JPH0585198B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a management device that is provided corresponding to each pachinko machine arranged on a pachinko island and that manages prize balls paid out from each pachinko machine. It is something.

[Prior Art] As is well known, in a pachinko game parlor, prize balls won from a pachinko machine are transferred to a ball box and carried to a predetermined location, and a prize ball counter is used.
Alternatively, the number of balls acquired was displayed by a receipt issuing device and exchanged for prizes. This method of exchanging prizes has the inconvenience of requiring players to carry a considerable amount of prize balls, and the inconvenience of having to prepare a considerable number of pachinko balls at the gaming parlor, which is not economical. . In order to eliminate such inconvenience, conventionally,
A magnetic card is used to fire game balls sealed inside a pachinko machine, the prize balls won are displayed on a digital display, and at the end of the game, the number of prize balls displayed on the digital display is stored in the magnetic card. A so-called magnetic card type pachinko machine has been provided in which the number of balls won is read out from the magnetic card and exchanged for a prize.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The conventional magnetic card type pachinko machine described above has a card reader, a digital display, etc. for reading and writing the stored contents of the magnetic card built into the pachinko machine body. Pachinko machines have become expensive, and each time a pachinko machine is replaced, the equipment must be replaced, which is uneconomical.In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine itself has been significantly changed from the conventional structure. I had a problem with using it.

The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to eliminate the need to carry a large number of prize balls for exchanging prizes, and to make the structure of the Pachinko machine itself almost the same as that of conventional Pachinko machines. To provide a prize ball management device for a pachinko machine that can be used with the same structure.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a prize ball management device for a pachinko machine according to the present invention is provided corresponding to each pachinko machine arranged in a row on a pachinko island, and comprises: The machine is connected to a supply mechanism for a management device provided on a pachinko island and a storage tray for storing game balls, and a prize ball storage tank for storing prize balls overflowing from the storage tray, and a prize ball storage tank for storing game balls. A see-through window that allows the stored prize balls to be seen through from the front of the pachinko machine, and a counting device that counts the prize balls stored in the prize ball storage tank when the prize balls are discharged to the collection gutter of the pachinko island. The management device includes an insertion slot into which a game ball purchase medium for purchasing game balls is inserted, and a command to pay out game balls to the management device replenishment mechanism within a value range of the game ball purchase medium. a game ball payout operation means for displaying the prize balls counted by the counting device; a deposited ball display device that displays the prize balls counted by the counting device; and a deposited ball display device that displays the prize balls counted by the counting device; A deposited ball return operation means for instructing the management device replenishment mechanism to return deposited balls; and a deposited ball return operation means for instructing the management device replenishment mechanism to return deposited balls, and a prize ball stored in the storage tray and the prize ball storage tank at the end of the game to the pachinko island via the counting device. and a receipt issuing means for issuing a receipt displaying the number of deposited balls displayed on the deposited ball display device. be.

