JP4065294B2 - Counting device and arrangement method of counting device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is, for example, provided for each pachinko machine relates to the arrangement how the counting device and the counting device performs counting of game media player has won.

  In recent years, a counter for counting pachinko balls is attached to each pachinko machine. For example, a game equipment device is disclosed in which a counting unit for counting pachinko balls is provided at the lower part of the pedestal machine, and the pachinko ball is counted from the lower plate of the pachinko machine to the counting unit via a guide path (for example, patents). Reference 1).

In addition, a technique is disclosed in which pachinko balls from a ball box are guided into pachinko islands through a ball guide path formed by directly penetrating pachinko islands in which a plurality of pachinko machines are arranged (for example, patent documents). 2). Furthermore, for example, a technique for detachably mounting a ball counting processor main body for counting pachinko balls discharged from a pachinko machine is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
Japanese Patent No. 2688744 Utility Model Registration No. 2536165 JP 2001-096045 A

  In order to guide the pachinko machine from the lower plate of the pachinko machine to the counter provided at the lower part of the pachinko machine, like the above-described conventional gaming equipment device provided with the counting part for counting pachinko balls at the lower part of the intermediary machine, the guide path If a sufficient inclination is provided, there is a problem that the space for placing the ball box cannot be taken between the height difference between the lower plate and the lower part of the inter-machine. As a result, there is a problem that the pachinko balls acquired in the ball box can not be stored and moved, or the pachinko balls for playing to the next big hit cannot be stored. Even in the case where the ball box is provided, it is desired that the ball box can be attached to and detached from the lower plate of the pachinko machine.

  In addition, in a counting machine that counts pachinko balls, foreign substances such as dust are likely to enter the flow-down passage through which the pachinko balls are transported, and the passage surface of the flow-down passage that contacts the pachinko balls is evenly soiled and must be cleaned every day. However, when the ball guide path is formed by directly penetrating the pachinko island as in the above-described prior art, it is difficult to clean the dust and dirt that flows along with the pachinko ball and flows in the ball guide path. .

  In addition, in the technology of detachably mounting the ball counting processor body that performs the counting process of pachinko balls discharged from conventional pachinko machines, the counter for each pachinko machine is attached instead of removing the counter (board) Therefore, it is uneconomical to remove the counter and remove the existing equipment, and for example, it is not possible to arrange a cigarette butts collection device for collecting cigarette butts in the center of the slat. As a result, there has been a problem that it is not possible to satisfy the side-by-side butt transfer device required in the pachinko hall in recent years.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and is provided on the lower side of the projecting plate projecting forward on the lower side of the gaming machines in the gaming machine island in which a plurality of gaming machines are arranged. along the projecting plate with possible juxtaposed cigarette butts collecting apparatus, and an object thereof is to provide an arrangement how the counting process capability can be improved counter and counting device for counting the number of game media .

In order to achieve the above object, the counting device of the present invention is provided corresponding to each gaming machine, and is provided on the lower side of the gaming machine on a gaming machine island in which a plurality of the gaming machines are arranged. A counting device including a medium flow down unit, wherein the game medium flow down unit causes a game medium introduced from a game medium introduction port provided in a projecting plate projecting forward on a lower side of the gaming machine to flow down. A downflow passage, a housing that houses the downflow passage and covers the periphery of the downflow passage downstream of the game medium introduction port so that the game medium does not flow outside, and below the upper surface of the protruding plate It has a locking part that can be locked by bringing a part of it into contact with a locking member provided on the side, and that can be released from the locking state by being operated by a force from the operation part the game medium from said game medium inlet And a locking means for detachably locking the game medium falling unit entrant positions, the game medium falling unit, a direction in which the game machine is the column set on the lower side of the projecting plate A transport direction in a tobacco collection transport path that transports and collects cigarette butts and a flow direction of game media in the flow-down passage are parallel to each other, and the game machine island side from the tobacco collection transport path as will be, the locking is locked by means the operation unit, the side surface of the short side of the game medium falling unit, outside of the game medium falling unit in a direction along said tobacco collecting path It is characterized by projecting toward the surface.

  According to this counting apparatus, the game medium flow unit that is detachably locked to the lower side of the protruding plate has a flow-down passage through which the game medium introduced from the game medium introduction port flows down, and the game medium flow The unit is provided on the lower side of the protruding plate so that a cigarette collection / conveyance path can be juxtaposed. By setting the flow-down passage in a predetermined configuration, the game medium flow-down unit can be thinned, and the tobacco collection and conveyance paths can be arranged side by side.

The arrangement method of the counting device of the present invention includes a game medium flow unit provided corresponding to each gaming machine and provided below the gaming machine in a gaming machine island in which a plurality of the gaming machines are arranged. A counting apparatus arrangement method, wherein the game medium flow-down unit flows down a game medium introduced from a game medium introduction port provided on a projecting plate projecting forward on the lower side of the gaming machine. A casing that houses the flow-down passage and covers the periphery of the flow-down passage on the downstream side of the game medium introduction port so that the game medium does not flow outside, and a lower side than the upper surface of the protruding plate A locking part that can be locked by bringing a part of the locking member into contact with the locking member, and that can be released by locking with the locking member by being actuated by a force from the operation part, Game media can be introduced from the game media introduction port And a locking means for detachably locking the game medium falling unit Do position, the game medium falling unit, the gaming machine along the direction that is the column set on the lower side of the projecting plate The transport direction in the tobacco collection transport path for transporting and collecting the cigarette butts provided and the flow direction of the game medium in the flow-down passage are parallel to each other and on the gaming machine island side from the tobacco collection transport path. As described above, the operation unit is disposed outside the game medium flow unit in a direction along the cigarette collection conveyance path rather than the side surface on the short side of the game medium flow unit. It is characterized by being arranged so as to protrude toward the surface.

  According to this arrangement method of the counting device, the game medium flow unit that is detachably locked to the lower side of the protruding plate has a flow-down passage through which the game medium introduced from the game medium introduction port flows down, The game medium flow-down unit is provided on the lower side of the projecting plate so that a tobacco collection / conveyance path can be arranged in parallel. By setting the flow-down passage in a predetermined configuration, the game medium flow-down unit can be thinned, and the tobacco collection and conveyance paths can be arranged side by side.

According to the arrangement how the counting device and the counting device of the present invention, the projecting plate on the lower side of the projecting plate projecting from the front at the lower side of the gaming machine in the gaming machine island in which a plurality of gaming machines is the column set Along with the cigarette butts collection device, the counting processing capacity for counting the number of game media can be improved.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game processing system 1 including a counting system including a counting device 23 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the game processing system 1.
In this game processing system 1, a plurality of pachinko machines 2 and a plurality of pachinko machines 3 and 4 connected to each of the plurality of pachinko machines 2, a plurality of slot machines 5 and a medal payout intermediary machine 6, and each pachinko machine 2 In addition, a counter 23 installed corresponding to each slot machine 5 is connected to the network 8 via the island computer 7.

  In addition, the network 8 converts, for example, the deposit amount into a frequency (valuable value) and stores it in the storage unit of the management device 13 or accepts or newly issues a non-member IC card. (Valuable value) is stored based on the frequency of each IC card, and the intermediary machines 4 and 5 that lend gaming media within the range of the frequency or the intermediary machine 3 that instructs the gaming machine to lend (also referred to as inter-unit) , The settlement machine 10 that returns the balance (value value) of the accepted IC card for members or non-members in cash, refer to the number of stored balls from the receipt that records the received IC card for the member and the number of stored cards In the case where the number of stored balls and the types of prizes exchanged according to the number of stored balls are displayed, and when the prize dispenser 18 is provided, the prize for instructing the type and quantity of the prize to be paid out to the prize dispenser 18 Such as physical machines (POS) 11 is connected.

