JP4465744B2 - Island interchangeable ball transfer device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an island-interchange type ball transfer device comprising a main pachinko island platform having a base tank for storing a large amount of pachinko balls, and a slave pachinko island platform that receives the supply of pachinko balls from the base tank.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a pachinko island stand (hereinafter referred to as a base tank) having a large storage tank (hereinafter referred to as a base tank), with a plurality of pachinko island stands as one block, a supply tank (also referred to as an AC tank) passed between the upper tanks. From the main pachinko island stand to the pachinko island stand that does not have a base tank (hereinafter referred to as the secondary pachinko island stand), the pachinko balls that are always overflowing from the secondary pachinko island stand A ball transfer device called an island exchange method that returns to the base tank of the island stand is known. In this island exchange type ball transfer device, since the amount of balls stored in the slave pachinko island stand is always satisfied, there is no shortage of balls in the slave pachinko island stand, and the equipment cost is low. Therefore, it is used in many amusement halls. In addition, in the island exchange type ball transfer device, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-38311 previously proposed by the present applicant, pachinko balls overflowing in the slave pachinko island stand are connected to the main pachinko via a return basket. It flows into the main upper tank of the island stand and is returned to the base tank from a return hose whose upper end is connected to the main upper tank and whose lower end is connected to the base tank. The ball overflowing in the upper tank of the main pachinko island is returned to the base tank from an overflow hose whose upper end is connected to the main upper tank and whose lower end is connected to the base tank. Thus, the overflow ball of the slave pachinko island platform returned from the return hose and the overflow ball of the main pachinko island platform returned from the overflow hose are stored in the base tank.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the amount and timing of the pachinko balls discharged to the base tank from the return hose that returns the overflow ball of the slave pachinko island stand and the overflow hose that returns the overflow ball of the main pachinko island stand are irregular, that is, predict Since the accumulation of pachinko balls in the extremely large base tank is not uniform, it is necessary to determine the mounting position for measuring the exact ball amount of the ball amount sensor to grasp the ball amount in the base tank. There was a problem that was difficult. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an island exchange type ball transfer device that can easily determine an attachment position capable of measuring an accurate ball amount of a ball amount sensor. It is in.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a main pachinko island base having a base tank that stores a large amount of pachinko balls, a slave pachinko island base that receives supply of pachinko balls from the base tank, In the island exchange type ball transfer device, the main pachinko island stand includes a main upper tank for storing the pachinko balls lifted by the ball lifting device in the own island, and a pachinko ball stored in the main upper tank. Supplying pachinko machines installed on its own island main A replenishment bowl, a supply bowl for supplying pachinko balls stored in the main upper tank to the slave pachinko islands, and a main overflow mechanism for returning pachinko balls overflowing in the main upper tank to the base tank. The slave pachinko island stand stores a pachinko ball lifted by a ball lifting device in its own island and receives a pachinko ball supplied via the supply basket, and stores in the slave tank. Replenished pachinko balls installed on its own island Obedience And a return mechanism for returning the pachinko balls overflowing in the subordinate tank to the base tank, wherein the base tank has a plurality of tanks in which a storage order in which pachinko balls are stored is determined. The main overflow mechanism and Said A dispersion mechanism is provided that disperses pachinko balls returned to the base tank from the return mechanism so that the pachinko balls are stored in each tank section partitioned according to the storage order. The dispersion mechanism is configured independently of the main overflow dispersion mechanism that distributes pachinko balls sent from the main overflow mechanism to a plurality of tank portions according to the storage order, and the main overflow dispersion mechanism. A return dispersion mechanism that distributes pachinko balls sent from the return mechanism to a plurality of tank portions in accordance with the storage order. It is characterized by this. By configuring in this way, even if it is impossible to predict the amount and timing of pachinko balls overflowing from the slave pachinko islands and the main pachinko islands, the pachinko overflowing from the slave pachinko islands and the master pachinko islands Since the balls are stored in order by the dispersion mechanism in accordance with the storage order in each tank part whose volume is reduced by dividing the base tank into a plurality of parts, the ball quantity sensor is appropriately attached to each partitioned tank part. Accurate ball quantity in the tank can be measured. That is, it becomes easy to determine the mounting position where the exact ball amount of the ball amount sensor can be measured.
[0005]
[0006]
[0007]
More The The dispersion mechanism is configured independently of the main overflow dispersion mechanism for distributing the pachinko balls sent from the main overflow mechanism to a plurality of tank parts according to the storage order, and the return mechanism Even if an overflow ball is sent from each of the overflow mechanism and the return mechanism, the pachinko ball sent from the mechanism is configured with a return dispersion mechanism that distributes the pachinko balls to a plurality of tank parts according to the storage order. , Each overflow ball can be smoothly sent to each tank without interfering with each other.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a plurality of pachinko island platforms 1a to 1f and base tanks B1 and B2 provided in association therewith, and ball transfer devices (supply rods 4 to 9, return rods 10 to 13, shutter devices 14, FIG. 2 is a side view showing the internal structure of the slave pachinko island platform 1c having no base tank, and FIGS. 3 to 5 are base tanks. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the internal structure and operation of the main upper tank 2b provided on the upper part of the main pachinko island base 1b having B1, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base tank B1, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the return ball branch box 16 and the overflow ball branch box 27, and FIG. 9 is a priority view. The internal structure of the tank unit 100 FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the non-priority tank unit 120, FIG. 11 is a front view showing the internal structure upstream of the non-priority tank unit 120, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the structure of the reinforcing bottom plate 133 attached to the bottom of the buffer passage 132 in the non-priority tank 120. FIG. 13 shows the internal structure and operation of the lower tank 3b provided in the main pachinko island base 1b. FIG.
[0009]
First, in the pachinko island platforms 1a to 1f in FIG. 1, four pachinko island platforms are handled as one block, and large base tanks are provided on both sides of each block. For example, base tanks B1 and B2 are arranged on both sides of a pachinko island platform 1b to 1e which is a central block (hereinafter referred to as a central block). In addition, although the block from 1a to the left of 1a (hereinafter referred to as the left block) and the block from the right of 1f to 1f (hereinafter referred to as the right block) are not shown, four pachinko islands are provided as in the central block. A base tank (not shown) and a base tank B1 are arranged on both sides of the left block, and a base tank B2 and a base tank (not shown) are arranged on both sides of the right block.
[0010]
Of the blocks made up of four pachinko islands, pachinko islands 1a, 1b, 1e, and 1f located on both ends of each block (the pachinko islands on one side of the left and right blocks are shown in FIG. Is omitted) and is configured as a main pachinko island base having base tanks B1 and B2 (the base tanks on one side of the left block and the right block are omitted because they are not shown in FIG. 1) Further, the pachinko machine 50 is installed only on one side (so-called wall island). In addition, the main pachinko island bases 1a and 1b and the main pachinko island bases 1e and 1f are externally one pachinko island base having base tanks B1 and B2 inside (the width dimension is larger than that of a normal pachinko island base). Each of the main pachinko island platforms 1a, 1b, 1e, and 1f functions as a pachinko island platform equipped with various devices that circulate pachinko balls independently. Also, the two pachinko island platforms 1c, 1d positioned so as to be sandwiched between the main pachinko island platforms 1a, 1b, 1e, 1f (the reference numerals are omitted because they are not shown in FIG. 1 in the left block and the right block) It is located between two main pachinko island platforms 1b and 1c, and is configured as slave pachinko island platforms 1c and 1d that receive the supply of pachinko balls from base tanks B1 and B2. In this way, a form in which four pachinko islands are connected as one block by a ball transfer device described later and a pachinko ball is conveyed is called island exchange. In the illustrated embodiment, it is described that the island exchange is configured by four pachinko islands. However, the pachinko islands may be configured by two or more pachinko islands instead of the four. For example, one main pachinko island platform and one or more slave pachinko island platforms connected by a ball transfer device, or one or more slave pachinko island platforms arranged between two master pachinko island platforms What connected with the transfer apparatus may be used.
[0011]
Thus, the base tanks B1 and B2 in such island exchange can store the pachinko ball amount required for each block. For example, the ball amount required for one pachinko island stand Is 500,000, the required amount of pachinko balls for the four pachinko islands 1b to 1e constituting one block is 2 million. The base tank B1 has about 1 million pachinko balls out of 2 million pachinko balls required in the central blocks 1b to 1e and about 1 million out of 2 million pachinko balls required in the left block 1a. The base tank B2 has a capacity capable of storing a total of about 2 million pachinko balls combined with a single pachinko ball, and the base tank B2 has about 1 million remaining pachinko balls necessary for the central blocks 1b to 1e, It is comprised so that it may have a capacity | capacitance which can store a total of about 2 million pachinko balls combining about 1 million pachinko balls out of 2 million pachinko balls required in the right block 1f.
