JPH0553519B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a pinball game machine represented by a pachinko game machine, etc.
This invention relates to a pinball game machine in which a game is played by hitting balls into a game area.

[0002]

[Prior art] In this type of pinball game machine,
For example, a variable winning ball device is driven and controlled to a first state that is advantageous to the player based on the occurrence of a specific game state, and a large amount of game value is generated. Some games are designed to increase the player's interest by providing the player with the following information:

[0003] On the other hand, if the first state of the variable prize winning ball device based on this specific game state ends only once, the player will only be temporarily excited, and the player will not be able to take the interest of the game one step further. I can't get excited. Therefore, in the past, the first state of the variable winning ball device in a specific game state can be repeated again, and the first state of the variable winning ball device is repeated, thereby repeatedly increasing the player's excitement and creating a state of great excitement. It was structured so that it could lead to.

[0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in this type of conventional pinball game machine, the number of times that the repeat continuation control of repeating the first state of the variable winning ball device can be executed is limited. Since it was uniformly determined, there was a drawback that the variation in the repetitive continuation control was reduced accordingly, making the game less interesting in terms of variation.

[0005] The present invention was devised in view of the actual situation, and its purpose is to add variability to the repeat continuation control that repeatedly continues the first state of the variable winning ball device based on the specific game state. This is to further improve the fun of the game.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention is a pinball game machine in which a game is played by hitting balls into a game area, and which is provided in the game area and is advantageous for the player. A variable winning ball device that can change between a first state and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player, and a specific gaming state that can change the variable winning ball device to the first state. a specific game state detection means for detecting that the first state has been completed; a continuation number determining means that determines the number of continuations based on the above, and a driving control of the variable winning ball device to the first state based on the detection output of the specific game state detecting means, and then changing it to the second state, The repeat continuation control is executed to bring the variable winning ball device that has entered the state into the first state again, and when the number of continuations of the repeat reaches the number determined by the number of continuations determining means, the repeat continuation control and drive control means for terminating the process.

[0007]

[Function] According to the present invention, it is possible to execute repeated continuation control in which the variable winning ball device whose first state has ended is changed to the first state again by the function of the continuation number determining means. The number of times is determined based on the gaming state, and based on the occurrence of a specific gaming state, the variable winning ball device is drive-controlled to the first state and then changed to the second state, and becomes the second state. Executing the repeating continuation control to bring the variable winning ball device into the first state again, and when the number of repeated continuations reaches the number determined by the number of continuations determining means, the repeating continuation control ends. do.

[0008] In other words, the number of times the repeat continuation control can be executed is determined based on the gaming state, which is a variable number that is not uniformly determined.

【0009】

Embodiments of the Invention Specific embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko game machine which is an example of a pinball game machine according to the present invention. In the configuration, on the game board 1 of the pachinko game machine 10, a passing area consisting of winning areas such as safe holes 2a to 2c,
Winning areas 3a to 3c consisting of winning holes defined so that a variable display device 50 (described later) can be changed depending on winning balls, which are an example of passing balls, a plurality of accessories (commonly known as tulips) 4a and 4b, and an out ball entrance 5 is formed.

[0011] A variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is arranged approximately in the center of the game board 1. This variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is constructed by integrally mounting a variable winning ball device 40 and a variable display device 50 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, which will be described later, on a front frame member 31. In this way, since the variable prize winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 are integrally configured, both devices can be installed integrally and simultaneously at the time of installation on the game board 1, which facilitates the installation and also facilitates parts management. It has the advantage of being easy to carry out. The variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum mechanism 50A, which is an example of a mechanically variable display member, and a segment display 50B, which is an example of an electrically variable display. Then, the variable display device 50 starts the variable display of the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B according to the winning balls in the winning areas 3a to 3c, and after a certain period of time from the player's stop command or the start of the variable display. , stop variable display. At this time, the display state of the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 5
When the combination with the display state of 0B becomes a predetermined state, it is determined that the variable winning ball device 40 has entered a specific gaming state determined to be able to be driven to open. In addition, as another example of the specific game state for driving the variable winning ball device 40 to open, a winning area 2b is formed whose nails are adjusted so that it is relatively difficult to win a winning ball, and a winning ball is placed in the winning area 2b. Winning ball detector 1
00 may be detected to determine that a specific gaming state has been entered. That is, the entered prize ball detector 100 may constitute a specific game state detection means for detecting that a predetermined game state has been reached in a pachinko game. In addition, the entered prize area 2b is configured to also serve as a specific area, and the entered prize ball detector 100 is used as a specific area for detecting pachinko balls that have passed through the specific area that is allowed to continue the variable winning ball device in the first state. It may also be configured to serve as the area passing ball detection means.

[0012] Below the front frame 11 of 10 of the pachinko machine, there are a prize ball payout port 12, a ball waiting gutter 13,
A ball hitting handle 14, a surplus prize ball payout opening 15, and a prize ball tray 16 are provided. Batting handle 14
The ball adjusts the strength of the ball by its rotation, and a ball designation switch is provided on the outer periphery of the ball, if necessary. Note that the batting command switch may be a switch provided on the front frame 11 near the batting handle, or a switch that has a cam fixed to the shaft of the batting handle 14 and performs a switching operation by the pressure of this cam. .

