JP2011055878A - Ball entrance unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ball entrance unit and the like capable of smoothly executing fair play by reducing accidental opening of a once-closed open/close door and restraining game balls from being caught. <P>SOLUTION: The ball entrance unit 40 includes the open/close door 43 for swinging open/close a ball entrance 42, first transmitting means 45 coupled to a solenoid 44, and second transmitting means 46 to be moved by the first transmitting means 45 to swing the open/close door 43. A gap is formed between the first transmitting means 45 and the second transmitting means 46 with the open/close door 43 in the closed state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball entering unit into which a game ball flowing down a game area can flow, and in particular, a ball having an open / close door that realizes a state in which a game ball is difficult to flow in and a state in which it is easy to flow in by swinging opening and closing Regarding the unit.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a bullet ball is flowed down a game area (an area formed on or near the game board surface for realizing a game or production by the flow of the ball). In the course of the flow, the ball rolls while colliding with a game nail (also referred to as gauge) or impeller in the game area, and the flow direction changes. As a result, if a ball wins various winning holes arranged on the game area, a predetermined prize ball is paid out. On the other hand, if a ball flows into the out port without winning any prize hole, no prize ball is paid out. . The player enjoys the game by demonstrating his / her skill in the ball or using the chance of the ball flowing down and expecting to win a prize and give away a prize ball.

  When a player wins a big hit on a pachinko machine, the player can obtain a lot of prize balls. This jackpot game is, for example, a game machine having a lottery means and a start winning opening that triggers a lottery by the lottery means, and a lottery result that is performed when a game ball enters the start winning opening becomes a big hit Is executed. In addition, when a specific big win is won, a lottery probability of the lottery means is increased, and many gaming machines having a probability varying function that makes it easy to receive the next big win win are provided.

  This probability variation state has a higher probability of winning a big hit than the normal gaming state, and it is easier to win the next jackpot, so the player is interested in whether or not the current game is in a probability variation state. While playing games. In addition, the game state change from the probability variation state to the normal state and the game state change from the normal state to the probability variation state are configured to be performed after the big hit game, and the player can play before and after the big hit game. It is determined whether or not the gaming state has changed, and it is determined whether or not the gaming state is advantageous.

  Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 1 provides a gaming machine configured to increase a player's expectation for the current gaming state by combining a big hit game in which the gaming state changes and a small hit in which the gaming state does not change Has been. The big hit game is performed by repeatedly opening and closing the open / close door of a big winning opening (so-called attacker) with an open / close door, and the small win game is similar to the big hit game, opening and closing the open / close door of the big winning opening. Although it is performed by repeating the operation, the gaming state does not change even after passing through the small hit game.

  By combining the big hit game and the small hit game configured in this way, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation for the current gaming state. For example, the gaming machine described in Non-Patent Document 1 opens and closes the open / close door of the grand prize opening nine times regardless of whether it is a big hit game or a small hit game. And it is executed in a short time.

  In addition, a transparent plate (glass) for preventing unauthorized access from a player is provided in front of the winning device having a winning opening. For example, in a winning device having an opening / closing door that opens and closes a grand prize opening, when the opening / closing door moves from the closed state to the open state, the game ball that has dropped from the gaming area from above is opened and closed and the transparent plate There is a risk that the ball will be caught between the two, and this may cause a problem particularly in a winning device that repeatedly opens and closes at high speed in a short time.

  In view of such a problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a winning opening for winning a game ball, and a first state that varies in the opening direction and a second state that varies in the closing direction with respect to the winning opening. A variable winning device including an opening / closing member and a predetermined drive source is described. The drive source of this variable winning device can be switched between a force acting state in which a closing direction fluctuation force is applied to change the opening / closing member in the closing direction and a force release state in which the closing direction fluctuation force is released. The opening / closing member is configured to generate an opening direction fluctuation force having a predetermined magnitude that varies in the opening direction when the driving source is released, and the opening / closing plate is moved when the driving source is switched to the force releasing state. It fluctuates in the opening direction by the action of the opening direction fluctuation force.

  According to this variable winning device, when the predetermined drive source is in a force acting state in which a closing direction changing force for changing the opening and closing member in the closing direction is applied, the opening and closing member is in the closing direction with respect to the winning opening. It is changed and it becomes a 2nd state unfavorable for a player. The drive source can be switched from a force acting state to a force releasing state for releasing the closing direction fluctuation force, and in the force releasing state, a fluctuating force having a predetermined magnitude that causes the opening / closing member to change in the opening direction is generated. It is configured as follows. As a result, when the driving source is switched to the force release state, the opening / closing member is changed in the opening direction by the action of the fluctuating force.

  That is, when the opening / closing member fluctuates in the opening direction, in which the ball engagement between the facing member and the opening / closing member with respect to the opening / closing member is a problem, a force for changing the opening / closing member in the opening direction is applied from the drive source to the opening / closing member. As a result, it is not necessary to apply a large force in the opening direction to the opening / closing member in consideration of the frictional resistance generated in the drive source, and the opening / closing member is changed in the opening direction by a small force accordingly. Is possible.

  Therefore, when the opening / closing member is changed in the opening direction, it is not necessary to change the opening / closing member in the opening direction with a large force considering the frictional resistance of the drive source, and the opening / closing member can be changed in the opening direction with a small force. In addition, it is possible to prevent the ball biting between the opening / closing member and the opposing member.

JP 2008-132008 A

"CR Pachinko Kinnikuman article", Pachinko Strategy Magazine February 22 issue, Futabasha Co., Ltd., February 22, 2009, pages 16-21

  However, in the variable prize winning device described in Patent Document 1, when the opening and closing member closes vigorously when the opening and closing member changes in the closing direction and enters the second state, the opening and closing member should bounce and close due to the momentum. There was a possibility that the opening and closing member would be reopened and the ball engagement would occur.