  In addition, there is an account of the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals stored in the storage unit of the management device 13 based on the ID of the IC card for the member, and is installed in a counter 104 (also referred to as a slat) below each gaming machine. If there is the number of acquired game media counted by the counted device 23, it is transmitted to the management device 13 via the network 8, and accumulated and stored in the account as the number of accumulated balls and the number of stored medals. Then, the replay accepting machine 12 that enables replaying reads the ID of the accepted IC card for the member, and together with the ID, stores a part or all of the number of stored balls and the number of stored medals in the account specified by the ID of 10,000. A request signal for rewriting information on the number of replay balls and the number of replay medals with the yen as the upper limit is transmitted to the management device 13 via the network 8 so that replay can be performed. Further, the issuing machine 20 updates the frequency corresponding to the amount selected with the purchase frequency button for the accepted banknote amount to the member IC card, or stores the frequency corresponding to the amount for non-members. Issue IC card. In addition, it is attached to the upper part of each gaming machine, and for each gaming machine, for example, a data display 21 for displaying information such as a slump graph, the number of starts, the number of jackpots, for example, a slump graph of each gaming machine, Information such as the number of start times and the number of jackpots can be searched. A data publishing machine 22 that displays the search information on the display unit and provides it to the player is connected to the network 8.

  Here, the member's player is registered in the management device based on the ID that identifies the member's players with each other, such as address, name, age, gender, favorite stand, contact information, and personal identification number. A player who has a membership IC card. A non-member player means a general player who is not registered as a member.

  The member IC card and the non-member IC card include, for example, an IC chip and an antenna portion surrounding the IC chip, and information can be read from and written to the IC chip via the antenna portion. A contact-type storage medium or the like is used.

  Information from each device described above is output to the management device 13 via the network 8 and further transmitted to the card center 16 via the protocol converter 14 and the modem 15.

  For example, a personal computer 17 including a function for referring to information of the management apparatus 13 is connected to the management apparatus 13 to which information from each device is output. Information from the management device 13 is output to each device via the network 8. The management device 13 can be configured by one or a plurality of management devices. In the case of a plurality of management devices, a card system management device that processes valuable value information such as the frequency, and a nail of the pachinko machine 2 or a medal rate of the slot machine 5 based on the operating information of the gaming machine Examples include a hall computer that counts to adjust settings, a management device for premium management for managing the number of stocks and deliveries of premiums, a management device for member management for managing the number of stored items, etc. Are connected via the network 8 to perform data communication with each other, whereby the management device 13 can be configured.

  Next, the configuration of the pachinko island 100 including the counting device 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a pachinko island 100 in which a plurality of pachinko machines 2 provided with a counting device 23 are arranged side by side. FIG. 3 is a side view of the pachinko machine 2 in the pachinko island 100 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko island 100 includes a plurality of pachinko machines 2, 2... Arranged in parallel between the platen boards 101, and the intermediary machines 3 and 4 are sandwiched between the pachinko machines 2, 2. The curtain plate 102 is provided in the upper part. For example, a display device 205 having a display function corresponding to the number of acquired game media is installed on the curtain 102, and information such as a slump graph, the number of starts, and the number of jackpots is displayed below the display device 205, for example. A data display 21 for displaying is installed.

  In addition, in front of the pachinko machines 2, 2,..., Chairs 103, 103. Further, the pachinko machines 2, 2... Protrude forward and the counter 104 (also referred to as a slat) provided in the longitudinal direction on the pachinko island 100 corresponds to each of the pachinko machines 2, 2. In this way, ball box setting bases 105, 105... Constituting part of the counting device 23 and functioning also as a base on the pachinko island 100 side are installed. Further, ball boxes 106, 106,... Are arranged on the ball box setting tables 105, 105,. In addition, a counting device 23 that counts pachinko balls from the ball box 106 is installed below the counter 104. Further, the counter 104 is arranged on the passage side (front direction side of the pachinko machine 2) from the counting device 23. A cigarette collection / conveyance path 107 for collecting cigarette butts is provided along the line.

  Further, on the surface side of the pachinko machine 2, there are a base body 200, an upper plate 201 that is installed almost horizontally at the substantially central portion of the front surface of the base body 200, and a ball tray that is installed almost horizontally at the bottom of the upper plate 201 202, a handle 203 is provided on the right side of the ball receiving tray 202. In addition, a ball box 106 is positioned at a predetermined distance below the ball tray 202.

  The pachinko machine 2 drives a pachinko ball placed in the upper plate 201 into the base body 200 by rotating the handle 203, and receives the ball obtained by winning a prize in the upper plate 201 and the ball receiving plate 202. A player operates a tray shutter (not shown) having an opening at a lower portion of the ball tray 202 and a shutter operation unit 204 provided on the front surface of the ball tray 202 in a predetermined direction. Can be opened. By opening this tray shutter, the pachinko balls in the ball tray 202 can be discharged into the ball box 106 below the ball tray 202.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the pachinko machine 2, an out ball discharge unit 210 that discharges out balls, an out box 211 that receives the out balls discharged from the out ball discharge unit 210, and this out box An outmeter 212 for detecting the number of out balls is provided below the out ball discharge hole 211. Out balls detected by the out meter 212 are guided to a discharge basket 214 and collected by a discharge pipe 213 connected to a discharge port provided at the bottom of the out box 211. The pachinko balls counted by the counting device 23 are guided to the discharge basket 214 via the guide passage 218 and collected.

  Various signal wirings from the pachinko machine 2 are connected to, for example, an input connector 215 provided on the back surface of the inter-machines 3 and 4, and signal wirings from the counting device 23 and the outmeter 212 are It is connected to a lower input connector 216 provided at the lower part of the back of the machines 3 and 4. In addition, a safe meter (not shown) that counts the number of balls supplied to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 2 as an output signal is provided outside the pachinko machine 2. In addition, in the case of the type of the intermediary machine 3, so-called units, the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is a so-called CR machine that lends pachinko balls, and the number of balls lent from the pachinko machine 2 is calculated without using a safe meter. It can be counted by the output signal from 2. In the case of a CR machine, a safe equivalent output corresponding to the prize ball to be paid out is output from the pachinko machine based on the winnings excluding the number of balls lent. Sales based on the number of prize balls, which is the number of pachinko balls counted by the output signal from the safe meter or pachinko machine, from signals such as the number of balls rented from the pedestal machines 3, 4 and pachinko machines, and money amount information based on the number of balls lent And the information obtained by subtracting the number of shots by the output signal from the outmeter can be calculated as profit / loss information in the game hall. Here, “out” means a fired ball, and “safe” means a ball supplied to the pachinko machine 2, that is, a ball supplied to the upper plate of the game. In addition, although the above-mentioned various signal wiring showed the example connected to the island computer 7, for example, via the intermediary machines 3 and 4, it is not restricted to this structure, For example, information from the counting device 23 May be directly output to the island computer 7.

  Next, the ball box installation base 105 constituting a part of the counting device 23 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a ball box setting table 105 and a ball box 106 provided on the counter 104 corresponding to each pachinko machine 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the ball box setting base 105 provided on the counter 104 with the ball box 106 removed. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the ball box installation base 105 for explaining the operation when the pachinko ball is led out to the counting device 23 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the ball box mounting base 105 provided on the counter 104 on the lower front surface of the pachinko machine 2 corresponds to the substrate 250 and the groove on the back side of the ball box 106 on the substrate 250. And a position fixing projection 251 for disposing the ball box 106 at a predetermined position, and an opening 252 that functions as one of the shielding means and guides the pachinko ball from the ball box 106 to the counting device 23. Is provided on the back side of the substrate 250 and supplies power to the counting device 23. The ball box setting table shutter 253 for opening and closing the shutter, the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254 for the player to operate the ball box setting table shutter 253, Wiring for communicating various control signals, a connection connector 255 that fits with a connection connector provided in the counting device 23, and a locking plate that locks the locking portion of the counting device 23 25 It is mainly composed of a.

