JP2000107407A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve an effective utilization of a space and a less complication. SOLUTION: A pachinko machine 1 is provided with an outer frame 2 and a front frame 3 and a glass door frame 4 is openably mounted on the front inner circumference of the front frame 3. A game board 5 is detachably mounted on the rear of the front frame 3. An ordinary prize port 6, a variable prize device 7, a working port 8, a variable display device 9 and the like are arranged on the front of the game board 5. A tank for storing game balls is provided at a rear upper part of the pachinko machine 1. The game balls B guided to a ball delivery device from the tank are delivered by a specified number each passing through a roughly linear game ball path. A wire is disposed along the game ball path.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko machine for playing a game using a game ball.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as one type of gaming machine, a pachinko machine equipped with a special symbol display device (variable display device) for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and the like in a predetermined arrangement is known. .

[0003] In this kind of pachinko machine, according to the display symbol (stop symbol) when the variable display is stopped on the variable display device, a "special game state" which is in a state advantageous to the player after reaching the reach state, A "disengagement reach state" in which the special game state is not set after passing through the state, or a "disengagement state" which does not go through the reach state and does not change to the special game state is generated. The stop symbols include a special game symbol (big hit symbol) for generating a special game state, a detachable reach symbol for generating a detached reach, and a detached symbol for generating a detached state.

In such a pachinko machine, a game ball is
By prize-winning the operation port provided below the variable display device, the variable display device starts the variable display of symbols. Further, a stop symbol corresponding to the game situation is selected from the special game symbol, the off-reach symbol, and the off symbol, and the variable display is stopped at the selected stop symbol. Then, when the player stops at the big hit symbol, the special variable winning device is switched so as to be in an advantageous state (big hit state) for the player. More specifically, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls by opening a special winning port provided at a lower portion of the operating port or the like.

When a game ball wins a winning opening (including an operating opening and a general winning opening, etc.) including such a large winning opening, a ball provided on the back side of the pachinko machine main body based on the fact. The dispensing device is activated. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, on the back side of the pachinko machine main body 101,
A mechanism panel 102 is rotatably mounted on the side. The mechanical panel 102 is provided with a prize ball collecting section (not shown) for guiding game balls (prize balls) which have won various prize holes, and a tank 103 is provided at an upper portion thereof. This tank 103 is for storing game balls that are appropriately refilled by a ball refilling device (not shown) provided above the pachinko machine. And the tank 103
The game balls stored in the tank 1
03 is provided to a tank rail 104 provided below.

[0006] The mechanism board 102 is provided with a ball payout device 105 connected to the tank rail 104. The ball payout device 105 is configured to provide a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls) arranged in a line (or a plurality of lines) based on a control signal from a controller (for example, when a prize hole is won in a general winning opening and a starting winning opening). Are paid out to the upper tray (or lower tray in some cases) on the front side of the pachinko machine main body 101 via a supply passage (not shown).

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, there is room for improvement as described below. That is, in recent years, the variable display device 106 has been provided with a liquid crystal screen or the like, and a large-sized one is mainly used.

[0008] The variable display device 106 includes a mechanism panel 10
2 is provided so as to protrude from the center opening to the back side, and a accessory cover 107 is provided therein (only the accessory cover 107 is shown in the figure). As a matter of course, if the liquid crystal screen or the like on the front side becomes large, the back side portion (government cover 107) of the variable display device 106 protruding from the mechanism panel 102 must be large. However, conventionally, the ball payout device 105, the tank 103, the tank rail 104, and the like are provided around the variable display device 106 (the accessory cover 107). This was an obstacle in increasing the size. In addition to providing the variable display device 106 as well as other devices, effective utilization of space on the back side of the pachinko machine main body 101 is actually desired.

Further, since each of these devices is provided at a position separated from each other, a passage (path) for connecting them is required, so that useless space is used even if the passage exists. Had become.

