JP2001224767A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine which can widely vary a moving passage of a game ball within a game area by devising ball hitting to heighten player's interest in a game. SOLUTION: This pinball game machine 1 is equipped with a game board 13 to from a game area for moving a game ball and a ball shooting device 10 to discharge a game ball into the game area correspondingly to an operation input to an operation means 17. The discharging direction of the shooting device 1 is made changeable so that a ball is discharged in both directions of mutually different plural discharging directions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a ball game machine capable of firing game balls from a plurality of directions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A ball-and-ball game machine such as a pachinko machine has an operation member such as a handle operated by a player, and a game ball is launched into a game area at a firing speed corresponding to an operation input to the operation member. Launching device.

In a game hall, a ball rental machine is provided between a plurality of pachinko machines to supply a rental ball to a launching device of an adjacent pachinko machine.

[0004] Normally, an operating member is arranged at the player's hand with respect to a game area close to the player's eyes. By operating this operating member with one hand, a game ball is launched toward the game area. It is supposed to be.

[0005]

However, in the conventional ball game machine, since the launch direction of the game ball and the exit position of the launch passage opened to the game area are fixed,
The movement (flowing) route of the game ball in the game area and the range in which the route changes cannot be greatly changed, and the game using the game ball tends to be monotonous. In addition, in a game state in which it is advantageous to launch a game ball (eg, right-handed) biased to a specific area in the game area, if a message to that effect is displayed to the player, the display is understood by a beginner. There was also a problem that it was difficult to enjoy the game sufficiently.

[0006] On the other hand, for example, switching of the firing path such as changing the exit height of the firing path can be considered. However, only a change that is not much different from adjustment of the firing speed by operating the steering wheel can be expected. The movement route cannot be changed significantly.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine which can enhance the interest of a game by greatly changing the movement path of a game ball in a game area and can be enjoyed even by a beginner. .

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a game board for forming a game area for moving a game ball, and a game ball in the game area in response to an operation input to operation means. And a launching device that launches, in a ball-and-ball game machine equipped with the launching device, the launching direction of the launching device can be switched so that the gaming ball can be launched in each of a plurality of different launching directions. Features. In this ball game machine, since the firing direction can be switched, it is possible to prevent the movement range of the game ball in the game area from being partially biased, and to change the movement of the game ball.

The launching device has a plurality of reciprocally movable launching members for launching a game ball in each of the plurality of launching directions, and a drive unit for driving the launching members. And a driving unit that moves the unit in a predetermined direction to drive the embossing member. In this case, a plurality of launch members can be operated by a single drive source.

The driving means includes an elastic member for urging each of the ejection members toward one side of the reciprocating motion, and a driving portion for engaging each of the ejection members at a different rotational position. A rotating body that moves each embossing member to the other side of the reciprocating motion against the urging force of the elastic member, wherein each embossing member has a predetermined shape according to the rotation of the rotating body. If you execute the launch of the game ball at the timing,
High-speed alternate left and right firing and adjustment of the firing speed are easy, and the driving means has a simple configuration.

The driving means includes a solenoid for driving the driving member, a solenoid for driving the first driving member among a plurality of first driving positions, and a second driving position for driving the driving member.
A movable launch table that can be moved to a second drive position that activates the launch member of the first launch member or the second launch member by the movable launch table. When the firing direction of the game ball is switched by selectively operating, the firing direction can be easily switched at an arbitrary timing while using a single solenoid.

Further, the driving means supports and reciprocates the first launching member of the plurality of members to execute a shooting operation of a game ball, and a second solenoidal member of the plurality of members. And a second solenoid that reciprocates and performs a shooting operation of a game ball, and may be arranged on both sides of the game area. Also in this ball-and-ball game machine, switching of the firing direction and control of the firing timing are easy and the driving means has a simple configuration by using a direct-acting type as the first and second solenoids.

