JPH0587276B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is a pachinko ball counter that is installed in a pachinko ball lending device, a pachinko ball, etc., and is capable of ejecting a predetermined number of balls by operating based on a ball ejection command. The present invention relates to a discharging device, and more specifically, to a pachinko ball counting and discharging device equipped with abnormal state monitoring means for pachinko ball discharging.

[Prior art] Conventionally, as a pachinko ball counting and discharging device capable of discharging a predetermined number of balls used in a pachinko ball rental device or a pachinko machine, etc., there has been a device using a ball sheath for storing a predetermined number of balls, or a device that uses a ball sheath to store a predetermined number of balls. The applicant has proposed a number of devices including a pair of stoppers provided in the middle of the discharge path, and a sprocket capable of discharging one ball at a time. (For example, Tokukai Sho
(No. 56-60585, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 56-57465, Japanese Utility Model Application No. 57-40490) [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, in the case of such a pachinko ball counting and discharging device, ball detection is difficult. If electrical parts such as sensors and solenoids are used for a long period of time, there is a risk that they may malfunction, or the ball detection sensor may become undetectable due to external operation, causing a large number of pachinko balls to be ejected. There was also the possibility of misconduct.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above, and includes an output abnormal state detection means for detecting an abnormal output state of a ball detection sensor in a pachinko ball counting and discharging device, and a device for stopping the discharging operation of the pachinko ball counting and discharging device based on the detected output. The object of the present invention is to provide an inactivation means to enable early detection of malfunctions in the ball detection sensor and prevention of fraudulent acts.

[Means for solving problems]

That is, the pachinko ball counting and discharging device of the present invention is based on the following premise: 1. The pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12 is operable based on a ball discharging command and is capable of discharging a predetermined number of balls, and 2. A ball control member (for example, an electromagnetic stopper 127) that controls the flow and prevention of pachinko balls that enter and flow down this ball discharge path; 3. An electric drive source (for example, a solenoid 135) that operates the ball control member. , 4 In connection with the operation of the ball control member,
Ball detection means (for example, proximity sensor 126) that detects each Pachinko ball to be ejected; Ball ejection control means (for example, a flip-flop 71, a timer 72, a preset counter 73, etc.) that counts and ejects a predetermined number of pachinko balls by stopping the operation of the ball control member when the number of pachinko balls reaches a predetermined number; 6 Output abnormal state detection means (e.g., timer counter 74), and 7 disabling means (for example, OR gate 76 and flip-flop 71) for disabling the ball ejection control means based on the detection output from the output abnormal state detection means, to achieve the above object. do.

In addition to the above, the pachinko ball counting and discharging device of the present invention also provides the following features: 8. Abnormal flow in which the ball control member operates abnormally and ejects pachinko balls even though the electric drive source is not driven. Abnormal flow state detection means for detecting the state (for example, AND gate 710)
and achieve the above objectives.

[Effect]

In the present invention, the electric drive source is activated based on the ball ejection command, and the ball control member is also activated to sequentially eject the pachinko balls that have flowed down the ball ejection path. Further, the ball detection sensor detects one ejected pachinko ball, and when the detection output is counted and reaches a predetermined number, the electric drive source stops operating and the ball control member stops operating. In such a pachinko ball ejection control state, the count output from the ball detection means may not be output even though the pachinko balls are being ejected due to a failure of the ball detection means or the intentional or accidental detachment of the lead wire connector of the ball detection means. When the ball control member stops, the output abnormal state detection means determines that there is an abnormal state, and the disabling means immediately stops the electric drive source and the ball control member. Therefore, early occurrence of a malfunction in the ball detection means can prevent fraudulent acts.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, FIG. 1 is an overview diagram of a pachinko ball lending device using one embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 schematically shows a pachinko ball lending device using an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the door portion 3, which is pivotally supported on the main body 1 by a hinge 2, in an open state.

First, its basic structure will be explained.

On the surface of the door portion 3, there are a coin insertion groove 4 for inserting coins, a banknote insertion groove 5 for inserting banknotes,
A pachinko ball dispensing port 6 for discharging pachinko balls, a change dispensing port 7 for discharging change, a price designation switch 8 for specifying the price, and a status display lamp 9 indicating whether the pachinko ball dispensing device is discharging or not dispensing. Placed.

Further, on the back side of the door part 3, there is a coin sorting machine 10 for sorting coins inserted from the coin insertion groove 4.
A pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12 that counts pachinko balls supplied from an upper chute 11 and discharges them to a pachinko ball dispensing port 6, and a bill validator 13 that identifies bills inserted from the bill insertion groove 5 are fixedly attached. .

Further, a control device 14 for controlling the operation of the entire ball lending machine is arranged on the top of the main body 1.
There is a terminal board 15 for connecting the ball rental machine itself with the control device of the island equipment and a counter 16 for displaying sales.
is provided.