At the same time, a large number of wires (not shown) are generally provided on the back side of the pachinko machine main body 101. These wirings are provided for electrically connecting various boards (main board, firing control board, payout control board, power supply board, relay board, etc.) provided on the back side of the pachinko machine main body 101. . Conventionally, these wirings are provided in a complicated manner, and the existence of the wirings depends on the various devices 1.
03, 104, 105, 106, etc.
This would add to the complexity of the back side of the pachinko machine main body 101.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a game machine for playing games using a game ball, in which the space on the back side of the game machine is effectively utilized and complicated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing the game.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tank for storing game balls, and a tank is provided for or near the tank. A game machine provided with a unit integrated with a ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls stored in the tank on the back side of the game machine main body, wherein the ball payout device and the game The gist of the invention is to provide a ball passage through which a game ball can flow down substantially linearly, and an electric wiring provided along the ball passage, which is connected to a ball payout opening of the machine body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the electric wiring electrically connects an upper portion and a lower portion of a back side of the gaming machine main body. Is the gist.

(Operation) According to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, game balls are stored in the tank. The game balls stored in the tank are paid out by a predetermined number by a ball payout device.

In the present invention, the ball dispensing device is provided to the tank or in the vicinity of the tank (at the outlet), and is a unit as a whole. For this reason, since there are no tank rails or other passages for aligning the game balls, the overall size is reduced.

Further, the game ball can flow down substantially linearly from the ball dispensing device to the ball dispensing outlet of the game machine main body through the ball passage. Therefore, depending on the existence of the ball passage, the arrangement of other devices or the like is hardly hindered. Further, since the electric wiring is provided along the ball path, the wiring is not provided in a crossed manner, and the rear surface side of the gaming machine main body is orderly.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the function of the invention described in claim 1, the electric wiring is for electrically connecting the upper part and the lower part on the back side of the gaming machine main body. Therefore, the electric wiring is provided substantially in a straight line, and the above operation is more reliably achieved.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which a gaming machine according to the present invention is embodied as a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 has an outer frame 2 and a front frame 3, and a glass door having a transparent glass plate attached to a front inner periphery of the front frame 3. The frame 4 is provided to be freely opened and closed.

The rear side of the front frame 3 (behind the glass door frame 4,
A middle plate M (FIG. 2, FIG. 10)
The game board 5 is detachably mounted on the middle plate M. On the front surface of the game board 5, a normal winning port 6, a variable winning device 7, an operating port 8, a variable display device 9, an inner rail 10A, an outer rail 10B and the like are arranged. Here, the inner rail 10A and the outer rail 10B
Is a guide member for guiding the game ball B fired by the game ball firing device U to the upper portion of the game board 5. Also,
The front frame 3 is provided with an upper tray 12 and a lower tray 13 (these trays constitute a dispensing tray).

The variable display device 9 includes a liquid crystal display (L)
CD). On the display screen, three display columns of a left symbol column, a middle symbol column, and a right symbol column are displayed. Each symbol row is composed of multiple symbols,
These symbols are scrolled for each symbol row and displayed on the display screen.

The variable winning device 7 is normally in a state where the game ball B cannot be won or is hardly won. More specifically, the symbol of the variable display device 9 disposed at the center of the game board 5 fluctuates randomly based on the winning of the game ball B to the operating port 8. Then, on condition that the stopped symbols are a specific combination, the special winning opening of the variable winning device 7 is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times so that the gaming ball B is in a state where it is easy to win (big hit state). It is configured.

The game ball B fired by the game ball launching device U is guided to the upper part of the game board 5 and then the game board 5
Fall along the surface. At this time, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 12 (in some cases, the lower tray 13) based on the gaming balls B winning in the general winning opening 6, the variable winning device 7, and the operating opening 8. It has become. In the present embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out to the general prize opening 6 and the working port 8 is 6 / prize ball, and the number of prize balls paid out to the variable prize device 7 is 15 / prize ball. It is. However, these are only examples, and are not limited to the above numerical values.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, the variable display device 9 is provided in a protruding state, and an accessory cover 11 is provided there. Only the cover 11 is shown). The accessory cover 1
1, the main board 1 is provided on the back surface of the game board 5.
4 are provided.

Further, a control circuit mounting plate 15 is rotatably mounted on the middle plate M at the side (right side in the figure) of the middle plate M at a slightly lower center on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The control circuit mounting plate 15 is provided with a firing control board 16, a payout control board 17, a power supply board 18, and the like.

