JP2013046736A - Enclosed pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an enclosed Pachinko game machine reducing the maximum electric power consumption or noise.SOLUTION: In the enclosed Pachinko game machine 1, during game play, a game ball having been used for a game flows down a collecting path 51, is guided to a normal path 52 by a path switching device 45, supplied to a shooting control device 35, and used for a game again. When a starting condition is satisfied where a game is not played, a shooting path 50 is closed by an opening and closing member 47b of an opening and closing device 47, automatic game ball shooting is automatically started by the shooting control device 35, and the game ball shot collides with the opening and closing member 47b and guided to a foul ball inlet to be a foul ball. Then the game ball flows down the collecting path 51, is guided to a polishing path 53 by the path switching device 45, polished by a polishing device 46, and reaches the shooting control device 35 after stain is removed from the game ball.

Description

  The present invention relates to an enclosed ball game machine.

  In recent years, as an eco-friendly ball game machine friendly to the global environment, an encapsulated ball game machine that plays a game by circulating a predetermined number of game balls enclosed therein has been attracting attention. In this encapsulated ball game machine, the launch device is fired toward the game board, and the game balls used for the game are collected inside the ball game machine and fired again by the launch device. The number of balls held by the player is managed as data.

  In other words, the player can purchase a rental ball within the range of the amount set in the IC card, and when playing a game, the purchased rental ball is temporarily stored in the bullet ball game machine as a possessed ball, The number of possessed balls is updated in accordance with the launch of game balls and the provision of prize balls. When the game ends, the number of balls held at that time is stored in the player's IC card, and prize exchange is performed based on this. For this reason, the game balls discharged from the bullet ball game machine as prize balls are not stored in the dollar box, and the labor for exchanging the prize can be greatly reduced.

  Also, conventionally, game balls are circulated throughout the island where a plurality of ball game machines are installed, and the game balls used in the game are collected and transported by each ball game machine, and the game balls are moved upward. Supplied to each ball game machine. In addition, a ball polishing device is provided inside the island, and ball polishing is performed in the process of circulating the game ball, thereby removing the dirt of the game ball.

  On the other hand, in the enclosed ball game machine, the game balls that flow down the path connected to the winning hole or the out port on the game area are collected, guided to the launching device, and then fired again. Is unnecessary, and less game balls need to be circulated, and a reduction in power consumption of the entire island or pachinko parlor is expected.

  Here, in the enclosed ball game machine, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a ball polishing device is provided inside the ball game machine, and the ball polishing is performed in a process in which the game ball circulates inside. There is a need to do. In addition, when ball polishing is performed with individual ball game machines in this way, noise reduction is expected compared to conventional ball polishing for a large number of game balls on the island side. Is done.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-98222 JP 2009-297149 A

  However, if ball polishing is performed in parallel with various effects such as images and sounds during a game, the maximum power consumption and noise of individual ball game machines may increase as compared to the conventional ones. There is a risk that the maximum power consumption and noise of the whole or a pachinko parlor will increase.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said subject, and it aims at providing the enclosed bullet ball game machine which can suppress maximum power consumption and a noise.

  The invention according to claim 1, which has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, collects game balls launched by the launching device toward the game area on the game board, and fires the collected game balls again by the launching device. The present invention relates to a sealed ball game machine that plays a game by circulating a predetermined number of game balls sealed inside.

  This encapsulated ball game machine reaches the game area after being fired by the launching device, collects the game ball that has entered the winning opening or the outlet provided in the game area, and is launched by the launching apparatus. The collecting means for collecting game balls that have not reached the game area after being collected as foul balls, and the first guiding path and the second guiding path for guiding the gaming balls collected by the collecting means to the launching device to fire again Removing means for removing dirt from the game ball guided by the first guide route, determination means for determining whether or not the game is in progress, and if the determination means determines that the game is in progress, the second guide route By guiding the game ball to the launching device, the removal means does not remove the dirt of the game ball, and when the judging means determines that the game is not in progress, the game ball is fired to the launching device. Both , By guiding the game ball to the launching device by the first guiding path, the removal control means for causing the removal means to remove the dirt of the game ball, and the course of the game ball launched by the launching device, The course changing means that makes the game ball a foul ball and the game ball launched by the launching device by the course changing means while the dirt of the game ball is being removed are used as a foul ball to prevent the game from being played. And a preventing means.

