JP2000024296A - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To discharge a prize ball and a lending ball to separate downflow paths and count the number of the prize ball and the lending ball, respectively. SOLUTION: A prize ball flow-down path 26 and a rental ball flow-down path 27 are provided so as to branch off from a ball discharge path 25 of a discharge device 15, and a flow path switching valve 28 is provided at the branch portion. The position of the flow path switching valve 28 is determined in accordance with the type of the discharged pachinko ball (prize ball and lending ball) by the prize ball flow down road opening position (the position indicated by a solid line) and the lending ball flow down flow opening position (shown by a two-dot chain line). Position) and switch between
The prize ball is discharged to the prize ball flow path 26, and the lending ball is the lending ball flow path 27.
To be discharged. Then, the number of paid-out prize balls and the number of lending balls are separately counted by the prize ball passing sensors 30 and the lending ball passing sensors 31 provided on the respective ball flow paths 26 and 27. When the ball supply path 14 and the ball discharge path 25 have two lines,
At least each sensor 30, 3
Up to the detection position 1 is composed of two sections.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a pachinko ball paid out for winning (hereinafter referred to as "prize ball") and a pachinko ball paid out for ball lending request (hereinafter referred to as "lending ball"). It relates to a pachinko machine discharged from a discharge device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a pachinko machine equipped with a ball lending function (so-called "CR machine"), a prize ball and a lending ball are discharged from a common discharge device and flow down a common ball flow path. We pay out to saucer.

[0003]

Recently, in order to clarify the distinction between a prize ball and a lending ball, a prize ball which separates a ball downflow path between a prize ball and a lending ball and which actually flows down each ball downflow path has been described. However, it has become necessary to count the number of lending balls, but the above-mentioned conventional pachinko machine cannot respond to such a request.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to discharge a prize ball and a lending ball to separate ball flow paths and award the prize ball to flow down each ball flow path. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pachinko machine capable of counting the number of balls and rental balls.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a pachinko machine according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a plurality of ball supply paths for supplying pachinko balls to a discharge device, and a plurality of ball supply passages for the discharge device. Flow path switching means for switching the flow path of the pachinko balls discharged from the discharge device between the prize ball flow path and the flow path for ball rental, which are branched from the ball discharge path and the prize ball flow path and the ball flow path, respectively. Is provided, the prize ball is caused to flow down to the prize ball flow down path by the control means, and the operation of the flow path switching means is controlled so that the lending ball flows down to the rent ball flow down path, and the prize ball flowing down the prize ball flow path is controlled. Detected by the prize ball detection means, while detecting the lending ball flowing down the lending ball flow down path by the lending ball detection means, the prize ball flow path and the lending ball flow path,
At least up to the detection positions of the prize ball detecting means and the ball lending detecting means are respectively constituted by a plurality of strips corresponding to the plurality of discharge flow paths.

In this configuration, when the prize ball is discharged from the discharge device, the flow path is switched to the prize ball flow path by the flow path switching means, and the prize ball flows down the prize ball flow path. The number of the prize balls is counted by a detection signal output each time the prize ball passes the detection position of the prize ball detection means. On the other hand, when the ball rental is discharged, the flow path is switched to the ball rental down-flow path, and the ball rental down the ball-down flow down path. By the detection signal output each time this lending ball passes the detection position of the lending ball detection means,
The number is counted.

In general, when a plurality of ball downflow paths converge to a single ball downflow path with a reduced passage width, the ball flow of pachinko balls deteriorates in the converging passage portion, and there is a possibility that ball clogging may occur. . In this regard, in claim 1 of the present invention, since the prize ball flow path and the ball lending flow path are configured in a plurality of sections at least up to the detection positions of the prize ball detecting means and the ball lending detecting means, respectively, Until the ejected prize ball / lending ball reaches the detection position of the prize ball / lending ball detection means, the ball flow of the prize ball / lending ball is not hindered at all and the ball is not clogged, and each ball reaches the detection position. Can flow down.

When a plurality of ball downflow paths are converged into one by a tapered converging passage portion, the pachinko ball flowing down the converging passage portion flows down while colliding with the side wall. At this time, as the inclination angle of the side wall with respect to the vertical direction is larger, the incident angle of the pachinko ball with respect to the side wall, and furthermore, the reflection angle is larger, and the pachinko ball is rebounded upward, and it is difficult to flow down quickly. For example, when the inclination angle of the side wall is larger than 45 °, the pachinko ball rebounds upward from the horizontal direction, and the ball flow becomes extremely poor. As a result, the flow of the sphere is stagnated in the converging passage portion, and the sphere may be clogged.

