JP2002136666A - Combination game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a combination game machine that can start a game only when at least a specified number of game balls are stored in a supply tray. SOLUTION: This combination game machine is constituted to supply game balls to a shooting means from the supply tray 8 via a feeding means 12 and to shoot a prescribed number of game balls into a play region of a game board by the shooting means for every game. In this constitution, a stand-by detecting means 39 is provided for detecting the storage of at least the specified number of game balls in the supply tray, and a game can be started on condition that the storage of the prescribed number of game balls is detected by the stand-by detecting means 39 for every game.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combination game machine such as a ball throw-in type arrangement ball machine and a sparrow ball game machine for throwing game balls into a supply tray.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A combination game machine, for example, an arrangement ball machine, includes a ball insertion type and a medal insertion type. In any of these types of arrangement ball machines, at the time of a game, sixteen game balls are fired into the game area of the game board by the firing means for each game, and the game balls are arranged in a horizontal line at the bottom. When one of the winning means of the mouth means wins a prize, and when four prize mouths adjacent to the winning means win a prize and a predetermined winning combination is realized, a score is given according to the difficulty of the formation. Thus, a predetermined number of medals or game balls are paid out to the player as prizes.

[0003] In a ball throw-in type arrangement ball machine, game balls are thrown into an upper plate (supply plate) on the front side of a game machine main body, and the game balls are fed one by one in conjunction with a firing operation of a firing means. The ball is supplied to the launching rail by means, and the medal insertion type arrange ball machine has a game ball enclosed in a circulation path including the game board side and the launching means side, and a medal insertion port on the front side of the game machine body. When a predetermined medal is inserted, the game balls are supplied one by one to the firing rail by the feeding means in conjunction with the firing operation of the firing means.

[0004]

Conventionally, in the arrangement ball machine, it is necessary to drive 16 game balls per game into the game area, so if one game ball is supposed to be rented at 4 yen, for example, The lending amount of one medal is set at 64 yen, so that the player can play the game with the same burden regardless of whether it is a ball insertion type or a medal insertion type.

However, the absolute number of arranged ball machines is smaller than other medal-inserted game machines such as slot machines, and there is a problem that the medal manufacturing cost is increased if dedicated medals are used. Also, when there is an arrangement ball machine and a slot machine in a game hall, a game can be played on the slot machine using the medal for the arrangement ball machine, or conversely, an arrangement ball machine using the medal for the slot machine There is a problem that you can not play games.

[0006] Therefore, a medal for a slot machine can be used in an arrangement ball machine, and four medals are inserted so that 16 game balls can be fired until the game ball enters the game area. In order to equalize the player's burden for one game in both the medal insertion type and the ball insertion type, the number of game balls required for one game in the ball insertion type arranged ball machine is reduced to twenty. It is considered to be set.

That is, if the medal for the slot machine can be used for the arrangement ball machine, the production cost of the medal can be greatly reduced, and the player can use the medal to connect the slot machine with the arrangement ball machine. There is an advantage that any game can be played freely.

In this case, assuming that the lending amount of one medal for a slot machine is 20 yen, one game can be performed by inserting four medals in a medal insertion type arrangement ball machine. The burden per game of the player is 80 yen. Therefore, by setting the number of game balls required for one game in a ball-insertion type arrangement ball machine to 20 pieces, the burden per player on each game in both the medal insertion type and the ball insertion type is set. The amount can be matched.

Here, in a conventional ball throw-in arrangement ball machine, game balls are thrown into the upper plate, and the feeding means interlocks with the firing operation of the firing means, and the feeding means places the game balls one by one on the firing rail. To be supplied. For this reason, 20 game balls are required per game, and when 16 of them are fired by the firing means and shot into the game area, it is necessary to collect 4 game balls for each game. is there.
However, for example, when the number of game balls stored in the upper plate is less than the required number of 20 for one game, if the game is started as it is, not only can the game not be completed, It is also assumed that even four game balls, which is the number of collected game balls, cannot be collected.
Therefore, how to set conditions for enabling the game to start can be a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a combination game machine that can start a game only when at least a predetermined number of game balls are stored in a supply tray. .

[0011]

According to the present invention, a predetermined number of game balls are supplied by the firing means 10 for each game while the game balls in the supply tray 8 are spent for each game.
And a standby detecting means 39 for detecting that at least a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the supply tray 8, wherein the standby is performed for each game. The game can be started on condition that the detection means 39 detects the accumulation of a predetermined number of game balls.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 10 illustrate a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a ball-in-type arrangement ball machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the arrangement ball machine has a game machine main body 3 having an outer frame 1 and a front frame 2.
Is pivotally connected to the front side of the outer frame 1 via a hinge 4 so as to be freely opened and closed. On the front face of the gaming machine main body 3, a glass door 5 and a front plate 6 are mounted on a front frame 2 of the gaming machine main body 3 by a hinge on the same side as the hinge 4 so as to be openable and closable. I have.

