JP4180572B2 - Transport line device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport line device used when transporting a gaming machine or a game board represented by a pachinko machine or the like.

Conventionally, a gaming machine collected from a hall has been reused (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, a new gaming machine is manufactured by reusing the collected gaming machine parts, and the gaming machine is delivered to the hall again. Then, new gaming machines that have passed the inspection line are collected for each hole collected by the sorting operation.
JP 2002-172219 A (FIG. 1 etc.)

  However, since this sorting operation is usually a manual operation, it is difficult to say that it is efficient, and there is a possibility that a sorting error may occur due to a long-time operation. There is also a problem that a significant difference occurs in work efficiency depending on the skill level of the worker.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transport line device capable of efficiently and accurately sorting and transporting a transported object such as a gaming machine. .

In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a main transport line for transporting a gaming machine or a game board to which identification information is given as a transported object, and a vicinity of a terminal portion of the main transport line. disposed, before Symbol a rotating part for conveying the conveying object, is disposed on the downstream side of the rotating part, the transported object which is conveyed by the main conveyance line receives via the rotating part An unloading / conveying line to be unloaded, and an unloading / conveying line that is arranged near the rotating / conveying unit and different from the unloading / conveying line and temporarily transports the object to be conveyed by the main conveying line via the rotating / conveying unit. And a retreat conveyance unit that conveys the retreated object again to the rotary conveyance unit side, a first identification unit that identifies the content of identification information of the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line, and the unloading Conveyor Second identification means for identifying the content of identification information of the object to be conveyed at the start end of the storage, storage means for storing the identification information identified by the second identification means, and conveyed object on the retreat conveyance part The third identification means for identifying the contents of the identification information of the object, and the conveyance operation of the main conveyance line, the carry-out conveyance line, and the retreat conveyance unit, and the conveyance from the carry- out conveyance line and the retreat conveyance unit determining previously a and a conveyance control means for controlling the conveyance operation before Symbol rotating part on the basis of this determination result, the transfer control means includes an identification determining means and the conveying mode determining means, said identification decision The means determines whether or not there is the object to be transported on the retreat transport unit, and the transport mode determination means determines that the transport object is on the retreat transport unit by the identification determination unit. And said 3 the contents of the identification information identified by the identification means, in the case where the content of the identification information stored in the storage unit match, the transported object located on the evacuation conveyor section, said by the rotating part It is determined to be conveyed to a carry-out conveyance line, and the content of the identification information determined by the identification determination means that the object to be conveyed is on the retreat conveyance unit and identified by the third identification means, The content of the identification information stored in the storage means does not match, and the content of the identification information identified by the first identification means does not match the content of the identification information stored in the storage means In addition, it is determined that the object to be conveyed on the retreat conveyance unit is to be conveyed to the unloading conveyance line by the rotary conveyance unit, and it is determined that there is no object to be conveyed on the retraction conveyance unit. And when the content of the identification information identified by the first identification device and the content of the identification information stored in the storage device do not match, the content on the main transport line is determined. The gist of the present invention is a conveyance line device that determines that the conveyance object is to be conveyed to the carry-out conveyance line by the rotary conveyance unit .

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, even if different types of objects are mixed in the group of objects to be transferred that have been transferred by the main transfer line, the different types of objects to be transferred are passed through the rotary transfer unit. It can be temporarily retreated to the retreat conveyance unit. When the same type of transported object as the retracted transported object is transported on the main transport line, the transported object is transported back by transporting the retracted transported object back to the rotary transport unit side again. Can be carried out from the carry-out conveyance line together with the object to be conveyed from the main conveyance line. Thereby, a to-be-conveyed object can be sorted and carried out for every kind. In addition, since the sorting work of the object to be transported is performed by controlling the selective transporting operation of the rotary transport unit by the transport control means, the sorting work can be performed more efficiently than the conventional sorting work by hand, Occurrence of sorting mistakes associated with sorting operations can also be suppressed.
The content of the identification information of the object to be conveyed identified by the first identification unit, the second identification unit, and the third identification unit is controlled by the conveyance control unit of the main conveyance line, the unloading conveyance line, the retreat conveyance unit, and the rotation conveyance unit. Based on. As a result, it is possible to accurately know the type of the object to be conveyed and the position of the object to be conveyed (that is, what kind of object to be conveyed is), so that the sorting operation of the object to be conveyed can be performed more accurately. Done. Therefore, generation | occurrence | production of a sorting mistake can be suppressed more reliably.
Furthermore, for example, when the content of the identification information identified by the first identification means matches at least a part of the content of the identification information stored in the storage means, the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line It is possible to determine conveyance to the unloading conveyance line. In addition, when the content of the identification information identified by the third identification means matches at least a part of the content of the identification information stored in the storage means, the object to be conveyed on the retreat conveyance unit is carried out. Transfer to the transfer line can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to prevent different kinds of objects to be mixed into the objects to be conveyed on the unloading / conveying line by conveying the objects to be conveyed to the unloading / conveying line.
Further, since identification information is given to the object to be transported, it can be easily and accurately determined based on the identification information as compared with a case where such identification information is not given.
In addition, since the identification information of the object that has passed through the unloading / conveying line lastly can be identified by the second identifying unit and stored in the storage unit, the object to be conveyed already passes on the unloading / conveying line. Even if it does not exist, it is possible to perform control by the conveyance mode determination unit based on the identification information stored in the storage unit.

In addition, the said rotation conveyance part has a conveyance surface located in the same height as the conveyance surface of the said main conveyance line, the conveyance surface of the said unloading conveyance line, and the conveyance surface of the said evacuation conveyance part, for example, and is extended in a perpendicular direction. It has a structure that can rotate around a rotation axis.

In this way, the center conveying surface of the rotating part is, the main conveyor line, located at the same height as the carry-out conveyor line and conveying surface of the retracting conveyor section, a rotating shaft rotating part extending in the vertical direction to rotate, when performing the selection conveying operation of the rotating part, it is not necessary to move the rotating part in the vertical direction. In addition, there is no step at the joint between the rotary transport unit and the main transport line, the joint between the rotary transport unit and the carry-out transport line, and the joint between the rotary transport unit and the retreat transport unit. Therefore, the selective conveyance operation of the rotary conveyance unit can be performed smoothly.

In addition, since the conveyance surface of the rotation conveyance unit is located at the same height as the conveyance surfaces of the main conveyance line, the carry-out conveyance line, and the retreat conveyance unit, the rotation conveyance unit and the conveyance conveyance between the rotation conveyance unit and the main conveyance line. It is not necessary to change the posture of the conveyed object when moving the conveyed object between the line and between the rotary conveying unit and the retracting conveying unit. Furthermore, the object to be conveyed can be conveyed in an upright state. Further , when the object to be conveyed is conveyed in an upright state, the object to be conveyed can be operated on the front surface side and the back surface side by rotating the object to be conveyed on the rotary conveyance unit.

  The rotation conveyance unit includes, for example, a rotation driving unit that rotates the rotation conveyance unit and a plurality of rolling elements that support the object to be conveyed. The rotary conveying unit including rolling elements is provided in the rotary conveying unit so as to be rotatable at a predetermined interval, and includes a plurality of rollers on which an object to be conveyed is placed and an actuator such as a motor for driving the rollers. Etc. In addition, the rotation conveyance unit includes a plurality of rollers rotatably provided at a predetermined interval, a belt member wound around the plurality of rollers to support an object to be conveyed, and an actuator such as a motor for driving the rollers. (So-called “belt conveyor”) and the like.

In the case evacuation conveyor section Ru s Bei example, said main conveying line, the carry-out conveyor line and the retracting conveyor unit be arranged at equal angular intervals around the rotation axis of the rotating part preferable. In this way, the rotation conveyance unit can be rotated to the main conveyance line side, the unloading conveyance line side, and the retreat conveyance unit side by rotating the rotation conveyance unit by equal angles, so that the conveyance control means It becomes easy to control the rotation of the rotary conveying unit.

In addition, although the arrangement | positioning aspect of the said main conveyance line and the said carrying-out conveyance line is not specifically limited, It is preferable to arrange | position on a straight line. In this way, the object to be transported that has been transported by the main transport line is transported to the unloading transport line via the rotary transport unit without changing the direction, so that the object to be transported can be transported smoothly.

The evacuation / conveyance unit includes a mechanism for temporarily evacuating the object to be conveyed via the rotary conveyance unit and conveying the evacuated object to the rotation conveyance unit side again. As this mechanism, for example, a plurality of rolling elements that support an object to be transported can be cited. The retracting / conveying unit including the rolling elements includes a plurality of rollers provided on the retracting / conveying unit so as to be rotatable at a predetermined interval and on which an object to be conveyed is placed, and an actuator such as a motor for driving the rollers. Etc. In addition, a plurality of rollers rotatably provided at a predetermined interval in the evacuation conveyance unit, a belt member wound around the plurality of rollers to support an object to be conveyed, and an actuator such as a motor for driving the roller. (So-called “belt conveyor”) and the like.

  Note that only one evacuation conveyance unit may be provided in the conveyance line device, or a plurality of evacuation conveyance units may be provided. Further, the evacuation / conveyance unit may evacuate only one object to be conveyed, but may evacuate a plurality of objects to be conveyed. In this way, a large number of objects to be transported can be retracted without increasing the number of retracting and transporting units.

  In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of the retreat conveyance units are provided. In this way, by providing a plurality of retreat conveyance units, for example, even if a plurality of different conveyance objects are mixed in the conveyance object group conveyed by the main conveyance line, It becomes easy to retreat everything to the retreat conveyance unit. Further, the same type of conveyed object can be retreated for each retreat conveyance unit. That is, since the retreat conveyance part which retracts a to-be-conveyed object can be determined according to the kind of to-be-conveyed object, a to-be-conveyed object can be classified more finely.

Incidentally, the case where the carried object is more the save transport unit having no, as the mode to be saved in the save transport unit transported object, among a plurality of the evacuation conveyor section where the transported object is not present, the main For example, the object to be transported on the main transport line is retracted to the retracting transport unit where the rotation angle of the rotary transport unit from the transport line side to the retracting transport unit side is minimum. In this way, the time for retracting the object to be transported on the main transport line to the retracting transport unit and the time for transporting the transported object on the retracting transport unit to the unloading transport line can be shortened. Work can be performed more efficiently.

  Here, examples of the identification information include shipping destination information indicating a shipping destination (hole), spec information indicating a spec (probability of winning, number of winning balls, etc.), and the like. Moreover, it is preferable that the identification information given to the said to-be-conveyed object contains the multiple types of information ranked according to importance. Specifically, it is conceivable that the identification information includes the shipping destination information having the highest importance in the sorting operation and the spec information having a lower importance than the shipping destination information. In this way, the objects to be transported can be grouped into a large classification and further into a middle classification and a small classification. For example, first categorize the objects to be transported according to the shipping destination information into a large classification (for example, A Hall Group, B Hall Group, Sakai Hall Group), and then, according to the specification information, The objects to be conveyed can be grouped into medium classification (for example, A Hall A type group, A Hall B type group, and A Hall C type group). Therefore, it becomes easy to confirm the number and type of objects to be conveyed at the time of shipment.

