JP5938649B2 - Enclosed game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an enclosed game machine that encloses and circulates game balls inside a machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine and a gaming apparatus are known in which a game is played by repeatedly firing a game ball enclosed in a gaming machine and driving it into a gaming area of a gaming board. When a winning area provided in the gaming area is won, a score is given to the player instead of the prize ball. Such an enclosed game machine is provided with a polishing device. The polishing apparatus polishes the game ball circulating inside the machine. For example, game balls collected from the game area are polished by a polishing device and transferred to a launching device. For example, the polishing apparatus lifts the game ball in contact with the polishing paper. Thereby, the dirt on the surface of the game ball is removed. For example, a gaming system is known that is configured to detect the amount of operation of a specific mechanism that constitutes a gaming unit, and to notify the replacement timing of the polishing mechanism of the polishing apparatus based on the detected amount of operation (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

JP-A-10-258152

  However, since the enclosed game machine including the above-described polishing apparatus has a structure in which the game ball is lifted while being in contact with the polishing paper, a large load is always applied to the polishing apparatus. Since the maintenance of the polishing apparatus needs to be performed for each gaming machine, it was a work burden.

  An object of this invention is to provide the enclosure type game machine which can reduce the load concerning a grinding | polishing apparatus.

The enclosed game machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is a game machine in which a predetermined number of game balls enclosed in a machine are launched from a launching device by a handle operation, and flowed down a game area formed on a game board, or the game area is collected the game balls that did not flow down, by using conveys the game balls that the recovered to the firing device, there in sealed type game machine for circulating the game balls within the machine Te, a polishing apparatus for polishing the game balls, based on the number of shot ball per predetermined time of the game ball to be fired from the launcher, a firing rate detector for detecting a calling morphism frequency, the firing rate detector following the change in the firing rate detected by the polishing speed control means for varying the rate of polishing apparatus, et provided near the entrance to the game balls are introduced with the recovered of the polishing apparatus A sphere detection sensor for detecting an introduction sphere introduced into the inlet, and a counting means for counting the introduction sphere detected by the sphere detection sensor, wherein the firing frequency detection means is configured such that the counting means is within the predetermined time. The firing frequency is calculated and detected based on the number of the introduced spheres detected in step (b) .

According to the enclosed game machine according to the first aspect, the polishing rate of the polishing apparatus can be changed in accordance with the frequency of game ball firing. The firing frequency affects the number of game balls that have flowed down the game area and game balls that have not flowed down the game area and are transported to the polishing apparatus. For example, if the firing frequency increases, the number of balls transferred to the polishing apparatus increases. Conversely, if the firing frequency is lowered, the number of balls transferred to the polishing apparatus is reduced. That is, by detecting the current firing frequency, the number of balls to be processed by the polishing apparatus can be quickly derived. Then, by changing the polishing speed of the polishing apparatus following the change in the current shooting frequency, for example, it is possible to prevent a ball from being broken in the shooting apparatus. Further, when the firing frequency is lowered, the polishing speed is similarly lowered following the change. By reducing the polishing rate, the power consumption of the polishing apparatus can be saved. Furthermore, the durability of electrical parts and the like can be improved. Since useless operation of the polishing apparatus can be eliminated as much as possible, durability of the polishing apparatus can be improved. Further, by reducing the polishing rate, the torque value of the polishing apparatus increases, so that the polishing effect can be improved. In addition, since the present invention reflects the change in the firing frequency directly and quickly in the polishing speed, the game ball can be circulated well.
Further, the sphere detection sensor detects an introduction sphere introduced to the inlet of the polishing apparatus. The counting means counts the introduced sphere detected by the sphere detection sensor. The firing frequency detection means calculates and detects the firing frequency based on the number of introduced balls within a predetermined time counted by the counting means. Therefore, the first aspect can detect an accurate firing frequency.

  Moreover, in the enclosed game machine according to the first aspect, the polishing apparatus includes a transport unit that transports the collected game balls in a predetermined direction, and a surface of the game ball that is transported in the predetermined direction by the transport unit And a polishing member that polishes the surface in contact with the substrate, and the polishing rate is preferably the transfer rate of the transfer unit. The polishing apparatus brings the polishing member into contact with the surface of the game ball conveyed in a predetermined direction. Therefore, dirt on the surface of the game ball can be effectively removed. The conveying speed of the conveying unit may correspond to the speed at which the polished sphere is discharged from the polishing apparatus, for example. That is, the number of balls that can be supplied to the launching device varies depending on the transport speed. By setting the polishing speed to such a conveyance speed, it is possible to appropriately adjust the number of balls that can be supplied to the launching device in accordance with a change in the firing frequency of the launching device.