[0013] Further, a variable display start/stop command switch 17 is provided on the front frame 11 as necessary. This variable display start/stop command switch 1
7 includes a start command switch 17s and a stop command switch 17e. This start command switch 17
s is used to select whether to start variable display of both the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B at the player's will after the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B are in a game state where they can be driven for display. The stop command switch 17e is used to command the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the variable display of the segment display 50B to stop. Preferably, when a plurality of display rows of rotating drum mechanisms are provided, the drums in each row included in the rotating drum mechanism 50A are sequentially pressed by repeatedly pressing the stop command switch 17e. command to stop. For example, if the display row of the rotating drum mechanism 50A is composed of three rows of drums, pressing the stop command switch 17e once stops the left drum, and
The central drum is stopped by the second press, and 3
The second press stops the right drum. In this case, the variable display on the segment display 50B is stopped when all rows of drums are stopped or after a fixed time delay.

[0014] If the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B are to be variably displayed immediately in response to winning balls entering the winning areas 3a to 3c, the start command switch 17s is not required. Further, a plurality of stop command switches 17e may be provided corresponding to the number of rows of drums included in the rotating drum mechanism 50A.

[0015] Furthermore, if the player does not operate the stop command switch 17e, the variable display device may be stopped after a certain period of time has elapsed. It may also be stopped at .

[0016] FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the back structure of the pachinko machine 10. In the figure, the entry prize areas 3a, 3
On the back side of the game board 1 where symbols b and 3c are formed, there is a path 2 for guiding the winning balls that have passed through the winning area downward.
11,212 are formed. A winning ball detector 22 is provided below the path 211 to detect winning balls entering the winning area 3a or 3b. Route 2
A winning ball detector 23 is provided below 12 to detect winning balls entering the winning area 3c. In addition, if necessary, the winning balls detected by the winning ball detectors 22 and 23 are guided to the upper positions of the Yakumonos 4a and 4b, and are used to open the beak-shaped parts of the Yakumonos 4a and 4b. The outputs of the winning ball detectors 22 and 23 are used as detection outputs for the state in which the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B can be driven for display. A path 213 is provided on the back side of the game board 1 at a position slightly above the out ball entrance 5. This path 213 is the safe hole 2a, 2
c. Balls that have won into either the safe hole 2b, which is an example of a passing area, the winning areas 3a to 3c, the Yakumono 4a, 4b, or the variable winning ball device 40 are guided to the winning ball processing device 24. This winning ball processor 2
4 causes the winning balls guided through the path 213 to fall one by one. The balls dropped one by one by the winning ball processor 24 are activated to operate an actuating member connected to a conventionally well-known prize ball payout mechanism (not shown) to collect a fixed number of prize balls for each winning ball. Make a payout.

[0017] Figures 3 and 4 are illustrative views of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30, particularly Figure 3 shows its perspective view, and Figure 4 shows its longitudinal sectional view.

[0018] Figures 5 and 6 show detailed views of the variable winning ball device, particularly Figure 5 shows its exploded perspective view,
FIG. 6 shows a view from the back of the mounting plate 31 as a mounting board.

[0019] FIGS. 7 to 11 show the variable display device 50
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the front view, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the internal structure, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view, and FIG.
0 shows a detailed perspective view of one drum, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the light guide member of the rotating drum.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11.

First, variable winning balls/variable display device 30
The details are described below. Variable winning ball/variable display device 30
is constructed by integrally mounting a variable winning ball device 40 and a variable display device 50 on a mounting plate 31. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the mounting plate 31 has a rectangular opening 32 in which the variable winning ball device 40 is formed in association with the variable winning ball device 40 and serves as the winning opening of the variable winning ball device 40, which is an example of a specific area. is drilled. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the specific area and the variable winning ball device are used together, but the specific area and the variable winning ball device may also be provided separately. Further, the mounting plate 31 is provided with display windows 33a, 33b, and 33c for displaying identification information drawn on the drums in each row, which will be described later. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular notch 34 is formed at the upper portion of the mounting plate 31 . Notch 34
A frame member 35 for mounting a segment display 50B, which is an example of an electrically variable display, and for guiding pachinko balls is mounted on the front surface of the machine. This frame member 3
5 has an inverted V-shaped ball receiving plate 351 formed on its upper part, and a guide 353 that guides the balls received by the ball receiving plate 351 to the back side through a hole that becomes the winning area 3a. . In this way, since the winning area 3a is provided in the area where the player aims at hitting the ball, it is possible to prevent the player from losing interest in winning, especially when the variable winning ball device is closed. ,
The fun of the game can be improved. Collision surfaces 800a and 800b are formed at both left and right end portions of the frame member 35, which change the falling locus of the pachinko balls when they collide. The collision surfaces 800a, 800b are, for example, as shown in FIG.
The left and right end portions of the winning opening 32 are configured to be located substantially above the lateral edge portions of the winning opening 32. With this configuration, when a pachinko ball collides with these collision surfaces 800a and 800b, it bounces back and forth in the left and right direction, and most of the bounced pachinko balls do not enter the winning opening 32. Pachinko balls that did not collide with the collision surfaces 800a and 800b remain in a state where there is still a possibility of winning a prize in the winning opening 32, and the pachinko balls that do not collide with the collision surfaces 800a and 800b
This has the advantage that the falling locus of the pachinko balls is varied, making it impossible to predict where the pachinko balls will land in the winning opening 32, and improving the fun of the game. In addition, when the pachinko balls falling from above collide with this frame member 35, the falling momentum of the pachinko balls is reduced, and the impact force when the pachinko balls fall and collide with the opening/closing plate 42 etc. located below is reduced. It also has the advantage of reducing the This frame member 35 constitutes an obstacle member having a collision surface that changes the falling trajectory of the hit ball when the ball collides with it. Further, in this embodiment, although the variable winning ball device is integrally provided with the obstacle member, the variable winning ball device and the obstacle member may be configured separately.