  In addition, as an aspect which gives identification information to a to-be-conveyed object, the sticker which described the content of the identification information is affixed on a to-be-conveyed object, and the seal | sticker which displayed the content of the identification information by barcode or two-dimensional encoding was displayed. And affixing to the transported object. In addition, a magnetic tape storing the contents of the identification information is attached to the object to be transported, and a microchip storing the contents of the identification information is embedded in the object to be transported.

  In addition, as the first identification unit, the second identification unit, and the third identification unit, when the content of the identification information is barcoded or two-dimensionally coded, a CCD camera that captures the content of the identification information can be used. . Further, when the content of the identification information is stored on the magnetic tape, a magnetic read head that reads the content of the identification information may be used. Moreover, when the content of identification information is memorize | stored in the microchip, the receiver etc. which receive the signal (signal containing the content of identification information) transmitted from the microchip are mentioned.

In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of first identification means are provided in the main transport line. In this way, even if the content of the identification information of the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line cannot be identified by the specific first identification unit, it can be identified by another first identification unit. Accordingly, the contents of the identification information of the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line can be reliably identified by the plurality of first identification means. Furthermore, it is preferable that a plurality of first identification means are provided at predetermined intervals in the main transport line. In this way, when different kinds of conveyed objects are mixed in the group of conveyed objects conveyed by the main conveying line, at what timing are the different kinds of conveyed objects conveyed to the rotary conveying unit Can be expected.

  In addition, when the identification information is already stored in the storage means, as an aspect in which the storage means newly stores the identification information identified by the second identification means, for example, already stored identification information is stored. Erasing from the means and storing the identification information newly identified by the second identification means in the storage means, overwriting the new identification information on the identification information already stored in the storage means, etc. Is mentioned. In this way, past identification information that is no longer needed every time identification information is newly stored is erased, so that it is possible to prevent the storage means from becoming insufficient in capacity.

Further, when it is determined by the transport mode determining means that the object to be transported on the retreat transport unit is transported to the unload transport line, the transport control unit drives the retreat transport unit to perform the retreat transport the transported object located on the part with back conveyed to the rotating part side, the rotation of the conveyance unit is driven to convey the rotating part side reconstituted transported object is transported to the carry-out conveyor line, wherein It is preferable that the content of the identification information of the object to be conveyed carried out on the carry-out conveyance line is identified by the second identification unit, and the identification information is stored in the storage unit.

  In this way, when the object is unloaded from the evacuation conveyance unit to the unloading conveyance line, the identification information of the unloaded object is newly stored in the storage unit. Then, based on the newly stored identification information, the same type of transported object as the transported object transported from the evacuation transport unit to the transporting transport line can be transported from the main transport line to the transporting transport line. Further, when a plurality of evacuation / conveying units are provided, even when an object to be conveyed is carried out from one evacuation / conveying unit to the carry-out conveyance line, the identification information of the conveyed object to be carried out is newly stored in the storage unit. Then, based on the newly stored identification information, the same type of transported object as the transported object transported from the retracting transport unit to the transporting transport line can be transported from another retracting transport unit to the transporting transport line. . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a sorting error occurs when the type of the object to be conveyed on the carry-out conveyance line is changed.

Further , the identification information determination means that is a part of the transport mode determination means is at least a part of the contents of the identification information stored in the storage means and the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means. Can be determined to carry out the object to be carried on the main conveyance line to the carry-out conveyance line. Further, when the contents of the identification information stored in the storage means and at least a part of the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means do not match, the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line is saved. The evacuation to the transport unit can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a group of objects to be conveyed in which different kinds of objects to be conveyed are unloaded from the unloading line.

  In this way, for example, when at least a part of the content of the identification information stored in the storage means and the content of the identification information identified by the first identification means match, on the main transport line. It is possible to determine whether to carry a certain object to the carry-out conveyance line. Further, when the contents of the identification information stored in the storage means and at least a part of the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means do not match, the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line is saved. The evacuation to the transport unit can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a group of objects to be conveyed in which different kinds of objects to be conveyed are unloaded from the unloading line.

In addition, when it is determined by the transfer mode determining means that an object to be transferred on the main transfer line is carried out to the carry-out transfer line, the transfer control means drives the rotary transfer unit to drive the main transfer The object to be conveyed on the line is unloaded to the unloading / conveying line, the content of identification information of the unloaded object carried to the unloading / conveying line is identified by the second identification unit, and the identification information is stored in the memory Preferably, the means is stored.

  In this way, regardless of whether or not at least a part of the contents of the identification information of the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line and the contents of the identification information of the object to be conveyed on the unloading conveyance line match. When the transported object on the main transport line is transported to the unloading transport line, the transport control means causes the second identifying means to identify the content of the identification information of the transported object, and the identification information is stored in the storage means. Remember. As a result, since the possibility that the content of the identification information of the conveyed object on the carry-out conveyance line is different from the content of the identification information stored in the storage means is reduced, the possibility of occurrence of a sorting error is further reduced. Become.

In addition, when it is determined by the transfer mode determining means that the object to be transferred on the main transfer line is retracted to the retreat transfer unit, the transfer control unit drives the rotary transfer unit to drive the main transfer It is preferable that the object to be conveyed on the line is retracted to the retracting and transporting section, and the content of the identification information of the transported object retracted to the retracting and transporting section is identified by the third identifying means.

In this way, by identifying the content of the identification information of the conveyed object evacuated to the evacuated conveyance unit by the third identification means, it is possible to recognize the presence or absence of the conveyed object on the evacuated conveyance unit. For this reason, when another object is newly retracted to the retreat conveyance unit, it is possible to avoid a collision between the object to be retreated and the object already on the retreat conveyance unit.
The identification information includes first rank information having the highest importance level and second rank information having a lower importance level than the first rank information, and the transport control means includes the identification determination means. If the determination is affirmative, does the first rank information included in the identification information stored in the storage means match the first rank information included in the identification information identified by the third identification means? First rank information determination means for determining whether or not, and when the determination result by the first rank information determination means is affirmative, second rank information included in the identification information stored in the storage means; The second rank information determining means for determining whether or not the second rank information included in the identification information identified by the third identifying means matches, and the determination by the identification determining means is negative , In the first identification means Third rank information determining means for determining whether or not the first rank information included in the identification information identified in the above and the first rank information included in the identification information stored in the storage means match. And when the determination result by the first rank information determination means is negative, the first rank information included in the identification information identified by the first identification means and the identification information stored in the storage means 4th order information determining means for determining whether or not the first order information included in the information matches, and the transport mode determining means is positive when the determination by the second order information determining means is affirmative Or if the determination by the fourth rank information determination means is negative, determine that the object to be conveyed on the retreat conveyance unit is to be conveyed to the carry-out conveyance line by the rotary conveyance unit , Third ranking information If the determination by the determining means is negative, the transported object in the main transport on line, it is preferable to determine that to convey to the carry-out conveyor line by the rotation device.
In addition , the transport control unit may be configured to perform the first identification unit when the determination result by the third rank information determination unit is affirmative or when the determination result by the fourth rank information determination unit is affirmative. Fifth rank information determination means for determining whether or not the second rank information included in the identification information identified by the second rank information included in the identification information stored in the storage means matches. When the determination result by the fifth rank information determination means is affirmative, the first rank information and the second rank information are stored as specific information, and the determination by the fifth rank information determination means is negative. In this case, the storage means for storing the first rank information as specific information, and the content of identification information of the object to be conveyed at the end of the main conveyance line identified by the first identification means, Identification information content determination means for determining whether or not the specific information stored in the storage means does not match, and when the determination result by the identification information content determination means is affirmative, identification by the first identification means And a discriminability determination unit that determines whether or not there is an object whose identification information matches the specific information among the objects to be conveyed other than the terminal portion of the main conveyance line. The mode determining means determines that the object to be transported at the terminal end of the main transport line is transported to the unloading transport line by the rotary transport section when the determination result by the identification information content determining means is negative. above, if the determination result of the identification determination means is positive, when there is a vacancy in the retracted transport unit, the transported object at the end portion of the main conveyor line, by the rotating part It is preferable to determine that retract to avoid transport.

  As described in detail above, according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a transport line device that can efficiently and accurately sort and transport the objects to be transported.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied as a transport line device used when transporting a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”) will be described with reference to FIGS.
(1) Schematic configuration of the entire transfer line device 31

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the transfer line device 31, an operation of transferring the pachinko machine 10 (conveyed object and game machine) in an upright state in the direction of the arrow F <b> 1 is performed. The conveyance line device 31 has a length that allows a plurality of pachinko machines 10 to be arranged and supported at the same time, and has a total length of several meters to several tens of meters. Then, in the process of transporting the pachinko machine 10, a function inspection for the pachinko machine 10 is performed.

  On the other hand, a game machine identification seal is affixed to the bottom surface 10 a of the pachinko machine 10. On the game machine identification seal, identification information for identifying the type of the pachinko machine 10 is displayed as a two-dimensional code. A specific example of the two-dimensional code is a QR code (registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED). The identification information includes a plurality of types of information ranked according to importance. In the present embodiment, the identification information includes shipping destination information (first ranking information) indicating the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 and spec information (second ranking information) indicating the specifications of the pachinko machine 10. The shipping destination information is information having the highest importance in sorting the pachinko machine 10, and the specification information is information having lower importance than the shipping destination information.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transport line device 31 includes a line main body 33 on which the pachinko machine 10 can be mounted, and a base frame 34 that supports the line main body 33. The height of the base frame 34 is set such that the pachinko machine 10 mounted on the line main body 33 is positioned between the operator's waist and chest.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transport line device 31 includes a main transport line 32, an unload transport line 37, a rotary transport unit 21 (selective transport unit), and a pair of retreat transport units 39 a and 39 b. . The main transfer line 32 and the carry-out transfer line 37 are arranged on a straight line along the transfer direction (arrow F1 direction) and have a transfer function. The rotary conveyance unit 21 is disposed between the main conveyance line 32 and the carry-out conveyance line 37, and has a rotation function in addition to the conveyance function. Both evacuation conveyance parts 39a and 39b are arranged in a location different from the main conveyance line 32 and the carry-out conveyance line 37 in the vicinity of the rotary conveyance part 21, and have a conveyance function (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the retreat conveyance unit 39a is disposed on the front side of the rotary conveyance unit 21 in FIG. 2, and the retraction conveyance unit 39b is disposed on the back side of the rotation conveyance unit 21 in FIG. Both the retracting and conveying units 39a and 39b are arranged on a straight line along a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.
(2) Main transfer line 32

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main transport line 32 includes a roller conveyor 44 for transporting gaming machines supported by a plurality of conveyor support portions 44b. A plurality of lower rollers 61 are rotatably disposed at predetermined intervals on the roller conveyor 44 for transporting the gaming machines. Each of the lower rollers 61 is disposed at the same height, and is disposed on a straight line along the conveyance direction of the pachinko machine 10. The peripheral surface of each lower roller 61 comes into contact with the bottom surface 10 a of the pachinko machine 10 when the pachinko machine 10 is mounted on the roller conveyor 44 for transporting gaming machines. Each lower roller 61 rolls when the pachinko machine 10 is transported to facilitate smooth movement of the pachinko machine 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each lower roller 61 is rotationally driven by an actuator such as a rotational drive motor 48. Specifically, each lower roller 61 is integrally rotated by a power transmission mechanism such as a timing belt (not shown) wound around the lower roller 61.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a rail 46 having a U-shaped cross section extending in the transport direction is provided on the upper frame 45 above the roller conveyor 44 for transporting the gaming machines. The rail 46 is formed to be slightly wider (for example, 1 to 2 cm) than the thickness of the upper part of the pachinko machine 10, and supports the pachinko machine 10 so that the pachinko machine 10 does not fall down when the upper part of the pachinko machine 10 is inserted.