  Moreover, in the enclosed game machine according to the first aspect, the polishing speed control means may control the polishing speed to a speed at which polishing can be performed at a frequency higher than at least the firing frequency detected by the firing frequency detecting means. . Since the polishing speed is controlled to a speed at which polishing can be performed at a frequency that is at least higher than the firing frequency of the launching device, the collected sphere can be reliably ground and sufficiently supplied to the launching device.

  Further, in the enclosed game machine according to the first aspect, a first sphere detection sensor that is provided in the vicinity of the launch port of the launch device and that detects a launch ball launched from the launch port, and the first ball detection sensor includes: A first counting means for counting the number of fired balls detected, and the firing frequency detecting means calculates and detects the firing frequency based on the number of balls per unit time counted by the first counting means. Good. The first sphere detection sensor detects a launch ball fired from the launch port of the launch device. The first counting means counts the number of shot balls detected by the first sphere detection sensor. The firing frequency detecting means calculates the firing frequency based on the number of balls per unit time counted by the first counting means. Therefore, accurate firing frequency can be detected.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of game balls circulating in the pachinko machine 1. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a polishing apparatus 60. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing various storage areas of a ROM 42. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing various storage areas of a RAM 43. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a motor speed table 4221. FIG. It is a flowchart of a firing frequency detection process. It is a flowchart of a grinding | polishing control process. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the grinding | polishing apparatus 160 which is a modification.

  A pachinko machine 1 that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings to be referred to are used for explaining the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention, and the configuration of the described apparatus is not intended to be limited thereto, but is merely an illustrative example. is there. In the following description, the front side and the depth side in FIG. 1 are the front side and the back side of the pachinko machine 1, respectively. The pachinko machine 1 is an enclosed game machine that encloses and circulates a predetermined number of game balls inside the machine.

  The configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The pachinko machine 1 includes a housing made up of, for example, an outer frame 5, a middle frame 11, a front frame 12, a front frame 13, and the like. The outer frame 5 is a frame body having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and forms the base of the pachinko machine 1. The middle frame 11 is provided on the front side facing the player of the outer frame 5 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 5. In the upper half of the front surface of the middle frame 11, a game board 2 having a square shape when viewed from the front is installed, and a front frame 13 is provided on the front side so as to be opened and closed.

  A substantially circular glass window 19 disposed opposite to the front surface of the game board 2 is provided in the approximate center of the front frame 13. Decorative lamps 47 are provided on both the left and right sides of the glass window 19 in the front frame 13. Speakers 48 are respectively provided at the upper right and upper left corner portions of the table frame 13. Below the front frame 13, a front frame 12 that is horizontally long in a front view is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the middle frame 11. At the lower right portion of the front frame 12, a launch handle 7 for adjusting the launch of the game ball is provided. The firing handle 7 is connected to a launching device 56 (see FIG. 3) described later.

  In the center of the front frame 12, an operation unit 30 is provided for the player to perform various operations. In the operation unit 30, a touch panel 32, a ball lending button 34, a return button 35, and a break button 36 are provided on the upper surface side of the operation table 31 that protrudes in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape toward the front. The touch panel 32 is, for example, the number of game balls that can be used by the player (the number of balls held), the balance information of cash inserted into the card unit 9 described later, and the game balls stored in the game store without being exchanged for prizes. It is possible to display various game information such as the number of games (number of stored balls). Therefore, the player can always check the number of balls held by referring to the touch panel 32 without paying out the actual game balls.

  The ball lending button 34 is a button that the player presses when receiving a game ball payout (ball lending). The return button 35 is a button to be pressed by the player when receiving a return of a card C (see FIG. 2) inserted into the card unit 9 described later. The break button 36 is a button for the player to press when leaving the pachinko machine 1 for a break, for example. In the present embodiment, when the break button 36 is pressed, the card C is ejected from the card unit 9 and controlled so that the pachinko machine 1 cannot be used by a third party (occupied state).

  On the front surface of the game board 2, a substantially circular game area 4 is formed in which a game ball launched by the launch handle 7 flows down. An effect display device 28 composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 4. The effect display device 28 has a display surface capable of displaying various videos such as moving images and messages. In particular, the effect display device 28 displays a demo symbol for notifying the result of the jackpot determination. The pachinko machine 1 changes a plurality of (for example, three) demo symbols, and then executes a notification effect for confirming and displaying a combination of demo symbols indicating the result of the jackpot determination, whereby the player determines the result of the jackpot determination. To inform.

