JP2012125472A - Game ball carrying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the amusement of a game by making a feeding period of game balls irregular in a game ball carrying device.SOLUTION: The game ball carrying device 110 includes: a first game ball carrying means 120 carrying the game balls at a constant period; a second game ball carrying means 140 disposed on the downstream side of the first game ball carrying means 120, and carrying the game balls at a constant period; and a game ball stay means 130 disposed between the first game ball carrying means 120 and the second game ball carrying means 140, and allowing the game balls to stay such that the staying time becomes irregular.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball transport device disposed on a game board surface of a game machine.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game ball transport device including a plurality of movable parts for transporting game balls is known (see Prior Art Document 1).
In this game ball transport device, a plurality of movable parts that transport game balls at a constant cycle are continuously arranged on the rolling path of the game balls.

JP 2008-229237 A

However, in the game ball transport apparatus according to Patent Document 1, the transport period of the game balls becomes constant, and there is a risk that the interest of the game will be reduced.
Specifically, in the above game ball transport device, a plurality of movable parts that transport the game ball at a constant cycle are continuously arranged in the rolling path of the game ball, so that the game ball is on the upstream side. At the time when the game ball is held by the movable part, it is possible to predict the timing at which the game ball is discharged from the movable part on the downstream side, and there is a possibility that the interest of the game is lowered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve the interest of a game in a game ball transport device by making the transport period of game balls irregular.

In order to achieve the above object, a game ball transport apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided with first game ball transport means for transporting game balls at a constant cycle, and downstream of the first game ball transport means. And is arranged between the second game ball transport means for transporting the game balls at a constant cycle, the first game ball transport means and the second game ball transport means so that the residence time becomes irregular. And a game ball retaining means capable of retaining the game ball.
In the game ball transport device according to the first invention, the game ball retaining means retains the game ball so that the residence time is irregular.

Thus, in the game ball transport device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the time from when the first game ball transport means holds the game ball to when the second game ball transport means discharges the game ball (of the game ball). The conveyance cycle) can be irregular, and the fun of the game can be improved.
Here, as a 1st game ball conveyance means, the 1st movable part 120 mentioned later corresponds, for example. For example, the second movable part 140 described later corresponds to the second game ball transport unit. As the game ball staying means, for example, a game ball rolling unit 130 described later corresponds.

Further, the game ball transport device according to the second invention is the game ball transport device according to the first invention, wherein the game ball staying means has a rolling surface capable of rolling the game ball. Features.
In the game ball transport device according to the second invention, the game ball staying means causes the game ball to stay so that the stay time becomes irregular by rolling the game ball on the rolling surface.
Thereby, in the game ball transport device according to the second invention, it is possible to make the transport cycle of the game balls irregular with a simple configuration.
Here, for example, a rolling surface 133 described later corresponds to the rolling surface.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the game ball transport device according to the first or second invention, wherein the game ball transport device is disposed downstream of the second game ball transport means and detects the game ball. Is arranged between the second game ball detecting means, the second game ball conveying means and the game ball detecting means, and it is highly possible that the game ball is detected by the game ball detecting means at a constant cycle. And a game ball allocating unit capable of configuring a state in which a game ball is less likely to be detected by the game ball detection unit.

In the game ball transport device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the game ball distributing means disposed on the downstream side of the second game ball transport means can detect the game balls by the game ball detection means at a constant cycle. And a state where the possibility that the game ball is detected by the game ball detecting means is low.
Thereby, in the game ball transport device according to the third invention, it becomes difficult to predict the possibility that the game ball will be detected by the game ball detection means, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.
Here, as the game ball detecting means, for example, a start winning opening switch 310 described later corresponds. As the game ball distribution means, for example, a distribution device 150 described later is applicable.

Furthermore, the game ball transport device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the game ball transport device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first game ball transport means and the second game ball transport means. Each has a rotating body capable of holding a game ball, and the held game ball is conveyed by rotating the rotating body at a constant period.
Here, for example, rotating members 123 and 143 described later correspond to the rotating body.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the game by making the transport period of the game balls irregular.

It is the figure which showed typically the front part of a game board surface, especially the part required for description. It is a perspective view of the game ball transport device and the sorting device provided in the accessory device. It is a front view of the game ball transport device provided in the accessory device. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the game ball transport device shown in FIG. 3. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of a pachinko machine.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1.
(Composition of game board surface)
First, the configuration of the game board surface 10 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a front portion of a game board surface, particularly a portion necessary for explanation.
As shown in FIG. 1, the game board surface 10 is provided with an outer rail 21 and an inner rail 22 that constitute a launch path 20 for a game ball (“P” shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). On the game board surface 10, a circular area surrounded by the outer rail 21 and the inner rail 22 is a game area 30 for rolling the game ball.