  According to such a configuration, since the removal of the dirt of the game and the game ball is not performed at the same time, the removal of the dirt is not performed in parallel with various effects such as images and sounds, so The maximum power consumption and noise of the ball game machine can be suppressed.

  In addition, when removing the dirt of the game ball during the game, it is necessary to supply the game ball to the launching device after removing the dirt after collecting the game ball used in the game. A game ball cannot be used for a game immediately. For this reason, in order to enable continuous games over a long period of time, it has been necessary to circulate a large number of game balls inside the enclosed ball game machine.

  On the other hand, according to the enclosed ball game machine according to claim 1, since the dirt of the game ball is not removed during the game, the collected game ball can be used immediately in the game. Even if the number of game balls circulating inside is small, it is possible to continuously play for a long period of time.

Further, since no noise is generated due to the removal of dirt during the game, the game can be performed comfortably.
In the enclosed ball game machine, since the player does not directly touch the game ball with his / her hand, the pace at which the dirt is attached to the game ball is considered to be slower than the conventional ball game machine. For this reason, without removing the dirt of the game ball constantly during operation of the enclosed ball game machine or during the game, the game may be hindered, or the dirt of the game ball may adhere to the game area etc. Is not expected to get worse.

  Further, when the dirt is removed, the launched game ball is changed in the course by the course changing means to become a foul ball, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the game from being played by the game ball. .

  Also, rather than collecting the game balls from the prize opening and the out port formed in the game area, it is shorter to launch and collect the game balls so that they become foul balls. be able to. Furthermore, since the game ball that was launched when removing the dirt can be reliably made into a foul ball, it is possible to launch the game ball at a high speed and shorten the launch interval of the game balls (for example, per minute The number of shots can be increased to 100 or more), and the time required to remove the dirt on the game ball can be shortened. For this reason, it is possible to efficiently remove dirt in a short time, thereby reducing the power consumption when removing dirt.

  In addition, when a game ball is fired to remove dirt in an unmanned bullet ball game machine that is not playing, and the game ball is flowing down the game area, a customer visiting the pachinko parlor On the other hand, there is a risk of discomfort. Other than this, misunderstanding that a malfunction or misconduct has occurred, or misunderstanding that there is a player who is playing without sitting in front of a ball game machine by fixing the launch handle etc. There is a risk that the game in the ball game machine from which the dirt is removed may be avoided due to the uncomfortable feeling or misunderstanding.

  On the other hand, according to the enclosed ball game machine according to claim 1, since the game ball launched for removing the dirt does not reach the game area, the launch of the game ball can be made inconspicuous. The launch of game balls can be made invisible from the outside. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned feeling of strangeness and misunderstanding from being given to the customer.

  In addition, a first guide route and a second guide route are provided as routes for guiding the collected game balls to the launching device, and dirt on the game balls guided through the first guide route is removed. Since it is possible to change which guide route is used to guide the game ball, whether or not to remove the dirt on the game ball can be switched reliably.

In addition, the course of the game ball launched by the launching device may be changed as follows, and the game ball may be collected as a foul ball.
That is, as described in claim 2, the collecting means has a foul ball inlet provided at a position where a game ball flowing down the launch path toward the launch device enters the wall of the launch path. The game ball that entered the ball is collected as a foul ball, and the course changing means is slidable in a direction crossing the launch path, and is stored in a storage section provided on the wall of the launch path by the slide movement. The opening / closing member is configured to displace between the stored storage state and the protruding state protruding from the wall portion, and the prevention means places the opening / closing member in the storage state when the dirt of the game ball is not removed. Thus, the game ball launched from the launching device can be opened and closed by allowing the game ball launched from the launching device to reach the game area, and by making the opening and closing member project while the dirt of the game ball is being removed. Let it collide with the member Induced in Aru ball inlet, by a foul ball to the recreation sphere, it may prevent the game takes place.

  By doing so, while the dirt of the game ball is being removed, it is possible to reliably prevent the game ball launched by the launching device from reaching the game area and collect the game ball as a foul ball.

Furthermore, as described in claim 3, when the opening / closing member is in a protruding state, one end of the opening / closing member may be fitted into a depressed portion provided in a wall portion of the launch path.
By doing so, the opening / closing member is bent or the position of the opening / closing member is shifted due to an impact when it collides with the game ball launched by the launching device while the dirt of the game ball is being removed. It is possible to prevent the mechanism for sliding the opening / closing member from being damaged.