  A start winning opening 14 is provided below the effect display device 28. When a game ball wins at the start winning opening 14, a jackpot determination is executed. Below the start winning opening 14, a large winning opening 15 is provided. When the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot 15 is opened and a game ball can be won. When a game ball wins one of the start winning port 14 and the big winning port 15, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are awarded. In the present embodiment, since the game ball itself is not paid out from the pachinko machine 1, the awarded ball is added to the number of balls held (also referred to as the number of credits) displayed on the touch panel 32. An out port 16 is provided below the big prize port 15.

  A symbol display unit 29 is provided in the lower right portion of the game area 4. The symbol display unit 29 includes a special symbol display unit that displays the result of the jackpot determination by a special symbol variation display, a special symbol memory number display unit that displays the number of special symbol actuated balls. The number of special symbol actuated balls is the number of game balls that have won the start winning opening 14 and have not yet displayed the jackpot determination result on the special symbol display section.

  The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a card unit 9. The card unit 9 is provided with a card insertion slot 101, a cash insertion slot 102, and the like. A card C owned by the player can be inserted into and removed from the card insertion slot 101. The card C of this embodiment is an IC card that stores identification information unique to the player or the card. The cash insertion slot 102 can be filled with cash as a consideration when the player receives payout of a game ball (ball rental).

  On the touch panel 32 described above, balance information that can be paid by the player to receive payout (ball lending) of the game ball among the cash inserted into the cash insertion slot 102 is displayed. When the above-described ball lending button 34 is pressed, a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) is subtracted from the balance information displayed on the touch panel 32, and a predetermined number (for example, 125) of game balls are stored in the pachinko machine 1. To be supplied.

With reference to FIG. 3, a structure in which the collected game balls circulate in the pachinko machine 1 will be described. The game ball launched from the launching device 56 flows down the game area 4 formed on the game board 2. After the game is finished, the collected game balls flow down the ball discharge channel 21. Gaming balls flowing down the ball discharge passage 2 1 flows into the sphere circulating device 20. The game ball circulates in the ball circulation device 20, is transported to the launch device 56, and is launched from the device 56 to the game area 4 again.

  The internal structure of the ball circulation device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The ball circulation device 20 is disposed below the game area 4. The sphere circulation device 20 includes a sphere inlet 71, an upstream circulation channel 22, a polishing device 60, a downstream circulation channel 23, a storage unit 59, a bulb outlet 72, and the like. The ball inlet 71 flows the collected game ball into the ball circulation device 20. A game ball that has flowed from the ball inlet 71 flows down to the upstream circulation passage 22. The polishing apparatus 60 polishes the game ball while lifting it. The game ball discharged from the polishing device 60 flows down to the downstream circulation passage 23. The storage unit 59 stores a plurality of game balls that have flowed through the downstream circulation passage 23. From the ball outlet 72, the game ball that has circulated through the ball circulation device 20 is discharged and supplied to the launching device 56.

  A sphere detection sensor 54 is provided in the upstream circulation channel 22. The sphere detection sensor 54 is disposed, for example, on the downstream side of the upstream circulation path 22 and in the vicinity of the introduction port 67 of the polishing apparatus 60. The sphere detection sensor 54 is used, for example, for starting the operation of the polishing apparatus 60, detecting sphere clogging, and detecting the firing frequency. A storage ball sensor 55 is provided in the middle of the downstream circulation passage 23. The storage ball sensor 55 is used, for example, to stop the polishing motor 58 by detecting that game balls are excessively stored in the storage unit 59 and reaching the middle of the downstream circulation passage 23.

  The game ball is launched from the launch device 56 into the game area 4. A launch ball detection sensor 51 is provided in the launch passage. The shot ball detection sensor 51 detects the number of shot balls of the launch device 56. The game ball that has reached the game area 4 falls toward the out port 16 formed at the lowermost part of the game area 4 while changing the falling direction due to the collision with the obstacle. Some game balls win in the middle of the fall in the winning opening 14 or the big winning opening 15. The game balls discharged from the out port 16 and the game balls discharged from the winning port 14 or the big winning port 15 etc. flow down through the out ball discharge passage provided on the back side of the game board 2 and are collected. A game ball discharged from the out port 16 and the winning port 14 or the big winning port 15 is referred to as an out ball.