  Accordingly, in the pachinko machine 10 mounted on the gaming machine transport roller conveyor 44, the bottom surface 10a is supported by the lower roller 61 and the upper portion is supported by the rail 46. Therefore, when the lower roller 61 rotates, the pachinko machine 10 is conveyed in the direction of arrow F1 (that is, the conveyance direction) in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the upper and lower portions supported. Thereby, the fall of the pachinko machine 10 at the time of conveyance is prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main transport line 32 is provided with a plurality (six in this embodiment) of first identification devices 52 a to 52 f (first identification means). Each of the first identification devices 52 a to 52 f is provided at a predetermined interval along the direction in which the main transport line 32 extends, and is disposed between the lower rollers 61. In the present embodiment, each of the first identification devices 52 a to 52 f is a CCD camera that images the pachinko machine 10 on the main transport line 32. The first identification devices 52a to 52f image the gaming machine identification sticker affixed to the pachinko machine 10, and the contents of the identification information of the pachinko machine 10 given to the gaming machine identification seal (the shipping destination information and The specification information) is output as image data.
(3) Unloading conveyance line 37

  The unloading / conveying line 37 is arranged on the downstream side of the rotary conveying unit 21 and receives the pachinko machine 10 conveyed by the main conveying line 32 via the rotating / conveying unit 21 and carries it out. . This carry-out conveyance line 37 has substantially the same configuration as the main conveyance line 32.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the unloading / conveying line 37 is provided with a second identification device 56 (second identification means). The second identification device 56 is disposed at the starting end of the carry-out conveyance line 37 between the lower rollers 61 constituting the game machine conveyance roller conveyor 44 of the carry-out conveyance line 37. In the present embodiment, the second identification device 56 is a CCD camera that images the pachinko machine 10 on the carry-out conveyance line 37, and the same one as the first identification devices 52a to 52f is used. The second identification device 56 images the gaming machine identification sticker affixed to the pachinko machine 10, and the contents of the identification information of the pachinko machine 10 given to the gaming machine identification seal (the shipping destination information and the specs). Information) is output as image data.
(4) Retreat conveyance unit 39a, 39b

  The evacuation / conveyance units 39a and 39b temporarily evacuate the pachinko machine 10 conveyed by the main conveyance line 32 via the rotation conveyance unit 21 and return the evacuated pachinko machine 10 to the rotation conveyance unit 21 again. It is designed to be transported back. These evacuation conveyance units 39a and 39b have substantially the same configuration as the main conveyance line 32 and the carry-out conveyance line 37 (see FIG. 2). That is, the evacuation / conveyance units 39a and 39b are provided with a game machine conveyance roller conveyor 44, the rail 46, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the retreat conveyance unit 39 a is provided with a third identification device 59 a (third identification unit), and the retreat conveyance unit 39 b is provided with a third identification device 59 b (third identification unit). Yes. The third identification device 59a is disposed between the lower rollers 61 constituting the gaming machine conveyance roller conveyor 44 of the retreat conveyance unit 39a, and the third identification device 59b is a game machine conveyance roller of the retraction conveyance unit 39b. It is disposed between the lower rollers 61 constituting the conveyor 44. In the present embodiment, the third identification devices 59a and 59b are CCD cameras that image the pachinko machine 10 on the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b, and the first identification devices 52a to 52f, the second identification device 56, and the like. Similar ones are used. The third identification devices 59a and 59b detect the gaming machine identification sticker attached to the pachinko machine 10, and the contents of the identification information of the pachinko machine 10 given to the gaming machine identification seal (the shipping destination information and The specification information) is output as image data. The contents of the identification information identified by the third identification devices 59a and 59b are not only the shipping destination information and the specification information, but also information indicating whether or not the pachinko machine 10 is present on the evacuation conveyance units 39a and 39b. Contains.
(5) Rotating conveyance unit 21

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotary conveyance unit 21 has the same conveyance function as the main conveyance line 32, the carry-out conveyance line 37, and the retreat conveyance units 39 a and 39 b. Further, the rotary conveyance unit 21 selects a conveyance destination of the pachinko machine 10 from the carry-out conveyance line 37 and the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b by rotating so as to form an angle with respect to the conveyance direction of the main conveyance line 32. It has a function. The rotary conveyance unit 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the end portion of the main conveyance line 32 and in the vicinity of the unloading conveyance line 37 and the start end portions of the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b. The rotary conveyance unit 21 has a conveyance surface located at the same height as the conveyance surface of the main conveyance line 32, the conveyance surface of the carry-out conveyance line 37, and the conveyance surfaces of the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary conveyance unit 21 includes an upper support rail 36, a game machine moving roller conveyor 43, a frame member 35, and the like. The upper support rail 36 is attached to the frame member 35, and the center portion is connected to the base end of the support shaft 47. Note that the tip of the support shaft 47 passes through the upper frame 45 and is rotatable with respect to the upper frame 45. Further, the upper support rail 36 has a U-shaped cross section and is provided above the roller conveyor 43 for moving the gaming machine. The upper support rail 36 is formed to be slightly wider (for example, 1 to 2 cm) than the thickness of the upper part of the pachinko machine 10, and supports the pachinko machine 10 so that the pachinko machine 10 does not fall down when the upper part of the pachinko machine 10 is inserted. Yes. That is, the upper support rail 36 has substantially the same configuration as the rail 46.

  In addition, on the frame member 35, a roller conveyor 43 (conveying means) for moving the gaming machine that conveys the pachinko machine 10 is formed linearly along the radial direction of the rotary conveying unit 21. Thereby, the roller conveyor 43 for moving the gaming machine rotates by the same angle as the upper support rail 36 attached to the frame member 35 as the frame member 35 rotates. The gaming machine moving roller conveyor 43 supports the lower part of the pachinko machine 10 while the pachinko machine 10 can be transported. More specifically, a plurality of lower rollers 22 are rotatably disposed on the gaming machine moving roller conveyor 43 at a predetermined interval. In the present embodiment, each lower roller 22 is the same as the lower roller 61 provided in the gaming machine transport roller conveyor 44.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each lower roller 22 is rotationally driven by an actuator such as a rotational drive motor 49. The rotation drive motor 49 is arranged on the side of the conveyor support portion 43a in the roller conveyor 43 for moving the gaming machine. Specifically, each lower roller 22 is integrally rotated by a power transmission mechanism such as a timing belt (not shown) that is wound around the lower roller 22 and driven by a rotation drive motor 49.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine moving roller conveyor 43 is supported by a conveyor support portion 43a, and has a structure that can rotate around the rotation axis of the conveyor support portion 43a extending in the vertical direction. Yes. The conveyor support portion 43 a is provided at the center of the gaming machine moving roller conveyor 43. The conveyor support portion 43 a is supported by the base frame 34 and is rotationally driven by a rotational drive motor 54. The rotation drive motor 54 is provided on the side portion of the conveyor support portion 43a, and drives the conveyor support portion 43a via a gear (not shown). In addition, the gaming machine moving roller conveyor 43 has one end close to the terminal end of the gaming machine transport roller conveyor 44 of the main transport line 32 and the other end of the gaming machine of the unloading transport line 37 in a state before rotation. It is close to the starting end of the conveying roller conveyor 44. The distance between the end of the gaming machine transfer roller conveyor 43 and the end of the gaming machine transport roller conveyor 44 is such that the gaming machine transport roller conveyor 43 does not contact the gaming machine transport roller conveyor 44 during rotation. The pachinko machine 10 is set so as not to fall.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary conveyance unit 21 can rotate any number of rotations in the clockwise direction in the plan view and the counterclockwise direction in the plan view with the conveyor support unit 43 a as the center. Then, when the rotary conveyance unit 21 is rotated to the carry-out conveyance line 37 side (the game machine movement roller conveyor 43 is rotated by 180 ° with respect to the conveyance direction), one end of the game machine movement roller conveyor 43 and the carry-out conveyance line 37 While the start end approaches, the other end of the game machine moving roller conveyor 43 and the end of the main transport line 32 approach each other. Further, when the rotary conveyance unit 21 is rotated toward the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b (the game machine movement roller conveyor 43 is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the conveyance direction), one end of the game machine movement roller conveyor 43 and the retraction conveyance unit While the tip of 39a approaches, the other end of roller conveyor 43 for game machine movement and the tip of retreat conveyance part 39b approach.
(6) Electrical configuration of the transfer line device 31

  As shown in FIG. 1, the transport line device 31 includes a CPU 51 (transport control means). The CPU 51 controls the transport operations of the main transport line 32, the unload transport line 37, and the retreat transport units 39a and 39b. Specifically, the CPU 51 has a motor driver circuit (not shown) for the rotation drive motor 48 of the main transfer line 32, the rotation drive motor 48 of the unloading transfer line 37, and the rotation drive motor 48 of the retracting transfer unit 39b. These are connected to control the driving of them. Further, the CPU 51 controls the selective conveyance operation (operation of conveying the pachinko machine 10 to the conveyance destination selected from the carry-out conveyance line 37 and the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b) of the rotary conveyance unit 21. Specifically, the CPU 51 controls driving of the rotation drive motor 49 and the rotation drive motor 54 via a motor driver circuit.

  Further, the CPU 51 stores a program for assigning the destination of the pachinko machine 10 in the memory. For example, the CPU 51 retracts and conveys the pachinko machine 10 on the main conveyance line 32 when the shipment destination of the pachinko machine 10 on the main conveyance line 32 is different from the shipment destination of the pachinko machine 10 on the carry-out conveyance line 37. The program to be moved to the unit 39a is stored in the memory. In addition, a keyboard 55 and a display 57 are connected to the CPU 51. The keyboard 55 is for inputting information such as a shipment plan of the pachinko machine 10 to the CPU 51. The keyboard 55 is used to input data to the CPU 51 as a condition for moving the pachinko machine 10 on the main conveyance line 32 to the retreat conveyance unit 39a based on the program. The display 57 includes the number of pachinko machines 10 existing on the roller conveyor 44 for transporting the gaming machines in the main transport line 32, the number of pachinko machines 10 existing on the roller conveyor 44 for transporting the gaming machines in the unloading transport line 37, and retreat transport. Whether or not the pachinko machine 10 exists on the portions 39a and 39b is displayed. The display 57 may display a plan view (see FIG. 3) that simplifies the operation state of the transport line device 31, or may display a mark that indicates the occurrence of an abnormality in the transport line device 31. .

  The CPU 51 is connected to a RAM 58 (see FIG. 1) as a storage unit. The RAM 58 stores the contents of identification information included in the image data output from the second identification device 56.