[Function] When starting a game, the player inserts the game ball purchasing medium (for example, a magnetic card) into the insertion slot of the management device provided separately from the pachinko machine, and pays out the game balls within the desired range. Game balls are purchased by operating the operating means. Then, game balls are paid out from the management device replenishment mechanism to a storage tray provided in the front of the pachinko machine, and the game can be started. When more prize balls are paid out as the game progresses, the storage tray becomes full and the prize balls overflow, and the overflowing prize balls are stored in the prize ball storage tank. The prize balls stored in the prize ball storage tank can be shown to the player through the see-through window. Further, the prize balls stored in the prize ball storage tank flow out to the collection gutter of the pachinko island via the counting device when the game end operation means or the deposited ball return operation means is operated. Then, the prize balls counted by the counting device are displayed on the deposited ball display device. Therefore, the number of prize balls acquired by the player is the sum of the number stored in the storage tray, the number stored in the prize ball storage tank, and the number displayed on the deposited ball display device. . However,
When there are few game balls remaining in the storage tray during a game, and the remaining deposited balls are displayed on the prize ball storage tank or deposited ball display device, the desired prize can be returned by operating the deposited ball return operation means. The game can be continued by dispensing balls from the management device supply mechanism to the storage tray. Furthermore, when ending the game, by operating the game end operation means, the prize balls stored in the storage tray and the prize ball storage tank flow out into the collection gutter via the counting device.
The total number of prize balls is added and displayed on the deposited ball display device. Thereafter, the receipt issuing means issues a receipt on which the total number is written. Therefore, the player only needs to exchange the receipt for a prize. As described above, according to the present invention, a receipt is issued for exchanging prize balls without having to carry them around, which is convenient for players, and also allows many prize balls to be exchanged during play. Since the prize balls are drained into the interior of the pachinko island via the prize ball storage tank, there is no need for the game parlor to prepare surplus pachinko balls. Further, the pachinko machine is provided with a prize ball storage tank that connects the storage tray to a management device supply mechanism provided on the pachinko island and stores prize balls that overflow when the storage tray is full. Since the structure has a see-through window through which the stored prize balls can be seen through, there is no need to make major changes to the structure of conventional pachinko machines, and players can also see the deposited prize balls. It can give you a sense of security.
Furthermore, since the pachinko machine and the management device are configured separately, it is possible to leave the management device on the pachinko island and replace only the pachinko machine, which is economical.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire pachinko island where a pachinko machine management device according to the present invention is installed. In the figure, a pachinko island 1 is provided with card issuing machines 2 at both ends thereof that issue cards (for example, magnetic cards or barcode cards) as game ball purchasing media, as well as a large number of pachinko machines 10 and a management device. 22 are arranged in a row in one-to-one correspondence. Inside the pachinko island 1, as shown in the schematic rear view of the interior of the pachinko island in FIG. A collecting gutter 4 for collecting out balls discharged from each pachinko machine 10 is provided at an angle. The supply gutter 3 includes a prize ball supply mechanism 5 connected to a prize ball tank 17 provided on the upper rear side of the pachinko machine 10, and a management device supply mechanism 7 connected to the pachinko machine 10 via a management device 22. are provided at predetermined intervals. A supply counter 6 for counting the prize balls supplied to the pachinko machine 10 is attached to the prize ball supply mechanism 5, and sends a signal to a game hall management computer (not shown). In addition, the management device replenishment mechanism 7 is once connected to the management device 22 and counted by a counting device (not shown) installed inside the management device 22, and the counted pachinko balls are connected to the connection gutter 8. It is guided to a back mechanism 18 of the pachinko machine 10 via the wafer, and is supplied to an upper tray 12 provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the counting device installed inside the management device 22 includes a game ball payout device switch 25 and a deposited ball return operation switch 2, which will be described later.
It is designed to be driven by the operation in step 6.
Note that the management device replenishment mechanism 7 directly feeds the back mechanism 1 of the pachinko machine 10 without being connected to the management device 22.
You can also connect it to 3. In this case, a counting device may be provided in the middle of the management device replenishment mechanism 7.

Furthermore, on the pachinko island 1 at the bottom of the back of the pachinko machine 10, there is a tank 9 with an out ball counter that allows out balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to fall into the collection gutter 4, and a tank 9 with an out ball counter that collects overflowing prize balls by an overflow mechanism that will be described in detail later. A prize ball storage tank 19 is fixed to allow the prize balls to fall into the collection gutter 4. The tank 9 with an out ball counter has a built-in counter for counting the number of out balls that are discharged, and sends the counting signal to the gaming hall management computer. A counting device (counter 21) is also built into the prize ball storage tank 19, and the number counted by the counting device is displayed on the deposited ball display device 24 of the management device 22 via a microcomputer 31, which will be described later.

