JP2012075942A - Ball entry device for game machine and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ball entry device for game machines, which can facilitate the design of a flow passage and the adjustment of a winning rate by regulating a ball near a ball entry opening to fall in the left or right direction, can change the design of a playfield without changing the flow passage design and can secure the stability of a ball passage by firmly attaching an assist member.SOLUTION: The ball entry device for game machine includes a plate member with a flow-in opening formed for flowing balls in, a progress/retrogress member to progress/retrogress the flow-in opening forward/rearward to lead balls to the flow-in opening in the progress state and block balls to flow into the flow-in opening in the retreat state, a drive means to move the progression/retrogression member to progress/retrogress, and an assist member attached in front of the plate member. A right-left regulation rib to form a flow passage to regulate right-left of balls in the vicinity of the flow-in opening is set on the rear surface of the assist member and a lower rib to sideward guide balls not flowed in the flow-in opening is formed on the rear face of the assist member. The lower rib is disposed under the right-left regulation rib.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game implement for a game machine and a game machine, and more particularly, to a game implement for a game machine having an auxiliary member for assisting the game in front of an entrance for the game entry.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a bullet ball is flowed down a game area (an area formed on or near the game board surface for realizing a game or production by the flow of the ball). In the course of the flow, the ball rolls while colliding with an obstacle nail (also referred to as a gauge) or impeller in the game area, and the flow direction changes. As a result, if a ball wins various winning holes arranged on the game area, a predetermined prize ball is paid out. On the other hand, if a ball flows into the out port without winning any prize hole, no prize ball is paid out. . The player enjoys the game by demonstrating his / her skill in the ball or using the chance of the ball flowing down and expecting to win a prize and give away a prize ball.

  There are various types of winning holes arranged in the game area of the pachinko machine, such as a normal winning hole, a starting winning hole, and a big winning hole. Among them, the starting prize opening and the big prize opening are constituted by variable prizes having openable / closable members that can be changed between an easy (or possible) and difficult (or impossible) state of winning a ball. May be.

  For example, a variable winning prize (so-called electric tulip) that is often used as a winning winning opening is provided with opening and closing blade members that can swing open and close on both the left and right sides above the winning opening. This makes it easy for winning / not winning. In addition, a variable winning prize (a so-called attacker) often used as an accessory constituting a big prize opening is provided with an opening / closing door member that can be opened and closed in front of the prize opening. Creating a difficult state.

  In this way, it is possible to further increase the interest of the game in the pachinko machine by changing the probability (or availability) of the winning according to the game situation, instead of always making the ball ready for winning. It is. Note that, in this way, the variable winning combination in which the winning probability of the ball is changed is disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example.

  In recent years, there are many cases in which a symbol display device for game effects is arranged in a game area, and the symbol display device is becoming larger year by year. However, since the area of the game area cannot be easily increased in size, there is a necessity to reduce the size of the variable winning combination etc.

  For example, the size of the prize winning opening is reduced by reducing the height of the winning opening and the door. An auxiliary member for assisting winning is arranged in front of the winning opening to prevent troubles such as ball clogging (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2007-144222 A JP 2007-244617 A JP 2007-14643 A

  However, although the auxiliary member disclosed in Patent Document 3 regulates the flow position of the sphere in the front-rear direction, the effect of regulating the flow position of the sphere in the left-right direction hardly occurs. For this reason, the flow path of the sphere flowing down in the vicinity of the auxiliary member varies, and there is a problem that it is difficult to adjust the flow path design and the winning rate.

  On the other hand, if a restricting member that restricts the flow-down position in the left-right direction of the ball is arranged not on the auxiliary member side but on the winning hole side, if the unit on the winning hole side is replaced, the flow path in the gaming area will change. Therefore, it is necessary to redo the flow path design and the winning rate adjustment each time. Therefore, there is a possibility that inconvenience arises when it is desired to change the design by exchanging the game board or the unit on the prize opening side without changing the flow path design.

  In addition, there is a demand to firmly attach the auxiliary member in order to stabilize the flow position of the ball in the vicinity of the winning opening, and it is necessary to dispose an attachment portion that can realize the strong attachment on the auxiliary member side. There is also a demand to arrange the auxiliary member as close to the winning opening as possible without impairing the function of restricting the flow position of the ball in the front-rear direction, and to reduce the amount of opening / closing movement at the winning opening to reduce the load on the opening / closing driving means.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and by restricting the flow direction of the sphere in the left-right direction in the vicinity of the inflow opening of the sphere, the flow path design and the winning rate adjustment are facilitated, and the flow path design is changed. An object of the present invention is to provide a pitching device for a gaming machine that can change the design of the gaming area without having to do so and can ensure the stability of the ball flow path by firmly attaching the auxiliary member.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a game implement for a gaming machine as an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a plate member formed with an inflow opening for allowing a sphere flowing down a game area to flow in, and an inflow opening. Advancing and retracting forward and backward, receiving the ball in the advanced state and guiding it to the inflow opening, and in the retracted state, preventing the inflow of the sphere into the inflow opening, driving means for moving the advancing and retracting member forward and backward, and the inflow opening In order to assist the inflow of the ball, an auxiliary member attached to the front of the plate member for a gaming machine, the right and left of the ball in the vicinity of the inflow opening is regulated on the rear surface of the auxiliary member It is characterized in that left and right regulating ribs that form the flow path are arranged.