  As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254 has an operation unit 254a operated by a player, the operation unit 254a as one end, and is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 254b, with the other end being a ball. It mainly comprises a rotating member 254c connected to the box setting table shutter 253 by a link mechanism, and a spring member 254d having one end connected to the other end side of the rotating shaft 254b of the rotating member 254c. Further, the rotating member 254c is provided with a stopper abutting member 254e that disables the rotating operation of the rotating member 254c by abutting with a rotating member stopper 420 of a game medium flow unit 300 described later (see FIG. 11A). ). Further, when the ball box setting table shutter 253 slides, the ball box setting table shutter 253 presses a game medium flowing unit shutter 303 of a game medium flowing unit 300 (to be described later) and slides the game medium flowing unit shutter 303. A pressing member 253a is provided (see FIG. 11A). Further, the ball box setting table shutter 253 is supported by the ball box setting table shutter guides 257 and 257 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the ball box setting table 105 (left and right direction in FIGS. 6 and 7).

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the spring member 254d is actuated in the direction of pulling the spring member 254d, that is, when the ball box mounting base 105 is viewed from above, the rotary member 254c is rotated clockwise around the rotation shaft 254b. The opening 252 that functions as an introduction port is exposed, and the pachinko ball in the ball box 106 can be led out to the counting device 23 side.

  When the ball box setting table shutter 253 moves in a direction to expose the opening 252, a ball box shutter (not shown) provided at the bottom of the ball box 106 moves together with the ball box setting table shutter 253. The bottom of the box 106 is opened. Further, at this time, the game medium flow unit shutter 303 of the game medium flow unit 300 described later is pressed, the game medium flow unit shutter 303 is slid, and the opening portion of the game medium flow unit shutter 303 is opposed to the opening portion 252. 303a is located. Further, when the ball box setting table shutter 253 moves in the direction covering the opening 252 by the restoring force of the spring member 254d, the ball box shutter moves together with the ball box setting table shutter 253, and the bottom of the ball box 106 is moved. Close.

  The locking plate 256 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking portions 440 and 441 of the counting device 23 and detachably locks the locking portions 440 and 441 of the counting device 23. The locking plate 256 is formed with openings 256a (see FIG. 12) for locking locking portions 440 and 441 of the counting device 23 described later.

  Next, the counting device main body 23a will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a side surface of the game medium flow unit 300 of the counting device main body 23a. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are views showing a cross section of a part of the flow passage where the pachinko balls flow down in the game medium flow unit 300. FIG. 11A is a plan view showing a side surface of the game medium flow unit 300 on the passage side when the game medium flow unit 300 is attached to the ball box installation base 105. FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the game medium flow unit 300 in a state where the opening 302 of the game medium flow unit 300 is opened. FIG. 12 is a plan view from the longitudinal direction of the counter 104 when the counting device main body 23 a is attached to the ball box setting table 105. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a side surface of the game medium flow unit 300 on the pachinko island 100 side. FIG. 14 is a view showing a cross section of the counting device main body 23 a attached to the lower side of the counter 104. FIGS. 15A to 15C and FIGS. 16A to 16B are plan views for explaining the operation of the game medium flow unit 300 and the shutter portion of the ball box setting table 105.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 14, the counting device main body 23 a includes a game medium flow unit 300, a surface of the game medium flow unit 300 on the player passage side, and a short side of the game medium flow unit 300 perpendicular to the surface. And a game medium flow unit cover 380 provided so as to cover the side surface in the direction and the lower surface of the game medium flow unit 300.

  The game medium flow-down unit 300 is provided in the case 301 and functions as one of shielding means, and the game medium flow-down unit 300 opens or closes the opening 302 of the game medium flow-down unit 300. A game medium flow unit shutter 303 that controls the invasion of the pachinko ball PB into the 300, a flow path 304 through which the pachinko ball PB flows down, and a detection sensor 305 that is interposed in the flow path 304 and detects the pachinko ball PB flowing down. And a connection connector 460 that is connected to a wiring for supplying power to the counting device main body 23a and for communicating various control signals, and is fitted to the connection connector 255 provided on the ball box mounting base 105, It functions as a part of the shielding means drive mechanism and is provided on the side surface of the game medium flow unit 300 on the player passage side, The stopper link mechanism 400 for operating the shutter stopper 410 that disables the movement of the shutter 303 and the rotation member stopper 420 that prohibits the movement of the rotation member 254c of the ball box mounting base 105, and functions as an electrical drive means Then, a drive unit 430 that electrically drives the stopper link mechanism unit 400, locking portions 440 and 441 that are locked to the locking plate 256 of the ball box installation base 105, and a player passage of the game medium flow-down unit 300 A power transmission plate 450 that is provided on the side surface and transmits power applied to the lock release lever 442 to release the lock of the lock portion 440 from the lock plate 256 to the lock portion 440. It is configured. The stopper link mechanism 400 and the power transmission plate 450 are flat, and the thickness in the short direction from the gaming machine to the player passage of the game medium flow-down unit 300 can be reduced. A cigarette collection conveyance path 107 can be attached to the lower part of 104.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the counting device main body 23 a has a wall 301 a side which is a side wall on the gaming machine side of a gaming medium flow-out unit 300 provided with a gaming medium discharge port 323 described later, and a waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100. It is set in contact with or near the waist plate 220 side. Further, the counting device main body 23 a is installed between the tobacco collection conveyance path 107 installed along the counter 104 and the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 on the lower side of the counter 104. Further, the counting device main body 23a is installed between the center (XX in FIG. 14) of the counter 104 in the front direction (player side direction) of the pachinko machine 2 and the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100. The cigarette collection / conveyance path 107 is preferable because it can be installed below the counter 104. Further, the counting device main body 23a is installed within a range of 50 mm from the surface of the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 toward the front of the pachinko machine 2, and the cigarette collection conveyance path 107 is installed below the counter 104. It is preferable because it is possible. Here, it is preferable to install the counting device main body 23a within a range of 50 mm from the surface of the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 toward the front of the pachinko machine 2, and if this range exceeds 50 mm, the tobacco collection transport path This is because it becomes difficult to arrange 107 in parallel, and even if the cigarette collection / conveyance path 107 can be provided, the cigarette collection / conveyance path 107 comes into contact with the legs of the player and the player feels uncomfortable.

  The game medium flow-down unit shutter 303 is slidably provided on the upper surface of the housing 301 in which the opening 302 is formed, and one end thereof is connected to the spring member 310. The other end of the spring member 310 is fixed to the spring member fixing portion 311. For example, a tension spring or the like is used as the spring member 310, but an elastic body such as rubber may be used. The game medium flow unit shutter 303 has an opening 303 a for introducing the pachinko ball PB into the game medium flow unit 300.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the flow-down passage 304 leads the pachinko ball PB introduced from the opening 302 of the housing 301 to the outside of the game medium flow-down unit 300 via the detection sensor 305. The flow-down passage 304 is formed from substantially the center of the opening 302 to the left and right in the longitudinal direction of the game medium flow-down unit 300, and is inclined downward as it goes from the center to the longitudinal direction. Then, as it goes from both ends toward the center, it tilts downward and reaches the game medium discharge port 323. In this way, the fold is provided to suppress the inclination of the downflow passage 304, the length in the longitudinal direction of the game medium downflow unit 300 is within the range of the width of the pachinko machine (the lateral length of the pachinko machine), and the pachinko ball PB This prevents the flow velocity of the wind from accelerating beyond measurement.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the downflow passages 304 formed on the left and right in the longitudinal direction of the game medium downflow unit 300 are separated into two passages by the separation walls 320. That is, the flow-down passage 304 is composed of a total of four passages. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the flow-down passage 304 is constituted by a passage bent in a vertical shape, and the pachinko balls PB that have passed through the upper passage shown in FIG. 9 are the ends of the upper passage. It is dropped from the opening 321 of the part, and then guided to the lower side passage shown in FIG. Here, the lower-side passage is separated into two passages by the separation wall 320, and a lower support member 322 that supports and passes the pachinko ball PB from below is provided along the center of each passage. Yes. In addition, the downstream side of the lower passage is directed toward the game medium discharge port 323 in order to discharge the pachinko balls PB that have passed therethrough from the game medium discharge port 323 formed on the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the housing 301. Is curved.