By the way, in the pachinko machine 10 installed on the pachinko island 1, prize balls are supplied from the supply gutter 3 to the prize ball tank 17 via the prize ball supply mechanism 5, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the game is started. When a safe ball is generated, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 13 balls) are paid out from the prize balls stored in the prize ball tank 17 for each safe ball. The mechanism part that pays out the predetermined number of prize balls is a back mechanism 1 arranged on the back side of the pachinko machine 10.
8, the back mechanism 18 generally includes a prize ball passageway for guiding a predetermined number of prize balls to an upper tray (storage tray) 12 provided at the front of the pachinko machine 10, and an upper tray 12. By operating a manual lever 14a (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, the prize balls stored in the upper tray 12 can be transferred to the lower tray 13 by operating a manual lever 14a (see FIG. 4), which will be described later. It is composed of a ball-passageway that guides the user to the ball. The prize ball reserve path is formed to be branched from the prize ball path, and the ball drawing path is formed to join the prize ball reserve path at a downstream portion. Therefore, when a large number of safe balls are generated and a large number of prize balls are paid out, when the upper tray 12 becomes full and reaches the branching point between the prize ball passage and the prize ball reserve passage, the prize balls are replaced with prize balls. It is designed to naturally flow down into the preliminary passage and be guided to the lower tray 13. When the lower tray 13 is also full, the game stop device is activated and the firing device is stopped, so the lower tray 1
Manual lever 14b provided at 3 (see Fig. 4)
is operated to transfer the prize balls from the lower tray 13 to the ball box, and the game is continued.

In order to apply the pachinko machine 10 having the above-described structure to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. An opening for connecting the connecting gutter 8 of the management device supply mechanism 7 is opened at the top, and an overflow port is formed at the lower end of the prize ball reserve passageway to connect with the prize ball storage tank 19. Must do. With this modification, the pachinko balls dispensed from the management device supply mechanism 7 are guided to the upper tray 12 through the connecting gutter 8 and the prize ball passage, and a large amount of prize balls are dispensed to the branching section. The overflowing prize balls are guided from the prize ball reserve path to the overflow port and guided to the prize ball storage tank 19. Furthermore, a passage switching valve 38 (see FIG. 8) must be provided at the confluence of the prize ball reserve passage and the ball extraction passage to switch the ball extraction passage to communicate with either the prize ball preliminary passage or the lower tray 13. Must be. This switching valve 38 is operated in accordance with the operation of a game end operation switch 27, which will be described later. Specifically, when the game end operation switch 27 is operated, the switching valve 38 is operated so that the ball extraction passage and the prize ball reserve passage are connected, and thereby, when the manual lever 14a is operated, the upper tray The switching valve 38 is positioned so that the prize balls stored in the ball drawer 12 are guided to the prize ball storage tank 19, and the ball extraction passage and the lower tray 13 are connected when the game end operation switch 27 is not operated. However, as a result, the prize balls stored in the upper tray 12 may be guided to the lower tray 13 when the manual lever 14a is operated.

As described above, the prize ball management device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used with the conventional pachinko machine 10 by making slight modifications. Of course, a pachinko machine having a structure applied to the prize ball management device according to the embodiment may be constructed at the time of manufacture.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a conventional game board 11 and an operating handle 15, and is located in front of the prize ball storage tank 19 to hold prize balls stored in the prize ball storage tank 19. A see-through window 16 is formed through which the prize sphere can be seen. This see-through window 16 is designed to be able to see through the prize balls overflowing from the overflow port when the upper tray 12 is full, and allows the prize balls that have been won by players to be collected within the pachinko island 1 as deposited balls. This is provided to give players a sense of security by showing them the number of prize balls that will be played.