  Further, the CPU 51 controls the rotational drive of each rotational drive motor 48 via a motor driver circuit. More specifically, the CPU 51 determines that the gaming machine moving roller conveyor 43 of the rotary transport unit 21 is at a rotational position that makes an angle with respect to the transport direction (when it is not 0 ° or 180 °, that is, in the transport direction). In the case where they are not parallel to each other), the rotation drive motor 48 on the roller conveyor 44 for transporting the gaming machines in the main transport line 32 is stopped. Thereby, each said lower side roller 61 stops and the pachinko machine 10 on the main conveyance line 32 stops. Further, the CPU 51 moves the game machine transfer rollers of the retreat transfer units 39a and 39b when the game machine moving roller conveyor 43 is in a rotation position parallel to the transfer direction (when it is 0 ° and 180 °). A rotation drive motor 48 on the conveyor 44 is stopped. Thereby, each lower roller 61 stops and the pachinko machine 10 on the retreat conveyance parts 39a and 39b stops.

  Next, a sorting method of the pachinko machine 10 by the transport line device 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, the identification information identified by the first identification devices 52a to 52f is identified as identification information I1, the identification information identified by the second identification device 56 is identified as identification information I2, and the third identification devices 59a and 59b. The identification information identified in this way is referred to as identification information I3. 7-21, the code | symbol "Class A" given to the pachinko machine 10 shows that the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 is the former hall, and that the specification of the pachinko machine 10 is A type. Show. The symbol “Class B” indicates that the shipping destination is the Hall A and the specification is the B type, and the symbol “Class C” indicates that the shipping destination is the Hall A and the specification is the C type. Further, the symbol “B” indicates that the shipping destination is “B” hall and the specification is the B type, and the symbol “B” indicates that the shipping destination is the B hall and the specification is the C type. Each shipping destination matches the content of the shipping destination information included in the identification information, and each specification matches the content of the specification information included in the identification information.

  Hereinafter, the process (unloading process) performed by the CPU 51 of the transport line device 31 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when a plurality of pachinko machines 10 are transported on the main transport line 32, in the process of step S100 shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 51 passes through the first identification device 52a. The identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) at the end of the main transport line 32 is acquired. Specifically, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I1 included in the image data output from the first identification device 52a. In addition, the identification information I1 of the other pachinko machine 10 on the main conveyance line 32 shall be acquired by the first identification devices 52b to 52f. And CPU51 transfers to the process of step S110.

  In step S <b> 110, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the identification information I <b> 2 is stored in the RAM 58. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “identification information storage determination means”. In FIG. 7, since the pachinko machine 10 is in a state before passing over the carry-out conveyance line 37, the identification information I <b> 2 is not stored in the RAM 58. For this reason, the CPU 51 determines “NO” in step S110 and proceeds to the process in step S130.

  In step S130, the CPU 51 obtains the identification information I3 via at least one of the third identification devices 59a, 59b, that is, whether the pachinko machine 10 is present in at least one of the retreat conveyance units 39a, 39b. Determine whether or not. In the state of FIG. 7, since there is no pachinko machine 10 in either of the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b, the CPU 51 determines that the identification information I3 has not been acquired (step S130: N), and proceeds to the process of step S150. Transition. In step S150, the CPU 51 stores the main transport line 32 in the RAM 58 as the designated transport line. Thereby, it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) on the main conveyance line 32 is carried out to the carry-out conveyance line 37. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S270 (unloading execution process).

  Next, in step S270, the CPU 51 executes a subroutine shown in FIG. The subroutine of FIG. 4 includes the processes of steps S500 to S570. In step S <b> 500, the CPU 51 rotates the rotation drive motor 54 included in the rotation conveyance unit 21 via the motor driver circuit to rotate the rotation conveyance unit 21 toward the designated conveyance line (main conveyance line 32). Specifically, one end of the game machine moving roller conveyor 43 of the rotary transport unit 21 is brought close to the end of the main transport line 32. However, in the state of FIG. 7, since the rotary transport unit 21 is already positioned on the main transport line 32 side, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S510 without rotating the rotary transport unit 21 in particular.

  In step S <b> 510, the CPU 51 moves the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) on the designated transport line (main transport line 32) onto the rotary transport unit 21. Specifically, the CPU 51 drives the rotation driving motor 48 included in the main transport line 32 through the motor driver circuit to rotate each lower roller 61. At the same time, the CPU 51 drives the rotational drive motor 49 of the rotational conveyance unit 21 via the motor driver circuit to rotate the respective lower rollers 22 in the same direction as the respective lower rollers 61. The pachinko machine 10 (former A) is carried into the rotary conveyance unit 21 from the roller conveyor 44 for gaming machine conveyance (see FIG. 8). Along with this, the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B) immediately after the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) is conveyed to the terminal portion of the main conveyance line 32. In step S520, the CPU 51 deletes the designated transport line stored in the RAM 58, and proceeds to the process in step S525. In step S525, the CPU 51 erases the specific information stored in the RAM 58. However, since no specific information is stored in the RAM 58 at this time, the process proceeds to step S530 without deleting the specific information. In step S530, the CPU 51 rotates the rotational drive motor 54 of the rotary transport unit 21 via the motor driver circuit to rotate the rotary transport unit 21 toward the carry-out transport line 37 side. Specifically, one end of the game machine moving roller conveyor 43 of the rotary conveyance unit 21 is brought close to the start end of the carry-out conveyance line 37. However, in the state of FIG. 8, since the rotary conveyance unit 21 is already positioned on the carry-out conveyance line 37 side, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S540 without particularly rotating the rotary conveyance unit 21. In step S540, the CPU 51 drives the rotation drive motor 49 included in the rotation conveyance unit 21 via the motor driver circuit to rotate each lower roller 22. Thereby, the pachinko machine 10 is carried out on the carry-out conveyance line 37 from the roller conveyor 43 for game machine movement of the rotation conveyance part 21 (refer FIG. 9).

  In step S <b> 560, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I <b> 2 of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) carried out on the carry-out conveyance line 37 via the second identification device 56. Specifically, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I2 included in the image data output from the second identification device 56. Then, the CPU 51 stores the identification information I2 in the RAM 58, and proceeds to the process of step S570. In step S570, the CPU 51 starts the conveyance of the carry-out conveyance line 37, carries out the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A), and ends this subroutine.

  Here, when the subroutine shown in FIG. 4 ends, the CPU 51 ends the process of step S270 shown in FIG. 3, and ends the process (unloading process) here.

  Next, the transport destination of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B) at the end of the main transport line 32 is determined. That is, in the process of step S100, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B, B, B, A, C), and proceeds to the process of Step S110. Here, since the identification information I2 is stored in the RAM 58 in step S560, the CPU 51 determines “YES” in step S110 and proceeds to the process in step S120.

  In step S <b> 120, the CPU 51 acquires identification information I <b> 2 from the RAM 58. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “identification information acquisition means”. In step S160, the CPU 51 determines that at least one of the third identification devices 59a and 59b has acquired the identification information I3, that is, the pachinko machine 10 is placed on at least one of the retreat conveyance unit 39a and the retreat conveyance unit 39b. It is determined whether or not there is. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “identification determination means”. In FIG. 9, since there is no pachinko machine 10 on the retreat conveyance unit 39a or the retreat conveyance unit 39b, neither the third identification device 59a nor the third identification device 59b can acquire the identification information I3. For this reason, the CPU 51 determines “NO” in step S160 and proceeds to the process in step S180.

  In step S <b> 180, the CPU 51 determines whether or not there is a match between the contents of the identification information I <b> 2 and the contents of the identification information I <b> 1 at the shipping destination information (at least a part of the contents of the identification information). That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “third order information determining means”. In the state of FIG. 9, the identification information I2 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (A), and the identification information I1 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (A, B, B, A, C). Therefore, since there is a ship where the ship destination is the same Hall A, it is determined that there is a ship having the same ship destination information (step S180: Y). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S210. If it is determined that there is no match between the shipping destination information (step S180: N), the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S150.

In step S210, the CPU 51 determines whether or not there is a match between the contents of the identification information I2 and the contents of the identification information I1 in addition to the shipping destination information. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “fifth rank information determination means”. In the state of FIG. 9, the identification information I2 is for the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A), and the identification information I1 is for the pachinko machine 10 (Extra B , Exhibit A). Therefore, since there exists what becomes A type with the same specification, it is determined that there exists a thing with the same specification information (step S210: Y). In this case, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S250. In step S250, the CPU 51 stores both the shipping destination information and the specification information of the identification information I2 as specific information in the RAM 58, and proceeds to the process of step S260 (evacuation determination process).

  In step S260, the CPU 51 executes a subroutine shown in FIG. The subroutine of FIG. 5 includes the processes of steps S300 to S420. In step S <b> 300, the CPU 51 acquires specific information (shipping destination information and specification information) from the RAM 58. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “specific information acquisition means”.

  In step S320, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the identification information I1 acquired by the first identification device 52a matches the specific information. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “identification information content determination means”. In the state of FIG. 9, the identification information I1 is for the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B), and the shipping destination information included in the specific information is information indicating that the shipping destination is the Exhibit Hall. The destination is the same instep hall. However, since the spec information included in the specific information is information indicating that it is an A spec, the spec information does not match. Therefore, it is determined that the identification information I1 does not match the specific information (step S320: Y). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S325.

  In step S325, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match with the specific information among the contents of the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 acquired through the first identification devices 52b to 52f. In other words, the CPU 51 determines whether or not there is a pachinko machine 10 at a location other than the terminal portion of the main transport line 32 that has the content of the identification information I1 matching the specific information. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “a discriminability determination unit”. In the state of FIG. 9, the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) identified by the first identification device 52c matches the specific information. Therefore, since it is determined that the content of the acquired identification information I1 matches the specific information (step S325: Y), the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S350.

  In step S350, the CPU 51 determines whether or not there is a vacancy in the retreat conveyance unit 39a based on the identification information I3 acquired via the third identification device 59a. In other words, the CPU 51 checks the presence / absence of the retreat conveyance unit 39a in which the pachinko machine 10 does not exist based on the presence / absence of the identification information I3. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “a retreat conveyance unit confirmation unit”. In the state of FIG. 9, the evacuation / conveying unit 39a is empty (step S350: Y), and the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S390.

  In step S390, the CPU 51 stores the evacuation conveyance unit 39a in the RAM 58 as a designated conveyance line. As a result, it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 on the main transport line 32 is retracted to the retreat transport unit 39a. Thereafter, the CPU 51 ends this subroutine.

  Here, when the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is completed, the CPU 51 proceeds to the processing (saving execution processing) of step S280 shown in FIG. In step S280, the CPU 51 executes a subroutine shown in FIG. The subroutine of FIG. 6 includes the processes of steps S600 to S650. In step S <b> 600, the CPU 51 rotates the rotation drive motor 54 of the rotation conveyance unit 21 via the motor driver circuit to rotate the rotation conveyance unit 21 toward the main conveyance line 32. Specifically, one end of the game machine moving roller conveyor 43 of the rotary transport unit 21 is brought close to the end of the main transport line 32. However, in the state of FIG. 9, since the rotary transport unit 21 is already positioned on the main transport line 32 side, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S610 without rotating the rotary transport unit 21 in particular.

  In step S <b> 610, the CPU 51 moves the pachinko machine 10 on the main transport line 32 onto the rotary transport unit 21. Specifically, the rotation driving motor 48 included in the main conveyance line 32 is driven to rotate each lower roller 61, and the rotation driving motor 49 included in the rotation conveyance unit 21 is driven to cause each lower roller 22 to rotate. The pachinko machine 10 is rotated in the same direction as the lower roller 61, and the pachinko machine 10 is moved from the game machine transport roller conveyor 44 of the main transport line 32 to the rotary transport unit 21 (see FIG. 10). Accordingly, the pachinko machine 10 (B B) immediately after the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B) is conveyed to the terminal portion of the main conveyance line 32. Next, in step S620, the CPU 51 rotates the rotational drive motor 54 via the motor driver circuit, and rotates the rotary conveyance unit 21 toward the designated conveyance line (retraction conveyance unit 39a) (clockwise in plan view). 90 °) (see FIG. 11). In step S630, the CPU 51 drives the rotation driving motor 49 included in the rotation conveyance unit 21 via the motor driver circuit to rotate the respective lower rollers 22, so that the game machine moving roller conveyor 43 of the rotation conveyance unit 21 is rotated. Then, the pachinko machine 10 is retracted onto the retracting and conveying unit 39a, and the process proceeds to step S640. In step S640, the CPU 51 erases the designated transport line (retracted transport unit 39a) stored in the RAM 58, and proceeds to the process of step S650. Further, in step S650, the CPU 51 deletes the specific information (shipping destination information and specification information) stored in the RAM 58 and ends this subroutine.

  Here, when the subroutine shown in FIG. 6 ends, the CPU 51 ends the process of step S280 shown in FIG. 3, and ends the process (unloading process) here.

  Next, the transport destination of the pachinko machine 10 (end B) at the end of the main transport line 32 is determined. That is, in the process of step S100, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 (B, B, A, C), and proceeds to the process of step S110. Here, since the identification information I2 is stored in the RAM 58 in step S560, the CPU 51 determines “YES” in step S110 and proceeds to the process in step S120.

  In step S120, the CPU 51 obtains the identification information I2 from the RAM 58, and proceeds to the process in step S160. Here, in the state of FIG. 11, since the pachinko machine 10 is in the retreat conveyance unit 39a, the third identification device 59a can acquire the identification information I3. Therefore, the CPU 51 determines “YES” in step S160 and proceeds to the process in step S170.

  In step S <b> 170, the CPU 51 determines whether or not there is a case where the shipping destination information (at least a part of the content of the identification information) matches between the acquired content of the identification information I <b> 3 and the content of the identification information I <b> 2. That is, the CPU 51 has functions as “identification information determination means” and “first order information determination means”. In addition, in the state of FIG. 11, the identification information I3 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (Eye B), and the identification information I2 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (Eye A). Therefore, the shipping destination is the same Hall A, and it is determined that there is a match between the shipping information in the contents of the acquired identification information I3 and the identification information I2 (step S170: Y). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S200.

  In step S <b> 200, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the content of the identification information I <b> 2 and the content of the identification information I <b> 3 in addition to the shipment destination information. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “second order information determination means”. In the state of FIG. 11, the identification information I2 is for the pachinko machine 10 (A) and the identification information I3 is for the pachinko machine 10 (A). Therefore, since the spec of the pachinko machine 10 (A) is A type and the spec of the pachinko machine 10 (A) is B type, it is determined that the spec information does not match (Step S200: N). . In this case, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S210.

  If there is a match between the specification information (step S200: Y), the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S220. In step S220, the CPU 51 stores the shipping destination information and the specification information of the identification information I2 as specific information in the RAM 58, and proceeds to the process of step S240. In step S240, the CPU 51 stores, as a designated conveyance line, a retreat conveyance unit having the pachinko machine 10 to which identification information that matches the specific information is attached. Thus, it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 on the retreat conveyance unit 39a or the retreat conveyance unit 39b is conveyed to the carry-out conveyance line 37. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “conveyance mode determination means”. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S270.

  In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 is present on at least one of the retreat conveyance unit 39a and the retreat conveyance unit 39b (step S160: Y), the contents of the identification information I2 and the contents of the identification information I1 Is determined whether or not the contents of the identification information I2 and the contents of the identification information I3 match (steps S170 and S200). If the content of the identification information I2 and the content of the identification information I3 match, it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 on the retreat conveyance unit 39a (or retreat conveyance unit 39b) is conveyed to the carry-out conveyance line 37. (Step S240). For this reason, the CPU 51 prioritizes the conveyance of the pachinko machine 10 from the retreat conveyance unit 39a (or the retreat conveyance unit 39b) to the carry-out conveyance line 37 over the conveyance of the pachinko machine 10 from the main conveyance line 32 to the carry-out conveyance line 37. Control is performed.

  In step S210, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the contents of the identification information I2 and the contents of the identification information I1 in addition to the shipping destination information. In addition, in the state of FIG. 11, the identification information I2 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A), and the identification information I1 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (Ex. Therefore, since there are those with the same ship-to party, it is determined that there is a ship with the same ship-to party information. Further, since there is an A type having the same specification, it is determined that there is also a match in the specification information (step S210: Y). For this reason, the CPU 51 stores both the shipping destination information and the specification information of the identification information I2 in the RAM 58 as specific information in the step S250, and then proceeds to the processing of the step S260, and the steps of the subroutine shown in FIG. The process proceeds to S300.

  And CPU51 acquires specific information (shipping destination information and specification information) from RAM58 in step S300, and transfers to the process of step S320. Here, in the state of FIG. 11, the identification information I1 acquired by the first identification device 52a is that of the pachinko machine 10 (end B), and the shipping destination information included in the identification information I1 is It is information indicating that it becomes a hall. On the other hand, the shipping destination information included in the specific information is information indicating that the shipping destination is the Hall A. For this reason, the shipping destination information does not match. The spec information included in the identification information I1 is information indicating that the spec is a B spec. On the other hand, the spec information included in the specific information is information indicating that the spec is an A spec. For this reason, the specification information also does not match. Therefore, it is determined that the identification information I1 does not match the specific information (step S320: Y). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S325.

  In step S325, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match with the specific information among the contents of the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 acquired through the first identification devices 52b to 52f. In the state of FIG. 11, the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) identified by the first identification device 52b matches the specific information. Therefore, since it is determined that the content of the acquired identification information I1 matches the specific information (step S325: Y), the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S350.

  In the state of FIG. 11, since there is no vacancy in the retreat conveyance unit 39a, the CPU 51 determines “NO” in step S350, and proceeds to the process in step S360. In step S360, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the evacuation / conveyance unit 39b has a space based on the identification information I3 acquired via the third identification device 59b. In other words, the CPU 51 checks the presence / absence of the retreat conveyance unit 39b in which the pachinko machine 10 does not exist based on the presence / absence of the identification information I3. In addition, in the state of FIG. 11, since the evacuation conveyance part 39b has space (step S360: Y), CPU51 transfers to the process of step S400. In step S400, the CPU 51 stores the retreat conveyance unit 39b in the RAM 58 as a designated conveyance line. Accordingly, it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 (B B) on the main transport line 32 is retracted to the retreat transport unit 39b. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S280, and proceeds to the process of step S600 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  If the evacuation / conveyance unit 39b is not empty, that is, if the evacuation / conveyance units 39a and 39b are full (step S360: N), the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S410. In step S410, the CPU 51 stops the conveyance line device 31 (stops the driving of the rotary drive motor 48 and the rotary drive motor 49), and proceeds to the process of step S420. In step S420, a notification means such as a buzzer is operated to notify the operator of the stop of the transfer line device 31.

  Then, the CPU 51 rotates the rotary transport unit 21 toward the main transport line 32 in step S600, and moves the pachinko machine 10 on the main transport line 32 onto the rotary transport unit 21 in step S610 (FIG. 12). reference). Accordingly, the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) immediately after the pachinko machine 10 (B) is transported to the end of the main transport line 32. Next, in step S620, the CPU 51 rotates (rotates 90 ° counterclockwise in plan view) the rotary conveyance unit 21 toward the designated conveyance line (retraction conveyance unit 39b) (see FIG. 13). The process proceeds to S630. In step S630, the CPU 51 retracts the pachinko machine 10 from the roller conveyor 43 for moving the gaming machine of the rotary transport unit 21 onto the retreat transport unit 39b, and proceeds to the process of step S640. Next, the CPU 51 deletes the designated transport line stored in the RAM 58 in step S640, and deletes the specific information (shipping destination information) stored in the RAM 58 in step S650. Then, the CPU 51 ends the process of step S280 shown in FIG. 3, and ends the process (unloading process) here.

  Next, the transport destination of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) at the end of the main transport line 32 is determined. That is, in the process of step S100, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A, Party C), and proceeds to the process of step S110. Here, since the identification information I2 is stored in the RAM 58 in step S560, the CPU 51 determines “YES” in step S110 and proceeds to the process in step S120.

  In step S120, the CPU 51 obtains the identification information I2 from the RAM 58, and proceeds to the process in step S160. Here, in the state of FIG. 13, since the pachinko machine 10 is present in both of the evacuation conveyance units 39a and 39b, both the third identification devices 59a and 59b can acquire the identification information I3. For this reason, the CPU 51 determines “YES” in step S160 and proceeds to the process in step S170.

  In step S <b> 170, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the acquired contents of the identification information I <b> 3 and the contents of the identification information I <b> 2. In the state of FIG. 13, the identification information I3 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (E-B) or the pachinko machine 10 (O-B), and the identification information I2 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (E-A). Therefore, the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B) and the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 (Extra A) are the same Hall, and the contents of the identification information I3 and the identification information I2 match. It is determined that there is something. Therefore, the CPU 51 determines “YES” in step S170 and proceeds to the process in step S200.

  Further, in step S200, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the specifications information in the contents of the identification information I2 and the contents of the identification information I3. In the state shown in FIG. 13, the identification information I2 is for the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A), and the identification information I3 is for the pachinko machine 10 (Extra B, B). Accordingly, the specifications of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) are A type, and the specifications of the pachinko machine 10 (Extra B, B) are B type, and therefore the spec information is identical between the identification information I2 and the identification information I3. It is determined that there is nothing (step S200: N). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the contents of the identification information I2 and the contents of the identification information I1 in addition to the shipping destination information. In addition, in the state of FIG. 13, both the identification information I2 and the identification information I1 are those of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A). Therefore, it is determined that the shipping destination is the same instep hall and that the shipping destination information matches. Further, it is determined that the specifications are of the same A type and the specification information also matches (step S210: Y). For this reason, the CPU 51 stores both the shipping destination information and the specification information of the identification information I2 in the RAM 58 as specific information in step S250. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S260 and proceeds to the process of step S300 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  And CPU51 acquires specific information (shipping destination information and specification information) from RAM58 in step S300, and transfers to the process of step S320. Here, in the state of FIG. 13, the identification information I1 and the specific information acquired by the first identification device 52a are those of the same pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A). Therefore, since both the shipping destination information and the specification information match, it is determined that the identification information I1 matches the specific information (step S320: N). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S330. Then, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I2 from the RAM 58 in step S330, and stores the main transport line 32 in the RAM 58 as a designated transport line in step S335. Accordingly, it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) on the main conveyance line 32 is conveyed to the carry-out conveyance line 37. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S270, and proceeds to the process of step S500 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S500, the CPU 51 rotates the rotary transport unit 21 toward the designated transport line (main transport line 32), and in step S510, the pachinko machine 10 on the main transport line 32 is placed on the rotary transport unit 21. Move (see FIG. 14). Along with this, the pachinko machine 10 (B C) immediately after the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) is conveyed to the terminal portion of the main conveyance line 32. In step S520, the CPU 51 deletes the designated transport line stored in the RAM 58, and in step S525, the CPU 51 deletes specific information (shipping destination information and spec information) stored in the RAM 58. Furthermore, in step S530, the CPU 51 rotates the rotation drive motor 54 via the motor driver circuit to rotate the rotary conveyance unit 21 toward the carry-out conveyance line 37 side. However, in FIG. 14, since the rotary conveyance unit 21 is already positioned on the carry-out conveyance line 37 side, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S540 without particularly rotating the rotary conveyance unit 21. In step S540, the CPU 51 drives the rotation drive motor 49 included in the rotation conveyance unit 21 via the motor driver circuit to rotate each lower roller 22. Thereby, the pachinko machine 10 is carried out on the carry-out conveyance line 37 from the roller conveyor 43 for game machine movement of the rotation conveyance part 21 (refer FIG. 15). As a result, the two pachinko machines 10 (Exhibit A) are continuously carried out from the carry-out conveyance line 37.