  On the other hand, game balls that have not reached the game area 4 flow down the foul ball discharge passage and are collected as foul balls. A foul ball detection sensor 53 is provided in the foul ball discharge passage. The foul ball detection sensor 53 detects the number of foul balls. Both the out ball discharge passage and the foul ball discharge passage are connected to the ball discharge passage 21. The collected game balls (out ball, foul ball) flow through the ball discharge passage 21 and flow into the ball inlet 71 of the ball circulation device 20. The game ball that has flowed into the ball inlet 71 flows down the upstream circulation passage 22. A game ball passing through the flow path 22 is detected by a ball detection sensor 54. The game ball that has flowed down the upstream circulation channel 22 flows into an introduction port 67 provided in the lower part of the polishing apparatus 60.

  The structure of the polishing apparatus 60 will be described with reference to FIG. The polishing apparatus 60 conveys the inflowing game ball to the upper part of the apparatus 60 while polishing. The polishing apparatus 60 includes a base 61, a casing 62, a screw member 63, a polishing motor 58, a polishing member 65, and the like. The base 61 is a foundation. The housing 62 is erected on the base 61 and is, for example, a cylindrical body. The upper and lower portions of the housing 62 are closed. An introduction port 67 is provided in the lower portion of the housing 62. The introduction port 67 is an opening for allowing a game ball to flow into the housing 62. A discharge port 68 is provided in the upper part of the housing 62. The discharge port 68 is an opening for discharging the game ball lifted while being polished in the housing 62. The screw member 63 is rotatably provided in the housing 62. The screw member 63 includes a plurality of blades 64. The taken game balls are sequentially lifted upward by the rotation of the screw member 63.

  The polishing member 65 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 62, for example. The polishing member 65 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. As the polishing member 65, for example, foamable rubber, sponge, polishing paper, cloth with a polished surface, or the like is applicable. The surface of the game ball contacts the polishing surface of the polishing member 65. Therefore, the surface of the game ball is polished while being lifted by the screw member 63. The polishing motor 58 is a driving unit for the polishing apparatus 60. As the polishing motor 58, for example, a DC motor can be used. The polishing motor 58 is connected to the shaft of the screw member 63, for example. The screw member 63 is rotated by driving the polishing motor 58. The polishing motor 58 is controlled by a CPU 41 described later. The polishing motor 58 is not limited to a DC motor, and may be a stepping motor, for example. The game ball conveyed to the upper part of the polishing apparatus 60 is discharged from the discharge port 68.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the game ball discharged from the discharge port 68 of the polishing apparatus 60 flows into the downstream circulation passage 23. The game ball that has flowed into the downstream circulation path 23 is stored in the storage unit 59 as a game ball sent to the launching device 56. The storage part 59 includes a flow path that is bent several times, for example, and can store a plurality of game balls in the flow path. As will be described later, when the game ball overflows from the storage unit 59 and is detected by the storage ball sensor 55, the polishing device 60 is stopped. The game balls stored in the storage unit 59 are sent out from the ball outlet 72 to the launch device 56 in synchronization with the launch timing of the game balls launched from the launch device 56. The sent out game ball is launched again from the launching device 56 as a new launch ball.

  The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 1 includes a control unit 40. The control unit 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a random number generation unit 44, an interface circuit group 45, an external interface 46, and the like. The CPU 41 performs various control processes of the pachinko machine 1. The ROM 42 stores various control programs and the like. The RAM 43 temporarily stores various data. The random number generation unit 44 generates various random numbers including a jackpot determination random number for performing a jackpot determination. The interface circuit group 45 is electrically connected to various devices provided in the pachinko machine 1. The external interface 46 is connected to an external device.

  The interface circuit group 45 includes a launch handle 7, a launch ball detection sensor 51, a winning ball detection sensor 52, a foul ball detection sensor 53, a ball detection sensor 54, a storage ball sensor 55, a touch panel 32, an effect display device 28, and a symbol display unit. 29, a decoration lamp 47, a speaker 48, a launching device 56, a grand prize opening solenoid 57, a polishing motor 58, a ball lending button 34, a return button 35, and the like are connected to each other. The CPU 41 transmits and receives data and signals (commands) via the interface circuit group 45 to drive and control these devices.

  In response to the operation of the launch handle 7, the launch device 56 launches the game ball at the launch position toward the game area 4. The big prize opening solenoid 57 opens the big prize opening 15 when it is determined that the big hit is made by the big hit determination. The winning ball detection sensor 52 detects a game ball won in the start winning port 14 or the big winning port 15. The card unit 9 is connected to the external interface 46. The CPU 41 transmits and receives data and signals (commands) to and from the card unit 9 via the external interface 46.