[0022] The horizontally extending portion of the frame member 35 includes a ball passage area 354 for allowing the ball to pass,
355 is formed. A display window 3 for seeing through the segment display 50B is provided on the front surface of the frame member 35.
56 is drilled. A segment display 50B is mounted on the back side of this display window 356. This segment display 50B is used as an example of the determination of the display device in this embodiment, but it can also be used to determine the number of pachinko balls that have won in the variable winning ball device 40 and whether the variable winning ball device 50 is in the first state. Information related to the game, such as the number of changes, may be displayed. This segment display 50B is located directly above the variable display device 50, which is the focus of the player's attention, and protrudes somewhat forward, so that it is close to the player's eyes and displays information on it. There is also the advantage that it becomes easier for the player to visually perceive. Furthermore, since the segment display device 50B is provided in the space formed by the frame member 35 that constitutes the obstacle member, the space can be used effectively, and the frame member 35 allows pachinko balls to be directly connected to the segment. Collision with the display device 50B and failure can be prevented. From this point of view, the frame member 35 is
Segment display 50 as an example of an electrically variable display
It is also configured to serve as a protection member that protects B from being hit by balls. Further, a plurality of obstruction nails 36 are installed in the mounting plate 31 at the upper position of the opening 32. Further, a guide member 37 is mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 31 at a position slightly above the opening 32. This guide member 37 forms guide plates 371 along the vertical direction at a plurality of locations in the lateral direction, and functions to cause the pachinko balls to fall while being guided in the vertical direction. The falling pachinko balls collide with the obstacle nail 36 and the guide member 37, and after reducing the falling force, the pachinko balls are dropped onto the opening/closing plate 42, which is an example of a movable member. An obstacle member is configured to weaken the impact force of the falling ball.

[0023] The variable prize winning ball device 40 opens the opening/closing plate 42 to the front to accept balls as an example of a first state that is advantageous to the player, and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. As an example, the opening/closing plate 42 is closed to make it impossible to receive balls.

[0024] Next, details of the variable winning ball device 40 will be described. A variable winning ball device 40 is provided in the opening 32.
is provided in a related manner. This frame member 41 is approximately equal in size to the opening 32 and has four dimensions in the depth direction.
A wall surface is formed by the surface, and notches 41 are formed on both side wall portions of the wall surface.
1,412. An opening/closing plate 42 is rotatably mounted on this frame member 41. That is, substantially triangular side walls 4 are provided on both sides of the opening/closing plate 42.
21,422 are formed. This side wall 421,4
22 is formed with a pivot shaft consisting of cylindrical protrusions 423 and 424. This protrusion 423,4
24 is formed with an end 750, and the outer diameter of this end 750 is larger than the inner diameter of the fitting groove formed by the notches 411 and 412. Since the frame member 41 and the mounting plate 31 are integrally assembled with the tip portions of the projections 423 and 424 engaged with the notches 411 and 412 of the frame member 41, the opening and closing plate 42 is The front side of the frame member 41 can be opened and closed. Note that the end portion 750
, when opening and closing the opening plate 42,
The side walls 421 and 422 do not directly rub against the inner wall of the frame member 41, and the end portion 750 and the notch portion 4
Since the frictional force is absorbed by direct contact between the opening and closing plates 42, the frictional force accompanying the opening and closing of the opening/closing plate 42 can be reduced, and the effect is that there is no problem in operation even after long-term use. arise. Furthermore, a fitting groove formed by the cutouts 411 and 412 may be formed on the mounting plate 31 side. A guide wall 43 for guiding winning balls downward is fixed to the back surface of the frame member 41. The bottom surface of the guide wall 43 is formed in an inclined shape. At the end of this bottom surface, there is a variable winning ball device 40.
A passing ball detector 45 is installed to detect the winning balls into the winning opening 44. In addition, the side wall 4 of the opening/closing plate 42
22 is formed with a protrusion 425 in which a screw hole is formed.

[0025] One end of a rod 461 included in the opening/closing drive mechanism 46 is screwed onto the protrusion 425. The opening/closing drive mechanism 46 includes a solenoid 462 that is an example of an electric drive source, and a portion of a T-shaped lever 464 is connected to a plunger 463 of the solenoid 462. The center of this T-shaped lever 464 is rotatably supported by the mounting plate 31. and,
The other end of the rod 461 is engaged with one end of the T-shaped lever 464. The other end of the short side of the T-shaped lever 464 is tension-biased by a spring 465. By this,
When the solenoid 462 is electrically deenergized, the lower end of the T-shaped lever 464 is tensilely biased by the spring 465, and the tip of the long side is pulled down, thereby closing the opening/closing plate 42. let Conversely, when the solenoid 462 is energized, one end of the short side of the T-shaped lever 464 is rotated by the suction of the plunger 463, and the tip of the long side is pulled upward. As a result, the solenoid 461 is pulled upward, and the protrusion 425 of the opening/closing plate is pulled upward, thereby opening the opening/closing plate 42. the T-shaped lever 464;
The rod 461 and the spring 465 constitute an operating member that transmits the driving force of the electric drive source to the movable member and moves the movable member.