  In step S560, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I2 via the second identification device 56 and stores the identification information I2 in the RAM 58. Furthermore, after starting the conveyance of the carry-out conveyance line 37 and carrying out the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) in the step S570, the CPU 51 ends the process of the step S270 shown in FIG. End (unloading process).

  Next, the transport destination of the pachinko machine 10 (B C) at the end of the main transport line 32 is determined. That is, in the process of step S100, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 (B C), and proceeds to the process of step S110. Here, since the identification information I2 is stored in the RAM 58 in step S560, the CPU 51 determines “YES” in step S110 and proceeds to the process in step S120.

  In step S120, the CPU 51 obtains the identification information I2 from the RAM 58, and proceeds to the process in step S160. Here, in the state of FIG. 15, since the pachinko machine 10 is present in both of the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b, both of the third identification devices 59a and 59b can acquire the identification information I3. For this reason, the CPU 51 determines “YES” in step S160 and proceeds to the process in step S170.

  In step S <b> 170, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the acquired contents of the identification information I <b> 3 and the contents of the identification information I <b> 2. In addition, in the state of FIG. 15, the identification information I3 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (E-B) or the pachinko machine 10 (O-B), and the identification information I2 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (E-A). Therefore, the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B) and the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 (Extra A) are the same Hall, and the contents of the identification information I3 and the identification information I2 match. It is determined that there is something. Therefore, the CPU 51 determines “YES” in step S170 and proceeds to the process in step S200.

  Further, in step S200, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the specifications information in the contents of the identification information I2 and the contents of the identification information I3. In the state shown in FIG. 15, the identification information I2 is for the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A), and the identification information I3 is for the pachinko machine 10 (Extra B, B). Accordingly, the specifications of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) are A type, and the specifications of the pachinko machine 10 (Extra B, B) are B type, and therefore the spec information is identical between the identification information I2 and the identification information I3. It is determined that there is nothing (step S200: N). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the specification information in the content of the identification information I2 and the content of the identification information I1. In addition, in the state of FIG. 15, the identification information I2 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (A) and the identification information I1 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (B). Therefore, it is determined that the specifications of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit A) are A type and the specifications of the pachinko machine 10 (Ex C) are C type, and there is no specification information matching (Step S210: N). Therefore, the CPU 51 stores only the shipping destination information of the identification information I2 in the RAM 58 as specific information in step S230. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S260 and proceeds to the process of step S300 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  Then, the CPU 51 acquires specific information (shipping destination information) from the RAM 58 in step S300, and proceeds to the process of step S320. Here, in the state of FIG. 15, the identification information I1 acquired by the first identification device 52a is that of the pachinko machine 10 (B C), and the specific information is that of the pachinko machine 10 (A). Accordingly, since the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 (B) is C hall and the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 (A) is A hall, it is determined that the identification information I1 does not match the specific information (step S320). : Y). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S325.

  In step S325, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match with the specific information among the contents of the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 acquired through the first identification devices 52b to 52f. In the state of FIG. 15, since there is no information that matches the specific information among the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 via the first identification devices 52b to 52f (step S325: N), the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S326. Transition. In step S326, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I2 from the RAM 58, and proceeds to the process in step S327.

  In step S327, the CPU 51 determines whether or not at least one of the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b has a space based on the identification information I3 acquired through the third identification devices 59a and 59b. In the state shown in FIG. 15, since there is no empty space in both the retreat and transfer units 39a and 39b (step S327: N), the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S140 shown in FIG. If at least one of the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b is empty (step S327: Y), the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S150 shown in FIG.

  In step S140, the CPU 51 stores the retreat conveyance unit 39a (or retreat conveyance unit 39b) in which the pachinko machine 10 is located in the RAM 58 as a designated conveyance line. In this embodiment, when the pachinko machine 10 is present in both the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b (see FIG. 15), the CPU 51 stores the retreat conveyance unit 39a in the RAM 58 as a designated conveyance line. Thereby, it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 on the retreat conveyance unit 39a is conveyed to the carry-out conveyance line 37. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S270, and proceeds to the process of step S500 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  In step S500, the CPU 51 rotates the rotary conveyance unit 21 toward the designated conveyance line (retreat conveyance unit 39a) (see FIG. 16). And CPU51 conveys the pachinko machine 10 of the evacuation conveyance part 39a back on the rotation conveyance part 21 in step S510. Further, the CPU 51 deletes the designated transfer line (retreat transfer unit 39a) stored in the RAM 58 in step S520, and deletes the specific information stored in the RAM 58 in step S525. However, since the specific information has already been deleted in the previous process of step S525, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S530 without deleting the specific information. And CPU51 rotates the rotation conveyance part 21 to the carrying-out conveyance line 37 side in step S530, and carries out the pachinko machine 10 (former B) on the rotation conveyance part 21 on the carrying-out conveyance line 37 in step S540 ( FIG. 17).

  Then, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I2 via the second identification device 56 in step S560 and stores the identification information in the RAM 58. Further, in step S570, the CPU 51 starts the conveyance of the carry-out conveyance line 37, carries out the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B), and ends this subroutine. Thereafter, the CPU 51 ends the process of step S270 shown in FIG. 3, and ends the process (unloading process) here.

  Further, the CPU 51 executes the carry-out process again. That is, the CPU 51 executes the processing from step S100 to step S120, and proceeds to the processing in step S160. Here, in the state of FIG. 17, since the pachinko machine 10 is only in the retreat conveyance unit 39b, it is determined that only the third identification device 59b has acquired the identification information I3 (step S160: Y), and the above step The process proceeds to S170.

  In step S170, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the shipping destination information matches between the acquired content of the identification information I3 and the content of the identification information I2. In the state of FIG. 17, the identification information I3 is for the pachinko machine 10 (B), and the identification information I2 is for the pachinko machine 10 (B). Therefore, the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 (B) and the shipping destination (Hole) of the pachinko machine 10 (B) are different, and the shipping information matches between the identification information I3 and the identification information I2. It is determined not to. Therefore, the CPU 51 determines “NO” in step S170 and proceeds to the process in step S190.

  Further, in step S190, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the shipping destination information matches between the content of the identification information I2 and the content of the identification information I1. That is, the CPU 51 has a function as “fourth order information determining means”. In the state of FIG. 17, the identification information I2 is for the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B), and the identification information I1 is for the pachinko machine 10 (B). Therefore, since the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 (Exhibit B) (Exhibition Hall A) and the shipping destination of the pachinko machine 10 (External C) (Otsu Hall) are different, the shipping destination information is the identification information I2 and the identification information I1. It is determined that they do not match (step S190: N). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S140. If it is determined that the shipping destination information matches, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S140.

  In step S140, the CPU 51 stores, in the RAM 58, the retreat conveyance unit 39b in which the pachinko machine 10 is located as a designated conveyance line. Thereby, it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 on the retreat conveyance unit 39b is conveyed to the carry-out conveyance line 37. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S270, and proceeds to the process of step S500 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  In step S500, the CPU 51 rotates the rotary conveyance unit 21 toward the designated conveyance line (retreat conveyance unit 39b) (see FIG. 18). Then, the CPU 51 transports the pachinko machine 10 of the retreat transport unit 39b back onto the rotary transport unit 21 in step S510. Further, the CPU 51 carries out the processes of Steps S520 to S540, and causes the pachinko machine 10 (B B) on the rotary conveyance unit 21 to be carried out onto the carry-out conveyance line 37 (see FIG. 19).

  Then, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I2 via the second identification device 56 in step S560 and stores the identification information I2 in the RAM 58. Further, in step S570, the CPU 51 starts the conveyance of the carry-out conveyance line 37, carries out the pachinko machine 10 (B B), and ends this subroutine. Thereafter, the CPU 51 ends the process of step S270 shown in FIG. 3, and ends the process (unloading process) here.

  Furthermore, the CPU 51 executes the carry-out process once again. That is, the CPU 51 executes the processing from step S100 to step S120, and proceeds to the processing in step S160. Here, in the state of FIG. 19, since there is no pachinko machine 10 in either of the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b, it is determined that neither of the third identification devices 59a and 59b has acquired the identification information I3 (step S160: N), the process proceeds to step S180.

  In step S180, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the contents of the identification information I2 and the contents of the identification information I1. In the state of FIG. 19, the identification information I2 is for the pachinko machine 10 (B), and the identification information I1 is for the pachinko machine 10 (B). Therefore, it is determined that the shipping destination is the same B hole and that there is a match in the shipping destination information (step S180: Y). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 51 determines whether there is a match between the contents of the identification information I2 and the contents of the identification information I1 in addition to the shipping destination information. In the state of FIG. 19, the identification information I2 is for the pachinko machine 10 (B), and the identification information I1 is for the pachinko machine 10 (B). Therefore, it is determined that the specifications of the pachinko machine 10 (B B) are the B type and the specifications of the pachinko machine 10 (B C) are the C type, and there is no match between the specification information (step S210: N). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S230. In step S230, the CPU 51 stores only the shipping destination information of the identification information in the RAM 58 as specific information. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S260 and proceeds to the process of step S300 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 300, the CPU 51 acquires specific information (shipping destination information) from the RAM 58. In step S320, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the identification information I1 acquired by the first identification device 52a matches the specific information. In the state of FIG. 19, since the identification information I1 is that of the pachinko machine 10 (B C) and the shipping destination information included in the specific information is information indicating that the shipping destination is the B hall, The destination is the same B Hall. Therefore, it is determined that the identification information I1 matches the specific information (step S320: N). For this reason, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S330.

  Then, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I2 from the RAM 58 in step S330, and stores the main transport line 32 in the RAM 58 as a designated transport line in step S335. Thereby, it is determined that the pachinko machine 10 (B C) on the main conveyance line 32 is conveyed to the carry-out conveyance line 37. Thereafter, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S270, and proceeds to the process of step S500 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  In step S500, the CPU 51 rotates the rotary conveyance unit 21 toward the designated conveyance line (main conveyance line 32). However, in FIG. 19, since the rotary conveyance unit 21 is already positioned on the main conveyance line 32 side, the CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S <b> 510 without particularly rotating the rotary conveyance unit 21. And CPU51 moves the pachinko machine 10 on the main conveyance line 32 on the rotation conveyance part 21 in step S510 (refer FIG. 20). Further, the CPU 51 carries out the processes of Steps S520 to S540, and causes the pachinko machine 10 (B C) on the rotary conveyance unit 21 to be carried out onto the carry-out conveyance line 37 (see FIG. 21).