  Further, a detection sensor 305 is interposed in the lower passage, and the pachinko balls PB passing through the lower passage are counted through the detection sensor 305 and then discharged from the game medium discharge port 323. Is done. As shown in FIG. 14, the pachinko balls PB discharged to the outside from the game medium discharge port 323 are guided to the discharge basket 214 through the guide passage 218 and collected. The waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 is provided with a through portion 220a at a position corresponding to the game medium discharge port 323, so that the pachinko balls PB can be led out to the discharge basket 214. The detection information of the detection sensor 305 is output to the management device 13. At this time, for example, the detection information of the detection sensor 305 may be output directly to the management device 13 via the island computer 7, or once output to the control unit such as the intermediary machine 3, 4, To the management device 13 via the network. In the management device 13, for example, based on the ID of the member IC card or the non-member IC card, the input information is tabulated and managed.

  Here, for example, a non-contact type sensor or the like is used as the detection sensor 305, and the count signal based on the detection of the pachinko ball PB is an electric signal of one pulse every time the passage of one pachinko ball PB is confirmed. To emit. Further, light may be used as the count signal.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, between the separation wall 320 and the lower support member 322, or the wall portion 301 a and the lower support member of the game medium flow-down unit 300 in the lower passage in the game medium discharge port 323. A liquid blocking wall 324 is provided between the 322 and the 322. Further, the liquid blocking wall 324 is set to a height lower than the height of the lower support member 322. Furthermore, a liquid discharge port 325 penetrating the game medium flow unit 300 downward is provided at the bottom of the game medium flow unit 300 inside the liquid blocking wall 324. Thus, by providing the liquid blocking wall 324 and the liquid discharge port 325, for example, a player spills liquid such as juice, and the liquid flows from the opening 302 of the game medium flow-down unit 300, and the flow-down path 304. , The liquid is blocked by the liquid blocking wall 324 and discharged from the game medium flow unit 300 through the liquid discharge port 325, so that the liquid does not flow into the pachinko island 100. In addition to providing the liquid discharge port 325 at the above-described position, for example, the liquid discharge port 325 may be provided at a portion where the liquid flows or accumulates when the liquid flows into the game medium flow-down unit 300.

  In this way, the flow passage 304 formed on the left and right in the longitudinal direction of the game medium flow unit 300 is separated into two passages by the separation wall 320, and is constituted by four passages in total, thereby shortening the counting processing time. be able to. Further, the number of passages to be separated can be reduced to two rows, so that the thickness can be reduced. Further, the cigarette butts along the counter 104 are provided below the counter 104, closer to the player passage than the counting device main body 23a. It is possible to install a cigarette collection / conveyance path 107 for collecting the cigarette and further install a counting device main body 23a on the pachinko island 100 side of the tobacco collection / conveyance path 107 (see FIG. 3). The cigarette collection / conveyance path 107 includes, for example, a duct installed along the counter 104 where cigarettes and other garbage from an ashtray (not shown) provided in the counter 104 for each pachinko machine 2 are dropped. It is mainly composed of a conveying means for conveying the cigarette butts and other dusts falling into the duct to the collecting device, and is composed of a known cigarette collecting and conveying path. As a conveyance means, it is conveyed to a collection | recovery apparatus by suction with a conveyor or a suction machine, for example.

  In the above-described flow-down passage 304, an example is shown in which the flow-down passage 304 formed on the left and right in the longitudinal direction of the game medium flow-down unit 300 has two passages separated by the separation wall 320, respectively. The flow-down passages 304 formed on the left and right in the longitudinal direction of the unit 300 may each be constituted by one passage. By configuring with a single passage, the gaming medium flow unit 300 can be further reduced in thickness. Further, in the above-described flow-down passage 304, an example in which one flow-down passage 304 has a passage width through which one pachinko ball PB can pass is shown. However, for example, two flow-down balls 304 are parallel to one flow-down passage 304. It is good also as a passage width which can pass in a state. These can be appropriately selected according to the dimension width from the gaming machine side to the player passage side of the selected tobacco collection conveyance path 107.

  Here, for example, the wall 301a on the side where the game medium outlet 323 in the longitudinal direction of the game medium flow unit 300 is formed may be formed of a transparent or translucent member. Furthermore, the other wall portion of the housing 301 may also be formed of a transparent or translucent member. As a result, the inside of the game medium flow-down unit 300, particularly the flow-down passage 304, can be visually observed. For example, it is possible to easily grasp a dirty portion of the flow-down passage 304 or a portion where dirt or the like is clogged. Become. Moreover, these wall parts which comprise the housing | casing 301 are attached so that it can detach | leave with a screw etc., for example. Thereby, for example, it is possible to easily perform a process of cleaning the downflow passage 304 or removing dust.

  Further, for example, when the wall 301a side where the game medium discharge port 323 of the counting device main body 23a is provided is placed in contact with the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100, the wall 301a is not provided, The passage 304 may be exposed. In this case, the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 can be used instead of the wall portion 301a. Further, the upper surface of the downflow passage 304 may be exposed. Thus, by exposing one side surface and / or the upper surface of the downflow passage 304, the inside of the downflow passage can be easily cleaned.

  The locking portions 440 and 441 are respectively installed at positions corresponding to the locking plates 256 provided on the ball box mounting base 105, and are locked to the locking plates 256 as shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 13. The leading end portion is configured in a key shape having locking contact surfaces 440a and 441a that horizontally protrude outward in the longitudinal direction of the game medium flow-down unit 300. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, which shows a state seen from the side of the pachinko machine 2 and the counter 104, the locking contact surfaces 440a and 441a are the lower end surfaces of the opening 256a in the locking plate 256 of the ball box installation base 105. And the counting device main body 23a is removably supported and fixed to the ball box mounting base 105.

  In addition, the locking portions 440 and 441 are arranged so that the locking contact surfaces 440a and 441a are centered in the longitudinal direction of the game medium flow-down unit 300 by the rotation shafts 440b and 441b (the locking portion 440 is counterclockwise in FIG. The locking portion 441 is clockwise), that is, the locking portions 440 and 441 are supported so as to be rotatable in a direction to be detached from the locking plate 256 of the ball box mounting base 105. Also, one end of the spring members 330 and 331 is connected to the lower end side of the rotation shafts 440b and 441b, and when the locking portions 440 and 441 are rotated in the above-described direction, it opposes the restoring force of the spring members 330 and 331. Are configured to rotate. In other words, when the driving force for rotating the locking portions 440 and 441 in the above-described direction is released, the locking portions 440 and 441 are moved to their original positions by the restoring force of the spring members 330 and 331. It returns to the position where it can be locked with the locking plate 256 of the base 105.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 11A, the lower end of one of the locking portions 440 is connected to one end of a power transmission plate 450 that transmits the power applied to the locking release lever 442 to the locking portion 440. Has been. Further, the other end of the power transmission plate 450 is in contact with or connected to the lock release lever 442, and the power transmission plate 450 moves to the longitudinal side surface of the game medium flow unit 300 in the longitudinal direction along this side surface. It is attached as possible. When the lock release lever 442 is pushed, the power transmission plate 450 moves to the lock portion 440 side, and the lock contact surface 440a of the lock portion 440 is centered on the rotation shaft 440b in the longitudinal direction of the game medium flow down unit 300. In the center (the locking portion 440 is counterclockwise in FIG. 11A).

