JP2002035386A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of easily performing restoration work for the abnormally closed state of a winning port. SOLUTION: In the case that a large winning port 128 is abnormally closed while a winning state continues due to some failures, at the time of performing the restoration work to a normal state, a clerk inserts the linear member 500A of a tool 500 to the small hole part 410 of an attacker base 400. Thus, the tip of the linear member 500A is abutted to the bent lower end part of a guide member 412. By pushing it in further, the guide member 412 is pushed up regardless of the energizing/non-energizing state of a solenoid and the attacker gate 402 is opened. The clerk feeds pachinko balls to the V zone of the large winning port 128 for which the attacker gate 402 is opened. Also, a V zone guide is moved to a guide position and the state where the pachinko balls can be easily fed to the V zone is attained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine having a winning opening having an opening / closing mechanism including an opening / closing member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a gaming machine, in particular, in a pachinko machine, a lottery is performed by detecting a pachinko ball which has won a start winning prize port (special symbol start prize port). State), the special winning opening is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, to increase the winning rate of the pachinko machine,
There is a pachinko machine that has a function to make it advantageous to a player. In general, a specific area (V zone) is provided inside the special winning opening of such a pachinko machine.

[0003] Normally, in a hit state, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of pachinko balls enter the open special winning opening during a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the special winning opening is closed. You. Generally, such an operation (round) from opening to closing of the special winning opening is continued for a predetermined maximum number of times (for example, 16 times). When at least one passes through the V zone, the right to move to the next round is generated. Therefore, the player can continue the round up to the maximum number of times by passing at least one pachinko ball in the V zone of the special winning opening in each round, that is, the player can maintain a favorable state for a long time. it can. On the other hand, in each round, if at least one of the predetermined number of pachinko balls entering the special winning opening does not pass through the V zone, the special winning opening is forcibly closed and the right to shift to the next round is generated. Without doing so, the hit state is terminated.

The passage of a pachinko ball in the V zone is detected by a sensor (V zone sensor). Therefore, for example, when the passage of the pachinko ball through the V zone is not detected due to a failure or malfunction of the V zone sensor, even though the right to shift to the next round is generated,
While the winning state is continuing, the special winning opening may be closed. Also, for example, during the round, even if the pachinko ball to be ejected disappears due to the carelessness of the player or the pachinko ball launching device breaks down, the pachinko ball cannot be supplied to the V zone. Sometimes. In these cases, in order to return to the normal state, the clerk directly opens the special winning opening with a fingertip or the like, and performs an operation of inserting a pachinko ball into the V zone of the special winning opening.

In order to facilitate this work, conventionally, a projection which is not affected by the collision of the pachinko ball is provided on the front surface of the opening and closing member of the special winning opening, and the opening and closing member is opened using the projection as a clue. Things have been suggested.

A notch is provided in the opening of the special winning opening so as not to affect the movement of the pachinko ball, and a fingertip or the like is inserted into the notch to facilitate opening of the opening / closing member. Some have been proposed.

[0007]

However, according to the above-described technology in which the protrusion is provided on the opening and closing member of the special winning opening, the position where the protrusion is installed is, for example, to facilitate opening work of the opening and closing member. The opening / closing member is limited to the central portion at the upper end or the like, which may limit the design of the game board surface. In addition, the projection may be damaged by the collision of the pachinko ball with the projection. Alternatively, the opening / closing member may be opened due to the impact of the collision of the pachinko ball.

In the above-described technique in which a cutout is provided in the opening of the special winning opening, the cutout may cause a pachinko ball to be caught. In addition, since a hole is formed by the cutout, there may be a design restriction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine capable of easily performing a return operation from an abnormal closing state of a winning opening.

[0010]

A gaming machine according to the present invention is provided at a winning opening, and an opening / closing member for opening and closing the opening of the winning opening;
First driving means for opening and closing the opening and closing member;
A transmission member for mechanically transmitting the driving force of the driving means, and a moving means for moving the opening / closing member in the opening direction by operating the transmission member from the front of the game board surface.