  If the opening / closing member is opened again, the player may be misunderstood as if a big hit game or the like is being executed again, and there is a possibility that a fair game cannot be realized. Further, when the opening / closing member is opened again, it may be difficult to open / close the opening / closing member at a relatively high speed in a short time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in an entrance unit having an opening / closing door that opens and closes the entrance, it is possible to prevent the opening / closing door that has once been closed from being opened unexpectedly. It is an exemplary problem to provide a ball entry unit that can prevent the occurrence of ball biting and can execute a fair game.

  A ball entry unit as an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a ball entrance that allows a game ball flowing down a game area to flow in, a closed position and an inflow that realizes a state where it is difficult for the game ball to flow into the ball entrance. An opening / closing door that swings between an open position that realizes an easy state, a solenoid that drives the opening / closing of the opening / closing door, and a transmission means that transmits a driving force of the solenoid to the opening / closing door. And a second transmission means for swinging the open / close door by being moved by the first transmission means, and the solenoid slides in the energized state. A plunger and an elastic member that is elastically deformed by the sliding movement of the plunger. When the solenoid is energized, the plunger slides in one direction, the elastic member elastically deforms, and the open / close door is opened. When the solenoid is powered off, the plunger slides in the other direction opposite to the one direction due to the elastic force of the elastic member, and the open / close door moves toward the closed position. When the open / close door is in the closed position, a gap is provided between the first transmission means and the second transmission means in the sliding direction of the plunger.

  The entrance unit has an entrance that allows game balls that flow down the game area to flow in. The opening and closing doors make it easy for game balls to enter the entrance and make it difficult for them to enter. To do. The opening / closing door is configured to transmit the driving force of the solenoid via the first transmission means and the second transmission means. The solenoid is configured by a plunger that slides in one direction in an energized state and an elastic member that presses the plunger that has been slid in one direction in a disconnected state by an elastic force in another direction opposite to the one direction.

  When the solenoid is energized, the plunger slides in one direction, and the open / close door moves toward the open position via the first transmission means and the second transmission means. That is, the open / close door moves toward the open position by energizing the sonorail. On the other hand, when the solenoid is de-energized, the plunger slides in the other direction (the direction opposite to one direction), and the opening / closing door moves toward the closed position via the first transmission means and the second transmission means. It is configured. That is, when the solenoid is de-energized, the open / close door moves toward the closed position.

  When the sonorade is disconnected, the elastic force of the elastic member is transmitted to the open / close door via the first transmission means and the second transmission means, and the open / close door moves toward the closed position by the elastic force of the elastic member. Is done. At this time, if the elastic member is vigorously restored (returns to the original state before deformation), the elastic member vibrates after moving the plunger in the other direction and moving the open / close door toward the closed position. There is a risk of elastic deformation again, and moving the plunger in one direction to move the open / close door toward the open position. That is, if the elastic member vigorously moves the plunger to the closed position, the open / close door may bounce and open again.

  However, since the clearance is provided between the first transmission means connected to the solenoid and the second transmission means for swinging the opening and closing door when the opening and closing door is in the closed position, the solenoid elastic member is Even if it vibrates, the vibration is absorbed by the gap, preventing the vibration of the elastic member from being transmitted from the first transmission means to the second transmission means, and the door once moved to the closed position is opened again. Can be prevented.

  By preventing the opening / closing door once moved to the closed position from opening again, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of ball biting, prevent misunderstandings to the player, and provide a fair game to the player. it can. Furthermore, by preventing the opening / closing door that has once moved to the closed position from reopening, the convergence time for the opening / closing door to stop at the closed position can be shortened, and the opening / closing member can be opened and closed easily and quickly. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, the plunger of the first transmission means is formed with a hole into which a protrusion provided on the second transmission means is inserted, and the gap between the first transmission means and the second transmission means is a slide. It may be provided between the protrusion and the hole in the sliding direction of the part.

  According to such a configuration, the driving force of the solenoid is transmitted to the transmitting means by inserting the protrusion of the first transmitting means into the hole of the plunger connected to the sono laid, and based on the driving force of the sono laid. The open / close door can be swung. Further, since a gap is provided between the protrusion and the hole in the sliding direction of the plunger, it is possible to prevent the vibration of the elastic member of the sonolide from being transmitted to the second transmission means and the opening / closing door.

  Further, the length of the gap between the first transmission means and the second transmission means can be easily changed by appropriately changing the arrangement of the hole and the projection, the shape of the hole and the projection, and the like. . For example, when the elastic member is a spring member, it is possible to change the length of the gap in accordance with the spring constant so that the vibration of the elastic member is not more reliably transmitted to the open / close door.

  Further, the open / close door may be configured to move toward the closed position based on the movement of the plunger by the elastic force of the elastic member, and then move toward the closed position by its own weight.

  According to such a configuration, the open / close door moves to the closed position by its own weight, so that the open / close door can be moved to the closed position regardless of the elastic force of the elastic member. In addition, by being configured to move to the closed position by its own weight, even if vibration due to the restoring force of the elastic member acts in the closed position, the open / close door can be prevented from moving to the open position by its own weight. It becomes possible to do. In addition, since the opening / closing door does not move to the closed position due to the elastic force of the elastic member, the influence of the elastic member at the closed position can be reduced, and the opening / closing door that has once moved to the closed position can be prevented from opening unexpectedly.

  The second transmission means is configured to rotate about the rotation axis when the protrusion is pressed by the first transmission means, and includes a curved concave portion that engages with an engagement portion provided on the opening / closing door. The curved concave portion is continuous with the first ridge line portion and the first ridge line portion that pulls the engaging portion toward the rotation shaft with the rotation of the second transmission means and moves the open / close door toward the closed position. And a second ridge line portion that does not retract the engagement portion toward the rotation axis as the second transmission means rotates, and the second ridge line portion is in a state where the open / close door is in the closed position. You may arrange | position in the position which touches an engaging part.

  According to such a configuration, when the first transmission means is moved by the solenoid, the second transmission means having the curved concave portion is rotated around the rotation axis, and the engaging portion is moved along the curved concave portion, The open / close door can be swung. In addition, the curved concave portion has a first ridge line portion that pulls the engaging portion toward the rotation shaft with the rotation of the second transmission means and moves the opening / closing door toward the closed position, and the rotation of the second transmission means. And a second ridge line portion that does not retract the engaging portion toward the rotation shaft.

  By moving the engagement portion along the first ridge line portion and the second ridge line portion, the engagement portion is drawn toward the rotation axis with the rotation of the second transmission means, and the door is moved to the closed position. Even if the second transmission means rotates, it is possible to prevent the engaging portion from being pulled toward the rotating shaft and not to move the open / close door.

  Since the engaging portion and the second ridge line portion are in contact with each other when the open / close door is in the closed position, the second ridge line portion may be provided even if the second transmission means rotates slightly while the open / close door is in the closed position. In a state where the engaging portion is in contact with the engaging portion, the engaging portion is not drawn toward the rotating shaft of the second transmission means, and the open / close door does not move. That is, even when the first transmission means and the second transmission means are moved by the vibration of the elastic member in the state where the door is in the closed position, the door is not moved toward the open position based on the movement. Can be.

  In this way, by making it difficult to move the open / close door when the open / close door is in the closed position, the open / close door that has once moved to the closed position opens unexpectedly, such as opening the open / close door due to a collision of a game ball flowing down the game area. Can be prevented. Therefore, by preventing the opening / closing door that has once moved to the closed position from opening again, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of ball biting and to prevent misunderstandings to the player. Can be provided.

  The second transmission means may include a restricting portion that restricts movement of the opening / closing door in the direction toward the closed position when the opening / closing door is in the open position. When the open / close door is in the open position, the game ball flowing down the game area is configured to flow into the entrance, and the game ball collides with the open / close door, passes over the open / close door, It may flow into the entrance while touching the door. For example, at this time, if the game ball collides with the open / close door vigorously, the open / close door may move toward the closed position due to the impact.

  If the door in the open position moves unexpectedly toward the closed position, there is a risk that the game ball will have less opportunity to enter the entrance, which may be disadvantageous for the player, and there is a possibility that a fair game cannot be provided. is there. Furthermore, if the open / close door unexpectedly moves toward the closed position, a game ball may be caught between the open / close door that has moved toward the closed position and the entrance, and ball engagement may occur.

  However, the movement of the opening / closing door from the open position to the closed position is restricted by providing the second transmission means with a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the opening / closing door in the direction toward the closed position when the door is in the open position. The open / close door at the open position can be prevented from unexpectedly moving toward the closed position, and a fair game can be provided to the player, and the occurrence of a bite can be prevented.

  Further objects and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, since the gap is provided between the first transmission means connected to the solenoid and the second transmission means for swinging the opening and closing door when the opening and closing door is in the closed position, the solenoid Even when the elastic member vibrates, the vibration is absorbed by the gap, and the opening / closing door once moved to the closed position can be prevented from opening again. By preventing the opening / closing door once moved to the closed position from opening again, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of ball biting, prevent misunderstandings to the player, and provide a fair game to the player. it can.

  Further, the opening / closing door is configured to move toward the closed position based on the movement of the plunger by the elastic force of the elastic member, and then move toward the closed position by its own weight. The open / close door can be moved to the closed position regardless of the elastic force of the door, and the open / close door can move to the open position even when vibration due to the restoring force of the elastic member acts in the closed position. Can be prevented.

  Further, by providing the second transmission means with a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the door in the direction toward the closed position when the door is in the open position, the movement of the door from the open position toward the closed position is restricted. The open / close door at the open position can be prevented from unexpectedly moving toward the closed position, and a fair game can be provided to the player, and the occurrence of a bite can be prevented.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is a front view of the ball entry unit shown in FIG. It is a top view of an entrance unit. It is the top view which showed typically the internal mechanism of the entrance unit. It is the right view which showed the internal mechanism of the entrance unit typically. It is a schematic side view which shows the open mode of a ball entry unit. It is a schematic side view which shows the open mode of a ball entry unit. It is the elements on larger scale of the A section shown in FIG. It is a schematic side view which shows the closing aspect of a ball entering unit. It is a schematic side view which shows the closing aspect of a ball entering unit. It is the side view which showed typically the drive mechanism of the ball entering unit which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine (game machine) 2 having a ball entry unit 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 2 includes a gaming machine frame 3, a gaming board unit 5, a glass 10, a launch unit (not shown), and a ball tray 14. The launch units can launch the game balls 23 one by one toward the game area 16 configured in the game board unit 5.

  In the pachinko machine 2, when a player operates a launcher handle 15 to be described later, a ball is launched by the launch unit toward the game area 16, and a game by the flow of the ball is realized. In addition to the pachinko machine 2, the gaming machine can be an arcade machine such as a pachinko slot machine or a coin game machine, and various game machines. In short, a gaming area that realizes a game by the flow of gaming media. Any gaming machine you have is included.

  In addition, in the pachinko machine, any pachinko machine such as a combination pachinko machine such as an arrangement ball machine or a sparrow ball machine, a so-called digipachi type (one type) or a honey mono type (two types) pachinko machine can be conceptualized. In this embodiment, a so-called one-type pachinko machine that realizes a digipachi game (also referred to as a one-type game or a symbol variation game) will be described as an example. The symbol variation game will be described later.

  The gaming machine frame 3 of the pachinko machine 2 is for holding a gaming board unit 5 to be described later, and is configured to surround the peripheral side surface of the pachinko machine 2 and the front side or the rear side in addition thereto. In addition to the game board unit 5, various mechanism parts such as various control boards and paths for game media, which are described later, are arranged on the inner side of the gaming machine frame 3. Unauthorized access to the inside of the pachinko machine 2 from behind is prevented.

  The outer frame 4 that surrounds the pachinko machine 2, the front frame 9 that is swingably supported by a hinge 22 inside the pachinko machine 2 so as to be able to be opened and closed forward, and that can hold the game board unit 5. The gaming machine frame 3 is configured to include the glass frame 12 that holds the decorative member 32 that is supported in a swinging manner and decorates the periphery of the glass 10. The glass 10 is a transparent member that allows the player to visually recognize the game board 6 held inside the gaming machine frame 3 from the front.

  The glass 10 is a transparent plate that is spaced apart from the game board 6 by a certain distance or more. The glass 10 is formed of two transparent flat glasses and is held on the back side of the glass frame 12, and has a function of forming a flowing-down space for the game ball 23 to flow between the game board 6 and the player through the glass 10. The function of ensuring visibility so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized and the function of preventing unauthorized access so that the player cannot illegally access (contact) the game board 6 are exhibited.

  The ball tray 14 is a dish member disposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 2 to store the player's ball, and in the present embodiment, has an upper ball tray 14a and a lower ball tray 14b. Yes. The upper ball tray 14a has a ball punching member 14c and is disposed below the game board 6, that is, a lower portion of the glass frame 12, and the lower ball tray 14b is disposed further below the upper ball tray 14a. .

  The launch unit launches (balls) the game ball 23 sent from the upper ball tray 14a as a part of the ball tray 14 to the launch position by the ball feeder (not shown) toward the upper part of the game area 16. belongs to. The launch unit includes, for example, a launcher for projecting the game ball 23 at the launch position, a launch motor for driving the launcher, a launch spring for energizing the launcher to generate a ball force, and the like. It is attached to the front frame 9. In order to launch a ball by the launch unit, a launcher handle 15 is provided below the front surface of the pachinko machine 2 to realize on / off of the launch of the ball and adjustment of its launch intensity based on the player's operation.

  The game board unit 5 has a game board 6 in which a center object 7 as a game object is arranged at substantially the center on the game board surface 6a side, and a number of game nails 27 are also arranged on the game board surface 6a. ing. An effect display device 7a as an image display means is disposed at the center of the center accessory 7, and a display opening 7d for exposing the display portion 7b of the effect display device 7a is formed.

  The game board 6 is a board-like member for constituting a game area 16 for realizing a game by the flow of the game ball 23 on the surface side thereof, so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized from the front by the player. It is held in the gaming machine frame 3 (in the present embodiment, the front frame 9 as a part of the gaming machine frame 3). A rail ornament 26 is attached to the surface of the game board 6 in a substantially circular shape so as to surround the periphery, and an outer rail 26a of the rail ornament 26 is arranged so as to stand on the game board. The game area 16 is a substantially circular area defined by the outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26 and facing the outer rail 26a.

  The game nails 27 are flow-down changing members that collide with the game balls 23 flowing down the game area 16 and change the flow-down direction thereof, and many of them are arranged in the game area 16. In the game area 16, a winning member such as a start winning port 29, a winning unit 40 having a normal winning port 28 and a large winning port 42, and an out port 30 are arranged. Furthermore, a gate 33, a windmill 34, and the like are arranged in the game area 16, and the game balls 23 that flow down flow into each ball entry member, pass through the gate 33, and rotate the windmill 34. Thus, it is possible to enjoy the down-flow game by the game ball 23.

  The center accessory 7 is configured to cover the periphery of the effect display device 7a, and realizes a symbol variation game (one type game). A first symbol (special symbol) display device 17 as a symbol display means is disposed above the center accessory 7, and an effect display device 7 a is disposed in the center of the center accessory 7.

  The first symbol (special symbol) display device 17 displays the variation of the first symbol, which is the lottery result of the lottery means. The first symbol is a symbol corresponding to the result of the first lottery executed when the game ball 23 enters the start winning opening 29. A big hit as a first special game occurs when the variable display of the first symbol is stopped in a predetermined winning manner.

  The effect display device 7a is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display, an LED, and the like, and is arranged so that the player can see from the game board surface 6a side, and displays an image on the display unit 7b. It is. The display unit 7b of the effect display device 7a displays a first decorative symbol that is linked to the first symbol. The first decorative symbol is a symbol for visually producing the lottery result of the first lottery means, and corresponds to the first game. Further, for example, an effect image as a story tailoring image by a character or the like is also displayed on the display unit 7b. An effect control board as a game control means is electrically connected to the effect display device 7a via a relay board, and image display is controlled by the effect control board.

  On the back side of the game board 6, there is a main control board case 35 containing a main control board as a game control means for controlling the entire pachinko machine 2, and effect control for controlling image display of the effect display device 7a. An effect control board case 36 containing a board, a payout control board case 37 containing a payout control board (not shown) for controlling the payout of prize balls, and a power board case 38 containing a power supply board (not shown). And are arranged. A game is realized by each control board accommodated in each control board case. Furthermore, an external output terminal plate 39 for outputting game information such as the gaming state of the pachinko machine 2 to the outside is provided on the back side of the game board 6.

  When the game ball 23 is launched by a ball launcher (not shown), the game ball 23 travels along the outer rail 26 a of the rail decoration 26 and reaches the upper part in the game area 16. Thereafter, the game ball 23 moves along a plurality of passing trajectories, some moves to the right along the outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26, and some moves downward in the game area 16 while colliding with the gauge. Some of them flow into the normal winning opening 28 and trigger a certain number of prize balls to be paid out. Some do not flow into any of the entering devices, and the out opening 30 located at the bottom in the game area 16 Is discharged into the outside of the pachinko machine 2 as an out ball.

  When the game ball 23 flows into the start winning opening 29 during the symbol variation game, the display symbol 7c of the effect display device 7a starts rotating display (the first special game lottery) due to the inflow. If 7c is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol (for example, “7, 7, 7”), a big hit (first special game; hereinafter referred to as symbol fluctuation big hit) occurs in the symbol variable game. Then, the big winning entrance (entrance entrance) 42 of the winning unit 40 is opened to accept a large amount of winning balls, and a large amount of prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 14.

  Next, the ball entering unit 40 mounted on the game board 6 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 are views showing the ball entry unit 40 in a state where it is detached from the game board 6. 3 is a front view, and FIG. 4 is a plan view. FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the internal mechanism, and FIG. 6 is a right side view schematically showing the internal mechanism. In the following description, front and rear, left and right, and top and bottom are directions in a state where the player visually recognizes the pachinko machine 2 from the front.

  The ball entry unit 40 has a base member 41 for attachment to the game board 6, an opening formed in the base member 41, and a large winning opening (entrance hole) 42 serving as an inflow port for the game ball 23, and a large winning opening 42. An opening / closing door 43 that realizes easy and difficult entry of the ball, a solenoid 44 that drives the opening / closing of the opening / closing door 43, transmission means 45, 46 that transmits the driving force of the solenoid 44 to the opening / closing door 43, A ball passage 47 for guiding the game ball 23 that has entered the grand prize opening 42 to the outside of the ball entry unit 40, a solenoid 44, transmission means 45, 46, a cover member 48 containing the ball passage 47, a normal winning opening 28, Have

  The ball entry unit 40 is arranged so that the base member 41, the opening / closing door 43, and the normal winning opening 28 can be seen in a front view when mounted on the game board 6. The open / close door 43 is configured to swing open and close between an open position and a closed position. When the open / close door 43 is in the open position, the grand prize winning opening 42 is visible from the front, The game ball 23 flowing down the area 16 can enter the big winning opening 42. On the other hand, when the open / close door 43 is in the closed position, the big winning opening 42 cannot be visually recognized from the front, and the game ball 23 flowing down the gaming area 16 cannot enter the big winning opening 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a cover member 48 is provided behind the base member 41 and the opening / closing door 43, and a solenoid 44 for opening and closing the opening / closing door 43 and a solenoid are provided in the cover member 48. Transmission means 45, 46 for transmitting the driving force of 44 to the open / close door 43, and a ball passage 47 through which the game ball 23 that has entered the special winning opening 42 passes are provided.

  The solenoid 44 includes a plunger 44a that moves in the front-rear direction when energized or disconnected, and a spring member (elastic member) 44b that elastically deforms based on the movement of the plunger 44a. When the solenoid 44 is energized, the plunger 44a slides backward against the spring member 44b, and the spring member 44b is elastically deformed. When the plunger 44a slides backward, the open / close door 43 moves toward the open position. On the other hand, when the solenoid 44 is turned off, the plunger 44a slides forward due to the elastic force of the spring member 44b. When the plunger 44a slides forward, the open / close door 43 moves toward the closed position.

  A transmission plate (first transmission means) 45 as transmission means is connected to the front end of the solenoid 44. As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission plate 45 is substantially L-shaped in plan view, and includes a first plate portion 45a extending in the left-right direction along the front surface of the plunger 44a and a second plate extending in the front-rear direction. Plate part 45b. The second plate portion 45b is formed with a hole portion 45c penetrating in the left-right direction.

  On the left side of the transmission plate 45, a transmission cam (second transmission means) 46 having a projection 46a inserted into the hole 45c of the second plate portion 45b is disposed. The transmission cam 46 is configured to rotate around the rotation shaft 46b when the protrusion 46a is pressed by the second plate portion 45b.

  The transmission cam 46 is formed with a curved recess 46 c that engages with the open / close door 43. The curved recess 46c is configured such that an engagement portion 43a provided on the opening / closing door 43 can contact, and the opening / closing door 43 is swingably opened / closed by pressing the engagement portion 43a. The opening / closing door 43 rotates around the rotation shaft 43b when the engaging portion 43a is pressed by the transmission cam 46.

  The length in the front-rear direction of the hole 45c of the transmission plate 45 is longer than the diameter of the protrusion 46a of the transmission cam 46. When the protrusion 46a is inserted into the hole 45c, the hole 45c and the protrusion A gap is provided between the portion 46a. By providing this gap, the movement timing of the transmission plate 45 and the movement timing of the transmission cam 46 are shifted, the movement of the transmission plate 45 is not transmitted to the transmission cam 46, and the movement of the transmission cam 46 is prevented. Transmission to the transmission plate 45 can be prevented. By appropriately changing the length of the gap between the hole 45c and the protrusion 46a, the transmission mode between the transmission plate 45 and the transmission cam 46 can be changed.

  In a state where the open / close door 43 is closed, a gap T1 is provided between the protrusion 46a and the hole 45c. By providing the gap T1, the movement of the transmission plate 45 is prevented from being transmitted to the transmission cam 46 even when the transmission plate 45 has moved somewhat rearward when the open / close door 43 is in the closed position. be able to.

  Specifically, when the plunger 44a slides forward due to the elastic force of the spring member 44b, the open / close door 43 moves toward the closed position. At this time, when the spring member 44b is vigorously restored (returns to the original state), the spring member 44b moves elastically and again vibrates after moving the plunger 44a forward. When the spring member 44b vibrates, the plunger 44a and the transmission plate 45 move backward, and the open / close door 43 moves toward the open position.