  Further, the lower end portion of the other locking portion 441 is connected to a drive portion 335 that functions as an electrical drive means. The driving unit 335 is configured by, for example, a solenoid or a motor, and is configured to rotate the locking unit 441 in a direction away from the locking plate 256 of the ball box installation base 105 by driving the driving unit 335. ing. In addition, the driving unit 335 can be driven based on information from the management device 13 or the like, for example, and the locking unit 441 can be automatically detached from the locking plate 256 of the ball box installation base 105. Become.

  Here, when the counting device main body 23a is detached from the locking plate 256 of the ball box setting table 105, for example, based on information from the management device 13 or the like, one of the locking portions 441 is automatically moved to the ball box setting table. 105, and then the store clerk can release the other locking portion 440 from the locking plate 256 of the ball box mounting base 105 by pushing the locking release lever 442. The work of the store clerk can be reduced. Further, since only one of the locking portions 441 is automatically detached from the locking plate 256 of the ball box installation base 105, the counting device main body 23a does not fall. It should be noted that strings and rubber members are prevented from falling on the counting device main body 23a so that both the locking portions 440 and 441 of the counting device main body 23a are not dropped even if they are simultaneously detached from the locking plate 256 of the ball box mounting base 105. You may attach to the back surface side of the waist board 220 of the pachinko island 100 so that one end of a member may be attached and the other end may be removed. Accordingly, for example, when both the locking portions 440 and 441 can be automatically operated by the driving portion, both the locking portions 440 and 441 are simultaneously detached from the locking plate 256 of the ball box mounting base 105. As a result, the work of the clerk can be further reduced. In this case, when the counting device main body 23a is taken out from the pachinko island 100, the other end of the fall prevention member detachably attached to the back side of the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 is removed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11A (a view of the pachinko machine viewed from the player passage side), FIG. 11B and FIG. 13, the clerk operates the locking portions 440 and 441 to the locking plate 256. Operation levers 440c and 441c for releasing the lock are provided. Further, operation lever openings 306 and 307 for operating the operation levers 440c and 441c are formed in the wall portion 301a on the side where the game medium discharge port 323 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 301 is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 has through portions 220 b formed at positions corresponding to the operation lever openings 306 and 307. Accordingly, the store clerk opens the pachinko machine 2 and operates the operation levers 440c and 441c from the inside of the pachinko island 100 through the through-hole 220b and the operation lever openings 306 and 307, so that the counting device main body 23a is moved to the ball box. It can be detached from the locking plate 256 of the installation base 105. In this configuration, since the operation levers 440c and 441c are operated from within the pachinko island 100, for example, it is possible to prevent a player from operating the operation levers 440c and 441c without permission.

  Furthermore, a penetrating portion (not shown) that penetrates the counter 104 may be provided corresponding to the position of the operation levers 440c and 441c. In this case, the store clerk removes, for example, a sealing member (for example, a rubber cap on the pachinko machine 2 side of the position fixing projection 251) that seals the penetration portion, and operates the operation levers 440c and 441c through the penetration portion. By doing so, the counting device main body 23 a can be detached from the locking plate 256 of the ball box setting table 105.

  The stopper link mechanism unit 400 functions as a part of the shielding unit driving mechanism, is provided on the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the game medium flow-down unit 300, and one end abuts or is connected to the driving unit 430 that functions as an electrical driving unit. The other end is branched into two and has a link mechanism. One of the branched ends is connected to a shutter stopper 410 that functions as a part of the shielding unit driving mechanism and disables the movement of the game medium flow-down unit shutter 303, and the other end is connected to the shielding unit driving mechanism. A rotating member stopper 420 that functions as a part of the lens box and prevents the movement of the rotating member 254c of the ball box installation base 105 is connected or formed. The stopper link mechanism 400 transmits the power from the drive unit 430 by changing the direction of the game medium flow unit 300 in the vertical direction by the link mechanism, and transmits the shutter stopper 410 and the rotating member stopper 420 provided at the tip thereof. The game medium flow unit 300 can be moved in the vertical direction.

  The shutter stopper 410 is used to fix the game medium flow unit shutter 303 at a position where the opening 303a of the game medium flow unit shutter 303 faces the opening 302 of the game medium flow unit 300, that is, a position where the pachinko balls PB can flow down. In addition, the game medium flow unit shutter 303 is prevented from moving toward the spring member fixing portion 311 due to the restoring force from the spring member 310 having one end connected to the game medium flow unit shutter 303. Further, the shutter stopper 410 is formed with a support portion 410a for abutting and supporting one horizontal side surface of the game medium flow unit shutter 303 formed on the shutter stopper 410, and by this support portion 410a, the game medium flow unit The shutter 303 prevents the game medium flow unit shutter 303 from moving to the spring member fixing portion 311 side, that is, the closed position where the pachinko ball PB cannot flow down. In order to prevent the game medium flow unit shutter 303 from moving toward the spring member fixing portion 311 (maintaining a state in which the pachinko balls PB can flow), the shutter stopper 410 is moved from the drive unit 430 by the stopper link mechanism 400. Power is transmitted and moved downward, and the support portion 410a is moved to a position where the horizontal side of one end of the game medium flow-down unit shutter 303 abuts and can be supported. On the other hand, when the game medium flow unit shutter 303 is moved to the spring member fixing portion 311 side, that is, when the opening 302 of the game medium flow unit 300 is closed by the game medium flow unit shutter 303, the shutter stopper 410 is a stopper. Power from the drive unit 430 is transmitted by the link mechanism unit 400 and moved upward, and the support unit 410a is moved to an upper position where it does not contact one horizontal side surface of the game medium flow unit shutter 303.

  When the rotating member stopper 420 moves to the upper position, it comes into contact with the stopper contact member 254e (which fixes the rotating member 254c) of the ball box setting table 105, and the rotation member 254c of the ball box setting table 105 cannot be moved. It is what. The operation of the rotating member stopper 420 is interlocked with the operation of the shutter stopper 410 described above. That is, when the game medium flow unit shutter 303 is moved to the spring member fixing portion 311 side and the opening 302 of the game medium flow unit 300 is closed by the game medium flow unit shutter 303, the rotating member stopper 420 is a stopper. The power from the drive unit 430 is transmitted by the link mechanism unit 400, moved upward, and moved to a position where it comes into contact with the rotating member 254c of the ball box installation base 105. Accordingly, for example, even if the player tries to move the operation unit 254a of the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254, the player cannot move, and the ball box setting table shutter 253 cannot be opened. On the other hand, when the shutter stopper 410 is moved downward, the rotating member stopper 420 is also moved downward, and the contact with the rotating member 254c of the ball box installation base 105 is released. The operation unit 254a of the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254 can be moved to open the ball box setting table shutter 253.

  Here, the counting device main body 23a may be configured to automatically close the opening 302 of the gaming medium flow-down unit 300 when, for example, power supply to the counting device main body 23a is interrupted due to a power failure or the like. Preferably, in a state where the power is off, the shutter stopper 410 is moved upward so that the support portion 410a of the shutter stopper 410 moves to a position where it does not come into contact with one end surface of the game medium flow-down unit shutter 303. The drive unit 430 is preferably configured.