The driving means has a plunger for supporting the first embossing member at one end and the second embossing member at the other end of the plurality, respectively. A simpler configuration is achieved by driving a solenoid that reciprocates the first and second ejection members in directions opposite to each other to alternately operate both ejection members. Configuration.

The operating means may have left and right operation handles arranged on both sides of the game board, or a handle body arranged on one side of the game board, and the handle body, respectively. And a plurality of operation input units rotatably supported in a predetermined operation direction. In the latter case, the plurality of operation input units are the same as the plurality of embossing members, or are provided in association with the plurality of embossing members although the number is different.

[0015]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 7 are views showing a ball game machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine.

The gaming machine 1 shown in a front view in FIG. 2 includes a frame 11 serving as an outer frame, and a front panel 12 assembled on the front side of the frame 11.
2 is a game board 13 and a glass door 14 that covers the game board 13.
It is comprised including. An upper tray 15 and a lower tray 16 for accommodating game balls are provided at the lower portion of the game board 13, and a handle 17 as an operating means rotated by a player is provided next to the lower tray 16.
Is provided. The gaming machine 1 activates a firing device described below in response to a turning operation of the handle 17 and fires a game ball toward the game area at a firing speed corresponding to the handle operation amount.

Although not shown in detail, the game board 13 is disposed in, for example, inner and outer guide rails 21 forming a launch path for game balls and a game area inside the game ball, and a game area inside the guide rail 21. A large number of game nails (not shown), a pair of left and right general winning ports 22 and 23,
A starting winning opening 24, a passing gate 25, a pair of left and right windmills 26 that engage and rotate with a game ball, a big winning opening 27, upper and left and right decorative lamps 31, and for producing a game state. A plurality of display lamps 32, 33, and 34, and a symbol display device 40 having a symbol display screen 41 arranged substantially at the center of the game area (near the center in the horizontal direction and slightly above the center in the vertical direction). are doing. Here, the symbol display screen 41 displays a special symbol or a background image as an image related to a game operation based on a display control signal of a predetermined method, and is a variable display for moving the symbol in the screen. Can be displayed. The symbol display screen 41 is formed by, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT (cathode ray tube) display.

The guide rail 21 is, as shown in FIG.
It is a guide member that guides a shooting ball into the game area from both sides of the game area on the game board 13, and the shot game ball hits the game nail, for example, from above the symbol display device 40 to one of the left and right sides thereof. It flows down and engages with the windmill 26, or
Through a flow passage (not shown in detail) in the symbol display device 40, a general winning opening 22, 23, a starting winning opening 24.
Alternatively, the player enters one of the special winning openings 27, passes through the passing gate 25, or deviates from them and enters the collecting opening 39 below the special winning opening 27.

The start winning opening 24 is a winning opening which can open and close the movable piece by opening and closing the movable piece in the left and right direction, and the large winning opening 27 is accompanied by a special symbol change display on the symbol display device 40. This is a winning opening having a maximum opening width for opening and closing the opening and closing door in the front-rear direction according to the result of the game.

When a game ball enters one of the general winning openings 22 and 23, the game ball is detected in each winning opening, and the detection information is given to a control device (not shown) to determine a general winning. The control device instructs a prize ball payout device (not shown) to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to a winning mode, and pays out prize balls to the upper tray 15 from the prize ball payout device according to the command signal. Is to be done.
In the present embodiment, for example, at the time of the general prize, five game balls are paid out to the upper tray 15.

When the game ball wins the starting winning opening 24, the game ball is detected in the winning opening, and the control device displays a predetermined special symbol variation (movement of symbol) on the symbol display screen 41 based on the detection signal. And payout of the same game balls as described above. The special symbol displayed on the symbol display screen 41 is composed of, for example, ten kinds of numbers from "0" to "9". When the variable display of the symbol is started, the numeral of the special symbol is moved and changed. Stop after a certain time from. If the symbol displayed at the time of the stop is a combination of predetermined special symbols (for example, “7, 7, 7”), the door of the special winning opening 27 is opened for a predetermined time as a hit, and the game ball is opened. Is easy to win and is in an advantageous state for the player. In this state, when one game ball enters the special winning opening 27, more game balls, for example, 10 game balls, are paid out to the upper tray 15 than at the time of the general winning.