At the same time, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there is provided a mechanism for paying out game balls B (prize balls or lending balls) to the player. In the present embodiment, since the payout mechanism has a feature, the mechanism will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a tank 21 for storing game balls B is provided on the upper rear side of the pachinko machine 1. The bottom of the tank 21 is an inclined surface, and the game ball B is guided toward a side (right side in the figure: opposite to a general pachinko machine).
Further, on the back side of the bottom portion, a tank inside ball detection sensor 22 for detecting whether or not the game ball B is stored in the tank 21 is provided. The in-tank ball detection sensor 22 is constituted by a flat switch (proximity switch), and outputs an ON signal when the game ball B exists above the sensor 22 and an OFF signal when the game ball B does not exist. The output is output to the payout control board 17. When the off signal is output, the driving of the step motor 33 described later is stopped, and the payout of the game balls B is not performed. Further, in some cases, it is determined that it is necessary to refill the game balls B in the tank 21, and a replenishment signal of the game balls B is output to a ball replenishing device (not shown).

A ball payout device 23 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls B stored in the tank 21 is provided adjacent to the side of the tank 21. In the present embodiment, the tank 21 and the ball dispensing device 23
Are integrated into a tank unit TU.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tank unit TU has a metal fitting 24 on its front side (player side). Then, as shown in FIG.
, The tank unit TU is fixedly attached to the middle plate M. Note that the mounting bracket 24 has an inverted leg portion 2 that projects upward.
6 are integrally formed. The inverted leg 26 is attached to the outer frame 2.
Extends to the very edge of the inner circumference. Thereby, even when the pachinko machine 1 is placed upside down, for example, during transportation of the pachinko machine 1, the inverted leg portion 26 is supported against the inner peripheral surface of the outer frame 2, and the front frame 3 is moved relative to the outer frame 2. The situation that it shifts is avoided.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, both sides of the tank unit TU are auxiliaryly fixed to the middle plate M by locking members (members whose locking portions at the distal ends are swelled and locked by pressing). .

Now, as shown in FIG.
Is composed of a premium ball payout unit 28 and a rental ball payout unit 29. The prize ball payout unit 28 operates when the gaming ball B wins the various winning ports 6, 7, and 8 as described above. On the other hand, the ball lending payout unit 29 operates when a predetermined number of ball lending is paid out to a player when a prepaid card or the like is used (for example, 25 ball lending for every 100 yen investment). Is done).

The dispensing sections 28 and 29 have the same structure, and as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9, the dispensing sections 28 and 29 include a screw 31, a shaft 32, and a stepping motor (hereinafter referred to as a stepping motor). , Step motor) 33
And so on. The screws 31 are arranged as shown in the figure, and are usually rotated inward (to face each other). The step motor 33 is connected to the CPU 17 a of the payout control board 17.
The screw 31 can be rotated forward and backward at a plurality of speeds based on a pulse output from the motor (see FIG. 13). The screw 31 (rotating body)
The shaft 32 is pivotally supported on the side opposite to the step motor 33. Thus, the weight of the game ball B prevents the portion of the step motor 33 that supports the screw 31 from being overloaded.

A spiral projection is integrally formed on the outer periphery of the screw 31, and the game ball B is guided between the projections. In addition, the rotation of the screw 31 moves the game ball B that can come into contact with the convex portion and many game balls B above and upstream of the game ball B (collapsed), thereby causing problems such as ball biting and ball clogging. Is prevented. That is, the screw 31, the step motor 3
The ball breaking mechanism for smoothly paying out the game balls B is constituted by 3 and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, at the payout outlets of the payout portions 28 and 29 of the ball payout device 23, pass detection sensors 34 for detecting the passage of the game balls B are provided. I have. The passage detection sensor 34 is also configured by a proximity switch, similarly to the in-tank ball detection sensor 22, and outputs an ON signal to the CPU 17a of the payout control board 17 each time the game ball B passes through each payout exit. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game balls are connected by connecting the payout outlets of the payout portions 28 and 29 of the ball payout device 23 and the opening (forming the payout) 12a of the upper tray 12. A passage is provided, and the game ball passage is mainly constituted by a coil spring 35. The coil spring 3
Numeral 5 is provided corresponding to each of the payout portions 28 and 29 as shown in FIG. Further, the coil spring 35 is connected to the upper end side (each of the payout portions 28 and 29).
Side) has a larger diameter, and the lower end has a smaller diameter. For this reason, when the game ball B falls from each of the payout portions 28 and 29, it hits a part of the periphery in the middle of the coil spring 35 and falls spirally while rotating from there, resulting in a falling speed. It is weakened (the increase of the falling speed is suppressed). Further, a foreign substance such as a nail can be dropped from a gap between the coil springs 35.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the pair of coil springs 35 are held at upper and lower positions by clamps 36 and 37 as holding means. These clamps 36 and 37 have a tank unit TU (tank 2).
A plurality of wirings 39 extending from the relay board 38 mounted on the side of 1) are inserted, and the wirings 39 are connected to the payout control board 17. Thereby, the wiring 3
Numeral 9 is provided substantially linearly along the coil spring 35.