In addition, the prize ball storage tank 19 provided at the bottom of the back of the pachinko machine 10, as shown in FIG.
A stopper solenoid 20 and a counter 21 are provided at the discharge port. In the normal state, the stopper solenoid 20 closes the prize ball storage tank 19, and therefore stores the prize balls overflowing from the upper tray 12. When the deposited ball return operation switch 26 or the game end operation switch 27 is operated, they are opened and the stored prize balls flow out into the collection gutter 4. However, the deposited ball return operation switch 2
6 is operated, the stopper solenoid 20 is operated to close the stopper solenoid 20 again when the same number of balls as the number of balls to be returned is released, instead of causing all the stored prize balls to flow out. Good too. In addition, if the size of the prize ball storage tank 19 is configured so that it can store prize balls equivalent to the normal number of shots (for example, 3000 balls), the ball return operation switch 26 and the game end operation can be operated as described above. The stopper solenoid 20 may be turned ON only when the switch 27 is operated, but if the size of the prize ball storage tank 1 is such that it can only store fewer prize balls than the number of stop shots, the stopper solenoid 20 may be turned on only when the switch 27 is operated.
A limit switch is provided in 9 to set the upper or lower limit, and when the limit switch is turned on, the stopper solenoid 20 is turned on or turned off.
The number of prize balls stored can be adjusted by doing something like this. The prize balls discharged from the prize ball storage tank 19 are counted by a counter 21 and displayed on a deposited ball display device 24, which will be described later.

The configuration of the management device 22 that manages the prize balls of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be explained with reference to FIG. 7. The management device 22 has an insertion 23 formed in its upper part into which a game ball purchasing medium (for example, a magnetic card) for purchasing game balls is inserted. Although not shown, a reading device 36 (see FIG. 8; for example, a card reader) for reading game ball information recorded on the game ball purchase medium is built into the back side of the insertion slot 23. Also,
The prize ball storage tank 1 is located below the insertion port 23.
A deposited ball display device 24 is provided that displays the number of prize balls ejected from the balls. This deposited ball display device 24 is capable of displaying four-digit numbers on four digital displays. Further, the deposited ball display device 24 may be configured to display other numerical information when the game is not in progress. For example, when the game ball purchase medium is inserted into the insertion slot 23, game ball information read by the reading device may be displayed, or appropriate information may be displayed in accordance with the operation of the mode change operation switch 28, which will be described later. Numerical information may also be displayed. In addition, the deposited ball display device 2
An operation switch serving as various operation means is provided below 4. That is, the insertion port 2
a game ball payout operation switch 25 that operates the management device replenishment mechanism 7 by operating it when purchasing game balls within the range of game ball information recorded on the game ball purchase medium inserted in the game ball purchase medium 3; A deposited ball return operation switch 26 that instructs the management device replenishment mechanism 7 to return the deposited balls when there are remaining deposited balls in the deposited ball display device 24; A game end operation switch 27 is provided which operates the switching valve 38 to guide the prize balls into the prize ball storage tank 19 and drain them into the collection gutter 4 of the pachinko island 1. The game ball payout operation switch 25 is
A command is issued to the management device replenishment mechanism 7 to pay out a predetermined game ball (for example, a game ball worth 100 yen) for each pressing operation, and the deposited ball return operation switch 26 is activated for each pressing operation. A command is issued to the management device replenishment mechanism 7 to refund a predetermined number of deposited balls (for example, 50 balls at a time). In this case, as a matter of course, the number of prize balls refunded is subtracted from the number of deposited balls displayed on the deposited ball display device 24 or the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball storage tank 19, The remaining number of deposited balls is displayed on the deposited ball display device 24 or stored in the prize ball storage tank 19.

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a mode changeover operation switch 28 is provided. This mode changeover operation switch 28 is the same as the deposited ball return operation switch 2.
This is for switching between 6 operation modes.
That is, when a player wants to exchange prize balls for cigarettes, drinking water, etc. during a game, he or she can exchange the desired number of prize balls by pressing the mode changeover operation switch 28 and then pressing the deposited ball return operation switch 26. The prize balls are deducted from the deposited balls, and a receipt displaying the number of prize balls is issued by a receipt issuing device 37, which will be described later. In this case, by operating the mode changeover operation switch 28, the display on the deposited ball display device 24 temporarily displays "0", and by pressing the deposited ball return operation switch 26, the number of deposited balls to be ejected is sequentially displayed. This makes it easy for players to understand the desired number. After the above operation is completed, by pressing the mode changeover operation switch 28 again, the normal operation of the deposited ball return operation switch 26 is resumed. In this case, it may be possible to automatically return to the normal mode when a predetermined time has elapsed without pressing the button again.

