JP2008206714A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, favorably maintaining a game environment without staining a game area of a game board even if stains adhere to balls in the process of collecting and conveying the balls. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 10 includes the game board 14 having the game area 15 where the game ball rolls; a game ball shooting means for shooting the game ball to the game area 15; and a cleaning means 30e for cleaning the game ball shot by the game ball shooting means provided in the game board 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine using a game ball.

  A typical example of this type of gaming machine is that a player operates a game ball launching means to fire a game ball into the game area of the game board, and repeatedly collides with a number of game nails implanted in the game area. A pachinko gaming machine is known in which a winning ball is obtained by rolling down a gaming ball and winning a gaming ball in a winning opening provided in the gaming area.

  Such pachinko gaming machines are usually installed in a game arcade in a plurality of game equipment tables called “islands”, and the player selects his / her own favorite game table and obtains his / her own benefit. He enjoys playing games with the goal of winning prize balls.

When a game ball used in a game rolls on the game board and enters a discharge port called a prize opening or an out port, the game ball is temporarily discharged out of the gaming machine and passes through a discharge path provided in the gaming equipment table. It is circulated through the supply path and supplied to the gaming machine again.
However, the game ball is easily charged with dirt and dust during the period due to static electricity, and as a result, the game board itself is easily dirty. Therefore, as time passes, dirt on the game board becomes conspicuous, and there is a possibility that the player may feel uncomfortable.

Therefore, conventionally, when a game ball passes through a discharge path or a supply path in the game equipment table, the surface of the game ball is polished to remove dirt.
For example, a game medium in which a game ball discharged from a gaming machine is polished near a terminal end of a discharge path in the gaming equipment stand using a conveyor belt and a polishing belt, and the ground game ball is lifted to a supply path A lifting device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-154148 A

  However, the gaming ball lifting device collects and polishes the gaming balls discharged from each gaming machine arranged on the gaming equipment table, and returns them to the supply path arranged on the upper part of the gaming equipment table. Therefore, even if the corner polishing is performed, there is a possibility that the dirt adheres again while passing through the supply path.

Therefore, when a game ball is fired on the game board, it is desirable that the game ball is cleaned as much as possible, but such a technology does not currently exist.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can solve the above-described problems.

  (1) In the present invention, a game board having a game area in which a game ball rolls, a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area, provided in the game board, and provided by the game ball launching means A gaming machine provided with a cleaning means for cleaning the launched game ball.

  (2) The present invention is characterized in that, in the above (1), the cleaning means is provided in an area where the game ball launched by the game ball launching means reaches the game area.

  (3) The present invention is characterized in that, in the above (1) or (2), the cleaning means is provided on a guide rail that guides the game ball launched by the game ball launching means to the game area. .

  (4) The present invention is characterized in that, in the above (3), the cleaning means is provided on a return ball preventing piece provided at a tip portion of the guide rail.

  According to the present invention, since the game ball fired on the game board is cleaned, when the game ball rolls on the game board, it is in a clean and clean state, so that the game board gets dirty due to the game ball. Can be prevented as much as possible.

  The gaming machine of the present embodiment includes a game board having a game area in which a game ball rolls, game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area, and the game ball launching means provided in the game board. And a cleaning means for cleaning the game ball launched by. As a result, even if dirt is attached in the process of collecting and transporting the used game balls from the game machine, the game balls launched on the game board are cleaned, so the game board game where the game balls roll The area is not contaminated, and the game environment can be maintained well and the game can be enjoyed comfortably.

The game machine can be applied to, for example, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine or a smart ball that launches a game ball, which includes a game board on which the game ball rolls.
When the gaming machine is a pachinko machine installed in a game hall (for example, a pachinko hall), the number of gaming balls launched on the gaming board per day is considerable, and the pachinko balls that are gaming balls are Dirt is easily attached due to static electricity. Since the dirt causes the game board to become dirty, if the game ball immediately after being launched by the game ball launching means is cleaned as in this embodiment, the game ball rolling in the game area is always clean. The game board will not be soiled.

The game board according to the present embodiment has a game area in which a game ball rolls and has a light-transmitting area that can be visually recognized behind the game area. And a game area in which a game ball rolls surrounded by guide rails. The game board is formed entirely or partially from a member such as a transparent resin material having translucency such as an acrylic resin, and a liquid crystal display device or the like disposed behind the transparent resin material is visually recognized. It is possible.
As described above, since the liquid crystal display device is a game board that can be seen through, the dirt on the game board may not only be appearance but also reduce the visibility of the liquid crystal display device. In this embodiment, the game board Since the cleaning means for purifying the game ball launched toward the direction is provided, the visibility of the liquid crystal display device can always be kept good.

  The game ball launching means is a mechanical system including a launch handle for launching the game ball onto the game board, a solenoid, a motor, a spring, and the like, and the on / off and launch strength of the game ball are controlled via the launch handle. The The control unit that manages the gaming machine acquires the operation signal corresponding to the on / off switching and the operation amount input through the game ball launching means, and drives these mechanical systems.

The cleaning means is a mechanism provided in the game board for cleaning the game balls fired by the game ball launching means, and the game hall attached to the surface by contacting with the game balls launched by the game ball launching means It is a member that has a removing action such as dust and cigarette dust filling.
Such cleaning means include, for example, felt-like fiber pieces infiltrated with a cleaning liquid such as a surfactant, abrasives with brush-like protrusions or polished surfaces on the surface, and vibration by adding ultrasonic waves to a game ball. For example, an ultrasonic cleaner that removes deposits by using an electrostatic discharger, and an electrostatic generator that removes dust adhering to a game ball by electrostatic action can be applied.
Such a cleaning means can be provided at a predetermined location in the game board. However, when it is provided at a location included in the game area, it is desirable to select a location that does not affect the behavior of the game ball as much as possible. For example, the vicinity of the boundary between the tip of the guide rail and the game area can be considered. As a result, it is possible to minimize the influence of disturbance elements and the like on the launched game ball.

Preferably, the cleaning means is provided in an area where the game ball launched by the game ball launching means reaches the game area.
This allows cleaning until the game ball reaches the game area, allows the cleaning means to be arranged on the game board without reducing the effective area of the game area, and allows the game ball to roll in the game area. There is no risk of adverse effects.

  Specifically, the cleaning means may be provided on a guide rail that guides the game balls launched by the game ball launching means to the game area. This facilitates replacement and attachment of the cleaning means from the front side of the gaming machine, and can provide a gaming machine with excellent maintenance workability.

As described above, the game board is provided with a guide rail that divides the game area in the game board. The guide rail according to the present embodiment is defined as a part of the guide rail and is fired by the launching means. This is a part for guiding the game ball to the game area.
The guide rail has a belt-shaped outer rail and an inner rail, both of which are formed in a substantially arc shape, arranged in parallel in order to form a guide path for a part of the game ball. It is a section which forms this taxiway part among outside rails.

  The cleaning means can be arranged by sticking, for example, a felt piece formed in a band shape to the inner surface of the outer rail of such a guide rail. Of course, the cleaning means may be disposed on the entire inner surface of the outer rail. In addition, the guide rail portion is formed separately from the outer rail and is detachably provided on the game board, so that maintenance work associated with replacement of the cleaning means can be further facilitated.

Further, the cleaning means may be provided on a return ball preventing piece provided at a tip portion of the guide rail.
With this configuration, it is possible to more effectively clean and polish the game ball using the frictional force when the game ball pushes up the return ball prevention piece and passes through it. In this case, it is also possible to remove dust and the like adhering to the cleaning means of the return ball prevention piece from the game ball by using the opening and closing operation of the return ball prevention piece, and the cleaning period of the game ball by the cleaning means can be extended. Can be maintained.

  The return ball prevention piece functions to close and prevent the movement of the game ball returning from the game area side to the guide rail while allowing the game ball launched from the guide rail side to open. A cleaning means formed in a felt shape or the like is affixed to the inside of the return ball prevention piece that passes while contacting the game ball so that the game ball can be effectively cleaned. Note that the return prevention piece is usually formed of an elastic member such as spring steel, but is configured to be opened and closed by being biased so as to be closed by a spring provided at the tip of the inner rail in the guide rail. It can also be.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically based on the drawings. A case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine is shown as a preferred embodiment for the gaming machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine. In FIG. 3, the description of the plurality of obstacle nails 13 (see FIG. 2) driven into the game board is omitted.

[Composition of gaming machine]
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a base frame 12 having an opening 12 a formed on the front surface, a door 11 and a base door 11 a that are pivotally mounted in front of the base frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. It is composed of The door 11 is for closing various components arranged in the opening 12a from the front, and a game is performed in the closed state. A launch handle 26 is provided on the lower right side of the front surface of the base frame 12 to launch a game ball by the player's operation.

Inside the opening 12a of the base frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32 for displaying an image, a spacer 31, a game board 14 and the like are disposed on the base door 11a. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted in order to make an understanding easy about various components (not shown) other than the game board 14, the spacer 31, and the liquid crystal display device 32. FIG.
The base door 11a is hinged so as to be fixed or openable with respect to the base frame 12, and a liquid crystal display device 32 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, a door 11 having a protective glass plate or the like is attached to the front side of the base door 11a so as to be freely opened and closed.

The game board 14 is disposed on the base door 11a, and all of the game board 14 is formed of a permeable plate-shaped resin (a permeable member). Examples of the transparent member include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin.
The game board 14 has a game area 15 in which a game ball launched by operating the launch handle 26 can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by the guide rails 30 where the game ball can roll. Also, a plurality of obstacle nails 13 (FIG. 2) are driven into the game area 15 of the game board 14.

  A liquid crystal display device 32 that displays an effect image relating to the game is provided behind the game board 14 with the spacer 31 interposed therebetween, and is attached to the base door 11a. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the transparent member of the game board 14. The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a that enables display of an image relating to a game. The display area 32a is disposed so as to overlap the whole or a part of the game board 14 from the back side with the spacer 31 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the game board 14 so that the display area 32 a overlaps all or part of the game area 15 and all or part of the game area outer area 16. . In the liquid crystal display device 32, various images such as a production effect image and a decoration image are displayed in the display area 32a.

  Further, by providing the liquid crystal display device 32 behind the transmissive area in the game board 14, for example, the area for providing the game member such as an obstacle nail planting area, an accessory, or a decorative member is increased, and the degree of freedom in layout is also increased. It can be further increased.

  The spacer 31 is disposed on the rear side (back side) of the game board 14 and on the front side (front side) of the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the spacer 31 is sandwiched between the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32. The spacer 31 is made of a permeable material, and has a large through hole 31a at the center. An electrical decoration unit 53 is provided in the through hole 31a.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the electric decoration unit 53. The special symbol display 33, the normal symbol display 35, the special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d and the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 33 accommodated in the display device case 37 is composed of 7-segment LEDs 41. The 7-segment LED 41 is repeatedly turned on and off when a predetermined special symbol variation display start condition is satisfied. When the 7-segment LED 41 is turned on / off, 10 numeric symbols from “0” to “9” are variably displayed as special symbols. In the present embodiment, the process from the change display of special symbols to the stop display is referred to as a “special symbol game”.

  On both the left and right sides of the display case 37, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. The special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d display the number of executions of the special symbol variation display held by turning on or off (so-called “number of special symbols on hold ball”).

  A normal symbol display 35 is provided on the right side of the special symbol display 33. The normal symbol display 35 is composed of two display lamps (not shown). When these display lamps are alternately turned on and off, symbols such as “O” and “X” are displayed. Fluctuated display as a normal symbol.

  Under the display case 37, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d are provided. As will be described later, the normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d display the number of executions of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol held by turning on or off (so-called “the number of holding balls of the normal symbol”).

  Returning to FIG. 3, the description of the overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be continued. Decorative lamps 133a and 133b as light emitting display means are arranged outside the transmissive area of the game board 14, and display a predetermined light emission mode according to the gaming state. A protective plate 19 having transparency is disposed on the door 11. The protection plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board 14 with the door 11 closed.

  In addition, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14, an effect image related to the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33 is displayed.

  During the variation display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 33, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, it is a decorative symbol consisting of numbers, symbols, etc. in a single symbol row (also identification information for effect). For example, “0” to “9” are displayed in a variable manner. In addition, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 33 is stopped and displayed, and the decorative symbol for presentation is also stopped and displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  In addition, when a special number symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, an effect image that allows the player to grasp that it is a big hit is displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Specifically, when a specific numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, a combination of effect decorative symbols displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is a specific display. This is a mode (for example, a mode in which all of “1” to “9” are stopped and displayed).

  Next, game members provided on the game board 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 14 is provided with a guide rail 30 including an outer rail 30 a and an inner rail 30 b, obstacles 55 and 57, a passage gate 54, a start port 25, and a prize winning port 39. . In addition, in the upper part of the game board 14, the electrical decoration units 53 (refer FIG. 4), such as the special symbol display 33 and the normal symbol display 35, can be visually recognized. An obstacle 55 is provided in the upper part of the game board 14, and an obstacle 57 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 14. A starting port 25 is provided below the obstacle 57.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a lottery to determine whether or not to shift to a game advantageous to the player when the game ball enters the start opening 25, and is identified by the special symbol display 33. In the game in which a change display of a symbol is performed, and a variation display of a decoration symbol as an effect and an effect display accompanying this are performed on the liquid crystal display device 32, and when the lottery is won, the game shifts to a jackpot game advantageous to the player. is there. In the present embodiment, the effect display including the variable display of the decorative symbols is referred to as a variable display game.

  In other words, the game ball launched by the player operating the launch handle 26 passes over the electrical decoration unit 53, and includes a plurality of obstacle nails 13 (see FIG. 2) and an obstacle 55 provided on the game board 14. , 57 etc., it flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction.

  When a game ball wins at the start opening 25, a special symbol change display by the special symbol display 33, that is, a special symbol game and a variable display game are started. If the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display of the special symbol, the special symbol game based on the winning of the game ball to the start opening 25 is stopped until the special symbol during the variation display is stopped. Execution (start) is put on hold. Then, after the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the reserved special symbol game is started. That is, the special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d (see FIG. 4) provided in the illumination unit 53 are lit in order from the left in accordance with the number of executions of the reserved special symbol game. When is finished and the next reserved special symbol game is started, the corresponding special symbol holding lamp is turned off. Note that an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol game is put on hold. For example, the special symbol game is put on hold with an upper limit of four times (pieces).

  Also, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, when a game ball is won in the start opening 25 described above, a variation display of the decorative pattern for production is started in accordance with the start of the special symbol game. . In addition, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display related to the special symbol, the game ball to the start opening 25 is stopped until the decorative symbol which is the identification information for effect during the variation display is stopped. Execution (start) of the decorative symbol variation display based on the winning is suspended. At this time, the effect display by other effect images may be continued. Thereafter, when the decorative symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, variably displaying the decorative symbol that has been suspended is started.

  A passing gate 54 is provided on the left side of the approximate center of the game board 14. The passing gate 54 is provided with a passing ball sensor 114 (see FIG. 5) described later. The passing ball sensor 114 detects that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 54. When the passing of the game ball is detected by the passing ball sensor 114, the normal symbol variation display is started on the normal symbol display 35, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol variation display is stopped. As described above, this normal symbol is a symbol such as “◯” or “×”.

  When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, the blade members (so-called normal electric accessories) 23 provided on both the left and right sides of the start port 25 are changed from the closed state to the open state, It becomes easy for a game ball to enter the start opening 25. Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 23 is opened, the blade member 23 is closed to make it difficult for a game ball to enter the start port 25. As described above, a game in which the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the open / closed state of the blade member 23 differs depending on the result is referred to as a “normal symbol game”.

  Similarly to the special symbol game, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 54 during the normal symbol variation display in the normal symbol game, the passing gate 54 is displayed until the normal symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed. The execution (start) of the normal symbol game based on the passing of the game ball to is suspended. That is, the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d (see FIG. 4) provided in the lighting unit 53 are lit in order from the left in accordance with the number of executions of the held normal symbol game, and the fluctuation is stopped. When displayed, the next held normal symbol game is started, and the corresponding normal symbol holding lamp is turned off. It should be noted that an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the normal symbol game is suspended, for example, the upper limit is 4 times (pieces).

  The big prize opening 39 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front side). As for the shutter 40, a specific numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, and the gaming state is shifted to the jackpot gaming state (that is, the 15R probability variation big hit, 2R probability variation big hit and 15R normal big hit state). If it is, it is driven so as to be in an open state where it is easy to accept the game ball. As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in an open state where it is easy to accept a game ball.

  On the other hand, a special winning opening 39 provided on the back side (rear) of the shutter 40 includes a specific area (not shown) having a V / count sensor 102 (see FIG. 5) and a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 5). There are general areas (not shown) having a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls, or the shutter 40 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. Driven. When a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball.

  A game from an open state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is easy to accept game balls to a closed state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is difficult to accept game balls is called a round game. Therefore, the shutter 40 is opened during the round game and is closed between the round games. Since the round game is counted as the number of rounds such as “1” round, “2” round, etc., the first round game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round.

  Subsequently, the shutter 40 driven from the open state to the closed state is driven to the open state again on condition that the game ball received in the big prize opening 39 in the open state has passed through the V / count sensor 102. . In other words, it is possible to continue to the next round game on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 39 in the opened state of the shutter 40 has passed the V · count sensor 102. Note that the game from the first round game to the end of the (final) round game that cannot continue to the next round game is referred to as a jackpot gaming state. That is, the jackpot gaming state is a gaming state advantageous for the player.

  In addition, when a game ball wins or passes through the specific area and the general area in the start opening 25, the general winning openings 56a to 56d, and the large winning opening 39, the number set in advance according to the type of each winning opening. The game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 described above, a characteristic configuration in the present embodiment is that a cleaning means for cleaning a game ball fired by the launching device 130 is provided in the game board 14.

  In the present embodiment, the cleaning means is provided in an area where the game ball reaches the game area 15. More specifically, the cleaning means is provided on a part of the guide rail 30 that guides the game ball fired by the launching device 130 to the game area 15 formed on the game board 14. More specifically, it is provided on the guide rail 30c that forms part of the guide rail 30.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the guide rail 30 is composed of a strip-shaped metal plate that is curved in a substantially C shape, and the outer rail 30a is disposed so that the open portion faces the right side in the figure, and the open portion is illustrated. The inner rail 30b is disposed so as to face upward. A substantially circular game area 15 is formed on the game board 14 partitioned by the guide rail 30.

  The outer rail 30a and the inner rail 30b are arranged on the game board 14 so as to go around the game board 14, respectively. And the part which makes the left half part in the inner rail 30b is arrange | positioned with the space | interval of about 15-30 mm so that it may go inside the outer rail 30a. Thus, the portion sandwiched between the outer rail 30a and the inner rail 30a functions as a guide path for guiding the game ball to the game area 15, and the guide rail 30c is formed on the outer rail 30a part forming this guide path. Yes.

  Thus, the guide rail 30c is a further component of the outer rail 30a, which is a component of the guide rail 30, and as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the guide rail 30c is a mounting member. It is detachably attached to the game board 14 through 30d.

  The guide rail 30c is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the guide rail 30c by touching and sliding on the game ball fired by the launch device 130 (see FIG. 5) and rolling along the rail wall by operating the launch handle 26. A felt piece 30e containing a cleaning agent and an abrasive serving as a cleaning means for removing and cleaning the kimono is attached.

  In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, felt pieces 30e are arranged in advance on both front and back surfaces (inner peripheral surface and outer peripheral surface) of the guide rail 30c. Then, when the cleaning effect or grinding effect of one felt piece 30e is reduced, the guide rail 30c is once removed from the game board 14 (see FIG. 9), and then the front and back surfaces are reversed and attached. It is also possible for the effect to last for twice as long.

  As a matter of course, the felt pieces 30e are not necessarily provided on both surfaces of the guide rail 30c. In particular, since the guide rail 30e can be applied to a structure that is separated from the outer rail 30a and is not detachable, the felt piece 30e is attached to a portion that functions as the guide rail 30e of the outer rail 30a. It may be.

  On the game area 15 side of the guide rail 30c that forms the starting end side of the outer rail 30a that constitutes the guide rail 30, the left half portion of the inner rail 30b is disposed. In this way, at the terminal portion that forms the upper end of the left half portion of the inner rail 30b that is disposed with a space inside (outside the game area 15) of the outer rail 30a, the guide rail 30c enters the game area 15 And a return ball prevention piece 30f for preventing return of the game ball from the game area 15 to the guide rail 30c side (inside the guide path) is attached to be freely opened and closed via the rotating shaft portion 30g.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the return ball preventing piece 30f can be attached to and detached from the rotating shaft portion 30g, and the felt piece 30h serving as a cleaning means is provided on the surface on the guide rail 30c side. Is installed.

  Accordingly, the surface of the game ball when the game ball launched to the game area 15 through the guide rail is pushed up while colliding with the felt piece 30h attached to the inner surface of the return ball prevention piece 30f in the closed state. Dirt adhered to the surface can be surely removed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the felt piece 30e (30h) used as a cleaning means is arrange | positioned in both the guide rail 30c and the return ball | bowl prevention piece 30f, before a game ball enters the game area | region 15 Therefore, it is more reliably cleaned. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game board 14 from being soiled due to the game ball being soiled.

  In particular, the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment uses the liquid crystal display device 32 as a light-transmitting game board 14 that can be seen through. Therefore, if the game board 14 becomes dirty, not only the appearance but also the liquid crystal display Since the function of directly reducing the visibility of the device 32 is also adversely affected, it is significant to clean the game balls launched toward the game board 14 before reaching the game area 15.

  Due to the above-described configuration, the game ball launched through the launch device 130 including the launch handle 26 is guided by the guide rail 30c of the guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14, and the upper part of the game board 14 Move to. Since a felt piece 30e having a cleaning or grinding effect is affixed as a cleaning means on the inner surface side of the outer rail 30a in the guide rail 30c, the surface of the game ball that slides in the guide rail 30c is wiped off. Can remove the dirt and other dirt.

  Although not shown, the cleaning means is not provided directly on the guide rail 30, but for example, a cylindrical pipe made of a felt material including a cleaning agent or an abrasive can be arranged in the guide path as the cleaning means. is there.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
Here, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, a control circuit included in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

The control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 mainly includes a main control circuit 60 as game control means and a sub control circuit 200 as effect control means. The main control circuit 60 includes a payout / firing control circuit 126 for controlling the launching device 130 (game ball launching means) based on an operation signal input via the launch handle 26 (game ball launching means). Control is performed.
The sub-control circuit 200 controls the production according to the progress of the game (for example, image display control, sound output control, decoration lamp control, etc.).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68. In this way, the main CPU 66 functions as, for example, a jackpot game execution means or a lottery means executed by the game program.

The main ROM 68 stores a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66. In addition, various tables such as a jackpot determination table that is referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery. Is remembered.
In such a jackpot lottery table, probability data of “out of” and “big jackpot” are registered, and a lottery process using random numbers is performed based on these probability data. Thus, by appropriately setting the probability data in this lottery table, the advantageous and unfavorable states in the pachinko game can be controlled.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute the system timer interrupt process. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub control circuit 200).

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, the V / count sensor 102, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, the passing ball sensor 114, and the starting winning ball sensor 116 are used. A normal electric accessory solenoid 118, a special prize opening solenoid 120, a seesaw solenoid 122, and a backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  The V / count sensor 102 is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening 39. The V / count sensor 102 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through a specific area in the special winning opening 39.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening 39. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area at the special winning opening 39.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a to 56d, respectively. The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins each of the general winning ports 56 a to 56 d.

  The passing ball sensor 114 is provided in the passing gate 54. The passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the passing gate 54.

  A start winning ball sensor 116 which is a game ball detecting means is provided at the start port 25. The start winning ball sensor 116 detects that a game ball has won the start opening 25 and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 23 via a link member (not shown), and makes the blade member 23 open or closed according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. .

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 3 and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to make the big prize opening 39 open or closed.

  The seesaw solenoid 122 is connected to a seesaw (not shown) provided in the shutter 40 in the shape of a plate. The seesaw solenoid 122 is displaced in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to tilt the seesaw. change. As a result of tilting the seesaw, the seesaw is switched so as to easily pass through the specific region or to pass through the general region.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power failure or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126 having a function of controlling the launch of the game ball. The payout / firing control circuit 126 includes a payout device 128 for paying out a game ball, a launch device 130 for launching a game ball, a launch handle 26 (game ball launching means) to which an operation signal from the player is sent, a card A unit 150 is connected.

The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. The paying device 128 pays out the game ball.
Further, the payout / firing control circuit 126 performs a control of firing a game ball by supplying a predetermined firing signal to the launching device 130 based on an operation signal sent from the gun grip operation unit 26.

  Further, a lamp control circuit 76 is connected to the main control circuit 60, and the lamp control circuit 76, in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 66, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d, special symbols. The symbol display 33 (7 segment LED 41), the normal symbol display 35 (display lamp), and the like are controlled.

  On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of the decoration lamps 133a and 133b, and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60.

  The main control circuit 60 is configured not to supply a predetermined command to the sub control circuit 200 and to supply a signal from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this. There is no problem even if it is configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 is generated from a variable display control means, a sub CPU 206 as sound generation control means, a program ROM 208 as storage means, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, and a speaker 46. The voice control circuit 230 controls the sound to be generated, and the lamp control circuit 240 controls the lamps 133a and 133b such as decorative lamps. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means.

  In the program ROM 208, the sub CPU 206 relates to a plurality of types of effect image data associated with the image display of the liquid crystal display device 32 executed in association with the variable display of the special symbol of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and related to the round game during the jackpot game A plurality of types of effect image data to be executed are stored, and in addition, various tables such as a reach time table that defines a display period of reach effects are also stored.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables are positioned such as a timer variable for controlling the reach effect time, an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern, and the like.

  The display control circuit 250 is executed in association with a plurality of types of effect patterns that are supplied from the sub CPU 206 and accompanied by the progress of effect display that is executed in relation to the variable display of special symbols, and in the round game during the jackpot game. Control is performed to cause the liquid crystal display device 32 to display images of effect image data such as a plurality of types of effect patterns.

  The sound control circuit 230 generates sound from the speaker 46 in response to a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  The lamp control circuit 240 performs light emission control of the decorative lamps 133a and 133b according to a program stored in the program ROM 208 supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  In the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the main control circuit 60 as the game control means and the sub control circuit 200 as the effect control means are configured separately, but the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200 May be composed of the same substrate.

[Game machine operation]
The game state in the present embodiment includes a general game state (consumes game balls while performing a lottery lottery, a so-called disadvantageous state for a player) and a jackpot game state (a large amount of game balls can be expected in a short time, And so-called advantageous state for the player). Further, even in the general game state, game states such as a normal mode, a probability change mode, and a time reduction mode are provided. Hereinafter, a routine of main processing and system timer interruption processing in the pachinko gaming machine 10 for realizing these gaming states will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The main process is a main routine responsible for setting a game mode in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a lottery process by winning a game ball, and the like, and is started when the power is turned on.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the first step S11 in the main process, an initial setting process including a RAM access permission process, a backup restoration process, a work area initialization process, and the like is executed.

In the next step S12, the special symbol game is advanced, and a special symbol control process related to the control of the special symbols and decorative symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the special symbol display 33 is executed.
Then, the normal symbol control process related to the normal symbol game progress and the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 35 is executed (step S13).
As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the special symbol control process in step S12 and the normal symbol control process in step S13 are repeatedly performed, whereby various types of the pachinko gaming machine 10 are performed. A gaming state is provided.

  The routines such as the special symbol control process and the normal symbol control process in the main process can be executed by various programs set in accordance with the game form and game environment required for the pachinko gaming machine 10. Yes.

The system timer interrupt process is a process executed by interrupting a system call by a timer during execution of the main process. Even when the main CPU 66 is executing the main process, the main CPU 66 interrupts the main process and executes the system timer interrupt process.
Here, the following system timer interrupt process is executed in accordance with clock pulses generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds). Hereinafter, the system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process for updating each lottery value such as the jackpot lottery random value (step S21). Then, the main CPU 66 executes an input detection process for detecting a winning of a game ball to the start opening 25 or the like (step S22). In this processing, the main CPU 66 stores in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 data for paying out the game balls (winning the game balls) on the condition that the game balls have won the various winning ports. A waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, a big prize opening timer for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening 39 that is opened when a big hit occurs, and the like. The timer update process is executed (step S23). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor or the like (step S24). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S25.

  In step S25, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various commands to the sub control circuit 200. These various commands include a demonstration display command, a derived symbol designation command indicating the type of special symbol that is derived and displayed, and the like. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S26.

  In the process of step S26, the main CPU 66 executes a payout process such as transmitting a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to perform a prize ball to the payout / firing control circuit 126. Specifically, the main CPU 66 supplies to the payout / launch control circuit 126 a prize ball control command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls as a result of the game balls winning in various winning holes. When this process is completed, this subroutine is terminated, and the routine returns to the main process routine by returning to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a game board 14 having a game area 15 where a game ball rolls, and a launch device 130 including a launch handle 26 that launches the game ball into the game area 15; Felt pieces 30e and 30h provided in the game board 14 and for cleaning game balls launched by the launching device 130 are provided as cleaning means.

  Thus, as in the past, the game balls discharged from each pachico gaming machine arranged on the gaming equipment table are collected together, polished, and returned to the supply path arranged on the upper part of the gaming equipment table. Even if dirt is attached again in the process, such dirt can be removed before the game ball reaches the game board 14, so that the game board 14 caused by the dirt of the game ball can be removed. Dirt can be prevented in advance.

Here, another embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning unit according to another embodiment.
As shown in the drawing, the cleaning means of the present embodiment is provided in a polishing area 30e ′ provided at a plurality of locations of the outer rail 30a in the guide rail 30c in the game board 14, and a game area 15 where the game ball rolls. And a cleaning zone 30e ″.

  The polishing section 30e ′ (cleaning means) is a seal or belt-shaped member provided with an abrasive or brush on its surface, and is bonded to the outer rail 30a or the inner rail 30a with an adhesive as necessary. It can be done.

  It should be noted that the vibrator 30i can be attached to the back surface of the guide rail 30c on which the polishing portion 30e 'is disposed as required. As a result, the adhering matter adsorbed and adhered to the polishing portion 30e is wiped off at a predetermined timing by the vibration of the vibrator 30i and discharged below the guide rail 30c, or the vibrator 30i is driven during a game ball launching operation. Thus, it is possible to enhance the polishing effect of the game ball that contacts the polishing portion 30e.

  The cleaning zone 30e '' (cleaning means) can be formed of a perforated plate having a large number of pores, for example, at a position where a game ball passes immediately after entering the game area 15 from the guide rail 30c. Thus, it can be provided at an upper position of the game area 15 where the game ball starts rolling.

  The game ball passing over the cleaning zone 30e ″ can be cleaned by sucking ambient air through the cleaning zone 30e ″ made of such a perforated plate or discharging a cleaning gas. It can be carried out. In addition, by generating an air flow through the perforated plate at a predetermined timing, it is possible to add a disturbance effect to the game ball passing over the cleaning zone 30e ″, and produce a game ball movement different from the normal one. It is also possible to do.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is characterized in that the game board 14 is provided with a cleaning means for cleaning the launched game ball. As a result, even if dirt is attached in the process of collecting and transporting the game ball from the pachinko gaming machine 10, it can be reliably cleaned before use, and the gaming environment can be maintained well at any time. .

  Further, when the cleaning means is felt pieces 30e, h impregnated with a cleaning agent or the like, it does not require a dedicated power as in a conventional gaming machine having a cleaning mechanism, and is excellent in operating cost. Since the cleaning means can be easily attached / detached and exchanged, it is possible to improve the maintainability.

The following gaming machines are realized from the embodiment described above.
A game board 14 having a game area 15 in which a game ball rolls, game ball launching means (for example, a launch handle 26 or launcher 130) for launching a game ball into the game area 15, and a game board 14 are provided in the game board 14. A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) provided with cleaning means (felt pieces 30e, 30h) for cleaning the game balls launched by the game ball launching means.

  A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) in which the cleaning means is provided in an area (for example, a part of the guide rail 30) from which the game ball launched by the game ball launching means reaches the game area 15.

  A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) in which the cleaning means is provided on a guide rail 30c for guiding the game balls launched by the game ball launching means to the game area 15.

  A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) in which the cleaning means is provided on a return ball preventing piece 30f provided at the tip of the guide rail 30c.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, only the specific example and its effect were illustrated, and this invention is not limited by this. That is, the specific configuration of the gaming machine can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine with a gaming board made of a transparent material has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, as a cleaning means for cleaning the game ball, felt pieces are used, but the material is not limited to this, and is not limited to a mechanical contact type, such as an electrostatic method, a chemical treatment method, an air injection type, etc. These can be applied singly or in combination as needed.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general appearance of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the general view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the electrical decoration unit of the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub-control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart of the main process in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart of the system timer interruption process of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view of the guide rail of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a perspective view which shows the cleaning means of the pachinko gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the modification in the cleaning means.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
14 game board 26 launch handle (game ball launching means)
30 guide rail 30a outer rail 30b inner rail 30c guide rail 30d mounting member 30e felt piece (cleaning means)
30f Return ball prevention piece 30g Rotating shaft part 30h Felt piece (cleaning means)

Claims (4)

A game board having a game area in which a game ball rolls;
Game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area;
A cleaning means provided in the game board for cleaning the game ball fired by the game ball launching means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning means is provided in an area where the game ball launched by the game ball launching means reaches the game area.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit is provided on a guide rail that guides the game ball launched by the game ball launching unit to the game area.   4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning means is provided on a return ball preventing piece provided at a tip portion of the guide rail.

Images