[0026] In addition, in the illustration, as an example of a variable winning ball device, the ball is in a state where it is easy to win a prize as a state that is advantageous (or profitable) for the player, and a state that is easy to win a ball is a state that is disadvantageous (or disadvantageous) for the player. Although the state shown here is one that can be freely changed to a state in which no balls are won, it goes without saying that various other variable winning ball devices may be used. For example, as another example of a variable winning ball device, there is a so-called chulip, which has a beak-shaped portion that is advantageous to the player and makes it easier to win the ball. Another example of a situation that is disadvantageous to the player may be one in which the beak is closed, making it difficult for the player to win a prize. In addition, in this embodiment, the entire winning hole 44 of the variable winning ball device 40 is configured in a specific area so that all winning pachinko balls are detected as balls passing through the specific area.
It may be configured such that not only the specific area but also a normal winning area is formed in the winning hole 44, and only pachinko balls that have passed through the specific area formed in a part of the winning opening 44 are detected as specific area passing balls. . Furthermore, it may be a variable winning ball device that changes into the first and second states by rotating or sliding a pair of left and right movable members in the left and right direction. Also, winning area 3 of the hit ball
The variable winning ball device is set to the first state based on the starting winning from a to 3c, and if the ball that enters the variable winning ball device enters a specific winning area formed at a predetermined location, a specific game is played. It may be configured such that a condition occurs.

[0027] Next, details of the variable display device 50 will be described. The variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum mechanism 50A.
and a segment indicator 50B. Note that the rotating drum mechanism 50A includes a rotating drum group 51 including a plurality of rows (three rows in the figure) of rotating drums 51a, 51b, and 51c. Further, in the above embodiment, the rotating drums 51a, 51b, 51c of the variable display device
Although the number shown is three, it may be one, two, or four or more. On the outer periphery of each row of rotating drums (hereinafter referred to as drums) 51a, 51b, and 51c, identification information such as pictures, symbols, and numbers (alphabetic in the illustration) is drawn at fixed angles in the rotation direction. Then, each row of drums 51a,
Certain identification information of 51b and 51c is displayed on the display window 3.
3a, 33b, and 33c so as to be visible to the player. These display windows 33a, 33b, 3
As shown in FIG. 4, cover members 31a, 31b, and 3c each display enlarged identification information.
31c is provided. Drums 51a in each row,
A disk-shaped wall surface 511 is formed on one side of each of 51b and 51c. At the center of the wall surface 511 is a hole 5 through which a drum shaft 53 (described later) is inserted.
12 is formed. Then, each row of drums 51
Ratchet gears 52a, 52b, 52 each having a number of teeth corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery are provided on the wall surface 511 of each of the gears 51a, 51b, and 51c.
c is fixed.

[0028] On the wall surface 511 of each of the row drums 51a to 51c, two concentric circles with different radii are arranged at each identification information forming position in order to optically detect the identification information displayed in the corresponding display window. , through hole 5
A portion with holes 13 and/or 514 and a portion without holes are formed. For example, two types (2 bits) can be distinguished depending on the part with and without the hole 513 on the inner circumference, and the part with the hole 514 on the outside circumference and the part without the hole 513. By not doing so, two types of identification are possible. Therefore, both through holes 513 and 514
Depending on the combination of presence/absence, four types of identification information can be detected. Incidentally, by increasing the number (n) of circumferences in which through-holes are formed with different radii, 2 ⁿ types of identification information can be detected.

[0029] By the way, the wall surface 511 has the through hole 51
3,514, but more preferably, in order to eliminate the leakage of the light beam for detecting the presence or absence of a through hole and to be able to reliably detect the through hole, the following structure is used. Ru. That is, each row of rotating drums 51a, 51b, 51c forms columnar light guide members 515, 516 at angles corresponding to each identification information on the circumference in which through holes 513, 514 are to be bored. By doing so, the light beam can be given directivity and light leakage can be minimized, and therefore identification information can be detected reliably. Note that, as shown in FIG. 11, the light guide members 515 and 516 are configured so that the inner diameter of the through hole on the receiver side is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole on the side of the light emitters 591 and 591', thereby further reducing the divergence of the light beam. We are trying to make it even more preventable. Furthermore, a light emitting diode, for example, can also be used as the light source of the light projectors 591, 591'. Also,
Light guide members 515 and 516 are provided on the back side of the wall surface 511.
If the structure is such that holes are drilled in the wall surface corresponding to the guide member according to the identification information drawn on the outer periphery of the drum, the type and arrangement of the identification information drawn on the outer periphery of the drum can be changed. It has the advantage of being freely changeable.