Furthermore, the management device 22 is provided with a receipt issuing port 29 below which issued receipts are discharged. A receipt issuing device 37 (see FIG. 8) having a printing mechanism (not shown) is provided on the back side of the receipt issuing port 29. It is located at the bottom. In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the receipt issuing switch 30 is provided, but without providing this,
For example, the receipt issuing device 37 may be operated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the game end operation switch 27 is pressed.

Each member or device of the management device 22 configured as described above is connected to a microcomputer 31 as shown in FIG. 8, and its operation is controlled. That is, microcomputer 3
1 includes a CPU 32, ROM 33, RAM 34,
This microcomputer 31 and each of the above-mentioned members or devices are connected via an input/output interface 35.

In the illustrated embodiment, one microcomputer is associated with one management device 22, but it is also possible to install a microcomputer for each pachinko island 1 and connect the management devices 22 of all pachinko islands to it. Alternatively, all the management devices in the game parlor may be connected to one microcomputer (in this case, it may be an office computer) and controlled.

To explain the operation of the management device 22 configured as described above, first, a player purchases a card as a game ball purchasing medium at the card issuing machines 2 provided at both ends of the pachinko island. and,
Insert the purchased card into the insertion slot 23 of the management device 22.
Insert into. Then, the game ball information recorded on the card is displayed on the deposited ball display device 24, and each time the game ball payout operation switch 25 is pressed within the range of the game ball information, the microcomputer 31 sends information to the management device replenishment mechanism 7. A payout command is issued, and a predetermined number of game balls are delivered to the pachinko machine 10 via the connecting gutter 8.
The liquid is dispensed onto the upper tray (reservoir tray) 12. When more prize balls are paid out as the game progresses, the upper tray 12 becomes full and the prize balls overflow, and the overflowing prize balls are stored in a prize ball storage tank 19. Since the prize balls stored in the prize ball storage tank 19 can be seen through the see-through window 16,
The player can play the game while checking the prize balls he has won and deposited, and can concentrate on the game with peace of mind. In addition, the prize balls flowing out from the prize ball storage tank 19 to the collection gutter 4 of the pachinko island 1 are counted by the counter 21, and the counted value is displayed on the deposited ball display device 24 according to a command from the microcomputer 31. . Therefore, the number of prize balls won by the player is the sum of the number stored in the upper tray 12, the number stored in the prize ball storage tank 19, and the number displayed on the deposited ball display device 24. It becomes a number. Therefore, when there are few game balls remaining on the upper tray 12 during a game, the deposited ball display device 2
4, or when the prize balls stored in the prize ball storage tank 19 are visible through the transparent window 16, the microcomputer 31 is activated by operating the deposited ball return operation switch 26. Desired prize balls (for example, 50 pieces)
can be paid out from the management device supply mechanism 7 to the upper tray 12 and the game can be continued. To end the game, the microcomputer 31 issues a switching drive command to the switching valve 38 and stopper solenoid 20 by operating the game end operation switch 27, and then by operating the manual lever 14a. Upper plate 12 and prize ball storage tank 19
The prize balls stored in the box flow out into the collecting gutter 4 via the counter 21, and the total number of prize balls is added and displayed on the deposited ball display device 24. Thereafter, by operating the receipt issuing switch 30, a receipt on which the total number is written is issued from the receipt issuing port 29. Therefore, the player only needs to exchange the receipt for a prize. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, a receipt is issued for exchanging the prize ball for a prize without having to carry it around, which is convenient for the player, and
Since many prize balls are drained into the interior of the pachinko island 1 through the prize ball storage tank 19 during the game, there is no need for the game parlor to prepare surplus pachinko balls. Also, pachinko machine 10
, a prize ball storage is provided which connects the management device supply mechanism 7 provided on the pachinko island 1 and the storage tray (upper tray) 12, and stores the prize balls that overflow when the storage tray 12 is full. Since it is only necessary to provide a tank 19 and a see-through window 16 through which the stored prize balls can be seen, there is no need to make any major changes to the structure of the conventional pachinko machine. Customers can see it and feel safe. Furthermore, since the pachinko machine 10 and the management device 22 are configured separately, the management device 22 can be left on the pachinko island 1 and only the pachinko machine 10 can be replaced, which is economical.