  Then, the CPU 51 acquires the identification information I2 via the second identification device 56 in step S560 and stores the identification information I2 in the RAM 58. Further, in step S570, the CPU 51 starts the conveyance of the carry-out conveyance line 37, carries out the pachinko machine (second C), and ends this subroutine. Thereafter, the CPU 51 ends the process of step S270 shown in FIG. 3, and ends the process (unloading process) here. Thereby, the sorting of the pachinko machine 10 by the transport line device 31 is completed.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) According to the conveyance line device 31 of the present embodiment, even if different types of pachinko machines 10 are mixed in the group of pachinko machines 10 conveyed by the main conveyance line 32, the different types of pachinko machines 10 are rotated and conveyed. It can be temporarily retracted to the retracting and conveying sections 39a and 39b via the section 21. Then, when the pachinko machine 10 of the same type as the retracted pachinko machine 10 is transported by the main transport line 32, the pachinko machine 10 that has been retracted is transported back to the rotary transport unit 21 side again, so that The machine 10 can be carried out from the carry-out conveyance line 37 together with the pachinko machine 10 from the main conveyance line 32. Thereby, the pachinko machine 10 can be sorted and carried out for each type. Since the sorting work of the pachinko machine 10 is performed by controlling the selective transport operation of the rotary transport unit 21 by the CPU 51, the sorting work can be performed more efficiently than the conventional manual sorting work. Occurrence of sorting mistakes associated with work can be suppressed.

  (2) In the present embodiment, based on the contents of the identification information (identification information I2) stored in the RAM 58 and the contents of the identification information (identification information I1) identified by the first identification devices 52a to 52f. The carry-out of the pachinko machine 10 on the main transfer line 32 to the carry-out transfer line 37 can be determined (steps S150 and S335). Further, based on the contents of the identification information I2 stored in the RAM 58 and the identification information I1, it is also possible to determine whether the pachinko machine 10 on the main conveyance line 32 is to be retreated to the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b ( Steps S390 and S400). Therefore, even if the other pachinko machine 10 is not on the carry-out conveyance line 37, if the identification information I2 is stored in the RAM 58, the pachinko machine 10 on the main conveyance line 32 can be carried out to the carry-out conveyance line 37. , And can be retreated to the retreat conveyance units 39a and 39b.

  (3) In the present embodiment, the plurality of first identification devices 52a to 52f are provided in the transport line 32, and the pachinko machine 10 is based on the identification information I1 acquired through the first identification devices 52a to 52f. The transport destination is determined. Therefore, for example, when there are a plurality of pachinko machines 10 on the main transport line 32 and the content of the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 at the end of the main transport line 32 does not match the content of the identification information I2 (specific information) If the content of the identification information I1 of the pachinko machine 10 at a location other than the end portion of the main transport line 32 matches the content of the specific information (see step S325 in FIG. 5), the pachinko at the end portion of the main transport line 32 The machine 10 can be retracted in advance (see FIGS. 9 to 13). Thereby, since the pachinko machine 10 in which the content of the identification information I1 matches the content of the specific information can be preferentially moved to the carry-out conveyance line 37, the work of grouping the pachinko machines 10 by type is performed efficiently. Can do.

  (4) In this embodiment, the main conveyance line 32 and the carry-out conveyance line 37 are arrange | positioned on the straight line. For this reason, one end of the roller conveyor 43 for moving the gaming machine of the rotary transport unit 21 is already close to the end of the main transport line 32, and the other end of the roller conveyor 43 for moving the gaming machine is close to the starting end of the carry-out transport line 37. If so (see FIG. 7 and the like), when the pachinko machine 10 on the main conveyance line 32 is carried out to the carry-out conveyance line 37, it is not particularly necessary to rotate the rotary conveyance unit 21. Therefore, since the rotation frequency of the rotation conveyance part 21 can be reduced, rotation control of the rotation conveyance part 21 by CPU51 becomes easy.

  (5) In this embodiment, the identification information given to the pachinko machine 10 includes shipping destination information and specification information ranked according to importance. For this reason, for example, when shipping an A-spec pachinko machine 10 and a B-spec pachinko machine 10 to the former hall (see FIG. 7 etc.), two A-spec pachinko machines 10 and a B-spec pachinko machine 10 It can be arranged as one unit. Therefore, when the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the hall A, the pachinko machines 10 having different specifications are confused (for example, the B-spec pachinko machine 10 is installed at the place where the A-spec pachinko machine 10 is to be installed. ) Can be prevented.

  (6) In the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 existing on the main transport line 32 is transported in an upright state substantially the same as the state where it is installed on the game island. Can be used for functional inspection. Further, the pachinko machine 10 existing on the rotary conveyance unit 21 is also supported at two positions by the upper support rail 36 and the game machine moving roller conveyor 43 and is in an upright state. From this, the pachinko machine 10 can be rotated to perform a function test on the front surface side (game board surface side) and the back surface side (side on which the control board or the like is exposed) of the pachinko machine 10. In addition, when the function test is performed, the posture of the pachinko machine 10 is substantially the same as the installed state on the game island, so that the function test is easily performed.

  Further, since the transfer line device 31 can transfer between the gaming machine transfer roller conveyor 44 and the gaming machine moving roller conveyor 43 while the pachinko machine 10 is kept in an upright state, A posture changing mechanism for changing the posture is unnecessary. In addition, even when the rotary conveyance unit 21 rotates, the pachinko machine 10 is supported by the upper support rail 36 and the game machine moving roller conveyor 43, so that the pachinko machine 10 is in an upright state where it easily falls over. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 can be moved and rotated more stably. Further, since the pachinko machine 10 is stably supported, the pachinko machine 10 can be moved and rotated quickly.

  Further, the pachinko machine 10 existing on the rotary conveyance unit 21 is supported in an upright state by the upper support rail 36 and the game machine moving roller conveyor 43. Therefore, compared with the case where the pachinko machine 10 is supported in a sleeping state, for example, the ground contact area of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the game machine moving roller conveyor 43 is reduced, and the installation space for the posture changing mechanism is not required. , Space can be saved.

  In addition, you may change embodiment of this invention as follows.

  In the above embodiment, the transport line device 31 includes the pair of retreat transport units 39a and 39b. However, the transport line device 31 may include only one retreat transport unit, or may include three or more retreat transport units. If the number of evacuation conveyance units is reduced, the conveyance line device 31 can be configured at low cost. On the other hand, if the number of retreat conveyance units is increased, a large number of pachinko machines 10 can be retreated, so that the retreat conveyance units are less likely to become full. Therefore, it is less likely that the pachinko machine 10 cannot be newly retreated because the retreat conveyance unit is full.

  In the above embodiment, the six first identification devices 52a to 52f are provided in the main transport line 32. However, if there are at least two first identification devices (the minimum number necessary to execute the process of step S325), the number of first identification devices may be increased or decreased. In addition, when not performing step S325 in the said embodiment, the 1st identification apparatus should just be at least one terminal part of the main conveyance line 32. FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the second identification device 56 is provided at the start end of the carry-out conveyance line 37. However, the second identification device 56 may be provided in the rotary conveyance unit 21, and the identification information of the pachinko machine 10 carried out from the rotary conveyance unit 21 to the carry-out conveyance line 37 may be identified by the second identification device 56.

  In the state of FIGS. 8 and 14 of the above embodiment, since the rotary transport unit 21 is already positioned on the carry-out transport line 37 side, the CPU 51 does not rotate the rotary transport unit 21 in step S530. In step S540, the pachinko machine 10 on the rotary conveyance unit 21 was carried out onto the carry-out conveyance line 37. However, the CPU 51 may rotate the rotary conveyance unit 21 toward the carry-out conveyance line 37 (rotate 180 °) and then carry the pachinko machine 10 on the rotary conveyance unit 21 onto the carry-out conveyance line 37. When the pachinko machine 10 is unloaded onto the unloading / conveying line 37, the CPU 51 rotates each lower roller 22 in the direction opposite to that when the pachinko machine 10 is loaded into the rotary conveying unit 21.

  In this way, the direction of the pachinko machine 10 on the rotary conveyance unit 21 is opposite to that of the other pachinko machine 10 (for example, in FIG. 2, the other pachinko machine 10 faces the front (the side with the operation handle, etc.). In the case where the pachinko machine 10 is in a state of being directed toward the near side, but the pachinko machine 10 is in a state where the back surface (the side where the control board or the like is exposed) is directed toward the near side), the rotary conveyance unit 21 The orientation of the pachinko machine 10 can be corrected by rotating 180 degrees.

  In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine moving roller conveyor 43 of the rotary conveyance unit 21 can rotate any number of rotations in the clockwise direction in the plan view and the counterclockwise direction in the plan view with the conveyor support unit 43a as the center. However, the gaming machine moving roller conveyor 43 of the rotary conveyance unit 21 may be rotatable by 90 ° in the clockwise direction in the plan view and in the counterclockwise direction in the plan view about the conveyor support unit 43a.

  -The conveyance line apparatus 31 of the said embodiment conveyed the pachinko machine 10 as a to-be-conveyed object. However, the transport line device 31 may transport the game board as a transported object.

  Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the embodiment described above are listed below.

  (1) In Claim 2 or 3, when it is determined by the transport mode determining means that the object to be transported on the retreat transport unit is transported to the unload transport line, the transport control means The part to be driven is transported back to the selective transport means side, and the transported object that has been transported back to the selective transport means side by driving the selective transport means is Carrying out to the carry-out conveyance line, causing the second identification means to identify the contents of identification information of the object to be conveyed carried to the carry-out conveyance line, and storing the identification information in the storage means.

  (2) In Claim 2 or 3, the identification information determination means is at least a part of the contents of the identification information stored in the storage means and the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means. And whether or not the conveyance mode determination means causes the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line to be carried out to the carry-out conveyance line based on the determination result by the identification information determination means. Decide whether to retreat to the retreat transport unit.

  (3) In the technical idea (2), when it is determined by the transfer mode determining unit that the object to be transferred on the main transfer line is carried out to the carry-out transfer line, the transfer control unit is The transport means is driven to transport the transported object on the main transport line to the unloading transport line, and the content of the identification information of the transported object transported to the unloading transport line is read by the second identifying means. Identifying and storing the identification information in the storage means.

  (4) In the technical idea (2) or (3), when it is determined by the transfer mode determining means that the object to be transferred on the main transfer line is to be retracted to the retreat transfer unit, the transfer control means Drives the selective conveying means to retreat the object to be conveyed on the main conveying line to the retreating and conveying unit, and sets the contents of the identification information of the object to be retreated to the retreating and conveying part to the third Identify by identification means.

  (5) In any one of claims 1 to 3, a plurality of the retreat conveyance units are provided.

  (6) In any one of claims 1 to 3, the selective conveying means is located at the same height as the conveying surface of the main conveying line, the conveying surface of the unloading conveying line, and the conveying surface of the retreat conveying unit. A rotary conveyance unit having a conveyance surface that can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction.

  (7) In any one of claims 1 to 3, the main transport line and the carry-out transport line are arranged on a straight line.

  (8) In Claim 2 or 3, the identification information given to the transported object includes a plurality of types of information ranked according to importance.

  (9) In Claim 2 or 3, a plurality of the first identification means are provided at predetermined intervals in the main transport line.