In the center of the game area 30, an accessory device 100 is disposed. A central rolling path 31 is formed inside the accessory device 100. In the game area 30, a left rolling path 32 is configured on the left side of the accessory device 100, and a right rolling path 33 is configured on the right side of the accessory apparatus 100.
A first start winning opening 210 is disposed below the accessory device 100. The first start winning opening 210 is a winning opening (so-called umbilicus) opened upward, and is always in a state where a game ball can be won.

  The game ball that has won the first start winning opening 210 is guided to a predetermined area (not shown). In this predetermined area, a start winning opening switch 310 (see FIG. 5) is arranged. The start winning port switch 310 detects the passage of the game ball and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400 described later. Then, main controller 400 executes a special symbol lottery in response to the detection signal from start winning a prize opening switch 310 being input.

  A start gate 230 is provided to the right of the accessory device 100 in the right rolling path 33. The start gate 230 is always in a state in which a game ball can pass. A start gate switch 311 (see FIG. 5) is arranged inside the start gate 230. The start gate switch 311 detects the passage of the game ball to the start gate 230 and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400. Then, main controller 400 executes the normal symbol lottery in response to the detection signal from start gate switch 311 being input.

A second start winning port 220 is disposed below the start gate 230 in the right rolling path 33. The second start winning opening 220 is a variable winning opening having an opening / closing member 221. The opening / closing member 221 is opened and closed by a start winning prize solenoid 320 (see FIG. 5).
The second start winning opening 220 is normally in a state where the opening / closing member 221 is closed and the game ball cannot win. Then, when the normal start lottery is won, the opening / closing member 221 is opened in a predetermined pattern and the game ball can be won.

  The game ball that won the second start winning opening 220 is guided to a predetermined area in the same manner as the game ball that won the first start winning opening 210. The game balls that have won the second start winning opening 220 are detected by the start winning opening switch 310 arranged in a predetermined area, and give an opportunity to draw a special symbol. That is, in this embodiment, the start winning port switch 310 detects the winning of the game ball to the first starting winning port 210 and the winning of the game ball to the second starting winning port 220, and triggers a special symbol lottery. give. It should be noted that a switch for detecting the winning of the game ball to the first start winning opening 210 and a switch for detecting the winning of the game ball to the second starting winning opening 220 are provided separately, and the game balls by the respective switches are provided. A lottery may be executed according to the detection.

Below the second start winning opening 220 in the right rolling path 33, a large winning opening 240 is disposed. The big winning opening 240 is a variable winning opening having an opening / closing member 241. The opening / closing member 241 is opened and closed by a special prize opening solenoid 321 (see FIG. 5).
In the normal winning opening 240, the opening / closing member 241 is in a closed state, and the game ball cannot be won. When the special symbol lottery is won and the special prize state is generated, the open / close member 241 is opened in a predetermined pattern and the game ball can be won.

  Inside the pachinko machine 1, a big prize opening switch 313 (see FIG. 5) is arranged. The big prize opening switch 313 detects the winning of a game ball in the big prize opening 240 and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400. Then, main controller 400 executes a process for paying out a prize ball in response to the detection signal from big winning opening switch 313 being input. Thereby, the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of game balls won in the big prize opening 240 is paid out.

  On the left side of the first start winning opening 210, a left middle general winning opening 250a and a lower left general winning opening 250b are arranged. Further, a right middle general winning opening 260a and a lower right general winning opening 260b are arranged on the right side of the first start winning opening 210. The left middle general winning opening 250a, the lower left general winning opening 250b, the right middle general winning opening 260a, and the lower right general winning opening 260b are open upward, respectively, and are always in a state where a game ball can be won. ing.

  Inside the pachinko machine 1, a left general winning port switch 314 (see FIG. 5) and a right general winning port switch 315 (see FIG. 5) are arranged. The left general prize opening switch 314 detects the winning of a game ball to the left middle general prize opening 250a and the lower left general prize opening 250b, and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400. The right general winning opening switch 315 detects winning of a game ball in the right middle general winning opening 260a and the lower right general winning opening 260b, and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400. Then, main controller 400 executes a process for paying out a winning ball in response to detection signals from left general winning port switch 314 and right general winning port switch 315 being input.

An out port 270 is provided below the first start winning port 210 and in the lowermost part of the game area 30 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning port.
A gaming state display device 280 that displays the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 is disposed on the left side of the accessory device 100. The gaming state display device 280 is configured by an LED lamp, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix LED, and the like. The game state display device 280 has a special symbol display unit 281 and a normal symbol display unit 282.

The special symbol display unit 281 can perform change display and stop display of special symbols composed of numbers, symbols, and the like. In the special symbol display unit 281, when the special symbol lottery is executed, the special symbol variation display is performed, and thereafter, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode according to the result of the special symbol lottery.
The normal symbol display unit 282 can perform change display and stop display of normal symbols including numbers, symbols, and the like. In the normal symbol display unit 282, when the normal symbol lottery is executed, the normal symbol variation display is performed, and thereafter, the normal symbol stop display according to the mode corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery is performed.

In addition, the gaming state display device 280 indicates that a special prize state has been generated, the number of rounds in the special prize state, the number of regular symbol lottery reservations, the short-time state has occurred, the number of short-times in the short-time state, etc. Is displayed.
Here, the short-time state is a time during which the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than the normal time (for example, 10 times) and the opening / closing member 221 of the second start winning opening 220 is in the open state. Is a state extended compared to the normal time. The short-time state occurs after the end of the predetermined special prize state. The short-time state continues until the number of times the special symbol lottery is set (the number of short-time times) is performed or a new special prize state is generated.

The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a launching device (not shown) capable of launching a game ball in response to an operation by the player. Then, the game ball launched by the launching device is launched into the game area 30 via the launch path 20.
The game ball launched into the game area 30 rolls downward on any one of the central rolling path 31, the left rolling path 32, and the right rolling path 33.

Here, in the first start winning opening 210, among the game balls launched into the game area 30, only the game balls that have passed through the central rolling path 31 configured inside the accessory device 100 can win. It is arranged. In addition, in the second winning opening 220, the start gate 230, and the big winning opening 240, only the game balls that have passed through the right rolling path 33 among the game balls launched into the game area 30 can win or pass. It is arranged like this.
In the game area 30, a plurality of nails n are arranged so as to guide the game ball toward the first start winning opening 210, the second starting winning opening 220, the starting gate 230, the big winning opening 240, and the like. Yes.

(Composition of equipment device)
Next, the configuration of the accessory device 100 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a game ball transport device and a sorting device provided in the accessory device. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game ball transport device provided in the accessory device. 4 is a rear view of the game ball transport device shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the accessory device 100 includes an outer peripheral wall 101, a central rolling path 31 configured on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 101, an inflow port 102 for allowing a game ball to flow into the central rolling path 31, And a discharge port 103 for discharging the game ball that has passed through the central rolling path 31.

The inflow port 102 opens toward the upper left, and is always in a state where game balls can flow in. The discharge port 103 opens downward, and is always in a state where game balls can be discharged.
The accessory device 100 is configured such that a game ball does not flow into the central rolling path 31 from a portion other than the inflow port 102. Further, the accessory device 100 is configured such that the game ball is not discharged from a portion other than the discharge port 103. The front side of the accessory device 100 is covered with a transparent plate (not shown).

The accessory device 100 includes a game ball transport device 110 and a sorting device 150 disposed on the downstream side of the game ball transport device 110. The game ball transport device 110 and the sorting device 150 are disposed in the central rolling path 31. In the accessory device 100, the transport path of the game balls by the game ball transport apparatus 110 constitutes a part of the central rolling path 31.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game ball transport device 110 includes a first movable part 120, a game ball rolling part 130 disposed on the downstream side of the first movable part 120, and a game ball rolling part. And a second movable portion 140 disposed on the downstream side of 130. In addition, the game ball transport device 110 includes a drive unit 160 that drives the first movable unit 120 and the second movable unit 140.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first movable portion 120 includes a drop passage 121 in which a game ball flowing from the inflow port 102 falls, a peripheral wall 122 disposed on the downstream side of the drop passage 121, and a peripheral wall 122. And a rotating member 123 disposed on the inner side.
The fall passage 121 is configured to extend along the vertical direction (the vertical direction shown in FIG. 1). All the game balls that flowed in from the inflow port 102 are guided to the fall passage 121.

The peripheral wall 122 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The peripheral wall 122 is disposed such that the axis extends along the front-rear direction (the depth direction in FIG. 1). The peripheral wall 122 is provided with a receiving port 122a for receiving the game ball that has fallen through the falling passage 121 inside the peripheral wall 122, and a discharge port 122b for discharging the received game ball to the outside of the peripheral wall 122. ing.
The rotating member 123 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The rotating member 123 is disposed such that the rotating shaft 123a extends along the front-rear direction. The rotating member 123 can be rotated in a predetermined direction by a rotating shaft 123a.

On the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 123, a holding recess 123b for holding a game ball is provided. Each holding recess 123b is formed in a U-shaped pocket shape so as to accommodate a game ball. In the present embodiment, three holding recesses 123 b are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 123. The three holding recesses 123 b are provided at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 123. Further, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 123 where the holding concave portion 123 b is not provided serves as a blocking portion 123 c that prevents the game ball from flowing into the peripheral wall 122.
The first movable unit 120 can transport a game ball by a rotating member 123 that rotates inside the peripheral wall 122.

  Specifically, the first movable unit 120 accommodates the game ball that has dropped through the drop passage 121 in the holding recess 123 b of the rotating member 123. Here, in the first movable portion 120, the game ball cannot enter the inside of the peripheral wall 122 when the blocking portion 123 c of the rotating member 123 is disposed at the position of the receiving port 122 a of the peripheral wall 122. On the other hand, in the first movable portion 120, when the holding recess 123b of the rotating member 123 is disposed at the position of the receiving port 122a of the peripheral wall 122, the game ball can enter the inside of the peripheral wall 122 (holding recess 123b). It becomes.

And the 1st movable part 120 conveys a game ball below in the state which hold | maintained the game ball between the internal peripheral surface of the surrounding wall 122, and the holding | maintenance recessed part 123b by rotating the rotation member 123. FIG.
Further, in the first movable part 120, the holding recess 123b holding the game ball is disposed at the position of the discharge port 122b of the peripheral wall 122, whereby the holding of the game ball is released. Thereby, the first movable portion 120 discharges the game ball held between the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 122 and the holding recess 123b downward from the discharge port 122b of the peripheral wall 122.

The game ball rolling unit 130 is configured to allow the game ball to stay so that the stay time is irregular. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the game ball rolling unit 130 receives a game ball discharged from the discharge port 122b, and a guide for guiding the game ball discharged from the roll stage 131. And a passage 132.
The rolling stage 131 has a rolling surface 133 capable of rolling a game ball. The rolling surface 133 is configured to allow the game ball to roll irregularly (roll so that the residence time of the game ball is irregular). The rolling surface 133 may be a flat surface, but is preferably a surface in which at least one of the direction and angle of inclination changes depending on the position. For example, the rolling surface 133 can be configured by combining a plurality of planes that are different from each other in at least one of the inclining direction and angle. Moreover, the rolling surface 133 can be comprised by a curved surface. Furthermore, the rolling surface 133 can be configured by combining a flat surface and a curved surface.

In the present embodiment, the rolling surface 133 includes a first rolling surface 133a, a second rolling surface 133b, a guide groove 133c provided between the first rolling surface 133a and the second rolling surface 133b. ,have.
The first rolling surface 133a and the second rolling surface 133b are curved surfaces that smoothly incline so as to become lower toward the guide groove 133c. The guide groove 133c is provided at the center of the rolling surface 133 in the left-right direction (left-right direction shown in FIG. 1). The guide groove 133c is provided so as to extend along the front-rear direction. The guide groove 133c is inclined so as to become lower toward the rear side. As a result, the rolling surface 133 is formed in a substantially V shape with the guide groove 133c as the center when viewed from the front.

The guide passage 132 is formed in a bowl shape. The guide passage 132 is disposed so as to extend along the front-rear direction. The guide passage 132 is inclined so as to become lower toward the rear side.
The game ball rolling unit 130 can roll the game ball irregularly by the rolling stage 131. Specifically, the game ball rolling unit 130 receives the game ball falling from the discharge port 122b on the rolling surface 133. Then, the rolling surface 133 discharges the received game ball irregularly by the first rolling surface 133a and the second rolling surface 133b, and then discharges it from the rear end of the guide groove 133c to the guide passage 132. To do. Further, the guide passage 132 discharges the game ball from the rear end after guiding the game ball toward the rear side.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second movable portion 140 includes a peripheral wall 142 disposed on the downstream side of the guide passage 132, and a rotating member 143 disposed on the inner side of the peripheral wall 142. Yes.
The peripheral wall 142 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The peripheral wall 142 is disposed such that the axis extends in the front-rear direction. In the peripheral wall 142, a receiving port 142a for receiving the game ball discharged from the rear end of the guide passage 132 inside the peripheral wall 142, a discharge port 142b for discharging the received game ball to the outside of the peripheral wall 142, Is provided.

The rotating member 143 is formed in a columnar shape. The rotating member 143 is disposed such that the rotating shaft 143a extends along the front-rear direction. The rotating member 143 can be rotated in a predetermined direction by a rotating shaft 143a.
A holding recess 143 b for holding a game ball is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 143. Each holding recess 143b is formed in a U-shaped pocket shape so as to accommodate a game ball. In the present embodiment, three holding recesses 143 b are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 143. The three holding recesses 143 b are provided at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 143. Further, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 143 where the holding recess 143b is not provided serves as a blocking portion 143c that prevents the game ball from flowing into the inner side of the peripheral wall 142.

In the present embodiment, the rotating member 143 has the same configuration (the same shape and dimensions) as the rotating member 123. The rotating shaft 143 a of the rotating member 143 is arranged in parallel with the rotating shaft 123 a of the rotating member 123. The rotating direction of the rotating member 143 is opposite to the rotating direction of the rotating member 123. The rotating member 143 and the rotating member 123 are arranged so that their positions are shifted in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the position of the rotating member 143 is on the rear side with respect to the position of the rotating member 123. Note that the position in the left-right direction of the rotation shaft 143a of the rotation member 143 and the position in the left-right direction of the rotation shaft 123a of the rotation member 123 coincide with each other.
The second movable portion 140 can transport the game ball by a rotating member 143 that rotates inside the peripheral wall 142.

  Specifically, the second movable portion 140 accommodates the game ball discharged from the rear end of the guide passage 132 in the holding recess 143 b of the rotating member 143. Here, in the second movable portion 140, when the blocking portion 143c of the rotating member 143 is disposed at the position of the receiving port 142a of the peripheral wall 142, the game ball cannot enter the inside of the peripheral wall 142. On the other hand, in the second movable portion 140, when the holding recess 143b of the rotating member 143 is arranged at the position of the receiving port 142a of the peripheral wall 142, the game ball can enter the inside of the peripheral wall 142 (holding recess 143b). It becomes.

The second movable portion 140 rotates the rotating member 143 to convey the game ball downward while holding the game ball between the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 142 and the holding recess 143b.
Further, in the second movable portion 140, the holding recess 143b holding the game ball is disposed at the position of the discharge port 142b of the peripheral wall 142, whereby the holding of the game ball is released. Accordingly, the second movable portion 140 discharges the game ball held between the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 142 and the holding recess 143b downward from the discharge port 142b of the peripheral wall 142.
As shown in FIG. 4, the drive unit 160 includes a second accessory motor 324 and five gears 161, 162, which transmit the power of the second accessory motor 324 to the first movable portion 120 and the second movable portion 140. 163, 164, 165.

The second accessory motor 324 is driven in response to a control signal from the main controller 400. In the present embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the second accessory motor 324.
The motor gear 161 is fixed to the rotation shaft of the second accessory motor 324. The drive gear 162 is fixed to the rotating shaft 123 a of the rotating member 123 of the first movable unit 120. The drive gear 163 is fixed to the rotating shaft 143 a of the rotating member 143 of the second movable part 140. An idle gear 164 and an idle gear 165 are disposed between the motor gear 161 and the drive gear 162. On the other hand, an idle gear 164 is disposed between the motor gear 161 and the drive gear 163.

  The driving unit 160 transmits the power of the second accessory motor 324 to the rotating shaft 123a of the rotating member 123 of the first movable unit 120 via the motor gear 161, the idle gear 164, the idle gear 165, and the drive gear 162. The driving unit 160 transmits the power of the second accessory motor 324 to the rotating shaft 143a of the rotating member 143 of the second movable unit 140 via the motor gear 161, the idle gear 164, and the drive gear 163. Thereby, the direction in which the rotating member 123 of the first movable unit 120 rotates and the direction in which the rotating member 143 of the second movable unit 140 rotate are opposite to each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sorting apparatus 150 includes a receiving unit 151 that receives a game ball discharged from the discharge port 142b of the second movable unit 140, a guide unit 152 that is formed integrally with the receiving unit 151, have.
The receiving portion 151 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The receiving portion 151 is disposed such that the rotation shaft 154 extends along the vertical direction.