Also, with the door of the special winning opening 27 opened,
When a game ball enters the continuous winning area in the special winning opening 27, the operation of opening the door of the special winning opening 27 for a predetermined time is thereafter repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times in succession), and the game is continuously operated. Is very easy to win and is in the most advantageous state for the player.

When the game ball passes through the gate 25, the game ball is detected in the gate, and the control device displays, for example, two different color normal design display LEDs (reference numerals) on the normal design display device 37 based on the detection signal. (None) to execute the normal symbol change display. If the color is a predetermined color when the fluctuation by the normal symbol display LED is stopped, the tulip door, which is a movable variable of the left and right of the starting winning opening 24, opens for a predetermined time as a hit, and the game ball is easy to win. This is an advantageous state.

The control device has a function of a game control means. In accordance with a predetermined control program stored in a ROM, the control device is provided with a RAM based on detection information from various sensors and an operation signal from each operation section. Performs data processing while exchanging data between them, and controls decorative lamp display control, symbol display control, voice control, launch and payout of game balls through the output interface circuit, A control signal corresponding to each control is output.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS.
Inside the gaming machine 1, there is provided a launching device 10 for launching a game ball into the gaming area in response to an operation input to the handle 17; Of the game area, for example, in the left and right directions with respect to the game area.
Further, the guide rail 21 forms a plurality of firing paths 21a and 21b for firing in different directions, and the firing device 10 can selectively use the firing paths 21a and 21b to switch the firing direction. I can do it.

Specifically, the launching device 10 includes a plurality of reciprocally movable hammer-like launching members 51A, 51B for launching a game ball in each of the plurality of launching directions.
And driving means 52 for driving these embossing members 51A and 51B. Here, each of the embossing members 51A and 51B can reciprocate (reciprocate) with the fulcrum 51s as a fulcrum, and the front panel 12 and the embossing members 51A and 51B can be rotated. It is urged to one side of the reciprocation by tension springs 54A and 54B as elastic members interposed therebetween. Further, each of the embossing members 51A, 51B is restricted in its reciprocating movement to one side by stoppers 55A, 55B at a predetermined position, and is urged by the stoppers 55A, 55B by tension springs 54A, 54B. Thus, it is held at a predetermined standby position. Furthermore, the head 51h of each of the embossing members 51A and 51B held at the standby position
Are arranged so as to be close to the outer ends of the launch passages 21a and 21b, respectively, and to contact the game balls B in the launch passages 21a and 21b.

On the other hand, the driving means 52 includes
A, a plurality of substantially triangular drive pawls 53a, 53b for driving A, 51B, a rotating plate 53 (rotary body) composed of an external gear positioned between the embossing members 51A, 51B, and the control means. A variable speed motor 57 which is controlled and drives the rotary plate 53 via a gear 56 having fewer teeth than the rotary plate 53 at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the handle 17. Here, the rotating plate 53 includes driving claw portions 53a, 53.
b is supported on one surface side and the other surface side of the outer peripheral portion at a predetermined angular interval, and the driving pawls 53a, 53b are rotated by their own rotation around the central axis 53c in a predetermined circumferential direction Rd.
Can be moved in any direction. The driving means 52
The driving pawls 53a, 53b are rotated at different rotational angle positions by rotation of the rotary plate 53.
B is engaged with the engagement pin portion 51p, and the tension springs 54A,
Each of the ejection members 51A, 51B is moved against the other side of the reciprocating motion, ie, the stoppers 55A, 55B against the urging force of the stopper 54B.
Move in the direction away from. Specifically, for example, each of the driving claw portions 53a and 53b does not engage with the embossing member 51A or 51B located on the opposite side of the rotary plate 53, and the game ball is formed by the embossing member 51A. The angle at which the rotating plate 53 rotates between the launch and the launch of the game ball by the launch member 51B is set to about 180 degrees. That is, each time the rotating plate 53 is rotated by 180 degrees, the driving claws 53a, 53b are moved in the predetermined circumferential direction Rd with a constant angular interval so that one of the driving members 51A, 51B is operated. The driving members 51A and 51B are alternately driven.