  Further, the connection connector 460 is provided at a predetermined position of the game medium flow unit 300 that can be fitted to the connection connector 255 provided on the back surface side of the substrate 250 of the ball box installation base 105, and supplies power to the counting device body 23a. Wiring for communicating various control signals. The connection connector 460 may be any connector that can be connected by fitting a male shape and a female shape, for example. As the connection connector 460, it is possible to maintain the electrical connectivity even if the game medium flow unit 300 is inserted and removed every day and the flow passage 304 is cleaned. A high so-called drawer connector or the like is preferably used. And the connection connector 460 and the connection connector 255 can be fitted by attaching the game medium flow-down unit 300 to the ball box installation base 105. As a result, the connection work of the connection connector can be eliminated, the game medium flow unit 300 can be easily attached, and the work efficiency of the store clerk can be improved.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the game medium flow unit cover 380 has a surface on the player passage side (front side of the pachinko machine 2) of the game medium flow unit 300, and the game medium flow unit 300 perpendicular to this surface. Are formed so as to cover the side surface in the short direction and the lower surface of the game medium flow-down unit 300. Further, the portion of the game medium flow unit cover 380 that covers the lower surface of the game medium flow unit 300 is configured to be inclined downward toward the pachinko island 100, and the edge on the pachinko island 100 side is the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100. And is located so as to have a slight gap. In this way, the portion covering the lower surface of the game medium flow unit 300 is inclined downward toward the pachinko island 100 side, and a slight gap is formed between the edge on the pachinko island 100 side and the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100. By providing, the liquid discharged | emitted from the liquid discharge port 325 provided in the bottom part of the game medium flow-down unit 300 can be guide | induced to the waist board 220 side of the pachinko island 100, and can be discharged | emitted from the clearance outside the counting device 23. .

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C and FIGS. 16A to 16B, a series of operations of the ball box setting table shutter 253 of the ball box setting table 105 and the game medium flow unit shutter 303 of the game medium flow unit 300 will be described. explain.

  For example, until the member IC card or the non-member IC card is received by the intermediary machines 3 and 4, the shutter stopper 410 and the rotating member stopper 420 are moved upward by the stopper link mechanism 400 as shown in FIG. 15A. The game medium flow unit shutter 303 is positioned on the spring member fixing portion 311 side by the restoring force of the spring member 310, and the game medium flow unit 300 is in a closed state. In other words, it is impossible for the pachinko ball PB to flow into the game medium flow unit 300.

  Further, until the member IC card or the non-member IC card is received in the inter-machines 3 and 4, as shown in FIG. 15A, the stopper contact member 254e integrated with the rotating member 254c of the ball box mounting base 105 is The game medium flow unit 300 is in contact with the rotating member stopper 420. For example, even if the player tries to operate the operation unit 254a of the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254, the player cannot operate the ball box setting table shutter 253. Is closed. That is, the pachinko ball PB cannot flow out of the ball box 106.

  Subsequently, for example, when the reception of the member IC card or the non-member IC card is detected in the interstage machines 3 and 4, the shutter stopper 410 and the rotating member stopper 420 are moved from the driving unit 430 by the stopper link mechanism 400. Power is transmitted and moved downward. As a result, the rotating member 254c of the ball box installation base 105 is released from the state in contact with the rotating member stopper 420 of the game medium flow unit 300. For example, the player operates the operation unit 254a of the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254. Thus, it is possible to open the ball box setting stand shutter 253. Further, the game medium flow unit shutter 303 has a direction opposite to the restoring force of the spring member 310, that is, the opening 303 a of the game medium flow unit shutter 303 and the opening 302 of the game medium flow unit 300 and the opening of the ball box setting table 105. It will be in the state which can move to the direction of the part 252. FIG.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the player operates the operation unit 254a of the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254 in the direction to open the ball box setting table shutter 253, the ball box setting table shutter 253 opens, The shutter pressing member 253a presses the game medium flow unit shutter 303 against the restoring force of the spring member 310, and the opening 303a of the game medium flow unit shutter 303 moves in a direction opposite to the opening 252 of the ball box installation base 105. Is done.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15C, when the opening 303a of the game medium flow unit shutter 303 is moved to a position facing the opening 252 of the ball box installation base 105, one end surface of the game medium flow unit shutter 303 is , And is supported by the support portion 410a of the shutter stopper 410. As a result, the player releases his / her hand from the operation unit 254a of the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254, and the ball box setting table shutter 253 is moved to the initial position shown in FIG. 15A by the restoring force of the spring member 254d, and the shutter pressing member Even if the pressing force by 253 a is released, the game medium flow-down unit shutter 303 is fixed (locked) without being moved to the spring member fixing portion 311 side by the restoring force of the spring member 310. In this state, when the ball box setting table shutter 253 is moved in the opening direction, a ball box shutter (not shown) at the bottom of the ball box 106 is opened accordingly, and the ball box shutter and the opening of the ball box setting table 105 are opened. 252, the pachinko ball PB is allowed to flow into the game medium flow unit 300 through the opening 303a of the game medium flow unit shutter 303 and the opening 302 of the game medium flow unit 300.

  As described above, for example, when the reception of the member IC card or the non-member IC card is detected in the intermediary machines 3 and 4, the one horizontal side surface of the game medium flow-down unit shutter 303 is the support portion of the shutter stopper 410. 410a can be supported, and can be fixed (locked) so that the opening 303a of the game medium flow unit shutter 303 faces the opening 252 of the ball box installation base 105. In this state, for example, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the drive unit 430 is driven by the power charged in the capacitor of the power supply circuit 470 described later, and as shown in FIG. The rotating member stopper 420 is moved upward by the power from the drive unit 430 transmitted by the stopper link mechanism 400.

  When the shutter stopper 410 and the rotating member stopper 420 are moved upward, as shown in FIG. 16B, the game medium flow unit shutter 303 moves to the spring member fixing portion 311 side by the restoring force of the spring member 310, and the game The medium flow unit 300 is closed. That is, it is impossible for the pachinko ball PB to flow into the game medium flow unit 300. In addition, the rotating member 254c of the ball box setting table 105 is in contact with the rotating member stopper 420 of the game medium flow-down unit 300. For example, even if the player tries to operate the operation unit 254a of the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254. It cannot be operated, and the ball box setting stand shutter 253 is closed. That is, the pachinko ball PB cannot flow out of the ball box 106.

  Here, for example, even when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the detection sensor 305 that detects the pachinko ball PB that has already flowed into the game medium flow unit 300, that is, the game medium flow unit shutter 303 and the flow path 304 is detected. The pachinko ball PB existing between the two can be counted.

  An outline of the power supply circuit 470 capable of executing the counting process even when the power is interrupted due to the power failure or the like will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of the power supply circuit 470 of the game medium flow-down unit 300. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17, for example, an AC voltage is supplied from a power supply 471 to a diode bridge 472 to perform full-wave rectification. The power supply circuit 470 is provided with a capacitor 473 that loads a DC voltage generated by full-wave rectification. Further, the power supply circuit 470 has a wiring for supplying a direct current voltage directly to the drive power supply circuit and the counting circuit 476 of the drive unit 430, and a direct current voltage via the regulators 474 and 475. Wiring and the like supplied to 476 are provided. By using the power supply circuit 470, the capacitor 473 can be charged. For example, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the counting process is executed by using the power stored in the capacitor 473. It becomes possible.

  Here, as the capacitor 473, for example, an electric double layer capacitor, an electrolytic capacitor, or the like can be used. In particular, an electric double layer capacitor is preferably used from the viewpoints of low resistance and life.

  In this way, for example, even when the power is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, the pachinko balls PB that have already flowed into the game medium flow-down unit 300 can be counted, so that the pachinko balls PB acquired by the player can be accurately and without waste. Can be counted.

  The ball box setting table shutter 253 of the ball box setting table 105 and the game medium flow unit shutter 303 of the game medium flow unit 300 are operated in a series of operations according to the number of pachinko balls acquired by the player, for example, as shown below. May be executed.