  The receiving portion 151 has a bottom surface 153 capable of rolling the game ball. The bottom surface 153 is configured to be able to roll the game ball irregularly (roll so that the residence time of the game ball becomes irregular). The bottom surface 153 may be a flat surface, but is preferably a surface in which at least one of the direction and angle of inclination changes depending on the position. For example, the bottom surface 153 can be configured by combining a plurality of planes that are different from each other in at least one of an inclination direction and an angle. Further, the bottom surface 153 can be formed by a curved surface. Furthermore, the bottom surface 153 can be configured by combining a flat surface and a curved surface.

The guiding portion 152 is formed in a bowl shape. The guiding portion 152 is provided so as to protrude from the receiving portion 151 toward the front side.
A continuous guiding groove 155 is provided on the bottom surface 153 of the receiving portion 151 and the bottom surface of the guiding portion 152. The bottom surface 153 of the receiving portion 151 is inclined so as to become lower toward the guide groove 155. The guide groove 155 is inclined so as to become lower toward the front side (the tip side of the guide portion 152).

  The sorting device 150 is configured to be rotatable by a rotating shaft 154. The rotating shaft 154 is rotated by a first accessory motor 323 (see FIG. 5). The first accessory motor 323 is driven in response to a control signal from the main controller 400. In the present embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the first accessory motor 323. The sorting device 150 is rotated by the first accessory motor 323 so as to swing the tip of the guide portion 152 in the left-right direction.

  The sorting apparatus 150 can roll the game ball irregularly by the receiving portion 151. In addition, the sorting device 150 can change the position and direction of discharging the game ball by swinging the tip of the guide portion 152 in the left-right direction. Specifically, the sorting device 150 receives the game ball falling from the discharge port 142b by the bottom surface 153 of the receiving unit 151. Then, the receiving unit 151 guides the received game ball to the guide unit 152 along the guide groove 155 after being irregularly rolled by the bottom surface 153. Furthermore, after guiding the game ball toward the front side, the guide unit 152 discharges the game ball from the tip toward the discharge port 103 of the accessory device 100.

  Here, the horizontal dimension of the discharge port 103 of the accessory device 100 is formed larger than the horizontal dimension of the first start winning prize port 210. The first start winning port 210 is disposed at a position corresponding to the central portion in the left-right direction of the discharge port 103 below the discharge port 103 of the accessory device 100. Therefore, in the sorting apparatus 150, the game ball discharged when the leading end of the guiding portion 152 is located at the center in the left-right direction (directly above the first start winning opening 210) is transferred to the first starting winning opening 210. The chance of winning a prize increases. On the other hand, in the sorting apparatus 150, the game balls that are discharged when the leading end of the guiding portion 152 is displaced from the center in the left-right direction are less likely to win the first start winning opening 210.

(Control system configuration)
Next, the configuration of the control system in the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the pachinko machine.
As shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko machine 1 includes a start winning port switch 310, a start gate switch 311, a big winning port switch 313, a left general winning port switch 314, and a right general winning port switch 315. ing.
The start winning port switch 310 detects a winning of a game ball in each of the first starting winning port 210 and the second starting winning port 220 and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400. The start gate switch 311 detects passage of the game ball to the start gate 230 and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400. The big winning opening switch 313 detects the winning of a game ball in the big winning opening 240 and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400. The left general winning opening switch 314 detects the winning of a game ball in the left general winning opening 250 and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400. The right general winning opening switch 315 detects the winning of a game ball in the right general winning opening 260 and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 400.

The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 400 and a sub-control device 500 as control units. The main control device 400 and the sub control device 500 are mounted on separate boards for preventing illegal acts. In the control unit, data can be transmitted from the main control device 400 to the sub control device 500 only in one direction.
Main controller 400 mainly acquires random numbers from various random number counters (executes various lotteries) in response to the input of a detection signal from start winning port switch 310. The main control device 400 then transmits a control command and controls the entire game based on the acquired various random numbers.

Further, the main control device 400 directly controls the game state display device 280, the winning ball payout control device 350, the start winning port solenoid 320, the big winning port solenoid 321, the first winning motor 323, the second winning motor 324, and the like. To do.
In particular, the main control device 400 always drives the first accessory motor 323 and the second accessory motor 324 while the pachinko machine 1 is in operation. At this time, the main controller 400 drives the first accessory motor 324 so that the leading end of the guiding portion 152 of the sorting device 150 is swung in the left-right direction at a constant cycle.