In view of the above, according to the present invention, the prize ball flow path and the lending ball flow path are formed with a plurality of passage widths at the converging passage portion upstream of the detection positions of the prize ball detecting means and the lending ball detecting means, respectively. It is preferable to form each of the converging passage portions so that the sum of the inclination angles of the side walls with respect to the vertical direction is 45 ° or less. If the sum of the inclination angles of both side walls of each converging passage portion is formed to be 45 ° or less, the direction when the pachinko ball collides with one side wall and rebounds (the direction of primary reflection).
Can be suppressed below the horizontal direction, and the direction (secondary reflection direction) when the pachinko ball collides with the other side wall and bounces back can also be suppressed below the horizontal direction. This can reduce the deterioration of the ball flow in the converging passage,
Ball clogging in the converging passage can be prevented. Since each of the detecting means detects a ball after each of the prize ball flow path and the lending ball flow path converge to one line, one prize ball is detected for each of the prize ball flow path and the lend ball flow path. It is only necessary to provide the means and the ball lending detecting means, and the number of parts and the number of assembly steps can be reduced.

[0010] Further, at least a part of each of the prize ball flow path and the rental ball flow path may be formed of a transparent member. In this way, the state of the ball flow in the prize ball flow path and the ball rental flow path can be visually confirmed.

By the way, a "CR machine" equipped with a ball lending function
Discharges prize balls and lending balls from the discharging device, but pachinko machines that do not have a ball lending function (so-called "cash machines") discharge only prize balls from the discharging device, so pachinko balls discharged from the discharging device There is no need to branch the ball downflow path (only prize balls) into two systems.

In consideration of this point, the downflow path of the prize ball and the downflow path of the lending ball are merged downstream from the detection positions of the prize ball detection means and the lending ball detection means. At least the prize ball flow path, the rent ball flow path, the flow path switching means, the prize ball detection means, and the rent ball detection means are unitized to include the prize ball / rent A ball dual-use unit is formed, and the prize ball and ball rental unit is flown down the ball flow path and the ball downstream path of one system that connects the upstream of the branch portion of the prize ball flow path and the branch portion upstream and the downstream of the confluence portion of the ball rental flow path. It is preferable that the unit can be replaced with a prize ball exclusive unit that incorporates a detecting means for detecting a pachinko ball. In this way, by replacing the prize ball / ball rental unit with the prize ball dedicated unit, the pachinko machine can be set to the "cash machine" specification, and the back parts other than the prize ball / ball rental unit are replaced. It can be used in common with a "cash machine".

Further, the switching state of the flow path by the flow path switching means may be confirmed by the flow path switching confirmation means. For example, when the pachinko ball to be discharged is switched from a prize ball to a lending ball or from a lending ball to a prize ball, the flow path of the pachinko ball is switched to a switching ball down flow path (prize ball down flow path or ball down flow path). If the prize ball or the ball for lending is discharged after confirming that the ball has been changed by the flow path switching confirming means, the prize ball or the ball for lending can be surely caused to flow down to the prize ball down flow path or the ball lending flow down path. it can. In addition, when it is not confirmed by the flow path switching confirming means that the switching to the switching ball down flow path is made, it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred.

Further, when the ball-lending detecting means is operated during a period in which the flow path switching means is controlled to set the pachinko ball flow path to the prize ball flow path, and / or If the prize ball detecting means performs the detection operation during the period in which the pachinko ball flow path is controlled to be the downflow path, the abnormality determination means may determine that the path is abnormal. In this way, it is possible to detect that an abnormal state has occurred in which the prize ball or the lending ball flows down to the ball flow path that should not flow down.

On the other hand, the ball lending notification means may perform a notification operation during a period in which the ball lending is paid out. This makes it possible for the player to easily recognize that the paid-out pachinko ball is a rental ball.

[0016]

[Embodiment (1)] An embodiment (1) of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
First, the configuration of the back side of the pachinko machine 11 will be schematically described with reference to FIG. A ball tank 12 for storing pachinko balls is provided on the upper rear surface of the pachinko machine 11, and two ball rails 13 are connected to the ball tank 12 so that the pachinko balls flowing out therefrom flow down in an aligned state. . At the lower end of the tank rail 13, two ball supply paths 14 are provided, and at the lower end of the ball supply path 14, a discharge device 15 is provided. Below the discharge device 15, a prize ball / ball rental unit 16 described later is provided. Below the prize ball / ball rental unit 16, a frame control board 17 (which controls an electric device such as the discharge device 15) is provided. Control means) is provided.

At the center of the back of the pachinko machine 11, a collecting gutter 19 for collecting winning balls is provided. Downstream of the collecting gutter 19, a winning ball sensor 20 for detecting passage of a winning ball (evidence ball) is provided. Is provided. 1 prize ball with the prize ball sensor 20
Each time a prize ball is detected, the frame control board 1
7, a winning ball detection signal is output, and the discharging device 15 pays out a predetermined number of pachinko balls (prize balls).

The pachinko machine 11 is a "CR machine" having a ball lending function. A card unit 21 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the front of the pachinko machine 11, and the card unit 21 has a predetermined magnetic property. When the card is inserted, the recorded information is output to the frame control board 17, and the frame control board 17 controls the operation of the ejection device 15 to pay out a predetermined number of pachinko balls (ball rentals). . On the front of the pachinko machine 11, a ball lending notification lamp 40 (see FIG. 3) is provided as ball lending notification means for notifying the payout of the ball lending.

Next, the structure of the discharge device 15 and the unit 16 for both prize balls and ball lending will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two ball supply paths 14 are configured to cause the pachinko balls P to flow down into the discharge device 15 in a state of being aligned in a row, and the two ball supply paths 14 Sprockets 22 are respectively arranged below the outlets 14a. Each sprocket 2
A plurality of (for example, four) concave portions 23 for receiving the pachinko balls P are formed at equal intervals on the outer circumference of the second 2, and a convex portion 24 for supporting the pachinko balls P of the outlet 14a is formed between the concave portions 23. . On the left side of each sprocket 22, a ball discharge passage 25 extending downward from the outlet 14a of the ball supply passage 14 is provided.

The prize ball / ball rental unit 16 includes a two-prize ball flow path 26 and a two-ball flow path 27 and a discharge device 15.
Is provided so as to branch off from the two ball discharge paths 25 in the
The prize ball flow path 26 and the lending ball flow path 27 are constituted by passage walls 26a, 27a formed of a transparent member such as a transparent resin. A flow path switching valve 28 (flow path switching means) is provided at a branch between the prize ball flow path 26 and the lending ball flow path 27.

When the flow path switching valve 28 is tilted toward the ball let-down flow path 27 (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1), the flow path to the ball drop-off flow path 27 is closed, and the prize ball flow drop path 26 is closed. The flow path of the pachinko ball is opened, and the flow path of the pachinko ball is switched to the prize ball flow path 26 (hereinafter, this position is referred to as “prize ball flow path open position”). On the other hand, when the flow path switching valve 28 is tilted toward the prize ball flow path 26 (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1), the flow path to the prize ball flow path 26 is blocked and the ball rental ball flow path 27 The flow path F is opened, and the flow path of the pachinko ball is switched to the rental ball flow-down path 27 (hereinafter, this position is referred to as “ball rental flow path open position”). In the vicinity of the flow path switching valve 28, the flow path switching valve 2
As flow path switching confirmation means for detecting that the switch 8 has been switched to the “loaned ball flow path open position”, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor,
A flow switching confirmation sensor 29 (see FIG. 3) such as a microswitch is provided.

The prize ball flow path 26 is provided with a prize ball passage sensor 30 (prize ball detection means) for detecting the passage of a prize ball. A passage sensor 31 (ball rental detecting means) is provided. Output signals of the flow path switching confirmation sensor 29, the prize ball passage sensor 30, and the ball lending passage sensor 31 are input to the frame control board 17. The prize ball flow path 26 and the ball lending flow path 27 join below the prize ball passage sensor 30 and the ball lending passage sensor 31 and are connected to a dual use flow path 32. The dual use flow path 32 is provided on the front of the pachinko machine 11. It leads to a ball tray (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, a ball discharge path 25 is formed in two rows corresponding to the two ball supply paths 14, and
The prize ball flow path 26 and the rental ball flow path 27 are also the prize ball passage sensor 3.
It is composed of two lines up to 0 and below the ball let-through sensor 31.

The two sprockets 22 corresponding to the two ball supply paths 14 are formed integrally with a rotating shaft 33, and the rotating shaft 33 is rotatably attached to a lower portion of the ball supply path 14. Also, a recess 23 is provided between the two sprockets 22.
The positions of the (projections 24) are alternated. Thus, for example, when the concave portion 23 of one sprocket 22 faces the outlet 14a of the ball supply path 14, the other sprocket 22 is in a state where the convex portion 24 faces the outlet 14a. One end of the rotating shaft 33 is a rotating shaft 35 of the motor 34.
It is fitted to. The motor 34 is configured by a motor such as a stepping motor that can control the rotation angle.

The two flow path switching valves 28 corresponding to the two ball discharge paths 25 are integrally formed or fixed to a rotating shaft 36, and the rotating shaft 36 is connected to the prize ball and ball drop down paths 26, 27. Is rotatably attached to the branch portion. One end of the rotating shaft 36 has an arm 39 extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
1 (see FIG. 1) is fixed, and a plunger 38 of a solenoid 37 is connected to a tip portion of the arm 39. Thereby, the vertical movement of the plunger 38 is
, And the flow path switching valve 28 is tilted in the left-right direction. These flow path switching valves 2
8, a flow path switching unit 41 is constituted by the rotating shaft 36, the arm 39, and the solenoid 37.

By the way, a "CR machine" equipped with a ball lending function
Discharges prize balls and ball rentals from the discharge device 15, but a pachinko machine (a so-called “cash machine”) that does not have a ball lending function,
Since only the prize ball is discharged from the discharge device 15, the discharge device 1
The downward flow path of the pachinko balls (only the prize balls) discharged from 5 does not need to be branched as in the embodiment (1).

In consideration of this point, the prize ball and ball lending unit 16 is connected to the prize ball flow path 26 and the prize ball flow path 26 so as to include the branch from the branch of the prize ball flow path 26 and the ball rental flow path 27. The ball down flow path 27, the flow path switching unit 41, the prize ball passage sensor 30, and the ball lending passage sensor 31 are configured as a unit.
Can be replaced with a prize ball exclusive unit 42 shown in FIG. The unit 42 for exclusive use of the prize ball is provided with one system of a ball downflow path 43 connecting the ball discharge path 25 and the dual use downflow path 32,
A ball passage sensor 44 (detection means) for detecting the passage of a pachinko ball is provided at an intermediate portion of the ball flow path 43.
Thus, the pachinko machine 11 can be provided with a "cash machine" specification by replacing the unit 16 for both prize balls and ball lending with the unit 42 for prize balls shown in FIG.

The pachinko machine 11 configured as described above is
The operations of the discharge device 15 and the flow path switching unit 41 are controlled by the frame control board 17 as follows.

Normally, the motor 34 of the discharging device 15 is stopped, and the sprocket 22
The pachinko ball P at the outlet 14a is supported opposite the outlet 14a at the outlet 4 and is prevented from falling. The other sprocket 22
The concave portion 23 faces the outlet 14a of the ball supply path 14,
The pachinko ball P is received in the concave portion 23 and is prevented from falling (see FIG. 2). At this time, the power to the solenoid 37 is turned off.
F (de-energized). When the solenoid 37 is not energized, the plunger 38 is located below and the arm 39 is pulled down. As a result, the rotation shaft 36 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, and the flow path switching valve 28 is maintained in a state in which the flow path switching valve 28 is tilted to the winning ball downflow path open position.

Thereafter, when the pachinko ball wins a winning device (not shown), the motor 35 is driven based on the winning ball detection signal output from the winning ball sensor 20 to rotate the sprocket 22 in a counterclockwise direction. Let it. Thereby, each time the concave portion 23 faces the outlet 14a, the pachinko ball P
Into the recess 23, and the pachinko ball is discharged into the ball discharge path 25.
Let it fall. At this time, since the positions of the concave portions 23 of the two sprockets 22 are alternated, the pachinko balls are discharged alternately to the two ball discharge paths 25. This operation is repeated until the number of pachinko balls (prize balls) corresponding to the winning value is paid out. In this case, since the energization of the solenoid 37 is turned off (non-energized), the flow path switching valve 28 is held at the open position of the prize ball flow down path. Therefore, the prize ball discharged from the discharge device 15 flows down the prize ball flow path 26.
At this time, every time a prize ball passes through the prize ball passage sensor 30, a prize ball detection signal is output from the prize ball passage sensor 30, and the number of paid out prize balls is counted.

When a predetermined magnetic card is inserted into the card unit 21 and a ball lending request is generated, first, the power supply to the solenoid 37 is turned ON, and the plunger 38 is moved upward by the magnetic attraction force. Push up. Accordingly, the rotation shaft 36 rotates clockwise, and the flow path switching valve 28 is tilted toward the prize ball flow path 26.
Then, based on the presence / absence of the detection signal from the flow path switching confirmation sensor 29, it is confirmed whether or not the flow path switching valve 28 has been switched to the position for opening the downflow path. Within a predetermined time, the flow path switching valve 28
If it is not confirmed that has been switched to the opening position for the free flow path, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the subsequent operation for discharging the free wheel is stopped, and abnormality information is transmitted to a host computer (not shown). .

On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the flow path switching valve 28 has been switched to the opening position for opening the downflow path, the motor 34
Is driven to rotate the sprocket 22 to drop the pachinko balls received in the concave portions 23 into the ball discharge path 25. This operation is repeated until the number of pachinko balls (lending balls) according to the payment price is paid out. Since the flow path switching valve 28 is held at the open position of the free flow path, the free ball discharged from the discharge device 15 flows down the free flow path 27. At this time, every time when the ball lending passes the ball lending passage sensor 31, the ball lending excess sensor 31
Outputs a detection signal, and the number of paid-out rental balls is counted. Further, the ball lending notification lamp 40 is turned on or blinks during the period in which the discharge device 15 pays out the ball lending. Thus, the player is notified that the pachinko ball paid out to the ball tray is a ball rental. The ball lending notification means for notifying the payout of the ball lending is a ball lending notification lamp 4.
Not limited to 0, such as using a ball lending notification buzzer
It may be changed as appropriate.