[0012]
In FIG. 1, only the main pachinko islands 1a and 1f are drawn as the pachinko islands of the left block and the right block, and therefore, in the following explanation, the central blocks 1b to 1e will be mainly explained. However, the structure of the left block and the right block has the same structure as the central block and has an effect.
[0013]
The pachinko islands 1b to 1e belonging to the central block are supplied with insufficient balls from the base tanks B1 and B2 on both sides when the ball amount is insufficient or when the ball amount is excessive, or the base tank B1 , B2 is provided with a ball transfer device for returning excessive balls. As the ball transfer device, the first lead-out passages 35 and 36 and the second lead-out passages 39 and 40 that supply the pachinko balls stored in the base tanks B1 and B2 to the lower tanks 3b and 3e of the main pachinko islands 1b and 1e, The supply tanks 6 and 7 for supplying pachinko balls stored in the base tanks B1 and B2 to the slave pachinko island platforms 1c and 1d and the pachinko balls that have become excessive in the slave pachinko island platforms 1c and 1d are used as the base tanks B1 and B2. Return rods 11 and 12 and return passages 19 and 20 to be returned to, and overflow ball passages 31 and 32 for returning pachinko balls that have become excessive in the main pachinko islands 1b and 1e to the base tanks B1 and B2. Has been.
[0014]
Among the ball transfer devices described above, the supply rods 6 and 7 are the upper tanks 2b and 2e of the main pachinko island platforms 1b and 1e located on both sides (hereinafter, the upper tanks provided on the main pachinko island platforms 1b and 1e are the main tanks). Between the upper tanks 2b and 2e). The supply rods 6 and 7 are provided inside the upper tanks 2c and 2d of the slave pachinko island platforms 1c and 1d (hereinafter, the upper tanks provided on the slave pachinko island platforms 1c and 1d are referred to as slave tanks 2c and 2d). The pachinko balls supplied from the supply rods 6 and 7 are dropped into the respective subordinate tanks 2c and 2d from a drop opening (not shown). For this reason, when there is room for receiving the pachinko balls in the slave upper tanks 2c, 2d of the slave pachinko islands 1c, 1d (when the storage amount of the slave pachinko islands 1c, 1d is small), the pachinko balls are the slave pachinko islands 1c. , 1d. The supply rods 6 and 7 are connected to the main upper tanks 2b to 2e through joint portions provided in the upper tanks, and the supply rods 6 and 7 formed in advance in the upper tanks. By connecting corresponding to the upstream inlet and the downstream outlet, they are connected so as to penetrate as a whole. The downstream end of the supply rod 6 is connected to the supply passage 24 connected from the main upper tank 1e to the return ball branch box 17 of the base tank B2, and the downstream end of the supply rod 7 is returned from the main upper tank 1b to the base tank B1. The supply passages 23 are connected to the ball branch box 16.
[0015]
A shutter device 15 comprising a shielding plate (not shown) and a motor for opening and closing the shielding plate are provided at a position immediately after the slave tank 2d of the supply rod 6 and a position immediately after the slave tank 2c of the supply rod 7. 14 are provided. The shutter devices 15 and 14 constitute a part of the ball transfer device and are electrically opened and closed by a control board (not shown) according to the amount of balls stored in the base tanks B1 and B2. In the open state, the pachinko balls flow down in the supply rods 6 and 7 and are transferred from the base tank having a large storage amount toward the base tank having a small storage amount. In the closed state, the supply rods 6 and 7 The pachinko ball is stagnated upstream of the shutter devices 15 and 14. As described above, the pachinko balls are always supplied to the slave upper tanks 2c, 2d of the slave pachinko islands 1c, 1d, and the storage amount of the slave pachinko islands 1c, 1d is always satisfied. ing. In addition, in FIG. 1, although the installation position of the shutter devices 15 and 14 is shown immediately after the upper tanks 2d and 2c of the slave pachinko island platforms 1d and 1c, the main devices of the main pachinko island platforms 1e and 1b are shown. You may provide in the position immediately before upper tank 2e, 2b.
[0016]
In addition, among the ball transfer devices described above, the return rods 11 and 12 and the return passages 19 and 20 for returning the pachinko balls that have become excessive in the slave pachinko islands 1c and 1d to the base tanks B1 and B2 12 is connected to the main upper tanks 2b and 2e so as to incline downward from the subordinate tanks 2c and 2d, and the return rods 11 and 12 communicate with the return passages 19 and 20 through the main upper tanks 2b and 2e. It is like that. The return passages 19 and 20 connect the main upper tanks 2b and 2e and the return ball branch boxes 16 and 17 to each other.
[0017]
Further, among the ball transfer devices described above, the overflow ball passages 31 and 32 for returning the pachinko balls that have become excessive in the main pachinko islands 1b and 1e to the base tanks B1 and B2 overflow with the main upper tanks 2b and 2e. It is connected to the ball branch boxes 27 and 28 so as to be inclined downward.
[0018]
The reason for providing the return rods 11 and 12 and the return passages 19 and 20 is that the ball counting and returning devices 43 and 44 are not necessarily located at the island ends (is not necessarily island ends) on the slave pachinko islands 1c and 1d. For example, it is provided in the center of the island. For this reason, when the number of pachinko balls returned by the ball counting and returning devices 43 and 44 becomes extremely large, they are stored in the slave upper tanks 2c and 2d and the slave lower tanks 3c and 3d built in the slave pachinko islands 1c and 1d. The pachinko balls lifted by the ball lifting device 52 need to be returned from the subordinate tanks 1c and 1d to the base tanks B1 and B2 via the return rods 11 and 12 and the return passages 19 and 20. Because. The reason for providing the overflow ball passages 31 and 32 is not only the reason that the ball counting and returning devices 42 and 45 are provided on the main pachinko islands 1b and 1e, but also the doffing provided on the main pachinko islands 1b and 1e. The feeding device 52 is always driven to lift the pachinko balls. When the raised pachinko balls become excessive in the main upper tanks 2b and 2e, the overflowing pachinko balls are exchanged with the base tanks B1 and B2. This is to circulate pachinko balls between them.
[0019]
In FIG. 1, a supply rod 4 crossed between the main upper tank 2 a of the main pachinko island platform 1 a belonging to the left block and the main upper tank of the leftmost main pachinko island platform (not shown) of the same block. , 5 and a return basket 10 passed between a main upper tank 2a and a subordinate upper tank of a subordinate pachinko island (not shown), and a first lead-out passage connecting the main pachinko island base 1a and the base tank B1 34, the second lead-out passage 38, the return passage 18 and the supply passage 22 that connect the main upper tank 2a and the return ball branch box 16, and the overflow ball that connects the main upper tank 2a and the overflow ball branch box 26. And a ball transfer device comprising a main passage tank 30 and a main upper tank 2f of the main pachinko island base 1f belonging to the right block and a main upper tank of the main pachinko island base at the right end of the block (not shown). Between A return rod 13 passed between the supply rods 8 and 9 which are handed over in a differential manner and a slave tank of a slave pachinko island (not shown) adjacent to the master upper tank 2f, a master pachinko island base 1f and a base tank The first outlet passage 37 and the second outlet passage 41 that connect B2, the return passage 21 and the supply passage 25 that connect the main upper tank 2f and the return ball branch box 17, and the main upper tank 2f and the overflow ball A ball transfer device comprising an overflow ball passage 33 connecting the branch box 29 is depicted.
[0020]
The outline of the plurality of pachinko island platforms 1a to 1f in the island exchange format has been described above. Next, the internal structure of each pachinko island platform will be described, and then each configuration constituting the main part of this embodiment will be described. . First, the internal structure of the pachinko island platform will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the slave pachinko island platform 1c, and the slave pachinko island platform 1d has almost the same structure. For the main pachinko islands 1a, 1b, 1e, and 1f (hereinafter referred to as the main pachinko islands 1b, etc.), the slave pachinko islands in terms of the structure of the upper tank and the structure of the lower tank, and the structure of the overflow and the suction Although it is different from 1c, all other structures are the same.
[0021]
In FIG. 2, the slave pachinko island platform 1 c includes slave subordinate tanks 3 c (about 20,000) that store relatively few pachinko balls inside, and the pachinko balls stored in the slave subordinate tank 3 c are stored in the slave pachinko balls. The ball is lifted to the subordinate tank 2c by the ball lifting device 52 which is erected substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction of the island 1c, and replenished to the pachinko machine 50 and the ball lending machine 51 installed on each sub pachinko island 1c. The ball is replenished through the cage 53. The pachinko balls used in the pachinko machine 50 are collected in the out ball collection basket 54 through the out ball box 55, guided to the subordinate tank 3c, and then lifted by the ball lifting device 52 again. As a result, the pachinko balls circulate in the slave pachinko island platform 1c.