The first driving means mechanically transmits its driving force to an opening / closing member provided in the winning opening by a transmission member. Therefore, the opening of the winning opening can be opened and closed by the opening and closing member to which the driving force of the first driving unit has been transmitted.
The moving means operates the transmission member from the front surface of the game board so as to move the opening / closing member in the opening direction. Thus, the opening / closing member can be moved in the opening direction regardless of the driving state of the first driving unit.

[0012] As the moving means, a linear member passing through a small hole provided on the game board can be employed. This linear member is inserted into a small hole provided in the game board and directly interferes with the transmission member. Thereby, the transmission member can be operated to move the opening / closing member in the opening direction.

The gaming machine includes: a guide member for guiding a game ball to a predetermined area provided in the winning opening; and a second driving means for selectively moving the guide member to a guide position and a retreat position. Furthermore, substantially simultaneously with the opening of the opening and closing member,
The second driving means can move the guide member to the guide position.

At about the same time as opening of the opening / closing member, the second driving means moves the guide member to the guide position. This allows
In a state where the opening / closing member is opened, the guide member for guiding the game ball to the predetermined area of the winning opening is at the guide position, so that it is easy to throw the game ball into the predetermined area.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a game board 111 of a pachinko machine 110 according to the present embodiment. This game board 11
The area surrounded by the arc-shaped rail 112 in 1 is a gauge section 114 which is a game area. Gauge section 11
4 is driven by a plurality of nails over the entire surface,
The pachinko ball hit through the ball 12 hits the nail 116, bounces, and falls while being guided by the guide path formed by the nail 116. In addition to the nail 116, a windmill 118 is attached at a position symmetrical to the gauge portion 114,
The pachinko ball is turned in an unexpected direction.

Further, winning holes 120 are provided at a plurality of positions in the gauge section 114, and when a pachinko ball enters the winning opening 120, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out to the player.

The gauge section 114 has a substantially symmetrical system, and an electric accessory unit 122 as a special symbol changing device is disposed at the center of the gauge section 114, and a display section 124 thereof is exposed. Below the display section 124, a special symbol starting winning port 126 is provided as a first starting port for starting the electric accessory unit 122.

Below the special symbol starting winning opening 126, a big winning opening 128 is arranged, and is opened for a predetermined time in a so-called hit display state in the electric accessory unit 122,
A large number of pachinko balls can be awarded.

The pachinko balls that have won the special symbol start winning opening 126 are retained for a maximum of four balls, and when the guidance of the lottery result by the electric accessory unit 122 ends, the retained amount is consumed. It has become. The number of the reserved balls is reported by lighting / unlit states of four special symbol holding lamps (not shown) provided in a part of the gauge unit 114 (lighting is suspended).

The gauge section 114 is provided with a normal symbol starting winning port 130 as a second starting port and an ordinary symbol display section 132 capable of displaying a single digit number from 0 to 9. When the pachinko ball wins the ordinary symbol start winning opening 130, the display of the ordinary symbol display section 132 fluctuates, and when a predetermined winning number is reached, the special symbol starting winning opening 126 is displayed.
The electric tulip 134 as a movable part provided in the camera is opened for a predetermined time. By opening the electric tulip 134, the probability of winning in the special symbol starting winning opening 126 is physically increased.

It should be noted that the pachinko balls that have won the ordinary symbol starting winning opening 130 are held for a maximum of four balls, and when a series of operations of the electric tulip 134 are completed, the held portions are consumed. ing.

A panel 140 having a handle 136 as a firing device and a receiving tray 138 for receiving a pachinko ball is provided below the gauge portion 114 on the front side. The handle 136 is attached to a rotation shaft protruding from the inside of the panel 140, and is rotatable about this rotation shaft. That is, when the player grips and rotates the handle 136, the firing device is activated, and the firing intensity is set based on the rotation angle of the handle 136. Note that a return biasing force is applied to this rotation, and the player automatically returns to the original rotation position when the player releases his / her hand.

The special winning opening 128 is provided as a part of the attacker unit 127.