  However, since the clearance T1 between the hole 45c of the transmission plate 45 and the protrusion 46a of the transmission cam 46 is provided, even if the transmission plate 45 moves backward by a predetermined length (a length equal to or less than the clearance T1). The movement can be prevented from being absorbed by the gap T1 and transmitted to the transmission cam 46. Therefore, the opening / closing door 43 can be prevented from opening due to the vibration of the spring member 44b.

  Next, the opening / closing mode of the opening / closing door 43 of the entrance unit 40 configured as described above will be described in detail. 7, 8, 10, and 11 are diagrams schematically illustrating the opening / closing mode of the opening / closing door 43. 7, 8, 10, and 11, members other than the drive mechanism such as the cover member 48 and the base member 41 are omitted for the sake of explanation. FIGS. 7A and 11G show a state where the open / close door 43 is in the closed position, and FIGS. 8G and 11A show a state where the open / close door 43 is in the open position. 7 and 8 show a mode in which the open / close door 43 gradually opens from (a) to (g). FIG.10 and FIG.11 has shown the aspect which the opening-and-closing door 43 closes gradually toward (g) from (a).

  First, based on FIG.7 and FIG.8, the movement aspect of the opening / closing door from a closed position to an open position is demonstrated. (A) has shown the state of the closed position. In the state shown in (a), the solenoid 44 is not energized, and the plunger 44a is pressed forward (in the X direction shown in the figure) by the elastic force of the spring member 44b. A gap T <b> 1 is provided between the hole 45 c of the transmission plate 45 connected to the solenoid 44 and the protrusion 46 a of the transmission cam 46.

  When the solenoid 44 is energized, the plunger 44a moves rearward (in the -X direction shown in the figure) from the state shown in (a) to the state shown in (b). (B) is a state in which the plunger 44a has moved backward by the length of the gap T1 from the state shown in (a). When the plunger 44a moves backward by the length of the gap T1, the transmission plate 45 connected to the plunger 44a moves rearward, and the hole 45c and the protrusion 46a come into contact with each other. From the state (a) to the state (b), the protrusion 46a and the hole 45c are not in contact with each other, so that only the transmission plate 45 moves rearward and the transmission cam 46 does not rotate. Further, the spring member 44b is elastically deformed when the plunger 44a moves rearward.

  When the plunger 44a further moves rearward from the state shown in (b), the state shown in (c) is obtained. As the plunger 44a moves rearward, the transmission plate 45 moves rearward, and the projection 46a is pressed by the transmission plate 45. The transmission cam 46 rotates in the clockwise direction (Y direction shown in the figure) around the rotation shaft 46b when the protrusion 46a is pressed backward by the transmission plate 45. As the transmission cam 46 rotates, the engaging portion 43a of the open / close door 43 is pressed by the curved recess 46c, and the open / close door 43 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (the −Z direction shown in the figure) around the rotation shaft 43b. Move towards the open position.

  When the plunger 44a further moves rearward from the state shown in (c), the state becomes (d), and gradually changes from the state (d) to the state (e), the state (f), and the state (g). . With the change toward the open position shown in (g), the opening angle of the open / close door 43 increases, and the elastic deformation of the spring member 44b increases. In the state shown in (g), the open / close door 43 is in the open position, and it is possible to realize a state where the game ball 23 can easily enter the special winning opening 42.

  Further, in the state shown in (g), the movement of the opening / closing door 43 in the direction toward the closed position is restricted by the transmission cam 46, and the transmission cam 46 functions as a restriction portion. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of a portion A shown in FIG. The engaging portion 43a of the open / close door 43 is placed on the transmission cam 46, and the contact V between the engaging portion 43a and the transmission cam 46 is the center P of the engaging portion 43a and the rotation shaft of the transmission cam 46. The surface of the transmission cam 46 that is disposed on a straight line S that connects the center Q of 46 b and is in contact with the engaging portion 43 a is substantially perpendicular to the straight line S.

  Thus, when the transmission cam 46 and the projection 46a are in contact with each other, for example, the game ball 23 collides with the opening / closing door 43 and the engaging portion 43a is rotated in the clockwise direction (Z direction) (the opening / closing door is opened). Even if a force acts so as to move (in the direction toward the position), the force acts on the center of the rotation shaft 46b of the transmission cam 46, and no rotation moment acts on the contact V. Therefore, even when an external force is applied to rotate the opening / closing door 43 toward the closed position when the opening / closing door 43 is in the closed position, the opening / closing door 43 can be prevented from moving toward the closed position.

  Next, based on FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the movement mode of the open / close door 43 from the closed position to the open position will be described. (A) has shown the state of the open position. In the state shown in (a), the solenoid 44 is energized, and the plunger 44a is pressed backward (in the -X direction shown in the figure). A gap T <b> 2 is provided between the hole 45 c of the transmission plate 45 connected to the solenoid 44 and the protrusion 46 a of the transmission cam 46.

  When the solenoid 44 is deenergized, the elastic force due to the restoration of the spring member 44b acts on the plunger 44a, and the plunger 44a moves forward (in the X direction shown in the figure) from the state shown in FIG. It will be in the state shown in (B) is a state in which the plunger has moved forward by a length corresponding to the gap T2 from the state of (a). When the plunger 44a moves forward, the transmission plate 45 connected to the plunger 44a moves forward, and the hole 45c and the protrusion 46a come into contact with each other. From the state (a) to the state (b), the protrusion 46a and the hole 45c are not in contact with each other, so that only the transmission plate 45 moves rearward and the transmission cam 46 does not rotate.