[0022]
The subordinate lower tank 3c built in the subordinate pachinko island platform 1c is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a bottom plate inclined on the bottom surface toward the introduction rod 57 of the ball lifting device 52. Further, since the subordinate tank 3c is installed at one side of the ball lifting device 52 (on the right side of the ball lifting device 52 in FIG. 2), the opposite side (the left side of the ball lifting device 52 in FIG. 2). In order to guide the pachinko balls that flow through the out ball collection basket 54 installed in the subordinate tank 3c, a contact rod 56 is passed between the outball collection basket 54 and the subordinate tank 3c to collect the pachinko balls. . The terminal end of the communication rod 56 is slightly above the connection position of the introduction rod 57. Further, the subordinate tank 2c is provided with a replenishment rod 5 3 The overflowing pachinko balls flow down to the subordinate tank 3c through an overflow passage (not shown) formed along the side surface of the ball lifting device 52, and when the pachinko balls overflow in the overflow passage, return to the return basket 11 It is structured to send pachinko balls. Further, the subordinate tank 2c has a structure in which pachinko balls supplied from the supply tanks 6 and 7 flow down to the subordinate lower tank 3c through a suction passage (not shown) formed adjacent to the overflow passage. ing. The overflow passage constitutes a secondary overflow mechanism and is not provided in the main pachinko island platform 1b or the like. Further, no suction passage is provided in the main pachinko island platform 1b or the like.
[0023]
In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the ball lifting device 52 is provided so as to face the lifting belt, which is swiveled by a pulley with a built-in motor, and holds the pachinko ball between the lifting belt. The pachinko ball guided from the introduction rod 57 is conveyed while being polished upward by the frictional force of the conveying belt.
[0024]
The slave pachinko island stand 1c has been described above. Here, differences between the slave pachinko island stand 1c and the master pachinko island stand 1b will be described. First, in the lower tank, the secondary pachinko island platform 1c receives the pachinko balls from the collection basket 54, the overflow passage and the suction passage, whereas in the main pachinko island platform 1b, the recovery basket 54 and the base tanks B1, B2 Accepts pachinko balls. Next, the sub pachinko island platform 1c has an overflow passage and a suction passage, while the main pachinko island platform 1b does not have. Next, the sub pachinko island platform 1c feeds pachinko balls in the order of the replenishment basket 53, the overflow passage, and the return basket 11 in the upper tank, while the main pachinko island platform 1b and the like replenish in the upper tank. Pachinko balls are sent in the order of 樋 53 and overflow ball passage 31. This is because the slave pachinko island stand 1c has only the slave lower tank 3c to secure a certain amount of balls and to suppress unnecessary supply from the supply basket 6, whereas This is because it is not necessary to secure balls on the main pachinko island platform 1b and the like because the balls 1b and the like are sent from the base tanks B1 and B2.
[0025]
Next, the structure of the main upper tanks 2a, 2b, 2e, 2f (hereinafter referred to as the main upper tank 2b etc.) such as the main pachinko island platform 1b will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, as an upper tank of the main pachinko island stand, the main upper tank 2b of the main pachinko island stand 1b will be described as an example.
[0026]
The pachinko balls lifted by the ball lifting device 52 are discharged to the main upper tank 2b. The main upper tank 2 b has a function of distributing the received pachinko balls to the replenishment basket 53, the supply basket 6 or the overflow ball passage 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the main upper tank 2 b has a gutter installation space 60 that penetrates the downstream part of the supply gutter 7 and the downstream part of the return gutter 11 through a partition plate fixed in the vertical direction, and the supply gutter 6.樋 installation space 61 in which the upstream part of the ball is installed, the shunting space 62 that sorts and distributes the pachinko balls lifted by the ball lifting device 52, and the upper part of the ball lifting device 52 is installed through It is partitioned into a device installation space 63. The ball outlet of the ball lifting device 52 installed in the lifting device installation space 63 faces the shunt space 62.
[0027]
Thus, the pachinko balls released from the ball outlet of the ball lifting device 52 fall onto a drop receiving plate 64 that is fixed to the upper part of the diversion space 62 in a horizontal inclined manner, and stand up in the middle of the drop receiving plate 64. The dam is blocked by a fixed dam plate 65 and falls downward from a first priority drop port 66 formed on the upstream side of the dam plate 65. As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko balls dropped from the first priority drop port 66 are formed in a step shape while being weakened by step plates 67 a and 67 b provided in a step shape. 68c leads to a first supply rod connection port 69 opened on one of the left and right side surfaces of the main upper tank 2b. The first replenishing rod connection port 69 is connected to a replenishing rod 53 provided in an inclined manner toward the right end of the pachinko island base in FIG. When the right supply rod 53 is full of pachinko balls and the first supply guide plates 68a to 68c are also clogged with the pachinko balls, a little upstream of the first supply guide plate 68a on the most upstream side. Thus, the pachinko balls flow out to the second supply guide plates 70a and 70b formed in the inclined step shape opposite to the first supply guide plates 68a to 68c, and are guided to the second supply rod connection port 71. The second supply rod connection port 71 is connected to a supply rod 53 provided in an inclined manner toward the left end of the pachinko island base in FIG.
[0028]
As described above, the pachinko balls polished and lifted by the ball lifting device 52 are first distributed so as to be preferentially supplied to the supply basket 53 of the own island. Note that, due to the structure of the main upper tank 2b, as described above, after the one replenishing rod 53 is full, the other replenishing rod 53 is replenished. Since the lifted amount per unit time is definitely larger than the average amount of balls consumed through one supply rod 53, both of the supply rods 53 are always supplied with pachinko balls.
[0029]
Next, when the supply of the pachinko balls to both the replenishing rods 53 is sufficiently spread, the balls are jammed in the step plates 67a and 67b, and the pachinko balls do not fall from the first priority drop port 66. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko balls polished and lifted by the ball lifting device 52 are formed on a partition plate that crosses the weir plate 65 and partitions the dredging installation space 61 and the diversion space 62. From the supply outlet 72 to the supply outlet 6. Since the supply device 6 is provided with the shutter device 15 immediately after the subordinate tank 2d as described above, when the shutter device 15 is released, the supply pachinko islands 1c and 1d and the base tank B2 are provided. Pachinko balls are supplied. Conversely, when the shutter device 15 is closed, the pachinko balls are supplied only to the slave pachinko islands 1c and 1d.
[0030]
When the shutter device 15 is closed as described above and the pachinko balls 1c and 1d are full of pachinko balls, the supply basket 6 is filled with pachinko balls. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko balls released to the drop receiving plate 64 are partitioned into an overflow vertical rod 73 (behind the step plates 67a and 67b) from below the ball outlet of the ball feeding device 52. And an overflow guide plate 74a, 74b formed in a step shape. The overflow port 75 is connected to the overflow ball passage 31 (see FIG. 1) for returning the ball to the base tank B1. The passage leading to the overflow port 75 in the main upper tank 2b and the overflow ball passage 31 constitute a main overflow mechanism.
[0031]
The configuration of the main upper tank 2b of the main pachinko island stand 1b has been described above, but the main upper tank 2b provided on the main pachinko island stand 1b guides pachinko balls to each pachinko machine 50 on its own island with the highest priority. (FIG. 4), when the guidance is no longer necessary, it is guided to the supply basket 6 (FIG. 3), and when the guidance is no longer necessary, it is guided to the base tank B1 provided in the main pachinko island platform 1b and the like. (FIG. 5), it is possible to smoothly supply pachinko balls to the self-island and supply pachinko balls to the slave pachinko islands 1c and 1d and the base tank B2.
[0032]
The above description of the main upper tank 2b has mainly described the one provided on the main pachinko island platform 1b, but the upper tanks 2a, 2e, 2f provided on the other main pachinko island platforms 1a, 1e, 1f. Is basically the same, except that the type and inclination direction of the cage installed in the cage installation spaces 60 and 61 are different from those shown in FIG. That is, in comparison with FIG. 3, in the upper tank 2 a provided on the main pachinko island platform 1 a, the kite installed in the kite installation space 60 is upstream of the supply kite 4, has a reverse inclination direction, and the kite installation. In the upper tank 2e provided in the main pachinko island platform 1e, the basket installed in the space 61 is in the reverse inclined direction at both the downstream of the supply basket 5 and the return basket 10, and is installed in the basket installation space 60. In the upper tank 2f provided on the main pachinko island base 1f, the kite is the downstream portion of the supply kite 6 and the return kite 12 and the kite installed in the kite installation space 61 is the upstream portion of the supply kite 7. The kite installed in the installation space 60 is downstream of the supply kite 9 and the return kite 13 and has a reverse tilt direction, and the kite provided in the kite installation space 26 is an upstream portion of the supply kite 8 and the reverse tilt direction. belongs to.