As described above, the driving means 52 includes the handle 17
A firing command signal corresponding to the amount of operation is received from the control means, and the rotating plate 53 is rotated by the variable speed motor so as to attain the command speed, and the launching members 51A and 51B alternately play the game ball at a predetermined timing. Is launched.

Each of the launch passages 21a and 21b is provided with a launch ball sensor (not shown). Each time a launch ball is detected by each of the launch ball sensors, the launch after launch from the rental ball supply device (not shown) is performed. The next one game ball is supplied near the outer end of the passage 21a or 21b (the lower end inner protrusion in FIG. 3).

In the above-described ball game machine of the first embodiment, when the rotating plate 53 rotates in the Rd direction (clockwise direction) in FIG. 1, one surface side of the rotating plate 53 (for example, the back side in FIG. 1). When the driving claw 53a is set in the predetermined rotation position,
1A engages with the engagement pin portion 51p. When the rotating plate 53 further rotates in the same direction in the engaged state, FIG.
As shown in (5), the launching member 51A is separated from the end of the firing passage 21a, and the tension spring 54A expands.
At this time, the engaging pin 51p of the embossing member 51A moves to the outer end side of the driving claw 53a while sliding with the driving claw 53a. When the rotating plate 53 continues to rotate further, the engaging pin 51p of the embossing member 51A becomes
After reaching the outer end side of 3a, the engaging pin portion 51p of the ejection member 51A finally comes off the driving claw portion 53a, and the ejection member 51A is directed toward the end of the firing passage 21a by the urging force of the tension spring 54A. And return vigorously. Therefore, prior to the return, when the game ball B1 is supplied from the rental ball supply device (not shown) to the end of the firing passage 21a, the striking member 51 immediately before coming into contact with the stopper 55A.
A hits the game ball B1 in the firing passage 21a with its head 55h.

When the rotary plate 53 is rotated in the Rd direction as described above, the driving claw 53b on the other surface side (for example, the front side in FIG. 3) of the rotary plate 53 is rotated at a predetermined rotational position.
1B is engaged with the engagement pin portion 51p. When the rotating plate 53 further rotates in the same direction in the engaged state, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the launching member 51B is separated from the end of the firing passage 21b, and the extension spring 54B is extended.
At this time, as in the case described above, the engaging pin 51p of the embossing member 51B moves to the outer end side of the driving claw 53b while sliding with the driving claw 53b. And the rotating plate 53
Continues to rotate, the engaging pin portion 51p of the driving member 51B reaches the outer end side of the driving claw portion 53b, and finally the engaging pin portion 51p of the driving member 51B detaches from the driving claw portion 53b. Then, the ejection member 51B is vigorously returned toward the end of the firing passage 21b by the urging force of the tension spring 54B. Therefore, prior to this return, firing path 2
A game ball B2 from a rental ball supply device (not shown)
Is supplied, the striking member 51B immediately before coming into contact with the stopper 55B has its head 55h at the firing passage 21b.
The game ball B2 inside will be launched.

Therefore, after the game ball B1 is launched by the launching member 51A, when the rotary plate 53 is rotated by about 180 degrees, the game ball B2 is launched by the launching member 51B. Is performed at a predetermined timing according to the above.