Further, a ground wire 41 for grounding is connected to the lower clamp 37, and the generation of static electricity in the vicinity of the coil spring 35 is suppressed by the ground wire 41. For this reason, malfunction of the various substrates 14, 16, 17, and 18 due to static electricity and electric shock when the player touches the game ball B are prevented.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG.
Is full of game balls B and the opening 12a is closed, the game balls B that have passed through the coil spring 35 are opened in the lower tray 13 (which also constitutes a payout port). ) 13a.

In the present embodiment, in order to detect the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 that changes according to the operation of the player, the gaming board 5 includes:
Various detection sensors are mounted. For example, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the normal winning opening 6 has a detection sensor 6a for detecting that the game ball B has passed through the normal winning opening 6.
However, a detection sensor 7a for detecting that the game ball B has passed through the special winning opening is provided in the passage behind the special winning opening of the variable winning device 7, and the operating ball 8 is provided with the operating ball A detection sensor 8a for detecting that the vehicle has passed through the sensor 8 is provided. The pachinko machine 1 also has a ball rental unit K
U is provided, and various signals (for example, a ball lending instruction signal and the like) are output from the ball lending unit KU by a player's operation (insertion of a prepaid card, button operation, etc.).

In the present embodiment, the main board 14 is provided with a variable prize device 7 and an opening / closing blade for the operating port 8 based on the detection results of the detection sensors 6a to 8a and a signal from the ball lending unit KU. The drive of the solenoid, the variable display device 9, the step motor 33 and the like are controlled. The main board 14 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 14a, a read-only memory (ROM) 14b, and a random access memory (R).
AM) 14c and the like.

The ROM 14b stores a predetermined control program and initial data in advance, and the CPU 14a
Various calculation processes are executed according to the control program 4b and the like. The RAM 14c is provided with a command buffer and a command counter. The command buffer is a buffer for temporarily storing various control data. The command counter is a counter that indicates the number of control data transmitted to various output devices (peripheral devices) such as the variable display device 9. The control data written in the command buffer is transmitted to various output devices such as the variable display device 9 one byte at a time by one timer interrupt process. The number of the control data to be transmitted is indicated by a command counter. It is.

The RAM 14c also has a random number counter for determining the occurrence of a jackpot. This random number counter is updated by one count every 2 ms, for example, within a predetermined range (for example, “0” to “199”) by a random number update process executed by the CPU 14a.

The CPU 14a, ROM 14b, R
The AMs 14c are connected to each other via a bus line 14d. The bus line 14d is connected to the input / output port 1
4e. This input / output port 14e
It is electrically connected to the payout control board 17 and the like (including the launch control board 16, the power supply board 18, the relay board 38, and the like) via connectors and wiring. Also, the main board 14
Are connected to the detection sensors 6a, 7a, 8a and the like directly or via a relay board or the like. That is, the main board 14 includes the detection sensors 6a,
Based on winning signals and the like input from 7a, 8a, etc., various operation signals (operation commands) such as control data are sent to various output devices and the payout control board 17 via the input / output port 14e. It drives and controls each device, the payout control board 17, and the like.

Similarly, the payout control board 17
It includes a PU 17a, a ROM 17b, a RAM 17c, a bus line 17d, an input / output port 17e, and the like. The input / output port 17e is connected to the input / output port 14e of the main board 14, and also connected to the in-tank ball detection sensor 23 and the ball passage sensor 34. Further, the input / output port 17e is also connected to the step motor 33. RAM 17c of payout control board 17
Temporarily stores the control data sent from the CPU 14a of the main board 14, and the CPU 17a reads out and executes the contents of the stored data at a predetermined timing (for example, every 2 ms) (step motor 33).
Drive control etc.).

For example, when one game ball B wins in the operating port 8, the CPU 14a of the main board pays out control data indicating that one premium ball (game ball B) should be paid out once. The data is output to the substrate 17 and the RAM 17c stores the data. When two game balls B are won in the big winning opening of the variable winning device 7, the CPU of the main board
14a outputs control data to the effect that payout of 15 prize balls (game balls B) should be performed twice to the payout control board 17 (control data of one payout may be output twice). Then, the control data of two payouts may be output at one time), and the RAM 17c stores the data. further,
When a request for a lending ball of, for example, 500 yen is made by a player's operation, the CPU 14a of the main board 14 pays out control data indicating that 25 premium balls (game balls B) should be paid out five times. It is output to the control board 17 (the control data of one payout may be output five times, or the control data of five payouts may be output at one time), and the RAM 17c
Stores that data. Then, the CPU 17a reads out the data at a predetermined timing, and controls the drive of the stepping motor 33 so as to pay out 6, 15 or 25 pieces. In addition, the tank detection sensor 2
2 outputs an off signal, the CPU 17a
Controls the drive of the step motor 33 to stop.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show such a CPU.
It is a flowchart which shows the "step motor control routine" as an example of the payout control of the game ball B generally performed among the controls performed by 17a. This routine is executed by interruption every predetermined time.

When the processing shifts to this routine, the CPU
First, in step S101, the RAM 17c
It is determined whether or not there is payout storage data. In addition,
Here, the stored data includes 6 game balls B as prize balls.
In the case of individual payout, one game ball B is also used as a prize ball.
There are a case where five pieces are paid out and a case where 25 game balls B as a rental ball are paid out.

If there is no stored data, the CP
U17a temporarily ends the subsequent processing without performing any control.

If there is stored data, the speed of the step motor 33 is set to "high speed" in step S102, and the step motor 33 is driven in step S103. More specifically, a motor pulse (for high speed) is output to one of the step motors 33. With this output, the step motor 33
Is driven at a high speed, and one of the screws 31 rotates at a high speed. Then, the game balls B stored in the tank 21 are dispensed one by one from the premium ball dispensing unit 28 or the ball rental dispensing unit 29.

Further, in step S104, the value of the timer counter T1 is reset to "0" and the counting is started.

In step S105, the current value of the timer counter T1 is set to a predetermined time t.
It is determined whether or not 2 has been exceeded. When the value of the timer counter T1 exceeds the predetermined time t2, it is determined that it is difficult to smoothly pay out the game balls B as it is, and the process shifts to step S106. In step S106, the CPU 17a stops driving the step motor 33, and performs error processing in step S107. More specifically, a ball jam lamp is turned on or an error screen is displayed on the variable display device 9 to notify a player and a person concerned (a staff member, etc.) of the game arcade, and the processing is temporarily interrupted.

Further, the CPU 17a determines in step S10
At 8, it is determined whether or not the error release condition is satisfied by detecting the payout of the game ball B, turning on a reset switch (not shown), or the like. Then, the processing is repeated as long as the cancellation condition is not satisfied.

If the error release condition is satisfied, the timer counter T is re-started in step S109.
The value of 1 is reset to "0" and the counting is started. Then, in the subsequent step S110, the step motor 33 is driven at the currently set speed (in this case, at a high speed). Then, step S1 is performed again.
Shift to 05.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S105, that is, if the value of the timer counter T1 has not yet exceeded the predetermined time t2, step S11 is executed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the current value of the timer counter T1 has exceeded a predetermined time t1 (t1 <t2). Then, the value of the timer counter T1 reaches a predetermined time t.
If it does not exceed 1, the process proceeds to step S113. Further, the value of the timer counter T1 is equal to a predetermined time t.
If it exceeds 1, it is determined that some trouble may have occurred in the ball collapse in the tank 21 and step S1
At 12, the step motor 33 is rotated reversely by a predetermined rotation (for example, three rotations). As a result, a different stimulus is applied to the game balls B stored in the tank 21 than before, and more reliable ball collapse is performed. Then, after the reverse rotation, step S113
Move to.

After shifting from step S111 or step S112, in step S113, it is determined whether or not the current game ball B has been detected based on the detection result of the ball passage sensor 34. If no detection has been made, the process returns to step S105. When the game ball B is detected, the value of the timer counter T1 is reset to "0" again and the counting is started in step S114.

Further, in the subsequent step S115, the current payout number C (C is cleared to “0” when the specified payout number i is reached) is obtained by subtracting “2” from the specified payout number i. Is determined. For example, if the prescribed payout number i is “15”, the payout number C
Is determined to be “13”.

If the current payout number C has not yet reached the value obtained by subtracting "2" from the prescribed payout number i, the process returns to step S105.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S115, that is, if the current payout number C has reached a value obtained by subtracting "2" from the prescribed payout number i, the flow proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the drive speed of the step motor 33 is set to "low speed" so that the final payout number C exactly matches the prescribed payout number i. That is, a low-speed motor pulse is output to the step motor 33. With this output, the driving speed of the step motor 33 becomes slower than before, and the rotation speed of the screw 31 decreases. Thereby, the game balls B are paid out more slowly than before.

Further, in the following step S117,
It is determined whether or not the current payout number C has reached the prescribed payout number i. For example, when the prescribed payout number i is “15”, it is determined whether the payout number C has become “15”.

If the current payout number C has reached the specified payout number i, the step motor 33 is stopped in step S118 (payout is stopped). At this time, since the rotation speed of the screw 31 up to that time is relatively low, the payout number C does not exceed the specified payout number i when the step motor 33 is stopped. Then, the CPU 17a temporarily ends the subsequent processing.

If the current payout number C has not yet reached the prescribed payout number i, step S105 is repeated.
Move to.

Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.

According to the present embodiment, the ball payout device 23
Are provided integrally with the tank 21 to form a tank unit TU as a whole. For this reason, since there are no tank rails or other passages for aligning the game balls B, the overall size is reduced.

The tank unit TU is located on the upper rear side of the game board 5, so that the ball payout device 23 is also located on the upper side. Further, the payout outlets of the payout portions 28 and 29 of the ball payout device 23 and the opening 12a of the upper tray 12
The game ball passage (coil spring 35) for connecting with the pachinko machine 1 is arranged substantially linearly on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. For this reason, the space on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 becomes very large as compared with the related art in which a ball payout device provided with a mechanism for aligning game balls is provided on the side. As a result, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, for example, the variable display device 9 can be increased in size, and the effective use of unprecedented space can be achieved.

In addition, the mechanism panel, which was conventionally required, is not required, and the control circuit mounting plate 15 having a relatively small area provided with the firing control board 16, the dispensing control board 17, the power supply board 18 and the like is mounted on the middle plate M. I decided that. Therefore, the above-described operation and effect can be more reliably achieved.

Further, each payout section 28 of the ball payout device 23,
The game ball passage connecting the payout outlet 29 and the opening 12a of the upper tray 12 is mainly constituted by the coil spring 35. For this reason, the final falling speed of the game ball B can be reduced, and damage to components can be suppressed. In particular, since the diameter of the coil spring 35 becomes smaller toward the lower end, the above-described operation and effect are more reliably achieved. Furthermore, even if a foreign substance such as a nail exists between a large number of game balls B, the foreign substance such as a nail can be dropped from a gap between the coil springs 35. Further, since the coil spring 35 has flexibility and elasticity, the payout outlets of the payout portions 28 and 29 of the ball payout device 23 and the opening 12 of the upper tray 12 are provided.
Even if a slight misalignment occurs with respect to a, the misalignment can be absorbed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, in addition, a pair of coil springs 35 are clamped at a plurality of locations.
7 was used. Therefore, the payout of a plurality of patterns (the payout of the premium ball and the payout of the rental ball in the present embodiment) becomes possible, and the mounting state can be stabilized.

A plurality of wires 39 are inserted through the clamps 36 and 37. More specifically,
The wiring 39 is provided along the game ball path. Therefore, at least the wires 39 are not provided in an interlaced manner, and the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is orderly, so that it is possible to further prevent complication.

Furthermore, a ground wire 41 for grounding is connected to the lower clamp 37. For this reason,
Malfunctions of the various substrates 14, 16, 17, and 18 due to static electricity and electric shock when the player touches the game ball B can be prevented, and discomfort to the player can be eliminated.

In addition, the ball dispensing device 23 and the tank 21 are integrated into a tank unit TU, which is mounted on the middle plate M. Therefore, the mounting operation can be significantly simplified.

In addition, on the back side of the bottom of the tank 21, a sphere detecting sensor 22 composed of a flat switch (proximity switch) is provided. For this reason, compared with the prior art in which the presence or absence of a game ball is detected based on the weight of the game ball (many parts such as a plate, a rotating shaft, and a sensor are required), the lower portion of the tank 21 is remarkable. Space saving can be achieved. As a result, the above-described advantageous effect that the space can be effectively utilized can be further ensured.

Conventionally, the ball payout device needs to be provided with a sensor for preventing emptying (a sensor for preventing the motor from being driven despite the lack of balls). On the other hand, in the present invention, the tank 21 and the ball dispensing device 23 are integrated to form the tank unit TU, and the in-tank ball detection sensor 22 is provided at the bottom of the tank 21. Can be omitted.

Further, since the ball dispensing device 23 of the present embodiment is provided with a ball-breaking mechanism, it is not necessary to arrange the game balls in a line as in the prior art, and it is not necessary to provide members such as tank rails. Inconveniences such as ball biting and ball clogging can be almost surely prevented. In particular, in the present embodiment, the screw 31 is rotated in the reverse direction in the case where some trouble occurs in the breaking of the ball. For this reason, the above-described operation and effect are more reliable.

At the same time, the mounting bracket 2 of the tank unit TU
4 is provided with an inverted leg 26. For this reason,
Even if the pachinko machine 1 is placed upside down, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the front frame 3 is shifted with respect to the outer frame 2.

The present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and may be carried out, for example, as follows without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(A) In the above embodiment, the screw 31
Are arranged as shown in FIG. 5 and normally rotate inward, but may be arranged as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 (FIG. 16).
, Both the screws 31 rotate toward the front side of the pachinko machine 1, and in FIG. 17, the screws 31 both rotate toward the outside). Further, the rotation direction is not limited at all.

(B) In the above embodiment, the tank 21 and the ball discharging device 23 are integrated to form the tank unit TU. However, a ball discharging device may be provided near the tank, and these may be used as the tank unit.

(C) In the above embodiment, the ball payout device 2
Although the screw 31, the shaft 32, and the step motor 33 are employed as the constituent elements of 3, the screw and the shaft may be integrated. Further, another rotating body may be used. Further, other driving means may be used instead of the step motor.

(D) In the above embodiment, the tank unit TU is mounted on the middle plate M mainly by the mounting bracket 24. However, the tank unit TU may be mounted by other means. Further, it may be provided on members other than the middle plate M (for example, the front frame 3, the outer frame 2, and the game board 5).

(E) In the above embodiment, the ball payout device 2
The game ball passage connecting the payout outlets of the payout portions 28 and 29 of FIG.
However, it may be constituted by other means (a simple tube, a tube having a projection inside, a bellows-shaped hose, etc.).

(F) In the above embodiment, other switches (mechanical switches, optical switches, etc.) may be employed as the sphere detection sensor 22 and the ball passage sensor 34 in the tank.

(G) A separate sensor for preventing emptying may be provided.

(H) The inverted leg 26 may be omitted.

(I) The ground wire 41 for grounding may be omitted. Further, the clamps 36 and 37 may be fixed to the middle plate M or the like. With such a configuration, the mounting state can be further stabilized.

(J) The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type different from the above embodiment. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine without the variable display device 9 or the like, or a pachinko machine having another accessory. Further, the present invention can be applied to a game machine such as a sparrow ball and an arrangement ball in addition to a pachinko machine.

(J) A means other than a clamp (for example, a band, a wire, a string, rubber, etc.) may be employed as the gripping means.

(K) Wiring (electrical wiring) other than those described in the above embodiment may be provided along the game ball path.

The technical ideas that are not described in the claims but can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described below.

(1) The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the electric wiring is supported so as to be difficult or inseparable from the ball passage at at least one place.

(2) In the gaming machine described in the above item (1), the ball passage is composed of a plurality of ball passages, and the game ball passages are bundled by grasping means, and the ball passage is formed by the grasping means. A gaming machine characterized in that it also holds electric wiring.

(3) Claims 1 and 2;
(2) In the gaming machine according to (2), the tank is located at an upper portion on the back side of the gaming machine body.

(4) Claims 1 and 2 and the above additional notes (1) to
The gaming machine according to (3), wherein the ball passage has at least one of flexibility and elasticity.

(5) The gaming machine according to the above (4), wherein the ball passage is constituted by a spring.

(6) Claims 1 and 2 and the above supplementary notes (1) to
(5) The gaming machine according to (5), wherein the ball payout device includes a ball breaking mechanism for smoothly paying out game balls.

(7) In the gaming machine described in the above supplementary note (6), the ball-smashing mechanism includes a rotating body having blades for moving a game ball, and a driving means (step) for rotating the rotating body. A game machine).

(8) The gaming machine according to the above (7), wherein the rotating body is rotatable forward and backward.

(9) The gaming machine according to the above (8), wherein the rotating body is a screw.

(10) The gaming machine according to any one of supplementary notes (7) to (9), wherein a portion of the rotating body opposite to the driving means is pivotally supported.

(11) Claims 1 and 2, and the above additional notes (1) to
The gaming machine according to (10), wherein a downstream side of the tank is provided on the same side as the ball payout opening.

(12) Claims 1 and 2 and the supplementary notes (1) to
(10) The gaming machine according to (10), wherein a payout portion of the ball payout device is provided on the same side as the payout port.

(13) Claims 1 and 2, and the above additional notes (1) to
(12) In the gaming machine described in (12), the ball passage and the gripping means are made of a conductive material, and at least one of the electric wires is a ground wire, and the ground wire is fixed to the gripping means or the ball passage. A gaming machine characterized by being made.

(14) Claims 1 and 2 and the above additional notes (1) to
(13) The gaming machine according to (13), wherein a downstream inner diameter of the ball passage is smaller than an upstream inner diameter.

(15) Claims 1 and 2 and the additional notes (1) to
(13) The gaming machine according to (13), wherein the ball passage includes an acceleration suppressing unit for suppressing acceleration of the gaming ball.

[0103]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
In a gaming machine that plays a game using a gaming ball, an excellent effect of effectively utilizing a space on the back side of the gaming machine and suppressing complication can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a pachinko machine.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the tank unit (view from the front of the pachinko machine).

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view showing the ball payout device.

6 is a diagram showing a ball payout device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a view showing the operation of the ball dispensing device, and is an illustration of A
It is a figure corresponding to the -A line sectional drawing.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the ball payout device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 2;

9 is a view showing the ball payout device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 2;

10A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 2 illustrating a mounting state of the tank unit, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mounting method of the tank unit.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the pachinko machine showing a coil spring and the like.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 11 showing a clamp and the like.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a main board, a payout control board, and the like.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a “step motor control routine” executed by the CPU of the payout control board.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a “step motor control routine”;

FIG. 16 is a partial plan view showing a ball payout device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a partial plan view showing a ball payout device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a rear view showing a pachinko machine according to the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 2 ... Outer frame, 3 ... Front frame, 5 ... Game board, 6 ... Normal winning opening, 7 ... Variable winning device,
8 ... working port, 9 ... variable display device, 12 ... upper tray, 13 ...
Lower tray, 14: Main board, 17: Dispensing control board, 21
... Tank, 22 ... In-tank ball detection sensor, 23 ... Ball payout device, 28 ... Premium ball payout part, 29 ... Ball rental payout part, 31 ...
Screw, 33: Step motor, 34: Ball passing sensor, 35: Coil spring, 36, 37 ... Clamp, 39 ...
Wiring, 41 ... ground wire. 14a, 17a CPU, 14
b, 17b: ROM, 14c, 17c: RAM, B: game ball, U: game ball launcher, M: middle plate, TU
... Tank unit.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A tank for storing game balls, and a ball dispensing device provided for or near the tank for dispensing a predetermined number of game balls stored in the tank. A game machine provided with a unit formed on the back side of a game machine main body, wherein the ball payout device is connected to a ball payout port of the game machine main body, and the game ball can flow down substantially linearly. A gaming machine comprising: a ball passage; and electric wiring provided along the ball passage. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the electric wiring electrically connects an upper portion and a lower portion of a back surface side of the gaming machine body.