[0030] The drums 51a, 51b, 5 in each row
1c are loosely fitted around the drum shaft 53,
The frictional force allows them to be individually rotatably supported. Such a configuration can be achieved by inserting a coil spring 531 around the center hole 512 of each row of drums and mounting the drums on the drum shaft 53 so that the springs are sandwiched from both sides of each row of drums. The drum shaft 53 is
Side plates 541 and 542 of the box 54 on both sides
It is supported by the shaft. A gear 551 included in the rotational drive mechanism 55 is fixed to one end of the drum shaft 53. The gear 551 is meshed with a speed change gear 552. A drum drive motor 55 is mounted on the side plate 541.
3 is installed. The motor 553 is a geared motor, and its driving gear is meshed with the gear 552, and its rotational force is transmitted to the drum shaft 53 via the gears 552 and 551. On the back plate 543 of the box 54, each row of drums 51a, 51b,
Solenoid 56a, which is an example of an electric drive source for individually rotating or stopping 51c,
56b and 56c are fixed. Plungers 57a, 57b, and 57c of these solenoids are connected to one ends of locking levers 58a, 58b, and 58c, respectively, by pins. Locking levers 58a, 58b,
A substantially central portion of 58c is supported by a shaft 581.
As shown in FIG. 9, the locking levers 58a, 58b, and 58c have a U-shaped cross-sectional shape, so that the locking levers 58a, 58b, and 58c are attached to the shaft 581 at two points with a certain width. Since the pawl portion 582 is supported and reliably pivoted, the pawl portion 582 does not wobble from side to side and is less likely to engage poorly with the ratchet gears 52a, 52b, and 52c. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, as long as the contact surface between the shaft support portion and the shaft is increased as much as possible.
Both sides of the shaft 581 are fixed to side plates 541 and 542. Lock lever 58 corresponding to each row of drums
A claw-like portion 582 is formed at the tip of each of a, 58b, and 58c. This locking lever 58a,
The claw-like portions 582 of the drums 58b, 58c engage with the ratchet gears 52a, 52b, 52c formed on the corresponding drums 51a, 51b, 51c, respectively, to stop the drums in each row and maintain the locked state. do the work. The solenoid 56a, 5
6b, 56c, plunger 57a, 57b, 57
c, locking levers 58a, 58b, 58c, ratchet gears 52a, 52b, 52c and shaft 581
This constitutes a rotation stopping means for independently stopping the rotating drums 51a, 51b, 51c. This rotation stopping means is the side plate 54.
1,542 and the back plate 543, and the side plates 541, 542, the back plate 543, and the upper and lower plates constitute a frame body that integrally holds the rotation stop means. The heat generated in the solenoids 56a to 56c is transferred to the lower holding part 71.
8, the lower holding portion 718 is not in direct contact with the frame, so deformation of the frame due to heat can be prevented. A positioning guide member 708 for positioning the solenoids 56a, 56b, and 56c is provided on the inner surface of the back plate 543 of the frame body, and a side surface portion 714 of the holding member 712 that holds the coils 710 of the solenoids 56a, 56b, and 56c,
The width direction dimension of the guide members 708 is such that the guide members 708 are inserted between the guide members 708 and positioned.
It is made within the positioning width of . Note that the upper and lower ends of the holding member 712 are connected to the coil 71.
It is comprised of an upper holding part 716 and a lower holding part 718 extending so as to sandwich 0. Further, the holding member 712 positioned on the positioning guide member 708 is fixed by screws to a fixing plate 720 sandwiching the frame, and in this fixed state, the solenoid 56
The heat from a, 56b, 56c is transmitted to the screws and fixing plate 72.
As shown in FIG. 4, a heat radiation space 722 is formed between the lower holding part 718 and the bottom surface of the frame.

[0031] By the way, the drums 51a, 51 in each row
b, 51c will not rotate in the normal rotation direction (counterclockwise) if the corresponding ratchet gear and the pawl of the locking lever are engaged, but will rotate in the opposite direction due to vibrations of the pachinko machine. It may rotate. In this case, if the type of identification information displayed on the drums in each row changes to a state advantageous to the player, the detection output of the stop position of the drums in each row may differ from the actual display, which may cause trouble. Become. Therefore, in this embodiment, the motor 553 is continuously rotated to urge the drums in each row counterclockwise until the variable display on the segment display 50B is stopped and a predetermined value is assigned. I'll keep it. At this time, since the engagement between the ratchet gear and the claw-like part works effectively against rotation in the counterclockwise direction, the drums in each row do not rotate at all, and the identification displayed at that time The information is not changed even by vibrations of the pachinko machine.

[0032] On the outer periphery of the ratchet gear, as shown in FIG. 4, engaging surfaces A are formed radially in a number corresponding to the number of identification information on the outer periphery of the drum 51a. A reinforcing surface B, which is substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface A, is formed at the outer tip of the engaging surface A.
Then, between the reinforcing surface B and the base D of the next engaging surface, the tip of the locking lever 58a, that is, the claw-like portion 5
A sliding contact guiding surface C is formed to guide the sliding contact 82. The engaging surface A, the reinforcing surface B, and the sliding contact guiding surface C constitute a pawl that is removably engaged with the pawl-shaped portions 582 of the locking levers 58a to 58c.

[0033] Since the pawl formed on the outer periphery of the ratchet gear has the above-mentioned configuration, the rotating drum is reliably stopped by the reliable connection between the engagement surface A and the tip of the locking lever 58a. Furthermore, since the reinforcing surface B formed at the outer tip of the engagement surface A is formed by a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the engagement surface A, the tip of the locking lever 58a during stop control is When contacting the pawl of the ratchet gear, the tip of the locking lever 58a comes into contact with the reinforcing surface B, and the reinforcing surface B can prevent the tip of the pawl of the ratchet gear from being worn out by surface contact. Furthermore, during stop control, the sliding contact guiding surface C allows the tip of the locking lever 58a to slide into sliding contact and be smoothly guided to the base D of the engaging surface, so that one end of the locking lever latches. By colliding with the outer periphery of the gear, rebound can be prevented. As described above, it is possible to reliably stop the rotating drum, and the reliability of the stopping function does not deteriorate even after long-term use.

[0034] Furthermore, the locking levers 58a to 58c
A shaft 581 supporting the pawls of the ratchet gears 52a to 52c and a pawl-shaped portion 582 of the locking lever
It is arranged so that it is disposed on the outside by L from the tangent line l passing through the contact portion with. Therefore, when the locking lever is released, the locking lever can be removed from the ratchet gear with a relatively small force by rotating the lever tip in the direction of rotation of the rotating drum, that is, toward the front of the engagement surface. It has the advantage of being able to

[0035] Photoelectric sensors 59a and 59b are provided at positions corresponding to the through holes 513 and 514 on both sides of the three rows of drums 51a to 51c in order to detect the combination of identification information displayed when the drums are stopped. It is being The photoelectric sensors 59a and 59b are light emitters 591 and 591' and light receivers 592 and 592, respectively.
592'. The light emitters 591, 591' and the light receivers 592, 592' constitute stop position detection means for detecting the stop position of the rotating drum. This stop position detection means and the rotational drive mechanism are also connected to the side plate 5 constituting the frame.
41, 542 and a back plate 543.