In the ball game machine of the present embodiment, the game ball launching direction can be switched to the left and right, so that the moving range of the game ball in the game area on the game board 13 is as in the case of one-sided launch. It can be prevented from being partially biased, and the movement of the game ball can be varied. Also,
The driving means 52 is driven by the rotation of the rotary plate 53 so that the driving claw 53
a, 53b are moved in a predetermined direction so that the driving members 51A,
51B are driven alternately, so that a plurality of
A and 51B can be operated by a single drive source such as the variable speed motor 57. In addition, the driving means 52 resists the urging forces of the tension springs 54A, 54B by the tension springs 54A, 54B for urging each of the embossing members 51A, 51B to one side of the reciprocating motion, and the driving claws 53a, 53b. And the rotating plate 53 for moving the embossing members 51A, 51B to the other side of the reciprocating motion.
A, 51B can launch a game ball at a predetermined timing in accordance with the rotation of the rotating plate 53, so that high-speed alternate left and right firing and adjustment of the firing speed are facilitated, and the driving means 52 is compact, The configuration becomes simple.

(Second Embodiment)

FIGS. 8 to 11 are main part configuration diagrams of a ball game machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine. In each of the embodiments described below, the configuration other than the main part is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the configuration other than the main part will be described using the same reference numerals as those in the above-described example.

Inside the gaming machine, there is provided a launching device 150 for launching a game ball into the game area in response to an operation input to the handle 17.
The game ball can be fired in each of a plurality of different firing directions, for example, in the left and right directions with respect to the game area.

The guide rail 121 of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a plurality of firing passages 121a and 121b for firing in different directions.
50 can switch the firing direction by selectively using the firing paths 121a and 121b. Each of the launch passages 121a and 121b is provided with a launch ball sensor (not shown). Each time a launch ball is detected by the launch ball sensor, the launch passage 121a or 121b after launch from the rental ball supply device (not shown). The game ball is supplied to the outer end of the game ball.

The launching device 150 comprises a plurality of reciprocally movable launching members 151A, 151B for launching a game ball in each of a plurality of launching directions, and
And a driving unit 152 for driving the driving units 51A and 151B.

The embossing member 151A is similar to the head 51h of the embossing members 51A and 51B described above. For example, at least the surface is made of a relatively hard elastic material such as urethane rubber. Is formed in a substantially conical shape having a flat surface, a tapered surface following the flat surface, and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The launch member 151B is connected to the launch passage 121b.
8 is a lever-shaped member provided rotatably at a fulcrum 151c near an outer end portion (a lower end portion in FIG. 8).
1b, the above-described embossing member 51
A and 51B have a head 151h similar to the head 51h. The other end of the embossing member 151B is an engagement piece 151f located near the embossing member 151A. The embossing member 151B operates the engagement piece 151f to move the head 151h. It can be moved in the ball firing direction. Note that, as shown in FIG. 9, the embossing member 151B is normally stopped at a position where it comes into contact with the stopper 155A on one side due to the weight of the head 151h, and the engaging piece 151f is operated to the left in the figure. Only in this case, it rotates clockwise in the drawing to a position where it comes into contact with the stopper 155B.

The driving means 152 has a plunger (drive portion) 153a for supporting the driving member 151A, and the solenoid 153 for driving the driving member 151A by moving the plunger 153a in the direction d1 which is a predetermined linear motion direction.
And a movable launch pad 154 capable of moving the solenoid 153 up and down. The movable launch pad 154 has a support shaft 1 at one end side (left end side in the figure).
It is rotatably supported by the front panel 12 via the front panel 54a, and is supported by the planting pin 161a of the lifting drive gear 161 at the other end of the elongated hole 154b. The lifting drive gear 161 is an external gear having more teeth meshing with the small gear 162, and has a center shaft 161c rotatably supported by the front panel 12. The small gear 162 is, as shown in FIG.
3s, the lifting drive motor 1
The movable launch pad 15 supporting the solenoid 153 is rotated by rotating the elevation drive gear 161 with the output of the movable launch pad 15.
4, a first driving position in which the solenoid 153 drives the first driving member 151A, and a second driving member 151B in which the solenoid 153 is driven via the first driving member 151A.
Can be rotated in the vertical direction so as to be located at a second driving position for driving the. Then, by the movement of the solenoid 153 associated with the vertical rotation of the movable launch pad 154, the first launch member 151A or the second launch member 151B is selectively operated to switch the launch direction of the game ball. It has become.