After the discharge of the lending ball is completed, the energization of the solenoid 37 is turned off (non-energized), and the flow path switching valve 28 is returned to the prize ball flow down path open position. It should be noted that a flow path switching confirmation sensor for confirming that the flow path switching valve 28 has been switched to the prize ball flow down path open position is provided, and the flow path switching valve 28 switches to the prize ball flow down path open position within a predetermined time. Otherwise, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred.

The frame control board 17 includes a flow path switching valve 28.
When the ball lending passage sensor 30 detects and operates during the period in which is controlled to the prize ball flow down path opening position (OFF command period of the solenoid 37), the flow path switching valve 28 is controlled to the ball lending ball flow down path open position. If the prize ball passing sensor 29 detects and operates during the active period (ON command period of the solenoid 37), it is determined that there is an abnormality, and for example, the discharging operation of the discharging device 15 is stopped and a host computer (not shown) is connected. Send error information. In this case, the frame control board 17 plays a role as an abnormality determining means in the claims. The abnormality determination by the frame control board 17 is performed when the ball-passing sensor 30 is operated during the period in which the flow path switching valve 28 is controlled to the prize ball flow down road opening position. Only one of the cases where the prize ball passing sensor 29 performs the detection operation during the period in which the position is controlled to the flow-down road opening position may be used.

As described above, the position of the flow path switching valve 28 is switched in accordance with the type of the pachinko ball (prize ball and ball lending) discharged from the discharge device 15, and the flow path of the pachinko ball flows down the prize ball flow path. 26 and the ball let-off flow path 27, the prize ball and the ball let-off ball can be discharged to separate prize ball flow-off paths 26 and ball let-off flow paths 27, respectively. The number of prize balls and the number of ball rentals paid out by the prize ball passage sensor 30 and the ball lending passage sensor 31 provided in 27 can be separately counted.

Moreover, in the present embodiment (1), the prize ball passage sensor 26 and the ball loan passage sensor 30 do not converge the prize ball flow path 26 and the ball flow path 27 constituted by the two articles, respectively, without converging on the way. Since the two lines are left below 31, a good ball flow state can be secured, and the prize ball / lending ball can be promptly sent to each sensor 30, 31 without clogging.
To the detection position.

Further, in the present embodiment (1), the prize ball flow path 26 and the rental ball flow path 27 are formed by the passage walls 26a, 27a formed of a transparent member such as a transparent resin. Through 26a and 27a, it is possible to visually confirm the ball flow state in the prize ball flow path 26 and the ball rental flow path 27.
However, the passage walls 26a and 27a of the prize ball flow path 26 and the rental ball flow path 27 may not be made transparent.

In the present embodiment (1), the prize ball flow path 26, the ball flow path 27, and the flow path extend from the junction of the prize ball flow path 26 and the ball flow path 27 to the junction. The switching unit 41, the prize ball passing sensor 30, and the lending ball passing sensor 31 are unitized to constitute a unit 16 for both a prize ball and a ball rental, and the unit 16 for both a prize ball and a ball rental is shown in FIG. By replacing the unit 42, the pachinko machine can be set to the "cash machine" specification, so that the back parts other than the prize ball / ball rental unit 16 can be shared with the "cash machine", and the cost can be reduced. can do.

However, the prize ball flow path 26, the ball flow path 27, the flow path switching unit 41, the prize ball passage sensor 30, and the ball leasing sensor 31 may not be unitized. Further, the prize ball flow path 26 and the rental ball flow path 27 may not be merged below the sensors 30 and 31. In this case, the two ball downflow paths 26 and 27 may be configured to communicate with separate ball inflow ports of the ball tray, or the two ball downflow paths 2 and 27 may be used.
It is good also as composition which leads 6,27 to a separate ball tray,
In any case, since the inflow ports of the prize balls and the ball rentals into the ball trays are different, the player can clearly discriminate the prize balls from the ball rentals.

[Embodiment (2)] In the above embodiment (1), the prize ball flow path 26 and the ball lending flow path 27 are formed in two lines below the prize ball passage sensor 30 and the ball lending passage sensor 31, respectively. However, in the embodiment (2) of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the prize ball flow path 26 and the ball lending flow path 27 converge on the upstream side of the prize ball passage sensor 30 and the ball lending passage sensor 31, respectively. A passage portion 45 is formed. Each converging passage portion 45
The passage width of each of the ball flow paths 26 and 27 converges from two to one, and the prize ball passage sensor 30 and the ball lending passage sensor 3
1 is arranged. Further, each of the converging passage portions 45 has a sum of the inclination angles α of the side walls 46 with respect to the vertical direction of 45 °.
It is formed as follows. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment (1).