  Various storage areas of the ROM 42 will be described with reference to FIG. The ROM 42 includes, for example, a program storage area 421, a motor speed table storage area 422, and the like. The program storage area 421 stores various programs. The motor speed table storage area 422 stores a motor speed table 4221 (see FIG. 8) described later.

  With reference to FIG. 7, various storage areas of the RAM 43 will be described. The RAM 43 includes, for example, a firing ball number storage area 431, a firing frequency storage area 432, and the like. The number of shot balls storage area 431 stores the number of shot balls detected by the shot ball detection sensor 51. The firing frequency storage area 432 stores the current firing frequency calculated during the firing frequency detection process described later.

  The motor speed table 4221 will be described with reference to FIG. The motor speed table 4221 stores, for example, a firing frequency, a discharge speed, and a motor speed in association with each other. The firing frequency is, for example, the number of fired balls fired from the launch device 56 per unit time. The unit time is, for example, 1 minute. The discharge speed is, for example, the number of game balls that are lifted by the screw member 63 and discharged from the discharge port 68 of the polishing apparatus 60 per unit time. The motor speed is, for example, the rotational speed (rpm) of the polishing motor 58 per minute.

  The firing frequency is divided into, for example, five ranges. For example, the fifth range is a range from 0 to 20 (pieces / minute). The fourth range is a range from 21 to 40 (pieces / minute). The third range is a range from 41 to 60 (pieces / minute). The second range is a range from 61 to 80 (pieces / minute). The first range is a range from 81 to 100 (pieces / minute). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the maximum firing capability of the launching device 56 is 100 (pieces / minute). In this case, the maximum value of the firing frequency may be set to 100 (pieces / minute).

  For example, the discharge speed is set to a value larger than the maximum value in each range of the firing frequency. In this embodiment, 10 (pieces / minute) is added. For example, the discharge speed corresponding to the first range is set to 110 (pieces / minute). The discharge speed corresponding to the second range is set to 90 (pieces / minute). The discharge speed corresponding to the third range is set to 70 (pieces / minute). The discharge speed corresponding to the fourth range is set to 50 (pieces / minute). The discharge speed corresponding to the fifth range is set to 30 (pieces / minute). Therefore, the polishing device 60 can supply the game ball at a speed that is always faster than the firing frequency of the launching device 56. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ball from being broken in the launching device 56.

  The motor speed is set to a speed corresponding to the discharge speed. For example, the motor speed for setting the discharge speed to 110 (pieces / minute) is 500 (rpm). The motor speed for setting the discharge speed to 90 (pieces / minute) is 400 (rpm). The motor speed for setting the discharge speed to 70 (pieces / minute) is 300 (rpm). The motor speed for setting the discharge speed to 50 (pieces / minute) is 200 (rpm). The motor speed for setting the discharge speed to 30 (pieces / minute) is 100 (rpm). With such a motor speed table 4221, the motor speed can be easily determined as the optimum polishing speed for the firing frequency.

With reference to FIG. 9, the discharge frequency detection process performed by CPU41 is demonstrated. For example, when a game ball is first detected by the ball detection sensor 54, the CPU 41 reads the “launch frequency detection program” stored in the program storage area 421 of the ROM 42 and executes this processing. First, the CPU 41 initializes the number of shot balls n (S1). The number of shot balls n is stored in the shot ball number storage area 431 of the RAM 43, for example. Subsequently, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a game ball is detected by the firing ball detection sensor 51 (S2). When a game ball is detected (S2: YES), since the game ball is launched from the launching device 56, 1 is added to the number n of fired balls ( S3 ). If a game ball is not detected (S2: NO), the process proceeds to S4 described later without doing anything.

  Next, for example, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of this process (S4). The predetermined time is, for example, 30 seconds. If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (S4: NO), it is determined whether or not the game has ended (S8). If the game is in progress (S8: NO), the process returns to S2, and the number of shot balls n is updated as needed until a predetermined time elapses (S2 to S4, S8).

  If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S4: YES), the firing frequency is calculated (S5). As described above, the firing frequency is the number of fired balls per unit time. For example, when the predetermined time is set to 30 seconds, a value obtained by doubling the number of shot balls n is the firing frequency. The CPU 41 stores and updates the calculated firing frequency in the firing frequency storage area 432 of the RAM 43 (S6). The predetermined time can be changed.

  Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the game has ended (S7). When the game is still continuing (S7: NO), the process returns to S1, and the number of shot balls n stored in the RAM 43 is initialized again, and the number of shot balls in the next predetermined time is detected (S2 to S4, S8). ). If the game is ended halfway (S8: YES), this process ends.