The solenoid 153 is connected to the plunger 1
It is a known device provided with a solenoid coil, a return spring, and the like (not shown) in a substantially cylindrical case surrounding 53a, and is fixed to the movable launch table 154 by brackets 153b and 153c. As described above, the solenoid 153 is excited and driven in response to a firing command signal output from control means (not shown) in response to the operation of the handle 17 to move the plunger 153a in the ball firing direction. Further, the lifting drive motor 163 includes, for example, a stepping motor, and drives the gears 161 and 162 according to a drive signal (step pulse) from the control unit.
The movable launch pad 154 is rotated in the up-down direction.

In the above-described ball game machine of the second embodiment, the lifting drive motor 1
63 is constantly driven. While the handle 17 is being operated, a series of operations as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11F are performed, and the operations are repeated from FIG.
The first launching member 151A launches a game ball, which launches rightward to the game area, to one side (leftward launching in FIGS. 11A and 11B), and a second launch. The game ball is fired to the other side which is fired leftward with respect to the game area by the member 151B (fired rightward in FIGS. 11 (d) and 11 (e)). Alternatively, switching is performed alternately for each predetermined number of shooting balls.

Also, when the elevation drive motor 163 is driven to rotate the movable launch pad 154 upward only in a predetermined game state by a command signal from the control means (FIGS. 11C and 11D). Reference), the flow direction of the game ball can be largely changed left and right by reversing the firing direction only in a specific game state.

In the above-described ball game machine of the second embodiment, the game ball launching direction can be switched left and right, as in the above-described example. The movement range can be prevented from being partially biased as in the case of one-sided firing, and the movement of the game ball can be varied.

Further, the driving means 152 is used to
Since the solenoid 153 is configured to include the solenoid 153 that drives the 51A and the movable launch pad 154 that can move the solenoid 153 to the first drive position and the second drive position, the first Launching member 1
51A or the second launching member 151B can be selectively operated to appropriately switch the firing direction of the game ball, and the firing direction can be easily changed at an arbitrary timing while using a single solenoid 153. Can be switched.

In this embodiment, a pair of left and right operation handles or an operation handle having a pair of operation input sections is used as an operation means in place of the handle 17, so that the operation input by the player can be made. Left and right firing direction switching can be performed.

That is, the operation means by the player is shown in FIG.
2 may have left and right operation handles 117L and 117R arranged on both sides of the game board 13, or a pair of operation input units 217 as shown in FIG.
a, 217b. And these left and right operation handles 117L, 11
7R or a rotation operation signal of the pair of operation input units 217a and 217b is given to the control means to select a firing direction in accordance with a player's operation input, and to switch between left and right firing directions, or These left and right operation handles 11
7L, 117R or a pair of operation input units 217a, 217
It is also possible to execute firing in both directions almost simultaneously with the simultaneous operation to b.

(Third Embodiment)

FIGS. 14 and 15 are main part configuration diagrams of a ball game machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine.

Inside the gaming machine, there is provided a launching device 250 for launching a game ball into the gaming area in response to an operation input to the handle 17.
The game ball can be fired in each of a plurality of different firing directions, for example, in the left and right directions with respect to the game area.

Further, the guide rail 221 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment forms left and right firing passages 221a and 221b symmetrically arranged for firing in different directions, and the firing device 250 sets the firing passages 221a and 221b. 221
b can be selectively used to switch the firing direction. The method of supplying the game balls to the respective launch paths is the same as in the above-described example.