  When the plunger 44a moves further forward from the state shown in (b), the state shown in (c) is obtained. As the plunger 44a moves forward, the transmission plate 45 moves forward, and the projection 46a is pressed by the transmission plate 45. The transmission cam 46 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (the −Y direction shown in the figure) around the rotation shaft 46 b when the protrusion 46 a is pressed forward by the transmission plate 45. As the transmission cam 46 rotates, the engaging portion 43a of the open / close door 43 is pressed by the curved recess 46c, and the open / close door 43 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (the −Z direction shown in the figure) around the rotation shaft 43b. Move towards the closed position.

  When the plunger 44a further moves forward from the state shown in (c), the state becomes as shown in (d), and gradually changes from the state (d) to the state (e), the state (f), and the state (g). To do. With the change toward the closed position shown in (g), the opening angle of the door 43 decreases. In the state shown in (g), the open / close door 43 is in the closed position, and it is possible to realize a state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball 23 into the special winning opening 42.

  Further, when the opening / closing door 43 changes toward the closed position, the opening / closing door 43 moves toward the closed position by the pressing by the transmission cam 46 up to a predetermined angle, and moves from the predetermined angle to the closed position by its own weight. It is configured. Specifically, in the state of (f) shown in FIG. 11, the open / close door 43 is configured to move to the closed position by its own weight.

  The open / close door 43 is configured to rotate about a rotation shaft 43b. A door portion 43c for opening and closing the big prize opening 42 is provided in front of the rotation shaft 43b, and a door is provided behind the rotation shaft 43b. A connecting portion 43d for connecting the joint portion and the rotating shaft is provided. When the rotation moment with respect to the rotating shaft 43b by the dead weight of the door part 43c is larger than the rotating moment with respect to the rotating shaft 43b by the dead weight of the connection part 43d and the engaging part 43a, the opening / closing door 43 moves in the opening direction by its own weight. On the other hand, when the rotational moment with respect to the rotating shaft 43b by the dead weight of the door part 43c is large with respect to the rotating shaft 43b by the dead weight of the connection part 43d and the engaging part 43a, it moves to the direction which the opening / closing door 43 closes by dead weight.

  In the state shown in (f), the rotational moment due to the weight of the door 43c is large due to the weight of the connecting portion 43d, and the open / close door 43 moves toward the closed position due to the own weight. In this way, by configuring the opening / closing door 43 to move to the closed position by its own weight, the opening / closing door can be moved to the closed position even when vibration due to the restoring force of the spring member 44b acts in the closed position. This can be prevented by the weight of 43.

  As described above, according to the ball entry unit 40 according to the present embodiment, the transmission plate 45 coupled to the solenoid 44 and the transmission cam 46 that swings the opening / closing door 43 when the door 43 is in the closed position. Since the clearance T1 is provided between them, even when the spring member 44b of the solenoid 44 vibrates, the vibration is absorbed by the clearance T1 and the opening / closing door 43 once moved to the closed position is opened again. Can be prevented. By preventing the opening / closing door 43 once moved to the closed position from opening again, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of ball biting, prevent misunderstanding of the player, and provide a fair game to the player.

  Further, the open / close door 43 is configured to move toward the closed position by a predetermined angle based on the movement of the plunger 44a by the elastic force of the spring member 44b, and then further move toward the closed position by its own weight. The opening / closing door 43 can be effectively prevented from opening unexpectedly based on the vibration of the spring member 44b.

  Further, since the transmission cam 46 restricts the movement of the opening / closing door 43 toward the closing position when the opening / closing door 43 is in the open position, the game ball 23 collides with the opening / closing door 43. In addition, it is possible to prevent the open / close door 43 from unexpectedly moving toward the closed position.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary. In the embodiment, the transmission cam 46 is configured not to move even when the transmission plate 45 moves while the door 43 is in the closed position. However, the transmission cam slightly moves when the door is in the closed position. Even so, the door can be configured not to swing open and close.

  Next, the entrance unit 50 according to the modification will be described. The ball entrance unit 50 according to the modified example is different in the shape of the transmission cam from the ball entry unit 40 according to the embodiment, and the opening / closing door swings and opens even if the transmission cam moves slightly when the door is in the closed position. It is configured not to. FIG. 12 is a side view schematically showing the drive mechanism of the ball entering unit 50 according to the modification. The ball entry unit 50 according to the modification has the same configuration as that of the embodiment except for the transmission cam, and the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral and the description thereof is omitted.

  The transmission cam 56 of the ball entry unit 50 according to the modified example includes a projection 56 a pressed by the transmission plate 45, a rotation shaft 56 b serving as a rotation center, and a curved recess 56 c that engages with the engagement portion 43 a of the opening / closing door 43. The curved concave portion 56c is a first member that pulls the engaging portion 43a toward the rotation shaft 56b of the transmission cam 56 as the transmission cam 56 rotates, and moves the opening / closing door 43 toward the closed position. A ridge line portion 56d and a second ridge line portion 56e that are provided continuously with the first ridge line portion 56d and do not retract the engaging portion 43a toward the rotation shaft 56b as the transmission cam 56 rotates. .

  The distance between the first ridge line portion 56d and the rotation shaft 56b of the transmission cam 56 changes, and when the transmission cam 56 rotates, the engaging portion 43a is drawn toward the rotation shaft 56b of the transmission cam 56. Or the engaging portion 43a is separated from the rotation shaft 56b of the transmission cam. Therefore, when the engaging portion 43a moves along the first ridge line portion 56d, the engaging portion 43a is drawn toward the rotating shaft 56b of the transmission cam 56, or the engaging portion 43a is separated from the rotating shaft 56b of the transmitting cam 56. And so on. Therefore, the open / close door 43 moves toward the open position, or the open / close door 43 moves toward the closed position.

  On the other hand, the second ridge line portion 56e is an arc connecting R1 and R2 shown in FIG. 12, the distance to the rotation shaft 56b of the transmission cam 56 is constant, and the engagement portion 43a is connected to the rotation shaft of the transmission cam 56. It is configured not to be pulled toward 56b or moved away from it. Therefore, when the engaging portion 43a moves along the second ridge line portion 56e, the engaging portion 43a is pulled toward the rotating shaft 56b of the transmission cam 56, or the engaging portion 43a is separated from the rotating shaft 56b of the transmitting cam 56. Do not move. Therefore, the open / close door 43 does not move toward the open position, and the open / close door 43 does not move toward the closed position.

  FIG. 12A shows a state in which the open / close door 43 is in the closed position, and the engaging portion 43a is in contact with the point R1 on the second ridge line portion 56e. From this state, when the transmission cam 56 is slightly rotated due to vibration of the spring member 44b or the like, the state shown in FIG. The engaging portion 43a is in contact with the point R2 on the second ridge line portion 56e. During the period from the state (a) to the state (b), even if the transmission cam 56 rotates, the engaging portion 43a moves along the second ridge line portion 56e. Is not drawn toward the rotating shaft 56 b of the transmission cam 56. Therefore, the open / close door 43 does not move from the closed position toward the open position.

  As described above, according to the ball entrance unit 50 according to the modified example, since the engaging portion 43a of the open / close door 43 is in contact with the second ridge line portion 56e in the closed position, the vibration of the spring member 44b in the closed position. Thus, even if the transmission cam 56 rotates slightly, the opening / closing door 43 can be prevented from swinging based on the rotation, and the opening / closing door 43 once in the closed position can be effectively opened unexpectedly. Can be prevented.

P: center of the engaging portion Q: center of the rotating shaft of the transmission cam S: straight line connecting the center of the engaging portion and the center of the rotating shaft of the transmitting cam V: contacts R1, R2 of the engaging portion and the transmitting cam: second Contact point T1 between the ridge line portion and the engaging portion: Clearance between the hole portion of the transmission plate and the projection portion of the transmission cam (when the door is closed)
T2: Clearance between the hole of the transmission plate and the projection of the transmission cam (when the door is opened)
2: Pachinko machine (game machine)
3: gaming machine frame 4: outer frame 5: gaming board unit 6: gaming board 6a: gaming board surface 7: center role 7a: effect display device 7b: display unit 7c: display pattern 7d: display opening 9: front frame 10 : Glass 12: Glass frame 14: Ball tray 14 a: Upper ball tray 14 b: Lower ball tray 14 c: Ball release member 15: Launcher handle 16: Game area 17: First symbol (special symbol) display device 22: Hinge 23: Game ball 26: Rail decoration 26a: Outer rail 27: Game nail 28: Ordinary winning opening 29: Start winning opening 30: Out opening 32: Decoration member 33: Gate 34: Windmill 35: Main control board case 36: Production control board case 37: Dispensing control board case 38: Power supply board case 39: External output terminal board 40: Entrance unit 41: Base member 42: Grand prize opening (entrance entrance)
43: Opening / closing door 43a: engaging portion 43b: rotating shaft 43c: door portion 43d: connecting portion 44: solenoid 44a: plunger 44b: spring member (elastic member)
45: Transmission plate (first transmission means)
45a: first plate portion 45b: second plate portion 45c: hole 46: transmission cam (second transmission means)
46a: Projection 46b: Rotating shaft 46c: Curved recess 47: Ball passage 48: Cover member 50: Ball entry unit 56: Transmission cam 56a: Projection 56b: Rotation shaft 56c: Curved recess 56d: First ridge 56e: First 2 ridge lines

Claims (5)

A entrance for allowing game balls to flow down the game area,
An open / close door that swings between a closed position that realizes a state where it is difficult for the game ball to flow into the entrance and an open position that realizes an easy state of the inflow,
A solenoid that opens and closes the door;
A ball entry unit comprising transmission means for transmitting the driving force of the solenoid to the door.
The transmission means includes first transmission means coupled to the solenoid;
And second transmission means for swinging the open / close door by being moved by the first transmission means,
The solenoid has a plunger that slides in an energized state, and an elastic member that is elastically deformed by the sliding movement of the plunger,
In the energized state of the solenoid, the plunger slides in one direction, the elastic member elastically deforms, the open / close door swings toward the open position, and in the disconnected state of the solenoid, the elastic member The plunger is slid in the other direction opposite to one direction by the elastic force, and the door is configured to move toward the closed position,
A ball entry unit in which a gap is provided between the first transmission means and the second transmission means in the sliding direction of the plunger when the open / close door is in the closed position. The plunger of the first transmission means is formed with a hole into which a protrusion provided on the second transmission means is inserted,
2. The ball entry unit according to claim 1, wherein the gap between the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit is provided between the projection and the hole in the sliding direction of the slide unit.   The open / close door is configured to move toward the closed position by a predetermined angle based on the movement of the plunger by the elastic force of the elastic member, and further move toward the closed position by its own weight. The entrance unit according to claim 1 or 2. The second transmission means is configured to rotate about a rotation shaft when the projection is pressed by the first transmission means, and engages with an engagement portion provided on the opening / closing door. With a curved recess,
The curved concave portion includes a first ridge line portion that draws the engagement portion toward the rotation shaft with the rotation of the second transmission means, and moves the open / close door toward a closed position; and the first ridge line portion. And a second ridge line portion that does not pull the engagement portion toward the rotation shaft with the rotation of the second transmission means,
The said 2nd ridgeline part is a pitching unit in any one of Claims 1-3 arrange | positioned in the position which contact | connects the said engaging part in the state in which the said opening-and-closing door is a closed position.   The said 2nd transmission means is provided with the control part which regulates the movement to the direction which goes to the closed position of the said opening / closing door in the state in which the said opening / closing door is an open position. Entry unit.

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