On the front side of the gaming machine main body 3, an upper plate (supply plate) 8 for storing game balls, a lower plate (excess ball tray) 9 for receiving surplus balls, and a firing handle 11 of a firing means 10 are provided on the front side. Also, a main part of the launching means 10 and a feeding means 12 for sending game balls from the upper plate 8 to the firing means 10 side are provided on the back side. The upper plate 8 is mounted on the front surface of the front plate 6, the feeding means 12 is mounted on the back surface of the front plate 6, and the lower plate 9 and the firing handle 11 are arranged on the front side of the front frame 2 below the front plate 6. . On the firing handle 11 side, a contact detection switch (not shown) for detecting the player's grip is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main part of the firing means 10 is a firing rail 13, a hitting hammer 14 for hitting a game ball on the firing rail 13 toward the game board 7, and a cam mechanism ( A firing motor (not shown) that is intermittently driven via a not shown) is provided, and the firing motor is operated by a player's operation of the firing handle 11, and the firing rail is sent by the feeding means 12 in conjunction with the firing operation. The game balls supplied one by one onto the ball 13 are hit with a hitting hammer 14, and a predetermined number, for example, 16 game balls are hit into a game area 16 of the game board 7. The firing rail 13 is attached to the front of a game board support plate fixed to the back side of the front frame 2 to support the game board 7 from below, and the hammer 14 and the firing motor are mounted on the front frame 2. It is mounted on the back side.

On the front of the game board 7, as shown in FIG.
The guide rail 15 is mounted in an annular shape, and a winning opening means 17 is disposed below the game area 16 inside the guide rail 15, and a guide symbol display means 18 and a specific winning means are provided above the winning opening means 17. 19. Score increasing means 2
Each game component such as 0, operating means 21 and game number display means 22 is arranged. A game nail group (not shown) is provided between the winning opening means 17 and each game component.

The winning opening means 17 includes a plurality of, for example, 16 winning openings 23 suitably arranged in a horizontal row or the like, and a game ball falling along the game board 7 wins one of the winning openings 23. It is supposed to. The winning opening means 17 is a game board 7
The winning opening cover 24 is provided with a plurality of, for example, 16 winning display portions 25 corresponding to the winning openings 23. Have been.

Each of the prize display portions 25 is appropriately arranged in a horizontal line or the like in the vicinity of each of the prize openings 23, and when a game ball wins one of the prize openings 23, the corresponding prize display portion is provided. Reference numeral 25 indicates a prize by emitting light or the like. In each of the winning display portions 25, a number is displayed in order from one end side corresponding to each of the winning openings 23. The prize display means 26 may be arranged by combining a predetermined number (for example, four pieces) of prize display sections 25 vertically and horizontally in a central portion or the like of the game area 16 above the prize port means 17.

The upper plate 8 is constructed as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, and has a feeding means 12 and a collecting means 2 downstream thereof.
7 is connected, and a visual recognition unit 47 and a standby display unit 48 are provided near the collection unit 27. That is, the upper plate 8
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the front plate includes a storage portion 29 having a volume capable of storing a large number of game balls, and an alignment portion 30 for aligning the game balls from the storage portion 29 in a line. 6 is detachably attached to the front side together with an upper plate cover 28 that covers the upper plate 8, and a bottom wall 31 of the lower plate 6 is provided so that game balls can move from the storage unit 29 to the alignment unit 30 along the front plate 6. It is inclined. As shown in FIG. 2, the alignment portion 30 of the upper plate 8 is covered from the upper side so that dust and the like do not enter from a downstream end to a required range on the upstream side.

The feeding means 12 supplies the game balls in the upper plate 8 one by one to the firing rail 13 of the firing means 10 one by one in conjunction with the firing operation of the firing means 10, and FIG. 3 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper plate 8 is detachably mounted on the back surface of the front plate 6 corresponding to the downstream end of the alignment portion 30. The feeding means 12 includes a feeding case 33 whose ball receiving port communicates with a downstream end of the alignment section 30 via a launching guide hole 32 formed in the front plate 6, and is provided in the feeding case 33. And a feed operator 34 that is operated in conjunction with the firing operation of the firing means 10. The operation of the operator 34 causes the hammer 14 to hit the game ball on the firing rail 13 and then feed the ball. The game ball in the case 33 is fired by the rail 1
3 is supplied.