Here, when the two ball flow paths 26 and 27 converge to a single ball flow path with a reduced passage width, the pachinko balls flowing down the converging path portion 45 collide with the side wall 46. While flowing down. At this time, as the inclination angle α of the side wall 46 with respect to the vertical direction is larger, the incident angle of the pachinko ball, and furthermore, the reflection angle becomes larger, and the pachinko ball rebounds upward, and it is difficult to flow down quickly. For example, when the inclination angle α of the side wall 46 is larger than 45 °, the pachinko ball rebounds upward from the horizontal direction, and the ball flow becomes extremely poor. As a result, the flow of the sphere may be stagnated in the converging passage portion 45 and clogging of the sphere may occur.

In this regard, in the present embodiment (2), the sum of the inclination angles α of the side walls 46 of the converging passage portion 45 with respect to the vertical direction is set to 45 ° or less, so that the pachinko ball P
When the vehicle collides with one of the side walls 46 and rebounds (arrow A
(The direction of the primary reflection indicated by arrow B) can be suppressed below the horizontal direction, and the direction when this pachinko ball P collides with the other side wall 46 and rebounds (the direction of the secondary reflection indicated by arrow B).
Can also be suppressed below the horizontal direction, and deterioration of the sphere flow due to convergence can be suppressed to a small extent.

Further, the recesses 23 of the two sprockets 22
Since the pachinko balls are alternately discharged to the two-prize ball flow path 26 or the ball rental flow path 27 by the staggered arrangement of
The converging passage portion 45 also prevents pachinko balls from interfering with each other. Therefore, the prize ball of Article 2 and the downhill road 26,2
Despite converging the passage width of the pachinko ball 7 to one, the pachinko balls are not clogged and the sensors 30 and 3 are promptly turned on.
It can be caused to flow down to one detection position.

In addition, the prize ball and the ball drop route 26, 27
Is connected to the sensors 30 and 31 after being converged into one. Therefore, one prize ball passage sensor 30 and one ball rental ball passage sensor 31 are provided to the prize ball flow path 26 and the ball rental flow path 27, respectively. Can be provided, the number of parts and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, and cost reduction and size reduction can be realized.

In this embodiment (2), the converging passage portion 4
5 has a symmetrical shape. For example, the inclination angles of the side walls 46 may be different angles α and β (α + β ≦ 45 °), or the upper end of the inclined surface portion between the side walls 46 may be used. The position or the lower end position may be shifted to enhance the effect of preventing ball clogging. Also, the converging passage 45
May be formed integrally with the prize ball (lending ball) flow path 26 (27).

[Embodiment (3)] In each of the above-described embodiments (1) and (2), the flow path of the pachinko ball is formed by tilting the flow path switching valve 28 to the left and right. Although the switching is made between the rental ball flow path 27 and the slide switching member 47 (flow path switching means), as in the embodiment (3) of the present invention shown in FIG.
The path of the pachinko ball may be switched between the prize ball flow path 26 and the rental ball flow path 27.

Hereinafter, the flow path switching structure of the embodiment (3) will be described. A slide switching member 47 is provided slidably in the left-right direction at a branch portion of the prize ball flow path 26 and the lending ball flow path 27. On the horizontal surface of the slide switching member 47, two ball passage holes 48 are formed.
A vertical wall portion 49 is formed on the left side of the ball, and an inclined wall 50 is formed on the right side of the ball passage hole 48. Further, the right end of the slide switching member 47 is connected to a plunger 53 of a solenoid 52 via an L-shaped arm 51 rotatably supported on a shaft 61, and the vertical movement of the plunger 53 is controlled by the L-shaped arm 51. The movement is converted into a horizontal movement, and the slide switching member 47 is slid.
Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment (1).

When the prize ball is discharged from the discharge device 15, the slide switching member 47 is slid to the prize ball flow path 26 so that the ball passage hole 48 is aligned with the prize ball flow path 26 (slid to the position shown by the solid line). The vertical wall 49
With this, the flow path to the ball lending flow path 27 is closed and the flow path to the prize ball flow path 26 is opened. As a result, the prize ball flows down the prize ball flow path 26.

On the other hand, when the lending ball is discharged from the discharging device 15, the slide switching member 47 is slid to the ball lending flow path 27 side so that the ball passage hole 48 is aligned with the ball lending flow path 27 (indicated by a two-dot chain line). By sliding to the position shown), the inclined wall portion 50 closes the flow path to the winning ball flow path 26 and opens the flow path to the lending ball flow path 27. As a result, the rental ball flows down the rental ball flow path 27. As described above, the types of the pachinko balls discharged from the discharge device 15 (prize balls and ball lending)
In response to this, the position of the slide switching member 47 is switched to discharge the winning ball and the lending ball to the award ball flowing-down path 26 and the lending ball flowing-down path 27, respectively.