Further, the opening / closing member needs to be disposed between the foul ball inlet and the game area in the launch path, but may be disposed in the following position.
That is, as described in claim 4, a path through which a game ball that enters the foul ball intake and flows down as a foul ball flows is a foul ball intake path, and the opening and closing member is in a protruding state. When it becomes, it may be in the state which crossed the extension line of the foul ball taking route.

  According to such a configuration, the game ball that collided with the opening / closing member can be directly entered into the foul ball intake, and the game ball was launched by the launching device while the dirt of the game ball was being removed. A game ball can be more reliably collected as a foul ball.

Note that it may be switched whether or not to remove the dirt on the game ball as follows.
That is, instead of the first and second guide paths, a launcher guide path is provided for guiding the game balls collected by the collection means to the launching apparatus in order to fire again, and the removing means guides the launching apparatus. The approaching and separation of the path is possible, and when approaching the launcher guidance path, the gameball guided by the launcher guidance path is brought into contact with the gameball and the dirt is removed by polishing the gameball. When separated from the device guide route, the game device may be configured so as not to interfere with the guidance of the game ball by the launch device guide route. When the determination means determines that the game is in progress, the removal control means separates the removal means from the launcher guide path so that the removal means does not grind the game ball, and the determination means plays the game. If it is determined that the removal is not in progress, the removal means may be brought close to the launching device guide path to cause the removal means to polish the game ball.

Even with such a configuration, it is possible to reliably switch whether or not to remove the dirt on the game ball.
Further, the removal of the game ball dirt may be started at the following timing.

  That is, as described in claim 5, the apparatus further includes a reception unit that receives a removal start operation for starting the removal of the dirt of the game ball, and the removal control unit is configured to determine that the determination unit determines that the game is not in progress. When the removal start operation is received through the receiving unit, the removal unit may be caused to remove the dirt on the game ball.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to remove the dirt on the game balls only when a store clerk at the pachinko parlor determines that it is necessary. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the dirt from being removed more than necessary when the degree of dirt on the game ball is low, and power is not wasted.

However, when the dirt of the game ball is removed according to the operation, the time and labor for managing the enclosed ball game machine will increase.
Therefore, in the encapsulated ball game machine according to claim 6, the removal control means determines that the game is not performed with respect to the removal means when a predetermined start condition is satisfied when the determination means determines that the game is not in progress. The removal of dirt on the sphere may be performed.

By doing this, the dirt of the game ball is automatically removed, so that it is possible to reduce the trouble of managing the enclosed ball game machine.
The start condition may be a condition that a predetermined time arrives (claim 7).

  Here, the predetermined time may be set as a predetermined year / month / date / time, or may be set to a specific time on the 10th of every month or a specific time on a specific day of the week. .

By doing so, the dirt can be automatically removed before the game ball becomes very dirty.
By the way, as described in claim 8, the removal control means may cause the removal means to remove the dirt of the game ball over a predetermined time.

By doing so, it is possible to appropriately remove the dirt of the game ball.
In addition, as described in claim 9, it further comprises a measuring means for measuring the degree of dirt on the game ball based on the luminance, and the removal control means is configured so that the degree of dirt on the game ball measured by the measuring means is in advance. The removal means may be made to remove dirt from the game ball until a predetermined degree is reached.

By doing so, the removal of the dirt can be continued until the dirt of the game ball is sufficiently removed.
In general, in an enclosed ball game machine, in order to prevent fraud, etc., a game ball (in) that has reached the game area during the game, and a game ball that has been collected after passing the game area ( OUT) is counted and transmitted to a management computer provided outside. However, it is considered that there is no need to transmit the number of ins and outs when the game balls are automatically launched to remove the dirt of the game balls.

  Therefore, in the enclosed ball game machine, after being launched by the launching device, the game ball that has reached the game area is in, the game ball that has been collected by the collecting means after reaching the game area is out, and in and out A counting means for counting the number of the game balls and notifying the number of these to the outside, and a stopping means for stopping the notification of the number of in and out to the outside when the dirt of the game ball is being removed. Furthermore, it is good also as providing.

  By doing so, it is possible to prevent unnecessary processing from being performed in the enclosed ball game machine or the management computer.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically rear views, such as the game area | region of the pachinko machine in 1st embodiment, and the path | route of a game ball. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode when a discharge path | route is closed. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart about a dirt removal start process. It is a flowchart about a dirt removal end process. It is a flowchart about a discharge control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the game area | region of the pachinko machine in 2nd embodiment, the path | route of a game ball, etc. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically rear views, such as the game area | region of the pachinko machine in 3rd embodiment, and the path | route of a game ball.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[First embodiment]
[Description of configuration]
(1) Enclosed Pachinko Machine First, an enclosed pachinko machine (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a pachinko machine) will be described. The encapsulated pachinko machine collects game balls launched toward the game board by the launch control device, and fires the collected game balls again by the launch control device, so that a predetermined number of game balls enclosed inside are collected. It is a pachinko machine that uses the game in a circular manner. A player who plays a game with the pachinko machine does not directly get a game ball, but plays a game based on the number of holding balls (game balls that can be used for the game) displayed on the pachinko machine.

  Each pachinko machine is provided with an IC card processing device, and a player possesses a ball by inserting a game card (IC card) owned by the player into the ball and performing a predetermined ball lending process. A game with a pachinko machine will be possible. The game card stores various information such as a balance for lending a ball and a possessed ball obtained by the game.

  If a player inserts a game card into an IC card processing device and performs a ball lending operation, after the game card is verified, the player is exchanged for a predetermined amount subtracted from the balance of the game card. A predetermined number of balls are given and the number of balls is displayed on the pachinko machine.

  And when the game is started, the holding ball is subtracted according to the launch of the game ball, and when the winning ball is given by entering the winning opening, the holding ball is added accordingly, The latest number of balls is displayed on the pachinko machine. In addition, the number of game balls launched from the launch control device and reaching the game area on the game board (also described as in), the number of game balls that passed through the game area (also described as out), the number of prize balls, The game information such as the occurrence of a big hit is transmitted from the pachinko machine to the management computer.

  Also, if a player who has finished a game with a ball has performed a checkout operation, the number of balls held will be stored in the game card, and the player will receive various prizes according to the number of balls stored. Can be obtained.

(2) About whole structure of pachinko machine Next, the whole structure of the pachinko machine 1 of 1st embodiment is demonstrated using FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 is arranged adjacent to the above-described IC card processing apparatus 100. The IC card processing device 100 is provided with a card insertion slot 110. By inserting a game card into the card insertion slot 110, a ball lending operation or the like can be performed, and a game with the pachinko machine 1 becomes possible.

The pachinko machine 1 has a structure in which each part is held by an outer frame 2 that forms a vertically long fixed outer frame.
A hinge 5 is provided on the upper left and upper sides of the outer frame 2, and an inner frame 3 is attached to the hinge 5. The inner frame 3 can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 2. .

  In addition, a front frame 4 is attached to the inner frame 3 by a hinge 5 or the like so that it can be opened and closed, and a plate glass 6 is detachably provided on the front frame 4. A game board 7 attached to the inner frame 3 is arranged.

  Speakers (not shown) are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the front frame 4, and game sounds generated from the pachinko machine 1 are output to improve the player's preference. In order to improve the player's preference, a plurality of frame-side decorative lamps that emit light according to the gaming state are provided in the front frame 4.

  A launch handle 9 is attached to the lower right side of the front frame 4, and the launch control device (details will be described later) is moved by rotating the launch handle 9 in the clockwise direction. 7 is fired toward the game area 7 a formed in the game 7.

  A control unit 8 is provided below the front frame 4 as an interface with the player. The control unit 8 includes a withdrawal button 8a for lending a ball (obtaining a ball in exchange for the balance of the game card), a settlement button 8b for storing the number of balls held in the game card, and a game after the game is finished. A return button 8c for storing the number of balls in the game card and taking out the game card from the IC card processing device 100, and a display 8d for displaying the balance of the game card and the number of balls held are provided. The operation of the withdrawal button 8a corresponds to the above-mentioned ball lending operation, and the operation of the settlement button 8b and the return button 8c corresponds to the above-described settlement operation.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the state of the game area 7 a of the game board 7 located in the back of the glass plate 6. The game area 7a is a substantially circular area surrounded by the guide rails 16 and the like, and a large number of game nails are nailed. The game balls launched from the launch control device are moved to the game area 7a by the guide rails 16. Be guided.

  A center case and a window in which a warp passage, a stage, and the like are formed are provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 7a. . In addition to these, in the game area 7a, a first start opening 11 that can always be won, a second start opening 12 configured as an ordinary electric accessory, a general winning opening 13, and an attacker-type big prize. An accessory such as a mouth 14 (winning mouth), an out mouth 15, a special figure display device, a special figure reservation number display device, and the like are provided.

(3) Regarding Circulation of Game Balls Next, a mechanism for circulating game balls in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a rear view of the game area 7a of the pachinko machine 1, the game ball launch control device 35, the path for guiding the game ball, and the like.

  In the pachinko machine 1, the launch control device 35 and the game area 7 a are connected by the launch path 50, and the game ball launched from the launch control apparatus 35 reaches the game area 7 a through the launch path 50. A part of the launch path 50 is formed by a guide rail 16 provided on the game board 7.

  In addition, the game balls that have reached the game area 7a enter the winning openings such as the first and second starting openings 11 and 12, or enter the out opening 15, but each winning opening and out opening 15 is connected to a guide path for guiding the game balls that have entered the game ball, and the game balls flowing down these guide paths are guided to the collection path 51.

  Further, when the speed of the game ball fired from the launch control device 35 is low, the game ball does not reach the game area 7a and the game ball flows backward through the launch path 50. It is collected as a foul ball from the formed foul ball taking-in port 50a and guided to the collecting route 51 via a foul ball taking route (not shown).

  In addition, an opening / closing device 47 for closing the firing path 50 is provided in the vicinity of the foul ball intake 50a. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing device 47 is driven by a motor (not shown) and slides in a direction crossing the firing path 50, and a wall portion of the firing path 50. And is composed of a housing portion 47a for housing the opening / closing member 47b, a depressed portion 47c into which the tip of the opening / closing member 47b is fitted.

  When the opening / closing member 47b is in the storage state stored in the storage portion 47a, the opening / closing device 47 is in a state in which the launch path 50 is opened and blocks the movement of the game ball fired from the launch control device 35. There is no.

  On the other hand, when the opening / closing member 47b is protruded from the storage portion 47a by the sliding movement (projection state), the leading end of the opening / closing member 47b is fitted into the depressed portion 47c, and the firing path 50 is closed by the opening / closing member 47b. The member 47b is in a state of intersecting with the extension line of the foul ball take-in path 50b. At this time, all the game balls launched from the launch control device 35 collide with the opening / closing member 47b and are directly guided to the foul ball intake 50a, so that the game balls do not reach the game area 7a, and the game Can no longer do.

  The arrangement position of the opening / closing device 47 is not limited to this, and is arranged so as to close the position on the downstream side of the foul ball intake 50a (the side where the game area 7a is located) in the firing path 50. May be. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent the game ball launched from the launch control device 35 from reaching the game area 7a and to guide the game ball to the foul ball intake 50a.

  The collection path 51 is a normal path 52 for directly guiding the game ball to the launch control device 35 and a path for guiding the game ball to the launch control device 35, and a polishing device that removes dirt on the game ball flowing down the path. Branches to a ball polishing path 53 provided with 46.

  The polishing device 46 is composed of a motor for transporting the game ball, a polishing member (for example, cloth, foam rubber, sponge) that presses the game ball that is urged and transported by a spring, and the like. The game balls to be conveyed are rubbed by the polishing member, so that the dirt of the game balls is removed. The polishing apparatus 46 may be configured as a ball polishing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, for example.

  At the branch point of the collection path 51, a path switching device 45 that sets which of the normal path 52 and the ball polishing path 53 the game ball flowing down the collection path 51 is provided is provided. The path switching device 45 is configured by a valve or the like that controls the traveling direction of the game ball, and in response to an instruction from a main control device (which will be described in detail later) that controls the pachinko machine 1 in a normal path, 52 and the ball polishing path 53.

  Further, a measuring device 44 for detecting the degree of contamination of the game ball whose flow has been detected by the out ball sensor 42 is provided in front of the branch point of the collection path 51. The measuring device 44 is composed of a light source that irradiates the game ball with light and a sensor that measures the luminance of the game ball illuminated by the light source, and measures the luminance in accordance with an instruction from the main controller. Then, a signal indicating the measurement result is output to the main controller. Further, the main control device specifies the luminance of the game ball based on the signal, and detects the degree of contamination of the game ball based on the luminance.