The collecting means 27 is for collecting a predetermined number, for example, four, of the game balls in the upper plate 8 per game for each game, and corresponds to the downstream end of the alignment section 30. It is detachably attached to the front of the front plate 6 inside the upper plate cover 28. This collecting means 27 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, a standby passage 35 having a volume capable of accommodating a predetermined number (4) of game balls, a receiver 36 for receiving game balls in the standby passage 35 on the downstream side, and an upstream side of the standby passage 35 A regulating body 37 for regulating a game ball subsequent to the alignment section 30 with
A driving unit 38 for driving the receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37 so as to be able to move back and forth with respect to the standby passage 35, and a standby detection switch for detecting that a predetermined number of game balls are in the standby state in the standby passage 35 ( (Standby detecting means) 39.

The standby passage 35 is arranged vertically or obliquely on the front surface of the front plate 6, and its upstream side is near the lower side of the shooting guide hole 32 so that the game balls of the alignment section 30 flow down naturally. Is connected to the aligning section 30 via a collecting guide hole 40 formed at the downstream end of the bottom wall 31 of the aligning section 30, and four game balls are placed between the receiving body 36 and the guide hole 40. It is designed to accommodate.

The standby passage 35 communicates with the collection passage 42 on the back side of the game machine main body 3 via the relay passage 41, and allows game balls in the standby passage 35 to pass through the collection passage 42 from the relay passage 41 to the lower island facility. It is designed to discharge to the outside of the machine. The collection passage 42 is mounted on the back side of the front frame 2 in a vertical direction. The relay passage 41 penetrates through the front plate 6 from the lower end of the standby passage 35 and projects rearward.
When the front plate 6 is closed in a closed state, the rear end of the collection passage 4
2 is connected to the upper end side.

The receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37 are provided above and below an interlocking arm 44 whose intermediate portion is pivotally attached to a forming body 45 of the recovery passage 42 and the like by a pivot 43.
The interlocking arm 44 moves so that the restricting body 37 retreats from the standby passage 35 when the protruding member projects into the standby passage 35 and the restricting body 37 protrudes into the standby passage 35 when the receiving member 36 retreats from the standby passage 35. , The upper and lower sides of the standby passage 35 can be moved back and forth. The driving means 38 is constituted by an electric means such as a solenoid, and is interposed between the interlocking arm 44 and the support shaft 49 on the front plate 6 side.

The regulating body 37 is plate-shaped or the like, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the regulating body 37 projects into the standby passage 35, the guide hole 40 of the bottom wall 31 of the alignment section 30 is closed and Guide hole 3 on the upper surface so as to guide the game ball to the guide hole 32 side.
A guide portion 46 such as an inclined surface having a lower side is formed.

4 and 5, the collecting means 27 is normally in a state in which the receiving body 36 protrudes and the regulating body 37 retreats so that the game balls can wait in the standby passage 35 (hereinafter, referred to as a standby state). (Referred to as a recovery-side guidance state). From this state,
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a state in which the receiving body 36 is retracted by the driving of the driving means 38 and the restricting body 37 is projected (hereinafter, referred to as “removing body”)
When the state shifts to the firing-side guiding state), the guide holes 40 are closed, the game balls on the alignment section 30 are guided to the guide holes 32, and the game balls waiting in the standby passage 35 are relayed. It flows down to the passage 41 side. Further, the receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37 do not need to be integrally formed via the interlocking arm 44, and may be separately provided separately. In that case, the driving means 38 are also provided separately corresponding to the receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37, and the driving body 38 and the regulating body 37 are
May move in and out of the standby passage 35 in reverse.

The standby detection switch 39 detects that at least a predetermined number of recovered game balls are stored in the upper plate 8, and detects the most upstream game ball in standby in the standby passage 35. As shown in FIG. 3, it is provided near the lower side of the regulating body 37 on the upstream side of the standby passage 35. Standby display means 48
Is the upper plate 8 side including the collecting means 27, and in particular, the collecting means 27
For displaying whether or not a predetermined number of game balls are on standby in the standby passage 35, and is constituted by a display lamp or the like, and is provided in the vicinity of the visual recognition portion 47 so that the player can easily confirm it. It is provided on the front side of the dish cover 28.

The viewing portion 47 is provided with the upper plate 8 including the collecting means 27.
This is for making it possible to visually recognize whether or not a predetermined number of game balls are waiting in the standby passage 35 of the side collection and collection means 27, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. It is provided on the upper plate cover 28 so that the game balls in the standby passage 35 of the collecting means 27 can be easily seen through. The viewing portion 47 includes a transparent window 50 formed in the upper cover 28 corresponding to the standby passage 35 and a transparent body 5 such as a convex lens mounted on the upper cover 28 so as to close the transparent window 50.
1 is provided. The formation body 45 of the standby passage 35 is made of a transparent synthetic resin material so that the game balls in standby can be seen through the body 45. Note that the visual recognition unit 47 does not need to make all game balls waiting in the waiting passage 35 visible, and it is sufficient that at least one game ball on the most upstream side can be viewed.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control system of the arrangement ball machine. This control system includes a main control unit 52, a winning display control unit 53, a settlement processing unit 54, a payout control unit 55, a collection control unit 56, a launch control unit 57, and a standby display control unit 58, as shown in FIG. I have.

The main control means 52 controls each game operation on the game board 7 side.
Reference numeral 3 denotes that when a game ball wins in each of the winning openings 23 of the winning opening means 17, a winning display is displayed on a winning display section 25 corresponding to the winning opening 23 or the like of the winning display means 26. The settlement processing unit 54 performs a settlement process for calculating a score according to a signal from the main control unit 52 during the game or every time the game ends, according to the success or failure of the winning combination. The payout control means 55 controls the payout means 59 during the game or after the game is over, and when the points are given by the payment processing of the payment processing means 54, the prize ball corresponding to the score is raised by the payout means 59. It is made to pay out to the plate 8. The payout means 59
Is provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body 3.

The collection control means 56 operates the collection means 27 before the start of the game to collect a predetermined number of game balls, and the standby detection switch 39 detects a standby game ball. Or standby detection switch 39
Before the start of each game, a predetermined number of game balls are collected by the collecting means 27 on condition that the waiting game balls are detected and the player operates the firing handle 11 of the firing means 10; The following game balls are regulated until one game after the collection is completed.

The firing control means 57 is for controlling the firing operation of the firing means 10 with an appropriate pause time for each game. The collecting means 27 collects the game balls and the player controls the firing means. The firing means 10 is operated on condition that the ten firing handles 11 are operated, and the operation is continued until the firing means 10 hits a predetermined number (16) of game balls into the game area 16. That is, the shooting operation of the game ball by the firing means 10 is performed by the standby detection switch 3.
9 detects the waiting game balls in the waiting passage 35, and the game is not started until after a predetermined number (four) of the recovered game balls in the waiting passage 35 are collected. The number of game balls hit into the game area 16 can be determined by subtracting the number of foul balls from the number of shots on the shooting means 10 side by providing a shooting ball number checking means, or by setting the winning opening means 17 and the specific winning means. What is necessary is just to obtain from the number of game balls which won 19 etc.

The standby display control means 58 is a standby display means 48
When a predetermined number of collected balls are not in the standby state in the standby passage 35 of the collection unit 27 before the start of the game, the standby display unit 48 according to the signal from the standby detection switch 39. In the non-standby state, and when a predetermined number of game balls are in the standby state, the standby display means 48
The standby state is displayed on each of the game balls, and the presence or absence of a predetermined number of game balls to be collected is notified to the player. Note that the standby display means 48 may display either non-standby or standby.

Next, the operation of the arrangement ball machine having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. At the start of the game, a predetermined number (four) or more, preferably 20 or more game balls required for one game are thrown into the upper plate 8. The game balls thrown into the upper plate 8 move downstream along the front plate 6 while being aligned in a line from the storage unit 29 via the alignment unit 30.

When the game ball moves to the downstream end of the alignment section 30, the regulating body 37 of the collecting means 27 retreats to open the collecting guide hole 40 as shown in FIG. Projecting into the standby passage 35 (in the recovery-side guiding state), the game ball flows down into the standby passage 35 via the recovery guide hole 40, and from the receiving body 36 of the standby passage 35 Four game balls are waiting on the upper side for collection.

When four game balls are on standby in the waiting passage 35, the standby detection switch 39 detects the uppermost game ball (S1 → Yes), and the standby display means 48 is controlled by the standby display control means 58. Notify the player of the standby state. Therefore, the player can easily confirm whether or not a predetermined number of collected game balls are waiting in the collection means 27 by looking at the display of the standby display means 48. Further, the player can easily confirm from the visual recognition section 47 whether or not the game ball is waiting in the waiting passage 35.

Thereafter, when the player grips and operates the firing handle 11 (S2 → Yes), the drive means 38 of the collection means 27 is controlled by the collection control means 56 so that the drive means 38 of the collection means 27 and the regulating body 36 37 is driven to shift from the recovery-side guidance state to the firing-side guidance state (S3). This causes the receiving body 36 to retreat as shown in FIGS.
The game balls on standby in the standby passage 35 are discharged to the island facility side via the relay passage 41 and the recovery passage 42 to the outside of the machine. On the other hand, in synchronization with the retraction of the receiving body 36, the regulating body 37 projects into the waiting passage 35, closes the guide hole 40 for collection, and regulates the subsequent game ball so as not to flow into the waiting passage 35,
The state is maintained until one game after the collection of the game balls is completed.

If the player keeps operating the firing handle 11, after the collecting means 27 collects the game balls, the firing means 10 is operated under the control of the firing control means 57, and the feeding means is moved from the alignment section 30 of the upper plate 8 to the feeding means. The game ball supplied to the launch rail 13 via the ball 12 is hit with a hitting hammer 14 and the game ball is sequentially driven into the game area 16 via the guide rail 15, whereby a normal game proceeds ( S
4).

When the driving of the 16 game balls is completed (S5 → Yes), the launching means 10 is stopped, and the payout control means 55 controls the payout means 59 based on the score calculated by the settlement processing means 54. . Thereby, a prize ball corresponding to the score of the game is paid out to the upper plate 8 (S6). Further, under the control of the collection control unit 56, the collection unit 27 shifts from the collection-side guidance state to the firing-side guidance state (S7), and thereafter, the processing from step S1 onward is repeated for the next game. Either step S6 or step S7 may be performed first, or the steps S6 and S7 may be performed in parallel.

As described above, if there is no predetermined number of collected balls, for example, four game balls, in the waiting passage 35, even if the firing handle 11 is operated, both the collecting means 27 and the firing means 10 do not operate. Therefore, in this case, 4
The game balls may be thrown into the upper plate 8 so that the individual game balls stand by. Whether or not there are four game balls in the waiting passage 35 can be easily confirmed by the player visually recognizing the standby passage 35 side from the visual recognition unit 47 or visually recognizing the display of the standby display unit 48. .

With this configuration, the game can be started only when at least a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the upper plate 8, and the predetermined number of game balls can be started before the game starts. In order to collect the number of game balls to be collected, the number of game balls hit into the game area 16 (for example, 16)
(For example, 20) obtained by adding a predetermined collection number (for example, 4) to the required number of game balls for one game.
In spite of using as many units as the number of game balls to be shot in for firing, a predetermined number of game balls to be collected for each game from the game balls of the upper plate 8 are automatically and easily and reliably. The game can be played sequentially while collecting the game.

Since the collecting means 27 is provided on the downstream side of the aligning portion 30 of the upper plate 8 in structure, compared with the case where a predetermined number of game balls are collected from the storage portion 29 side of the upper plate 8, Therefore, the collection of the game balls is easy, and the configuration of the collection means 27 can be simplified. Further, on the downstream side of the alignment section 30, a guide hole 32 for launching a game ball to the feeding means 12 and a collecting means 2 are provided.
7 is provided with a guide hole 40 for guiding game balls to the game ball 7, so that the feeding means 12 and the collection means 27 can be arranged intensively. In this case, the entire structure can be simplified.

Further, the collecting means 27 is mounted on the front plate 6 pivotally attached to the game machine main body 3 so as to be freely opened and closed, and a collecting passage 42 for discharging the game balls from the collecting means 27 to the outside of the machine is formed in the game machine main body 3. In addition to this, it is easy to inspect other mechanical parts on the gaming machine main body 3 side, and it is also possible to easily discharge a predetermined number of game balls to the outside of the gaming machine.

Since the collecting means 27 is provided inside the cover which covers the upper plate 8 in front of the front plate 6, and the feeding means 12 is provided on the back surface of the front plate 6, interference between the collecting means 27 and the feeding means 12 is prevented. The collecting means 27 can be protected by a cover. Further, by providing a guide hole 32 for firing on the front plate 6 and a guide hole 40 for collection on the bottom wall 31 of the alignment section 30, the feeding means 12 and the collecting means 27
Despite the presence, the feeding means 12 and the collecting means 27
The game balls can be smoothly guided from the alignment section 30 side.

FIGS. 11 to 17 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention.
Or in the vicinity thereof, a predetermined required number (20) of the predetermined number of hits (16) and a predetermined number of collected (4) game balls in one game is detected, and the storage of the required number of game balls is detected. An example is shown in which a game can be started only when a detection is made and a predetermined number of game balls are collected after the end of each game. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, the standby detection switch 39 detects the twentieth game ball from the downstream side of the game balls stored in the upper plate 8 when the collection unit 27 is in the firing-side guiding state. For example, it is provided on the back side of the front plate 6 adjacent to the alignment section 30.

The operation of the arrangement ball machine according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that, in the present embodiment, the collecting unit 27 is normally in a firing-side guidance state as shown in FIGS.

At the start of the game, 20 or more game balls required for one game are thrown into the upper plate 8. The game balls thrown into the upper plate 8 are moved from the storage unit 29 to the alignment unit 30.
And moves to the downstream side along the front plate 6 while being aligned in a line.

