JP2008229243A - Game ball ejection mechanism and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to quickly pull out game balls remaining in a payoff path side and greatly increase working efficiency when pulling out the game balls. <P>SOLUTION: A game machine 1 includes: a storage tank 30 for a game balls 8; a payoff path 31 for making the game balls 8 in the storage tank 30 pass in a downstream side to pay off them outside the game machine 1; a pull out path 32 for pulling out the game balls 8 in the storage tank 30; a switching valve 50 for switching the payoff path 31 to the pull out path 32; and a payoff device 41 provided in a halfway part of the payoff path 31 in the downstream side of the switching valve 50 and ejecting the game balls 8 passing through the payoff path 31 by prescribed numbers. When the switching valve 50 switches the paths so that the game balls 8 pass through the pull out path 32, the payoff device 41 pays off the game balls 8 remaining in the payoff path 31 in the upper stream side compared with the payoff device 41 to the downstream side linked with the switching. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball discharge structure for discharging a game ball and a game machine equipped with this structure for a game machine using a game ball as a game medium such as a ball game machine.

  Conventional ball game machines such as pachinko machines and game machines such as slot machines using game balls have a storage tank for storing a predetermined number of game balls inside, and the storage tank has a predetermined tank. A payout passage through which a game ball passes for paying out a prize ball is connected to an extraction passage (ball passage) for extracting a game ball from a storage tank during maintenance or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  On the upstream side of the payout passage and the extraction passage, a game ball extraction device (ball extraction device) is provided, and this extraction device guides the game ball of the storage tank to the discharge passage when the game machine is used, During maintenance, the extraction device is operated to prevent the game ball from flowing into the payout passage and to guide the game ball to the extraction passage.

  The sampling device includes a first branch guide rod connected to the payout passage, a second branch guide rod connected to the extraction passage, a game ball guided to the first branch guide rod, and a game ball guided to the second branch guide rod. A ball removal switching valve for switching between the case and the case is provided.

  By operating this ball removal switching valve, the sampling device can be switched from a state in which the game ball flows into the payout passage during normal use of the game machine to a state in which the game ball is extracted, and the game ball can be extracted. Yes.

On the downstream side of the first branch guide rod, a prize ball payout device having a sprocket is provided, and the gaming machine controls the sprocket to rotate a predetermined number, thereby paying a predetermined number of prize balls. It can be put out.
JP 2002-200289 A

  In the conventional gaming machine, even when the extraction device is operated to extract the game ball from the storage tank, the game ball remains between the sprocket of the prize ball payout device and the first branch guide rod. For this reason, in the conventional gaming machine, for example, when the prize ball payout device is cleaned, the gaming ball becomes an obstacle.

  For this reason, when trying to completely remove the game ball, it is not necessary to remove the unit of the prize ball payout device and manually rotate a rotating body such as a sprocket or to pull out the game ball by turning the unit upside down. I do not get. When such operations are performed, there is a risk that the game balls will fall and scatter, and if there are many pedestals (game machines), it will take an enormous amount of time to extract the game balls. Is inefficient.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a game ball is withdrawn, the game ball remaining on the payout passage side can be quickly withdrawn, and the efficiency of maintenance work is greatly improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game ball discharge structure that can be used and a game machine that includes the game ball discharge structure.

  The game ball discharge structure according to the present invention solves the above-described problem, and stores a game ball storage tank provided in the upper part of the gaming machine and a game ball of the storage tank on the downstream side for award or rental. A payout passage that passes through and passes out of the gaming machine, a withdrawal passage that allows the game ball to pass downstream in order to remove the game ball from the storage tank, a switching valve that switches between the withdrawal passage and the withdrawal passage, and a switching valve A game ball discharge structure provided downstream of the payout passage and provided with a payout device that discharges a predetermined number of game balls passing through the payout passage. When the switching valve switches the passage so as to pass through, the game ball remaining in the payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device is paid out downstream in conjunction with the switching. That features To.

  According to this configuration, when the switching valve switches the passage from the payout passage to the extraction passage, the game balls remaining in the payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device are moved by the payout device in conjunction with the switching of the switch valve. Since the game ball is quickly paid out to the downstream side, the game ball does not remain in the payout passage, so that the game ball is not spilled out during maintenance such as cleaning of the payout device or the game ball is not disturbed. Therefore, this game ball discharge structure can quickly extract the game ball remaining on the payout passage side when the game ball is extracted, and can greatly increase the efficiency of the maintenance work.

  The game ball discharge structure according to the present invention solves the above-described problem, and stores a game ball storage tank provided in the upper part of the gaming machine and a game ball of the storage tank on the downstream side for award or rental. A payout passage that passes through and passes out of the gaming machine, a withdrawal passage that allows the game ball to pass downstream in order to remove the game ball from the storage tank, a switching valve that switches between the withdrawal passage and the withdrawal passage, and a switching valve A game ball discharge structure provided downstream of the payout passage and provided with a payout device that discharges a predetermined number of game balls passing through the payout passage. When the switching valve switches the passage so as to pass through, the game ball remaining in the payout passage upstream from the payout device in conjunction with this switching is paid out downstream. In the passage, Wherein the guide passage for guiding the to flow into the passage sampling game balls that payout device pays out is provided.

  According to this configuration, when the switching valve switches the passage from the payout passage to the extraction passage, the game balls remaining in the payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device are moved by the payout device in conjunction with the switching of the switch valve. Since the game balls are paid out to the downstream side, no game balls remain in the payout passage, so that the game balls are not spilled out during maintenance such as cleaning of the payout device or the like, and the game balls do not get in the way. In addition, the game balls remaining on the upstream side of the payout device are not discharged out of the game machine and obstructed by flowing into the extraction passage through the payout device and the guide passage. Therefore, this game ball discharge structure can quickly extract the game ball remaining on the payout passage side when the game ball is extracted, and can greatly increase the efficiency of the maintenance work.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention solves the above-described problem, and stores a game ball in a storage tank, and passes the game ball in the storage tank to the downstream side for winning or renting out of the game machine. A payout passage, a withdrawal passage for allowing the game ball to pass downstream in order to remove the game ball from the storage tank, a switching valve for switching between the withdrawal passage and the withdrawal passage, a downstream side of the switching valve, and a A gaming machine that is provided in the middle portion and has a payout device that discharges a predetermined number of game balls passing through the payout passage, and the payout device has a switching valve that allows the game ball to pass through the extraction passage. When the game is switched, the game balls remaining in the payout passage upstream of the payout device in conjunction with the changeover are paid out downstream.

  According to this configuration, when the switching valve switches the passage from the payout passage to the extraction passage, the game balls remaining in the payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device are moved by the payout device in conjunction with the switching of the switch valve. Since the game balls are paid out to the downstream side, no game balls remain in the payout passage, so that the game balls are not spilled out during maintenance such as cleaning of the payout device or the like, and the game balls do not get in the way. Therefore, this gaming machine can quickly extract the game balls remaining on the payout passage side when the game balls are extracted, and can greatly increase the efficiency of the maintenance work.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention solves the above-described problem, and stores a game ball in a storage tank, and passes the game ball in the storage tank to the downstream side for winning or renting out of the game machine. A payout passage, a withdrawal passage for allowing the game ball to pass downstream in order to withdraw the game ball from the storage tank, a switching valve for switching between the withdrawal passage and the withdrawal passage, a downstream side of the switching valve, and a A gaming machine that is provided in the middle portion and has a payout device that discharges a predetermined number of game balls passing through the payout passage, and the payout device has a switching valve that allows the game ball to pass through the extraction passage. In conjunction with this switching, the game balls remaining in the payout passage upstream of the payout device are paid out downstream, and the payout device is paid to the payout passage. Pull out the game balls Wherein the guide path for guiding to flow into the passage.

  According to this configuration, when the switching valve switches the passage from the payout passage to the extraction passage, the game balls remaining in the payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device are moved by the payout device in conjunction with the switching of the switch valve. Since the game balls are paid out to the downstream side, no game balls remain in the payout passage, so that the game balls are not spilled out during maintenance such as cleaning of the payout device or the like, and the game balls do not get in the way. In addition, the game balls remaining on the upstream side of the payout device are not discharged out of the game machine and obstructed by flowing into the extraction passage through the payout device and the guide passage. Therefore, this gaming machine can quickly extract the game balls remaining on the payout passage side when the game balls are extracted, and can greatly increase the efficiency of the maintenance work.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention can employ a configuration having an operation switch that activates the dispensing device by abutting the switching valve when the switching valve switches the passage so that the game ball passes through the extraction passage. .

  According to this configuration, when the passage of the switching valve is switched by the operation switch that contacts the switching valve to operate the dispensing device, the dispensing device can be reliably operated in conjunction with the switching valve.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the operation switch may be provided on the inner surface side of the partition wall that partitions the extraction passage.

  According to this configuration, the operation switch is provided inside the extraction passage, and this operation switch can operate the dispensing device only when the switching valve switches the passage. Therefore, the operation switch cannot be touched except for the purpose of extracting the game ball from the storage tank, and the operation switch can be prevented from operating unexpectedly.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the switching valve can adopt a configuration capable of manually switching between the payout passage and the extraction passage.

  According to such a configuration, power saving of the gaming machine can be realized by manually switching the passage of the switching valve.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention shuts off the payout passage in conjunction with the switching when the switching valve switches the path of the game ball to the extraction passage, and in the payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which a guide member for guiding the game ball remaining on the extraction path to the extraction passage is provided on the downstream side of the payout device.

  According to this configuration, by providing the guide member on the downstream side of the payout passage, the game balls that have passed through the payout device are reliably collected through the extraction passage.

  According to the present invention, when a game ball is extracted, the game ball remaining on the payout passage side can be quickly extracted, and the efficiency of the maintenance work can be significantly increased.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 1-12 has shown the example of the pachinko machine as 1st Embodiment of the game ball discharge structure and the game machine provided with this discharge structure. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment covers an outer frame 2, a main body frame 3 that is detachably attached to the outer frame 2, a game board 4, and a game board 4. A front door 6 having a glass 5 is provided. The outer frame 2 is provided in a so-called island facility of a game store.

  The main body frame 3 further includes, on the lower side thereof, an upper plate 9 that receives a game ball 8 delivered from the gaming machine 1 by a prize ball, rental, etc., and after a predetermined number of game balls 8 have accumulated in the upper plate 9 A lower plate 10 for receiving the paid game ball 8 and a handle 11 for driving the game ball 8 to the game board 4 are provided.

  On the game board 4, the guide ball 15 that guides the game ball 8 launched by the operation of the handle 11 of the main body frame 3 to the upper side of the game board 4, and the game ball 8 passing through the game board 4 make irregular movements. A large number of game nails 16 for playing, a symbol display unit 17 for displaying symbols related to the game, a starting port 18 for operating the symbol display unit 17, a large winning port 22 that opens and closes at the time of a big hit, a plurality of ordinary winning ports 23, and a windmill 24, an out port 25 (collection port) for collecting the game ball 8 (out ball) that missed the winning prize in the gaming machine 1 is provided.

  The symbol display unit 17 displays a variation when the game ball 8 enters the start port 18. The symbol display unit 17 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and can display a plurality of rows (for example, 3 rows) of numbers and the like while sequentially changing the numbers. The gaming machine 1 is configured to generate a jackpot game when a plurality of columns of numbers on the symbol display unit 17 are arranged.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 pays out a predetermined number of gaming balls 8 to the upper plate 9 when the gaming balls 8 enter the big winning opening 22 and the normal winning opening 23. Also, when the big winning opening 22 is a big hit during the game, it remains open for a certain time (for example, 30 seconds) until a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of game balls 8 enter. In the gaming machine 1, the state where the grand prize winning opening 22 is opened for a certain period of time is regarded as one round, and in the case of a big hit, the grand prize winning opening 22 opens a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) and the game ball 8 As a result, a large amount of game balls 8 are paid out as prize balls.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a storage tank 30 for the game ball 8 is provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 (the back side of the main body frame 3). Further, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a payout passage 31 through which the game ball 8 of the storage tank 30 passes downstream for awarding or lending and is paid out of the gaming machine 1; In order to extract the game ball 8, there are provided an extraction passage 32 that passes downstream, a guide passage 33 that guides the game ball 8 of the storage tank 30 to the payout passage 31 or the extraction passage 32, and the like. The storage tank 30, the discharge passage 31, the extraction passage 32, and the guide passage 33 are integrally provided in one passage formation frame 36 formed by combining a plurality of resin molded bodies.

  The storage tank 30 is provided above the passage formation frame 36, and the guide passage 33 is provided below the storage tank 30. One end of the guide passage 33 is connected to the storage tank 30, and gradually inclines downward from the storage tank 30 toward the discharge passage 31 or the extraction passage 32. On the other end side of the guide passage 33, a discharge port 33a for discharging the game ball 8 guided from the storage tank 30 is provided.

  The upper end portion of the payout passage 31 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 33 a of the guide passage 33. A first entrance 31 a for receiving the game ball 8 discharged from the exit 33 a of the guide passage 33 is formed at the upper end of the extraction passage 32. Similarly, the upper end portion of the extraction passage 32 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 33 a of the guide passage 33. A second entrance 32 a into which the game ball 8 discharged from the exit 33 a of the guide passage 33 enters is formed at the upper end of the extraction passage 32. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first entrance 31 a of the payout passage 31 and the second entrance 32 a of the extraction passage 32 are juxtaposed in the vicinity of the exit 33 a of the guide passage 33.

  The payout passage 31 has a payout device 41 that counts a predetermined number of game balls 8 passing through the payout passage 31 and discharges them downstream in the middle of the payout passage 31. In addition, the payout passage 31 is provided on the downstream side of the payout device 41, the first guide portion 42 for guiding the game ball 8 paid out by the payout device 41 to the upper plate 9, and the second guide for guiding the game ball 8 to the lower plate 10. Part 43, and a third guiding part 44 for guiding the game ball 8 that has entered the out port 25 of the game board 4 downward.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first guide portion 42 has a first discharge port 46 that discharges the game ball 8 to the upper plate 9, and is connected to the upper plate 9 through the first discharge port 46. . The second guide portion 43 has a second discharge port 47 for discharging the game ball 8 to the lower plate 10, and is connected to the lower plate 10 through the second discharge port 47. The lower end portion of the third guiding portion 44 is connected to a so-called island facility of the game store, and the game ball 8 that has entered the out port 25 of the game board 4 is recovered to the island facility through the third guiding portion 44. . The collected game balls 8 are transferred again to the storage tank 30 by the island facility. The extraction passage 32 joins the middle portion of the third guiding portion 44, and the game ball 8 that has passed through the extraction passage 32 is collected by the island facility outside the gaming machine 1. .

  A switching valve 50 is provided above the payout passage 31 or the extraction passage 32 to switch the passage of the game ball 8 discharged from the guide passage 33 to the payout passage 31 side or the extraction passage 32 side. This switching valve 50 is provided on the upstream side of the dispensing device 41. The switching valve 50 includes a valve body 51, a support shaft 52 that rotatably supports the valve body 51, and a support member 53 that supports the valve body 51 in a predetermined posture.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the valve body 51 is engaged with the payout passage 31 while closing the first entrance 31 a of the extraction passage 32 so that the game ball 8 can pass through the payout passage 31. As shown in FIG. 4, the posture can be changed to the second posture B in which the game ball 8 discharged from the guide passage 33 can pass through the extraction passage 32 by releasing the engagement with the payout passage 31. It has become.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve main body 51 has a valve portion 51 a at one end (lower end) and an engaging protrusion 51 b that engages with the support member 53 at the other end (upper end). Have A midway portion of the valve body 51 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 52 provided in the passage forming frame 36.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the valve portion 51 a is formed to be curved in an arc shape so as to constitute a part of the payout passage 31 when the valve body 51 is in the first posture A. Further, when the valve body 51 is in the first posture A, the valve portion 51a closes the second entrance 32a of the extraction passage 32 and pays out the game ball 8 discharged from the discharge port 33a of the guide passage 33. Guide to the first entrance 31a of the passage 31.

  When the switching valve 50 switches the passage of the game ball 8 to the extraction passage 32 on the inner surface 56a side of the partition wall 56 constituting the extraction passage 32, the payout device 41 is operated by abutting with the switching valve 50. An activation switch 58 is provided. The valve portion 51a is provided with a contact portion 51c that contacts the operation switch 58 when the valve body 51 is in the second posture B.