FIG. 2 shows the attacker unit 127
Is shown schematically. The attacker base 400 serving as the base of the attacker unit 127 has a substantially rectangular thin plate shape, and is provided with a rectangular opening 404 at the upper center of the front surface thereof, and a line below the opening 404. Jig 500 provided with a cylindrical member 500A
A small hole portion 410 for inserting the (see FIG. 5) is provided. A linear member 500A to be inserted into the small hole portion 410
The function of will be described later.

An attacker gate 402 is provided opposite the opening 404 as an opening / closing lid.
The attacker gate 402 has a rectangular surface approximately the same size as the opening 404, and its longitudinal direction is
04 is supported by the lower end in the longitudinal direction, and can be opened and closed in the front-rear direction of FIG. The special winning opening 128 includes the attacker gate 402 and the opening 404.

At the center of the opening 404 of the special winning opening 128,
A V zone 406 is provided as a specific area, and a pachinko ball that has won the special winning opening 128 can pass through the V zone 406. A V zone guide 408 for guiding a pachinko ball to the V zone 406 is provided near the V zone 406 of the special winning opening 128. The V zone guide 408 is movable in the vertical direction in FIG. 2 at a position facing the pachinko ball passage port in the V zone 406, and when stopped at a lower position (guide position), The ball is guided to the V zone 406. On the other hand, the V zone guide 40
When 8 stops at the upper position (retreat position),
There is no interference with pachinko balls.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of the attacker unit 127. The attacker gate 402
, Two legs 402A perpendicular to the rectangular surface and parallel to each other are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular surface. When the attacker gate 402 is opened,
The opening of the attacker gate 402 is limited by contacting these legs 402A with a protrusion (not shown) provided inside the attacker base 400. Note that one of the legs 402A is provided with a rod shaft 402.
B is provided.

The attacker unit 127 is substantially J
The guide member 412 has a shape bent in a letter shape.
One end is provided with a substantially U-shaped notch 412A, and the other end is supported by a shaft 412B. Also,
The notch 412A having a substantially U-shape is formed by the rod shaft 402 described above.
B.

The attacker unit 127 has a solenoid 304. The solenoid 304 is provided with a rod-shaped plunger 414, and can reciprocate when the solenoid 304 is energized or de-energized. One end of the plunger 414 is connected to a substantially middle portion of the guide member 412 in the longitudinal direction.

Accordingly, by selectively switching the energized state and the non-energized state of the solenoid 304 to reciprocate the plunger 414, the guide member 412
The attacker gate 402 can be opened and closed by moving around the center 2B. That is, when the solenoid 304 is not energized, the attacker gate 402 is kept closed as shown in FIG. on the other hand,
In the energized state of the solenoid 304, as shown in FIG. 3B, the attacker gate 402 is held in a state where a predetermined opening degree is opened.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a control system for controlling the pachinko machine 110. The control system mainly includes the main control board 150, the payout control board 152, the voice control board 154, the lamp control board 156, and the emission control board 15.
8, the display control board 160 and the like are classified according to their functions (hereinafter, when these are collectively referred to as a sub control board 151).

The main control board 150 stores a basic program relating to the game.
0 based on the command signal from other sub-control boards 15
1 executes independently. That is, the main control board 150 basically outputs a command, and does not receive feedback on the result or the like.

The payout control board 152 controls the number of pachinko balls to be paid out, and the voice control board 154 controls output of sound effects and the like from a speaker 162 provided in the pachinko machine 110. Also, the lamp control board 156
Controls lighting and extinguishing of an electric decoration member (game board state indicator light) 164 attached to the pachinko machine 110, and the firing control board 158 controls firing of the pachinko ball by the player.

The display control board 160 includes the display section 124.
Are connected to each other through a display driver 166, and execute a display that provides a predetermined effect based on a command signal from the main control board 150. Also, the display control board 160
Also controls the normal symbol display section 132.

The main control board 150 includes a special symbol winning sensor 168 provided in the special symbol starting winning port 126, a normal symbol winning sensor 170 provided in the normal symbol starting winning port 130, and each winning port 120. The winning sensor 172 is connected. The main control board 150 is connected to a solenoid 174 for opening and closing the electric tulip 134, a special symbol holding lamp (not shown), a normal symbol holding lamp, and the like.