When the game ball moves to the downstream end of the alignment section 30, the regulating body 37 of the collection means 27 projects and closes the collection guide hole 40, as shown in FIGS. Since the game ball is in the launch-side guiding state, the game ball is guided to the guide hole 32 for firing, and the subsequent game ball is aligned on the alignment unit 30 in a line. When 20 or more game balls are thrown into the upper plate 8, the standby detection switch 39 detects the twentieth game ball from the head, and the standby display control means 5
Under the control of 8, the standby display means 48 notifies the player of the standby state. Therefore, the player can display the standby display means 4
By looking at the display 8, it can be easily confirmed whether or not 20 or more game balls are stored on the upper plate 8.

Also, as in the present embodiment, 20
When the position of the 20th game ball can be visually checked, a mark is provided on, for example, a side wall (front plate 6) of the position of the 20th game ball (ie, the position where the standby detection switch 39 is provided). The player can easily confirm whether or not 20 or more game balls are stored on the upper plate 8 depending on whether or not the game balls have reached the position of the mark.

By the standby detection switch 39, 2 on the upper plate 8
The 0th game ball is detected (S11 → Yes), and when the player further holds and operates the firing handle 11 (S12)
→ Yes), the launch means 1 is controlled by the launch control means 57.
0 is activated (S13), and the feed rail 12
The game balls supplied on the ball 3 are hit with a hammer 14 and the game balls are sequentially driven into the game area 16 via the guide rails 15, whereby the normal game proceeds.

When a predetermined number (16) of game balls are shot into the game area 16 by the firing means 10 and one game is completed (S14 → Yes), the collection control means 5
By the control of 6, the driving means 38 of the collecting means 27 drives the receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37 via the interlocking arm 44 to shift the collecting means 27 from the firing-side guiding state to the collecting-side guiding state (S15). . That is, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the regulating body 37 retreats, the guide hole 40 for collection is opened, and the game ball on the alignment section 30 flows into the standby passage 35, and at the same time, the receiving body 36 The protrusion protrudes and restricts the game balls flowing into the standby passage 35 from flowing toward the collection passage 42. Thereby, a predetermined number (four) of the game balls flow into the waiting passage 35. Subsequently, the collection control unit 56 shifts the collection unit 27 from the collection-side guidance state to the firing-side guidance state again (S16). As a result, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 14, the receiving body 36 is retracted, and the waiting game balls are placed in the standby passage 35 in the relay passage 41 and the collection passage 4.
After that, they are discharged outside to the island facilities. On the other hand, in synchronization with the retreat of the receiving body 36, the regulating body 37 projects into the waiting passage 35, closes the guide hole 40 for collection, and regulates the subsequent game ball so as not to flow into the waiting passage 35. . In this way, a predetermined number of game balls, ie, four game balls, are collected.

When four game balls are collected under the control of the collection control means 56, the payout control means 55 controls the payout means 59 based on the score calculated by the settlement processing means 54. Thereby, a prize ball according to the score of the game is paid out to the upper plate 8 (S17). Thereafter, the processing of step S11 and subsequent steps is repeated for the next game.

With the above configuration, the upper plate 8 has at least a predetermined collection number (four) and a predetermined number (1).
6), and the game can be started only when a predetermined required number (20) of the game balls are stored, so that the ball runs out in the middle of the game despite the start of the game. As a result, the situation that the game cannot be completed can be prevented. In addition, one (for example, 20) game balls obtained by adding a predetermined collection number (for example, 4) to the number of the game balls hit into the game area 16 (for example, 16) is added.
The required number of games is defined as one unit. Despite the use of the number of hit balls in the game balls for firing, a predetermined number of picked balls for each game are selected from the game balls of the upper plate 8 for each game. The game can be played sequentially while automatically and reliably collecting the game balls.

In the second embodiment described above,
Although a predetermined number of game balls are collected after the game is over, the game balls may be collected before the game starts, for example. In this case, the installation position of the standby detection switch 39 changes depending on whether the normal state of the collection unit 27 is set to the firing-side guidance state or the collection-side guidance state. That is,
Assuming that the normal state of the collecting means 27 is the collecting-side guiding state, a predetermined number of collected (4) game balls are waiting in the waiting passage 35 when the number of game balls on the upper plate 8 is determined. For,
The position of the twentieth game ball from the top moves by that amount to the downstream side, and accordingly, the installation position of the standby detection switch 39 also moves to the downstream side.

FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment does not collectively collect a predetermined number of game balls collectively as described in the first and second embodiments, but collects a predetermined number of game balls individually one by one. 1 shows an example of an individual collecting type arrangement ball machine.

In this embodiment, the collecting means 27, the feeding means 12, the firing guide passage 60, and the collecting guide passage 61 are mounted on the back surface of the front plate 6, respectively. The collection means 27
A collection case 62 mounted on the back surface of the front plate 6, and a plurality of ball feeding recesses 64 arranged in the collection case 62 so as to be able to rotate forward and reverse around a rotation shaft 63 in the front-rear direction and to be circumferentially arranged on the outer peripheral side. A rotating body 65 is formed, and driving means 66 such as a driving motor for rotating the rotating body 65 in the forward and reverse directions is provided.

The collection case 62 is connected at its lower part on both sides with a guide passage 60 for ejection and a guide passage 61 for collection. The firing guide passage 60 is connected to the feeding means 12, and the recovery guide passage 61 is connected to the recovery passage 42 therebelow. The rotator 65 receives the game balls sent from the downstream end of the alignment section 30 through the supply holes 67 of the front plate 6 one by one into the ball feed recess 64 and forwards or reverses the game balls. The feeding guide 12 is guided from the launch guide passage 60 or the collection passage 42 from the collection guide passage 61. The collection guide passage 61 is provided with a collection detection switch 68 for detecting the passage of the game ball, and the signal of the collection detection switch 68 is counted by the counting means 69.

The upper plate cover 28 is provided with a visual recognition unit 47 at a position corresponding to a predetermined number (fourth) of collected game balls from the head of the game balls arranged in the arrangement unit 30. Viewing part 47
Is provided with a transparent body 51 such as a convex lens that closes the transparent window 50. In addition, in the alignment part 30,
A transparent section 70 is provided corresponding to the viewing section 47. In addition, a standby detection switch 39 is provided on, for example, the bottom wall 31 of the sorting unit 30 at a position corresponding to a predetermined collection number (fourth) from the top of the gaming balls aligned with the sorting unit 30.

In this embodiment, when a game ball is thrown into the upper plate 8, one of the lowermost game balls enters the ball feed recess 64 of the rotating body 65 through the supply hole 67, and the subsequent game ball is placed. Are arranged in a line in the alignment unit 30. When four or more game balls stand by on the alignment unit 30, the standby detection switch 3
9 detects the fourth game ball, and displays the standby display control means 5.
Under the control of 8, the standby display means 48 notifies the player of the standby state. Therefore, the player can display the standby display means 4
By looking at the display 8, it can be easily confirmed whether or not a predetermined number of game balls are waiting on the upper plate 8. Further, the player can easily confirm from the visual recognition section 47 whether or not a predetermined number of collected game balls are on standby in the upper plate 8.

Thereafter, when the player grips and operates the firing handle 11, the rotating body 65 of the collecting means 27 rotates forward by the driving means 38, and guides the game ball to the collecting guide passage 61 side, and the collecting passage. Collected through 42 and discharged out of the machine.
Then, when the game ball passes through the collection guide passage 61,
The recovery detection switch 68 detects the game ball, and the counting means 69
Counts the number.

When a predetermined number (4) of game balls have been collected and the firing means 10 starts firing, the driving means 66 rotates the rotating body 65 in the reverse direction to feed the subsequent game balls. Send to 12 and start the game. Therefore, also in this case, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the standby detection switch 39 is set to a predetermined required number (2
It is also possible to provide at a position corresponding to (0th). In this case, a predetermined number of game balls may be collected at any timing before the game starts or after the game ends.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the standby detection switch 39 does not need to detect exactly a predetermined number of collected (4) or a predetermined required number (20) of game balls, and can store more or more game balls. What is necessary is just to provide in the position which can be detected. Also,
The storage of less than a predetermined number of collected game balls (four) may be detected, but in this case, a predetermined number of collected game balls may not be collected.

In addition, for example, when the storage of at least 20 game balls is detected by the standby detection switch 39 as in the second embodiment, the game balls are collected before the game starts and after the game ends. It is also possible to perform it during the game.

In the embodiment, the collecting means 27 collectively collects a predetermined number of game balls at a time (first and second embodiments), and a predetermined number of game balls to collect. Although an individual collection type (third embodiment) that individually collects individual products is illustrated, the collection unit 27 may have another structure regardless of a collective collection type or an individual collection type. Is also possible.

In the embodiment, a ball-insertion type in which a game ball is thrown into the upper plate 8 and a game is played while using the game ball in the upper plate 8 for firing is exemplified. Panel 7
A game ball is enclosed in the circulation path including the side and the launching means 10, and the enclosed ball is fired by the launching means 10 to the game board 7 side during a game. Each time it is collected and spent, the launching means 10 fires the enclosed balls one by one to play the game, and after the game is over, the collecting means 27 collects a further predetermined number of game balls in the upper plate 8. good. Therefore, even in the arrangement ball machine using both the ball insertion type and the ball enclosing type, a predetermined number of game balls can be collected after the end of the game.

The viewing portion 47 can be constituted by an opening such as a slit formed in the upper plate cover 28 corresponding to the standby passage 35. The viewing portion 47 may be provided above the alignment portion 30 of the upper plate 8. The standby display means 48
Any portion other than the upper plate cover 28 may be provided on the front side of the gaming machine main body 3 as long as it can be easily confirmed by the player. Either the visual recognition unit 47 or the standby display unit 48 may be provided, or both may be omitted. Standby display means 48
Is an example of standby notification means, and means for notifying a player of a non-standby state and / or a standby state by voice may be employed.

Further, instead of the standby display means 48 or together with the standby display means 48, a collection notifying means for notifying a player that a predetermined number of game balls have been collected may be provided. Either a display-type notification method or a voice-type notification method may be adopted as the collection notification means.

In each of the embodiments, the arrangement ball machine is exemplified. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be similarly applied to various combination game machines such as a sparrow ball game machine in addition to the arrangement ball machine.

[0069]

According to the present invention, a predetermined number of game balls are shot into the game area 16 of the game board 7 by the firing means 10 for each game while the game balls in the supply tray 8 are spent for each game. In the combination gaming machine that was to be performed,
A standby detecting unit 39 for detecting that at least a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the supply tray 8 is provided. For each game, the standby detection unit 39 detects that the storage of the predetermined number of game balls is detected. Since the game can be started under the condition, the game can be started only when at least a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the supply tray.

Further, game balls are supplied from the inside of the supply tray 8 to the launching means 10 via the feeding means 12, and a predetermined number of game balls are driven into the game area 16 of the game board 7 by the launching means 10 for each game. In a combination gaming machine for playing a game, a standby detecting means 39 for detecting that at least a predetermined number of gaming balls are stored in the supply tray 8 is provided,
Since the game can be started on the condition that the storage of the predetermined number of game balls is detected by the standby detection means 39 for each game, it is limited to the case where at least the predetermined number of game balls are stored in the supply plate. You can start the game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an arrangement ball machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the upper plate side showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of the upper plate showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a recovery part according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of a collection part according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan cross-sectional view of a recovery part according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a recovery part according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a collection portion showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the arrangement ball machine showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of an upper plate showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan cross-sectional view of the upper plate showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a recovery part according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view of a collection part according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a collection part according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front cross-sectional view of a collection part according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the operation of the arrangement ball machine showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan cross-sectional view of a recovery part according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a front cross-sectional view of a collection portion showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of a collection portion showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7 gaming board 8 upper plate (supply plate) 10 launching means 12 feeding means 16 game area 27 collecting means 39 standby detection switch (standby detection means)

Claims (9)

[Claims] A game ball in a supply tray (8) is used for each game, and a predetermined number of game balls are sent to a game area (16) of a game board (7) by a firing means (10) for each game. In the combination gaming machine designed to drive and play a game, a standby detecting means (39) for detecting that at least a predetermined number of gaming balls are stored in the supply plate (8) is provided, and for each game, A combination game machine, wherein a game can be started on condition that the standby detection means (39) detects the storage of a predetermined number of game balls. 2. A game ball is supplied from the inside of a supply tray (8) to a launching means (10) via a feeding means (12), and a predetermined number of game balls are played by the launching means (10) for each game. (7) Game area (1
In the combination game machine in which the game is performed by driving the game machine into the supply tray (6), standby detection means (3) for detecting that at least a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the supply tray (8).
9. A combination gaming machine comprising: 9), wherein a game can be started on condition that the standby detecting means (39) detects accumulation of a predetermined number of gaming balls for each game. 3. The combination game machine according to claim 1, wherein said standby detecting means detects a predetermined number of collected game balls in one game. 4. After the predetermined number of game balls is detected by the standby detection means (39), before the start of each game, a predetermined number of game balls to be collected in one game is collected from the supply tray (8). 4. The combination gaming machine according to claim 3, further comprising means (27). 5. The waiting detection means (39) detects a storage of a predetermined required number of game balls, which is a combination of a predetermined number of hits and a predetermined number of collections in one game. Or the combination gaming machine according to 2. 6. After a predetermined number of game balls are detected by the standby detection means (39), a predetermined collection number of game balls in one game is supplied to the supply tray at some point during the game period of each game. The combination game machine according to claim 5, further comprising a collecting means (27) for collecting from the (8). 7. The collecting means according to claim 6, wherein the collecting means collects a predetermined number of game balls collected in one game from the supply tray before starting each game. Combination gaming machine. 8. The collecting means according to claim 6, wherein said collecting means (27) collects a predetermined number of game balls in one game from said supply tray (8) after each game. Combination gaming machine. 9. The combination according to claim 1, wherein a game ball for launch is enclosed in a circulation path including the game board (7) side and the launch means (10). Gaming machine.