[0033]
On the other hand, the subordinate tanks 2c and 2d provided on the subordinate pachinko islands 1c and 1d have almost the same structure as the main upper tank 2b. However, although the order of supply is slightly different, this will be described briefly. First, the supply is supplied to the replenishment basket 53, then supplied to the overflow passage provided inside, and finally supplied to the return basket 11 to return the return passage 19 To the base tanks B1 and B2. On the other hand, the pachinko balls supplied from the supply rods 6 and 7 are received and sent to the subordinate tanks 3c and 3d through a suction passage (not shown). The passage leading to the return basket 11 in the subordinate tanks 2c and 2d, the return basket 11 and the return path 19 constitute a return mechanism.
[0034]
The structure of the main upper tank 2b and the subordinate tank 2c has been described above. Next, the main lower tank 3b and the like built in the base tank B1 and the main pachinko island base 1b which are the main parts of the present embodiment will be described. To do. Here, the base tank B1 and the main lower tank 3b will be described as an example, but the structures of the base tank B2 and the main lower tank 3e are the same.
[0035]
First, the base tank B1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the base tank B1 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose upper surface is opened by a plywood (or a metal plate). Is divided into a priority tank unit 100 and a non-priority tank unit 120, which are determined in the storage order, and are located above the priority tank unit 100 and the non-priority tank unit 120 and returned to the base tank B1. And a dispersion mechanism for dispersing the pachinko balls. The dispersion mechanism is configured independently of the main overflow dispersion mechanism that distributes pachinko balls sent from the main overflow mechanism to a plurality of tank portions according to the storage order, and from the return mechanism. It consists of a return dispersion mechanism that distributes the pachinko balls that are sent to a plurality of tanks according to the storage order.
[0036]
First, the structure of the priority tank unit 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom surface of the priority tank unit 100 is substantially centered from both ends of the short side (in the case of the figure, slightly closer to the non-priority tank unit 120). An inclined bottom surface 104 that is inclined downward is formed between the downstream ends of the left and right inclined bottom surfaces 104, and lead-out grooves 104a having a bottom surface that is mountain-shaped toward the side surfaces on both sides of the long side are formed. First lead-out passages 34 and 35 protruding from both side surfaces of the priority tank unit 100 are connected to the end of the lead-out groove 104a. As described above, the first lead-out passages 34 and 35 communicate with the lower tanks 3a and 3b, respectively. Further, above the outlet groove 104 a formed at the downstream end of the inclined bottom surface 104, the pachinko balls led out from the first lead-out passages 34 and 35 do not receive pressure from the pachinko balls stored in the priority tank unit 100. The pressure relief plate 105 is arranged so as to flow smoothly.
[0037]
In addition, triangular shaped dead-ball preventing corner members 106 are closely attached to the four corners of the priority tank portion 100 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to eliminate the right-angled corner portions. Triangular dead-ball preventing steep slope members 107 are provided at corners between the upstream end and the short side surface so as to eliminate obtuse corners. The dead-ball preventing corner member 106 and the dead-ball preventing steep slope member 107 prevent the pachinko balls from being stored in the corners that are likely to remain when the pachinko balls are discharged after the pachinko balls are stored in the priority tank 100. Is to do.
[0038]
In addition, on the inner side surface of the priority tank unit 100, the ball amount level sensor 108 (sometimes referred to as the ball amount level sensor 1) is slightly above the inclined bottom surface 104 from the downstream end of one inclined bottom surface 104 of the outlet groove 104a. Is provided, and a ball amount level preliminary sensor 109 is provided upstream of the ball amount level sensor 108. Further, on the inner side of the long side surface, there are five ball amount level sensors 111 (sometimes referred to as a ball amount level sensor 2) installed on the sensor block plate 110 and five pieces installed on the sensor block plate 112. A ball amount level sensor 113 (sometimes referred to as a ball amount level sensor 3) is provided vertically. Of the above-described respective ball amount level sensors, either one of the ball amount level sensor 108 and the ball amount level preliminary sensor 109 is used, and the five ball amount level sensors 111, 111 provided on the respective sensor block plates 110, 112 are provided. 113 is one in which any one sensor is used for each of the block plates 110 and 112. The number of ball level sensors provided on the block plates 110 and 112 is not limited to five, but may be one or two or more.
[0039]
Next, the structure of the non-priority tank unit 120 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, from the end of the non-priority tank unit 120 on the side opposite to the priority tank unit 100 side to the end of the priority tank unit 100 side. The inclined bottom surface 124 is inclined downward, and at the lower end of the inclined bottom surface 124, a mountain-shaped lead-out groove 127 whose bottom surface is inclined downward toward the side surfaces on both long sides of the non-priority tank portion 120 is formed. Has been. The end of the lead-out groove 127 is connected to second lead-out passages 38 and 39 protruding from both side surfaces of the non-priority tank portion 120. As described above, the second lead-out passages 38 and 39 are communicated with the lower tanks 3a and 3b, respectively.
[0040]
A partition plate 128 is erected in a vertical direction slightly below the inclined surface 124 from the upstream end of the inclined bottom surface 124, and between the partition plate 128 and the side surface on the short side of the non-priority tank unit 120. A buffer passage 132 is formed through which the pachinko balls fall. A dead ball preventing corner member 126 is in close contact with the corner portion of the buffer passage 132 so that the pachinko balls do not remain as in the corner portion of the priority tank portion 100 described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a reinforcing bottom plate 133 is attached to the bottom surface of the buffer passage 132 to absorb the impact of the fallen pachinko balls. As shown in FIG. 12, this reinforcing bottom plate 133 has a structure in which rubber 135 and urethane 136 are attached in this order on a bottom plate 134 formed of plywood or the like, but on the rubber 135 attachment surface side of urethane 136. Are formed with a plurality of recesses, and the effect of buffering the impact of the falling pachinko balls is further increased by the plurality of recesses.
[0041]
Further, in the lower part on the long side of the non-priority tank portion 120, U-shaped bypass passages 137, 138 are formed along the inclined bottom surface 124, and the upstream ends of the bypass passages 137, 138 Since it communicates with the buffer passage 132 and the downstream end faces the downstream end of the outlet groove 127, the pachinko balls stored in the buffer passage 132 are stored in the storage space 120a (the storage space downstream of the partition plate 128). Is guided to the lead-out groove 127 more preferentially than the pachinko balls stored in. The partition plate 128 is formed with rectangular discharge ports 129, 130, and 131 at the bottom, center, and top of the partition plate 128, respectively. The discharge ports 129, 130, and 131 sequentially discharge the pachinko balls stored in the buffer passage 132 to the storage unit. Further, a pressure release plate 125 is disposed above the lead-out groove 127 so that the pachinko balls flowing down in the lead-out groove 127 flow smoothly without receiving the pressure of the pachinko balls stored above the lead-out groove 127. ing.
[0042]
Further, on the inner side of the long side surface of the non-priority tank portion 120, there are four ball amount level sensors 140 (sometimes referred to as a ball amount level sensor 4) installed on the sensor block plate 139 and the sensor block plate 141. Six ball quantity level sensors 142 (may be called ball quantity level sensors 5) installed are provided vertically. Further, a JC closing notice sensor 143 and a JC closing sensor 144 are installed on the side and slightly above the sensor block plate 141. Among the ball amount level sensors described above, one of the plurality of ball amount level sensors 140 and 142 provided on each sensor block plate 139 and 141 is used for each block plate 139 and 141. Yes, the JC closing notice sensor 143 notifies that the base tank B1 is becoming full, and the JC closing sensor 144 is filled with the base tank B1 and cannot be stored any more. The slot of the ball counting and returning devices 42 and 43 for returning the pachinko balls to B1 is closed. When the ball counting and returning devices 42 and 43 are closed, they are returned to the nearby ball counting and returning device 44, or the amount of pachinko balls stored in the base tank B1 is transferred to the adjacent base tank B2 and reduced. It is necessary to wait until the ball counting and returning devices 42 and 43 are opened.
[0043]
As described above, a plurality of ball amount level sensors are provided in the priority tank unit 100 and the non-priority tank unit 120. These ball amount level sensors include the ball amount level sensor 108 and the ball amount. Except for the level reserve sensor 109, it is arranged on a substantially vertical straight line upstream of the priority tank unit 100 and the non-priority tank unit 120, and is stored by a ball quantity level sensor 108 disposed at the lower upstream side of the priority tank unit 100. While the lower limit of the amount is detected, the upper limit of the storage amount is detected by the ball amount level sensor 142 disposed on the upper upstream side of the non-priority tank unit 120. Based on the detection signals of these ball amount level sensors, the opening and closing control of the shutter devices 14 and 15 of the ball transfer device is performed to equalize the ball storage amount of the base tanks B1 and B2. What performs control for equalization is a control board (not shown) provided inside the main pachinko island platform 1b and the like.