  The main controller 400 also drives the second accessory motor 323 so that each of the rotating member 123 of the first movable unit 120 and the rotating member 143 of the second movable unit 140 rotates at a constant cycle. Thereby, the first movable unit 120 and the second movable unit 140 can each transport a game ball at a constant cycle. In the present embodiment, the cycle of rotating the rotating member 123 and the cycle of rotating the rotating member 143 are the same.

Main controller 400 includes CPU 410, ROM 420, RAM 430, input port 440, and output port 450.
The input port 440 outputs detection signals input from the start winning port switch 310, the start gate switch 311, the big winning port switch 313, the left general winning port switch 314, and the right general winning port switch 315 to the CPU 410.
The output port 450 outputs a control command to each of the sub-control device 500, the game state display device 280, and the prize ball payout control device 350, and also includes a start winning port solenoid 320, a big winning port solenoid 321 and a first accessory. A control signal is output to each of the motor 323 and the second accessory motor 324. Further, the output port 450 outputs the output information of the pachinko machine 1 and an abnormality signal to the hall computer 800.

The ROM 420 stores a program for controlling the pachinko machine 1 executed by the main control device 400, game control data, and the like. In particular, the ROM 420 stores a control program for controlling each of the first accessory motor 323 and the second accessory motor 324.
The RAM 430 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control device 400, data for arithmetic processing, various counters including a random number counter related to the game, a lottery result and a flag for managing the game state.

The main controller 400 is connected to a power supply circuit 900 for supplying power.
Similar to the main controller 400, the sub controller 500 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, and an output port.
The ROM of the sub control device 500 stores a program for controlling the production, various data, and the like. The RAM of the sub control device 500 temporarily stores control commands input from the main control device 400, data for performing arithmetic processing, and the like. The CPU of the sub control device 500 executes processing according to the program stored in the ROM in accordance with the control command received from the main control device 400. As a result, the CPU of the sub-control device 500 controls lighting of the lamp 530, control of blinking, control of output of sound effects from the speaker 540, and the like.

(Operation of the accessory device 100)
Next, the operation of the accessory device 100 will be described.
The game balls that have flowed into the inflow port 102 of the accessory device 100 are transported by the game ball transport device 110 and then transported to the sorting device 150 disposed on the downstream side of the game ball transport device 110. The game balls discharged to the sorting device 150 are guided by the sorting device 150 and then discharged from the discharge port 103.

  Here, the sorting device 150 is rotated so that the tip of the guiding portion 152 swings in the left-right direction at a constant cycle. In the sorting apparatus 150, the game ball that is discharged when the leading end of the guiding portion 152 is located in the center in the left-right direction increases the possibility of winning the first start winning opening 210 (player). A favorable state). On the other hand, in the sorting device 150, the game ball discharged when the leading end of the guiding portion 152 is displaced from the center in the left-right direction is less likely to win the first start winning opening 210 (for the player). Disadvantageous state). In other words, the distribution device 150 is in a state in which there is a high possibility that the game ball will win the first start winning opening 210 in a certain cycle (the game ball is detected by the start winning opening switch 310 (the start winning opening switch 310 And a state where the possibility that the game ball will win the first start winning opening 210 is reduced (the start winning opening switch 310 is provided). A state in which the possibility of passing through a predetermined area is low).

Therefore, when the time from when the game ball flows into the inlet 102 of the accessory device 100 until the game ball reaches the sorting device 150 is constant, the game ball flows into the inlet 102. At this point, the timing at which this game ball reaches the sorting device 150 is known, and as a result, the possibility that this game ball will win the first start winning opening 210 is known, so the interest of the game is reduced.
In other words, when the game ball transport cycle by the game ball transport device 110 (the time from when the first movable member 120 holds the game ball to when the second movable member 140 ejects the game ball) is constant. When the game ball flows into the inflow port 102 of the accessory device 100, it is understood that the game ball may win the first start winning opening 210.
Therefore, the game ball transport device 110 employs a configuration in which the game ball transport cycle by the game ball transport device 110 is irregular.

Specifically, the game is such that the residence time is irregular between the first movable unit 120 that transports the game balls at a constant cycle and the second movable unit 140 that transports the game balls at a constant cycle. A game ball rolling unit 130 capable of retaining a ball is provided.
As a result, in the game ball transport device 110, the retention time of the game balls in the game ball rolling unit 130 becomes irregular, so that the game ball transport cycle of the game ball transport device 110 as a whole becomes irregular.
Therefore, in the accessory device 100, the time from when the game ball flows into the inflow port 102 until it reaches the sorting device 150 becomes irregular.
Therefore, in the accessory device 100, when the game ball flows into the inflow port 102, it is difficult to predict the possibility that this game ball will win the first start winning opening 210.
As described above, according to the game ball transport device, it is possible to improve the interest of the game by making the game ball transport cycle irregular.