The launching device 250 includes a plurality of reciprocally movable launching members 251A and 251B for launching a game ball in each of a plurality of launching directions, and
And driving means 252 for driving 51A and 251B.

Here, the ejection members 251A, 251B
Are respectively similar to the above-described embossing member 151A.

The driving means 252 includes the first driving member 25
1A, which causes the plunger 1A to be supported by the plunger 253a (drive unit) and reciprocated to execute the operation of launching the game ball.
And a second solenoid 253B that supports and reciprocates the second launching member 251B with a plunger similar to the plunger 253a to execute a shooting operation of a game ball, and is disposed on both sides of the game area. The configuration is as follows. These first solenoids 25
The 3A and the second solenoid 253B are controlled by control means (not shown), and are excited and driven at a predetermined timing while the operation handle 17 is being operated. The driving method is, as shown in FIGS.
The launch of the game ball B1 set in 1a (FIGS. 9A and 9B) and the game ball B2 set in the launch path 221b.
(FIGS. (C) and (d)), that is, the firing direction is switched for each firing or for a plurality of firings (for a predetermined number of firing spheres). Alternatively, only when shifting to a specific gaming state, the normal firing direction may be switched to the left / right opposite direction.

It is to be noted that a portion where the firing passages 221a and 221b intersect is shifted back and forth to form a three-dimensional intersection,
The game balls can be fired from the left and right directions at substantially the same timing.

In this manner, similarly to the above-described example, the direction of launching the game ball can be switched to the left and right. It can be prevented from being biased to the part, and the movement of the game ball can be changed.

(Fourth Embodiment)

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are main part configuration diagrams of a ball game machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine.

Inside the gaming machine, there is provided a firing device 350 for firing a game ball into the game area in response to an operation input to the handle 17.
The game ball can be fired in each of a plurality of different firing directions, for example, in the left and right directions with respect to the game area.

The guide rail 321 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment forms left and right firing passages 321a and 321b symmetrically arranged for firing in different directions, and the firing device 350 causes the firing passages 321a and 321b to fire. 321
b can be selectively used to switch the firing direction.

The launching device 350 includes a plurality of reciprocally movable launching members 351A and 351B for launching a game ball in each of a plurality of launching directions, and
And driving means 352 for driving 51A and 351B.

Here, the ejection members 351A, 351B
Are respectively similar to the above-described embossing member 151A.

The driving means 352 includes the first driving member 35
Solenoid 35 having a plunger 353a that supports 1A at one end and a second launching member 351B at the other end, and reciprocates them to execute a shooting operation of a game ball.
3 and its control means (not shown). The solenoid 353 is controlled by the control means, and is excited and driven at a predetermined timing while the operation handle 17 is being operated. The driving method of the solenoid 353 may be a method of switching the firing direction for every one or a plurality of firings, or a method of switching the firing direction only when shifting to a specific game state. Also, in order to facilitate the supply of the game ball by the rental ball supply device, the solenoid 353 is provided in FIGS. 17 (a) and (c).
17 (b) and right-handed firing shown in FIG. 17 (d) from which the solenoid can be held in the neutral position. It is preferred to use Of course, instead of the solenoid 353, a pair of solenoids driven in one direction at the time of excitation may be arranged in the opposite direction.

In this manner, similarly to the above example, the game ball launching direction can be switched to the left or right, so that the moving range of the game ball in the game area on the game board 13 is one-sided as in the case of one-sided launch. It can be prevented from being biased to the part, and the movement of the game ball can be changed.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a pachinko machine is exemplified as a ball game machine. However, the present invention is applied to another ball game machine that fires small spherical game balls on a game board. It goes without saying that it can be applied.

[0066]

According to the present invention, since the firing direction can be switched, the moving range of the game ball in the game area is prevented from being partially biased, and the movement of the game ball is changed. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a main part of a ball game machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged front view of a launching device which is a main part of the ball game machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view including a partial cross section of the launching device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view including a partial cross section of the launching device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view of the ball-and-ball game machine according to the first embodiment, showing a main part front when one of the launching members operates.

FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory view of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment, and shows a front view of a main part when the other launching member operates.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a configuration of a main part of a ball game machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged front view of the launching device of the bullet game machine of FIG. 8;

10 is a side view of the driving means of the launching device shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a firing operation of the ball game machine according to the second embodiment.

12A and 12B are diagrams showing another mode of the operation means of the ball game machine according to the second embodiment, wherein FIG. 12A is a front view near the operation means, and FIG. 12B is a side view of the operation means. .

13A and 13B are diagrams showing still another mode of the operation means of the ball game machine according to the second embodiment, wherein FIG. 13A is a front view of the operation means, and FIG. 13B is a side view of the operation means. is there.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a configuration of a main part of a ball game machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a firing operation of the ball game machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing a configuration of a main part of a ball game machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a firing operation of the ball game machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine (ball game machine) 10, 150, 250, 350 Launching device 12 Front panel 13 Game board 15, 16 Receiving plate 17, 117L, 117R, 217 Handle (operation means) 21, 121, 221 and 321 Guide rail 21a , 21b, 121a, 121b, 221a, 22
1b, 321a, 321b Launch path 51A, 51B, 151A, 151B, 251A, 25
1B, 351A, 351B Launching member 51h, 151h Head 51p Engagement pin 51s Rotation fulcrum 52, 152, 252, 352 Driving means 53 Rotating plate (rotating body) 53a, 53b Driving claw (driving part) 54A , 54B Tension spring (elastic member) 55A, 55B, 155A, 155B Stopper 153, 353 Solenoid 153a Plunger (drive unit) 154 Movable launch table 161 Elevation drive gear 163 Elevation drive motor 217a, 217b Operation input unit 253A First solenoid 253a, 353a Plunger (drive unit) 253B Second solenoid B1, B2 Game ball

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A ball game machine comprising: a game board for forming a game area for moving a game ball; and a launch device for firing a game ball to the game area in response to an operation input to an operation means. A ball game machine wherein the firing direction of the firing device is switchable so that the gaming ball can be fired in each of a plurality of different firing directions. 2. The launching device includes: a plurality of reciprocally movable launching members for launching a game ball in each of the plurality of launching directions; and a drive unit for driving the launching member. The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a driving unit configured to move the driving unit in a predetermined direction to drive the driving members. 3. The driving unit includes: an elastic member for urging each of the ejection members toward one side of the reciprocating motion; and a driving unit for engaging each of the ejection members at a different rotational position. A rotating body that moves each embossing member to the other side of the reciprocating motion against the urging force of the elastic member,
3. The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein each launch member launches the game ball at a predetermined timing in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body. 4. 4. A driving device, comprising: a solenoid for driving the driving member; a first driving position for operating a first driving member of the plurality of solenoids; and a second driving of the plural driving members. A movable launch pad that can be moved to a second drive position for actuating a member, and wherein the movable launch pad selectively selects the first launching member or the second launching member. The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the shooting direction of the game ball is switched by being operated. 5. A first solenoid that supports and reciprocates a first launching member of a plurality of members to execute a shooting operation of a game ball, and a second of the plurality of launching members. The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein a second solenoid that supports and reciprocates to perform a shooting operation of the game ball is arranged on both sides of the game area. . 6. The driving means includes a plunger for supporting a first embossing member at one end and a second embossing member at the other end of the plurality, respectively. The first driving member and the second driving member are reciprocated in directions opposite to each other by the solenoid to actuate both driving members alternately. The ball game machine according to claim 2. 7. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein said operation means has left and right operation handles arranged on both sides of said game board. 8. The operating means has a handle main body disposed on one side of the game board, and a plurality of operation input sections each rotatably supported by the handle main body in a predetermined operation direction. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein