JP2012165802A - Ball return preventing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ball return preventing device capable of preventing an illegal act using a game ball with a fine wire bonded thereto.SOLUTION: The ball return preventing device is provided at the upper side end of an inner rail fixedly provided inside a shot ball passage of circular arc shape provided on the front face of a game board of a game machine, to prevent the game ball from returning to the shot ball passage from a playfield of the game machine. The ball return preventing device includes a ball stop piece. The ball stop piece is placed in a rising attitude onto the shot ball passage side in a normal state when mounted to the upper side end and tilts in a retreat direction from the shot ball passage when the game ball hits it from the shot ball passage side. The tip part of the ball stop piece is formed with at least one notch shaped to be gradually narrowed in notched opening width toward the bottom of the notch.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball return prevention device provided in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, an inner rail and an outer rail that are curved in an arc shape are fixed on a gaming board of the gaming machine, and a launching ball passage formed between the inner rail and the outer rail A game ball is launched through the game area of the gaming machine. A ball return prevention mechanism is provided at the upper end of the inner rail in order to prevent the game ball launched into the game area from returning to the launch ball passage (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-158454 A

  In a conventional gaming machine, an act of causing an illegal prize ball or a hit is performed by bonding a game ball to the tip of a thin line such as a fishing line or a piano wire and launching the game ball to the game area to play. Yes. Specifically, a player who performs the fraud launches a game ball to which the fine line is bonded to a game area, and wins the game ball in a starting port or a normal winning port provided in the gaming machine. Then, a winning ball and a winning lottery are continuously generated by inserting / removing a thin line so that the winning state is continuously generated and reciprocating the game ball inside the start opening or the normal winning opening.

  However, the above-mentioned ball return prevention mechanism cannot prevent fraud using a game ball to which a thin wire is bonded.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball return prevention device capable of preventing fraud using a game ball having thin wires bonded thereto.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention may employ the following configuration, for example. When interpreting the description of the claims, it is understood that the scope should be interpreted only by the description of the claims, and the description of the claims and the description in this column are contradictory. In that case, priority is given to the claims. Note that reference numerals and the like in parentheses indicate correspondence with embodiments described later to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  One configuration example of the ball return prevention device (7) of the present invention is an inner part fixed inside an arc-shaped launching ball passage (63) provided on the front surface of the game board (2) of the gaming machine (1). Provided at the upper end of the rail (61), it prevents the game ball from returning from the game area (20) of the game machine to the launch ball passage. The ball return prevention device includes ball stopper pieces (73, 735). When the ball stopper piece is attached to the upper end, the ball stopper piece normally stands on the side of the launching ball passage, and when the game ball hits from the side of the launching ball passage, it tilts in a direction to retract from the launching ball passage. To do. At the tip of the ball stopper piece, at least one notch having a shape in which the notch opening width gradually decreases toward the notch bottom is formed.

  Further, the notch may be a V-shaped notch having a V shape in which two straight lines are connected at the bottom of the notch.

  Further, even when the ball stopper piece is tilted in the retracting direction, the notch may be formed so that the opening of the notch is always exposed to the outside.

  In addition, the notch is set to have the widest opening width (W) larger than the diameter of the fine line assumed to be illegal using a game ball to which the thin line is bonded, and the notch bottom is always exposed to the game area side. The notch opening angle (θ) may be set relatively small in the range.

  The cutout may be formed in the ball stop piece by a cutout surface having a tapered shape in which the opening width gradually increases from one main surface to the other main surface of the ball stop piece.

  Moreover, the said notch may be formed in a ball stop piece by the notch surface used as the uneven | corrugated shape which becomes convex at least one location to the notch opening side.

  Further, the notch may be formed in the ball stop piece by a notch surface having a surface roughness rougher than a predetermined threshold.

  The ball stopper piece may have a support shaft (731) arranged in parallel to the inner rail when attached to the upper end, and may be configured to be tiltable with the support shaft as a fulcrum. As an example, the ball stopper piece may be in a posture in which the ball stopper piece is erected on the side of the firing ball passage in a normal state by a weight balance with respect to the support shaft. As another example, the ball stopper piece may have a posture in which the ball stopper piece stands up toward the projecting ball passage in a normal state by applying a magnetic force or an urging force of an elastic body to one of the support shafts as a reference.

  The ball stopper piece may be made of an elastic plate material. In this case, even when the ball stopper piece is attached to the upper end portion, one end thereof is supported at the upper end position and attached in an upward posture, so that the ball stopper piece is normally raised to the firing ball passage side. Good.

  Further, the present invention may be implemented in the form of a gaming machine provided with the above ball return prevention device.

  According to the present invention, fraud using a game ball to which a thin wire is bonded can be prevented.

Schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention Schematic diagram for explaining an example of the movement of a game ball that is launched into the game area 20 through the launch ball passage 63 and the ball return prevention device 7 The figure which shows an example which looked at the state which attached the ball | bowl return prevention apparatus 7 to the inner rail 61 from the upper side The figure which shows an example which looked at the state which attached the ball | bowl return prevention apparatus 7 to the inner rail 61 from the lower side 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. An exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the ball return prevention device 7 Top view showing an example of the tilting member 73 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 7, showing an example of a V-shaped notch forming portion of the ball stopper piece 735. Cross-sectional view of the main part of the ball return prevention device 7 showing an example of the state of the ball return prevention device 7 when the game ball is launched Cross-sectional view of the main part of the ball return prevention device 7 showing an example in which fraud using the game ball bonded with a thin wire is prevented by the ball return prevention device 7

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a gaming machine equipped with a ball return prevention device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 equipped with a ball return prevention device 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the movement of a game ball that is launched into the game area 20 through the launch ball passage 63 and the ball return prevention device 7.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins a prize, for example. This gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side, and is detachably attached to the game board 2. And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened. In this way, the game board 2 is opened to the outside by opening the frame member 5, and the employee of the store where the game machine 1 is installed directly contacts the game board 2 from the front of the game machine 1. Is possible.

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. Further, the game board 2 includes an inner rail 61 that forms a launch ball passage 63 in which a game ball launched from below (launching device) rises along the front surface of the game board 2 toward the upper position of the game area 20 and An outer rail 62 is attached. For example, the outer rail 62 is made of a stainless steel strip, and is fixed in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the front surface of the game board 2 in an arc shape. The inner rail 61 is made of a stainless steel strip, and is fixed to the front surface of the game board 2 by being curved in an arc shape with a predetermined interval inside the outer rail 62. Then, the game ball is launched into the game area 20 through a space (launch ball passage 63) along the front surface of the game board 2 between the inner rail 61 and the outer rail 62. Here, the inner rail 61 is provided up to the upper position of the game area 20 where the game ball is launched, and an upper end is formed at the upper position, and the upper end extends from the launch ball passage 63 to the game area 20. It functions as a game ball exit. A ball return prevention device 7 is provided at the upper end of the inner rail 61. The detailed structure of the ball return prevention device 7 will be described later.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 21 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 21 notifies the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) by displaying, for example, a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, or notices by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item. Display the production. The image display unit 21 is described as a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) dot display device, and a 7-segment display (hereinafter referred to as a 7-segment display device). However, any other display device may be used. Further, a movable accessory 22 and a board lamp 23 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 22 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2 and performs various effects by moving it with a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game by the player. The board lamp 23 emits light according to the progress of the game by the player, thereby performing various effects by light.

  The game area 20 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the direction in which the game ball falls downward. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery, a first starting port 25a, a second starting port 25b, a gate 27, a big winning port 28, and a normal winning port 29 are arranged on the game board 2. It is installed. Further, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 24 for discharging out of the game area 20 a game ball that has not been won in the winning area among the game balls launched into the game area 20.

  The first start opening 25a and the second start opening 25b each receive a prize when a game ball enters, and a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) is started. The first starting port 25a is a winning port for winning a game ball, which activates a predetermined special electric accessory (large winning port 28) and / or a predetermined special symbol display. The second starting port 25b is a winning port related to winning a game ball that activates the special electric accessory (large winning port 28) and / or a predetermined special symbol display. When the game ball passes through the gate 27, a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is started.

  The 2nd starting opening 25b is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting opening 25a, and is provided with the electric tulip 26 near the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 26 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid), which will be described later. Lights up or blinks together. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 26 is in a state in which the game ball does not enter the second starting port 25b because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 25b is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 26 is configured such that when the pair of blade portions are opened to the left and right, the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 25b increases, so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 25b. Has been. When the electric tulip 26 wins the normal symbol lottery by passing a game ball through the gate 27, the pair of blades open for a specified time (for example, 0.15 seconds or 1.80 seconds) while lighting or flashing. Open and close a specified number of times (for example, once or three times).

  The special winning opening 28 is located below the second start opening 25b and opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The special winning opening 28 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the grand prize winning opening 28 is a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or until 10 game balls have been won or the accumulated cumulative time is within 1.8 seconds). , 15 times or once). Further, the lottery does not start at the normal winning opening 29 even if a game ball wins.

  In addition, a display 3 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, lower right) of the game board 2 to display the result of the above-described special symbol lottery or normal symbol lottery and the number of holds.

  The gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 has two first start openings 25a and second start openings 25b in the game area 20, but when a game ball enters, a special symbol lottery is started. Only one starting port may be provided. Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with one big winning opening 28 in the gaming area 20, but a plurality of big winning openings having the same function as the big winning opening 28 may be provided.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 may vary the jackpot probability that the jackpot will be lottered during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, the gaming machine 1 has a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively low (low probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 1/300) to a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively high (high probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 30 May fluctuate to 1). In addition, the gaming machine 1 can reduce the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning at the time of the normal symbol lottery, or reduce the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In some cases, the opening time of the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is extended, or the number of times the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is opened and closed increases (electric chew support).

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters the first start port 25a, the second start port 25b, the big winning port 28, and the normal winning port 29 (winning), a predetermined number per game ball is determined according to the place where the game ball has won. Prize balls are paid out. For example, when a game ball wins the first start port 25a and the second start port 25b, four prize balls are awarded, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 28, thirteen prize balls are awarded, and the game ball wins the normal prize opening 29. Then, 10 prize balls are each paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 includes a handle 51, a lever 52, a stop button 53, a take-out button 54, a speaker 55, a frame lamp 56, an effect button 57, an effect key 58, a dish 59, a lock part 43, and the like. Is provided.

  When the player touches the handle 51 and performs an operation of rotating the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the launching device plays the game at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle. Electric fire the ball. The tray 59 is provided so as to protrude in front of the gaming machine 1 and temporarily stores game balls supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize ball is paid out to the plate 59. Then, the game balls stored in the tray 59 are supplied to the launching device one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing interlocked with the operation by the player's lever 52. In addition, the plate 59 may be configured by integrating the upper and lower plates, or may be configured by separating the upper plate and the lower plate. The handle 51 may emit light under predetermined conditions.

  The stop button 53 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 51, and even when the player touches the handle 51 and rotates the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 54 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 59 is provided. When the player presses the game ball, the game ball stored on the tray 59 is dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 55 and the frame lamp 56 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 55 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. Further, the frame lamp 56 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing, a difference in emission color, or the like. Note that the frame lamp 56 may change the light irradiation direction and produce an effect by changing the irradiation direction.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the movement of the game ball fired by the launching device will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the movement of the game ball fired by the launching device of the gaming machine 1. 2, in order to simplify the description, only the ball return prevention device 7, the game area 20, the inner rail 61, the outer rail 62, and the launching ball passage 63 among the components constituting the gaming machine 1 are shown. Show.

  In FIG. 2, when a player supplies a game ball to the gaming machine 1 and performs a launch operation with the launching device, the game balls are launched one by one at predetermined time intervals in the game ball launch direction. The game ball launched by the launcher moves upward along the front surface of the game board 2 through the launch ball passage 63 formed between the inner rail 61 and the outer rail 62 in the direction A in the figure. Move like a game ball. The ball stopper piece 735 (see FIGS. 3 to 7) of the tilting member 73 of the ball return prevention device 7 hits the arrangement position of the ball return prevention device 7 provided at the upper end portion of the inner rail 61. When a game ball is launched into the launch ball passage 63 at a speed that reaches at or above the speed for retreating downward, the game ball is released from the launch ball passage 63 above the game area 20. Then, the game ball released to the upper side of the game area 20 moves freely falling along the front of the game board in the game area 20 like a game ball moving in the direction B in the figure. In this way, the game ball launched by the launching device of the gaming machine 1 hits the tilting member 73 of the ball return prevention device 7 through the launching ball passage 63 and is released above the gaming area 20.

  Next, the structure of the ball return prevention device 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a view showing an example in which the ball return preventing device 7 is attached to the inner rail 61 as viewed from above. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the ball return preventing device 7 is attached to the inner rail 61 as viewed from below. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 3, showing an example of a state where the ball return prevention device 7 is attached to the inner rail 61 as viewed from the side. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the ball return prevention device 7. FIG. 7 is a top view showing an example of the tilting member 73. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. 7, showing an example of the V-shaped notch forming portion of the ball stopper piece 735.

  3 to 6, the ball return prevention device 7 includes an upper body 71, a lower body 72, a tilting member 73, a support shaft 731, and a weight 732. For example, the upper body 71, the lower body 72, and the tilting member 73 are formed by molding, for example, with a synthetic resin. The support shaft 731 is made of a metal rod such as stainless steel and is inserted into the tilting member 73. The weight 732 is formed of a metal member having a predetermined weight such as a metal screw, and is attached to a predetermined portion of the tilting member 73. In general, the lower surface of the upper main body 71 and the upper surface of the lower main body 72 are joined and assembled in a state where both ends of the support shaft 731 inserted through the tilting member 73 are pivotally supported and sandwiched. .

  The upper main body 71 has a substantially rectangular frame shape in which an opening in which a part of the tilting member 73 is disposed is formed at the center, and both end portions of the support shaft 731 are pivotally supported on the inner surfaces of both side portions. A pair of semicircular bearing grooves is formed. A leaf spring-like elastic piece extends from the center of the lower side of the upper main body 71, and the lower surface of the elastic piece (that is, the surface on the lower main body 72 side when joined to the lower main body 72). ) Is formed with a cylindrical engagement protrusion 711. The engagement protrusion 711 is formed at a position exposed to the outside when the upper body 71 and the lower body 72 are joined. In addition, on the lower surface of the upper main body 71 joined to the lower main body 72, an uneven portion (for example, a concave portion) that fits with the upper surface of the lower main body 72 is formed.

  The lower main body 72 is a plate-like member that can be engaged and joined in a substantially rectangular frame of the upper main body 71, and the upper surface of the lower main body 72 joined to the upper main body 71 is connected to the lower surface of the upper main body 71. An uneven portion (for example, a convex portion) to be fitted is formed. Further, the lower main body 72 is formed with a pair of bearing protrusions that are disposed immediately below the bearing groove when joined to the upper main body 71.

  The tilting member 73 is formed with an insertion hole 733 for inserting the support shaft 731, and an attachment hole 734 to which a weight 732 is attached is formed below the insertion hole 733. Further, the tilting member 73 has a ball stopper piece 735 formed obliquely above the through hole 733 on the opposite side of the mounting hole 734 across the through hole 733. The tip of the ball stopper piece 735 is formed with a V-shaped notch forming portion in which at least one V-shaped notch is formed, and the most distal end portion is curved downward (that is, on the upper body 71 side).

  When assembling the ball return prevention device 7, after the weight 732 is attached to the attachment hole 734, the lower part of the tilting member 73 (the part where the through hole 733 and the attachment hole 734 are formed) is placed in the opening of the upper body 71. The support shaft 731 is inserted into the insertion hole 733 with the lower portion protruding from the upper surface side and the lower portion protruded from the upper body 71, and both ends of the support shaft 731 are disposed in the bearing grooves of the upper body 71. To do. Then, the lower main body 72 is joined and fixed to the upper main body 71 by adhesion or welding. As a result, both end portions of the support shaft 731 are sandwiched between the bearing groove of the upper body 71 and the bearing protrusion of the lower body 72. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a slit-like gap is formed between the lower portion of the upper body 71 and the lower portion of the lower body 72 and is inserted into the upper end of the inner rail 61. Furthermore, a space that is surrounded by the opening of the upper body 71 and the upper surface of the lower body 72 and faces the launching ball passage 63 when the ball return prevention device 7 is inserted into the upper end of the inner rail 61 is formed. Is done.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner rail 61 is fixed to the front surface of the game board 2 by a fixing member (for example, a nail) 611. In addition, a through hole that can be engaged with the engagement protrusion 711 is formed in the upper end portion of the inner rail 61 at a position at a predetermined distance from the end surface. Then, the ball return prevention device 7 inserts the slit-shaped gap into the upper end portion of the inner rail 61 with the upper body 71 on the upper side (that is, on the outer rail 62 side). The through hole engages and is fixed to the upper end of the inner rail 61.