  In addition, a launch ball sensor 41 that detects the passage of a game ball is provided near the starting point of the launch path 50 (near the position where the launch control device 35 is disposed), and a foul ball formed in the launch path 50 is provided. The intake port 50a is provided with a foul ball sensor 43 that detects the passage of the foul ball. Further, an out ball sensor 42 that detects the flow of the game ball is provided near the branch point of the collection path 51 (near the position where the path switching device 45 is disposed).

  The main control device of the pachinko machine 1 uses these sensors to count the number of game balls passing through each point during the game. Then, the main control device calculates the number obtained by subtracting the number of game balls counted using the foul ball sensor 43 from the number of game balls counted using the firing ball sensor 41 as in and The number obtained by subtracting the number of game balls counted using the foul ball sensor 43 from the number of game balls counted using the ball sensor 42 is calculated as out, and in and out are provided outside. Send to the management computer at regular intervals.

  The arrangement of the sensors for counting in and out is not limited to this. For example, the launch ball sensor 41 is provided on the end point side of the foul ball intake port 50a in the launch path 50. The number of game balls counted using the firing ball sensor 41 may be in.

  Further, for example, the out ball sensor 42 is provided in the collection path 51 at a position downstream of the meeting point of the game balls that have entered the winning port and the out port 15 and upstream of the meeting point of the foul ball, The number of game balls counted using the out ball sensor 42 may be out.

(4) Electrical Configuration Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is configured with a main controller 30 as a center. Note that the power supply board and the like are not shown in this block diagram. Although not shown in detail, the main control device 30, the production symbol control device 33a, and the sub integration device 32 all include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, and the like. The CPU, ROM, and RAM are not provided on the launch control device 35 and the power supply board. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the launch control device 35 may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like.

  The main controller 30 includes a first special figure start SW 11a that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 11, a second special figure start SW 12a that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, and a normal A normal symbol operation SW 12c for detecting a game ball that has entered a symbol operation gate (not shown), a count SW 14a for counting the game balls that have entered the big prize opening 14, and a game ball that has entered the general prize opening 13 are detected. The detection signal of the general winning award SW 13a to be input is input.

The main control device 30 operates in accordance with the installed program, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-described detection signals, and outputs them to the sub-integrating device 32.
The main controller 30 also displays the first special symbol display device 17, the second special symbol display device 18, and the normal symbol display device 21 connected via the symbol display device relay terminal board 26, and the first special symbol display device 21. The lighting of the figure hold number display device 19, the second special figure hold number display device 20, and the universal figure hold number display device 22 is controlled.

  Further, the main control device 30 controls the opening / closing of the special winning opening 14 by controlling the special winning opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening / closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the ordinary accessory solenoid 12b.

  The main control device 30 is configured to be able to communicate with the IC card processing device 100 via the IC card relay board 23. The main controller 30 also displays the number of balls on the display 8d via the IC card relay board 23 and detects the operation of the drop button 8a, the settlement button 8b, and the return button 8c.

The main control device 30 permits the launching of the game ball by the launch control device 35 only when a ball is present.
The launch control device 35 controls the launch motor 35c to launch the game ball into the game area 7a. In addition, a signal for counting the released game balls is output to the main controller 30.

The launch control device 35 receives a rotation amount signal from the launch handle 9, a touch signal from the touch SW 35b, and a launch stop signal from the launch stop SW 35a.
The rotation amount signal is output when the player operates the launch handle 9, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 9, and the launch stop switch signal is generated when the player presses the launch stop SW 35a. Is output. If the touch signal is not input to the launch control device 35, the game ball cannot be fired, and if the launch stop switch signal is input, the game ball can be launched even if the player touches the launch handle 9. There is no such thing.

  The sub-integrating device 32 receives the data and commands transmitted from the main control device 30, distributes them to data for effect display control, sound control, and lamp control, and commands for effect display control, etc. It is transmitted to the production symbol control device 33a, and the sound control and the lamp control are distributed to each control part (the sound control device and the function unit as the lamp control device) included in itself. Then, the function unit as the sound control device controls the sound output from the speaker 24 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for sound control, and the function unit as the lamp control device converts the data for the lamp control. Various LEDs and the lamp 25 are controlled by operating the lamp driver based on the above.

Bidirectional communication is possible between the sub-integrating device 32 and the production symbol control device 33a.
The effect symbol control device 33a is based on the data and commands received from the sub integration device 32 (both those transmitted from the main control device 30 and those generated by the sub integration device 32). And effect images such as effect symbols are displayed.