[0044]
Further, as described above, the base tank B1 has a capacity for storing a very large number of pachinko balls (1 million to 2 million), so that almost full pachinko balls are stored in the base tank B1. When this is done, the side wall of the base tank B1 is reinforced by the reinforcing pipes 114 and 145 because a considerable pressure is applied to the side wall. Specifically, metal reinforcing pipes 114 and 145 penetrating the inside of the base tank B1 in the lateral direction are passed, and the reinforcing pipes 114 and 145 are fixed to the outer peripheral side wall of the base tank B1 by bolts 115 and 146. Yes.
[0045]
A dispersion mechanism for dispersing and storing in the priority tank unit 100 and the non-priority tank unit 120 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the distribution mechanism includes the return distribution mechanism and the main overflow distribution mechanism. The return dispersion mechanism includes a return ball branch box 16 disposed and fixed substantially at the upper center of the base tank B1, a return ball priority dispersion basket 101 that is inclined downward from the return ball branch box 16 toward the priority tank unit 100, The return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 is inclined downward from the return ball branch box 16 toward the non-priority tank section 120 side. Further, the main overflow dispersing mechanism includes overflow ball branch boxes 26 and 27 which are arranged and fixed above the non-priority tank portion 120 from the center while being in contact with both long sides of the base tank B1. Overflow ball priority dispersion rods 103a and 103b that respectively incline and descend from the branch boxes 26 and 27 toward the priority tank unit 100, and overflow balls that incline and descend from the overflow ball branch boxes 26 and 27 toward the non-priority tank unit 120. It consists of non-priority dispersion cages 123a and 123b. Note that guide plates 102 are provided on both sides of the upstream end of the return ball priority dispersion basket 101, and guide plates 122 are provided on both sides of the upstream end of the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121. These guide plates 102 and 122 have a function of reliably guiding the balls to the target tank portions 100 and 120 and facilitating the flow of the pachinko balls to the downstream ends of the tank portions 100 and 120. Further, since the pachinko balls do not fall from the portion where the guide plates 102 and 122 are provided, each tank is located below the guide plates 102 and 122, that is, adjacent to each tank portion 100 and 120. It also has a function of not depositing pachinko balls that fall directly from the return ball priority dispersion basket 101 and the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 near the downstream side of the sections 100 and 120. This is because when the pachinko balls fall directly from the return ball priority dispersion basket 101 and the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 to the downstream side of each tank unit 100, 120 and accumulate, the ball quantity level sensor normally detects the pachinko balls. This is because the pachinko balls are stored in the tank units 100 and 120 in a manner that cannot be performed.
[0046]
Further, a guide plate 122 is also provided on one side of the upstream end of the overflow ball priority dispersion rods 103a and 103b. The guide plate 122 is similar to the guide plates 102 and 122, and the target tank portion 100, The ball is surely guided to 120 and has a function of facilitating the flow of pachinko balls to the downstream ends of the tank portions 100 and 120. The tank portions are adjacent to the tank portions 100 and 120. The pachinko balls that directly fall from the return ball priority dispersion basket 101 and the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 are not deposited near the downstream side of 100, 120.
[0047]
The dispersion mechanism configured as described above is located at the upper part of the base tank B1, and in this case, the return ball branch box 16 is located substantially at the center above the base tank B1, and the overflow ball The branch boxes 26 and 27 are positioned on the left and right sides of the return ball branch box 16 as viewed from above, and come into contact with the side surfaces of the non-priority tank 120. In addition, the return ball priority dispersion rod 101 and the return ball non-priority dispersion rod 121 that are inclined downward in the longitudinal direction from the return ball branch box 16 toward the side surface of the base tank B1 are positioned at substantially the center in the width direction of the base tank B1. In addition, the downstream end thereof is provided with a distance from the side surface of the base tank B1. Further, the overflow ball preferential dispersion rods 103a and 103b and the overflow ball non-priority dispersion rods 123a and 123b that are inclined downward in the longitudinal direction from the overflow ball branch boxes 26 and 27 toward the side surface of the base tank B1 have one of the side surfaces. Each is in contact with a side surface of the base tank B1, and the downstream ends thereof are provided with a gap from the side surface of the base tank B1. The downstream ends of the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 and the overflow ball non-priority dispersion baskets 123a and 123b are located slightly above the upper end of the partition plate 128 and are provided so as to face the buffer passage 132. Yes.
[0048]
Here, the structure of the return branch box 16 which is the main part of the return dispersion mechanism and the overflow ball branch boxes 26 and 27 which are the main parts of the main overflow distribution mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. Since the overflow ball branch boxes 26 and 27 have the same structure except that they are symmetrical to each other, the overflow ball branch box 27 will be described here.
[0049]
First, the return branch box 16 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the return branch box 16 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose upper surface is opened by a plywood (or a metal plate), and the priority tank unit 100. A priority port 85 is formed below the side surface, and a non-priority port 86 is formed slightly above the priority port 85 on the non-priority tank portion 120 side. The priority port 85 communicates with the upstream end of the return ball priority dispersion basket 101, and the non-priority port 86 communicates with the upstream end of the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121. Further, the bottom surface of the return branch box 16 is a guide bottom surface 84 that is inclined downward from the non-priority port 86 toward the priority port 85, and is located at the upstream end of the guide bottom surface 84 and below the non-priority port 86. A damming member 89 is fixed so that the pachinko ball falling on the guide bottom surface 84 is not easily guided to the non-priority port 86. Further, inclined guiding members 87 and 88 are provided on the side of the guiding bottom surface 84. Further, a connection port 80 to which the return passage 18 is connected and a 82 to which the supply passage 22 is connected are formed above the surface of the return branch box 16 where the tilt guide member 87 is provided, and the tilt guide is provided. A connection port 81 to which the return passage 19 is connected and an 83 to which the supply passage 23 is connected are formed above the surface on which the member 88 is provided.
[0050]
Next, the overflow ball branch box 27 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the overflow ball branch box 27 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose upper surface is opened by a plywood (or a metal plate). A priority port 92 is formed below the surface on the tank unit 100 side, and a non-priority port 93 is formed on the surface on the non-priority tank unit 120 side and slightly above the priority port 92. Yes. The priority port 92 communicates with the upstream end of the overflow ball priority dispersion rod 103b, and the non-priority port 93 communicates with the upstream end of the overflow ball non-priority dispersion rod 123b. Further, the bottom surface of the overflow ball branch box 27 is a guide bottom surface 91 that is inclined downward from the non-priority port 93 toward the priority port 92. Further, a connection port 90 to which the overflow ball passage 31 is connected is formed on the outer side surface of the overflow ball branch box 27.
[0051]
The structure of the base tank B1 has been described above. Next, the structure of the main lower tank 3b for guiding the pachinko balls stored in the base tank B1 to the ball lifting device 52 will be described. The main lower tank 3b is installed inside the main pachinko island base 1b and substantially parallel to the base tank B1 as shown in FIG. 6, and as shown in FIG. 13, a plywood (a metal plate may be used). ) In the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped whose upper surface is open. The main lower tank 3b is partitioned into two spaces by a partition plate 151, one space forms a first storage portion 152 that receives a pachinko ball from the priority tank portion 100, and the other space is a non-priority tank. The 2nd storage part 153 which receives the pachinko ball from the part 120 is formed. Since this partition plate 151 is closer to the second reservoir 153 side than the center in the longitudinal direction of the main lower tank 3b, the first reservoir 152 has a larger amount of pachinko balls than the second reservoir 153. It is formed to increase. In addition, a first lead-out passage 35 for leading the pachinko balls stored in the priority tank unit 100 faces the upper part of the first storage part 152, and the non-priority tank part 120 faces the upper part of the second storage part 153. A contact rod 150 communicating with the second lead-out passage 39 for leading out the pachinko balls stored in the front is faced.
[0052]
Further, the bottom plate 154 constituting the bottom surface of the first storage portion 152 of the main lower tank 3b and the upper bottom plate 159 constituting the bottom surface of the second storage portion 153 are arranged and fixed so as to have different heights, and the bottom plate 154. A storage ball guiding recess 156 is formed between the downstream end of the upper bottom portion 159 and the downstream end of the upper bottom portion 159. Then, the lower end of the partition plate 151 faces the storage ball guiding recess 156 with a predetermined interval (slightly larger than the diameter of the pachinko ball). However, since the storage ball guide recess 156 is partitioned by the partition plate 151 at a position closer to the first storage portion 152 side, the storage ball guide recess 156 is a narrow space in which the pachinko balls are difficult to flow into the guide passage 161 described below. The priority inlet 157 and the priority inlet 158 in which the pachinko balls easily flow toward the guide passage 161 are formed. The storage ball guiding recess 156 is partitioned by the partition plate 151, and the portion where the non-priority inlet 157 and the priority inlet 158 are formed constitutes the priority guiding structure.