On the main control board 150, a special symbol or a normal symbol is selected by lottery, the display content on the display unit 124 is selected based on the result of the lottery, and an instruction signal is output to the display control unit 160. That is, the display control unit 160 stores data of different display contents based on a plurality of command signals in advance, and selects and starts data based on the command signals. Also, the main control board 15
0 and the sub-control board 151 are connected to the management control board 200 by a signal line 202. This management control board 20
No. 0 outputs various data processed by the management control board 200 to the hall computer 206 via the signal line 208. This allows the shop to grasp the status of each pachinko machine 110.

The main control board 150 includes a V zone 40
6, a V zone sensor 306 provided in the V zone 406 for detecting the passage of the pachinko ball, and a 10 provided inside the special winning opening 128 for counting the number of pachinko balls winning the special winning opening 128. The count sensor 308 is connected. Also, the main control board 150
Includes a V-zone guide solenoid 302 for driving the V-zone guide 408, and the guide member 41 described above.
A solenoid 304 that opens and closes the attacker gate 402 by transmitting power to the attacker gate 402 is connected. Note that the attacker unit 127 is provided with the V zone sensor 30.
It includes a 6, 10 count sensor 308, a V zone guide solenoid 302, and a solenoid 304.

It is to be noted that a linear member 500A of a jig 500 as shown in FIG. 5 can be inserted into the small hole portion 410. The linear member 500A of the jig 500 is inserted into the small hole portion 410 and moved to interfere with the guide member 412. Due to this interference, the guide member 412 is configured to be able to rotate about the shaft 412B and open and close the attacker gate 402 independently of driving of the solenoid 304.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

First, when the pachinko ball is fired, it is guided by the rail 112 and the nail 116 of the gauge portion 114 or the windmill 1
While abutting on 18 etc., it falls while moving unpredictably. Here, when a prize hole 120 is won, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out (prize balls). Further, when the normal symbol starting winning port 130 is won, the normal symbol winning sensor 170 detects this.

By this detection, the main control board 150
Ordinary symbol lottery starts. That is, a number from 0 to 9 is randomly selected with a predetermined probability using a random number counter.
In the case of a loss as a result of the lottery, there is no particular change in the gaming state. On the other hand, as a result of the lottery, in the case of a winning (for example, a winning number 7 is drawn), the main control board 150
The solenoid 174 is energized to open the electric tulip 134 provided in the special symbol starting winning opening 126. As a result, a high-probability state in which a pachinko ball easily enters the special start winning opening 126 can be achieved.

When a pachinko ball wins in the special symbol starting winning opening 126, a jackpot lottery is started on the main control board 150 with a predetermined probability using a random number counter. When the winning / losing is determined as a result of the jackpot lottery, an effect pattern (symbol variation pattern) prepared in advance is selected (a random number counter may be selected).
Then, a command signal is transmitted to a control board related to the effect including the display control board 160.

The display control board 160 displays a symbol variation pattern on the display unit 124 via the display driver 166 based on the received command signal. In this symbol variation pattern, there are various effects such as hitting through reach, out-of-reach, and out-of-reach, and the player can wait for the lottery result with a sense of expectation.

Here, in the event of a win, the winning port 128 is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, so that the probability of winning a pachinko ball becomes extremely large, and a state advantageous to the player is achieved. it can.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the pachinko ball wins the big winning opening 128 in the hit state, the main control board 150 is turned on by the 10 count sensor 308.
The information on the number of pachinko balls that have won the large winning opening 128 is obtained.
The detection of the passage of the pachinko sphere in is detected.

When the information on the number of balls obtained by the 10-count sensor 308 has reached a predetermined number (for example, 10) or when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the attacker gate 402 was opened, the main The control board 150 controls the solenoid 30 so as to close the attacker gate 402.
4 is transmitted to the control signal. In the hit state, the operation (round) continues a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) on condition that the pachinko ball passes through the V zone 406 during each round until the opened attacker gate 402 is closed.

However, for example, when the pachinko ball does not pass through the V zone due to a malfunction or malfunction of the V zone sensor, or during the round, the pachinko ball to be hit disappears due to the carelessness of the player, If the launcher fails and cannot supply pachinko balls to the V zone,
The special winning opening 128 is closed.

In this case, a return operation is performed.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the clerk inserts the linear member 500A of the jig 500 into the small hole portion 410 of the attacker base 400.
Insert into As a result, the distal end of the linear member 500A comes into contact with the bent lower end of the guide member 412. By further pushing, the guide member 412 is pushed up and the attacker gate 402 is opened regardless of whether the solenoid 304 is energized or de-energized. The opening degree of the attacker gate 402 at this time corresponds to the moving angle of the guide member 412 according to the pressing force of the linear member 500A of the jig 500, and the opening degree of the slight opening into which the clerk's fingertip or the like can be inserted. In this case, the clerk can further open the attacker gate 402 by inserting a fingertip or the like. Further, by further pushing the linear member 500A of the jig 500, the opening of the attacker gate 402 can be fully opened.

The clerk throws a pachinko ball into the V zone 406 of the special winning opening 128 with the attacker gate 402 opened. At this time, a signal is sent from the main control board 150 to the V-zone guide solenoid 302, the V-zone guide 408 moves to the guide position, and the pachinko ball is easily inserted into the V-zone 406.

When a pachinko ball is thrown into the V zone 406, the main control board 150 sends it to the V zone sensor 306.
Is detected by Therefore, by this detection, the right to shift to the next round is generated, the hit state is restarted, and it is possible to return to the normal state.

The pachinko machine 11 according to the present embodiment.
At 0, a switch for driving the solenoid 304 is further provided. For example, a movable portion of the switch is arranged so as to correspond to the center position of the small hole portion 410, and the switch is operated by the jig 500. By doing so, the solenoid 304 may be controlled so that the attacker gate 402 is opened.

The pachinko machine 11 according to the present embodiment
At 0, apart from the normal opening and closing operation of the attacker gate 402 by the solenoid 304, the opening operation of the attacker gate 402 in the abnormally closed state may be controlled by a newly provided solenoid.

Further, a predetermined time is determined in advance based on the time required for the clerk to return, and the attacker gate 40
2 may be closed after a lapse of a predetermined time from opening.

As described above, in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, when the special winning opening is closed during the continuation of the hit state due to some trouble, the clerk can:
Using the jig, the big winning opening can be easily opened, and the pachinko ball can be thrown into the V zone, and the operation of returning to the normal state can be quickly performed. In addition, since there is no need to provide notches or protrusions, there is no restriction on the design of the game board surface, and it is possible to contribute to the prevention of fraud.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention, the transmission member is moved by the moving means in the opening direction of the winning opening regardless of the operation state of the first driving means. There is an excellent effect that it is possible to obtain a gaming machine capable of easily performing a return operation to the abnormal closing state of the winning opening.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the attacker unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

3A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an attacker gate is opened, and FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the attacker gate is closed, in the attacker unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. is there.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to insert a jig into an attacker unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 110 Pachinko machine (Gaming machine) 114 Gauge section 126 Special symbol start winning opening 127 Attacker unit 128 Large winning opening 150 Main control board 302 V zone guide solenoid 304 solenoid 308 V zone sensor 310 10 count sensor 402 Attacker gate 404 Opening 406 V zone 408 V zone guide 410 Small hole 412 Guide member 500 Jig 500A Linear member

Claims (3)

[Claims] An opening / closing member provided at the winning opening for opening and closing the opening of the winning opening; a first driving means for opening and closing the opening / closing member; and a mechanical transmission of a driving force of the first driving means. A gaming machine, comprising: a transmitting member that moves the opening / closing member in an opening direction by operating the transmitting member from a front surface of a game board. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said moving means is a linear member passing through a small hole provided on said gaming board surface. 3. The game machine further comprises: a guide member for guiding a game ball to a predetermined area provided in the winning opening; and a second driving means for selectively moving the guide member to a guide position and a retreat position. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second driving means moves the guide member to the guide position substantially simultaneously with opening of the opening / closing member.