Further, a funnel-shaped coin hopper 18 is arranged below the control device 14 for supplying coins inserted by the player to the change discharging mechanism 17, and a discharge opening of this coin hopper 18 faces the change discharging mechanism 17.
A change discharge gutter 19 is fixed below the change discharge mechanism 17.

Note that 20 indicates a bill guide plate that guides the identified bills to a bill storage box, and the bill storage box is connected to the bill guide plate 20.
located at the back of

Next, to show the positional relationship of the above members, first,
The coin sorter 10 is arranged at a position where its lower opening faces the upper opening of the coin hopper 18 when the door 3 is closed, and the coin input groove 4 is directly above the upper opening of the coin sorter 10. It is arranged like this.

The change outlet path 21 is arranged at a position where its upper opening faces the lower opening of the change discharge gutter 19 when the door part 3 is closed, and the lower end of the change outlet path 21 faces the change payout port 7.

Furthermore, the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12 using the embodiment of the present invention has a curved regulating path 23 that forms a part of a bellows-shaped ball guide path 22 connected to the upper chute 11 of the in-house equipment (not shown). Pachinko balls are supplied through the bellows-shaped ball discharge path 24, and the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the input amount is discharged from the pachinko ball lending port 6 through the bellows-shaped ball discharge path 24.

Incidentally, the speed regulating path 23 is used to adjust the flow velocity and flow interval of the pachinko balls flowing down within a certain range. That is, the flow rate and interval of the falling pachinko balls vary greatly depending on the degree of clogging of the upper chute 11, the number of consecutive payouts, and other reasons. Therefore, ball guide route 22
A part of the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12 is bent to a large extent so that it becomes approximately horizontal near the entrance of the ball counting and discharging device 12.
3, the falling pachinko balls rebound in the speed regulating path 23 and are averagely decelerated before flowing into the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12, thereby passing through the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12. It is designed to reduce variations in the flow velocity and falling interval of pachinko balls.

The pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12 is provided with an introduction port on the back side of the door section 3 on the side of the hinge 2, a discharge port on the back side of the door section 3 on the side opposite to the hinge 2, and a ball guide path. 22 is arranged along the hinge 2 side on the back surface of the door portion 3.

Therefore, even when the door section 3 is opened and closed during opening and closing of banknotes, replenishment of change, maintenance and inspection, etc., the ball guide path 22 does not interfere with opening and closing. Since the guide path 22 is not deformed, stable performance can be easily maintained.

The details of the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12 will be described later.

Next, to explain its basic operation, the coins inserted into the coin input groove 4 by the player are sorted by the coin sorter 10 and stored in the coin hopper 18. In addition, the banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion groove 5 by the player are identified by the banknote validator 13, and the banknotes are recognized by the banknote guide plate 2.
The banknotes are stored in a banknote storage box (not shown) on the back side of the banknote guide plate 20 via the banknote guide plate 20.

Thereafter, when the player presses the price designation button 8 within the range of the input amount, the specified purchase amount is transmitted to the control device 14, and if there is change, the control device 11 activates the change discharge mechanism 17 to remove the coin from the coin hopper. The coins stored in 18 are discharged in an amount equivalent to change. The ejected coins then pass through the change discharge gutter 19 and the change outlet 20 to the change payout port 7.
will be refunded from.

Also, at this time, the control device 14 simultaneously controls the counter 16.
is counted the number of times corresponding to the specified amount, so
The sales amount for that day is displayed on the counter 16.
Also, at this time, the output given to the counter 16 is sent to the terminal board 1.
5 to the management system of the game parlor.

When the specified amount is determined as described above and the change is refunded to the player, the control device 14 operates the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12, which is an embodiment of the present invention, to correspond to the specified amount. This number of pachinko balls are ejected, and these pachinko balls are lent to the player from a pachinko ball lending opening 6 via a ball ejection path 24.

Next, Figure 3 shows the above pachinko ball counting and discharging device 1.
FIG. 2 is a mechanical diagram showing a more specific structure of No. 2, and shows the inside with the front cover removed.

Each member of the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12 is placed on a board 121 attached at a slight angle to the back side of the door 3 of the ball rental machine, and 23 and 24 are also shown in FIG. The speed regulating path and ball discharge path are shown respectively.

Further, reference numerals 122, 123, and 124 each indicate a guide wall that guides the pachinko balls from the regulating path 23 to the ball discharge path 24, and each of the guide walls 122, 123, and 124 is screwed onto the base plate 121, respectively.

An opening 125 is provided between the guide wall 123 and the guide wall 124.
5, a proximity sensor 12 as a ball detection means
6 and an electromagnetic stopper 127 as a ball control member are arranged.

First, the proximity sensor 126 generates a pulse-like count signal when a pachinko ball passes directly beneath it, and has a well-known structure and function.

Further, the electromagnetic stopper 127 has a characteristic configuration of this embodiment, and has a shape obtained by cutting approximately 1/4 of a disk centered on the axis of the rotation shaft 128.
It is rotatably supported by 8. The pin 129 installed in the electromagnetic stopper 127 has one end locked to the other end of a spring 131 locked to the screw 130, and receives a tensile force in the direction of the screw 130. pin 1
32 is connected to a solenoid 135 as an electric drive source via an operating rod 134.

Therefore, in the initial state where the solenoid 135 is demagnetized, the electromagnetic stopper 127
The guide wall 1 rotates counterclockwise due to the tensile force of
22, 123, 124 into the passing path of the pachinko ball 136 and the pachinko ball 1
Block the passage of 36.

Furthermore, when the solenoid 135 is energized, the electromagnetic stopper 127 rotates clockwise against the tensile force of the spring 131, and the guide walls 122, 123, 12
4, the pachinko ball 136 escapes out of the passage path formed by the pachinko ball 136, and the pachinko ball 136 flows down.

The characteristic effect of this embodiment is that since the outer peripheral surface of the electromagnetic stopper 127 is on the circumference centered on the axis of the rotating shaft 128, the solenoid 135 is demagnetized as shown in FIG. In the initial state where the electromagnetic stopper 127 is inserted into the passage path of the pachinko ball 136 formed by the guiding walls 122, 123, 124, no matter what rotation angle of the electromagnetic stopper 127, the pachinko ball will not move. 136, the contact point between the pachinko ball 136 and the electromagnetic stopper 127, and the axis of the rotating shaft 128 of the electromagnetic stopper 127 are all aligned on a straight line.

Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, even if the rotation start timing of the electromagnetic stopper 127 during the closing operation is somewhat faster than the flow velocity of the pachinko ball 136,
The center of the pachinko ball 136, the contact point between the pachinko ball 136 and the electromagnetic stopper 127, and the electromagnetic stopper 12
Since the pachinko balls 136 can be stopped with the axes of the rotating shafts 128 of No. 7 all lined up in a straight line, a situation occurs in which the pachinko balls 136 ride on the electromagnetic stopper 127 due to the downward pressure. The pachinko ball 136 can be stopped at a predetermined stopping position without any problems. Therefore, even when the solenoid 135 is energized to cause the electromagnetic stopper 127 to escape out of the falling path of the pachinko balls 136, there is no need to push up the pachinko balls remaining in the regulating path 23 while escaping the solenoid 1.
The urging force of 35 can be reduced.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the rotation start timing of the electromagnetic stopper 127 in the closing operation is set at the same time as the pachinko ball 1.
Even if the flow velocity is somewhat slower than that of 36, the center of the pachinko ball 136, the contact point between the pachinko ball 136 and the electromagnetic stopper 127, and the axis of the rotation axis 128 of the electromagnetic stopper 127 are all aligned on a straight line. Since the pachinko balls can be stopped, the electromagnetic stopper 127 can reliably stop the last pachinko ball 136 at a predetermined stop position without pushing it in the direction of the ball discharge path 24.

By the way, there are large variations in the flow velocity and the interval between pachinko balls 136 supplied from the upper chute 11, and in this embodiment, pachinko balls are counted through the bellows-shaped governor path 23, which is one of the setting conditions of the control system. By supplying the pachinko balls 136 to the ejection device 12, variations in the flow velocity and flow interval of the pachinko balls 136 are reduced, but it does not guarantee complete uniformity.

In this embodiment, the proximity sensor 126 and the electromagnetic stopper 1 are connected along the passage path of the pachinko ball 136.
27 are arranged in sequence, and the electromagnetic stopper 127 is operated in response to the count output of the proximity sensor 126, but since it has been confirmed that there is even a slight variation in the flow velocity and the interval between the falling pachinko balls 136,
With simple timing control in which the electromagnetic stopper 127 is activated after a certain period of time in response to the count output of the proximity sensor 126, depending on the flow velocity of the pachinko ball 136, the last pachinko ball 1
36 may not be available for rent, or conversely, there may be a situation in which the next pachinko ball after the last pachinko ball 136 is rented out.

Therefore, in this embodiment, by controlling the actuation timing of the electromagnetic stopper 127 using a circuit as shown in FIG. We are making sure that you can rent out only the following items.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 71 indicates a flip-flop which is constantly reset and is also set by a ball discharge command generated by a player pressing the price designation button 8, and the Q output of the flip-flop 71 is the T input of the timer 72. , a countdown enable input of a preset counter 73, and a countup enable input of a timer counter 74, respectively.

First, the timer 72 is used to set the time during which the starting current is applied to the solenoid 135.

Specifically, the timer 72 uses the flip-flop 7
It is composed of a monostable multivibrator whose trigger input is the rising edge of the Q1 output, and its output is set to a low level for, for example, 0.1 seconds from the triggered timing. and timer 7
Since the output of transistor 75 is applied to the base of switching transistor 75, transistor 75 is turned on for 0.1 second after flip-flop 71 is set, and a starting current flows through solenoid 135.

Further, the preset counter 73 is for counting the number of pachinko balls lent to players.

Specifically, load data, a countdown enable signal, and a countdown clock are added to the preset counter 73 as inputs, and when a player presses the price designation button 8, a pachinko ball corresponding to the price is selected. The numeric value that responds to the number is first loaded. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the Q output of the flip-flop 71 is added to the preset counter 73 as a countdown enable signal, and since the flip-flop 71 is set at the same time as the price designation button 8 is pressed, the preset counter 73 is set at the same time as the price designation button 8 is pressed. The counter 73 becomes capable of countdown operation.

Using the output of the proximity sensor 126 as a clock, the preset counter 73 performs a countdown operation at the down edge and up edge, and when it has counted a predetermined number of times, the borrow signal is applied to the reset terminal of the flip-flop 71 via the OR gate 76. The electromagnetic stopper 127 is deactivated by resetting the electromagnetic stopper 127. That is, the above-mentioned flip-flop 71, timer 72, preset counter 73, etc. constitute a ball ejection control means.

By the way, in this embodiment, the preset counter 73
Not only is the output when the counter counts N counted to the reset terminal of the flip-flop 71 via the OR gate 76, but also the output when the preset counter 73 counts N.
The timer 77 is triggered by the output when -1 is counted, and the time-up output of the timer 77 is applied to the reset terminal of the flip-flop 71 via the OR gate 76, which is an essential feature of this embodiment. It is what it is.

As already mentioned, pachinko balls that enter the speed control path 23 at a faster speed are significantly decelerated due to the rival action in the speed control path 23, and at the time of flowing into the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12, the falling speed and Although the variation in the flow interval is kept within a very small range, it is not possible to completely eliminate the variation. It has been confirmed that some variation occurs.

It has been statistically confirmed that the following relationship exists between the flow velocity of the pachinko balls passing through the speed regulating path 23 and flowing into the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12 and the falling interval.

1. When the density in the regulating path 23 is low and the intervals between the pachinko balls are sufficiently large, the flow velocity of the pachinko balls increases because there is little mutual interference between the pachinko balls.

2. Conversely, if the density in the regulating path 23 is high and the intervals between the pachinko balls are small, there will be more interference between the pachinko balls and the flow velocity of the pachinko balls will be low.

First, consider the case in 1) where the flow velocity of the pachinko ball is higher than a certain value.

If the flow velocity of the pachinko ball is higher than a certain value,
Since the time from when a certain pachinko ball passes under the proximity sensor 126 to when the pachinko ball passes directly under the electromagnetic stopper 127 is extremely short, the proximity sensor 126 detects the next pachinko ball of the predetermined number to be rented. If the electromagnetic stopper 127 is actuated after this, it is fully expected that the next predetermined number of pachinko balls to be rented will pass through the electromagnetic stopper 127.

However, as mentioned in 1) above, when the flow velocity of the pachinko balls is high, the distance between the pachinko balls is wide, and the proximity sensor 1
26, the next pachinko ball after the predetermined number of rental balls is sufficiently in front of the proximity sensor 126, so the proximity sensor 12 detects the pachinko ball after the predetermined number of rental balls.
There is a sufficient amount of time between when the pachinko ball 6 is detected and when the next pachinko ball of the predetermined number of rental balls reaches the stop position of the electromagnetic stopper 127.

Therefore, if the electromagnetic stopper 127 is activated at a certain timing after the proximity sensor 126 detects the trailing edge of a predetermined number of pachinko balls to be rented out, even if the flow velocity of the pachinko balls varies within a certain range, The predetermined number of pachinko balls to be lent are allowed to pass through the electromagnetic stopper 127, and the next predetermined number of pachinko balls to be lent can be reliably stopped by the electromagnetic stopper 127.

Next, consider the case 2) where the flow velocity of the pachinko ball is lower than a certain value.

As mentioned in 2) above, when the flow velocity of the pachinko balls is lower than a certain value, the spacing between the pachinko balls is small, so when the predetermined number of rental pachinko balls is detected by the proximity sensor 126, the predetermined number of rental pachinko balls is The next pachinko ball approaches just in front of the proximity sensor 126, and after the proximity sensor 126 detects the predetermined number of rented pachinko balls, the electromagnetic stopper 127 is activated at a certain timing as described in 1) above. If this happens, there is a possibility that the next pachinko ball after the predetermined number of rental balls will pass through the electromagnetic stopper 127.

However, when the distance between the pachinko balls is small, as described above, the flow velocity of the pachinko balls is lower than a certain value, so after a certain pachinko ball passes under the proximity sensor 126, There is ample time for the ball to pass under the electromagnetic stopper 127, and even if the electromagnetic stopper 127 is activated after the proximity sensor 126 detects the next pachinko ball after the predetermined number of rental balls, the next pachinko ball after the predetermined number of rental balls Pachinko balls can be reliably stopped by the electromagnetic stopper 127.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the flow velocity of pachinko balls is higher than the above-mentioned certain value, the electromagnetic wave is activated at the timing when the time set by the timer has elapsed after the proximity sensor 126 detects a predetermined number of rented pachinko balls. By operating the stopper 127,
The predetermined number of pachinko balls to be rented is passed through the electromagnetic stopper 127 to ensure that the next pachinko ball after the predetermined number of rented balls is stopped by the electromagnetic stopper 127, and if the flow velocity of the pachinko balls is lower than the above-mentioned certain value. By operating the electromagnetic stopper 127 at the same time as the proximity sensor 126 detects the leading edge of the next pachinko ball after the predetermined number of rental balls, the pachinko balls of the predetermined number to be rented are allowed to pass through the electromagnetic stopper 127, The pachinko ball next to the number is surely stopped by an electromagnetic stopper 127.

Therefore, the set time of the timer 77 varies depending on the flow velocity of the pachinko balls, the range of variation in ball spacing, the response characteristics of the solenoid 135, the distance between the proximity sensor 126 and the electromagnetic stopper 127, etc.
Even when the flow velocity of the pachinko balls is the lowest, the trailing edge of a predetermined number of rented pachinko balls is detected by the proximity sensor 126.
If the flow velocity of the pachinko ball is higher than the above-mentioned certain value, it is sufficient for the pachinko balls to pass through the stop position of the electromagnetic stopper 127 after being detected. This is defined as the time that is insufficient for the next pachinko ball in the predetermined number of rental balls to reach the stop position of the electromagnetic stopper 127 after the trailing edge of the pachinko ball is detected by the proximity sensor 126.

Next, the timer counter 74 is provided as an output abnormal state detection means, and is used as a means for detecting an abnormal output state.
This is to monitor the failure of the 26, and to prevent certain kinds of fraudulent activities by players.

There are various possible ways in which players may commit fraudulent acts, but one way is to remove the connector of the lead wire of the proximity sensor 126 in some way to stop the function of the proximity sensor 126, thereby causing pachinko balls to be stolen. It is possible that there is a fraudulent act of obtaining unlimited amounts of money. If the player commits such a fraudulent act, from a circuit perspective, a situation will occur in which the flip-flop 71 is set but no output is generated from the proximity sensor 126. Therefore, in this embodiment, by giving the Q output of the flip-flop 71 as a count-up enable signal to the timer counter 74, the timer counter 74 is enabled to perform a count-up operation using the clock φ. I am trying to clear it.

Therefore, if the player does not commit a fraudulent act as described above, the timer counter 74 will be cleared at appropriate intervals, so the timer counter 74 will not carry over, but if the player does not commit the fraudulent act as described above, If the timer counter 74 is not cleared, the timer counter 74 will not be cleared, so the carry over will occur, and the carry over signal will reset the flip-flop 71 via the OR gate 76, deactivating the electromagnetic stopper 127, and stopping the ejection of pachinko balls. let

Also, at this time, the carry over signal of the timer counter 74 is applied to the buzzer 79 via the OR gate 78, and the buzzer 79 is activated to notify of fraudulent activity.
sound. That is, the OR gate 76 and the flip-flop 71 function as a disabling means for disabling the above-mentioned ball ejection control means.

Next, the AND gate 710 as an abnormal flow state detection means is also used to prevent fraudulent behavior by players, and in particular, the function of the electromagnetic stopper 127 can be disabled by some method without inserting coins or banknotes. This is to sound the buzzer 79 when the pachinko ball is stopped and the pachinko balls flow out without limit.

That is, normally, when the proximity sensor 126 generates a count output, the flip-flop 71 must be set, and when the flip-flop 71 is set, the AND gate 710 is closed, so the buzzer 79 is closed. does not sound, but when the above-mentioned fraudulent act occurs, the proximity sensor 126 generates a pulse as the pachinko balls are ejected even though the flip-flop 71 is in the reset state, so the output of the proximity sensor 126 The pulse passes through AND gate 710 and OR gate 78 and is supplied to buzzer 79, causing buzzer 79 to sound.

Furthermore, in the figure, 711 and 712 indicate switching transistors and diodes for flowing rated current to the solenoid, respectively, and a series circuit of a diode 713 and a Zener diode 714 is generated in the solenoid 135 when the solenoid 135 is operated. After removing the back electromotive force effect, solenoid 1
This is to improve the responsiveness of the T.35.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be specifically explained with reference to the above matters.

First, in the initial state, the flip-flop 71
has been reset, and its Q output is at L level. Therefore, the transistor 711 is cut off and the rated current does not flow through the solenoid 135, and the solenoid 135 is demagnetized.

Therefore, the electromagnetic stopper 127
The ball rotates counterclockwise by the tensile force of 1 and enters the flow path of the pachinko ball 136 as shown in FIG. There is.

Now, when the player inserts a regular coin from the coin insertion groove 4 or a regular banknote from the banknote insertion groove 5, the coin or banknote is accepted by the coin sorter 10 or the banknote validator 13, The coin sorting machine 10 and the banknote validating machine 13 transmit the received amount to the control device 14.

Subsequently, when the player presses the price designation button 8 to specify a desired amount, the amount specified by the player is also transmitted to the control device 14.

In response, the control device 14 calculates the difference between the received amount and the amount specified by the player, and
While causing the change discharge mechanism 17 to discharge the change,
A counter 16 is counted up according to the amount specified by the player. At the same time, the number corresponding to the amount specified by the player is displayed on the terminal board 15.
The information is then transmitted to the central control device for the in-store equipment.

At the same time, the control device 14 loads the preset counter 73 with a numerical value corresponding to the predetermined loan amount determined in accordance with the amount specified by the player, and sets the flip-flop 71.

First, flip-flop 71 is set and transistor 711 is turned on.

Further, when the flip-flop 71 is set, the timer 72 is activated using the rising edge of the Q output of the flip-flop 71 as a trigger.
Reduce its output to L level for 0.1 seconds.

Therefore, during that 0.1 second, the transistor 75 is also turned on, and a sufficiently large starting current flows through the path of the transistor 75, solenoid 135, and transistor 711, and the solenoid 135 resists the tension of the spring 131 and closes the electromagnetic stopper 127.
Rotate clockwise.

As already explained, in this embodiment, in the initial state where the electromagnetic stopper 127 is inserted into the flow path of the pachinko ball, the rotation axis 1 of the electromagnetic stopper 127 is
28 - The contact point between the electromagnetic stopper 127 and the pachinko ball 136 - Since the centers of the pachinko balls 136 are always aligned in a straight line, the electromagnetic stopper 127 is not obstructed by the staying pachinko balls and quickly
Rotate clockwise.

In this embodiment, when the solenoid 135 is started, a sufficiently large starting current flows through the transistor 75 as described above.
A spring 131 having a sufficiently large tension compared to the capacity of the spring 131 can be used.
By moving the electromagnetic stopper 127 to the pachinko ball 136
In the case of plunging into the flow path, the speed of plunging can be improved.

Then, when the timer 72 output is at a high level for 0.1 seconds, the transistor 7
5 is cut off and no starting current flows through the solenoid 135. However, since the transistor 711 is conductive while the flip-flop 71 is set, the rated current flows through the solenoid 135 via the diode 712. In this embodiment, this rated current applies a sufficient biasing force to the solenoid 135 to rotate the electromagnetic stopper 127, which has entered the flow path of the pachinko ball 136, clockwise against the tension of the spring 131. However, it has been determined that the electromagnetic force is sufficient to provide the solenoid 135 with a force sufficient to keep the electromagnetic stopper 127 in the clockwise rotating state. The stopper 127 continues to maintain a clockwise rotated state.

In this way, when the passage path for the pachinko balls 136 from the speed control path 23 to the ball discharge path 24 is opened, the pachinko balls 136 supplied from the speed control path 23 pass through the ball discharge path 24 and exit from the pachinko ball lending port 7. It is lent to players.

Also, each time a pachinko ball lent to a player passes under the proximity sensor 126, the proximity sensor 126 generates a pulse.

As already mentioned, the preset counter 73 registers the Q of the flip-flop 71 when it is set.
Since the countdown is enabled by the output, the preset counter 73 counts down at the leading and trailing edges of the pulse generated by the proximity sensor 126.

If the predetermined number of rental items specified by the player is, for example, 25, the preset counter 73 generates the N-1 output at the trailing edge of the 25th pulse generated by the proximity sensor 126. The timer 77 is triggered by the N-1 output of the preset counter 73 and starts operating, and generates a pulse when a set time (for example, 30 ms) has elapsed. This pulse then resets flip-flop 71 via OR gate 76, so that transistor 711 is cut off and solenoid 71 is demagnetized.

As a result, the electromagnetic stopper 127
It rotates counterclockwise due to the tensile force of the ball 31 and enters the flow path of the pachinko ball 136.

As mentioned above, in the case of this embodiment, the stopping surface of the electromagnetic stopper 127 is along the circumference centered on the axis of the rotating shaft 128, so that the axial center of the rotating shaft 128 and the pachinko ball 136 are The pachinko ball 136 stops in such a state that the contact point between the electromagnetic stopper 127 and the pachinko ball 136 is on the line segment connecting the center.

As mentioned above, the set time of the timer 77 is such that even if the pachinko ball has the slowest flow among the pachinko balls whose flow speed and flow interval have been adjusted by the regulating path 23, the electromagnetic It is enough time to pass under the stopper 127,
In addition, in the case of a pachinko ball whose flow velocity exceeds a certain value, the proximity sensor 126 detects the trailing edge of the 25th pachinko ball and the N-1st output of the preset counter 73 is added to the timer 77. Since it is set to be insufficient for the third pachinko ball to reach the position of the electromagnetic stopper 127, the time of 30 ms, which is the set time of the timer 77,
The 25th pachinko ball can reliably pass through the electromagnetic stopper 127 regardless of its flow velocity, and the flow velocity exceeds a certain value (as mentioned above, pachinko balls with a flow velocity exceeding a certain value must have sufficient spacing between the balls). ) The 26th pachinko ball is an electromagnetic stopper 1
27, it is reliably stopped.

On the other hand, among the pachinko balls whose flow velocity and flow interval are adjusted by the regulating path 23, in the case of a pachinko ball whose flow velocity is lower than a certain value, the distance between the balls is narrow as described above, so the proximity sensor 126 By detecting the trailing edge of the 25th pachinko ball, the preset counter 73 generates the N-1st output, and the timer 7
If the electromagnetic stopper 127 is activated after the 30 ms time set by 7 has elapsed, there is a possibility that the 26th and subsequent pachinko balls will pass through the electromagnetic stopper 127.

However, in order for the 26th pachinko ball to reach the electromagnetic stopper 127, it must
The 26th pachinko ball always passes under the proximity sensor 126. In the case of this embodiment, when the proximity sensor 126 detects the leading edge of the 26th pachinko ball, the preset counter 73 generates the Nth output, and even if the above-mentioned 30 ms time has not elapsed,
Since the Nth output of the preset counter 73 resets the flip-flop 71 via the OR gate 76, the electromagnetic stopper 127 is activated when the preset counter 73 generates the Nth output even if the above 30 ms time has not elapsed. Operate.

In this embodiment, the falling speed and falling interval of the pachinko balls passing through the pachinko ball counting and discharging device 12 are adjusted by the regulating path 23, and the proximity sensor 126 detects the trailing edge of the 25th pachinko ball. If the distance between the balls is so narrow that the 26th pachinko ball reaches the position of the electromagnetic stopper 127 before 30 ms has elapsed since the preset counter 73 generated the Nth output after detection, that pachinko ball Since the flow velocity of the balls is sufficiently low, the electromagnetic stopper 1 is activated after the proximity sensor 126 detects the leading edge of the 26th pachinko ball.
27 is activated, the 26th pachinko ball is surely stopped by the electromagnetic stopper 127.

Furthermore, by setting the flip-flop 71, the timer counter 74 is also in a count-up enabled state.
is counted up every time the clock φ occurs.

If no fraudulent activity is committed, the timer counter 74 is cleared at appropriate intervals by the output of the proximity sensor 126, so the timer counter 74 will not overcount.
If the player commits a fraudulent act that causes the proximity sensor 126 to stop functioning, or if the proximity sensor 126 malfunctions, the output of the proximity sensor 126 will stop, so after a certain period of time the timer counter 74 will turn off. Reover.

The carry-over signal is then applied to the flip-flop via the OR gate 76 to reset the flip-flop 76 and deactivate the electromagnetic stopper 127, thereby stopping the rental of pachinko balls.

At the same time, the carry over signal of the timer counter 74 is applied to the buzzer 79 via the OR gate 78, which drives the buzzer 79 to generate an alarm sound.
Notify the above-mentioned fraudulent acts and malfunctions.

Furthermore, if a player commits a fraudulent act by causing the electromagnetic stopper 127 itself to be operated from the outside by some method, or if the electromagnetic stopper 127 malfunctions and does not return to its original position, the player may Pachinko balls are illegally lent.

However, in such a case, since flip-flop 71 remains reset, AND gate 710 will open every time the proximity sensor 126 outputs a count. Therefore, each time a pachinko ball is lent to a player, the pulse generated by the proximity sensor 126 is transmitted to the buzzer 79 via the AND gate 710 and the OR gate 78, and similarly to the above, an alarm sounds to detect fraudulent activity or malfunction. Notify the occurrence of.

Although the embodiment described above has specified the form of the ball control member, the present invention also includes a ball detecting means for detecting the passage of pachinko balls in the middle of the flow path of the pachinko balls, and a ball detecting means for detecting the passage of the pachinko balls, and a ball control member that enters into the flow path of the pachinko balls. It can be applied as long as it is arranged in an appropriate combination with a ball control member that prevents the passing of pachinko balls.

Furthermore, although the above example has shown an example in which the proximity sensor 126 detects pachinko balls, it goes without saying that the type of sensor does not particularly matter as long as it can detect pachinko balls.

In addition, although the pachinko ball lending device has been described above as an object to which the pachinko ball counting and discharging device of the present invention is applied, the object to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this, and includes, for example, pachinko machines, etc. It can also be used as a ball ejecting device for game machines.

Further, in the above embodiment, the electromagnetic stopper 127 is used as the ball control member, but other members may be used as long as they enter the ball discharge path 24 through which the pachinko balls flow down and control the flow of the pachinko balls, for example. A rotatable sprocket can also be used.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the pachinko ball counting and discharging device of the present invention is operated in an abnormal state in which the count output from the ball detection means stops even though the ball control member is activated and the pachinko balls are flowing down the ball discharging path. Since the ball detection means is equipped with an output abnormal state detection means for detecting an abnormal output state and a disabling means for disabling the ball ejection control means based on a detection output from the output abnormal state detection means, the ball detection means cannot detect. Even if a malfunction occurs, it can be immediately discovered and replaced, and even if a fraudulent act is performed, such as inserting a piano wire from the outside and pulling out the lead wire connector of the ball detection means. Since the pachinko ball counting and discharging device stops operating, it is possible to prevent a large number of balls from being improperly discharged.

Furthermore, the pachinko ball counting and discharging device of the present invention includes abnormal falling state detection means for detecting an abnormal falling state in which the ball control member operates abnormally and ejects pachinko balls even though the electric drive source is not operating. In addition to the above-mentioned effects, even if there is a fraudulent act such as inserting a piano wire from the outside and activating the ball control member, this can be detected immediately. It becomes possible to take detailed measures against fraudulent activities in the device.

Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, an example was shown in which the control device was configured with hardware, but the control device may also be configured with a microcomputer.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a general view of a pachinko ball lending device using an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a pachinko ball counting and discharging device using an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a mechanical diagram of a pachinko ball counting and discharging device using an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a control circuit, and Figure 5 is an electromagnetic stopper shown in Figure 2 that stops the passage of pachinko balls. FIG. 1...Main body, 2...Hinge, 3...Door part, 4...
...Coin input groove, 5...Banknote input groove, 6...Pachinko ball lending port, 7...Change output port, 8...Price designation switch, 10...Coin sorter, 11...Upper chute, 12... Pachinko ball counting and discharging device,
13...Banknote validator, 14...Control device, 18...
... Coin hopper, 22 ... Ball guide path, 23 ... Speed control path, 24 ... Ball discharge path, 126 ... Proximity sensor, 127 ... Electromagnetic stopper, 135 ... Solenoid, 73 ... Preset counter, 77 ... ...Timer.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. In a pachinko ball counting and discharging device that operates based on a ball discharging command and is capable of discharging a predetermined number of balls, pachinko balls enter a ball discharging path and flow down this ball discharging channel. a ball control member that controls the falling and blocking of pachinko balls; an electric drive source that operates the ball control member; a ball detecting means for detecting; and starting the operation of the ball control member in response to a ball ejection command, and stopping the operation of the ball control member based on a count output from the ball detection means reaching a predetermined number. , a ball discharge control means for counting and discharging a predetermined number of pachinko balls, and a count output from the ball detection means stops even though the ball control member is activated and the pachinko balls are flowing down the ball discharge path. and a disabling means for disabling the ball ejection control means based on a detected output from the output abnormal state detecting means. Pachinko ball counting and discharging device. 2. In a pachinko ball counting and discharging device that operates based on a ball discharging command and is capable of discharging a predetermined number of balls, the pachinko balls enter the ball discharging path where the balls flow down and prevent the pachinko balls from flowing down the ball discharging channel. A ball control member that performs control, an electric drive source that operates the ball control member, and a ball detection means that detects each pachinko ball that is ejected in connection with the operation of the ball control member. , Start operating the ball control member in response to a ball ejection command, and stop operating the ball control member based on the count output from the ball detection means reaching a predetermined number, and release a predetermined number of pachinko balls. ball ejection control means for counting and ejecting balls, and detecting an abnormal state in which the count output from the ball detection means stops even though the ball control member is activated and pachinko balls are flowing down the ball ejection path. an output abnormal state detection means; a disabling means for disabling the ball ejection control means based on a detection output from the output abnormal state detection means; Regardless, a pachinko ball counting and discharging device comprising: abnormal falling state detection means for detecting an abnormal falling state in which the ball control member operates abnormally and ejects pachinko balls.