Note that data transmission from the sub integration device 32 to the main control device 30 is not performed.
The main controller 30 is connected to a launch ball sensor 41, an out ball sensor 42, a foul ball sensor 43, a path switching device 45, and a polishing device 46, and signals are input from these sensors, and these Control the operation of the device.

  The main controller 30 is connected to the measuring device 44, controls the device to measure the luminance of the game ball, and specifies the measured value of the luminance of the game ball based on the signal from the device, Based on this, the degree of contamination of the game ball is detected.

The main control device 30 is connected to the opening / closing device 47, and the opening / closing member 47b is slid in accordance with an instruction from the main control device 30 to close or open the launch path 50.
[Description of operation]
Next, operation | movement of the pachinko machine 1 of 1st embodiment is demonstrated.

  The pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment closes the launch path 50 by the opening / closing device 47 and plays the game by the launch control device 35 when a start condition such as a predetermined time arrives when no game is played. The ball is automatically launched, and the launched game ball is collected as a foul ball and guided to the ball polishing path 53. Then, the game balls guided to the ball polishing path 53 are polished by the polishing device 46, so that the dirt of the game balls is removed. Below, the process regarding the removal of the dirt of the game ball is explained in detail.

(1) Contamination Removal Start Process First, the dirt removal start process for starting the removal of the dirt of the game ball when the start condition is satisfied when the game is not in progress will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is a process that is periodically executed by the main control device 30 of the pachinko machine 1.

  In S205, the main controller 30 determines whether or not a game is in progress. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the player has not touched the firing handle 9 for a certain period (for example, 3 minutes) based on the touch signal from the touch SW 35b, it may be considered that the game is not in progress. Further, when it is determined that a game ball is not being fired from the launch control device 35 over a certain period based on signals from the launch ball sensor 41 and the out ball sensor 42, it may be considered that no game is being played. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to S210, and if a negative determination is obtained (S205: No), this process ends.

In S210, main controller 30 determines whether or not a start condition for starting the removal of the dirt on the game ball is satisfied.
Here, the start condition may be, for example, a condition that a preset time (X: XX on X, X, or X: XX on Monday) may have elapsed. Is considered to be the time before the start of business of the pachinko parlor or after the end of business. Further, it may be a time zone before the business start of the pachinko store or after the business end, and a condition that a predetermined time has passed after the previous removal of the game balls is removed. .

  Alternatively, the start condition may be that the main control device 30 has received a predetermined removal start operation via the withdrawal button 8a, the settlement button 8b, the return button 8c, or other operation means (not shown). In addition, while the game is being performed, the degree of dirt on the game ball is detected using the measuring device 44, and the start condition may be that the degree of dirt exceeds a certain degree.

If an affirmative determination is obtained (S210: Yes), the process proceeds to S215, and if a negative determination is obtained (S210: No), this process ends.
In S215, the main control device 30 invalidates the signal from the winning symbol such as the first special figure starting SW 11a or the like, or the normal symbol operation SW 12c, and enters the winning symbol or normal symbol operation. Do not detect the passage of the gate. Also, transmission of game information and in / out to the management computer is stopped (in / out calculation itself may be stopped), and the process proceeds to S220.

In S220, main controller 30 sets path switching device 45 so that the game balls flowing down collection path 51 are guided to ball polishing path 53, and the process proceeds to S225.
In S225, the main controller 30 activates the polishing device 46, sets the state in which the game balls supplied to the polishing device 46 are polished by flowing down the ball polishing path 53, and proceeds to S230. .

In S230, the main controller 30 closes the firing path 50 by the opening / closing device 47, and proceeds to S235.
In S235, the main controller 30 displays that the game ball is being removed. Specifically, for example, a command may be transmitted to the sub integration device 32, and the above display may be performed on the liquid crystal screen of the effect symbol display device 33b. Further, for example, the pachinko device may be pachinko by a method of blinking various LEDs and lamps 25 in a specific pattern for the sub-integrating device 32, or a method of blinking a top lamp arranged above the pachinko machine 1 in a specific pattern. The above display may be performed so that only the store clerk can grasp. Then, after the display, main controller 30 shifts the processing to S240.

  In S240, the main control device 30 causes the firing control device 35 to start continuous automatic firing of game balls at a constant speed. At this time, the time required for removing the dirt on the game ball can be shortened by increasing the launch speed of the game ball and shortening the launch interval of the game balls as much as possible to perform automatic launch.