Further, in the accessory device 100, the sorting device 150 is provided with a bottom surface 153 that allows the game ball to roll irregularly.
Thereby, in the accessory apparatus 100, the residence time of the game ball in the distribution apparatus 150 becomes irregular.
Therefore, in the accessory device 100, the time from when the game ball flows into the inflow port 102 until the game ball is discharged from the sorting device 150 is further irregular.
Therefore, in the accessory device 100, when the game ball flows into the inflow port 102, it becomes more difficult to predict the possibility that this game ball will win the first start winning port 210.

(Modification)
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, in the said embodiment, a various change is possible.
For example, in the above embodiment, in the present embodiment, the rotation member 123 is provided with three holding recesses 123b. Further, the rotation member 143 is provided with three holding recesses 143b. However, the number of holding recesses 123b and 143b provided in the rotating members 123 and 143 can be increased or decreased as appropriate (only one is provided or four or more are provided). Further, the number of holding recesses 123b and 143b may be different between the rotating member 123 and the rotating member 143.

In the above embodiment, a plurality (three) of the holding recesses 123 a and 143 b are provided at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating members 123 and 143. However, on the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating members 123 and 143, the adjacent holding recesses 123a and 143b may have different intervals. In addition, the rotation member 123 and the rotation member 143 may be configured such that the intervals between the holding recesses 123a and 143b are different.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, the period in which the rotation member 123 rotates in this embodiment, and the period in which the rotation member 143 rotates are mutually the same. However, the period in which the rotating member 123 is rotated and the period in which the rotating member 143 is rotated may be different.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, the direction which the rotation member 123 of the 1st movable part 120 rotates, and the direction which the rotation member 143 of the 2nd movable part 140 rotate are reverse directions. However, the direction in which the rotating member 123 of the first movable unit 120 rotates and the direction in which the rotating member 143 of the second movable unit 140 rotate may be the same.
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other amusement game machines and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 10 Game board surface 30 Game area 100 Equipment apparatus 31 Central rolling path 32 Left side rolling path 33 Right side rolling path 101 Outer peripheral wall 102 Inflow port 103 Outlet port 110 Game ball conveyance apparatus 120 First movable part 121 Falling path 122 peripheral wall 122a receiving port 122b discharge port 123 rotating member 123a rotating shaft 123b holding recess 130 game ball rolling unit 131 rolling stage 132 guiding passage 133 rolling surface 133a first rolling surface 133b second rolling surface 133c guiding groove 140 Second movable portion 142 Peripheral wall 142a Receiving port 142b Discharge port 143 Rotating member 143a Rotating shaft 143b Holding recess 150 Distributing device 151 Receiving portion 152 Guide portion 153 Bottom surface 154 Rotating shaft 155 Guide groove 160 Drive portion 161 Motor gear 162 Drive gear 163 Drive gear 163 A 164 Idle gear 165 Idle gear 210 First start prize port 220 Second start prize port 310 Start prize port switch 324 Second accessory motor 323 First accessory motor 400 Main controller 500 Sub controller P Game ball

Claims (4)

First game ball transport means for transporting game balls at a constant cycle;
A second game ball transport means disposed downstream of the first game ball transport means for transporting the game balls at a constant cycle;
A game ball retention means disposed between the first game ball conveyance means and the second game ball conveyance means and capable of retaining the game ball so that the residence time is irregular. A featured game ball transport device. The game ball retention means is
The game ball transport device according to claim 1, further comprising a rolling surface capable of rolling the game ball. A game ball detecting means disposed on the downstream side of the second game ball conveying means and capable of detecting a game ball;
A state where the game ball is disposed between the second game ball transporting unit and the game ball detection unit, and the game ball is likely to be detected by the game ball detection unit at a constant period; The game ball transfer device according to claim 1, further comprising: a game ball distribution unit capable of configuring a state in which the possibility of being detected by the ball detection unit is low. Each of the first game ball transport means and the second game ball transport means,
A rotating body capable of holding a game ball is provided, and the held game ball is conveyed by rotating the rotating body at a constant period. The game ball transport device according to Item.

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