[0053]
In addition, the bottom surface of the storage ball guiding recess 156 is inclined downward toward one side, and the guiding passage 161 faces the lower end of the tilt. The guide passage 161 is provided to be inclined downward toward a lead-out port 162 formed in the lower portion of the side surface on the short side of the main lower tank 3b. The lead-out port 162 is connected with an introduction rod 57 of a ball lifting device 52 provided inside the main pachinko island platform 1b.
[0054]
A lower bottom plate 160 is provided below the upper bottom plate 159 in the same inclination direction as the storage ball guiding recess 156, and a side where the main lower tank 3b is not installed on the upstream side of the lower bottom plate 160 (in FIG. 2). An opening 163 to which the downstream end of the communication rod 56 communicating with the out ball collecting rod 54 on the left side of the ball lifting device 52 is connected is formed, and the guide passage 161 is formed below the downstream end of the lower bottom plate 160. The downstream end is located. Further, on the upper surface of the bottom plate 154, an outrail 155 to which the downstream end of the out ball collection basket 54 on the side where the main lower tank 3b is installed (the right side of the ball lifting device 52 in FIG. 2) is connected is fixed. The downstream end of the outrail 155 is open toward the outlet 162. The main lower tank 3b constitutes a joining portion that joins the pachinko balls derived from the base tank B1 and then sends them to the ball lifting device 52 provided on the main pachinko island platform 1b.
[0055]
The structure of the base tank B1 and the main lower tank 3b has been described above. Next, the pachinko ball flow and storage state in the base tank B1 related to the main pachinko island platform 1b, and the pachinko in the main lower tank 3b. The flow of the balls will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 1, 7, 13, and 14 to 20. FIG. 1, FIG. 7 and FIG. 13 are as described above, FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the base tank B1 when the ball amount level sensor 108 detects a pachinko ball, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the base tank B1 when the level sensor 113 detects a pachinko ball. FIG. 16 is a side view of the base tank B1 when the pachinko ball is stored in the bypasses 137 and 138 in the non-priority tank 120. FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the base tank B1 when the pachinko balls flow into the storage space 120a from the discharge port 129 after the pachinko balls are stored in the bypasses 137 and 138 in the non-priority tank 120. 18 is a side sectional view of the base tank B1 when the ball amount level sensor 140 detects a pachinko ball, and FIG. FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of the base tank B1 when a ball is detected. FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of the base tanks B1 and B2 when the JC closing notice sensor 143 and the JC closing sensor 144 detect a pachinko ball. is there.
[0056]
As described above, the pachinko balls polished and fed to the main upper tank 2 b by the ball lifting device 52 are first preferentially replenished to the replenishment rod 53 on the own island, but the pachinko balls are distributed to the replenishment trough 53. Then, the pachinko balls are led to the supply basket 6 and supplied to the slave pachinko islands 1c and 1d or the base tank B2. If there is a difference between the storage amounts of the base tanks B1 and B2 and the storage amount is determined in advance, either one of the shutter devices 14 and 15 is opened to store from the base tank with a large storage amount. The pachinko balls are transferred to the base tank with a small amount through the supply rods 6 and 7 and the supply passages 23 and 24. Further, in the state where the supply of the pachinko balls from the main upper tank 2b of the main pachinko island base 1b to the supply rod 6 is substantially retained, the pachinko balls are led out to the overflow ball passage 31 through the overflow port 75. In the subordinate tank 2c of the subordinate pachinko island platform 1c, as described above, when the pachinko balls are distributed to the replenishment rod 53, the pachinko balls are then led out to the lower tank 3c of the own island via the overflow passage. After the tank 3c is full, the pachinko balls overflowing in the subordinate tank 2c are led out to the return passage 19 through the return rod 11.
[0057]
As described above, the pachinko balls led out from the return passage 19 and the supply passage 23 to the return branch box 16 fall on the guide bottom surface 84 in the return branch box 16 and, as shown in FIG. It flows down on the return ball priority dispersion basket 101 from the mouth 85. Some of the pachinko balls that have flowed down on the return ball priority dispersion basket 101 fall to the inclined bottom surface 104 of the priority tank unit 100 through the gap between the return ball priority dispersion basket 101 and the overflow ball priority dispersion baskets 103a and 103b. Most of the pachinko balls that have flowed down on the ball priority dispersion basket 101 flow down to the downstream end of the return ball priority dispersion basket 101 and fall to the upstream end of the inclined bottom surface 104.
[0058]
Further, the pachinko balls led out from the overflow ball passage 31 to the overflow ball branch box 27 fall on the guide bottom surface 91 in the overflow ball branch box 27, and as shown in FIG. Spills over the overflowing ball priority dispersion rod 103b. A part of the pachinko ball that has flowed down the overflow ball priority dispersion basket 103b falls to the inclined bottom surface 104 of the priority tank unit 100 through the gap between the overflow ball priority dispersion basket 103b and the return ball priority dispersion basket 101, but the overflow ball priority Most of the pachinko balls that have flowed down on the dispersion basket 103 b flow down to the downstream end of the overflow ball priority dispersion basket 103 b and fall to the upstream end of the inclined bottom surface 104. In this way, the pachinko balls derived from the return ball branch box 16 and the pachinko balls derived from the overflow ball branch boxes 26, 27, that is, the overflow balls sent from the return mechanism and the main overflow mechanism, respectively, It will be introduced into the priority tank unit 100 individually.
[0059]
As described above, the pachinko balls introduced into the priority tank unit 100 are gradually stored from the upstream of the priority tank unit 100 and detected by the ball quantity level sensor 108 as shown in FIG. Further, as the pachinko balls are introduced into the priority tank unit 100, the pachinko balls are stored from the upstream side of the priority tank unit 100, and as shown in FIG. Detected. Further, when the pachinko balls are continuously introduced into the priority tank unit 100 and the pachinko balls stay on the return ball priority dispersion basket 101 and the overflow ball priority dispersion basket 103b, the return ball branch box 16 and the overflow ball branch box 27 are placed. The pachinko balls introduced in the above are led out to the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 and the overflow ball non-priority dispersion basket 123b from the non-priority openings 86 and 93, respectively.
[0060]
The pachinko balls derived from the non-priority port 86 flow down on the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 as shown in FIG. Part of the pachinko ball that has flowed down the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 falls to the inclined bottom surface 124 of the non-priority tank unit 120 through the gap between the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 and the overflow ball non-priority dispersion baskets 123a and 123b. However, most of the pachinko balls that have flowed down on the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 flow down to the downstream end of the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 and fall into the buffer passage 132 of the priority tank unit 100. In addition, the pachinko balls derived from the non-priority port 93 flow down on the overflow ball non-priority dispersion basket 123b as shown in FIG. A part of the pachinko ball that has flowed down the overflow ball non-priority dispersion basket 123b falls from the gap between the overflow ball non-priority dispersion basket 123b and the return ball non-priority dispersion basket 121 to the inclined bottom surface 104 of the priority tank unit 100. Most of the pachinko balls that have flowed down the overflow ball non-priority dispersion basket 123b flow down to the downstream end of the overflow ball priority non-dispersion basket 123b and fall into the buffer passage 132 of the priority tank unit 100. In this way, the pachinko balls derived from the return ball branch box 16 and the pachinko balls derived from the overflow ball branch box 27, that is, the overflow balls sent from the return mechanism and the main overflow mechanism are individually provided. It will be introduced into the non-priority tank unit 120.
[0061]
As described above, the pachinko balls introduced into the non-priority tank unit 120 are stored in the order of the bypass passages 137 and 138 and the buffer passage 132 as shown in FIG. When the upper surface of the pachinko ball reaches the discharge port 129, the pachinko ball is discharged out of the buffer passage from the discharge port 129 and starts to be stored in the storage space of the non-priority tank unit 120, as shown in FIG. Further, when the pachinko balls are stored in the buffer passage 132 and then discharged from the discharge port 130, the amount of pachinko balls stored in the storage space of the non-priority tank unit 120 increases, as shown in FIG. Then, the ball amount level sensor 140 detects the ball amount. Further, when the pachinko balls are stored in the buffer passage 132, the pachinko balls are discharged from the discharge port 131, and further over the partition plate 128, the pachinko balls are stored, as shown in FIG. A pachinko ball is detected based on the detected ball amount level 142.
