift the pachinko balls (S201).

Thereafter, when the pachinko ball circulates in the ball circulation system by the series of processing operations described above, the control box monitors the detection signals from the first detection sensor 13, the second detection sensors 19L and 19R, and the third detection sensors 25L and 25R. is doing.
The control box determines whether or not the first detection sensor 13 has detected that pachinko balls have accumulated in the upper tank 12 and the amount of pachinko balls stored in the upper tank 12 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. When it is determined whether or not the first detection sensor 13 is turned on (S202), pachinko balls accumulate in the lower tanks 18L and 18R, and the pachinko ball storage amount in the lower tanks 18L and 18R is increased. It is determined whether or not the second detection sensors 19L and 19R detect that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, that is, whether or not the second detection sensors 19L and 19R are turned on (S203).

  As a result of these determinations, the first detection sensor 13 detects that the pachinko ball storage amount in the upper tank 12 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and the pachinko ball storage amount in the lower tanks 18L and 18R is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount. Unless the second detection sensors 19L and 19R detect the control box, the control box causes the lifting and polishing tower 11 to continuously lift the pachinko balls even if only one of them is turned on ( S201).

  On the other hand, the first detection sensor 13 detects that the pachinko ball storage amount in the upper tank 12 is a predetermined amount or more, and the second detection that the pachinko ball storage amount in the lower tanks 18L and 18R is a predetermined amount or more. When the sensors 19L and 19R detect, that is, when both are in an on state, the control box continues to detect whether or not the third detection sensors 25L and 25R detect the pachinko balls staying in the outrails 23L and 23R. That is, it is determined whether or not the third detection sensors 25L and 25R are turned on (S204).

  As a result, if the third detection sensors 25L and 25R have not detected the pachinko balls staying in the outrails 23L and 23R, the control box is detected by the first detection sensor 13 and the second detection sensors 19L and 19R. Based on both of the detection results, the operation control for the lifting and polishing tower 11 is performed so as to stop the lifting of the pachinko balls in the lifting and polishing tower 11 (S205). That is, when the third detection sensors 25L and 25R are in the OFF state, when the upper tank 12 is full and the pachinko balls overflow from the upper tank 12, the overflowing pachinko balls are stored in the lower tanks 18L and 18R. However, the pachinko ball storage amount in the upper tank 12 and the lower tanks 18L, 18R is not stopped only when the pachinko ball storage amount in the upper tank 12 exceeds a predetermined amount, and the pachinko ball storage amount in each of the upper tank 12 and the lower tanks 18L, 18R. If any of them exceeds a predetermined amount, the lifting and polishing tower 11 is stopped.

  After that, for example, when the pachinko balls are supplied to the pachinko machine 2 or the like, the pachinko balls flow from the upper tank 12 to the supply rods 14L and 14R, the pachinko ball storage amount in the upper tank 12 becomes less than a predetermined amount, and the first detection sensor 13 If it will be in an OFF state (S206), a control box will perform operation control with respect to the raising polishing tower 11 so that the raising polishing tower 11 may resume raising a pachinko ball immediately (S201). In other words, when the upper tank 12 is empty, the pachinko balls in the lower tanks 18L and 18R are lifted to avoid running out of pachinko balls to be supplied to the pachinko machine 2 and the like through the replenishing rods 14L and 14R. The tank 12 is replenished.

  However, when the third detection sensors 25L and 25R are in the ON state, the control box is connected to the lifting and polishing tower 11 regardless of the detection results of the first detection sensor 13 and the second detection sensors 19L and 19R. Operation control is performed on the lifting and polishing tower 11 so that the balls are continuously lifted (S201). That is, the first detection sensor 13 detects that the pachinko ball storage amount in the upper tank 12 is a predetermined amount or more, and the second detection that the pachinko ball storage amount in the lower tanks 18L and 18R is a predetermined amount or more. Even when the sensors 19L and 19R detect, the lifting and polishing of the pachinko balls in the lifting and polishing tower 11 is stopped without stopping.

  At this time, by causing the lifting and polishing tower 11 to lift the pachinko balls, the pachinko balls in the outrails 23L and 23R flow into the lower inlet chute of the lifting and polishing tower 11 through the lower tanks 18L and 18R. Therefore, even if the pachinko balls stay on the outrails 23L and 23R, the stay disappears with the lifting of the pachinko balls in the lifting and polishing tower 11.

  Since the pachinko balls are lifted by the lifting and polishing tower 11 regardless of the detection results of the first detection sensor 13 and the second detection sensors 19L and 19R, the upper tank 12 and the lower tanks 18L and 18R are used. If either of them is full, it may be possible to carry out the lifting. However, even if both the upper tank 12 and the lower tanks 18L and 18R are full, the middle tank 15 and the overflow hoses 17L and 17R are provided between them, so that the upper tank 12 and the lower tanks 18L and 18R overflowed from the lower tanks 18L and 18R. The pachinko balls are gradually filled into the middle tank 15 and the overflow hoses 17L and 17R. Then, if the pachinko balls stay on the outrails 23L and 23R until the middle tank 15 and the overflow hoses 17L and 17R become full, the third detection sensors 25L and 25R are turned off. Based on the detection results of the first detection sensor 13 and the second detection sensors 19L and 19R, the control box stops the pachinko ball lifting in the lifting and polishing tower 11. When the detection sensor 16 detects that the middle tank 15 and the overflow hoses 17L and 17R are full, the shutter 20R is opened, and the pachinko balls flow down to the lower tank 22 through the end hose 21R for storage.

As described above, in the ball circulation system in the present embodiment, the control box is lifted and polished based on both the detection result of the first detection sensor 13 and the detection results of the second detection sensors 19L and 19R. Operation control for the tower 11 is performed. That is, if the pachinko balls overflow from the upper tank 12, the overflowing pachinko balls are stored in the lower tanks 18L and 18R. However, if the pachinko ball storage amount in the upper tank 12 exceeds a predetermined amount, If the pachinko ball storage in the upper tank 12 and the lower tanks 18L and 18R is not less than the predetermined amount without stopping the pachinko ball lifting in the feed polishing tower 11, the pachinko in the lift polishing tower 11 The lifting of the ball is stopped.
Therefore, according to the ball circulation system in the present embodiment, the operation of the lifting and polishing tower 11 is enabled while stopping the lifting of the pachinko balls in the lifting and polishing tower 11 instead of being always performed. Even if the pachinko balls need to be replenished to the pachinko machine 2 or the like during the stop, for example, on condition that the pachinko ball lifting in the lifting and polishing tower 11 is resumed due to a decrease in the pachinko ball storage amount in the upper tank 12, Since not only pachinko balls stored in the upper tank 12 but also pachinko balls stored in the lower tanks 18L and 18R can be used for replenishment to the pachinko machine 2, etc., for example, a large amount of pachinko balls When it becomes necessary to replenish balls, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a shortage of pachinko balls to be replenished, and as a result, the pachinko machine 2 etc. Also it is possible to appropriately respond to rapid changes in the supply amount of the ball. Moreover, it is not necessary for the upper tank 12 to have a capacity capable of storing a large amount of pachinko balls, so that the degree of freedom in configuration of the gaming machine island 1 can be sufficiently secured.

In the ball circulation system in the present embodiment, when the third detection sensors 25L and 25R detect the pachinko balls staying on the outrails 23L and 23R, detection by the first detection sensor 13 and the second detection sensors 19L and 19R. Regardless of the result, the lifting and polishing tower 11 is forced to lift the pachinko balls. That is, the first detection sensor 13 detects that the amount of pachinko balls stored in the upper tank 12 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and the amount of pachinko balls stored in the lower tanks 18L and 18R is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Even when the two detection sensors 19L and 19R detect, the lifting and polishing of the pachinko balls in the lifting and polishing tower 11 is not stopped and the lifting is performed.
Therefore, according to the ball circulation system in the present embodiment, even if the pachinko balls are not always lifted by the lifting and polishing tower 11 and are stopped as necessary, the pachinko balls are attached to the outrails 23L and 23R. If the ball stays and stays further, the pachinko balls overflow from the out ball tanks above the out rails 23L and 23R, and the influence can be accurately counted by the outmeter attached to the out ball tank. If it does not occur, or if the stay continues further, the pachinko machine 2 main body may be clogged with pachinko balls, resulting in problems, which can be caused by stopping the operation of the lifting and polishing tower 11.

In the above-described embodiment, the preferred specific example of the present invention has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the content, and may be appropriately changed without departing from the gist thereof. It is possible.
For example, in the present embodiment, a case where a plurality of pachinko machines 2 that use pachinko balls as game media are applied to the gaming machine island 1 is described as an example, but medals are used as game media, for example. Even when the present invention is applied to a gaming machine island in which a plurality of pachislot machines are arranged side by side, the present invention can be applied in exactly the same manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is explanatory drawing which shows one specific example of schematic structure of the gaming machine island where the game medium supply device according to the present invention is used, (A) is a plan view thereof, and (B) is a front view thereof. It is explanatory drawing which shows one specific example of schematic structure of the game media supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the flow of the pachinko ball in the ball circulation system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a processing operation of the game medium supply apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a flowchart which shows the drive control example of the raising grinding | polishing tower in the said game medium supply apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Amusement machine island, 2 ... Pachinko machine, 3 ... Stand-up ball lending machine, 4 ... Counting machine, 11 ... Lifting polishing tower, 12 ... Upper tank, 13 ... First detection sensor, 14L, 14R ... Replenishment bowl, 18L, 18R ... lower tank, 19L, 19R ... second detection sensor, 23L, 23R ... outrail, 25L, 25R ... third detection sensor

Claims (2)

A game media circulation system used on a gaming machine island in which a plurality of game media use machines are arranged in parallel,
A lifting means for lifting the game medium toward the upper side;
An upper tank for receiving and storing the game medium lifted by the lifting means;
First detecting means for detecting a storage amount of game media in the upper tank;
A replenishment medium transport path for transporting the game medium discharged from the upper tank along the direction in which the game medium use machines are arranged above the game medium use machine for replenishment to the game medium use machine; ,
A lower tank for receiving and storing gaming medium overflowing from the upper tank on the lower side of the upper tank, and discharging the stored gaming medium to the lifting means;
Second detection means for detecting a storage amount of game media in the lower tank;
The first detection means detects that the amount of game media stored in the upper tank is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and the second detection means indicates that the amount of game media stored in the lower tank is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. The game medium circulation system comprising: operation control means for controlling the operation of the lifting means so as to stop the lifting of the game medium by the lifting means when detected. A collection medium guide path for guiding the game medium to the lower tank on the lower side of the game medium use machine;
A third detection means for detecting the retention of the game medium in the collection medium guide path,
When the third detection means detects the retention of the game medium in the collection medium guide path, the operation control means is configured to move the lifting means regardless of the detection results of the first detection means and the second detection means. 2. The game medium circulation system according to claim 1, wherein operation control is performed on the lifting means so that the game medium is lifted.

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