In the above embodiment, if you want to move to a different pachinko machine during the game, you can move the prizes on the upper tray 12 by operating the manual levers 14a and 14b without pressing the game end operation switch 27. All you have to do is move the balls to the ball box and move them to a different pachinko machine. Further, in the above embodiment, the prize balls flowing out from the prize ball storage tank 19 are counted by the counter 21, but when the prize balls overflow from the upper tray 12 into the prize ball storage tank 19, they are counted. The prize ball storage tank 19 is configured to store the won prize balls simply to show them through the see-through window 16, and the counted value is displayed on the deposited ball display device 2.
4 may be displayed. In this case, the prize balls won by the player are the sum of the prize balls stored in the upper tray (storage tray) 12 and the prize balls displayed on the deposited ball display device 24.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above explanation, the prize ball management device for a pachinko machine according to the present invention issues a receipt for exchanging the prize ball for a prize without having to carry the prize ball. In addition to being convenient for players, many prize balls are spilled into the interior of the pachinko island through the prize ball storage tank during games, so it is also convenient for game halls to have a surplus of pachinko balls. There's no need to. Further, the pachinko machine is provided with a prize ball storage tank that connects the storage tray to a management device supply mechanism provided on the pachinko island and stores prize balls that overflow when the storage tray is full. Since the structure can have a see-through window through which the stored prize balls can be seen through, there is no need to make any major changes to the structure of conventional pachinko machines, and it is also possible for players to see the deposited prize balls. It can give you a sense of security. Furthermore,
Since the pachinko machine and the management device are configured separately, the management device can be left on the pachinko island and only the pachinko machine can be replaced, which is economical.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire pachinko island, FIG. 2 is a rear schematic view showing the inside of the pachinko island,
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view showing the relationship between the pachinko island and the pachinko machine, FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower back of the pachinko machine.
Figure 6 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the prize ball storage tank, Figure 7 is a front view of the management device, and Figure 8 is
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing control of the management device. 1... Pachinko island, 3... Supply gutter, 4... Collection gutter, 7... Supply mechanism for management device, 10... Pachinko machine, 12... Upper plate (storage plate), 16... Transparent window,
19...Prize ball storage tank, 21...Counter (counting device), 22...Management device, 23...Insertion port,
24... Deposited ball display device, 25... Game ball payout operation switch, 26... Deposited ball return operation switch,
27...Game end operation switch, 29...Receipt issuing port, 30...Receipt issuing switch.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A management device that is provided corresponding to each pachinko machine arranged in a row on a pachinko island and that manages prize balls paid out from each pachinko machine, wherein the pachinko machine is connected to the pachinko island. A prize ball storage tank, in which a management device replenishment mechanism provided in the management device and a storage tray for storing game balls are connected, and which stores prize balls overflowing from the storage tray, and prizes stored in the prize ball storage tank. The game machine is comprised of a see-through window that allows balls to be seen through from the front of the pachinko machine, and a counting device that counts the prize balls stored in the prize ball storage tank as they flow out into the collection gutter of the pachinko island, The management device includes an insertion slot into which a game ball purchase medium for purchasing game balls is inserted, and a game ball payout operation for instructing the management device replenishment mechanism to pay out game balls within the value range of the game ball purchase medium. means, a deposited ball display device for displaying prize balls counted by the counting device, and replenishment for the management device depending on whether there are remaining deposited balls in the deposited ball display device or in the prize ball storage tank. A deposited ball return operation means for instructing a mechanism to return the deposited balls, and a prize ball stored in the storage tray and the prize ball storage tank at the end of the game, flowing into the collection gutter of the pachinko island via the counting device. A prize ball management device for a pachinko machine, comprising: a game end operation means for prompting a player to stop playing; and a receipt issuing means for issuing a receipt displaying the number of deposited balls displayed on the deposited ball display device.