[0062]
In this state, a pachinko ball is further introduced into the non-priority tank unit 120, and as shown in FIG. 20, when the JC closing notice sensor 143 and the JC closing sensor 144 are detected, balls installed on the pachinko islands 1b and 1c The return ports of the count return devices 42 and 43 are closed, and the pachinko balls cannot be returned to the ball count return devices 42 and 43.
[0063]
As described above, in the base tank B1, pachinko balls are stored in order by the dispersion mechanism according to the storage order in each tank section that is partitioned into the priority tank section 100 and the non-priority tank section 120 and has a reduced volume. .
[0064]
Next, the pachinko balls led out from the base tank B1 to the main lower tank 3b will be described. The pachinko balls stored in the priority tank unit 100 are provided in the first lead-out passage provided at the downstream end of the priority tank unit 100. The pachinko balls led out from 35 to the first storage section 152 of the main lower tank 3b and stored in the non-priority tank section 120 are communicated from the second lead-out passage 39 provided at the downstream end of the non-priority tank section 120. It is led out to the second storage part 153 of the main lower tank 3b via the gutter 150. Here, as described above, bypass passages 137 and 138 communicating with the buffer passage 132 are provided at both ends of the inclined bottom surface 124 of the non-priority tank portion 120, and the downstream ends of the bypass passages 137 and 138 are Since the pachinko balls led out from the bypass passages 137 and 138, that is, pachinko balls stored in the buffer passage 132, are located in the storage space of the non-priority tank unit 120. As compared with the pachinko balls stored in the second, the second lead-out passage 39 leads to the main lower tank 3b preferentially.
[0065]
As described above, the pachinko balls introduced from the priority tank unit 100 to the first storage unit 152 and the pachinko balls introduced from the non-priority tank unit 120 to the second storage unit 153 are within the storage ball guiding recess 156. However, since the storage ball guiding recess 156 is partitioned by the partition plate 151 installed near the first storage portion 152, the non-priority inlet 157 of the first storage portion 152 is connected to the second storage portion 153. It is formed narrower than the priority inlet 158. For this reason, the pachinko balls stored in the second storage unit 153 are led out to the storage guide recess 156 so as to be larger than the pachinko balls stored in the first storage unit 152, and then flow down on the guide passage 161. The lead rod 57 of the ball feeding device 52 is led to the outlet port 162 to which it is connected. In the situation where the pachinko balls do not merge in the storage ball guiding recess 156, that is, when the pachinko balls are led out from the priority tank unit 100 only to the first storage unit 152, they are stored in the first storage unit 152. Only the pachinko balls are guided from the non-priority inlet 157 to the guide passage 161.
[0066]
Further, pachinko balls (also referred to as out balls) that have been rolling out the out ball collection basket 54 on the side where the main lower tank 3b is not installed are discharged to a position immediately before the outlet port 162 via the lower bottom plate 160, A pachinko ball (also referred to as an out ball) that has rolled the out ball collection basket 54 on the side where the tank 3b is installed is discharged through the out rail 155 to a position immediately before the outlet port 162. Thus, in the relationship with the pachinko ball (also referred to as a storage ball) led out from the storage ball guide recess 156 to the guide passage 161, it is discharged from the lower bottom plate 160 and the storage guide recess 156 as shown in FIG. Then, it falls so as to cover the upper part of the storage ball flowing down the guide passage 161. For this reason, since the out balls from the lower bottom plate 160 and the out rail 155 prevent the stored balls from rolling downward, the out balls flowing down the lower bottom plate 160 and the out rail 155 are preferentially guided. It will be led to the outlet 162. That is, the priority order of the pachinko balls led out from the main lower tank 3b to the ball feeding device 52 is the out balls flowing down the lower bottom plate 160 and the outrail 155, the stored balls of the second storage unit 153, and the first storage unit 152. It becomes the order of the storage ball.
[0067]
As described above, the main lower tank 3 b joins the pachinko balls derived from the priority tank unit 100 and the non-priority tank unit 120, and further, the non-priority tank unit 120 than the pachinko ball amount from the priority tank unit 100. The pachinko ball amount from is larger than that of the ball feeding device 52, and has a priority guiding structure.
[0068]
In the above description, the flow of pachinko balls from the main pachinko island platform 1b to the base tank B1 and the flow of pachinko balls from the base tank B1 to the main lower tank 3b of the main pachinko island platform 1b have been described. Of pachinko balls from the main pachinko islands 1a, 1e, 1f to the base tanks B1, B2 and pachinko from the base tanks B1, B2 to the main lower tanks 3a, 3e, 3f of the main pachinko islands 1a, 1e, 1f The same applies to the flow of balls.
[0069]
As mentioned above, although the island alternating current type | form ball transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment was demonstrated in detail, in this embodiment, main pachinko island stand 1a, 1b, 1e which has base tank B1, B2 which stores a lot of pachinko balls. 1f and slave pachinko island platforms 1c, 1d that receive the supply of pachinko balls from the base tanks B1, B2, the main pachinko island platforms 1a, 1b, 1e, 1f Main upper tanks 2a, 2b, 2e, 2f for storing pachinko balls lifted by the ball lifting device 52 in the island, and pachinko balls stored in the main upper tanks 2a, 2b, 2e, 2f in the own island A replenishment rod 53 for replenishing the installed pachinko machine 50, and a supply rod 4 to supply the pachinko balls stored in the main upper tanks 2a, 2b, 2e, 2f to the slave pachinko islands 1c, 1d. And a main overflow mechanism comprising overflow ball branch boxes 26-29 and overflow ball passages 30-33 for returning pachinko balls overflowing in the main upper tanks 2a, 2b, 2e, 2f to the base tanks B1, B2. The slave pachinko islands 1c and 1d store the pachinko balls lifted by the ball lifting device 52 in the own island and receive the pachinko balls supplied via the supply rods 4-9. Upper tanks 2c, 2d, a replenishment rod 53 for supplying pachinko balls stored in the subordinate tanks 2c, 2d to a pachinko machine 50 installed in the island, and pachinko balls overflowing in the subordinate tanks 2c, 2d A return mechanism comprising return branch boxes 16 and 17 and return rods 10 to 13 for returning the base tanks B1 and B2 to the base tanks B1 and B2, and the base tanks B1 and B2 have pachinko balls inside. The pachinko balls that are divided into a plurality of tank portions 100 and 120 that are determined to be retained and returned to the base tanks B1 and B2 from the main overflow mechanism and the return mechanism are in accordance with the storage order. Return ball priority dispersion rod 101, return ball non-priority dispersion rod 121, overflow ball priority dispersion rods 103a, 103b and overflow ball non-priority dispersion rods 123a, 123b that are dispersed so as to be stored in each of the partitioned tank units 100, 120. Even if it is not possible to predict the amount and timing of pachinko balls overflowing from the slave pachinko islands 1c, 1d and the main pachinko islands 1a, 1b, 1e, 1f, Pachinko balls overflowing from the slave pachinko islands 1c, 1d and the main pachinko islands 1a, 1b, 1e, 1f are a plurality of base tanks B1, B2. In order to be stored in order by the dispersion mechanism in accordance with the storage order in each of the tank units 100 and 120 that have been partitioned into smaller volumes, the ball quantity sensors 108, 111, 113, 140, By attaching 142 appropriately, it is possible to measure an accurate ball amount in the base tanks B1 and B2. That is, it becomes easy to determine the attachment position where the ball amount sensor 108, 111, 113, 140, 142 can measure the exact ball amount.
[0070]
In the present embodiment, the plurality of tank portions 100 and 120 are provided with lead-out passages 34 to 37 and 38 to 41 for leading the pachinko balls stored in the tank portions 100 and 120, respectively. Subordinate lower tanks 3a, 3b, 3e, which are sent to the ball lifting device 52 provided on the main pachinko islands 1a, 1b, 1e, 1f after joining the pachinko balls derived from 34-37, 38-41, Since the pachinko balls stored in the tank portions 100 and 120 can be always led out by providing the merging portion made of 3f, dead balls can be prevented in all the tank portions 100 and 120. At the same time, the pachinko balls can be smoothly fed to the ball lifting device 52.
[0071]
Moreover, in this embodiment, in the said confluence | merging part, the ratio of the pachinko ball amount sent from the said confluence | merging part to the said ball feeding apparatus 52 is more than a pachinko ball amount from the tank part 100 with a high storage order. By adopting a preferential guiding structure composed of the partition plate 151 and the storage ball guiding recess 156 so that the pachinko ball amount from the low tank portion 120 is increased, from the outlet passages 34 to 37 of the tank portion 100 having a high storage order. Since the amount of balls derived from the outlet passages 38 to 41 of the tank unit 120 having a lower storage order is derived than the amount of balls derived, the storage is performed from the tank unit 120 having a lower storage order. There is almost no reverse phenomenon such that the tank unit 100 having a higher rank is emptied earlier, and an accurate amount of remaining balls can be measured.
[0072]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dispersion mechanism includes overflow ball priority dispersion balls 103a, 103b and overflow balls that distribute the pachinko balls sent from the main overflow mechanism to the plurality of tank portions 100, 120 according to the storage order. A main overflow dispersing mechanism composed of non-priority dispersing rods 123a, 123b, and a plurality of tank parts that are configured independently of the main overflow dispersing mechanism and that are sent from the return mechanism according to the storage order. Since it is composed of a return dispersion mechanism composed of a return ball priority dispersion cage 101 and a return ball non-priority dispersion cage 123 that is distributed to 100 and 120, an overflow ball is sent from each of the main overflow mechanism and the return mechanism. Even if it is, each overflowing ball does not interfere with each tank part 100, 120 smoothly. Rukoto can.
[0073]
In addition, in base tank B1 in said embodiment, although what was comprised from the two tank parts of the priority tank part 100 and the non-priority tank part 120 was shown, it is not restricted to what is comprised from two tank parts, You may be comprised from three or more tank parts according to the storage amount of a base tank. Also in this case, as in the above embodiment, the priority order for storing the pachinko balls is provided in each tank part, and the priority order for deriving the pachinko balls from each tank part to the lower tank is provided according to the priority order. Is. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the dedicated dispersion mechanism is provided for the overflow balls such as the main pachinko island platform 1b and the sub pachinko island platform 1c, but one dispersion mechanism is used without using each dedicated dispersion mechanism. It is good also as a mechanism. In this case, the return ball branch box 16 and the overflow ball branch boxes 26 and 27 in the embodiment are configured as one branch box, and after the return ball and the overflow ball are merged into this branch box, The structure may be derived, or the return ball and the overflow ball may be merged in the main upper tank 2b and then led into the base tank through the branch box. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which buffers the momentum of the fallen pachinko ball by alternately providing a buffer protrusion plate in the buffer passage 132.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, in the invention of claim 1, the main pachinko island platform having a base tank for storing a large amount of pachinko balls, and the slave pachinko island platform receiving the supply of pachinko balls from the base tank And the main pachinko island platform comprises a main upper tank for storing pachinko balls lifted by a ball lifting device in the own island, and a pachinko stored in the main upper tank. Supply balls to pachinko machines installed on the island. main A replenishment bowl, a supply bowl for supplying pachinko balls stored in the main upper tank to the slave pachinko islands, and a main overflow mechanism for returning pachinko balls overflowing in the main upper tank to the base tank. The slave pachinko island stand stores a pachinko ball lifted by a ball lifting device in its own island and receives a pachinko ball supplied via the supply basket, and stores in the slave tank. Replenished pachinko balls installed on its own island Obedience And a return mechanism for returning the pachinko balls overflowing in the subordinate tank to the base tank, wherein the base tank has a plurality of tanks in which a storage order in which pachinko balls are stored is determined. The main overflow mechanism and Said A dispersion mechanism is provided that disperses pachinko balls returned to the base tank from the return mechanism so that the pachinko balls are stored in each tank section partitioned according to the storage order. The dispersion mechanism is configured independently of the main overflow dispersion mechanism that distributes pachinko balls sent from the main overflow mechanism to a plurality of tank portions according to the storage order, and the main overflow dispersion mechanism. A return dispersion mechanism that distributes pachinko balls sent from the return mechanism to a plurality of tank portions in accordance with the storage order. It is characterized by this. By configuring in this way, even if it is impossible to predict the amount and timing of pachinko balls overflowing from the slave pachinko islands and the main pachinko islands, the pachinko overflowing from the slave pachinko islands and the master pachinko islands Since the balls are stored in order by the dispersion mechanism in accordance with the storage order in each tank part whose volume is reduced by dividing the base tank into a plurality of parts, the ball quantity sensor is appropriately attached to each partitioned tank part. Accurate ball quantity in the tank can be measured. That is, it becomes easy to determine the mounting position where the exact ball amount of the ball amount sensor can be measured.
[0075]
[0076]
[0077]
More The The dispersion mechanism is configured independently of the main overflow dispersion mechanism for distributing the pachinko balls sent from the main overflow mechanism to a plurality of tank parts according to the storage order, and the return mechanism Even if an overflow ball is sent from each of the overflow mechanism and the return mechanism, the pachinko ball sent from the mechanism is configured with a return dispersion mechanism that distributes the pachinko balls to a plurality of tank parts according to the storage order. , Each overflow ball can be smoothly sent to each tank without interfering with each other.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall schematic view showing a relationship between a plurality of pachinko islands and a base tank and a ball transfer device provided in association therewith in the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing an internal structure of a slave pachinko island platform that does not have a base tank.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal structure and operation of an upper tank provided on an upper part of a main pachinko island base having a base tank.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure and operation of an upper tank provided on the upper part of the main pachinko island base having a base tank.
FIG. 5 is also a perspective view showing the internal structure and operation of the upper tank provided on the upper part of the main pachinko island base having a base tank.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a base tank.
FIG. 7 is a plan view for explaining the flow of pachinko balls returned into the base tank.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a return ball branch box and an overflow ball branch box.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the priority tank unit.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a non-priority tank unit.
FIG. 11 is a front view showing the internal structure on the upstream side of the non-priority tank unit.
FIG. 12 is a side view showing the structure of a reinforcing bottom plate attached to the bottom of the buffer passage in the non-priority tank.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining the flow of pachinko balls stored in a lower tank provided inside the main pachinko island base.
FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a base tank when a ball quantity level sensor detects a pachinko ball.
FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of a base tank when a ball quantity level sensor detects a pachinko ball.
FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the base tank when pachinko balls are stored in the bypass in the non-priority tank.
FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the base tank when the pachinko balls flow into the storage space from the discharge port after the pachinko balls are stored in the bypass in the non-priority tank.
FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of a base tank when a ball quantity level sensor detects a pachinko ball.
FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of a base tank when a ball quantity level sensor detects a pachinko ball.
FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of the base tank when a JC closing notice sensor and a JC closing sensor detect a pachinko ball.
[Explanation of symbols]
B1, B2 Base tank (Pachinko ball storage tank)
1a to 1f Pachinko Island stand
2a-2f Upper tank
3a-3f Lower tank
4-9 Supply bowl
10-13 Return basket
14,15 Shutter device
16, 17 Return box branch box
18-21 Return passage
22-25 Supply passage
26-29 Overflow ball branch box
30-33 Overflow ball passage
34-37 First outlet passage
38-41 Second outlet passage
54 Out ball recovery bowl
100 priority tank
101 Return ball priority dispersion
103a, 103b Overflow ball priority dispersion
108 Ball level sensor 1
111 Ball quantity level sensor 2
113 Ball level sensor 3
120 Non-priority tank
121 Return ball non-priority dispersion
123a, 123b Overflow ball non-priority dispersion
140 Ball quantity level sensor 4
142 Ball quantity level sensor 5
143 JC closing notice sensor
144 JC closure sensor
151 Partition plate
152 priority storage
153 Non-priority reservoir
156 Reservoir ball guiding recess
157 Non-priority inlet
158 priority inlet

Claims (1)

In an island AC ball transfer device comprising a main pachinko island base having a base tank that stores a large amount of pachinko balls, and a slave pachinko island base that receives the supply of pachinko balls from the base tank,
The main pachinko island stand is a main upper tank that stores pachinko balls lifted by a ball lifting device in its own island, and the pachinko balls stored in the main upper tank are replenished to a pachinko machine installed in its own island A main replenishment rod, a supply reed that supplies pachinko balls stored in the main upper tank to the sub pachinko islands, a main overflow mechanism that returns pachinko balls overflowing in the main upper tank to the base tank, With
The slave pachinko island stand stores a pachinko ball lifted by a ball lifting device in its own island and receives a pachinko ball supplied via the supply rod, and is stored in the slave upper tank. comprising a a slave supply trough the pachinko balls to replenish the pachinko machine to be installed in the own island, and a return mechanism for returning a pachinko ball overflowing by the従上unit tank to the base tank,
The base tank, slingshot its internal with pachinko balls are formed by sectioning the plurality of tanks portions reservoir ranking has been determined to be stored, is returned to the base tank from the main overflow mechanism and the return mechanism A dispersion mechanism is provided that disperses the balls so as to be stored in each tank section partitioned according to the storage order ,
The dispersion mechanism is configured independently of the main overflow dispersion mechanism for dispersing the pachinko balls sent from the main overflow mechanism into a plurality of tank portions according to the storage order, and the main overflow dispersion mechanism, and An island exchange type ball transfer device comprising: a return dispersion mechanism that distributes pachinko balls sent from a return mechanism to a plurality of tank portions according to the storage order .

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