  Since the left and right restricting ribs that form the flow path for restricting the right and left of the sphere are arranged on the rear surface of the auxiliary member, it is not necessary to arrange the protruding portion that restricts the right and left of the sphere on the plate member side. Therefore, the part which protrudes ahead from a plate member can be excluded, and the front surface (namely, inflow opening periphery) of a plate member can be made into a substantially plane. The handleability of the plate member can be improved, and problems such as breakage of the protruding portion can be prevented.

  Here, more specifically exemplifying “improvement of handling” due to the fact that the front surface of the plate member is a substantially flat surface, it is easy to hold this pitching tool by hand during assembly work, and it is placed on a work table or the like. In that case, the space can be saved when parts are transported, and a large number of balls can be packed in a single transport case. It can be conceptualized that the fear is reduced.

  Since the left and right regulating ribs form a flow path that regulates the right and left of the sphere, it is possible to reduce variations in the flow path of the sphere passing through the vicinity of the ball entry tool. Therefore, flow path design and winning rate adjustment can be facilitated. In addition, even when a game board or a plate member in which a game area is defined is exchanged and a design change is performed, a common ball flow path can be obtained by using this auxiliary member in common. .

  In addition, the advancing / retreating member received by the receiving surface of the ball flowing down the game area advances or retreats the inflow opening in the front-rear direction, so that the ball can flow into the inflow opening or not flown, so It is possible to change the probability of entering the ball with almost no change in the area occupied by the player, and it is possible to realize a change in the rate of entry (accepting / inhibiting entry) with a relatively small area, and space in the game area. It can contribute to the improvement of efficiency.

  Since the ball received on the receiving surface in the middle of the retreat movement can be left in the game area without entering, and the game area can flow down as it is, an unintended ball enters the inflow opening during the retreat movement of the advance / retreat member. Can be effectively prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent a variation in the probability of entering and to change the probability of entering that accurately reflects the design intention. Such unintentional entry is collectively referred to as “unexpected entry”.

  Here, the gaming machine refers to a machine that uses a ball as a gaming medium to realize a game by its flow, and includes a parrot machine or the like, but typically means a pachinko machine. Then, the winning tool is used as a normal winning tool, a starting winning tool or the like in the pachinko machine. Further, the left-right direction refers to the left-right direction when the game machine is viewed from the front when the pitched equipment is used in the game machine. The front is the direction from the gaming machine to the player, and the rear is the direction from the player to the gaming machine.

  The left and right regulating rib may have a mounting hole for mounting the auxiliary member to the plate member.

  Since the left and right regulating ribs have mounting holes, it is not necessary to provide a mounting portion and a mounting hole for attaching the auxiliary member to the plate member separately from the left and right regulating ribs. Therefore, the left and right regulating ribs can be arranged on the auxiliary member with a high degree of freedom. Since the left and right restricting ribs and the mounting portion are not provided separately, the left and right restricting ribs can be relatively enlarged, and as a result, the plate member and the auxiliary member can be firmly attached using the attachment holes of the left and right restricting ribs. Can be fixed. For example, a large-diameter screw can be used for the attachment.

  Since the mounting hole is arranged on the left and right regulating rib side, the length of the mounting hole can be formed long. Therefore, when attaching a plate member and an auxiliary member using a screw, the screw hole as an attachment hole can be lengthened. Since the number of screw threads to be screwed can be increased, the attachment can be further strengthened.

  A front regulating rib that forms a flow path that regulates the front of the sphere in the vicinity of the inflow opening may protrude from the rear surface of the auxiliary member, and the front regulating rib may be positioned in front of the advance / retreat member in the advanced state.

  Since the front regulating rib is formed so as to protrude in front of the advancing / retreating member in the advanced state, the advancing / retreating member can receive the ball that flows down if it advances to the front of the front regulating rib in the advanced / retracted state. Since the movement length of the advancing / retreating movement can be shortened, it is possible to obtain effects such as a high speed (reducing the time) of the advancing / retreating movement and a reduction in the burden on the driving means. It is not necessary to move forward and backward over a long distance so as to go below the front regulating rib.

  A game machine according to another exemplary aspect of the present invention holds the above-mentioned game equipment for a game machine, a game board that defines a game area on the surface, and the game board so that the player can see the game board. A frame, a front transparent plate arranged at a certain distance or more in front of the game board, a launch unit that launches a ball toward the game area, and a storage tray that stores the ball It is characterized by.

  Since this gaming machine has the above-described ball entry tool, it is possible to reduce variation in the flow path of the ball, and to facilitate flow path design and winning rate adjustment. Moreover, even when the game board or the plate member is replaced and the design is changed, by using this auxiliary member in common, the flow path of the sphere can be made common. By diverting, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of the number of parts, parts cost, and the like. In addition, the auxiliary member can be firmly attached and can contribute to further stabilization of the flow path. Since the advance / retreat movement of the advance / retreat member can be speeded up and shortened, it is possible to quickly change the probability of entering the ball and contribute to reducing the burden on the driving means. Here, the surface of the game board includes not only the front surface (the surface facing the player) but also the rear surface (the back surface relative to the front surface) as a concept.

  The gaming machine is provided in a gaming area and has a first start winning tool having a first start opening into which a ball can enter, and a first game that executes a first game based on the entrance into the first start opening. A game means and a second game means for executing a second game based on a ball entering the inflow opening, wherein the first starting prize-winning tool and the game machine ball-entering tool are in the left-right direction in a front view of the game area. It may be arranged on the same side.

  Since the first starting prize-winning tool and the above-mentioned pitching tool are arranged on the same side in the left-right direction in the front view of the game area, the player does not need to divide right-handed and left-handed, so By continuing the ball launch, it is possible to aim at the occurrence of the first game and the second game. In this case, the first starting prize-winning tool and the above-mentioned pitching tool are arranged on the left and right sides. However, in the above-mentioned pitching tool, the advancing / retreating member is moved at a high speed, and an unexpected entry is made. The sphere has been reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second game from being generated unintentionally while the player is aiming for the first game.

  Here, the first game means means means for executing a symbol variation jackpot (described later) as the first game. More specifically, the first game means is caused by entering the first starting port. The first lottery means for performing the first lottery, the lottery result presenting means for presenting the lottery result, and the operation control means for performing the opening / closing control of the first big prize opening according to the lottery result. . The second game means means for performing a bonus game bonus (described later) as the second game. More specifically, the second game means is based on a ball entering the inflow opening. This is a concept including an operation control means for executing the opening / closing control.

  In addition, as a gaming machine capable of realizing the first game (also referred to as 1 type jackpot or symbol variation jackpot) and the second game (also referred to as 2 type jackpot or bonus game bonus), for example, 1 type described later Two types of pachinko machines can be conceptualized. By applying the present invention to such one type and two types of pachinko machines, for example, the right region and the right-handed game can be eliminated. By using only the left side area of the game area, it is possible to realize a type 1 type 2 game while preventing an unintended type 2 big hit.

  Further objects and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, by regulating the position of the sphere in the left-right direction in the vicinity of the inflow opening of the sphere, it is possible to reduce variations in the sphere's flow-down path, and to facilitate flow path design and winning rate adjustment. it can. Moreover, even when the game board or the plate member is replaced and the design is changed, by using this auxiliary member in common, the flow path of the sphere can be made common. By diverting, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of the number of parts, parts cost, and the like. In addition, the auxiliary member can be firmly attached and can contribute to further stabilization of the flow path. Since the probability of entering the ball is changed by moving the advance / retreat member back and forth in the front-rear direction, it is possible to contribute to space saving in the game area and prevent unexpected entry during the retreat movement of the advance / retreat member. be able to.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the 2nd starting prize-winning tool which the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1 has, Comprising: (a) shows the state which attached the front board to the baseplate, (b) shows the state which removed the front board. ing. 3A and 3B are schematic side views for explaining a state in which the lower tongue member and the upper tongue member are moved forward and backward shown in FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 3A shows an advanced state of the lower tongue member, and FIG. Indicates the state. It is the side view seen from the side of the 2nd starting prize-winning tool shown in FIG. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the front board shown in FIG. 2 from the rear surface side. It is a dimension explanatory drawing explaining the dimensional relationship in the front-back direction of the 2nd starting prize-winning tool shown in FIG.

Form to carry out

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 2 as a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pachinko machine 2 includes a frame 3, a game board unit 5, a front glass (front transparent plate) 10, a decorative frame (front frame) 12, a launch unit (not shown), and a storage tray 14.

  In addition to the pachinko machine 2, the gaming machine can be a parrot machine, an arcade machine, various game machines, and other gaming machines that realize a game by the flow of a ball. With regard to pachinko machines, all types of pachinko machines such as combination pachinko machines such as arrange ball machines and sparrow ball machines, so-called digipachi type (one type) and honey monotype (two types) pachinko machines can be considered. In this form, a so-called one-type two-type pachinko machine that realizes both a digipachi game (also referred to as a one-type game, also referred to as a symbol variation game) and a honeymoon game (also referred to as a two-type game, also referred to as an accessory game). An example will be described. The symbol variation game and the bonus game will be described later.

  The frame 3 of the pachinko machine 2 is configured so as to hold a game board unit 5 to be described later and surround the pachinko machine 2 around and in front of the pachinko machine 2 or in addition to them in cooperation with the decorative frame 12. . In addition to the game board 6, various mechanical components such as various electronic boards and paths for game media are arranged inside the frame 3, and the frame 3 and the decorative frame 12 allow the peripheral side and front, or in addition to them. Unauthorized access to the inside of the pachinko machine 2 from behind is prevented.

  The frame 3 is, for example, a housing frame 4 that is disposed on the outermost shell and is attached to the gaming machine installation island of the pachinko hall, and is pivotally supported so as to swing back and forth with respect to the housing frame 4 and holds the game board unit 5. And a machine frame 9 to be configured. A decoration frame 12 that holds the front glass 10 and a decoration member 32 that decorates the periphery of the front glass 10 is disposed in front of the machine frame 9. The front glass 10 is a transparent member for allowing the player to visually recognize the game board 6 held inside the frame 3 from the front, and details thereof will be described later.

  The game board unit 5 includes a game board 6 and a center accessory 7 arranged at the approximate center of the game board 6. The game board 6 is a board-like member for constituting a game area 6b for realizing a game by the flow of a ball (pachinko ball) 23 on the game board surface (surface) 6a, and the game board surface 6a is a player from the front. Is held by the frame 3 (in the present embodiment, the machine frame 9 as a part of the frame 3) so as to be visible. A rail ornament 26 is attached to the game board surface 6a so as to surround the periphery in a substantially circular shape, and an inner peripheral surface (inner side surface) 26a of the rail ornament 26 is disposed so as to stand upright with respect to the game board surface 6a. ing. A substantially circular area defined by the inner side surface 26a and facing the inner side surface 26a is a game area 6b.

  A gauge (obstacle nail) 27 is disposed in the game area 6b. The gauges 27 collide with the balls 23 flowing down the game area 6b and change the flow direction thereof, and a large number of gauges 27 are arranged in the game area 6b. Further, the game area 6b includes a second start winning tool (game equipment for a game machine) 11 having a normal winning port 28, a first starting port 29, and a second starting port (see FIG. 2) 16, a first The grand prize winning port 31, the second grand prize winning port 8a, the passing gate (passing area) 33, the windmill 34, etc. are arranged, and the ball 23 flowing down flows into each winning winning port and the starting port or passes through the passing gate 33. Or by rotating the windmill 34, it is possible to enjoy the flow-down game by the ball 23.

  The center accessory 7 is arranged substantially at the center of the game board surface 6a to realize a symbol change game or a bonus game. The symbol display device 7a for mainly displaying symbols in the first game and mainly the bonus game. The center decoration 8 to be realized is provided.

  The symbol display device 7a is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display, an LED, etc., and is arranged so that the player can see from the game board surface 6a side, and on the display screen (video display surface) 7b. The video display is performed. On the display screen 7b, for example, a display symbol 7c composed of three-digit numbers or characters is displayed as an image so as to rotate or stop. In addition, for example, an effect image as a story tailoring image by a character or the like is also displayed on the display screen 7b.

  When the ball 23 is launched by a ball launch unit (not shown), the ball 23 travels along the inner side surface 26a of the rail decoration 26 and reaches the upper part in the game area 6b. Thereafter, the ball 23 collides with the gauge 27 and flows down in the game area 6b. Some of the balls 23 enter the normal prize opening, and a certain number of prize balls are paid out. Without flowing in, it flows into the outlet 30 located at the lowermost part in the game area 6 b and is discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 2.

  When the ball 23 flows into the first starting port during the symbol variation game, the first lottery by the first lottery means (a part of the first game means) for generating the first game is started due to the inflow. The At the same time, the display symbol 7c of the symbol display device 7a starts rotating display. If the result of the first lottery is a win, the display symbol 7c is stopped and displayed at a predetermined symbol (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”), and a jackpot (first game; hereinafter symbol variation) in the symbol variation game. Is called a jackpot). The first grand prize opening 31 is opened to accept a large amount of winning balls, and a large amount of prize balls are paid out to the storage tray 14.

  The center ornament 8 is a resin-made shaped body arranged around the display screen 7b of the symbol display device 7a and on the game board surface 6a. The center decoration 8 surrounds the display screen 7b, for example, and is arranged so that the display screen 7b can be visually recognized by the player. The center ornament 8 is provided with a pattern and color, and is formed with a character or the like so as to exhibit a decorative effect.

  A part of the center ornament 8 is provided with a second big prize opening 8a that can be changed in state (can be opened and closed) between a state in which the ball 23 can flow and a state in which the ball 23 cannot flow. The second grand prize winning opening 8a is opened for a predetermined time when a jackpot (second game; hereinafter referred to as a jackpot bonus) is generated during the game of an accessory, and the ball 23 can flow into the center decoration 8 when the jackpot is opened. It is said that. On the other hand, the ball 23 cannot flow into the center ornament 8 when the second grand prize winning opening 8a is closed.

  The symbol display device 7a disposed at the center of the center ornament 8 is disposed slightly deeper than the game board surface 6a in the depth direction. In the front part of the symbol display device 7a, a V winning opening 35 is arranged that can win the ball 23 flowing in from the second large winning opening 8a with a certain probability. When the ball 23 flows into the V winning opening 35, the first big winning opening 31 is opened to accept a large amount of winning balls, and the bonus game can be continuously enjoyed.

  The center ornament 8 is located slightly to the right of the center of the game board surface 6a, and a ball on the right side region of the game board surface 6a in front view is formed by the upper portion of the center ornament 8 and the vicinity of the side portion and the inner side surface 26a of the rail ornament 26. A passage 8b is formed. The ball passage 8b has a passage size through which one ball 23 can pass, and the ball 23 that has passed through the ball passage 8b reaches the vicinity of the lower right of the game area 6b and flows into the outlet 30. It has become. The game area 6b other than the ball passage 8b is formed from the left side to the lower part of the game board surface 6a.

  The ball 23 launched by the launch unit passes through the passage gate 33, for example, while flowing down the left game area 6b. When the lottery is performed by the second lottery means due to the passage of the passage gate 33 and the lottery result is a win, the second start opening 16 provided in the second start winning tool 11 is opened for a certain period of time. When the second start port 16 is closed, it is impossible for the ball 23 to flow in. However, if the ball 23 flows into the second start port 16 while the second start port 16 is open, a bonus game is generated. The second grand prize opening 8a is opened for a predetermined time. During the opening time, if the following ball 23 flows into the second grand prize opening 8a and wins the V prize opening 35, the first big prize opening 31 can be opened to enjoy the continuation of the bonus game. It can be done.

  Here, the open state of the second starting port 16 is a state in which a lower tongue member (advancing / retracting member) 18 (see FIG. 2) described later has advanced, and the second starting port 16 can flow into the ball 23. State. Further, the closed state of the second starting port 16 is a state in which the tongue member 18 is retracted, and the second starting port 16 cannot flow the ball 23.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the 2nd start prize device 11 provided with this 2nd start mouth 16 is explained in detail.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the second starting prize device 11 that the pachinko machine 2 has. The second start prize device 11 includes a base plate (plate member) 17, a lower tongue member 18, an upper tongue member 19, a solenoid (driving means) 20, a storage portion 21, and a front plate (auxiliary member) 24. 2A shows a state where the front plate 24 is attached to the base plate 17, and FIG. 2B shows a state where the front plate 24 is removed.

  The base plate 17 is a substantially flat mounting plate for mounting the second starting prize 11 to the game board surface 6a. The base plate 17 is formed with a second start port 16 for allowing the ball 23 to flow in when the lower tongue member 18 is advanced. As shown in FIG. 2, the second starting port 16 has a generally convex shape. The lower tongue member 18 advances and retreats in the vicinity of the lower end, and the upper tongue member 19 advances and retreats in the vicinity of the upper end. Further, the base plate 17 is provided with a mounting hole 17a for screwing the front plate 24 on the front surface thereof at a position corresponding to a screw hole 41 (see FIG. 5) described later.

  The lower tongue member 18 is a plate-like member that moves back and forth in the second start port 16 in the front-rear direction (± Z direction). FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic side views for explaining how the lower tongue member 18 and the upper tongue member 19 move forward and backward. FIG. 3A shows the advanced state of the lower tongue member 18, and FIG. The retracted state of the member 18 is shown. The lower tongue member 18 has a receiving surface 18a for receiving the ball 23 in the forwardly advanced state (in the direction of arrow Z). The ball 23 received by the receiving surface 18 a has a function of flowing into the second starting port 16.

  The upper tongue member 19 is also a plate-like member that moves back and forth in the front-rear direction (± Z direction) in the second start port 16 in the same manner as the lower tongue member 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower tongue member 18 and the upper tongue member 19 are connected by a link mechanism 20a and are configured to move back and forth in opposite phases. That is, when the lower tongue member 18 is advanced, the upper tongue member 19 is retracted, and when the lower tongue member 18 is retracted, the upper tongue member 19 is advanced.

  When the lower tongue member 18 is advanced, the upper tongue member 19 is retracted deeper than the second start port 16, and as a result, the substantial opening height dimension L 1 of the second start port 16 is larger than the diameter dimension of the sphere 23. Is also getting bigger. Therefore, in the retracted state of the lower tongue member 18, the ball 23 flows smoothly from the second start port 16.

  On the other hand, when the lower tongue member 18 is retracted, the upper tongue member 19 advances to the vicinity of the opening edge of the second start port 16. In this state, the substantial opening height dimension L2 of the second start port 16 is decreased by the thickness of the lower tongue member 18 and the upper tongue member 19. Since the opening height dimension L2 is set to be smaller than the diameter dimension D of the sphere 23, when the lower tongue member 18 is retracted, the inflow of the sphere 23 into the second starting port 16 is surely prevented. Yes.

  Whether or not the ball 23 can flow into the second starting port 16 can be changed by moving the lower tongue member 18 linearly (in the present embodiment, back and forth). It can be a simple structure. Even when the ball 23 is placed on the receiving surface 18 a, an external force that pushes into the second start port 16 is not applied due to the retreating movement of the lower tongue member 18. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent “unintentional ball entry” in which the unintended ball 23 flows into the second starting port 16 while the lower tongue member 18 is retracting.

  The solenoid 20 is a driving means for moving the upper and lower tongue members 18 and 19 forward and backward. In this Embodiment, it accommodates in the accommodating part 21, is arrange | positioned behind the upper and lower tongue members 18 and 19, and is connected with the upper and lower tongue members 18 and 19 via the link mechanism 20a. Specifically, the plunger 20b of the solenoid 20 is connected to the upper tongue member 19, and when the plunger 20b moves rearward to retract the upper tongue member 19, the link mechanism 20a swings around the rotation shaft 20c. The lower tongue member 18 is moved to advance (see FIG. 3A). When the plunger 20b moves forward to advance the upper tongue member 19, the link mechanism 20a swings in the reverse direction to retract the lower tongue member 18 (see FIG. 3B). ).

  The storage unit 21 is a storage member attached to the rear of the base plate 17 and holds components such as the solenoid 20 and the link mechanism 20a inside. A ball passage sensor that detects a ball 23 that has flowed in from the second starting port 16 is also held in the storage unit 21, and a winning path that guides the ball 23 to a winning ball passage in the pachinko machine 2 is formed.

  The front plate 24 is a plate member that is disposed in front of the base plate 17 and assists the ball 23 to flow into the second starting port 16. FIG. 4 is a side view of the second starting prize device 11 viewed from the side, and FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the front plate 24 viewed from the rear surface 24a side.

  On the rear surface 24a of the front plate 24, two side ribs 38 (left and right restricting ribs), a front rib 39 (front restricting rib), and a lower rib 40 are formed to protrude. The side ribs 38 are for forming a flow path G that regulates the right and left of the sphere 23, and are formed with a space slightly larger than the diameter dimension D of the sphere 23. 23 can pass through one. The side ribs 38 are formed to be positioned above the lower tongue member 18 in the advanced state in a state where the front plate 24 is attached to the base plate 17. Therefore, when the lower tongue member 18 is in the advanced state, the sphere 23 that has passed through the flow path G is reliably guided to the receiving surface 18a. Since these side ribs 38 regulate the position of the sphere 23 that flows down in the vicinity of the second start port 16 in the left-right direction, the variation in the flow path of the sphere 23 in the vicinity of the second start winning port 16 can be reduced. It is possible to facilitate flow path design and winning rate adjustment.

  The front rib 39 is located between the two side ribs 38 so as to form the front portion of the flow path G, protrudes from the rear surface 24a, and restricts the front of the sphere 23. The front rib 39 has a tapered portion 39a that slopes downward from the front toward the rear at the upper end portion, and flows forward toward the front (that is, the side closer to the front glass 10) by the function of the tapered portion 39a. The sphere 23 is guided to the flow path G.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the front rib 39 is formed to extend to the front position of the lower tongue member 18 in the advanced state. Therefore, if the lower tongue member 18 is advanced to a position before the lower rib 40 protruding rearward from the rear surface 24a, the ball 23 can be reliably received by the receiving surface 18a. Since it is not necessary to advance the lower tongue member 18 to the vicinity of the rear surface 24a, the distance of the advance / retreat movement can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to increase the speed of the forward / backward movement (shorter time) and reduce the load on the entire drive system including the solenoid 20 and the link mechanism 20a.

  The lower rib 40 is disposed below the side ribs 38 and the front ribs 39, and has passed through the flow path G and has not flowed into the second starting port 16 (that is, a ball that has not been received by the receiving surface 18a). 23 and a ball 23 that has fallen without being able to enter the second starting port 16 despite being received by the receiving surface 18a and the receiving surface 18a). In this embodiment, the lower rib 40 has a function of guiding the sphere 23 toward the right side and flowing down in the front view of the pachinko machine 2.

  Since the lower rib 40 guides the ball 23 toward the right side, the second start winning tool 11 can be disposed close to the left end of the game area 6b. Moreover, since the flow direction of the sphere 23 is stabilized, the flow path design of the sphere 23 and the winning rate adjustment in the pachinko machine 2 can be easily performed.

  Screw holes (mounting holes) 41 are respectively formed in the side ribs 38 and the lower ribs 40. The screw hole 41 is used when the front plate 24 is attached to the base plate 17, and is formed corresponding to the attachment hole 17 a of the base plate 17. The positioning protrusions 42 of the side ribs 38 and the lower ribs 40 are fitted into the positioning holes 17b (see FIG. 2B) of the base plate 17, and screws (not shown) are inserted into the mounting holes 17a from the rear of the base plate 17. The base plate 17 and the front plate 24 are fastened by insertion.

  Since the screw holes 41 are formed in the side ribs 38 and the lower ribs 40 and the side ribs 38 and the lower ribs 40 have both functions of a flow path forming function and an attachment function, the attachment member is provided in front. There is no need to provide the plate 24 separately, so that the side ribs 38 and the lower ribs 40 can be enlarged. As a result, the screw hole 41 can have a large diameter, and the front plate 24 and the base plate 17 can be fastened using a large diameter and high strength screw.

  In addition, the ribs 38 and 40 are formed so as to project from the front plate 24 side and the screw holes 41 are formed there, rather than projecting the ribs from the base plate 17 side. Can do. The number of screw threads to be screwed can be increased, and the front plate 24 and the base plate 17 can be fastened more firmly.

  Furthermore, by providing the ribs 38 to 40 on the front plate 24 side, it is possible to change the design of the pachinko machine 2 without changing the flow path of the sphere 23. That is, even if the design of the pachinko machine 2 is changed by changing the game board 6 or the base plate 17, if the same one is used for the front plate 24 having the ribs 38 to 40, the flow path of the ball 23 is No change is required. Since the front plate 24 is used in common, it is possible to obtain the effect of reducing the number of parts and the cost when changing the design.

  The front glass 10 is a transparent plate that is spaced apart from the game board 6 by a certain distance or more. The front glass 10 is formed of transparent flat glass and is held on the back side of the decorative frame 12, and has a function of forming a flow-down space in which the ball 23 flows down between the game board 6 and the player through the front glass 10 to play the game board 6. A function of ensuring visibility so that the player can visually recognize the player, and a function of preventing unauthorized access so that the player cannot illegally access (contact) the game board 6. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the diameter dimension D of the sphere 23 is about 11 mm, the distance between the inner surface (rear surface) of the front glass 10 and the game board surface 6a is about 19 mm, and the inner surface of the front glass 10 And the front surface of the front plate is set to about 1 mm. The thickness of the front plate 24 and the base plate 17 is about 2 mm, the height of the front rib 39 is about 2.5 mm, and the front-rear distance of the flow path G (that is, the distance from the surface of the base plate 17 to the front rib 39) is about 11. .5mm.

  The decorative frame 12 is a frame member that mainly surrounds the front of the game board 6, and is swingably supported in front of the machine frame 9 by a hinge portion 22 so as to be openable and closable. The decorative frame 12 holds the front glass 10 in the opening portion where the opening is formed, and allows the player to visually recognize the game board 6 through the front glass 10. Around the opening, a decorative member 32 for decorating the pachinko machine 2 and producing a game is arranged.

  The launching unit is for firing (bulleting) the ball 23 sent from the upper plate 14a as a part of the storage tray 14 to the firing position by the ball supply device (not shown) toward the upper part of the game area 6b. It is. The launch unit includes, for example, a launcher that shoots the ball 23 at the launch position, a launch motor that drives the launcher, a launch spring that urges the launcher to generate a ball force, and the like. It is attached to the machine casing 9. For launching the ball by the launch unit, a launch handle 15 is provided below the front surface of the pachinko machine 2 to realize on / off of the launch of the ball and adjustment of the launch intensity based on the operation of the player.

  The storage tray 14 is a tray member disposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 2 to store the player's ball, and has an upper tray 14a and a lower tray 14b in the present embodiment. When the ball discharge button 14c disposed in the vicinity of the upper plate 14a is operated, the ball 23 stored in the upper plate 14a is discharged to the lower plate 14b.

  Next, a gaming method in the pachinko machine 2 will be briefly described. In this pachinko machine 2, the game area 6b of the game board surface 6a is mainly arranged on the left side and the lower part of the game board surface 6a, and the first start port 29, the second start port 16 and the passage All of the gates 33 are arranged in the game area 6b on the left side. At the start of the game, the lower tongue member 18 is in the retracted state, and the second starting port 16 is in the closed state.

<Design variation game>
When the player operates the firing handle 15, the ball is fired, and the ball 23 is fired along the firing rail (not shown) and the inner surface 26a of the rail decoration 26 to reach the upper part of the game area 6b. In the symbol variation game, the player makes a left strike (ball launch to the left portion of the game area 6b) aiming for a winning at the first starting port 29. The fired ball 23 starts to fall from the inner surface 26a and flows down the game area 6b. The ball 23 that has flowed down the game area 6 b wins a normal winning opening 28 or wins a first starting opening 29, for example.

  When the ball 23 flows into the first starting port 29, the first lottery (the first game lottery) is executed by the first lottery means, and the symbol display device 7a displays the rotation of the display symbol 7c (the first game lottery). Start lottery.) When the result of the first lottery wins and the display symbol 7c is stopped and displayed in a predetermined jackpot mode (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”), the symbol variation jackpot is generated, and the first big winning opening 31 Will be released. Then, a large amount of spheres 23 flow into the first big prize opening 31 and a large amount of prize balls are paid out.

  The opening / closing operation of the first grand prize opening 31 is repeated a predetermined number of times, and thereafter the symbol variation jackpot is completed. For example, “2 · 2 · 2”, “6 · 6 · 6”, “7 · 7 · 7”, etc., are used as the stop mode of the symbol 7c. When the symbol variation jackpot game in some of the modes (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is completed, an accessory game is started thereafter.

<Combination game>
When the accessory game is started, the player aims to pass the ball 23 to the passing gate 33 and makes a left turn in the same manner as in the case of the symbol variation game. When the ball 23 passes through the passage gate 33, the second lottery is performed by the second lottery means. When the lottery result is a win, the upper and lower tongue members 18 and 19 in the second start port 16 move forward and backward, and the open state of the second start port 16 for a certain time (for example, a short time of 1 second or less) is set. generate.

  If the ball 23 is received by the receiving surface 18a and wins the second starting port 16 in the advanced state of the lower tongue member 18, a bonus game is generated and the second big winning port 8a is opened for a predetermined time. . Subsequently, if the ball 23 flowing down the game area 6b flows into the second big prize opening 8a and wins the V prize opening 35 arranged in the center bonus 7, the bonus game continuation becomes the first game. The grand prize winning opening 31 is opened. Then, a large amount of balls 23 flow into the first grand prize winning port 31, and a large bonus game can be continuously enjoyed while a large amount of prize balls are paid out.

  Since the first start port 29, the second start port 16 and the passing gate 33 are all located in the game area 6b arranged on the left side of the game board surface 6a, the ball 23 passes through the passing gate 33 during the symbol variation game. May end up. Then, when the lottery result by the second lottery means is won, the upper and lower tongue members 18 and 19 at the second starting port 16 move forward and backward.

  However, since the upper and lower tongue members 18 and 19 are simply moved in the front-rear direction, even if the ball 23 is placed on the receiving surface 19a during the retreating movement, the ball 23 is moved to the second start port 16. Do not apply an external force that pushes it in. Since the ball 23 placed on the receiving surface 19a can be left as it is in the game area 6b in the middle of the retreating movement, the so-called “unexpected entry” can be prevented.

  Further, at the time of retraction, the upper and lower tongue members 18 and 19 make the substantial opening height dimension L2 of the second starting port 16 smaller than the diameter dimension D of the sphere 23. Inflow is reliably prevented. As a result, the probability of entering the second starting port 16 can be made as designed, and the probability of entering the second starting port 16 during the symbol variation game can be set to a very low probability. .

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

D: Diameter dimension G: Flow path L1, L2: Opening height dimension Z: Arrow 2: Pachinko machine (game machine)
3: Frame 4: Housing frame (part of the frame)
5: Game board unit 6: Game board 6a: Game board surface (surface)
6b: Game area 7: Center character 7a: Symbol display device 7b: Display screen (video display surface)
7c: Display pattern 8: Center decoration 8a: Second big prize opening 9: Machine frame (part of the frame)
10: Front glass (front transparent plate)
11: 2nd starting prize-winning equipment (ball game equipment)
12: Decorative frame (front frame)
14: Reservoir 14a: Upper plate 14b: Lower plate 14c: Ball discharge button 15: Launch handle 16: Second start port (inflow opening)
17: Base plate (plate member)
17a: mounting hole 17b: positioning hole 18: lower tongue member (advance / retreat member)
18a: receiving surface 19: upper tongue member 20: solenoid (driving means)
20a: Link mechanism 20b: Plunger 20c: Rotating shaft 21: Storage part 22: Hinge part 23: Ball (pachinko ball)
24: Front plate (auxiliary member)
24a: Rear surface 26: Rail decoration 26a: Inner side surface (inner peripheral surface)
27: Gauge
28: Normal winning opening 29: First starting opening 30: Out opening 31: First big winning opening 32: Decoration member 33: Passing gate (passing area)
34: Windmill 35: V prize opening 38: Side rib (left and right regulation rib)
39: Front rib (front regulating rib)
39a: Tapered portion 40: Lower rib 41: Screw hole (mounting hole)
42: Positioning convex portion

Claims (1)

A plate member formed with an inflow opening for allowing a sphere flowing down the game area to flow in;
Advancing and retreating member that advances and retreats the inflow opening back and forth, receives the sphere in the advanced state and guides the sphere to the inflow opening, and prevents the inflow of the sphere in the inflow opening in the retracted state;
Drive means for moving the advance / retreat member forward and backward;
An assisting member attached to the front of the plate member to assist the inflow of the ball into the inflow opening,
On the rear surface of the auxiliary member, left and right regulating ribs that form flow paths that regulate the left and right of the sphere in the vicinity of the inflow opening are disposed
On the rear surface of the auxiliary member, a lower rib for guiding the sphere that has not flowed into the inflow opening to the side is formed,
The lower rib is a pitching tool for a gaming machine, which is disposed below the left and right regulating rib.

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