[0036] The conditions under which the variable winning ball device can be put in the first state and further continue in the first state depending on the number of balls passing to the specific area in that state are displayed on the rotating drum display mechanism 50A. The determination is made based on the combination of the identification information of the drums in each row and the display state of the identification information displayed on the segment display 50B. Further, even in cases other than the conditions for imparting a predetermined value, other values may be imparted (for example, the development of yakumono) by the combination of identification information displayed on the drums in each row. In the figure, 700 is the floodlight 5
91,591' and its floodlight 591,5
This is a light directing tube that imparts directivity to the output light beam from 91', and is provided on the rotating drum side of the frame. In the assembled state, the light receiver 59
A storage cylinder 702 in which 2,592' is stored is provided. Due to the function of this light directing tube 700, the output light beams projected from the projectors 591 and 591' are
Directivity is provided so that only the light receivers 592 and 592' are irradiated, and the light does not accidentally leak to other directions, so the light receiver may accidentally receive light from other directions. This has the advantage that false positives are less likely to occur. Furthermore, the light receivers 592, 59
2' is provided in the storage tube 702,
No unnecessary light enters from the side, and only regular light projected from the projectors 591, 591' is received, allowing accurate and reliable detection.

[0037] In the above embodiment, as an example of the variable display device 50, the rotating drum display mechanism 50A is used as an example of the variable display device 50.
Although a case is shown in which the segment display device 50B is integrally configured, only the rotating drum display mechanism 50A may be used. In addition, as another example of an electrically variable display device, display parts such as a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged in a ring shape, each light emitting diode is sequentially driven to display, and when the display drive is stopped, the display is A predetermined value may be given by a combination of the light emitting diode and the display state of the rotary drum display mechanism. Note that the rotating drum display mechanism 50A may be configured with an electrically variable display such as a digital display.

FIG. 12 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of this invention. In the configuration, the game control circuit 6
0, a rotary drum drive control circuit 61 for driving and controlling the rotary drum display mechanism 50A, a display drive control circuit 62 for variably displaying the segment display 50B, a specific game state detection circuit 63,
Passing ball detector 4 as an example of specific area passing ball detection means
5, a specific area passing ball detection means 64, and a drive control circuit 65 for driving the variable winning ball device 40 to open and close. As will be described later, this specific area passing ball detection means 64 detects the first state of the variable winning ball device based on the number of balls that have won during the initial first state of the variable winning ball device. The number of times that the repeat continuation control can be repeated again is determined, and the ball that has passed through a specific area formed in a part of the input prize opening 44 during the initial first state of the variable prize winning ball device The number of times the repeat continuation control can be executed may be determined based on the display result of the display device that is variably displayed based on the number of passing balls. In addition, the display results of the variable display device and the display device for determining the number of continuations at the time when the specific gaming state occurs, the display results of the display device for determining the number of continuations at the time when the hit ball enters the winning areas 3a to 3c, etc. The number of times the repeated continuation control can be executed may be determined.

[0039] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12,
The operation of this embodiment will be explained together with the specific circuit configuration shown in FIG. The player puts the pachinko balls borrowed from the ball rental machine into the ball waiting gutter 13, rotates the ball hitting handle 14 to adjust the strength of the ball, and then presses the ball hitting switch. Then, a ball hitting motor (not shown) is driven to rotate and a ball hitting pestle (not shown) is rotated intermittently to drive balls into the game board 1 one by one. In this way, when a player is playing a ball hitting game, the ball is hit into the safe holes 2a, 2c.
Alternatively, when a prize is won in either of the Yakumono 4a or 4b, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out for each winning ball, in the same manner as in conventional pachinko machines.

[0040] On the other hand, when the hit ball lands in any of the winning areas 3a to 3c, the winning ball detector 22 or 23 derives an output and provides it to the addition/subtraction counter 611 via the OR gate 610. In response, addition/subtraction counter 611 increments its count by one.
The count value of the addition/subtraction counter 611 is calculated by the comparison circuit 612.
given to. This comparison circuit 612 calculates the count value (n1) of the addition/subtraction counter 611 in response to the comparison command signal given from the AND gate 613.
is larger than 0 (n1<0), but the comparison operation is not performed unless a comparison command signal is given. This comparison command signal is generated when the motor drive circuit 614 is not rotating the motor 553 and when the start command switch 17
When s is pressed, it is derived from AND gate 613. Accordingly, when the count value of the addition/subtraction counter 611 is 1 or more, the comparator circuit 612 derives a variable display drive command signal and outputs the variable display drive command signal to the monostable multi 615.
give to In addition, in the case where the variable display is performed immediately upon detecting a winning ball without using the start command switch 17s, the output of the winning ball detector 22 or 23 becomes the variable display drive command signal.

[0041] The monostable multi 615 derives a pulse output for a certain period of time in response to the variable display command signal, and provides it to the motor drive circuit 614 and the solenoid drive circuit 616 as a drive command signal. Furthermore, the monostable multi 615 gives its output pulse as a reset signal to the ring counter 617,
It is given to the addition/subtraction counter 611 as a subtraction command signal. Then, the ring counter 617 is reset (ie, to 0). At the same time, the addition/subtraction counter 611 subtracts 1 from its count value. The motor drive circuit 614 instructs the motor 553 to rotate. Further, the solenoid drive circuit 616 controls the solenoids 56a, 56b, 56 of each column based on the count value of the ring counter 617 being 0.
energize c. As a result, each row of drums 51
Ratchet gears 52a~ fixed to a~51c
52c and the claw-like portions of the locking levers 58a to 58c are disengaged from each other. Therefore, the drums 51a to 51c in each row are rotationally driven by the rotational force of the motor 553.

[0042] At the same time, the monostable multi 61
5 sets a flip-flop 621 included in the display drive circuit 62. Accordingly,
AND gate 622 provides the output pulses of clock oscillator 623 to ring counter 624. The ring counter 624 cyclically counts numerical information from 0 to 9, and the counted value is sent to the decoder 62.
Give to 5. Decoder 625 is ring counter 6
Segment display 50B based on the count value of 24
Change the numerical information displayed in cyclically.

[0043] As described above, the drums 51a to 5
1c is rotationally driven and the segment display 50B
is being variably displayed, the player presses the stop command switch 17e so that the combination of display states of the drums 51a to 51c in each row is given a predetermined value. For example, when the stop command switch 17e is pressed once, the count value of the ring counter 617 becomes one. In response, the solenoid drive circuit 616
a is deenergized and solenoids 56b and 56c remain energized. Therefore, only the drum 51a is stopped. Similarly, at the timing when the player wants to stop the drum 51b, the stop command switch 17e is activated.
When pressed, the ring counter 617 sets its count value to 2. Accordingly, the solenoid drive circuit 61
6 deenergizes solenoid 56b. Therefore,
When the stop command switch 17e is pressed twice, the drums 51a and 51b are stopped and the drum 51c is stopped.
only remains rotationally driven. Further, when the player presses the stop command switch 17, the count value of the ring counter 617 becomes three. In response, the solenoid drive circuit 616
Deactivate c. In this way, each time the stop command switch 17e is pressed in sequence, the drums 51a, 51b, 51c in each row corresponding to the number of times the switch is pressed are sequentially stopped.

[0044] Furthermore, when the stop command switch 17e is pressed, the count value of the ring counter 617 becomes 4.
becomes. In response, the monostable multi 618 derives a pulse for a certain period of time and the flip-flop 6
21 is reset. Therefore, AND gate 622 is disabled and stops deriving clock pulses. Therefore, the ring counter 624 holds the immediately preceding count value, and provides the immediately preceding count value to the decoder 625 to display it on the segment display 50B. At the same time, the drum display state determination circuit 631 includes the output pulse of the monostable multi 618 as a determination command signal in the specific game state detection circuit 63.
and is applied to the combination display state determination circuit 632. This display state determination circuit 631 includes a light receiver 592 of a photoelectric sensor 59a that detects the through holes 513 of the drums 51a to 51c in each row, and
The light receiver 592' of the photoelectric sensor 59b detects 4.
The output of is given. Therefore, in response to a determination command signal, the display state determination circuit 631 determines the identification information of the drums 51a to 51c in each row displayed in the display windows 33a to 33c based on the outputs of the light receiving portions of the photoelectric sensors 59a and 59b. The combination display state determination circuit 63 uses the determination result to determine the combination of
Give to 2. This combination display state determination circuit 632
is given the output of the ring counter 624. Therefore, the combination display state determination circuit 6
32 is based on the fact that the combination of identification information displayed on the drums 51a to 51c in each row is a predetermined combination and that the numerical information displayed on the segment display 50B is predetermined numerical information. It is determined whether the device 40 has entered a specific gaming state in which it can be changed to the first state. If it is determined that the specific game state is present, the combination display state determination circuit 632 derives a high level signal and supplies it to the timer 652 via the OR gate 651. Accordingly, the timer 652 is set for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds).
During this time, the solenoid 462 is energized to open the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40. The specific game state detection circuit 63 selects the variable winning ball device as the first
A specific gaming state detection means is configured to detect the occurrence of a specific gaming state that can be changed to the state.

[0045] Furthermore, the combination display state determination circuit 6
32 is given to a timer 643 included in the specific area passing ball counting means 64. This timer 64
3 derives a high level for the same fixed time as the timer 652 and applies it to the AND gate 641. Therefore, the AND gate 641 is activated during the period when the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened for the first time after entering the specific gaming state as described above. At this time, when a ball enters the winning hole 44, the output of the passing ball detector 45 is output to the AND gate 64.
1 as the addition input of the addition/subtraction counter 642. Accordingly, the addition/subtraction counter 642 cumulatively counts the winning balls during the opening period of the opening/closing plate 42. Then, when the timer 652 times up, the solenoid 462 is deenergized.

[0046] Note that the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is not limited to the period when it is opened for the first time after determining the specific game state, but the opening/closing plate 42 is opened again in correlation with the number of balls won into the winning opening 44. To open the gate, the output of the timer 652 may be applied to the AND gate 641 instead of the timer 643.

[0047] After a certain period of time required to drive the variable winning ball device 40 from the output of the monostable multi 618, a delay circuit 619 derives a delay pulse and supplies it to the motor drive circuit 614 as a stop command signal. In response, the motor drive circuit 614 stops rotating the motor 553. In this way, by rotating the motor 553 even after the drums 51a to 51c in each row are stopped, the state in which the drums 51a to 51c in each row are urged counterclockwise continues. At this time, the ratchet gears of the drums in each row and the pawl-like portions of the locking levers remain engaged, so that vibrations of the pachinko machine or the like can cause the drums to reverse and reach a state where a certain value can be added. This has the advantage of preventing troubles between players and game hall attendants.

[0048] After a certain time delay from the time-up of the timer 652, the timer (or delay circuit) 65
3 derives a comparison command signal and supplies it to a comparison circuit 654. Accordingly, the comparison circuit 654 determines whether the count value (n2) of the addition/subtraction counter 642 is greater than 0. If it is greater than 0, it derives a pulse output and provides it to the timer 652 via the OR gate 651. In response to this, the timer 652 again energizes the solenoid 462 for a certain period of time to open the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40. At this time, the output of the comparison circuit 654 is differentiated by a differentiating circuit 655 and inputted as a subtraction command signal to the addition/subtraction counter 642. In response, addition/subtraction counter 642 subtracts one from its count. In this way, when the count value of the addition/subtraction counter 642 is 1 or more, the variable winning ball device 40 repeats based on this count value.
The opening/closing plate 42 is driven to open. In other words, when the combination of the identification information of the drums in each row and the display state of the segment display 50B reach a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 40 is first driven to open, and during that period, the variable winning ball device 40 is opened. The number of winning balls entered into the winning hole 44 of the device 40 is counted, and the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly opened and closed in correlation with the size of the number of winning balls. By the passing ball detector 45 and the specific area passing ball detection means 64, it is possible to carry out repeated and continuous control to change the variable winning ball device that has finished the first state to the first state again. A continuation number determining means is configured to determine the number of times based on the gaming state. In addition, the drive control circuit 6
5, the variable winning ball device is driven and controlled to the first state based on the detection output of the specific game state detection means, and then changed to the second state, and the variable winning ball device is in the second state. Drive control means is configured to perform repetitive continuation control to bring the vehicle into the first state again, and to terminate the repetitive continuation control when the number of continuations of the repetition reaches the number of times determined by the number of continuations determining means. ing. Because this repetitive and continuous control is performed, when the player succeeds in bringing the display state of the drums 51a to 51e in each row and the display state of the segment display 50B to a predetermined state, the player can win a variable prize. Depending on the number of winning balls during the initial opening period of the ball device 40, the number of openings of the variable prize winning ball device 40 can be further extended, giving an opportunity to win more prize balls. Furthermore, the addition/subtraction counter 642 may have an upper limit on its count value. In addition, the repetition continuation control is performed within the range of the number of times determined by the number of continuation number determining means on the condition that the hit ball passes through a specific area formed in a part of the winning hole 44 mentioned above. Good too. In this case, the first state of the variable winning ball device may be immediately terminated when the ball passes through a specific area, and the variable winning ball device may be brought into the second state, and then returned to the first state. After the first state of the variable winning ball device is ended based on the establishment of a predetermined end condition, the first state may be set again.

[0049] The variable winning ball device 40 is opened for a certain period of time by the solenoid 462, and the certain period is a certain period set by the timer 652 or when a predetermined number of balls are in the variable winning ball device. This can be either the period it takes to win a prize or the period until the expiry of both periods, whichever comes first.

[0050] By the way, the addition/subtraction counter 611
If is a count value of 1 or more, the rotating drum display mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B can be driven to display again. The operation in this case is performed by pressing the start command switch 17s, but since it is the same as the operation described above, the explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0051] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as an example of a specific game state, the variable display device 50 is provided, and the variable winning ball device is changed to a state advantageous to the player based on the display, or when the player is relatively winning. Although a case has been described in which a winning area that is difficult to play is formed, a ball that has won a prize in the winning area is detected, and the variable winning ball device is changed to a state advantageous to the player, various other specific game states are possible. Further, various other specific items may be provided and a specific game state may be set based on the state of the item.

[0025]

[Effects of the Invention] The present invention provides variability in the repeat continuation control, since the number of times the repeat continuation control can be executed is determined based on the gaming state and is not uniformly determined. This can further improve the fun of the game.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a variable winning ball/variable display device.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the variable winning ball/variable display device in an installed state.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the variable winning ball device.

FIG. 6 is a back view of the variable winning ball device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the variable display device.

FIG. 8 is an internal perspective view of the variable display device.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the variable display device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotating drum.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotating drum.

[Figure 12] It is a circuit diagram of the game control circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 is a pachinko game machine that is an example of a pinball game machine, 31 is a mounting plate as a mounting board, 32 is an opening as a winning opening, 42 is an opening/closing plate that is an example of a movable member, 40 is a variable winning ball device, 35 is a frame member that is an example of an obstacle member and a protection member; 50B is a segment indicator that is an example of an electrical indicator;
a is the prize opening, 800a, 800b are the collision surfaces, 64
Reference numeral 65 indicates a specific area passing ball detection means, and 65 a drive control circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A pinball game machine in which a game is played by hitting a ball into a game area, comprising: a first state provided in the game area that is advantageous to the player; A variable winning ball device that can change to a second state that is particularly disadvantageous; and a specific gaming state that detects the occurrence of a specific gaming state that can change the variable winning ball device to a first state. a detecting means; and a continuation number determination unit that determines the possible number of times that the repeat continuation control for changing the variable winning ball device that has finished the first state to the first state again is possible based on the gaming state. and a variable winning ball device which controls the drive of the variable winning ball device to a first state based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detection device, and then changes the variable winning ball device to a second state, and is in the second state. drive control means that executes repeated continuation control to bring the device into the first state again and terminates the repeated continuation control when the number of repeated continuations reaches the number determined by the number of continuations determining means; A pinball game machine comprising: