JP2008237815A - Prize ball path device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize ball path capable of smoothly dispensing prize balls even when there is a number of prize balls and to make it difficult for a player to perform a fraudulent practice from the prize ball path. <P>SOLUTION: In addition to two or more prize ball paths 21 and 22 and a downstream prize ball retaining part 13, the same number of stepwise prize ball paths 11 and 12 in the retaining part as the number of the prize ball paths 21 and 22 are provided inside the prize ball retaining part 13, and the difference in step of the prize ball paths 11 and 12 in the retaining part is at least half a radius of a game ball or larger. Prize balls dispensed by a plurality of prize ball paths 21 and 22 are made stepwise, so that the balls can be dispensed without colliding with one another in the prize ball paths 11 and 12 in the retaining part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize ball path device used in a gaming machine using game balls, and in particular, provides a prize ball path that can be paid out smoothly even if the number of prize balls increases, and the prize ball The present invention relates to a prize ball path device that makes it difficult for a player to cheat from a path.

  For example, a parrot disclosed in Reference Document 1 is known as a gaming machine that can play a game similar to a spinning-type gaming machine (so-called slot) using a gaming ball. In other words, this is a spinning type gaming machine that uses game balls instead of conventional coins. Note that the gaming machine targeted by the present invention is not limited to a parrot or the like as long as it uses a game ball. In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, the spinning-type gaming machine using coins is referred to as a slot, and the spinning-type gaming machine using game balls is referred to as a parrot.

  This parrot has a game ball entrance and a game ball entrance on the tray, and throws out the game balls and game balls rented from the game ball lending machine into the game ball intake by a predetermined operation. To do. Then, the rotary reel is rotated and stopped by operating the start switch and the stop switch. The game balls are paid out to the tray by aligning predetermined symbols at the time of the stop.

  In the parrot, a game ball having the same price value is used for one game medal in the slot, and the game is played on the premise of this. For this reason, for example, with the current price value of game medals and game balls, five game balls are treated as equivalent to one game medal. For example, in a slot, one game medal for one bet, five game balls in a parrot, and three game medals in a slot max bet, fifteen game balls in a parrot. In addition, by aligning a predetermined pattern, a maximum of 15 game medals are paid out in the slot, whereas in a parrot, the maximum payout equivalent to this is paid out to the tray of 75 game balls. It becomes.

  Here, as a gaming machine, in a parrot, when considering the gameability that a player can play without feeling stress, the above-mentioned 75 winning game balls of the maximum prize ball are between about 1 to 1.5 seconds. Need to be paid out. Patent Document 2 discloses such a prize ball device capable of 75 prize balls in 1 to 1.5 seconds.

JP 2002-113148 A JP 2006-334248 A

  However, in Patent Document 2, as shown in FIG. 3 of that publication, since 75 game balls can be stored in the ball standby passage, the award is automatically given from the game ball entrance of the tray through the prize ball path. The distance to the ball device payout opening is shortened. For this reason, there has been a problem that fraudulent acts (so-called goto acts) are easily performed from the game ball entrance of the saucer.

  In addition, even if 75 balls are paid out from the prize ball device in 1 to 1.5 seconds, the game balls come in contact with each other in the route and are scattered to people, so that the balls do not flow smoothly, so the ball reaches the tray. Around this time, the momentum of the game ball drops. Therefore, there has been a problem that the player cannot obtain a refreshing feeling at the time of the big hit.

  Further, when the distance from the game ball entrance of the tray to the prize ball device payout exit via the prize ball path is short, it is detected that the tray is full while 75 balls are being paid out from the prize ball device due to the jackpot There is a possibility that. In this case, 75 balls are eventually paid out, and if there is not enough game ball storage space in the award ball path, the game balls are clogged in the award ball path, and in the worst case, the award ball apparatus breaks down. There is also the problem of end up.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and provides a prize ball path that can be paid out smoothly even when the number of prize balls increases, and games from the prize ball path. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize ball path device that makes it difficult for a person to cheat.

  The present invention is a prize ball path device for use in a gaming machine using game balls, in addition to at least two rows of prize ball paths and a prize ball storage section downstream of these prize ball paths, In addition to the integrated configuration, in the prize ball storage section, there are provided the number of rows of the prize ball paths in the staircase storage section, and the number of steps in the storage section prize ball path is at least The problem is solved by being equal to or more than the radius of the game ball.

  Further, in the prize ball path device, the prize ball path is substantially parallel to the main body frame and forms an inclined surface that falls in the right direction or the left direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and the prize in the storage section. The ball path solves the above-mentioned problem by forming an inclined surface that descends in the opposite direction to the winning ball path and also having an inclined surface in the direction of the storage dish.

  Further, in the prize ball path device, a full detection sensor is provided in the prize ball storage unit, and at least the maximum number of balls to be paid out as a prize ball after the full detection sensor is activated is the prize ball path and the The above-described problem is solved by storing the prize ball in the prize ball storage section including the prize ball path in the storage section.

  Further, in the prize ball path device, the folded upper part of the prize ball path and the downward slope of the prize ball path in the storage section, or in the vicinity thereof, the upper part of the path of the prize ball path in the storage section. Further, the above-mentioned problem is solved by providing a space which becomes a vertical path in the vertical direction.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of prize ball paths are provided, a prize ball storage section is provided downstream of the prize ball paths, and further, the prize ball path array is provided inside the prize ball storage section. Since there are as many staircase-like prize ball paths in the reservoir as there are numbers, the game balls flowing down the prize ball path lose their momentum and reduce their momentum by collision with the balls or the walls. It will not be peeled off and will be paid out to the tray. For this reason, it does not impair the refreshing feeling of the ball at the time of the big hit.

  Even if the prize ball device is arranged in the vicinity of the receiving pan, a sufficient prize ball path length is secured as a return path, and a bag path is provided in the return path part. It has a difficult structure.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  In the present embodiment, a parrot is taken as an example of a gaming machine that uses game balls. As shown in FIG. 1, the game machine has a tray 160 in which a player can freely insert and remove game balls. The game ball placed in the tray 160 is taken into the game machine by the ball transport device when the player presses the bet button 151. For example, 15 is captured when n times are pressed, such as 15 when pressed once, 30 when pressed twice, and 45 when pressed three times.

  Then, when the lever 152 is operated, the reels 145 to 147 in which several patterns are written respectively rotate, and the patterns are switched. Further, when the stop switches 155 to 157 provided corresponding to the respective reels 145 to 147 are pressed, the rotation of the corresponding reels 145 to 147 is stopped, and the replacement of the picture is stopped. When all the reels 145 to 147 are stopped, a prize game ball is paid out to the tray 160 according to the combination of the patterns of these 145 to 147 and others.

  FIG. 2 is a back view of the main body frame 100 in the gaming machine.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body frame 100 is provided with a reel device 101 containing reels 145 to 147, a prize ball device 102 for paying out a prize ball, and a prize ball path device 103.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the prize ball path device 103 used in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the prize ball path device 103. 3 and 4, the front side is the player side, and the vertical direction is the same as when attached to the gaming machine.

  The prize ball path device 103 of the present embodiment includes these components: a prize ball storage base 1, a prize ball path middle case 2, a prize ball path top case 3, a full detection bracket 4, a full detection lever 5, and a full detection sensor 6. Generally composed.

  Then, the prize ball path device 103 has the opening part of the prize ball storage base 1 opening upward and the opening part of the prize ball path top case 3 opening downward facing each other in the vertical direction, and joining them together. The external appearance is assembled as shown in FIG. The prize ball path middle case 2 is housed inside the prize ball storage base 1 and the prize ball path top case 3 assembled in this way.

  In FIG. 3, at the upper part of the upper prize ball path top case 3, there are a first prize ball inlet 37 and a second prize ball inlet 38 communicating with the prize ball outlet opening downward in the prize ball device 102 described above. Is provided. The prize ball is discharged from the prize ball discharge port of the prize ball device 102, and from the prize ball first entrance 37 or the prize ball second entrance 38 to the prize ball path device 103 at the top of the prize ball route top case 3. It is taken in. Then, the prize ball passes through the prize ball path and the like inside the prize ball path device 103 and is discharged from the tray communication port 17 to the tray 160.

  Further, the prize ball path top case 3 is provided with a ball outlet 39 that communicates with a prize ball discharge port that opens downward in the prize ball device 102. When the game ball in the prize ball device 102 is pulled out for maintenance or the like, the game ball is discharged from the prize ball discharge port of the prize ball device 102 and the prize ball from the ball removal entrance 39 at the top of the prize ball path top case 3. It is taken into the route device 103. Then, the game ball passes through the ball removal path 25 or the discharge path 28 inside the prize ball path device 103 and is discharged out of the prize ball path device 103 from the discharge path port 18.

  Next, in FIG. 4, the full detection sensor 6 in which the micro switch is used is attached to the full detection bracket 4 so that the switch movable part of the micro switch is on the upper side. The full detection bracket 4 is provided with a full detection lever 5 rotatably attached to a rotation shaft on the rear side of the full detection bracket 4 in FIG. 5, the front side moves up and down.

  Normally, the full detection lever 5 is also pushed up through the switch movable portion by a spring built in the micro switch that pushes the switch movable portion of the micro switch of the full detection sensor 6 upward. When the game ball is filled in the prize ball storage unit 13 inside the prize ball storage base 1, the game ball is also piled up on the full detection lever 5, and the full detection lever 5 is pushed down by the weight of the game ball. Then, the micro switch which is the fullness detection sensor 6 is turned on, whereby the fullness of the game balls in the prize ball storage unit 13 is detected.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a top view of the prize ball storage base 1 used in the prize ball path device 103 of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a top view of the prize ball path middle case 2 used in the prize ball path device 103, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the prize ball path top case 3.

  The lower side in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the upper side in FIG. 7 are the player side. 5 to 7, the left-right direction is the same as when viewed from the player side with the prize ball path device 103 attached to the gaming machine.

  8 is a cross-sectional view of the prize ball path device 103 in which the prize ball storage base 1, the prize ball path middle case 2, and the prize ball path top case 3 are assembled in the ZZ cross section in FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled prize ball path device 103 taken along the line YY in FIG.

  The front side in FIG. 8 and the left side in FIG. 9 are the player side. 8 and 9 are the same as when viewed from the player side with the prize ball path device 103 attached to the gaming machine.

  First, the prize ball storage base 1 will be described. The prize ball storage base 1 includes a first “J-shaped” path 11 in the storage section, which extends from the upper right to the upper left in FIG. A reservoir internal second path 12 is formed. These first in-storage path 11 and second in-storage path 12 are inclined in the inclination direction 112 (downward inclination) in FIG. 8 from the upper right to the upper left in FIG. 5, and from the upper left to the lower left in FIG. It inclines in the inclination direction 113 (downward inclination) of FIG.

  The inclination direction 112 of the first storage path 11 and the second storage path 12 of the prize ball storage base 1 is the first prize ball path 21 and the second prize ball path 22 of the prize ball path middle case 2 described later. The inclination direction 111 is the opposite direction. That is, when viewed from the player side in a state where the prize ball path device 103 is attached to the gaming machine, in the prize ball first path 21 and the prize ball second path 22 of the prize ball path middle case 2, After rolling in the rightward tilt direction 111, the first in-reservoir path 11 and the second in-reservoir path 12 of the prize ball storage base 1 roll in a direction opposite to that direction, that is, in the leftward tilt direction 112. become.

  In the prize ball storage base 1, the first prize ball path 11 in the reservoir and the second prize ball path 12 in the reservoir have at least a step larger than the radius (5.5 mm) of the game ball and have a smooth curve. Respectively extending in the direction of the tray communication port 17. Further, a prize ball storage unit 13 is provided so as to be adjacent to the first prize ball path 11 in the storage unit and the second prize ball second path 12 in the storage unit. The first intra-storage portion path 11, the second intra-storage portion path 12, and the prize ball storage portion 13 are inclined in an inclination direction 113 toward the tray communication port 17. Further, the prize ball storage unit 13 communicates with the tray 160 from the tray communication port 17 through the main body frame 100.

  Furthermore, as described above, in the prize ball storage section 13 of the prize ball storage base 1, the portion falling in the inclination direction 113 is opposite to the prize ball first path 11 and the prize ball second path 12 in the storage section. The full detection lever 5 integrated with the full detection bracket 4 and the full detection sensor 6 is disposed on the right side as viewed from the player. The game balls that have rolled along the first in-reservoir path 11 and the second in-reservoir path 12 enter the award ball storage unit 13 from the left side as viewed from the player side. Since the full detection sensor 6 is provided on the right side opposite to the intrusion, it is possible to suppress a full detection error of the full detection sensor 6 due to the momentum of the invading game ball.

  Next, the prize ball path middle case 2 will be described. In the prize ball path middle case 2, the prize ball first path 21 descending in the inclination direction 111 as described above, substantially parallel to the main body frame 100, A prize ball second path 22 is formed, and communicates with the above-mentioned prize ball first path 11 and the prize ball second path 12 in the reservoir with a smooth curve, respectively. .

  Further, the ball removal path 25 of the prize ball path middle case 2 extends in the direction of the main body frame 100 at a right angle to the first and second prize ball paths 21 and 22, and has a smooth curve and the main body frame 100. Is parallel to the player side and is formed on the right side when viewed from the player side, and further communicates with a discharge path 28 formed in a substantially vertical direction. The discharge path 28 extends outside the prize ball path unit 103 from the discharge path port 18 formed in the prize ball storage base 1.

  The prize ball path middle case 2 also serves as a ceiling part of the prize ball storage part 13 including the prize ball first path 11 in the storage part and the prize ball second path 12 in the storage part. It has a structure that fits together.

  Next, the prize ball path top case 3 will be described. First, in the prize ball path top case 3, the prize ball first 1 is placed at a position where each of the prize ball discharge port and the ball discharge outlet of the prize ball device 102 communicates. An entrance 37, a second prize ball entrance 38, and a ball exit 39 are provided.

  In a state where the prize ball path top case 3 is assembled with the prize ball storage base 1 and the prize ball path middle case 2, the prize ball path middle case 2 is directly below the prize ball first entrance 37 and the prize ball second entrance 38. The first prize ball path 21 and the second prize ball path 22 formed at the left end position in FIG. Further, immediately below the ball removal entrance 39 is the position of the upper left corner in FIG. 6 of the ball removal path 25 formed in the award ball path middle case 2.

  The prize ball path top case 3 has a prize ball first path rib 31 that regulates the height direction of each of the prize ball first path 21, the prize ball second path 22, and the ball removal path 25. In addition, a prize ball second path rib 32 and a ball removal path rib 35 are formed.

  Furthermore, in the prize ball path top case 3, the communication part between the prize ball first path 21 and the first path 11 in the storage part, and the vertical part of the communication part between the prize ball second path 22 and the second path 12 in the storage part. In the direction, a bag path portion 59 partitioned by walls is provided. As shown in FIG. 8, with the prize ball path device 103 attached to the gaming machine, the game balls taken from the prize ball first entrance 37 and the prize ball second entrance 38 are the prize ball first path. 21 and the second prize ball path 22 are rolled in the tilt direction 111, and then turned back at the above-described communication section, and the first in-storage section path 11 and the second in-storage section path 12 are then rolled in the opposite tilt direction 112.

  Such a prize ball path top case 3 is configured such that the positioning boss 55 formed in the prize ball path top case 3 and the positioning hole 54 formed in the prize ball path middle case 2 are fitted together, so that the prize ball path Positioned with respect to the middle case 2. Further, the prize ball top case 3 and the prize ball storage base 1 are fixed by screws, and the prize ball path middle case 2 is assembled so as to constitute a prize ball path unit 103.

  Further, the prize ball path unit 103 assembled in this way is positioned on the main body frame 100 by the positioning boss 51 formed on the prize ball storage base 1 and the positioning boss 52 formed on the prize ball path top case 3. Fixed with screws, attached.

  Here, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first in-reservoir path 11 and the second in-reservoir path 12 in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the first in-reservoir path 11 and the second in-reservoir path 12 in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 described above. The game ball 171 rolls in parallel in the storage section first path 11 and the game ball 172 rolls in parallel in the storage section second path 12 from this side to the other side in FIG. .

  First, the game ball 171 and the game ball 172 that have flowed in from the first and second prize ball paths 21 and 22 of the prize ball path middle case 2, respectively, are stored so as not to deviate from the path due to the momentum of rolling until then. Roll along straight portions of the first internal path 11 and the second internal storage path 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the prize ball storage base 1 is viewed from above, the first in-reservoir path 11 and the second in-reservoir path 12 are bent in a “J shape”. In FIG. 10, a centrifugal force acts in a direction in which the game ball 171 faces the passage wall surface 181 and in a direction in which the game ball 172 faces the step wall surface 186. Such a centrifugal force makes it easier for the game ball 171 to roll along the first in-reservoir path 11 and the game ball 172 to roll along the second in-reservoir path 12.

  Here, in the gaming ball 171 and the gaming ball 172 that roll in parallel in this way, the stepped step L1 is at least equal to the radius of the gaming ball. Thereby, the game ball 171 and the game ball 172 in parallel do not collide or interfere with each other, and can roll while maintaining their momentum.

  Further, the width L2 of the first in-reservoir path 11 and the width L3 of the second in-reservoir path 12 are equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball. 172 becomes easy to roll along the second path 12 in the reservoir.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, when a rental ball or a prize ball obtained by arranging a predetermined pattern is paid out from the prize ball device 102, the prize ball enters the prize ball entrances 37 and 38, and the prize ball It passes through the paths 21 and 22, reaches the tray 160 through the storage portion prize ball paths 11 and 12. The game balls that flow down from the prize ball paths 21 and 22 to the prize ball paths 11 and 12 in the storage section are formed with inclined surfaces that are continuously descending with respect to the traveling direction, and further, the path is formed by a smooth curve. Therefore, it will not lose its momentum.

  In addition, the game balls flowing down in the path are completely separated from the first prize path 11 in the storage section and the second path 12 in the storage section by the step to the vicinity of the tray 160. Due to the collision of game balls, the momentum of the flow will not be cut off.

  Further, since the prize ball paths 21 and 22 are formed substantially parallel to the gaming machine frame 100, even if the prize ball apparatus 102 is installed in the vicinity of the tray 160, the prize ball path 21 having a certain length is provided. , 22 are secured and can be temporarily used as a storage part for game balls. In addition, the prize ball paths 21 and 22 are return paths, and further, the bag path portion 59 is provided at the end of the return, so that an illegal act (goat action) is difficult to perform.

  Further, the storage section paths 11 and 12 are stepped from the prize ball storage section 13 side and are inclined toward the tray communication port 17, so that the storage section for the game balls is temporarily stored. Can also be used. Further, as described above, the prize ball paths 21 and 22 can also be temporarily used as a storage part for game balls. Accordingly, if such a temporary game ball storage unit is included in the prize ball storage unit 13, the tray 160 becomes full while 75 prize balls are being paid out from the prize ball device 102 by a jackpot. Even if it is detected by the fullness detection sensor 6, it is configured to be able to store more than 75 balls. Therefore, game balls are not clogged in the winning ball paths 21 and 22, and the winning ball device 102 does not break down.

  Further, in the prize ball path device 103 of the present embodiment, when the ball is removed from the prize ball apparatus 102, it can be returned to the so-called island facility via the ball removal inlet 39, the ball removal path 25, and the discharge path 28. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the game ball is paid out from the prize ball device, the prize ball path in the reservoir is formed as an inclined surface up to the vicinity of the tray communication port 17, and the first path and Since the second path is separated by a step, the game balls that have flowed down in the prize ball path are not lost to the momentum, and are not thrown away due to collision with the balls or the wall, and are paid out to the tray. Will be. Therefore, the refreshing feeling of the ball at the time of the big hit is not impaired.

  Even if the prize ball device is arranged in the vicinity of the receiving pan 160, a sufficient prize ball path length is secured as a return path, and a bag path portion is provided in the return path part. It is a difficult structure.

  Furthermore, after the fullness of the tray 160 is detected, the prize ball storage section, the prize ball path in the storage section, and the prize ball path can store a sufficient number of game balls of 75 balls or more. There will be no troubles such as equipment failure.

  In the embodiment described above, there are two rows of prize ball paths, such as the first prize ball path 21 and the second prize ball path 22, and the staircase-shaped first reservoir path 11 and the second reservoir inner path. 12 is also the same number of two-row prize pool paths in the reservoir. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the prize ball path and the storage area prize ball path may be three or more rows.

Front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied Rear view of the main body frame in the gaming machine of the above embodiment External perspective view of a prize ball path device used in the embodiment Exploded view of the prize ball path device of the embodiment Top view of a prize ball storage base used in the prize ball path device of the embodiment. Top view of a prize ball path middle case used in the prize ball path device of the embodiment. Bottom view of a prize ball path top case used in the prize ball path device of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the prize ball path device in which the prize ball storage base, the prize ball path middle case, and the prize ball path top case are assembled in the ZZ cross section in FIG. Sectional drawing of the above-mentioned prize ball path device of the above assembly of the YY section in FIG. Sectional drawing of the 1st path | route in the storage part in this embodiment and the 2nd path | route in a storage part

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Prize ball storage base 2 ... Prize ball path middle case 3 ... Prize ball path top case 4 ... Full detection bracket 5 ... Full detection lever 6 ... Full detection sensor 11 ... First path in storage part 12 ... Second path in storage part 13 ... Prize ball storage part 17 ... Sauce tray communication port 18 ... Discharge path port 21 ... Award ball first path 22 ... Award ball second path 25 ... Ball path 28 ... Discharge path 31 ... Award ball first path rib 32 ... Award ball Second passage rib 35 ... Ball removal passage rib 37 ... Prize ball first inlet 38 ... Prize ball second entrance 39 ... Ball removal inlet 51, 52, 55 ... Positioning boss 54 ... Positioning hole 100 ... Body frame 101 ... Reel device 102 ... Prize ball device 103 ... Prize ball path device 145 to 147 ... Reel 151 ... Bet button 152 ... Lever 155-157 ... Stop switch 160 ... Tray

Claims (4)

A prize ball path device used for a gaming machine using a game ball,
In addition to at least two rows of prize ball paths and prize ball reservoirs downstream of these prize ball paths, a ball removal path is integrally configured,
In the inside of the prize ball storage unit, the same number of rows of the prize ball path as the number of rows in the staircase storage part is provided,
The prize ball path device characterized in that the stepped step of the prize ball path in the reservoir is at least equal to the radius of the game ball. The prize ball path is substantially parallel to the main body frame and forms an inclined surface that falls in the right direction or the left direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine,
2. The prize ball path according to claim 1, wherein the prize ball path in the storage section forms an inclined surface that descends in a direction opposite to the prize ball path, and also has an inclined surface in the storage dish direction. apparatus. While providing a full detection sensor in the prize ball storage unit,
After the full detection sensor is activated, at least the maximum number of balls to be paid out as a prize ball can be stored in the prize ball storage section including the prize ball path and the prize ball path in the storage section. The prize ball path device according to claim 1 or 2.   At the turn-up portion of the downward sloping surface of the prize ball path and the downward sloping surface of the prize ball path in the storage section, or in the vicinity thereof, the upper path of the prize ball path in the storage section is a vertical path. The prize ball path device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a space is provided.

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