  An example of a series of operations in the ball box setting table shutter 253 of the ball box setting table 105 and the game medium flow unit shutter 303 of the game medium flow unit 300 according to the acquired number of pachinko balls will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a series of operations in the ball box setting table shutter 253 of the ball box setting table 105 and the game medium flow unit shutter 303 of the game medium flow unit 300 according to the acquired number of pachinko balls. . This operation is controlled by a control unit such as the management device 13 or the inter-vehicle machines 3 and 4.

  First, the control unit inputs information on the safe number (the number of balls supplied to the gaming machine, that is, the number of balls supplied to the upper plate of the game), the number of outs (the number of fired balls), and the number of balls related to the player. (Step S500).

  Here, the safe number can be obtained, for example, from information on a safe meter that counts the number of balls supplied to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 2 as an output signal outside the pachinko machine 2. When the type of the intermediary machines 3 and 4 is a unit, the safe meter also counts pachinko balls lent out from the pachinko machine 2 based on signals from the intermediary machines 3 and 4. Therefore, in that case, the number of pachinko balls lent based on the signals from the inter-machines 3 and 4 was subtracted from the number of pachinko balls counted by this safe meter based on the winnings. It is output from the back mechanism plate of the pachinko machine 2 as the number of pachinko balls (safe equivalent output). The number of outs can be obtained from information in the outmeter 212. The number of rented balls can be obtained from information on the inter-machines 3 and 4.

  Subsequently, the control unit compares the value obtained by adding the safe number and the number of rented balls with the number of outs, and determines whether or not the value obtained by adding the safe number and the number of rented balls is larger than the number of outs. (Step S501).

  If it is determined in step S501 that the value obtained by adding the safe number and the number of rented balls is equal to or less than the out number (No in step S501), the control unit causes the game medium flow unit 300 to change to the game medium flow unit 300. Is output, and a control signal for setting the ball box setting stand shutter 253 to be closed is output (step S502).

  When the game medium flow unit 300 receives this control signal, the shutter stopper 410 and the rotating member stopper 420 are moved upward as described above, and the pachinko ball PB may flow into the game medium flow unit 300. In an impossible state, the rotating member 254c of the ball box installation base 105 is brought into contact with the rotating member stopper 420 of the game medium flow unit 300 (see FIG. 16B).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the value obtained by adding the safe number and the number of balls lent is larger than the number of outs (Yes in step S501), the control unit sends a pachinko to the game medium flow unit 300. A control signal for setting a state in which the ball can be received and a state in which the ball box setting table shutter 253 can be opened is output (step S503).

  When the game medium flow unit 300 receives this control signal, the shutter stopper 410 and the rotating member stopper 420 are moved downward as described above, and the pachinko ball PB may flow into the game medium flow unit 300. A possible state and a state where the abutting of the rotating member 254c of the ball box installation base 105 with the rotating member stopper 420 of the game medium flow-down unit 300 is released (see FIGS. 15B and 15C). Accordingly, when the operation unit 254a of the shutter opening / closing operation unit 254 is operated in a direction in which the player opens the ball box setting table shutter 253, the ball box setting table shutter 253 can be opened, and the shutter pressing member 253a presses the game medium flow-down unit shutter 303 against the restoring force of the spring member 310, and moves the opening 303a of the game medium flow-down unit shutter 303 in a direction facing the opening 252 of the ball box installation base 105. It becomes possible.

  As described above, for example, when it is determined that the value obtained by adding the safe number and the number of rented balls is equal to or less than the out number, that is, when it is not necessary to execute the counting process, the game medium flow-down unit 300 is closed. By setting the state and the ball box setting stand shutter 253 to the closed state, it is possible to prevent the insertion of garbage into the game medium flow-down unit 300 and the mischief of the player with respect to the game medium flow-down unit 300. it can.

(Other embodiments)
As described in the above-described embodiment, when the counting device main body 23a is attached to the ball box mounting base 105, the store clerk inserts a hand into the pachinko island 100 and attaches it at a predetermined position. At this time, if there is a restricting member for positioning the counting device main body 23a at the predetermined position, there is no need to bend down on the lower side of the counter 104 and attach it while visually recognizing it. From this viewpoint, it is possible to easily attach the counting device main body 23a to the ball box mounting base 105 by groping. An example in which a positioning restriction member is provided below the counter 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 19 is a view showing a cross section of the counter 104 provided with the positioning regulating member 600 that regulates the movement of the counting device main body 23 a in the longitudinal direction of the counter 104. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the counter 104 including a positioning restriction member 650 that restricts the movement of the counting device main body 23a in the longitudinal direction of the counter 104 and the short direction of the counter 104 (direction perpendicular to the side surface of the pachinko island 100). FIG. FIG. 21 is a plan view of the positioning regulating member 650 shown in FIG. 20 when viewed from the lower side, that is, the side where the counting device main body 23a is inserted.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the positioning regulating member 600 is configured by a plate-like member having an L-shaped cross section, and is fixed to a predetermined position on the lower surface of the counter 104 with, for example, a screw. Positioning of the counter 104 in the longitudinal direction can be performed by bringing the one end face of the counting device main body 23a into contact with the positioning regulating member 600.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the other positioning regulating member is configured by a cylindrical member having a rectangular cross section corresponding to the shape of the counting device main body 23a and formed so that the counting device main body 23a can be inserted. Also good. The positioning regulating member 650 is fixed to a predetermined position on the lower surface of the counter 104 with, for example, a screw. This positioning regulating member 650 allows the counting device main body 23a to be inserted from the upper surface of the counting device main body 23a (the side on which the game medium flow unit shutter 303 is provided), and by inserting the counting device main body 23a, Positioning in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction can be performed.

  By providing the positioning restriction members 600 and 650 described above, it is easy to install the counting device main body 23a on the ball box mounting base 105, and it is possible to shorten the work time of the store clerk when installing the counting device main body 23a.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the counting device main body 23a is installed in contact with the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this installation position. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a cross section of the counting device main body 23a installed at a predetermined interval between the counting device main body 23a and the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the counting device main body 23 a is installed at a predetermined interval from the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100, and between the game medium outlet 323 of the counting device main body 23 a and the through portion 220 a of the waist plate 220. Is provided with a guide plate 222 that guides the pachinko ball PB into the pachinko island 100. The pachinko ball PB discharged to the outside from the game medium discharge port 323 of the counting device main body 23a is guided to the discharge basket 214 through the guide plate 222, the penetration portion 220a and the guide passage 218, and collected.

  Even when the counting device main body 23 a is installed at a predetermined distance from the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100, the counting device main body 23 a is installed on the lower side of the counter 104 along with the cigarette collection and conveyance. It is installed between the road 107 and the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100. Moreover, it is preferable that the counting device main body 23a is installed between the center (XX in FIG. 22) of the counter 104 in the front direction (player side direction) of the pachinko machine 2 and the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100. . Furthermore, it is preferable that the counting device main body 23 a is installed within a range of 50 mm from the surface of the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 toward the front of the pachinko machine 2. Here, it is preferable to install the counting device main body 23a within a range of 50 mm from the surface of the waist plate 220 of the pachinko island 100 toward the front of the pachinko machine 2, and if this range exceeds 50 mm, the tobacco collection transport path This is because it becomes difficult to arrange 107 in parallel, and even if the cigarette collection / conveyance path 107 can be provided, the cigarette collection / conveyance path 107 comes into contact with the legs of the player and the player feels uncomfortable.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the detection sensor 305 is disposed in the game medium flow unit 300 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the detection sensor 305 is disposed outside the game medium flow unit 300. It may be provided inside the pachinko island 100 from the waist plate 220 or between the game medium flow unit 300 and the waist plate 220.