  (10) In any one of the technical ideas (2) to (4), the selected transport unit is a rotary transport unit that can rotate around a rotation axis extending in a vertical direction, and the object to be transported exists. When there are a plurality of evacuation / conveying sections, when the conveyance mode deciding means determines that the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line is evacuated to the evacuation / conveyance section, the conveyance control means A retreat transport unit that drives a transport unit to minimize the rotation angle of the rotary transport unit from the main transport line side to the retreat transport unit side among the plurality of retreat transport units in which the object to be transported does not exist And evacuating the object to be conveyed on the main conveying line.

  (11) In the technical idea (6), when the evacuation conveyance unit is provided with one or more, the main conveyance line, the carry-out conveyance line, and the evacuation conveyance unit are equal to each other around the rotation axis of the rotation conveyance unit. Be arranged at angular intervals.

  (12) In the technical idea (6), transport means for transporting the object to be transported is formed linearly along the radial direction of the rotational transport section in the rotational transport section, and the rotational transport section is configured as the main transport section. When rotated toward the transfer line side, the leading end of the transfer unit comes close to the leading end of the main transfer line, and when the rotary transfer unit is rotated toward the unloading transfer line side, The front end of the unloading / conveying line is close to the front end of the transporting unit and the front end of the retreating / transporting unit when the rotary transport unit is rotated toward the retreating transport unit.

  (13) In Claim 2 or 3, the identification information of the conveyed object includes first rank information having the highest importance level and second rank information having a lower importance level than the first rank information. An identification information storage determining means for determining whether or not the identification information of the object to be conveyed identified by the second identification means is stored in the storage means; and the identification information is stored in the storage means. When the identification information storage determining unit determines that the identification information is stored, the identification information acquiring unit that acquires the identification information from the storage unit and the third identification unit identify the content of the identification information of the conveyed object. An identification determination unit that determines whether or not the identification determination unit determines that the content of the identification information of the conveyed object is identified by the third identification unit; Identification information First rank information determining means for determining whether there is a match between the first rank information and the content of the identification information identified by the third identification means; and the second identification means The first rank information determination means determines that there is a match between the contents of the identification information identified in step 1 and the contents of the identification information identified by the third identification means. Whether there is a match between the contents of the identification information identified by the second identification means and the contents of the identification information identified by the third identification means. The second rank information determination means, the contents of the identification information identified by the second identification means and the contents of the identification information identified by the third identification means, It is determined by the second rank information determination means that there is a match. In this case, the first rank information and the second rank information are stored as specific information, and a retreat conveyance unit having a conveyance object to which identification information that matches the specific information is provided is used as the designated conveyance line. Based on the storage means for storing and the designated transfer line stored in the storage means, the transfer mode determining means for determining that the object to be transferred on the retreat transfer unit is to be carried out to the carry-out transfer line. And providing.

  (14) In the technical idea (13), when the identification determination unit does not determine that the content of the identification information of the conveyed object is identified by the third identification unit, the first identification unit Third rank information determination for determining whether or not there is a match between the first rank information and the identification information identified by the second identification means And the third order information does not match between the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means and the contents of the identification information identified by the second identification means. On the basis of the designated conveying line stored in the storage means and the storage means for storing the main conveying line as the designated conveying line. Transported object in Providing the said conveying mode determining means for determining that the unloading in serial out transfer line.

  (15) In the technical idea (13), the first ranking information matches between the content of the identification information identified by the second identification means and the content of the identification information identified by the third identification means. The content of the identification information identified by the first identification means and the content of the identification information identified by the second identification means when it is determined by the first order information determination means that there is nothing to do In the fourth rank information determining means for determining whether there is a match between the first rank information, the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means, and the second identification means The retreat conveyance unit is stored as the designated conveyance line when it is determined by the fourth rank information determination means that the first rank information does not match the contents of the identified identification information Storage means and stored in said storage means And on the basis of the designated transport line is, the transported object located on the evacuation conveyor unit comprise a said conveying mode determining means for determining that the unloaded to the unloading conveyor line.

  (16) In the technical idea (13), when the identification determination unit does not determine that the content of the identification information of the conveyed object is identified by the third identification unit, the first identification unit Third rank information determination for determining whether or not there is a match between the first rank information and the identification information identified by the second identification means And when the first order information matches between the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means and the contents of the identification information identified by the second identification means, the third When the second rank information is determined by the content of the identification information identified by the first identification means and the content of the identification information identified by the second identification means. 5th order to determine if there is a match If there is a case where the second ranking information matches between the information determination means, the content of the identification information identified by the first identification means, and the content of the identification information identified by the second identification means When determined by the fifth rank information determining means, the first rank information and the second rank information are stored as the specific information, and the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means and the When it is determined by the fifth rank information determining means that the second rank information does not match the contents of the identification information identified by the second identification means, the first rank information is The storage means for storing as specific information, and the transport mode determination for determining the retreat of the transported object on the main transport line to the retreat transport unit based on the specific information stored in the storage means Equipped with means Rukoto.

  (17) In the technical idea (13), the first ranking information matches between the content of the identification information identified by the second identification means and the content of the identification information identified by the third identification means. The content of the identification information identified by the first identification means and the content of the identification information identified by the second identification means when it is determined by the first order information determination means that there is nothing to do In the fourth rank information determining means for determining whether there is a match between the first rank information, the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means, and the second identification means When the fourth rank information determining means determines that the first rank information matches the contents of the identified identification information, the identification information identified by the first identification means Content and identification information identified by the second identification means And a second order information judging means for judging whether there is a match between the second order information, the contents of the identification information identified by the first identifying means, and the second identifying means. The first rank information and the second rank information when the fifth rank information determining means determines that the second rank information matches the content of the identification information identified in (5). Is stored as the specific information, and the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means match the contents of the identification information identified by the second identification means. If it is determined by the fifth rank information determination means that there is no data, based on the storage means for storing the first rank information as the specific information and the specific information stored in the storage means, On the main transfer line Providing the said conveying mode determining means for determining a saving to the saving transport of certain objects to be conveyed.

  (18) In the technical idea (13), the content of the identification information identified by the second identification means is the same as the content of the identification information identified by the third identification means. The content of the identification information identified by the first identification means and the content of the identification information identified by the second identification means when it is determined by the second order information determination means that there is nothing to do In the fifth order information determining means for determining whether there is a match between the second order information, the content of the identification information identified by the first identifying means and the second identifying means When the fifth rank information determining means determines that the second rank information matches the content of the identified identification information, the first rank information and the second rank information are The first information is stored as specific information. The fifth rank information determining means determines that there is no match between the contents of the identification information identified by the means and the contents of the identification information identified by the second identification means. The storage means for storing the first rank information as the specific information, and the evacuation of the object to be conveyed on the main transfer line based on the specific information stored in the storage means. The conveyance mode determining means for determining withdrawal to the conveyance unit.

  (19) In any one of the technical ideas (16) to (18), a plurality of the retreat conveyance units are provided, a plurality of the first identification units are provided, and the specific information is stored from the storage unit. Identification information for determining whether or not the content of identification information of the object to be conveyed at the terminal portion of the main conveyance line identified by the first identification unit does not match the specific information to be acquired. In the case where the content of the identification information of the object to be conveyed at the terminal portion of the main conveyance line identified by the first identification unit and the specific information do not match the content determination unit and the specific information A discriminability determination unit that determines whether or not there is an item of identification information that matches the specific information among the objects to be conveyed at locations other than the terminal portion of the identified main conveyance line; and the first Identified by the identification means Among the objects to be transported at locations other than the terminal portion of the main transport line, when there is one whose content of the identification information matches the specific information, the content of the identification information identified by the third identifying means Based on the presence / absence, if there is a evacuation / conveying unit confirmation means for confirming the presence / absence of the evacuation / conveyance unit where the object is not present, and the evacuation / conveyance unit where the object is not present, specify the evacuation and conveyance unit And the storage means for storing as a transport line.

The top view which shows the conveyance line apparatus of this embodiment. The side view which shows a conveyance line apparatus when it sees from the AA line of FIG. The flowchart which shows the carrying-out process performed in CPU of a conveyance line apparatus. The flowchart which shows the carrying-out execution process performed in CPU of a conveyance line apparatus. The flowchart which shows the evacuation determination process performed by CPU of a conveyance line apparatus. The flowchart which shows the evacuation execution process performed by CPU of a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus. Schematic which shows the sorting method of the pachinko machine by a conveyance line apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine 21 as a to-be-conveyed object and game machine ... Rotation conveyance part 31 as selective conveyance means ... Conveyance line device 32 ... Main conveyance line 37 ... Unloading conveyance lines 39a, 39b ... Retreat conveyance part 51 ... Conveyance control means, CPU as identification information determination means and conveyance mode determination means
52a to 52f: a first identification device 56 as a first identification means ... a second identification device 58 as a second identification means ... a RAM as a storage means
59a, 59b... Third identification device as third identification means

Claims (1)

A main transport line for transporting a gaming machine or game board to which identification information is given as a transported object;
Is arranged near the terminal end of the main transport line, and a rotating part that transports the pre-Symbol transferred object,
An unloading conveyance line that is disposed downstream of the rotary conveyance unit and receives and unloads the object to be conveyed that has been conveyed by the main conveyance line via the rotation conveyance unit;
Located in a different location from the unloading and conveying line in the vicinity of the rotating and conveying unit, the object to be conveyed that has been conveyed by the main conveying line is temporarily withdrawn via the rotating and conveying unit, and the item to be conveyed is withdrawn. An evacuation conveyance unit that conveys an object again to the rotary conveyance unit side; and
First identification means for identifying the content of identification information of the object to be conveyed on the main conveyance line;
Second identification means for identifying the content of identification information of the object to be conveyed at the start end of the carry-out conveyance line;
Storage means for storing identification information identified by the second identification means;
Third identification means for identifying the content of identification information of the object to be conveyed on the retreat conveyance unit;
It said main conveying line, the carry-out conveyor line, to control the conveying operation of the save transport unit, determines the transport destination among the carry-out conveyor line and the retracted transport unit, before Symbol rotationally conveyed on the basis of this determination result and a conveyance control means for controlling the part of the conveyance operation,
The transport control unit includes an identification determination unit and a transport mode determination unit.
The identification determination unit determines whether or not the object to be transported is on the retreat transport unit,
The transport mode determining means includes
It is determined by the identification determination means that the object to be conveyed is on the retreat conveyance unit, and the contents of the identification information identified by the third identification means and the identification information stored in the storage means When the contents match, it is determined that the object to be conveyed on the evacuation conveyance unit is conveyed to the unloading conveyance line by the rotary conveyance unit ,
It is determined by the identification determination means that the object to be conveyed is on the retreat conveyance unit, and the contents of the identification information identified by the third identification means and the identification information stored in the storage means If the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means and the contents of the identification information stored in the storage means do not match, the contents to be conveyed on the retreat conveyance unit Determine that the object is transported to the unloading / conveying line by the rotary transport unit ;
It is determined by the identification determination means that there is no object to be conveyed on the retreat conveyance unit, and the contents of the identification information identified by the first identification means and the identification information stored in the storage means When the contents do not coincide with each other, the transfer line device determines that the object to be transferred on the main transfer line is transferred to the unload transfer line by the rotary transfer unit .

Images