  The operation switch 58 includes a button portion 58 a and a base portion 58 b, and is fixed to a partition wall 56 that partitions the extraction passage 32 by the base portion 58 b and the stopper member 63. A connecting line 64 for transmitting an input signal when the button portion 58a is pressed to a ball removal control unit 105, which will be described later, extends from the base portion 58b. A fastening member 65 of the connecting line 64 is connected to the partition wall 56. Provided on the outer surface 56 b, the connecting line 64 is fixed along the outer surface 56 b of the partition wall 56 via the fastening member 65.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the valve body 51 is in the second posture B, the valve portion 51 a retreats from the position where the second entrance 32 a is blocked, and the first entrance 31 a and the withdrawal passage of the payout passage 31. The 32 second entrance 32a becomes an open state. In this state, the game ball 8 passing through the guide passage 33 is accelerated to a predetermined speed by the inclination of the guide passage 33 and is discharged from the discharge port 33 a of the guide passage 33. The second entrance port 32a of the extraction passage 32 is entered beyond the port 31a.

  The support member 53 supports the valve body 51 so as to maintain the posture when the valve body 51 is in the first posture A or the second posture B. As shown in FIG. 5, the support member 53 is formed in an L shape in a side view, and a protrusion 60 that engages with the valve body 51 is formed on one piece (hereinafter referred to as “first piece 53 a”). Has been.

  A spring member 61 that biases the support member 53 is provided between the other piece of the support member 53 (hereinafter referred to as “second piece 53 b”) and the passage forming frame 36. The spring member 61 biases the second side portion of the support member 53 so that the projection portion 60 formed on the first piece 53 a of the support member 53 faces the engagement projection portion 51 b of the valve body 51. The first piece 53a and the second piece 53b of the support member 53 are integrally formed so as to intersect at a substantially right angle in a side view. A midway portion of the support member 53 (intersection of the first piece 53a and the second piece 53b) is rotatably supported by a bracket portion 66 provided in the passage forming frame 36 via a pivot shaft 67. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 60 formed on the first piece 53 a of the support member 53 is a first member that locks the engagement protrusion 51 b of the valve body 51 when the valve body 51 is in the first posture A. 1 side part 60a and the 2nd side part 60b which latches the engagement protrusion part 51b of the valve main body 51, when the valve main body 51 exists in the 2nd attitude | position B. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first side 60 a is formed in a straight line along the vertical direction. Further, the second side portion 60b is formed in a linear shape inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a wall portion 70 that restricts the movement of the support member 53 and the valve body 51 is provided around the first piece 53 a of the support member 53. The wall portion 70 includes a first wall portion 71 provided above the first piece 53 a of the support member 53 and a second wall portion provided on the side of the first piece 53 a of the support member 53 or the valve body 51. 72 and a third wall portion 73. The second wall portion 72 and the third wall portion 73 are formed to be connected to the first wall portion 71. As a result, the first piece 53 a of the support member 53 and the engagement protrusion 51 b of the valve body 51 are surrounded by the wall 70.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, on the downstream side of the switching valve 50, the payout device 41 provided in the middle portion of the payout passage 31 includes a case 76 provided in the passage forming frame 36, and this case A motor 77 fixed to the outer surface of 76, a drive board 78 that drives the motor 77, and a sprocket 79 that is attached to the rotating shaft 77 a of the motor 77 and receives the game ball 8 that passes through the payout passage 31. . Two sprockets 79 are provided on the rotation shaft 77 a of the motor 77.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the rotation shaft 77 a of the motor 77 fixed to the case 76 is inserted into a case 76 through a through hole formed through the wall portion 70 of the case 76. The sprocket 79 is disposed in the case 76 in a state of being attached to the rotating shaft 77a. The case 76 has a first opening 81 at an upper portion thereof, and is configured to allow the game ball 8 passing through the payout passage 31 to enter inside. Further, the case 76 has a second opening 82 at the lower portion thereof, and the second opening 82 is connected to the upper portion of the first guide portion 42 of the payout passage 31. Accordingly, the game ball 8 enters the case 76 from the first opening 81 of the case 76, exits from the second opening 82, and flows to the first guiding portion 42. That is, the case 76 constitutes a part of the payout passage 31.

  Inside the case 76, a guide portion 83 for guiding the game ball 8 contained in the case 76 to the sprocket 79 is provided. The guide 83 is a passage that guides the game ball 8 that has entered the case 76 to a position near the sprocket 79. The guide 83 is connected to the first opening 81.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a guide passage 90 for guiding the game ball 8 sent from the sprocket 79 to the extraction passage 32 is formed between the payout passage 31 and the extraction passage 32. The guide passage 90 is for guiding the game ball 8 paid out by the payout device 41 to the extraction passage 32 when the switching valve 50 switches the passage of the game ball 8 to the extraction passage 32. The guide passage 90 is provided so that the entrance 90 a of the game ball 8 is located in the case 76.

  In the case 76, a receiving portion 91 is provided below the sprocket 79 to receive the game ball 8 dropped from the sprocket 79 when the sprocket 79 rotates when the game ball 8 is extracted. The receiving portion 91 is formed in a plate shape, and is formed so as to be continuously connected to the guide passage 90. The receiving portion 91 is gradually inclined downward toward the guide passage 90.

  The sprocket 79 has a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of hook-shaped protrusions 79a. The sprocket 79 can place the game ball 8 on the bowl-shaped protrusion 79a. When the sprocket 79 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 6, the game ball 8 placed on the sprocket 79 falls downward, flows from the second opening 82 to the first guide 42, and is downstream of the payout passage 31. To be sent to. When one sprocket 79 makes one rotation, three game balls 8 are sent to the downstream side of the payout passage 31.

  The payout passage 31 has a structure in which two passages, a first passage 31b and a second passage 31c, are arranged in a portion upstream of the payout device 41, and a game ball discharged from the guide passage 33 8 passes through the first passage 31b and the second passage 31c, is counted by the dispensing device 41, and is sent to the first guide section 42 on the downstream side.

  When the sprocket 79 is stopped, the game ball 8 in the payout passage 31 on the upstream side of the sprocket 79 is blocked by the sprocket 79 and remains on the upstream side of the payout device 41. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a blocking means 95 that blocks the extraction passage 32 is provided in the middle of the extraction passage 32. The blocking means 95 includes a blocking member 96 that blocks the extraction passage 32 at a predetermined timing, and a biasing member 97 (spring member) that biases the blocking member 96. The blocking member 96 is formed with a hole through which the game ball 8 can pass (hereinafter referred to as “passing hole 96a”) penetrating in the plate thickness direction. The blocking member 96 is provided so as to be slidable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extraction passage 32 across the midway portion of the extraction passage 32.

  In the blocking member 96, the passage hole 96a and the extraction passage 32 coincide with each other to allow the passage of the game ball 8 (the position of the blocking member 96 shown in FIG. 8A) and the passage hole 96a. The position can be changed to a blocking position (the position of the blocking member 96 shown in FIG. 8B) that is displaced from the passage 32 and blocks the passage of the game ball 8.

  The blocking member 96 is configured to change the position between the passage-permitted position and the blocking position in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the main body frame 3 of the gaming machine 1. That is, the blocking member 96 blocks the game ball 8 from passing through the extraction passage 32 at the blocking position when the main body frame 3 is open, and allows the passage of the game ball 8 when the main body frame 3 is closed. The game ball 8 is allowed to pass through. For example, the blocking member 96 is changed to a passage-permitted position and a blocking position via a solenoid (99) provided in the gaming machine 1 and an urging member 97.

  In the gaming machine 1, there is provided a control device 101 that performs control related to the progress of various games such as control of the symbol display unit 17, payout of prize balls, and rental of game balls 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 101 includes a main control unit 102 that performs a jackpot lottery and the like of the gaming machine 1, and a sub-control unit that performs an effect on the symbol display unit 17 in response to a lottery result of the main control unit 102. 103, the game ball 8 enters each winning opening of the game board 4 and the game control unit 104 for paying out the prize ball based on the determination that the main control unit 102 has determined winning, and the game ball 8 is extracted through the extraction passage 32 It is mainly composed of a ball removal control unit 105 and the like for performing control at the time. The control device 101 drives the payout device 41 in accordance with a rental signal from outside the gaming machine 1 to discharge a predetermined number of game balls 8 to the upper plate 9 for rental.

  The main control unit 102 includes a main CPU 111 that performs various calculations in accordance with a game control program that is set and input in advance, a ROM 112 that stores a game control program including a symbol variation pattern displayed on the symbol display unit 17, and the like. A RAM 113 used for reading and writing is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the ball removal control unit 105 includes a CPU 121 that performs various calculations, a power supply monitoring unit 122, a driving program 124 such as a payout device 41, a timer 125, a ball removal switch state monitoring unit 126 (operation switch 58. State monitoring unit), an opening / closing state monitoring unit 127 of the switching valve 50 (a switching state monitoring unit of the switching valve 50), and the like, a ball removal switch state storage unit 131 (a state storage unit of the operation switch 58), An open / close switch state storage unit 132 (a switching state storage unit of the switching valve 50) that stores the switching state of the switching valve 50, a RAM 134 that includes a ball removal ball number storage unit 133, and the like.

  The ball removal control unit 105 monitors the ON / OFF of the main power supply of the gaming machine 1 by the power supply monitoring unit 122, and the switching valve 50 removes the passage of the game ball 8 by the switching valve 50 opening / closing state monitoring unit 127. The ball removal switch state monitoring unit 126 monitors whether or not the operation switch 58 is in contact with the contact portion 51c of the valve body 51 and is turned on.

  When the game ball 8 remaining in the upstream portion of the payout device 41 in the payout passage 31 is extracted, the ball removal control unit 105 is connected to the game machine 1 by the power supply monitoring unit 122 of the game machine 1 as shown in FIG. The main power supply ON / OFF is checked (S1), and when the main power supply of the gaming machine 1 is OFF, the switching valve 50 causes the passage of the game ball 8 to the extraction passage 32 by the open / close state monitoring unit 127. It is checked whether or not switching has been performed (S2).

  When the switching valve 50 is switched to the extraction passage 32, the ball removal control unit 105 monitors the ON / OFF of the operation switch 58 by the ball removal switch state monitoring unit 126 (S3). Then, the ball removal control unit 105 checks whether or not the operation switch 58 is turned on by the ball removal switch state monitoring unit 126 (S4), and when the operation switch 58 is turned on, payout The motor 77 of the device 41 is driven for a predetermined time via the timer 125 (S5), and the game ball 8 remaining in the payout passage 31 is discharged downstream from the payout device 41 on the upstream side (upper side).

  When the number of game balls 8 remaining on the upstream side of the payout device 41 is known, the ball removal control unit 105 can drive the motor 77 for a time required to pay out the number of balls. . As shown in FIG. 11, the ball removal control unit 105 checks whether or not a predetermined number of game balls 8 have been discharged (S6), and when a predetermined number of game balls 8 have been discharged, the payout device 41. Stop driving.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a case opening / closing sensor (not shown) that senses whether or not the main body frame 3 is open, and the ball removal control unit 105 includes a housing as shown in FIG. ON / OFF of the body open / close sensor is monitored (S11), and when the housing open / close sensor is ON (when the main body frame 3 is open), the switching valve 50 switches the path of the game ball 8 to the extraction path 32. It is checked whether or not (S12). When the switching valve 50 switches the passage of the game ball 8 to the extraction passage 32, the ball removal control unit 105 turns on the solenoid 99 for operating the blocking member 96 of the blocking means 95 (S13), and the blocking member 96 Is changed from the sampling position to the blocking position. The ball removal control unit 105 turns off the solenoid 99 when the housing open / close sensor is OFF, and the blocking member 96 changes its position from the blocking position to the passage-permitted position by the biasing force of the biasing member 97. The operation of the blocking member 96 may be controlled by the urging force of the urging member 97. In this case, the blocking member 96 is provided so as to protrude toward the main body frame 3 when the housing of the gaming machine 1 is in an open state (a state in which the main body frame 3 is open). In this state, the blocking member 96 is disposed at a blocking position that blocks the extraction passage 32. And when this housing | casing becomes a closed state (state in which the main body frame 3 was closed), this interruption | blocking member 96 will be pressed by the main body frame 3, and will be displaced to a passage allowable position.

  Hereinafter, a method for extracting the game ball 8 from the storage tank 30 of the gaming machine 1 and the game ball 8 remaining in the payout passage 31 will be described. In order to extract the game ball 8 from the storage tank 30, first, the valve body 51 is changed from the first posture A to the second posture B. In order to change the valve main body 51 from the first posture A to the second posture B, first, the first piece 53a of the support member 53 is pushed up with a finger so as to face the first wall portion 71 of the wall portion 70. At this time, the 1st piece 53a contact | abuts to the 1st wall part 71, and the movement is controlled. Then, the protrusion 60 of the first piece 53a moves upward and moves away from the engagement protrusion 51b of the valve body 51.

  At this time, the game ball 8 in contact with the valve portion 51 a of the valve main body 51 pushes the valve portion 51 a, and the valve portion 51 a moves away from the payout passage 31. Then, the valve main body 51 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3, and the engagement protrusion 51b comes into contact with or is close to the second wall 72. When the first piece 53a of the support member 53 pushed up at this time is lowered, the second side portion 60b of the projection 60 contacts and engages with the engagement projection 51b of the valve body 51. The second side portion 60 b of the protrusion 60 locks the engagement protrusion 51 b with a predetermined pressing force by the biasing force of the spring member 61 that biases the support member 53.

  As described above, the posture of the valve body 51 is changed from the first posture A to the second posture B. When the valve body 51 is changed to the second posture B, the second entrance 32a of the extraction passage 32 blocked by the valve portion 51a is opened, and the game ball 8 of the guide passage 33 passes through the extraction passage 32, Thereby, all the game balls 8 in the storage tank 30 are extracted.

  When the valve body 51 is changed to the second posture B, the contact portion 51c provided in the valve portion 51a contacts the operation switch 58 provided in the extraction passage 32. Then, the operation switch 58 is turned ON, and the dispensing device 41 is operated in conjunction with this. When the operation switch 58 is turned on, the control device 101 drives the motor 77 of the dispensing device 41. At this time, the rotation shaft 77a of the motor 77 rotates clockwise in FIG. As a result, the sprocket 79 rotates in a direction (clockwise) opposite to the direction in which the game ball 8 is paid out (counterclockwise). Due to the rotation of the sprocket 79, the game ball 8 dropped from the sprocket 79 is placed on the receiving portion 91 in the case 76 and is guided by the receiving portion 91 to flow from the guide passage 90 to the extraction passage 32.

  In order to change the valve main body 51 from the second posture B to the first posture A, the engagement protrusion 51b is moved toward the second wall 72 so that the valve main body 51 rotates clockwise in FIG. Press with your finger. Then, since the second side portion 60b of the projection portion 60 of the support member 53 is formed to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction, the second projection portion 60b is pushed by the engagement projection portion 51b and moves upward.

  The engaging protrusion 51 b of the support member 53 moves toward the third wall 73 while pushing up the second side 60 b of the protrusion 60 of the support member 53. When the engaging projection 51 b of the valve body 51 exceeds the second side 60 b of the projection 60 of the support member 53, the locking of the valve body 51 by the projection 60 of the support member 53 is released. At this time, the engagement protrusion 51b of the valve body 51 abuts or approaches the third wall 73, but the weight of the valve body 51 or the game ball 8 from the guide passage 33 abuts the valve 51a. For example, the first side portion 60a of the protruding portion 60 of the support member 53 is again brought into contact with and locked.

  As described above, the valve body 51 changes the posture from the first posture A to the second posture B by pushing up the first piece 53a of the support member 53 with the finger, and the protrusion 60 in the second posture B is moved. The posture is changed from the second posture B to the first posture A by pushing with a finger toward the third wall portion 73. As a result, the switching valve 50 can manually switch between the dispensing passage 31 and the extraction passage 32.

  According to the gaming ball discharge structure and the gaming machine 1 described above, when the switching valve 50 switches the passage of the gaming ball 8 to the extraction passage 32, the gaming ball 8 remaining in the dispensing passage 31 on the upstream side of the dispensing device 41. Is extracted from the extraction passage 32 by rapid discharge by the payout device 41 in conjunction with the switching of the passage of the switching valve 50, so that the game ball 8 spills out of the payout device 41 during maintenance such as cleaning of the payout device 41, for example. Workability during maintenance is improved without being in the way.

  Further, a guide passage 90 is provided between the payout passage 31 and the withdrawal passage 32 to guide the game ball 8 paid out by the payout device 41 from the payout passage 31 to the withdrawal passage 32. On the side, the game ball 8 remaining in the payout passage 31 is collected from the extraction passage 32 to the island facility in the game store through the guide passage 90, and thus is discharged to the upper plate 9 of the gaming machine 1 and becomes an obstacle. In addition, the game ball 8 discharged to the upper plate 9 can be prevented from being used illegally.

  Further, when the switching valve 50 switches the passage of the game ball 8 from the payout passage 31 to the extraction passage 32, the payout device 41 is operated by contacting the valve body 51 of the switch valve 50. Only when it is desired to extract the ball 8, the game ball 8 remaining in the payout passage 31 on the upstream side of the payout device 41 can be reliably extracted. In addition, since the operation switch 58 is provided on the inner surface 56a side of the partition wall 56 that partitions the extraction passage 32, the operation switch 58 operates only when the switching valve 50 switches the passage of the game ball 8 to the extraction passage 32. It has become. Thereby, the gaming machine 1 has a configuration in which the operation switch 58 is unlikely to malfunction. In the present embodiment, the operation of the switching valve 50 can be performed manually, so that power saving of the gaming machine 1 can be realized.

  13 to 15 show a game ball discharging structure and a second embodiment of the gaming machine 1. In the second embodiment, when the switching valve 50 switches the path of the game ball 8 from the payout path 31 to the extraction path 32 on the downstream side of the payout device 41, it passes through the payout path 31 in conjunction with this switching. A guide member 140 for guiding the game ball 8 to the extraction passage 32 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the guide member 140 is connected to the valve body 51 via a link member 141. The link member 141 has a long plate shape, and the valve body 51 is connected to one end of the link member 141 via a first connection shaft 142. The link member 141 has a hole (not shown) through which the first connecting shaft 142 is inserted. The first connecting shaft 142 is inserted into the hole of the link member 141 and the valve body 141 and the valve body. 51 are connected. The valve body 51 and the link member 141 are connected to each other around the first connecting shaft 142 so as to be relatively rotatable. One end of the guide member 140 is connected to the other end of the link member 141 via a second connecting shaft 143. The link member 141 and the guide member 140 are connected so as to be relatively rotatable around the second connecting shaft 143. A hole (not shown) through which the second connecting shaft 143 is inserted is formed in the link member 141 as a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the link member 141, and the second connecting shaft 143 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the hole. It is possible to move along. A midway portion of the link member 141 is rotatably provided on the passage forming frame 36 via a first pivot shaft 144. The other end (base) of the guide member 140 is rotatably provided on the passage forming frame 36 via the second pivot shaft 145.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the payout passage 31 and the extraction passage 32 are arranged in parallel. A partition wall 146 that partitions the payout passage 31 and the extraction passage 32 is provided between the discharge passage 31 and the extraction passage 32. The payout passage 31 and the extraction passage 32 are integrally formed with the partition wall 146 interposed therebetween. The partition wall 146 is provided with an opening 147 that connects the payout passage 31 and the extraction passage 32. The guide member 140 is provided so as to close the opening 147 when the valve body 51 is in the first posture A.

  When the valve body 51 is in the first posture A, the guide member 140 is substantially parallel to the partition wall 146 and closes the opening 147 of the partition wall 146. When the switching valve 50 switches the path of the game ball 8 from the payout path 31 to the extraction path 32 (when the valve body 51 is in the second posture B), the guide member 140 is interlocked with this, and the valve body 51 And it rotates around the second pivot shaft 145 via the link member 141.

  At this time, the guide member 140 blocks the payout passage 31 as shown in FIG. 14, and the opening 147 of the partition wall portion 146 communicates with the payout passage 31 and the extraction passage 32 by the rotation of the guide member 140. The game ball 8 paid out downstream by the payout device 41 hits the guide member 140 and is guided from the opening 147 to the extraction passage 32 side. Thereby, the gaming machine 1 can extract the game ball 8 from the storage tank 30.

  According to the second embodiment having the above configuration, the guide ball 140 provided on the downstream side of the payout device 41 guides the game ball 8 discharged from the payout device 41 to the downstream side of the payout passage 31 to the extraction passage 32. Thus, the game ball 8 remaining in the payout passage 31 on the upstream side of the payout device 41 can be reliably extracted. Other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made.

  For example, in 2nd Embodiment mentioned above, although the valve main body 51 illustrated the structure which operate | moves in response to the switching valve 50 via the link member 141, the game machine 1 does not use the link member 141, but a valve main body. A configuration in which 51 is interlocked with the switching valve 50 can be employed. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, a solenoid 149 (lower valve switching solenoid) for operating the valve main body 51 is provided in the gaming machine 1, and the open / close state monitoring unit 127 of the ball removal control unit 105 is replaced by the switching valve 50. When it is detected that the game ball 8 has been switched to the extraction passage 32, and when the ball removal switch state monitoring unit 126 detects that the operation switch 58 is turned on, the ball removal control unit 105 The solenoid 149 may be operated to operate the valve body 51.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the game ball 8 can be extracted when the main power source of the gaming machine 1 is OFF is illustrated, but even if the main power source of the gaming machine 1 is ON The game ball 8 may be extracted. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the power monitoring unit 122 of the ball removal control unit 105 detects that the main power supply of the gaming machine 1 is ON, the main control unit 102 pays out a prize ball. It is checked whether or not it is in the middle of being issued (S21). If the prize ball is being paid out, it is checked whether or not there is a storage of a prize ball payout command in the RAM 113 of the main control unit 102. (S22).

  When a prize ball payout command is stored in the RAM of the main control unit 102, the main control unit 102 performs a ball number subtraction process (S <b> 23) for the game ball 8 and places the game ball 8 upstream of the payout device 41. It is determined whether or not there remains (S24). If the game ball 8 remains on the upstream side of the payout device 41, it is checked whether or not the payout of the prize ball has ended (S25). If the payout of the prize ball has ended, the solenoid is turned on. By operating, the guide member 140 is moved so that the game ball 8 in the payout passage 31 can be guided to the extraction passage 32, and the remaining game ball 8 is discharged into the extraction passage 32 by operating the payout device 41. (S26).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the game ball 8 is passed through the guide passage 90 to the extraction passage 32 side. However, the sprocket 79 is rotated counterclockwise so that the first guide portion 42 has the first guide 42. The game ball 8 remaining on the upstream side of the payout passage 31 may be extracted from the discharge port 46 to the upper plate 9.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the blocking means 95 is provided in the middle of the extraction passage 32 has been described. However, a configuration in which the blocking means 95 is not provided in the extraction passage 32 can be employed.

  In the embodiment described above, an example in which the switching valve 50 is manually operated has been described. However, the switching valve 50 may be electrically operated. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the payout passage 31 and the extraction passage 32 are integrally provided in one passage formation frame 36 has been described, but these may be configured by separate resin molded bodies.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applicable to all ball game machines such as arrange balls and ball balls, and to slot machines using game balls. Of course, it is applicable.

It is a front view of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. It is a rear view of a gaming machine. It is a rear view when the valve main body of a switching valve exists in a 1st attitude | position. It is a rear view when the valve main body of a switching valve exists in a 2nd attitude | position. It is a side view when the valve main body of a switching valve exists in a 1st attitude | position. It is a rear view of a dispensing device. It is sectional drawing of a payout apparatus. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the state which the interruption | blocking means canceled the extraction passage, and (b) is sectional drawing which shows the state which the interruption | blocking means interrupted the extraction passage. It is a block diagram of the control system of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of a ball removal control part. It is a flowchart which shows the extraction procedure of a game ball. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a interruption | blocking means. It is a rear view when the valve body of a change-over valve is in the 1st posture, showing a 2nd embodiment. It is a rear view when the valve main body of a switching valve exists in a 2nd attitude | position. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing a guide member. It is a block diagram of the control system which shows the modification of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart of the extraction procedure of the game ball which shows the modification of a gaming machine.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 8 ... Game ball, 30 ... Storage tank, 31 ... Discharge passage, 32 ... Extraction passage, 41 ... Dispensing device, 50 ... Switching valve, 56 ... Partition wall, 58 ... Actuation switch, 90 ... Guide passage, 140 ... guide member

Claims (8)

A game ball storage tank provided at the upper part of the gaming machine, a payout passage through which the game ball of the storage tank is passed downstream for awarding or renting out, and a game ball in the storage tank is extracted. For this purpose, a sampling passage for allowing the game ball to pass downstream, a switching valve for switching between the withdrawal passage and the withdrawal passage, and a gaming ball that is provided in the middle of the dispensing passage downstream of the switching valve and passes through the dispensing passage A game ball discharge structure including a payout device for discharging a predetermined number of balls,
When the switching valve switches the passage so that the game ball passes through the sampling passage, the payout device moves the game ball remaining in the payout passage upstream from the payout device in conjunction with the switching. A game ball discharging structure characterized by being configured to pay out. A game ball storage tank provided in the upper part of the gaming machine, a payout passage through which the game ball of the storage tank passes downstream for awarding or renting out, and a game ball in the storage tank is extracted. For this purpose, a sampling passage for allowing the game ball to pass downstream, a switching valve for switching between the withdrawal passage and the withdrawal passage, and a gaming ball that is provided downstream of the switching valve and in the middle of the withdrawal passage and passes through the withdrawal passage. A game ball discharge structure including a payout device for discharging a predetermined number of balls,
When the switching valve switches the passage so that the game ball passes through the sampling passage, the payout device moves the game ball remaining in the payout passage upstream from the payout device in conjunction with this switching. Configured to pay out,
A game ball discharge structure characterized in that a guide passage is provided in the payout passage so as to guide the game ball discharged by the payout device so as to flow to the extraction passage. A storage tank for storing game balls, a payout passage through which the game balls in the storage tank pass downstream for winning or renting out, and the game balls for extracting the game balls in the storage tank. A withdrawal passage through which the flow path passes downstream, a switching valve for switching between the withdrawal passage and the withdrawal passage, and a predetermined number of game balls that are provided downstream of the switching valve and in the middle of the withdrawal passage and through the withdrawal passage. A gaming machine having a payout device for discharging,
When the switching valve switches the passage so that the game ball passes through the sampling passage, the payout device moves the game ball remaining in the payout passage upstream from the payout device in conjunction with the switching. A gaming machine that is configured to be paid out. A storage tank for storing game balls, a payout passage through which the game balls in the storage tank pass downstream for winning or renting out, and the game balls for extracting the game balls in the storage tank. A withdrawal passage through which the flow path passes downstream, a switching valve for switching between the withdrawal passage and the withdrawal passage, and a predetermined number of game balls that are provided downstream of the switching valve and in the middle of the withdrawal passage and through the withdrawal passage. A gaming machine having a payout device for discharging,
When the switching valve switches the passage so that the game ball passes through the sampling passage, the payout device moves the game ball remaining in the payout passage upstream from the payout device in conjunction with the switching. Configured to pay out,
A gaming machine, wherein the payout passage is provided with a guide passage for guiding the game balls paid out by the payout device so as to flow into the extraction passage.   5. The game according to claim 3, further comprising an operation switch that activates the payout device by contacting the switching valve when the switching valve switches the passage so that the game ball passes through the extraction passage. Machine.   The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the operation switch is provided on an inner surface side of a partition wall that partitions the extraction passage.   The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the switching valve is configured to be manually switchable between a payout passage and a withdrawal passage.   When the switching valve switches the game ball passage to the extraction passage, the payout passage is shut off in conjunction with this switching, and the game ball remaining in the payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device is moved to the extraction passage. The gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a guide member for guiding is provided on a downstream side of the payout device.

Images