JP2012035042A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine capable of effectively suppressing a cheating action by which a passage of a game ball is falsely detected.SOLUTION: The horizontal width W1 of a first normal winning pocket 21 is set to a predetermined value (for example, 11.2 mm) larger than a diameter of a game ball (for example, 11.0 mm) but smaller than a diameter of a passage bore of a game ball detection switch. Namely, the first normal winning pocket 21 forms a narrow width part NA. A game ball can enter the first winning pocket 21, but a fraudulent ball having a diameter equal to the horizontal width W1 or larger than the horizontal width W1 cannot enter the first normal winning pocket 21.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine in which a winning opening is provided on a board surface of a game board.

In a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, a game is performed by causing a game ball launched toward a game board to flow down along the board surface. On the game board, there is a winning opening through which game balls can be entered. The winning opening communicates with a flow path through which game balls that enter the winning opening circulate. The game balls that have entered the winning opening are guided to a predetermined safe ball collection unit through the flow path.
A game ball detection switch for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed in the middle of the flow path. In the game ball detection switch, for example, a through hole made of a through hole penetrating in the vertical direction is formed. When the game ball flowing through the flow passage passes through the through hole, the game ball detection switch outputs a detection signal. Based on the detection result of the game ball detection switch, the number of game balls entering the winning opening is grasped, and a number of game balls corresponding to the number of balls received are paid out from the prize ball payout device (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2009-101244 A

  By the way, in recent years, a new type of goto action called “Otama Goto” has been known as a goto action for illegally acquiring a ball. In this large ball goto, a steel ball for a bearing (for example, a diameter of about 11.5 mm) that is slightly larger than a normally used game ball is used as an unauthorized game ball (hereinafter referred to as “illegal ball”). By partially cutting a plurality of portions of the steel ball, the steel ball is provided with a portion having a diameter of 11.0 mm or less (for example, a portion having a diameter of about 10.8 mm).

  The illegal balls launched toward the board of the game board flow down along the board. The illegal balls that flow down the game board are guided toward the winning opening by the operation of the magnet by the player. The fraudulent balls that enter the winning entrance flow down the flow path. As shown in FIG. 11, the diameter of the passage hole 401 provided in the game ball detection switch (detection means) 400 is about 11.4 mm at the narrowest portion, so that the illegal ball 402 is clogged in the passage hole 401. In this state, the illegal ball 402 is irradiated with radio waves, and the frequency of the radio waves is switched, so that the game ball can be erroneously detected as having passed through the passage hole a plurality of times. As a result, the player can illegally acquire a large amount of prizes.

It is desired to effectively suppress such a large goto. Moreover, it is desired to effectively suppress the goto action based on unauthorized passage with respect to the detection means, not limited to the large goto.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine that can effectively suppress a goto action that erroneously detects the passing of a game ball.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a ball game machine (1) for playing a game using a game ball launched toward the game board (5), wherein the game board includes: A prize opening (21, 22, 23, 17) that is arranged on the board surface and can receive a game ball fired on the game board, and a flow path for circulation of game balls that have entered the prize opening ( L1, L2, L3, L4) and circular or polygonal passage holes (35, 135) through which game balls flowing through the flow passage can pass, provided in the middle of the flow passage, Detecting means (34, 134) for detecting the passing of the game ball with respect to the passage hole, and the flow passage has a narrow width that is wider than the diameter of the game ball and less than the diameter (D1) of the passage hole. This is a ball game machine including parts (NA, NB, NC, ND; NE; NF).

According to this configuration, the narrow portion is formed in at least a part of the flow passage. Therefore, it can suppress that a game ball or a fraudulent ball reaches a passage hole in relation to a goto act. Thereby, the goto action based on the illegal passage to the passage hole can be effectively suppressed.
Further, in this specification, the “passage width” refers to the minimum width in the direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the flow passage, but when the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the flow direction of the flow passage is a rectangle, the first side that is one of the widths. It refers to the length of one side and the length of the second side orthogonal to the first side. In this case, the length of the first side and the length of the second side orthogonal to the first side need to be within the above ranges, respectively. Moreover, when the said cross-sectional shape in a flow path is circular, it says the diameter, and when the said cross-sectional shape is elliptical, it says a short axis. In addition, when the cross-sectional shape is a regular polygon (regular triangle, regular square, regular pentagon, or regular hexagon or more), it refers to the diameter of the inscribed circle. If the passage hole is a polygon (triangle, quadrangle, pentagon, or hexagon or more) but not a regular polygon, double the minimum distance between its center of gravity and the inner wall that defines the flow passage. To tell.

  Further, in this specification, “the diameter of the passage hole” means the diameter when the passage hole is circular, and the short diameter when the passage hole is elliptical. Moreover, when a passage hole is a regular polygon (regular triangle, regular square, regular pentagon, or regular hexagon or more), the diameter of the inscribed circle is said. If the passage hole is a polygon (triangle, quadrangle, pentagon, or hexagon or more) but not a regular polygon, double the minimum distance between its center of gravity and the inner wall that defines the flow passage. To tell.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the narrow portion may include a narrow winning portion (NA, NB, NC, ND) provided in association with the winning opening.
In this specification, “provided in connection with a prize opening” is not limited to the case where it is provided in a prize opening, but includes the case where it is provided in a prize space communicating with the prize opening.
According to this configuration, when a ball larger than the game ball is used as an illegal ball, the illegal ball trying to enter the winning opening does not enter the winning opening or is clogged in a region near the winning opening. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress illegal balls trying to enter the winning opening from reaching the passage hole. Thereby, a large goto can be suppressed effectively. Since the illegal balls remain above or near the winning opening, the illegal balls can be easily removed from the game board.

Moreover, it can be identified that there is a goto action based on the presence of an illegal ball above or near the winning opening. Therefore, it is possible to detect that there is a large ball by visually checking the game board by an employee of the game shop.
As described in claim 3, the narrow portion includes an upstream narrow portion (NE) provided in a region upstream of the passage hole in the middle portion of the flow passage. Good.

Since the upstream narrow portion is provided in a region upstream of the passage hole in the middle part of the flow passage, it is possible to suppress illegal balls circulating in the flow passage from reaching the passage hole. Thereby, a large goto can be suppressed effectively.
As described in claim 4, the narrow portion includes a downstream narrow portion (NF) provided in a region downstream of the passage hole in the middle portion of the flow passage. Good.

  In the goto action, an illegal tool (for example, a thin plate formed by using a resin material such as celluloid or a wire) is inserted into the downstream side portion of the passage hole in the flow channel, and a game ball flowing down the flow channel is inserted. Blocking, and returning the game ball that has been blocked up to the upper part of the passage hole by operating a fraudulent tool, a false act that causes a new game ball to be erroneously detected as having passed through the passage hole (so-called selgot or There is a case where an action called Hariganegoto is performed. In this goto action, a large amount of prize balls can be illegally obtained by moving the game balls up and down between two positions sandwiching the passage hole.

  According to the configuration of the invention of claim 4, the downstream narrow portion is provided in the region downstream of the passage hole in the middle portion of the flow passage, so that the downstream narrow portion is positioned downstream of the downstream narrow portion. It is difficult for the game ball to move beyond the passage hole to the region upstream of the passage hole. Therefore, it can suppress that the game ball which passed the passage hole returns to the upstream side of a passage hole again. This makes it possible to effectively suppress the above-described so-called “Selgoto” and “Hariganegoto”.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the narrow portion may be provided in the entire area of the flow passage excluding the passage hole.
The winning port may be a normal winning port (21, 22, 23) or a start winning port (17).
The detection means may be a proximity switch having a magnetic sensor, a radio wave sensor, or a vibration sensor.

1 is a perspective view of a ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows the structure of the normal winning opening unit shown in FIG. It is the figure seen from the arrow A shown in FIG. It is the figure seen from cut surface line BB shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the game ball detection switch shown in FIGS. It is a figure which shows the structure of the start winning opening unit shown in FIG. It is the figure seen from the cut surface line CC shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of an inclination guide flow path. It is a rear view which shows the principal part of the normal winning opening unit of the ball game machine which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of Otama Goto.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ball game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ball game machine 1 includes a substantially square frame-shaped outer frame 2 for mounting (installation) on game islands arranged in a game store, and an inner frame that is attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be openable in one side. 3 is provided. The inner frame 3 is rotatably held around the rotation axis of the hinge 4 by the left and right hinges 4 of the outer frame 2, for example, the left hinge 4.

  A game board 5 (see FIG. 2) is accommodated and held in the upper part of the inner frame 3. The lower part of the inner frame 3 accommodates and holds firing means (not shown). A front door 6 is provided on the front side of the inner frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. A lower opening / closing plate 7 is provided on the front side of the inner frame 3 below the front door 6 so as to be opened and closed. The front door 6 is formed with a substantially circular opening 8 at a position facing the game board 5. A transparent plate 9 such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 8, and the game board 5 (see FIG. 2) on the back side of the transparent plate 9 through the transparent plate 9 with the front door 6 closed. ) Can be visually recognized. A pair of left and right speakers 28 are disposed on the upper portion of the front door 6. In addition, a pair of left and right lamp units 27 is disposed at the lower portion of the front door 6.

  On the lower opening / closing plate 7, an upper plate 10 for storing game balls used for a game and a lower plate 12 for receiving game balls overflowing from the upper plate 10 through an overflow path (not shown) are arranged vertically. Is provided. Further, on the right side of the lower plate 12, a handle 13 that is operated when a game ball is launched into the game board 5 is disposed. A player can launch a game ball from the launching device toward the game board 5 by gripping and rotating the handle 13, and by adjusting the rotation angle of the handle 13, the game board 5 It is possible to adjust the momentum of the game balls that are launched toward the. The game ball is a steel ball having a predetermined diameter (for example, 11.0 mm).

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 5. A substantially circular game area S is set at the center of the board surface of the game board 5 (the front face of the game board 5), and a game ball launched from the launching device is placed on the periphery of the game area S. A substantially arc-shaped guide rail 14 is disposed to guide the board 5 upward (upper left side). Further, the inner rail 11 is disposed so as to face the guide rail 14. The front end of the inner rail 11 extends to the upper part of the game area S, and the game balls launched by the launching device are guided between the inner rail 11 and the guide rail 14 to the upper part of the game area S.

A large number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area S, and the game balls released from the upper left side of the game board 5 obliquely upward to the right along the guide rail 14 and the inner rail 11. Flows down between a number of obstacle nails along the surface of the game board 5.
A liquid crystal display unit 15 is disposed at the center of the game area S. The liquid crystal display unit 15 is for displaying a production symbol, a production for a notice, etc. during the game of the ball game machine 1.

In the lower part of the game area S, an upper start winning port (winning port) 17 and a lower starting winning port (winning port) 18 are arranged side by side vertically. Each of the upper start winning opening 17 and the lower starting winning opening 18 is provided so as to be able to enter a game ball that opens upward and flows down along the surface of the game board 5.
When a game ball enters the upper start winning port 17 or the lower start winning port 18, a predetermined number (for example, three balls for the game ball entering the upper start winning port 17, or the lower start winning port 18) 5 prize balls are paid out from a prize ball payout device (not shown). In addition, a jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to execute the special profit state described below is executed based on the game balls entering the upper start winning opening 17 or the lower starting winning opening 18. The two start winning ports 17 and 18 and the electric tulip accessory 19 are unitized. In other words, the game board 5 is provided with a start winning port unit 16 having a pair of upper and lower start winning ports. The start winning port unit 16 is detachably fitted from a front side into a start winning port unit mounting hole (not shown) formed in the center of the game board 5 and is fixed to the game board 5 by screwing or the like. ing.

  Below the start winning port unit 16, for example, a large winning port 24 having a long rectangular shape on the left and right is arranged. In connection with the big prize opening 24, a big prize opening opening / closing accessory 20 for opening and closing the big prize opening 24 is provided. The big prize opening / closing accessory 20 can block the big prize opening 24 in a state along the board surface of the game board 5 and prevent the game balls from entering the big prize opening 24. A game in which the prize winning opening 24 is opened by tilting to the near side with a pivot shaft (not shown) arranged along the lower edge of the prize winning opening 24 and flowing down on the prize winning opening 24 The ball can be introduced into the special winning opening 24. When game balls enter the big prize opening 24, a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of prize balls are paid out from a prize ball payout device (not shown).

  During the special profit state, the big prize opening 24 is opened by swinging (tilting) the big prize opening / closing accessory 20, and thereby the big prize opening 24 is opened. In the special profit state, the special winning opening 24 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined number of winning balls (for example, ten balls) enter the large winning opening 24. Such an operation is performed for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) with an interval of a predetermined time (for example, 1.0 second), assuming that the operation is one round.

In the left part of the game area S (left side of the liquid crystal display unit 15), a general gate 25 through which game balls flowing down along the surface of the game board 5 can pass is disposed. When the game ball passes through the general gate 25, a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not the electric tulip accessory 19 is in an expanded state is executed.
Also, in the lower left part of the game board 5, there are a first normal winning port (winning port) 21, a second normal winning port (winning port) 22, and a third normal winning port (winning port) 23 in a diagonally downward line. Are arranged in line. Each of the normal winning ports 21, 22, 23 is open upward. When a game ball enters each of the normal winning ports 21, 22, 23, a predetermined number (for example, three balls) of prize balls are paid out from a prize ball payout device (not shown). These three normal winning openings 21, 22, and 23 are unitized. In other words, the game board 5 is provided with the normal winning opening unit 30 having the three consecutive winning openings 21, 22, 23. The normal winning opening unit 30 is disposed along the inner side of the inner rail 11 on the left side of the large winning opening 24 in the game area S. The normal prize opening unit 30 is detachably fitted from the front side into a normal prize opening unit mounting hole (not shown) formed along the inner side of the inner rail 11, and is fixed to the game board 5 by screwing or the like. Has been.

  In the outer area of the inner rail 11 in the upper right part of the game board 5 (outside area of the game area S), special figure display means 111, special figure hold display means 112, general figure display means 113, general figure hold display means 114 and the game state display part 115 are arrange | positioned. These display means 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 are arranged in a line in this order from the upper right part of the game board 5 toward the lower right direction.

  The special figure display means 111 displays the result of the jackpot lottery executed for the game balls entering the upper start winning opening 17 or the lower starting winning opening 18 by variably displaying special symbols. It is. The special figure display means 111 is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the upper start winning port 17 or the lower start winning port 18, execution of the symbol changing operation of the special symbol display means 111 is started. This symbol variation operation is stopped after a predetermined symbol variation time has elapsed. When the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot (determined to execute the special profit state), a special jackpot symbol determined in advance is stopped and displayed on the special chart display means 111. On the other hand, when the result of the big hit lottery is lost, the special symbol for loss is stopped and displayed on the special figure display means 111.

When a game ball enters the upper start winning port 17 or the lower start winning port 18 during the symbol variation operation or the special profit state in the special symbol display unit 111, the special symbol display unit 111 for the received ball Up to a predetermined number (for example, four) of symbol variation operations can be suspended.
The symbol variation operation of the reserved special symbol display unit 111 is executed according to the sequence in which it was suspended after the execution of the symbol variation operation of the currently executed special symbol display unit 111 is completed.

The special figure hold display means 112 is for displaying the number of symbol variation operations of the special figure display means 111 that are on hold. The special figure hold display means 112 is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display.
The common map display means 113 is composed of two lamps that can emit light and are arranged adjacent to the special figure hold display means 112. When the game ball passes through the usual figure gate 25, the execution of the symbol changing operation of the usual figure display means 113 is started. The symbol changing operation of the general-purpose display means 113 is displayed when one of the two lamps that is lit is alternately switched at a high speed. The symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 113 is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, and only one of the two lamps is lit. When the normal symbol lottery is won, the winning lamp of the two lamps is turned on, and thereafter, the electric tulip accessory 19 is opened and the lower start winning opening 18 is opened for a predetermined time. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is lost, the out of the two lamps are turned on, and the lower start winning opening 18 is kept closed.

  When the game ball passes the normal gate 25 during the symbol changing operation of the general symbol display means 113 or the expanding operation of the electric tulip accessory 19, the symbol of the general symbol display means 113 for the passage of the game ball Up to a predetermined number (for example, four) of variable operations can be suspended. The symbol change operation of the reserved general symbol display means 113 is executed in accordance with the reserved order after the execution of the symbol change operation of the currently executed general symbol display means 113 is completed. The number of symbol change operations of the reserved general-purpose display means 113 is displayed on the general-purpose display display means 114.

The general-purpose hold display means 114 is constituted by two lamps that can emit light and are arranged adjacent to the general-purpose display means 113. Depending on the combination of the lighting / extinguishing patterns of the lamps, the number of reserved symbol variation operations is displayed.
The game state display unit 115 is configured by one lamp capable of emitting light. By switching on / off the lamp, the internal state of the ball game machine 1 is displayed.

Among the game balls flowing down along the surface of the game board 5, the upper start winning port 17, the lower starting winning port 18, the large winning port 24, the first normal winning port 21, the second normal winning port 22, and the third normal winning port. The game balls (out balls) that have not entered any of the mouths 23 enter the cabin through the out ports 26 formed in the lower part of the game area S, and are collected by a safe ball collection unit (not shown).
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the normal winning a prize opening unit 30. FIG. 4 is a view as seen from the arrow A shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a view as seen from the section line BB shown in FIG.

The normal winning a prize mouth unit 30 includes a unit main body 29 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) having a substantially arc shape (substantially crescent shape) and three normal winning award mouthpieces 31 and 32 attached to the front surface of the unit main body 29. , 33. The normal prize opening unit 30 has both a function as a normal prize opening and a function as a side lamp.
The unit main body 29 is configured by assembling a front case body 50 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and a rear case body 80 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) to each other. The front case body 50 has a front plate 51 disposed along the board surface of the game board 5 so as to close a normal winning hole unit mounting hole (not shown), and an outer periphery protruding rearward from the peripheral portion of the front plate 51. A wall 52 (see FIG. 4) is integrally provided. When the normal winning opening unit 30 is fitted into the normal winning hole unit mounting hole (not shown) of the game board 5, the outer peripheral wall 52 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral wall of the normal winning port unit mounting hole. In a state where the normal winning opening unit 30 is mounted on the game board 5, the board surface of the game board 5 and the front surface of the front plate 51 are included in the same plane.

Inside the front case body 50 is accommodated a lamp substrate (not shown) on which a large number of lamps (not shown, such as LEDs) are mounted. A part of the front surface of the front plate 51 has a light emitting lens portion 53 (see FIG. 3) that scatters light from the lamp of the lamp substrate.
The front plate 51 is formed with a first inflow hole 56 (see FIG. 4), a second inflow hole 57 (see FIG. 4) and a third inflow hole 58 (see FIG. 4). The inflow holes 56, 57 and 58 penetrate the front plate 51 in the front-rear direction. In the front view of the front plate 51, the first to third inflow holes 56, 57, 58 are formed in a line. The first to third inflow holes 56, 57, 58 are provided in this order from the middle part of the front plate 51 toward the lower right part. Each inflow hole 56, 57, 58 has a substantially circular shape that is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball.

  In relation to the first inflow hole 56, the first ordinary winning opening accessory 31 is disposed so as to cover the front side of the first inflow hole 56. The first ordinary winning opening accessory 31 includes a plate-shaped front surface portion and a pair of plate-shaped side surface portions extending rearward from the left and right ends of the front surface portion, and the cross-sectional shape (transverse cross-sectional shape) is a U-shape. There is no. The inner wall of the front part is a flat surface parallel to the front surface of the front plate 51, and the inner wall of each side part is a flat surface orthogonal to the front surface of the front plate 51. A first ordinary winning space 21 </ b> A is defined by the inner wall of the first ordinary winning opening 31 and the front surface of the front plate 51. A first ordinary winning opening 21 opening upward is formed at the upper end of the first ordinary winning space 21A. The first normal winning space 21 </ b> A is configured such that game balls that have entered the first normal winning opening 21 are guided backwards and flow into the first inflow hole 56.

  The first normal winning opening 21 is rectangular in plan view. The width of one side along the left-right direction of the first normal winning opening 21 (hereinafter referred to as “left-right direction width”) W1 is larger than the diameter (for example, 11.0 mm) of the game ball, and a later-described passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5). ) (The diameter of the inscribed circle 36) D1 (see FIG. 6) is set to a predetermined value (for example, 11.2 mm). Further, the width of one side along the front-rear direction of the first normal winning opening 21 (hereinafter referred to as “front-rear direction width”) W2 is larger than the diameter D1 (see FIG. 6) of a passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5) described later. A large predetermined value (for example, about 12.0 mm) is set.

  The first ordinary winning opening 21 and the first ordinary winning space 21A form a narrow portion (narrow winning portion narrow portion) NA. That is, both the left-right direction width W1 and the front-rear direction width W2 of the first normal winning opening 21 are wider than the diameter of the game ball, so that the game ball can enter the first normal winning opening 21. However, when the diameter of the illegal ball is equal to or larger than the lateral width W1, the illegal ball cannot enter the first normal winning opening 21.

  In relation to the first inflow hole 56, the front case body 50 is provided with a first rear guide rod 61 that protrudes rearward from the front plate 51. The first rear guide rod 61 has a bottom surface formed of an inclined surface that descends toward the rear. A first inclined guide flow passage 46 is defined by the first rear guide rod 61. The first inclined guide flow passage 46 communicates with the first normal winning opening 21 through the first inflow hole 56 and the first normal winning space 21A. The first rear guide rod 61 is formed integrally with the outer peripheral wall 52.

  In relation to the second inflow hole 57, a second normal winning opening accessory 32 is disposed so as to cover the front side of the second inflow hole 57. The second normal winning opening accessory 32 includes a plate-shaped front surface portion and a pair of plate-shaped side surface portions extending rearward from the left and right ends of the front surface portion, and the cross-sectional shape (transverse cross-sectional shape) is a U-shape. There is no. The inner wall of the front part is a flat surface parallel to the front surface of the front plate 51, and the inner wall of each side part is a flat surface orthogonal to the front surface of the front plate 51. A second ordinary winning space (not shown; the same configuration as the first ordinary winning space 21A) is defined by the inner wall of the second ordinary winning opening accessory 32 and the front surface of the front plate 51. At the upper end of the second ordinary winning space, a second ordinary winning opening 22 opening upward is defined. In the second ordinary winning space, the game balls that have entered the second ordinary winning opening 22 are guided rearward to flow into the second inflow hole 57.

  The second normal winning opening 22 is rectangular in plan view. The width W3 in the left-right direction of the second normal winning opening 22 is a predetermined value that is larger than the diameter of the game ball (for example, 11.0 mm) and smaller than the diameter D1 (see FIG. 6) of a passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5) described later. A value (for example, 11.2 mm) is set. Further, the front-rear direction width W4 of the second normal winning opening 22 is set to a predetermined value (for example, about 12.0 mm) larger than a diameter D1 (see FIG. 6) of a passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5) described later. Yes.

  The second ordinary winning opening 22 and the second ordinary winning space form a narrow portion (a narrow winning portion) NB. That is, both the left-right direction width W3 and the front-rear direction width W4 of the second normal winning opening 22 are wider than the diameter of the game balls, so that the game balls can enter the second normal winning opening 22. However, if the diameter of the illegal ball is equal to or larger than the lateral width W3, the illegal ball cannot enter the second normal winning opening 22.

  In relation to the second inflow hole 57, the front case body 50 is provided with a second rear guide rod (not shown; the same configuration as the first rear guide rod 61) protruding rearward from the front plate 51. ing. The second rear guide rod has a bottom surface formed of an inclined surface that descends toward the rear. A second inclined guide channel (not shown; the same configuration as the first inclined guide channel 46) is defined by the second rear guide rod. The second inclined guide flow passage communicates with the second normal winning opening 22 through the second inflow hole 57 and the second normal winning space (not shown). The second rear guide rod guides the game ball flowing into the second inflow hole 57 backward.

  In relation to the third inflow hole 58, a third normal winning hole accessory 33 is disposed so as to cover the front side of the third inflow hole 58. The third ordinary winning opening accessory 33 includes a plate-shaped front surface portion and a pair of plate-shaped side surface portions extending rearward from the left and right ends of the front surface portion, and the cross-sectional shape (transverse cross-sectional shape) is a U-shape. There is no. The inner wall of the front part is a flat surface parallel to the front surface of the front plate 51, and the inner wall of each side part is a flat surface orthogonal to the front surface of the front plate 51. A third ordinary winning space (not shown; the same configuration as the first ordinary winning space 21A) is defined by the inner wall of the third ordinary winning opening feature 33 and the front surface of the front plate 51. At the upper end of the third ordinary winning space, a third ordinary winning opening 23 opening upward is formed. In the third ordinary winning space, the game balls that have entered the third ordinary winning opening 23 are guided backward to flow into the third inflow hole 58.

  The third normal winning opening 23 is rectangular in plan view. The width W5 in the left-right direction of the third normal winning opening 23 is larger than the diameter (for example, 11.0 mm) of the game ball and smaller than a diameter D1 (see FIG. 6) of a passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5) described later. A value (for example, 11.2 mm) is set. Further, the width W6 in the front-rear direction of the third normal winning opening 23 is set to a predetermined value (for example, about 12.0 mm) larger than a diameter D1 (see FIG. 6) of a passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5) described later. Yes.

  The third ordinary winning opening 23 and the third ordinary winning space form a narrow portion (narrow winning portion narrow portion) NC. That is, both the left-right direction width W5 and the front-rear direction width W6 of the third normal winning opening 23 are wider than the diameter of the game ball, so that the game ball can enter the third normal winning opening 23. However, if the diameter of the illegal ball is equal to or larger than the lateral width W5, the illegal ball cannot enter the third normal winning opening 23.

  In relation to the third inflow hole 58, the front case body 50 is provided with a third rear guide rod (not shown; the same configuration as the first rear guide rod 61) protruding rearward from the front plate 51. ing. The third rear guide rod has a bottom surface formed of an inclined surface that descends toward the rear. A third inclined guide flow passage (not shown; the same configuration as the first inclined guide flow passage 46) is partitioned by the third rear guide rod. The third inclined guide flow passage communicates with the third normal winning opening 23 via the third inflow hole 58 and a third normal winning space (not shown). The third rear guide rod is formed integrally with the outer peripheral wall 52.

A front decorative cover 69 is attached to the front side of the front plate 51. The front decoration cover 69 partially covers the space on the front side of the front plate 51 so that game balls can pass therethrough. The front decoration cover 69 is fixed to the front plate 51 by screwing or the like, and the front surface thereof is arranged on substantially the same plane as the front surfaces of the normal winning award winning combinations 31 to 33.
The rear case body 80 is provided integrally with the three lower guide rods 101, 102, and 103, and holds the game ball detection switch (detection means) 34 described below. Three switch holders 41, 42, and 43 are integrally provided.

  The first lower guide rod 101 includes a pair of partition plates 101A and 101B (see FIG. 3) extending in the vertical direction. The first lower guide rod 101 is formed using, for example, a synthetic resin material. Each of the left partition plate 101A and the right partition plate 101B is orthogonal to the board surface of the game board 5 and has an inner wall made of a flat surface. The inner wall surfaces of the left partition plate 101A and the right partition plate 101B are opposed to each other. The first lower guide rod 101 defines a first downflow passage 86 that extends vertically. The first downflow passage 86 communicates with the first normal winning opening 21 through the first inclined guide flow passage 46 and the first inflow hole 56. The lower end of the first lower guide rod 101 is open. A first switch holder 41 for mounting the game ball detection switch 34 (see FIG. 5) is provided in the middle of the first lower guide rod 101.

  The second lower guide rod 102 includes a pair of partition plates 102A and 102B (see FIG. 3) extending in the vertical direction. The second lower guide rod 102 is formed using, for example, a synthetic resin material. A pair of partition plates 102A and 102B (see FIG. 3) extending in the vertical direction are provided. Each of the left partition plate 102A and the right partition plate 102B is orthogonal to the board surface of the game board 5 and has an inner wall made of a flat surface. The inner wall surfaces of the left partition plate 102A and the right partition plate 102B are opposed to each other. The second lower guide rod 102 defines a second downflow passage 87 (see FIG. 3) extending vertically. The second flow down passage 87 communicates with the second normal winning port 22 through a second inclined guide flow passage (not shown) and the second inflow hole 57. The lower end of the second lower guide rod 102 is open. A second switch holder 42 for mounting the game ball detection switch 34 (see FIG. 5) is provided in the middle of the second lower guide rod 102.

  The third lower guide rod 103 includes a pair of partition plates 103A and 103B (see FIG. 3) extending in the vertical direction. The third lower guide rod 103 is formed using, for example, a synthetic resin material. Each of the left partition plate 103A and the right partition plate 103B is orthogonal to the board surface of the game board 5 and has an inner wall made of a flat surface. The inner wall surfaces of the left partition plate 103A and the right partition plate 103B face each other. The third lower guide rod 103 defines a third downward flow path 88 (see FIG. 3) extending vertically. The third flow down passage 88 communicates with the third normal winning opening 23 through a third inclined guide flow passage (not shown) and a third inflow hole 58. The lower end of the third lower guide rod 103 is open. A third switch holder 43 for mounting the game ball detection switch 34 (see FIG. 5) is provided at the lower end portion of the third lower guide rod 103.

  Each of the switch holders 41, 42, 43 is, for example, a pair of rails 71, 72 disposed on both sides in the width direction of each of the downflow passages 86, 87, 88, and at least one of the pair of rails 71, 72, for example, on the rail 71 side. And an engaging claw 73 provided integrally. Each of the rails 71 and 72 is a rail having a substantially U-shaped cross section for slidably holding the side edge of the game ball detection switch 34. The rails 71 and 72 are provided integrally with the partition plates 101A and 101B, the partition plates 102A and 102B, and the partition plates 103A and 103B. The game ball detection switch 34 can be inserted and removed from the rear between the pair of rails 71 and 72. The engaging claw 73 is provided integrally with the partition plates 101A and 101B, the partition plates 102A and 102B, and the partition plates 103A and 103B, and is provided so as to be elastically deformable. The engaging claw 73 engages with the rear end of the game ball detection switch 34 mounted between the pair of rails 71 and 72 to prevent the game ball detection switch 34 from coming off. The first, second, and third switch holders 41, 42, and 43 are equipped with a game ball detection switch 34 (see FIG. 5) having common specifications.

A safe ball collection unit (not shown) is disposed below the game board 5 in the ball game machine 1.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the game ball detection switch 34. FIG. 6A shows a plan view of the game ball detection switch 34, and FIG. 6B shows a partial cross-sectional view of the game ball detection switch 34. The game ball detection switch 34 is constituted by, for example, a penetration type proximity switch. The game ball detection switch 34 has a casing 37 made of a synthetic resin having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the front-rear direction. A tapered surface 38 that connects the front end surface and the side end surface of the casing 37 is formed at the left end portion of the front end of the casing 37. The lateral width of the front end surface of the casing 37 is slightly shorter than the lateral width of the entire casing 37. The casing 37 has a front-rear length of about 2.5 times the diameter of the game ball, a left-right width that is about half of the front-rear length, and a vertical thickness that is about 1/4 degree of the left-right width. By combining the tapered surface 38 with a convex portion (not shown) on the corresponding switch holder 41, 42, 43 (see FIG. 4) side, the game ball detection switch 34 is turned upside down to form the switch holder 41, 42, 43. It can be prevented from being attached.

  A cylindrical passage hole 35 that penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the casing 37 is formed in the front portion of the casing 37. The passage hole 35 is for a game ball to pass through. The passage hole 35 has a regular octagonal shape. A diameter D1 of an inscribed circle 36 (illustrated by a two-dot chain line) on the outer periphery of the passage hole 35 is, for example, 11.4 mm. A coil (not shown) is wound around the outer portion of the outer periphery of the passage hole 35. The rear portion of the casing 37 accommodates an oscillation circuit (high frequency oscillation circuit, not shown) connected to the coil. The coil and the oscillation circuit constitute a detection unit for detecting the passage of the game ball in the predetermined direction (from above to below) with respect to the passage hole 35. The ball game machine 1 includes a main control board (not shown) that controls the operation of the game. A cord (not shown) connected to the main control board is electrically connected to the oscillation circuit. When the detection unit (oscillation circuit) detects the passage of the game ball, the detection unit outputs a detection signal toward the main control board. The output from the detection unit is input to the main control board.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the first ordinary winning opening 21, the first ordinary winning space 21 </ b> A, the first inclined guiding flow path 46, the first flowing down path 86 and the passing hole 35 of the game ball detection switch 34 are used for the first. A normal winning flow passage L1 is formed. The game balls that have entered the first ordinary winning opening 21 circulate in the first ordinary winning space 21 </ b> A and reach the first inclined guide flow passage 46 through the first inflow hole 56. Then, the game balls that have circulated through the first inclined guide flow passage 46 flow down the first flow down passage 86 and pass through the passage hole 35, and the passage to the passage hole 35 is detected. Thereafter, the game balls are collected in the safe ball collection unit.

  Further, the second normal winning opening 22, the second normal winning space, the second inclined guide flow path (not shown), the second downward flow path 87, and the flow hole 35 of the game ball detection switch 34, the second normal winning flow path. L2 (see FIG. 3) is formed. The game balls that have entered the second normal winning opening 22 circulate in the second normal winning space, and reach the second inclined guide flow passage through the second inflow hole 57. Then, the game balls that have circulated through the second inclined guide flow passage flow down the second flow down passage 87, pass through the passage hole 35, and the passage to the passage hole 35 is detected. Thereafter, the game balls are collected in the safe ball collection unit.

  Further, the third normal winning opening 23, the third normal winning space, the third inclined guide flow path, the third downward flow path 88, and the flow hole L3 for the third normal winning line (see FIG. 3). Reference) is formed. The game balls that have entered the third normal winning opening 23 circulate in the third normal winning space, and reach the third inclined guide flow path through the third inflow hole 58. Then, the game balls that have circulated through the third inclined guide flow passage flow down the third flow down passage 88 and pass through the passage hole 35, and the passage to the passage hole 35 is detected. Thereafter, the game balls are collected in the safe ball collection unit.

  Next, let us consider a case where a so-called large ball is performed at the normal winning openings 21, 22, and 23. At this time, an illegal ball that is one size larger than the genuine game ball is launched toward the game board 5. Specifically, the illegal ball is a part of a ball that is slightly larger than the game ball (for example, a diameter of about 11.5 to 12 mm) for a bearing, and a portion of which is partially cut to have a diameter of 11.0 mm or less. Use a steel ball with.

The illegal balls launched toward the game board 5 flow down the board surface of the game board 5. In the large ball goto at the normal winning holes 21, 22, 23, the illegal ball flowing down the game board 5 is guided toward the normal winning holes 21, 22, 23 by the operation of the magnet by the player.
The normal winning openings 21, 22, and 23 form narrow portions NA, NB, and NC. The width W1, the width W3, and the width W5 in the horizontal direction are respectively the diameters of the fraudulent balls (the largest diameter included in the fraudulent balls). ), The illegal balls cannot enter the regular winning openings 21, 22, 23. Therefore, the illegal ball does not reach the passage hole 35 of the game ball detection switch 34. Thereby, it is possible to prevent gaming balls from being detected when the illegal balls pass through the passage hole 35.

Further, the illegal balls that cannot enter the normal winning ports 21, 22, 23 remain above the normal winning ports 21, 22, 23. Therefore, the illegal ball can be easily removed from the game board 5.
Moreover, it can be identified that there is a goto action based on the presence of an illegal ball above the normal winning openings 21, 22, 23. Therefore, it is possible to detect that there is a large goto when an employee of the game shop visually recognizes the surface of the game board 5.

Next, the start winning opening unit 16 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the start winning opening unit 16. FIG. 7A shows a front view of the start winning port unit 16, and FIG. 7B shows a plan view of the main part of the starting winning port unit 16. FIG. 8 is a view as seen from the section line CC shown in FIG.
The electric tulip accessory 19 includes a pair of blades 19 </ b> A disposed in association with the lower start winning opening 18. In the electric tulip accessory 19, the tip portions of the blades 19 </ b> A are close to each other (hereinafter referred to as “stenosis state”), and the tip portions of the blades 19 </ b> A of the electric tulip accessory 19 are separated from each other from the narrowed state. It is provided so as to be displaceable between the expanded state (the state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, hereinafter referred to as the “expanded state”).

  In the game board 5, an upper start winning hole accessory 120 for dividing the upper start winning opening 17 is arranged above a space formed between the electric tulip roles 19 in the constricted state of each blade 19 </ b> A. Yes. That is, in the constricted state of the electric tulip accessory 19, the game ball flowing down along the surface of the game board 5 enters the lower start winning opening 18 by the upper start winning opening accessory 120 by the upper start winning opening 17. It is in a blocked state, and the lower start winning opening 18 is closed.

On the other hand, in the expanded state of the electric tulip accessory 19, passages 26 are formed on both the left and right sides of the upper start winning port accessory 120 described below and toward the lower start winning port 18. That is, a game ball can enter the lower start winning opening 18 through the passage 26. As a result, the lower start winning opening 18 is opened.
The start winning opening unit 16 includes a substantially triangular decorative plate 121. The decorative board 121 is arranged along the board surface of the game board 5 so as to close the start winning opening unit mounting hole (not shown). In a state where the start winning opening unit 16 is mounted on the game board 5, the board surface of the game board 5 and the front surface of the decorative board 121 are included in the same plane.

The start winning port unit 16 includes an upper start winning port accessory 120, a lower start winning port accessory 122, and an electric tulip accessory 19. These accessories 120, 122, and 19 are attached to the front surface of the decorative plate 121, respectively.
The top start prize opening 120 includes a plate-shaped front surface portion and a pair of plate-shaped side surface portions extending rearward from the left and right ends of the front surface portion, and the cross-sectional shape (transverse cross-sectional shape) is a U-shape. ing. The inner wall of the front surface is a flat surface parallel to the front surface of the decorative plate 121, and the inner wall of each side surface is a flat surface orthogonal to the front surface of the decorative plate 121. In a state in which the start winning port unit 16 is attached to the game board 5, the upper start winning space 17 </ b> A (see FIG. 8) is defined by the inner wall of the upper start winning hole accessory 120 and the board surface of the game board 5. An upper start winning opening 17 that opens upward is defined at the upper end of the upper start winning space 17A. The upper start winning space 17A guides the game balls that have entered the upper start winning port 17 backward.

  The upper start winning opening 17 is rectangular in plan view. The width W11 in the left-right direction of the upper start winning opening 17 is larger than the diameter of the game ball (for example, 11.0 mm), and an upper passage hole 135 (see FIG. 8) of a game ball detection upper switch (detection means) 134 (see FIG. 8) described later. 8) is set to a predetermined value (for example, 11.2 mm) smaller than the diameter (of the inscribed circle). Further, the front-rear direction width W12 of the upper start winning opening 17 is set to a predetermined value (for example, about 12.0 mm) larger than the diameter (inscribed circle) of the upper passage hole 135 (see FIG. 8).

  The upper start winning opening 17 and the upper start winning space 17A form a narrow portion (narrow winning portion narrow portion) ND. That is, since both the left-right direction width W11 and the front-rear direction width W12 of the upper start winning opening 17 are wider than the diameter of the game balls, the game balls can enter the upper start winning opening 17. However, if the diameter of the illegal ball is equal to or larger than the lateral width W11, the illegal ball cannot enter the upper start winning opening 17.

  The start winning port unit 16 is related to the upper start winning port 17 and has an upper inclined guide rod 130 that protrudes rearward from the decorative plate 121 and extends rearward and then bends downward and vertically. And a bending guide rod 131 extending in the direction. The upper inclined guide rod 130 has a bottom surface formed of an inclined surface that descends toward the rear, and defines an upper inclined guide flow passage 132 that extends toward the rear. The upper inclined guide flow passage 132 communicates with the upper start winning port 17. The bending guide rod 131 defines the bending guide flow passage 133. The bent guide flow passage 133 communicates with the upper inclined guide flow passage 132. A game ball detection upper switch 134 (see FIG. 8) is disposed in the middle of the bending guide rod 131 (more specifically, the bent portion), and the lower end of the bending guide rod 131 is open. Below the lower end portion of the bending guide rod 131, the above-described safe ball collecting portion (not shown) is arranged.

  The gaming ball detection upper switch 134 (see FIG. 8) has the same specifications as the gaming ball detection switch 34 (see FIG. 5). That is, the gaming ball detection upper switch 134 is formed with a cylindrical upper passage hole 135 that penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the casing. The upper passage hole 135 has a regular octagonal shape, and the diameter of the inscribed circle on the outer periphery of the upper passage hole 135 is, for example, 11.4 mm. A cord (not shown) connected to the main control board (not shown) is electrically connected to the oscillation circuit. When the game ball passes through the upper passage hole 135 in a predetermined direction (from above to below), the detection unit (not shown) of the game ball detection upper switch 134 outputs a detection signal toward the main control board. The output from the detection unit is input to the main control board.

  An upper start winning flow passage L4 is formed by the upper start winning opening 17, the upper start winning space 17A, the upper inclined guide flow passage 132, the bent guide flow passage 133, and the upper passage hole 135. The game balls that have entered the upper start winning opening 17 circulate in the upper start winning space 17A and reach the upper inclined guide flow path 132, and then flow through the upper inclined guide flow path 132 and the bent guide flow path 133 in this order. To do. The game ball passes through the upper passage hole 135, and the passage with respect to the upper passage hole 135 is detected by the game ball detection upper switch 134. Thereafter, the game balls are collected by a safe ball collection unit (not shown).

Further, the lower start winning space 18 </ b> A is defined by the inner wall of the lower start winning opening accessory 122 and the front surface of the decorative plate 121. A lower start winning opening 18 opening upward is defined at the upper end of the lower start winning space 18A. The lower start winning port role 122 guides the game balls that have entered the lower start winning port 18 backward.
The lower start winning opening 18 is rectangular in plan view. The planar state of the lower start winning opening 18 is not shown. The width in the left-right direction and the width in the front-rear direction of the lower start winning opening 18 are predetermined values (for example, larger than the diameter of the inscribed circle of the lower passage hole 145 (see FIG. 8) of the game ball detection lower switch 144 (see FIG. 8). About 12.0 mm).

  The start winning port unit 16 includes a lower inclined guide rod 140 that protrudes rearward from the decorative plate 121 in association with the lower start winning port 18. The lower inclined guide rod 140 has a bottom surface formed of an inclined surface that descends toward the rear, and defines a lower inclined guide flow passage 142 that extends rearward from the lower start winning prize opening 18. The downstream end (lower end) of the lower inclined guide flow passage 142 is open. A game ball detection lower switch 144 (see FIG. 8) is disposed at the downstream end of the lower inclined guide flow passage 141. The above-described safe ball recovery portion (not shown) is disposed below the downstream end of the lower inclined guide flow passage 141.

  The game ball detection lower switch 144 (see FIG. 8) has the same specifications as the game ball detection switch 34 described above. In other words, the gaming ball detection lower switch 144 is formed with a cylindrical lower passage hole 145 that penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the casing, and the lower passage hole 145 has a regular octagonal shape. The diameter of the inscribed circle on the outer circumference is 11.4 mm, for example. When the game ball passes through the lower passage hole 145 in a predetermined direction (from the top to the bottom), the detection unit (not shown) of the game ball detection lower switch 144 is directed toward the main control board (not shown). A detection signal is output. The output from the detection unit is input to the main control board.

  A lower start winning flow path L5 is formed by the lower start winning opening 18, the lower start winning space 18A, the lower inclined guide flow path 142, and the lower passage hole 145. That is, the game balls that have entered the lower start winning opening 18 circulate in the lower start winning space 18 </ b> A, reach the lower inclined guide flow passage 142, and flow through the lower inclined guide flow passage 142. Then, the game ball passes through the lower passage hole 145, and the passage with respect to the lower passage hole 145 is detected by the game ball detection lower switch 144. Thereafter, the game balls are collected by a safe ball collection unit (not shown).

  Next, consider a case where a so-called large ball is performed at the upper start winning opening 17. At this time, the aforementioned illegal ball (steel ball) is launched toward the game board 5. The illegal balls launched toward the game board 5 flow down the board surface of the game board 5. In the large ball goto at the upper start winning opening 17, an illegal ball flowing down the game board 5 is guided toward the upper start winning opening 17 by the operation of the magnet by the player.

The upper start winning opening 17 forms a narrow portion ND, and the lateral width W11 thereof is narrower than the diameter of the illegal ball (the largest diameter included in the illegal ball). I can't enter. Therefore, the illegal ball does not reach the upper passage hole 135. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a game ball from being detected by passing through the upper passage hole 135 of the illegal ball.
Incorrect balls that cannot enter the upper start winning opening 17 remain above the upper start winning opening 17. Therefore, the illegal ball can be easily removed from the game board 5.

Further, it can be identified that there was a goto action based on the presence of an illegal ball above the upper start winning opening 17. Therefore, it is possible to detect that there is a large goto when an employee of the game shop visually recognizes the surface of the game board 5.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the inclined guide flow passage 200. As shown in FIG. 9, the narrow portion is not the normal winning openings 21, 22, 23 but the first inclined guide flow passage 46, the second inclined guide flow passage (not shown) or the third inclined guide flow passage (shown). It can also be provided in the middle of the inclined guide flow passage 200 used instead of (not). A rear guide rod 205 that divides the inclined guide flow path 200 includes a first inner wall 201 made of a flat surface and a second inner wall 202 made of a flat surface facing the first inner wall 201 and parallel to the first inner wall 201. In the case of having one or more protrusions 203 (two in FIG. 9) or one or more protrusions (not shown. Concept including protrusion 203 and protrusions only on one (first inner wall 201 in FIG. 9). And the second inner wall 202 is not provided with a protrusion. By this projection 203 (protrusion) and the second inner wall 202, the narrow portion NE (upstream narrow portion) passes through the passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5) of the game ball detection switch 34 (see FIG. 5) in the flow passages L1, L2, and L3. (See FIG. 5).

The width (minimum width) between the tip of the projection 203 and the second inner wall 202, in other words, the width W13 in the narrow portion NE of the inclined guide flow path 200 is wider than the diameter of the game ball and the game ball detection switch 34 The diameter D1 of the passage hole 35 (see FIG. 6, for example, 11.4 mm) is set narrower (for example, 11.2 mm).
In this case, the narrow portion is not formed in the normal winning openings 21, 22, and 23. That is, the left and right direction widths W1, W3, W5 and the front and rear direction widths W2, W4, W6 of the normal winning openings 21, 22, 23 are predetermined values larger than the diameter of the inscribed circle 36 of the passage hole 35 (for example, 12.2. 0 mm).

  The game balls that have won the respective normal winning ports 21, 22, 23 circulate through the inclined guide flow path 200 after flowing through the respective normal winning spaces. A narrow portion NE is formed in the middle of the inclined guide flow passage 200, but the game ball passes through the narrow portion NE because the width W13 of the narrow portion NE is wider than the diameter of the game ball. The game balls that have passed through the narrow portion NE flow down the flow-down passages 86, 87, 88, pass through the passage hole 35, and are then collected by a safe ball collection unit (not shown).

  On the other hand, when a so-called large ball goto is performed at the normal winning openings 21, 22, 23, the aforementioned illegal ball (a steel ball equivalent to the aforementioned illegal ball) is launched toward the game board 5. The illegal balls launched toward the game board 5 flow down the board surface of the game board 5. In the large ball goto at the normal winning holes 21, 22, 23, the illegal ball flowing down the game board 5 is guided toward the normal winning holes 21, 22, 23 by the operation of the magnet by the player.

  The fraudulent balls that have entered the normal winning holes 21, 22, and 23 circulate through the inclined guiding flow passages 200 after flowing through the respective normal winning spaces. A narrow portion NE is formed in the middle of the inclined guide flow passage 200, and the width W13 of the narrow portion NE is narrower than the diameter of the illegal ball. The portion NE is clogged and does not reach the passage hole 35. Thereby, the illegal ball | bowl which distribute | circulates flow path L1, L2, L3 can be prevented from reaching the passage hole 35, and a large ball goto can be suppressed effectively.

  FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a main part of a normal winning opening unit 300 of a ball game machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, parts corresponding to those shown in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 10 is different from the normal prize opening unit 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 in that the narrow portion is not the normal winning holes 21, 22 but the passage holes in the downflow passages 86, 87. It is a point provided in the downstream region of 35. In other words, in the normal prize opening unit 300, the narrow portion is not provided in the upstream region of the passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5) in the flow passage, and the narrow portion is provided in the downstream region of the passage hole 35. It has been.

  Specifically, for example, in the lower part of 41, 42 on the inner walls of the left partition plates 101A, 102A, a curved portion 301 having a substantially “<” shape protruding toward the flow-down passages 86, 87 is formed. Further, below the 41 and 42 on the inner walls of the right partition plates 101B and 102B, a curved portion 302 having a substantially "<" shape protruding toward the flow-down passages 86 and 87 is formed at a portion facing the curved portion 301. ing. These curved portions 301 and 302 form a narrow portion NF (downstream narrow portion) in the downstream region of the passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5) in the flow-down passages 86 and 87. At this time, the width (minimum width) between the tips of the curved portions 301 and 302, in other words, the width W14 in the narrow portion NF of the flow-down passages 86 and 87 is larger than the diameter of the game ball and the game ball detection switch 34. The diameter D1 (see FIG. 6, for example, 11.4 mm) of the inscribed circle 36 of the passage hole 35 is set to be narrower (for example, 11.2 mm).

Moreover, in this embodiment, the narrow part is not formed in the normal winning holes 21 and 22. That is, the left and right widths W1 and W3 (see FIG. 4) and the front and rear widths W2 and W4 (see FIG. 4) of the normal winning holes 21 and 22 are predetermined values (for example, 12.0 mm) larger than the diameter D1 of the passage hole 35. Degree).
The game balls that have won the respective normal winning openings 21, 22, and 23 flow through the respective normal winning spaces, flow down through the inclined guide flow passages 46 and 47, and the flow down passages 86 and 87, and then pass through the passage hole 35. A narrow portion NF is formed in a region downstream of the passage hole 35 in the flow-down passages 86 and 87, but since the width W14 of the narrow portion NF is wider than the diameter of the game ball, the game ball is a narrow portion. Pass through NF. The game balls that have passed through the narrow portion NF are collected from the downstream ends of the flow-down passages 86 and 87 to a safe ball collection unit (not shown).

  By the way, as a goto action, an illegal tool (for example, a thin plate or a wire formed using a resin material such as celluloid) is made to enter the downstream side portion of the passage hole 35 in the flow-down passages 86 and 87, and the flow-down passage 86. , 87 is blocked, and the blocked game ball is returned to above the passage hole 35 by operating an illegal tool, so that a new game ball passes through the passage hole 35. There is a case where a goto action (so-called “selgoto” or “hariganegoto”) that causes false detection is performed. In this goto action, a large amount of prize balls can be illegally obtained by moving the game balls up and down between two positions sandwiching the passage hole.

  In this embodiment, since the narrow part NF is provided in the downstream area of the passage hole 35 in the flow-down passages 86 and 87, the game ball located downstream of the narrow part NF passes through the passage hole 35. It is difficult to move over to the region above (upstream side) the passage hole 35. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has passed through the passage hole 35 from returning to the upper side of the passage hole 35 again, and thus it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned goto action (so-called sergot or barbarian goto).

As mentioned above, although two embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented also with another form.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a configuration may be adopted in which narrow portions are provided in both the upstream region and the downstream region of the passage hole 35 (see FIG. 5) in the flow passage.
In each embodiment, a narrow portion may be formed in the lower start winning opening 18. In this case, it is possible to reliably prevent the large ball goto in the game ball detection switch 144 that detects the game ball entering the lower start winning opening 18.

  In each embodiment, a narrow portion is formed in the upper start winning opening 17 to correspond structurally, while the lower starting winning opening 18 may be invalidated by software processing for detection of illegal balls. . That is, only when the electric tulip accessory 19 (variable winning means) is in the expanded state between the closed state and the expanded state, the signal from the game ball detection switch 34 (detecting means) is handled as an effective signal. Alternatively, it may be treated as an effective signal when the open extension function is activated such as a probability variation state or a short time state. As a result, fraud can be eliminated more effectively than the detection signal that is always valid.

In addition, in each of the winning openings 21, 22, 23, 17, not only the lateral widths W1, W3, W5, W11 but also the longitudinal widths W2, W4, W6, W12 are the diameters of the game balls (for example, 11.0 mm). It may be set to a predetermined value that is larger and smaller than the diameter of the passage holes 35 and 135 of the game ball detection switches 34 and 134.
Also, not the winning openings 21, 22, 23, 17 but a winning space (first ordinary winning space 21A, second ordinary winning space (not shown), third ordinary winning space (not shown) or upper start winning space 17A). The structure which forms a narrow part in a downstream area | region (for example, lower part) rather than the middle part of the distribution direction in may be sufficient.

  When the narrow portions NA, NB, NC, and ND are formed in the winning openings 21, 22, 23, and 17, the game balls are placed in the winning openings 21, 22, 23, and 17 as compared to the case where the narrow portions are not formed. There is a risk that it will be difficult to enter. On the other hand, if it is the structure which forms a narrow part in the downstream area rather than the middle part of the distribution direction in the winning space, the ease of entering the game balls into the winning holes 21, 22, 23, 17 is hindered. Nothing. That is, the game balls can be easily removed from the winning port 21 while maintaining the ease of entering the gaming balls into the winning ports 21, 22, 23, and 17. Of course, it goes without saying that the above-mentioned effect that it is easy to identify the presence or absence of the goto action is achieved.

Moreover, you may form a narrow part in relation to the 1st inflow hole 56 (refer FIG. 4), the 2nd inflow hole 57 (refer FIG. 4), and the 3rd inflow hole 58 (refer FIG. 4).
Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the narrow portion NE is not upstream of the inclined guide flow passage 200 but upstream of the passage 35 in the downstream passages 86, 87, 88 provided on the downstream side of the inclined guide flow passage 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the third downstream passage is not provided with a downstream area from the passage hole 35, but the downstream area is not provided. When present, the narrow portion NF can be formed in the downstream region. Moreover, in this embodiment, you may form a narrow part in the normal prize-winning ports 21,22,23.

Moreover, in each embodiment, regarding each flow path L1-L5, the narrow part may be provided in the whole region except the passage holes 35 and 135 in the flow paths L1-L5.
Moreover, in connection with each embodiment, the structure which forms narrow part NA, NB, NC, ND is mentioned as an example in connection with all the flow paths L1, L2, L3 in the normal prize opening units 30, 300. However, a narrow portion may be formed in association with one or two flow paths L1, L2, and L3.

Further, the passage width of the narrow portion is not limited to the case where it is narrower than the diameter of the passage holes 35 and 135, and may have the same size as the diameter of the passage holes 35 and 135.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, not only the proximity switch but also a radio wave sensor and a vibration sensor can be employed as the detection unit.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 described above, the lateral widths W1, W3, W5, and W11 in the narrow portions NA, NB, NC, and ND are larger than the longitudinal widths W2, W4, W6, and W12 in the portions. It is not limited to a narrow one, and may be substantially the same as the front-rear widths W2, W4, W6, W12 in the part, or may be wider than the front-rear widths W2, W4, W6, W12 in the part. Good. That is, when the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the flow direction in the flow passage is rectangular, the length of the first side that is one side thereof and the length of the second side orthogonal to the first side are approximately the same. The first side may be longer than the second side.

In each embodiment, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the flow direction in the narrow portions NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, and NF is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a circular shape or an elliptical shape. Further, it may be a regular polygon or other shapes.
The through holes 35, 135, and 145 may have a regular polygonal shape excluding a hexagon, or may have a circular shape or an elliptical shape.

Further, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the narrow portion is provided in both of the start winning port unit 16 and the normal winning port unit 30, 300, and the configuration in which the narrow portion is provided in only one of the units may be employed.
The normal winning opening units 30 and 300 may not have two or three normal winning openings, but may have only one ordinary winning opening, or may have four or more normal winning openings. Also good.

Moreover, in each above-mentioned embodiment, the structure which provides only one of the start prize port unit 16 and the normal prize port units 30 and 300 on the game board 5 may be sufficient. Moreover, the structure provided with the unit provided with the function of both a start prize opening unit and a normal prize opening unit on the game board 5 may be sufficient.
In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ball game machine 5 Game board 16 Start prize opening unit 17 Upper start prize opening 21 1st normal prize opening 22 2nd normal prize opening 23 3rd normal prize opening 30 Normal prize opening unit 34 Game ball detection switch (detection means)
35 Passage hole 134 Game ball upper detection switch (detection means)
135 Top Passing Hole 300 Normal Winning Port Unit D1 Diameter L1 Flow Path L2 Flow Path L3 Flow Path L4 Flow Path NA Narrow Portion (Winning Port Narrow Portion)
NB Narrow part (Narrow part of the prize opening)
NC Narrow part (Narrow part of the prize opening)
ND Narrow part (Narrow part of the prize opening)
NE Narrow part (upstream narrow part)
NF narrow part (downstream narrow part)

Claims (5)

A ball game machine that performs a game using a game ball that is fired toward a game board,
A prize opening that is arranged on the surface of the game board and into which game balls fired on the game board can enter;
A flow path for the game balls that have entered the prize opening to circulate;
A circular or polygonal passage hole through which the game ball flowing through the flow passage can pass, and a detecting means provided in the middle of the flow passage for detecting the passage of the game ball with respect to the passage hole. ,
The flow path is a bullet ball gaming machine including a narrow narrow portion whose passage width is wider than the diameter of the game ball and equal to or smaller than the diameter of the passage hole.   The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the narrow portion includes a narrow winning port width portion provided in association with the winning port.   The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the narrow portion includes an upstream narrow portion provided in a region upstream of the passage hole in a middle portion of the flow passage.   The ball game according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the narrow portion includes a downstream narrow portion provided in a region downstream of the passage hole in an intermediate portion of the flow passage. Machine.   The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the narrow portion is provided in the entire area of the flow passage excluding the passage hole.

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