[Embodiment (4)] Also, as in the embodiment (4) of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, by switching the forward and reverse rotations of the sprocket 54 as the flow path switching means, the downflow of the pachinko ball is performed. The destination may be switched between the prize ball flow path 26 and the lending ball flow path 27.

Hereinafter, the flow path switching structure of the embodiment (4) will be described. A sprocket 54 is rotatably provided at a branch portion of the prize ball flow path 26 and the rental ball flow path 27. A plurality of (for example, four) recesses 55 for receiving pachinko balls are formed on the outer periphery of the sprocket 54 at equal intervals, and one end of a rotating shaft 56 of the sprocket 54 is rotated by a motor (not shown) that can rotate normally and reversely. It is fitted to. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment (1).

When the prize ball is discharged from the discharge device 15, the sprocket 54 is rotated clockwise to drop the pachinko ball received in the recess 55 into the prize ball flow path 26 on the right side of the sprocket 54. On the other hand, the discharging device 15
When the ball is discharged from the sprocket 54, the sprocket 54 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, and the pachinko ball received in the concave portion 55 is dropped on the ball flow down passage 27 on the left side of the sprocket 54. The rotation speed of the sprocket 54 (the rotation speed of the motor) is set to be equal to or higher than the rotation speed of the sprocket 22 of the discharge device 15 (the rotation speed of the motor 34). As described above, the rotation direction of the sprocket 54 is switched according to the type of the pachinko ball discharged from the discharge device 15 (prize ball and ball lending), and the prize ball and ball lending are changed.
They are discharged to a separate prize ball flow path 26 and a rental ball flow path 27, respectively.

In each of the above embodiments, the sprocket type discharging device 15 is used. However, for example, a lead screw type discharging device may be used, and the discharging device may be appropriately changed.

In each of the above embodiments, the ball supply path 1
4. Ball discharge path 25, prize ball flow path 26 and ball rental flow path 27
[In the embodiment (2), however, up to the upstream side of the converging passage portion 45] is constituted by two, but may be constituted by three or more.

[0055]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the pachinko machine of the first aspect of the present invention, the pachinko machine is provided by the flow path switching means in accordance with the type of the pachinko ball to be discharged (prize ball and ball lending). Since the flow path of the sphere is switched, the prize ball and the lending ball can be discharged to separate prize ball flow paths and the lending ball flow path, and paid by the prize ball and the lending ball detection means provided in each ball flow path. It is possible to separately count the number of awarded balls and the number of balls for sale. Moreover, since the prize ball and the ball lending flow are configured in a plurality of sections at least up to the detection position of each detection means,
The prize ball / lending ball can be quickly guided to each detection position without causing clogging of the ball, and the detection reliability of the prize ball / lending ball can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of prize ball and ball lending flow paths are converged, the sum of the inclination angles of both side walls of the convergent passage portion with respect to the vertical direction is 45 ° or less. The rebound direction of the pachinko ball in the converging passage can be suppressed to the horizontal direction or less until the secondary reflection, and despite the passage width converging, the pachinko ball can quickly flow down and the ball is clogged. Can be prevented. In addition, since each detecting means is arranged at a position where the prize ball and the rental ball flow path converge into one line, only one detection means is required for each of the prize ball and the rental ball flow path. Cost reduction and size reduction can be realized by reducing the number of assembly steps.

Further, in claim 3, at least a part of each of the prize ball and the ball lending flow path is constituted by a transparent member, so that the ball flowing state in the prize ball / lending ball flow path is visually checked. can do.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, each component is unitized so as to include a portion from a branch portion of the prize ball flow path and a branch portion of the ball rental flow route to a junction, thereby forming a prize ball / ball rental unit. Since the ball-for-sale unit can be replaced with a prize-ball-only unit, the back parts other than the prize-ball and ball-for-sale unit can be shared with the "cash machine" to reduce the cost.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow path switching confirming means for confirming a flow path switching state by the flow path switching means. And the abnormality can be determined, and the reliability of the flow path switching system is improved.

Furthermore, in the sixth aspect, when the ball detecting means on the ball-down flow path to which the pachinko ball should not flow down is operated for detection, an abnormality determining means for determining an abnormality is provided. Can be further improved.