  Then, the CPU 41 calculates the firing frequency at every elapse of a predetermined time during the game (S1 to S5, S8), and updates the firing frequency stored in the RAM 43 as needed (S6). Therefore, the current emission frequency is updated in the emission frequency storage area 432 of the RAM 43 as needed. CPU41 complete | finishes this process, when a game is complete | finished (S7: YES).

  With reference to FIG. 10, the grinding | polishing control process performed by CPU41 is demonstrated. For example, when a game ball is first detected by the ball detection sensor 54, the CPU 41 reads the “polishing control program” stored in the program storage area 421 of the ROM 42 and executes this processing. First, the CPU 41 starts driving the polishing motor 58 (S11). The polishing speed of the polishing motor 58 at the start of driving may be set to 400 rpm as a default value. Since the player is highly motivated to play at the start of the game, it is possible to prevent the ball from being blown off in the launching device 56 at the initial stage of the game by setting the polishing speed in the polishing device 60 slightly faster.

  Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the firing frequency stored in the firing frequency storage area 432 of the RAM 43 has been updated (S12). As described above, the firing frequency stored in the RAM 43 is updated as needed in the above-described firing frequency detection process. If the firing frequency has not been updated (S12: NO), it is determined whether the number of stored balls is excessive (S15). For example, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the stored balls are excessive based on whether or not the stored balls are continuously detected by the stored ball sensor 55. If the number of game balls is not excessive (S15: NO), it is determined whether or not the game is over (S16). If the game is still in progress (S16: NO), the process returns to S12, and the same process as described above is repeated while the polishing motor 58 is driven.

  Then, when the firing frequency stored in the RAM 43 is updated during the game (S12: YES), the CPU 41 refers to the motor speed table 4221 and determines the motor speed of the polishing motor 58 (S13). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the firing frequency updated in the RAM 43 is 75 (pieces / minute), the firing frequency belongs to the second range. In this case, the speed of the polishing motor 58 is determined to be 400 rpm so that the discharge speed from the discharge port 68 of the polishing apparatus 60 is 90 (pieces / minute). Further, the CPU 41 changes the motor speed to the value determined in S13 (S14). Therefore, the polishing device 60 can supply the game ball to the shooting device 56 while polishing the game ball at a motor speed corresponding to the current shooting frequency.

  Furthermore, for example, when the firing frequency is updated with a lower value than the previous time (S12: YES), the motor speed of the polishing motor 58 is determined with reference to the motor speed table 4221 as in the previous time (S13). For example, when the firing frequency updated in the RAM 43 is reduced from 75 (pieces / minute) to 30 (pieces / minute), the firing frequency belongs to the fourth range. In this case, the speed of the polishing motor 58 is determined to be 200 rpm so that the discharge speed from the discharge port 68 of the polishing apparatus 60 is 50 (pieces / minute). The CPU 41 changes the motor speed to 200 rpm determined in S13 (S14).

  Thus, the polishing apparatus 60 follows the current decrease in the firing frequency and similarly reduces the motor speed, so that the power consumption of the polishing apparatus 60 can be saved. Furthermore, the durability of the electrical components and the like that constitute the polishing apparatus 60 can be improved. Since useless operation of the polishing apparatus 60 can be eliminated as much as possible, the durability of the polishing apparatus 60 can be improved. Further, by reducing the polishing rate, the torque value of the polishing apparatus 60 increases, so that an improvement in the polishing effect can be expected.

  By the way, when it is determined that the number of stored balls is excessive during the game (S15: YES), the CPU 41 temporarily stops the polishing motor 58 of the polishing apparatus 60 (S17). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the stored ball from overflowing in the downstream circulation passage 23. Further, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the game is over (S18). When the game is over (S18: YES), this process is finished. On the other hand, when the game is still continuing (S18: NO), it is determined again whether the number of stored balls is excessive (S19). Since the polishing motor 58 of the polishing apparatus 60 is stopped, many game balls stored in the storage portion 59 and the downstream circulation passage 23 are sequentially launched into the game area 4. When the game ball is continuously detected by the storage ball sensor 55 (S19: NO), since the storage ball is still excessive, the process returns to S19 and enters a standby state.