  In the above-described embodiment, the counting device 23 that counts pachinko balls provided on the pachinko island 100 has been described. However, the technique according to the counting device 23 can also be applied to a counting device that counts medals. . Even when the technique according to the present invention is applied to a counting device for counting medals, it is needless to say that the same effects as the counting device 23 for counting pachinko balls can be obtained.

The schematic diagram of the game processing system provided with the counting device of one embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which shows the pachinko island formed by juxtaposing a plurality of pachinko machines provided with the counting device. The side view of the pachinko machine in the pachinko island shown in FIG. The perspective view which shows the ball box installation stand and ball box which were provided corresponding to each pachinko machine on the counter. The perspective view which shows the ball box installation stand provided on the counter of the state which removed the ball box. The perspective view of the ball box installation stand for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of deriving the pachinko ball to the counting device side. The perspective view of the ball box installation stand for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of deriving the pachinko ball to the counting device side. The top view which shows the side surface of the game media flow-down unit of a counting device main body. The figure which showed the one part cross section of the flow-down path | route where the pachinko ball flows down in the game medium flow-down unit. The figure which showed the one part cross section of the flow-down path | route where the pachinko ball flows down in the game medium flow-down unit. The top view which shows the side surface by the side of the channel | path of a game media flow-down unit at the time of attaching a game media flow-down unit to a ball box installation stand. The perspective view of the game medium flow-down unit in the state where the opening part was opened. The top view from the longitudinal direction of the counter at the time of attaching a counting device main body to a ball box installation stand. The top view which shows the side surface of the pachinko island side of a game medium flow-down unit. The figure which shows the cross section of the counter main body attached to the downward side of a counter. The top view for demonstrating operation | movement of the shutter part of a game medium flow-down unit and a ball box installation stand. The top view for demonstrating operation | movement of the shutter part of a game medium flow-down unit and a ball box installation stand. The top view for demonstrating operation | movement of the shutter part of a game medium flow-down unit and a ball box installation stand. The top view for demonstrating operation | movement of the shutter part of a game medium flow-down unit and a ball box installation stand. The top view for demonstrating operation | movement of the shutter part of a game medium flow-down unit and a ball box installation stand. The figure which showed typically the outline | summary of the power supply circuit of a game medium flow-down unit. The flowchart for demonstrating a series of operation | movement in the ball box installation stand shutter of the ball box installation stand and the game medium flow unit shutter of the game medium flow unit according to the acquired number of pachinko balls. The figure which shows the cross section of the counter provided with the positioning control member which controls the movement of the counter apparatus main body to the longitudinal direction of a counter. The figure which shows the cross section of the counter provided with the positioning control member which controls the movement of the counter apparatus main body to the longitudinal direction of a counter, and the transversal direction of the counter 104. The top view when the positioning control member shown in FIG. 20 is seen from the lower side. The figure which shows the cross section of the counting device main body installed in the predetermined interval between the counting device main body and the waist plate of Pachinko Island.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game processing system, 2 ... Pachinko machine, 3, 4, 6 ... Inter-machine, 5 ... Slot machine, 7 ... Island computer, 8 ... Network, 10 ... Checkout machine, 11 ... Premiums management machine (POS), 12 ... Replay accepting machine, 13 ... Management device, 14 ... Protocol converter, 15 ... Modem, 16 ... Card center, 17 ... Personal computer, 18 ... Premium dispenser, 20 ... Issuing machine, 21 ... Data display machine, 22 ... Data Opening machine, 23 ... counter, 23a ... counter main body, 100 ... pachinko island, 101 ... board, 102 ... curtain board, 103 ... chair, 104 ... counter, 105 ... ball box installation table, 106 ... ball box, 107 ... Cigarette collection / conveyance path, 204 ... shutter operating section, 205 ... display, 210 ... out ball discharge section, 211 ... out box, 212 ... out meter, 213 ... discharge pipe, 14 ... discharge rod, 215 ... input connector, 216 ... lower input connector, 218 ... guide passage, 220 ... waist plate, 220a, 220b ... penetration, 250 ... substrate, 251 ... position fixing projection, 252, 256a, 302, 303a , 321... Opening, 253..., Ball box setting table shutter, 253a .. shutter pressing member, 254... Shutter opening / closing operation unit, 254a .. operation unit, 254b. Contact member, 255, 460 ... connecting connector, 256 ... locking plate, 257 ... ball box setting table shutter guide, 300 ... game medium flow unit, 301 ... housing, 301a ... wall portion, 303 ... game medium flow unit shutter , 304 ... Downflow passage, 305 ... Detection sensor, 306 ... Opening for operation lever, 310, 330 ... Spring 311 ... Spring member fixing portion, 320 ... separation wall, 322 ... lower support member, 323 ... game medium discharge port, 324 ... liquid blocking wall, 325 ... liquid discharge port, 335,430 ... drive unit, 380 ... game medium Flowing unit cover, 400 ... Link mechanism for stopper, 410 ... Shutter stopper, 410a ... Supporting part, 420 ... Rotating member stopper, 440 ... Locking part, 440a ... Locking contact surface, 440b ... Rotating shaft, 440c ... Control lever , 441 ... locking portion, 442 ... locking release lever, 450 ... power transmission plate.

Claims (2)

A counting device provided corresponding to each gaming machine, comprising a gaming medium flow unit provided on the lower side of the gaming machine in a gaming machine island in which a plurality of the gaming machines are arranged,
The game media flow unit is
A rundown path to flow down a game medium introduced from the game medium inlet port provided in the projecting plate projecting from the front at the lower side of the gaming machine,
A housing that houses the flow-down passage and covers the periphery of the flow-down passage on the downstream side of the game medium introduction port so that the game medium does not flow out to the outside;
Part of the locking member provided below the upper surface of the protruding plate can be brought into contact with the locking member for locking, and the locking state with the locking member is released by operating with a force from the operation unit. And a locking means for removably locking the game medium flow-down unit at a position where the game medium can be introduced from the game medium introduction port.
With
The game medium flow unit is provided along a direction in which the gaming machines are arranged on the lower side of the projecting plate, in a transport direction in a tobacco collection transport path for transporting and collecting cigarette butts, and the flow down parallel to the flow-down direction of the game medium in the passage, and the like than tobacco collecting path becomes the gaming machine island side, is locked by said locking means,
The operation unit is provided so as to protrude toward the outside of the game medium flow-down unit in a direction along the cigarette collection transport path from a side surface on the short side of the game medium flow-down unit. apparatus. A method of arranging a counting device provided with a gaming medium flow unit provided on the lower side of the gaming machine on a gaming machine island provided corresponding to each gaming machine and arranged in a plurality of the gaming machines,
The game media flow unit is
A flow-down passage through which a game medium introduced from a game medium introduction port provided on a projecting plate projecting forward on the lower side of the gaming machine flows down;
A housing that houses the flow-down passage and covers the periphery of the flow-down passage on the downstream side of the game medium introduction port so that the game medium does not flow out to the outside;
Part of the locking member provided below the upper surface of the protruding plate can be brought into contact with the locking member for locking, and the locking state with the locking member is released by operating with a force from the operation unit. And a locking means for removably locking the game medium flow-down unit at a position where the game medium can be introduced from the game medium introduction port.
With
A transport direction in a tobacco collection transport path for transporting and collecting cigarette butts provided along the direction in which the gaming machines are arranged below the projecting plate; Arranged to be locked by the locking means so that the flow direction of the game medium in the passage is parallel to the gaming machine island side from the cigarette collection and conveyance path,
The counting device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is disposed so as to protrude toward the outside of the game medium flow-down unit in a direction along the cigarette collection transport path from a short side surface of the game medium flow-down unit. Placement method .

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