On the other hand, according to the seventh aspect, the ball lending notification means is provided for informing during the ball lending payout period, so that the player can easily recognize that the paid-out pachinko ball is a lending ball. Can be distracted and no distrust is created.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional front view of a discharge device and a prize ball / lending unit according to an embodiment (1) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view of an ejection device and a unit for both prize balls and ball rentals.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a unit dedicated to award balls.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a converging passage portion and a peripheral portion thereof according to the embodiment (2) of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a vertical sectional front view of a flow path switching structure according to an embodiment (3) of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a plan view of a slide switching member.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a flow path switching structure according to an embodiment (4) of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11: Pachinko machine, 14: Ball supply path, 15: Discharge device,
16: prize ball / ball lending unit, 17: frame control board (control means, abnormality determination means), 25: ball discharge path, 26: prize ball flow down path, 27: ball flow down flow path, 28: flow path switching valve (Flow path switching means), 29 ... flow path switching confirmation sensor (flow path switching confirmation means), 30 ... prize ball passing sensor (prize ball detection means), 31 ...
Ball passing sensor (ball rental detecting means), 32 ...
34 ... motor, 36 ... rotary shaft, 37 ... solenoid, 40
... ball lending notification lamp (ball lending notification means), 41 ... flow path switching unit, 42 ... prize ball exclusive unit, 43 ... ball flow down road, 4
4 ... Sphere passage sensor (detection means), 45 ... Converging passage part, 4
6 ... side wall, 47 ... slide switching member (flow path switching means),
48: ball passage hole, 49: vertical wall part, 50: inclined wall part, 5
2. Solenoid 54: Sprocket (flow path switching means)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A pachinko ball that discharges a pachinko ball (hereinafter referred to as “prize ball”) paid out for a prize and a pachinko ball paid out (hereinafter referred to as “ball rental”) in response to a ball lending request from a common discharge device. In the machine, a plurality of ball supply paths for supplying pachinko balls to the discharge device, and a prize ball flow path branched from the plurality of ball discharge paths of the discharge device corresponding to the plurality of ball supply paths, and A flow path for rented ball, a flow path switching means for switching a flow path of pachinko balls discharged from the discharge device between the flow path for prize ball and the flow path for lent ball, and the prize ball to the flow path for prize ball. Control means for controlling the operation of the flow path switching means so as to cause the ball to flow down to the ball down flow path; and a prize provided on the prize ball down flow path and flowing down the prize ball down flow path. Prize ball detecting means for detecting a ball; A ball-lending detector for detecting a ball lending flowing down the ball-dropping path, wherein the prize-ball path and the ball-dropping path are at least the prize-ball detector and the lending ball, respectively. A pachinko machine comprising a plurality of balls corresponding to the plurality of ball discharge paths up to a detection position of the ball detecting means. 2. A pachinko ball that discharges a pachinko ball (hereinafter referred to as “prize ball”) paid out for winning and a pachinko ball (hereinafter referred to as “ball rental ball”) paid out in response to a ball lending request. In the machine, a plurality of ball supply paths for supplying pachinko balls to the discharge device, and a prize ball flow path branched from the plurality of ball discharge paths of the discharge device corresponding to the plurality of ball supply paths, and A flow path for rented ball, a flow path switching means for switching a flow path of pachinko balls discharged from the discharge device between the flow path for prize ball and the flow path for lent ball, and the prize ball to the flow path for prize ball. Control means for controlling the operation of the flow path switching means so as to cause the ball to flow down to the ball down flow path; and a prize provided on the prize ball down flow path and flowing down the prize ball down flow path. Prize ball detecting means for detecting a ball; Provided on a down flow path, and provided with a ball lending detection means for detecting a ball lending flowing down the ball lending flow path, wherein the prize ball flow path and the ball lending flow path are respectively the prize ball detection means and the ball lending There is a converging passage portion that converges the passage width from a plurality of passages to one passage on the upstream side of the detection position of the detection means, and each of the converging passage portions has a sum of the inclination angles of the side walls with respect to the vertical direction of 45 ° or less. Pachinko machine characterized by being formed as follows. 3. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of each of the prize ball flow path and the rental ball flow path is formed of a transparent member. 4. The prize ball flow path and the ball rental ball flow path merge downstream from the detection positions of the prize ball detection means and the ball rental ball detection means, and branch between the prize ball flow path and the ball rental ball flow path. At least the prize ball flow path, the sphere flow path, the flow path switching means, the prize ball detection means, and the rent ball detection means are unitized to include a prize ball / ball lending so as to include from the section to the confluence section. The prize ball / ball lending unit comprises a single system ball flow path connecting the prize ball flow path, a branch upstream of the ball rental ball flow path, and a junction downstream, and a flow down the ball flow path. The pachinko machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pachinko machine is replaceable with a prize ball exclusive unit including a detecting means for detecting a pachinko ball to be played. 5. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, further comprising a flow path switching confirmation means for confirming a flow path switching state by said flow path switching means. 6. When the ball-lending detecting means operates during a period in which the control means controls the flow-path switching means to set the flow path of the pachinko ball to the prize ball flow-down path,
And / or abnormality determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred when the prize ball detection means detects and operates during a period in which the flow path of the pachinko ball is controlled to be the downflow path of the lending ball. The pachinko machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, further comprising a ball lending notification unit that performs a notification operation during a period in which the lending ball is paid out.