  Then, when the number of stored balls decreases and becomes excessive (S19: NO), the current firing frequency is acquired from the firing frequency storage area 432 of the RAM 43 (S20). The CPU 41 refers to the motor speed table 4221 and determines the motor speed of the polishing motor 58 corresponding to the current firing frequency (S21). The CPU 41 changes the motor speed to the rotational speed determined in S13 (S22), and restarts the driving of the polishing motor 58 (S22). As a result, the polishing apparatus 60 restarts the polishing operation and sequentially discharges the polished game balls. Thereafter, the CPU 41 returns to S12 and changes the motor speed of the polishing motor 58 every time the firing frequency stored in the RAM 43 is updated (S13, S14). CPU41 complete | finishes this process, when a game is complete | finished (S16: YES).

  In the above description, the CPU 41 that executes the processes of S1 to S6 in FIG. 9 is an example of the “firing frequency detecting means” in the present invention. The CPU 41 that executes the process of S3 is an example of the “first counting means” in the present invention. The CPU 41 that executes the processes of S13 and S14 in FIG. 10 is an example of the “polishing rate control means” in the present invention. The screw member 63 and the polishing motor 58 shown in FIG. 4 are examples of the “conveying unit” in the present invention. The launch ball detection sensor 51 shown in FIG. 5 is an example of the “first ball detection sensor” in the present invention.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is an enclosed pachinko machine that encloses and circulates a predetermined number of game balls inside the machine, for example. The pachinko machine 1 includes a ball circulation device 20. The ball circulation device 20 includes a polishing device 60. The pachinko machine 1 can change the polishing speed of the polishing device 60 in accordance with the frequency of game ball firing. The firing frequency affects the number of game balls that have flowed down the game area 4 and game balls that have not flowed down the game area 4 and are transported to the polishing apparatus 60. For example, if the firing frequency increases, the number of balls conveyed to the polishing apparatus 60 increases. Conversely, if the firing frequency is lowered, the number of balls transported to the polishing apparatus 60 is reduced. That is, by detecting the current firing frequency, the number of balls to be processed by the polishing apparatus 60 can be quickly derived.

  And the pachinko machine 1 can prevent the ball breakage in the launching device, for example, by changing the polishing speed of the polishing device 60 following the change in the current firing frequency. When the firing frequency decreases, the polishing speed is similarly decreased following the change. By reducing the polishing speed, the power consumption of the polishing apparatus 60 can be saved. Furthermore, the durability of the electrical parts and the like that constitute the polishing apparatus 60 can be improved. Since useless operation of the polishing apparatus 60 can be eliminated as much as possible, the durability of the polishing apparatus 60 can be improved. Moreover, since the torque value of the polishing apparatus 60 is increased by reducing the polishing rate, the polishing effect can be improved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, unless the number of stored balls is excessive, the polishing rate is changed following the change in the firing frequency without stopping the polishing motor 58. Therefore, the load on the polishing motor 58 is reduced.

  In this embodiment, in particular, the polishing apparatus 60 includes a cylindrical casing 62, a screw member 63, a polishing member 65, and the like. The screw member 63 is provided in the housing 62. The polishing member 65 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 62. The game balls collected by the rotation of the screw member 63 are lifted. The surface of the game ball contacts the polishing surface of the polishing member 65. Therefore, the game ball is lifted while the surface is polished. Further, the polishing speed is the speed at which the game ball is lifted by the screw member 63. The lifting speed by the screw member 63 can be controlled by the rotational speed of the polishing motor 58. The number of game balls supplied from the polishing device 60 to the launching device 56 varies depending on the change in the lifting speed. Therefore, by setting the polishing speed to the pumping speed by the screw member 63, it is possible to appropriately supply the game balls from the polishing apparatus 60 to the launching apparatus 56 even when the firing frequency changes.

  In this embodiment, in particular, in the motor speed table 4221 stored in the ROM 42, the polishing speed of the polishing apparatus 60 is controlled to a speed at which polishing can be performed at a frequency higher than at least the current firing frequency. For example, when the current firing frequency is 80 (pieces / minute), the polishing apparatus 60 controls the rotation speed of the polishing motor 58 so that the discharging speed is 90 (pieces / minute) faster. Therefore, the collected game balls can be reliably polished and supplied to the launching device 56 sufficiently.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the firing ball is detected by the firing ball detection sensor 51 provided in the vicinity of the launch port of the launching device 56, and the firing frequency is calculated based on the number of the fired balls thus detected. Can be detected.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention can be applied to a ball game machine such as a sealed ball game machine and a sparrow ball game machine in addition to a sealed pachinko machine.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the polishing device 60 lifts the surface of the game ball in contact with the polishing member 65 whose position is fixed in the housing 62. Based on this structure, for example, the polishing member may be moved in a direction different from the game ball with respect to the game ball to be lifted. Therefore, with reference to FIG. 11, a structure of a polishing apparatus 160 capable of moving the polishing member with respect to the game ball to be transported will be described. The polishing apparatus 160 is a modification of the structure of the polishing apparatus 60 of the above embodiment. Therefore, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and differences will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the casing 62 of the polishing apparatus 160 is provided with a pair of windows 81 and 82. The window portions 81 and 82 are provided at positions facing each other, for example. The window portions 81 and 82 are, for example, rectangular. A polishing unit 91 is provided in the window portion 81. A polishing unit 92 is provided in the window portion 82. The polishing units 91 and 92 have the same structure. The polishing unit 91 includes at least a pair of pulleys 94 and 95, a polishing belt 96, a drive motor 98, and the like. The pair of pulleys 94 and 95 are disposed at positions separated from each other in the vertical direction. For example, the pulley 94 is disposed above and the pulley 95 is disposed below. The polishing belt 96 is stretched over a pair of pulleys 94 and 95 so as to be transportable.