  The ball return prevention device 7 attached to the upper end portion of the inner rail 61 is disposed on the launching ball passage 63 side in a state where the tilting member 73 can tilt around the support shaft 731, and the tip of the ball stopper piece 735. The part (V-shaped notch forming part) is arranged at the uppermost position. As a result, the tip of the ball stop piece 735 of the ball return prevention device 7 is disposed at the uppermost position extending upward from the upper end of the inner rail 61, so that the launch ball passage 63 moves to the game area 20. It will be arranged in a state of protruding to the extreme end of the game ball outlet.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the tilting member 73 can tilt in the direction D shown in the figure. For example, the tilting member 73 tilts so that the ball stopper piece 735 stands up to the launching ball passage 63 side normally due to the weight balance between the lower side to which the weight 732 is attached and the upper side on which the ball stopper piece 735 is formed. And the site | part to which the weight 732 is attached retracts | saves in the said space. When the game ball is launched into the launch ball passage 63 and the game ball hits the ball stop piece 735, the tilting member 73 is retracted downward from the launch ball passage 63 with the pivot 731 as a fulcrum, and the weight The portion to which 732 is attached tilts so as to move from the space to the launching ball passage 63 side. Thereby, the game ball launched into the launch ball passage 63 is released to the game area 20 without being blocked by the ball stopper piece 735. In addition, when the game ball passes the game ball exit from the launch ball passage 63 to the game area 20, the tilting member 73 becomes normal so that the ball stopper piece 735 stands up toward the launch ball passage 63 again due to the weight balance. Tilt. In this normal state, when the game ball once released to the game area 20 bounces back to the game ball outlet and hits the ball stopper piece 735, the part to which the weight 732 is attached comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower main body 72 and the like. The tilting member 73 is not tilted so that the upper side where the ball stopper piece 735 is formed further falls in the direction opposite to the game ball launch direction on the launch ball passage 63 side. Therefore, even if the game ball released to the game area 20 hits the ball stop piece 735, the game ball does not return to the launch ball passage 63.

  Here, the V-shaped notch forming portion formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 will be described. As described above, the V-shaped notch forming portion of the ball stopper piece 735 is arranged in a state where at least one V-shaped notch is formed and protrudes from the firing ball passage 63 to the end of the game ball exit to the game area 20. The As will be apparent from the description below, the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 is provided to allow the fine wire to bite when a fraud using a game ball to which the fine wire is bonded is performed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 is formed so that the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 has the widest opening width, and a game ball to which a thin wire is bonded is used. The widest opening width W is set so as to be at least larger than the diameter of the fine line assumed to be illegal. In addition, it is desirable that the V-shaped opening angle θ of the V-shaped notch is as small as possible so that the thin line can easily bite into the V-shaped notch. In consideration of the widest opening width W, the V-shaped opening angle θ, and the size of the ball stopper piece 735, the number of V-shaped notches formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 may be set. In addition, the V-shaped notch formed in the V-shaped notch forming part of the ball stopper piece 735 may form a plurality of V-shaped notches having the same shape, or a plurality of V-shaped notches having different shapes.

  Further, when the tilting member 73 is assembled, the position where the fine line bites into the V-shaped notch from the uppermost end position of the upper body 71 is lower (that is, the center of the upper body 71 from the uppermost position of the upper body 71). Side)), it is conceivable that the thin line comes out of the V-shaped notch due to the tilting of the tilting member 73. Therefore, when the effect of solving such a problem is expected, the V-shaped opening angle θ of the V-shaped notch is determined so that the biting position assumed when the thin line bites into the V-shaped notch is The acute angle may be set in a range that does not fall below the uppermost position (for example, a range in which the notch bottom of the V-shaped notch is above the uppermost position of the upper body 71 when the tilting member 73 is assembled). Thus, even when the ball stopper piece 735 is retracted from the firing ball passage 63, the V-shaped notch opening is always exposed to the outside (typically exposed to the game area 20 side). The thin line does not come out of the V-shaped notch due to the tilting of the tilting member 73.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the V-shaped surface (notched surface) of the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 may be formed in a tapered shape. For example, a V-shaped surface having a V-shaped notch may be formed such that the opening width gradually increases from the upper surface to the lower surface of the ball stopper piece 735, or from the upper surface to the lower surface of the ball stopper piece 735. A V-shaped surface with a V-shaped notch may be formed in a tapered shape so that the opening width gradually decreases. As a result, when the thin line bites into the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735, since the point between the V-shaped notch and the thin line becomes a point, the bite is bite compared to the case of the line-shaped notch. The effect of increasing power can be expected.

  Further, the V-shaped surface (notched surface) of the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 may not be a flat surface. For example, a V-shaped surface with a V-shaped notch may be formed in an uneven shape in which at least one portion is convex toward the V-shaped opening side. Further, the V-shaped V-shaped surface may be formed so that the surface roughness of the V-shaped surface of the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 is a rough plane having a predetermined threshold value or more. In any case, when the fine line bites into the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735, the frictional force between the V-shaped notch and the fine line increases, so that a simple plane Thus, the effect of increasing the biting force can be expected as compared with the case where the V-shaped surface is formed.

  A member having a relatively high friction coefficient may be provided on the V-shaped surface (notched surface) of the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735. For example, it is conceivable to provide a member such as rubber or sponge, or a highly adhesive member (such as a silicon-based adhesive member or an adhesive member for capturing pests) on the notch surface of the V-shaped notch. By providing such a member having a relatively high friction coefficient on the notch surface of the V-shaped notch, when the thin line bites into the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735, the V-shaped notch and the Since the frictional force between the thin wires increases, an effect of increasing the biting force can be expected as compared with the case where the V-shaped surface is formed with a member having a relatively low friction coefficient.

  In addition, a V-shaped surface (notched surface) of a V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 is used to cut the fine line when a fraud is performed using a game ball to which the fine line is bonded. It doesn't matter. For example, a blade capable of cutting the fine wire is provided on the cut surface. As a result, when the thin wire bites into the V-shaped notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735, the fine wire bitten by the tension applied to the thin wire due to the game ball being struck and the weight of the game ball is Cut with a blade. In addition, when an unauthorized person who has performed a fraud using a game ball to which a fine line is bonded releases the game ball to the game area 20 and then tries to collect the game ball by pulling the fine ball, the fine line is pulled back. Due to the tension, the fine wire that has been cut in is cut by the blade.

  Further, the notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece 735 may not be exactly the shape of the letter “V” as long as the opening width gradually decreases toward the notch bottom. For example, the pair of cutout surfaces forming the cutouts are not in the above-mentioned V shape, which is formed by connecting two straight lines at the cutout bottom, but each in a circular arc shape (for example, an arc shape convex toward the cutout opening side). The curved shape may be a combination of two curved curves connected by a notch bottom.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, an example of a mechanism in which fraud using a game ball to which a thin line is bonded is prevented by the ball return prevention device 7 will be described. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the ball return prevention device 7 showing an example of the state of the ball return prevention device 7 when a game ball is launched. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the ball return prevention device 7 showing an example in which fraud using a game ball to which a thin wire is bonded is prevented by the ball return prevention device 7.

  As shown in FIG. 9, since the tilting member 73 is tilted so that the ball stopper piece 735 stands up toward the firing ball passage 63 in the normal state, the V-shaped notch of the V-shaped notch forming portion is on the firing ball passage 63 side. The posture is open toward Then, like a game ball moving in the direction F in the figure, when a regular game ball or an illegal game ball to which a thin line is bonded is launched into the launch ball passage 63 and the game ball hits the ball stop piece 735, Since the tilting member 73 tilts so that the stop piece 735 is retracted downward from the launch ball passage 63, the game ball launched into the launch ball passage 63 is released to the game area 20 without being blocked by the ball stop piece 735. The

  Here, when the regular game ball passes the game ball exit from the launch ball passage 63 to the game area 20, the tilting member 73 tilts so that the ball stopper piece 735 stands up toward the launch ball passage 63 again. To do. As a result, even if a regular game ball once released to the game area 20 bounces back to the game ball outlet, the game ball does not hit the ball stop piece 735 and return to the launch ball passage 63. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the illegal game ball to which the thin line is adhered passes through the game ball exit from the launch ball passage 63 to the game area 20, the V-shaped notch formed in the V-shaped notch forming part eventually. A thin line bonded to the game ball fits into any one of them. Then, one end of the fine line bonded to the illegal game ball moves downward in the game area 20 by the free fall of the illegal game ball, and the other end of the fine line is maintained on the hand side of the unauthorized player. Therefore, the thin line fitted into the V-shaped notch is in a state of being bitten into the V-shaped notch. If the fine line bites into one of the V-shaped notches, the bite portion of the fine line cannot come out of the V-shaped notch, so that the movement is impossible, and the illegal game is bonded to one end of the fine line. The ball cannot move in the game area 20 (the state shown in FIG. 10). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the thin line bites into any one of the V-shaped notches, the illegal gaming ball bonded to one end of the thin line is free-falling (for example, illustrated) (Movement in the G direction) becomes impossible. As a result, a player who uses the illegal gaming ball guides the illegal gaming ball to win the starting port such as the first starting port 25a provided in the gaming machine 1 or the normal winning port 29, or the winning The illegal game ball cannot be reciprocated by inserting and removing a thin line so that the state continuously occurs.

  It is difficult to eliminate the state in which the above-described fine line has bitten into the V-shaped notch even if the player operates the fine line from the other end side of the fine line. For example, even if the player performs an operation to loosen the thin line from the other end side of the thin line while the thin line is biting into the V-shaped notch, a force that causes the thin line to be detached from the V-shaped notch Since there is no transmission to the biting portion, the above biting state cannot be resolved. Further, even if the player performs an operation of pulling the thin line from the other end side of the thin line in a state where the above-described thin line has bitten into the V-shaped notch, a force that causes the thin line to further bite into the V-shaped notch Since it is transmitted to the biting part, the biting state cannot be solved.

  In addition, in a state where the above-described fine line has bitten into the V-shaped notch, the player will try to forcefully eliminate the bite state by performing an operation of pulling the fine line from the other end side of the fine line with a greater force. Can be considered. However, even if there is a case where the above-described bite state is forcibly canceled, the player eventually wins a starting port such as the first starting port 25a provided in the gaming machine 1 or the normal winning port 29. In such a state that the illegal gaming ball is not cheating in such a way that the illegal gaming ball is guided or the illegal gaming ball is reciprocated by inserting and removing a thin line so that the winning state is continuously generated. It can only be pulled back.

  As described above, according to the ball return prevention device of the present invention, when a fraud is performed using a game ball to which a thin wire is bonded, the thin wire bites into a V-shaped notch provided at the tip of the ball stopper piece. The fraud can be prevented.

  In the above description, the tilting member 73 in which the ball stopper piece 735 stands up to the launching ball passage 63 side normally due to the weight balance between the lower side to which the weight 732 is attached and the upper side on which the ball stopper piece 735 is formed. However, the present invention may be applied to a ball return prevention device having another configuration.

  As a first example, the present invention can be applied to a ball return prevention device in which the ball stopper piece is not erected normally by the weight balance but the ball stopper piece is erected normally by other force. Specifically, it is conceivable to apply the present invention to a ball return prevention device in which a ball stopper piece is erected in a normal state by applying a magnetic force, an urging force or tension of an elastic body, and the like. Even in this case, if the above-described V-shaped notch forming portion is formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece, fraud using a game ball in which fine wires are bonded can be prevented.

  As a second example, a ball stopper piece formed of an elastic plate material such as a synthetic resin plate (including a synthetic rubber plate or a synthetic fiber plate), a metal plate, or a natural rubber plate is placed at one end at the upper end position of the inner rail. The present invention can be applied to a ball return prevention device that is supported and attached in an upward posture. In this case, if the above-mentioned V-shaped notch forming portion is formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece formed of the elastic plate material, fraud using a game ball in which fine wires are bonded can be prevented.

  Further, in the above description, as an example of the cheating performed by the player, to the starting port such as the first starting port 25a provided in the gaming machine 1 or the normal winning port 29 using an illegal gaming ball to which a thin line is bonded. Although the illegal gaming ball was guided to win a prize, or the illegal gaming ball was reciprocated by inserting / removing a thin line so that the winning state was continuously generated, but other illegal acts were also prevented. It goes without saying that you can do it. For example, by using the above-mentioned illegal gaming balls, illegal winning or lottery to other items (for example, the gate 27, the second start opening 25b, the big winning opening 28) related to winning or lottery provided in the gaming machine 1 is performed. It is also possible to prevent fraud that may occur. Also, even if it is fraudulent using a tool with an object other than a game ball bonded to a thin line, it will not be possible to handle the tool freely by biting into the thin line when it passes through the ball return prevention device. It is possible to prevent fraud.

  In addition, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. Needless to say.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. Moreover, it is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range from the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

  Hereinafter, the function and effect of the embodiment will be described. In interpreting the description of the scope of claims, it is understood that the scope should be interpreted only by the description of the scope of claims. In case of conflict, the claims will prevail. In addition, the description in parentheses in this operational effect indicates a correspondence relationship with the above-described embodiment in order to help understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the notch opening width gradually decreases toward the notch bottom at the tip of the ball stopper piece (tilting member 73, ball stopper piece 735) provided in the ball return prevention device (ball return prevention device 7). At least one notch having a narrowing shape is formed.

  According to the above, when a fraud using a game ball to which a thin line is bonded is performed, the thin line bites into a notch provided at the tip of the ball stopper piece, so that the fraud can be prevented.

  The notch may be a V-shaped notch.

  According to the above, when a fraud using a game ball to which a thin wire is bonded is performed, the fine wire bites into a V-shaped notch provided at the tip of the ball stopper piece. Fraud can be reliably prevented.

  Even when the ball stopper piece is tilted in the retracting direction, the notch may be formed so that the opening of the notch is always exposed to the outside.

  According to the above, even when the ball stopper piece is retracted from the launch ball passage, the notch opening is always exposed to the outside. The thin wire bonded to the sphere does not come out of the notch.

  The notch is set such that the widest opening width (widest opening width W) is set larger than the diameter of the thin line assumed illegally using a game ball to which the thin line is bonded, and the notch bottom is located on the game area side. The notch opening angle (V-shaped opening angle θ) may be set to be relatively small in the always exposed range.

  According to the above, the fine wire bonded to the illegal gaming ball can be surely bitten in the notch, and the fine wire does not come out of the notch even if the ball stopper piece is tilted.

  The cutout may be formed in the ball stop piece by a cutout surface having a tapered shape in which the opening width gradually increases from one main surface to the other main surface of the ball stop piece.

  According to the above, when a thin line bites into the notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece, since the point between the notch and the thin line becomes a point, the biting force increases compared to the case of the line. .

  The cutout may be formed in the ball stopper piece by a cutout surface having an uneven shape.

  According to the above, when a fine line bites into the notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece, the frictional force between the notch and the fine line increases, and thus the notch surface is formed with a simple plane. The biting force is increased in comparison.

  The cutout may be formed in the ball stop piece by a cutout surface having a surface roughness that is rougher than a predetermined threshold.

  According to the above, when a fine line bites into the notch formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece, the frictional force between the notch and the fine line increases, and thus the notch surface is formed with a simple plane. The biting force is increased in comparison.

  The ball stopper piece may be configured to be tiltable about a support shaft (support shaft 731) as a fulcrum.

  According to the above, a ball return prevention device having a structure in which the ball stopper piece is standing upright on the launching ball passage side in a normal state by a weight balance with respect to the support shaft, and a magnetic force or elastic body on one side with respect to the support shaft Even if it is a ball return prevention device with a structure in which the ball stopper piece is standing upright on the launching ball passage side by applying the biasing force of, if fraud using a game ball bonded with a thin wire is performed, Since the fine wire bites into a notch provided at the tip of the ball stopper piece, the fraud can be prevented.

  The ball stopper piece may be made of an elastic plate material.

  According to the above, a ball return prevention of a structure in which a ball stopper piece made of an elastic plate is in an upright posture toward the launching ball passage side by being supported in an upward posture with one end supported at the upper end position. Even if it is a device, when a fraud using a game ball to which a thin line is bonded is performed, the thin line bites into a notch provided at the tip of the ball stopper piece, so that the fraud can be prevented.

  Moreover, you may implement in the form of a game machine (game machine 1) provided with the said ball return prevention apparatus.

  Even a gaming machine equipped with the ball return prevention device can obtain the same effects as described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 20 ... Game area 21 ... Image display part 22 ... Movable accessory 23 ... Board lamp 24 ... Discharge port 25a ... 1st start port 25b ... 2nd start port 26 ... Electric tulip 27 ... Gate 28 ... Big winning opening 29 ... Normal winning opening 3 ... Display 43 ... Lock part 5 ... Frame member 51 ... Handle 52 ... Lever 53 ... Stop button 54 ... Eject button 55 ... Speaker 56 ... Frame lamp 57 ... Direction button 58 ... Direction key 59 ... Plate 61 ... Inner rail 611 ... Fixed member 62 ... Outer rail 63 ... Launch ball passage 7 ... Ball return prevention device 71 ... Upper body 711 ... Engagement protrusion 72 ... Lower body 73 ... Tilt member 731 ... Support shaft 732 ... Weight 733 ... through hole 734 ... mounting hole 735 ... ball stop piece

Claims (5)

Provided at the upper end of the inner rail fixed inside the arc-shaped launching ball passage provided on the front surface of the gaming board of the gaming machine, the gaming ball returns from the gaming area of the gaming machine to the launching ball passage. A ball return prevention device for preventing this,
A ball that, when attached to the upper end, normally stands up to the firing ball passage side, and tilts in a direction of retreating from the firing ball passage when a game ball hits from the firing ball passage side With stop pieces,
At least one notch having a shape in which a notch opening width gradually decreases toward the notch bottom is formed at the tip of the ball stopper piece.   2. The ball return prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the notch is a V-shaped notch having a V-shape obtained by connecting and combining two straight lines at the notch bottom.   3. The notch according to claim 1, wherein the ball stopper piece is formed so that an opening of the notch is always exposed to the outside even when the ball stopper is tilted in the retracting direction. Ball return prevention device.   4. The ball stop piece according to claim 1, wherein the cutout surface is formed by a cutout surface having a tapered shape in which the opening width gradually increases from one main surface to the other main surface of the ball stop piece. The ball return prevention apparatus as described in any one. The ball stopper piece is made of an elastic plate material,
When the ball stopper piece is attached to the upper end portion, one end thereof is supported at the upper end position and attached in an upward posture, so that the ball stopper piece stands in the firing ball passage side in the normal state. The ball return prevention device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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