  Further, the output shaft of the drive motor 98 is directly connected to the shaft of the pulley 95, for example. The drive motor 98 rotates the pulley 95 in one direction. As the pulley 95 rotates, the polishing belt 96 is conveyed between the pulleys 94 and 95. Specifically, the polishing belt 96 is conveyed downward in the housing 62 and upward in the outside of the housing 62. In the polishing units 91 and 92, the rotation directions of the drive motor 98 are opposite to each other. Thus, in the polishing units 91 and 92, each polishing belt 96 moves in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the game ball lifted by the screw member 63. Thereby, compared with the said embodiment, since the speed which slides the grinding | polishing belt 96 with respect to the surface of a game ball can be made faster, the dirt on the surface of a game ball can be removed more effectively. Note that the pair of pulleys 94 and 95 and the drive motor 98 shown in FIG.

  In the present invention, the structure of the polishing apparatus is not limited to the above embodiment and the above modification. In the above-described embodiment, the game ball is lifted by the screw member 63 in the housing 62, but it may be lifted in the housing by a belt conveyor, for example. Further, in addition to the one that lifts the game ball, it may be one that moves in a predetermined direction (for example, horizontal direction), for example. Moreover, it is not restricted to what is pumped one by one, and plural may be pumped together.

  Moreover, although the said modification is provided with a pair of grinding | polishing units 91 and 92, one may be sufficient and it does not limit about the number of units. Further, the conveying direction of the polishing belt 96 is not limited to the vertical direction as long as it is different from the direction in which the game balls are lifted.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, a launch ball is detected by the launch ball detection sensor 51 provided in the vicinity of the launch port of the launch device 56, and a firing frequency is calculated by the detected number of launch balls. For example, the firing frequency may be calculated from the number of game balls detected by the ball detection sensor 54 provided in the vicinity of the inlet 67 of the polishing apparatus 60. Even in such a modification, it is possible to detect a precise firing frequency. In this case, the sphere detection sensor 54 is an example of the “second sphere detection sensor” of the present invention. Furthermore, the CPU 41 that counts the number of game balls detected by the ball detection sensor 54 is an example of the “second counting means” in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 4 Game area 7 Launch handle 40 Control part 41 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 51 Launch ball detection sensor 54 Ball detection sensor 56 Launching device 58 Polishing motor 60,160 Polishing device 63 Screw member 65 Polishing member 67 Inlet 68 Discharge port 91,92 Polishing unit 94,95 Pulley 96 Polishing belt 98 Drive motor

Claims (1)

A predetermined number of game balls enclosed inside the machine are launched from the launching device by a handle operation, and the game balls that have flowed down the game area formed on the game board or the game balls that have not flowed down the game area are collected. by using conveys the game balls that the recovered to the firing device, a sealed type game machine for circulating the game balls within the machine,
A polishing apparatus for polishing the game ball;
Based on the number of shot ball per predetermined time of the game ball to be fired from the launcher, a firing rate detector for detecting a calling morphism frequency,
A polishing rate control unit that changes the polishing rate of the polishing apparatus following the change in the firing frequency detected by the firing frequency detection unit ;
A sphere detection sensor that is provided in the vicinity of an entrance where the collected game sphere of the polishing apparatus is introduced, and detects the introduction sphere introduced into the entrance;
Counting means for counting the number of introduced spheres detected by the sphere detection sensor;
With
The firing frequency detection means includes
The enclosed game machine, wherein the counting means calculates and detects the firing frequency based on the number of the introduced balls detected within the predetermined time .

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