When the automatic launching of the game ball is started, the main control device 30 ends this process.
(2) Contamination Removal End Process Next, a dirt removal end process for finishing the removal of the game ball dirt will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is a process that is periodically executed by the main control device 30 of the pachinko machine 1.

  In S305, the main controller 30 determines whether or not the game balls are being removed. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S305: Yes), the process proceeds to S310, and a negative determination is made. If it is obtained (S305: No), this process ends.

  In S310, main controller 30 determines whether or not a game has been started. Specifically, for example, when it is detected that the player touches the firing handle 9 based on a touch signal from the touch SW 35b, it may be considered that the game has started. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S310: Yes), the process proceeds to S325. If a negative determination is obtained (S310: No), the process proceeds to S315.

In S315, the main control device 30 measures the luminance of the game ball using the measurement device 44, detects the degree of contamination of the game ball based on the measurement result, and shifts the processing to S320.
In S320, main controller 30 determines whether or not the game balls have been sufficiently cleaned based on the level of game balls. Specifically, when the degree of dirt on the game ball is below a predetermined threshold, it may be determined that the dirt on the game ball has been sufficiently removed. In addition, the degree of dirt before the start of the removal of the dirt of the game ball is detected in advance, and the degree of dirt before the start of the dirt removal is compared with the degree of dirt after the start, and the reduction of the degree of dirt is determined in advance. When the set threshold value is reached, it may be determined that the dirt on the game ball has been sufficiently removed.

Note that main controller 30 may make this determination based on the average value of the degree of dirt of a plurality of game balls detected over a certain period.
If an affirmative determination is obtained (S320: Yes), the process proceeds to S325, and if a negative determination is obtained (S320: No), this process ends.

In S325, the main controller 30 causes the launch controller 35 to stop the automatic launch of the game ball, and the process proceeds to S330.
In S330, the main control device 30 detects the entrance to the winning opening and the passing of the normal symbol operating gate by activating the switch for detecting the entering into the winning opening and the signal from the normal symbol operating SW 12c. A possible state is set, and the process proceeds to S335.

In S335, the main controller 30 sets the route switching device 45 so that the game balls flowing down the collection route 51 are guided to the normal route 52, and the process proceeds to S340.
In S340, the main controller 30 stops the polishing apparatus 46, and proceeds to S345.

In S345, the main controller 30 opens the firing path 50 by the opening / closing device 47, and the process proceeds to S350.
In S350, main controller 30 stops the display indicating that the game ball is being removed, and ends the process.

  It should be noted that a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball is provided in the normal path 52 or the ball polishing path 53, and after the dirt of the game ball is removed, the amount of game in the normal path 52 or the ball polishing path 53 is determined by the sensor. You may detect whether the ball | bowl is stored. When the number of stored game balls is less than a certain value, a warning display may be performed.

(3) Regarding Launch Control Processing By the way, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, during the game, the main control device 30 counts the ball, and the main control device 30 receives a signal from the launch ball sensor 41. The number of balls to be held is decreased based on the number of balls, and the number of balls to be held is reduced. When the generation of a ball of foul balls is detected based on a signal from the foul ball sensor 43, the number of balls in the ball is added to the balls.

  Further, when game balls are fired at low speed and foul balls are continuously generated, there is a possibility that ball clogging may occur in a section from the start point in the firing path 50 to the foul ball intake 50a. As already described, the foul ball sensor 43 is provided in the foul ball intake port 50a. Depending on the installation situation of the foul ball sensor 43, the foul ball sensor 43 may intentionally generate a clogged ball. There is a possibility that an erroneous detection of a game ball by 43 may be induced, and there is a possibility that an act of illegally increasing the number of possessed balls may be performed.

  A launch control process performed by the main control device 30 as a countermeasure against such an illegal act will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. This process is a process that is periodically executed by the main control device 30 of the pachinko machine 1.

  In S405, the main controller 30 determines whether or not the player is touching the firing handle 9 based on the touch signal from the touch SW 35b. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S405: Yes), the process proceeds to S410. If a negative determination is obtained (S405: No), the process proceeds to S420.

  In S410, the main control device 30 determines whether or not the game ball is fired at a speed that reaches the game area 7a based on the rotation amount signal (operation amount signal) from the launch handle 9 (launch at a speed that does not become a foul ball). Or not). If an affirmative determination is obtained (S410: Yes), the process proceeds to S415. If a negative determination is obtained (S410: No), this process ends.

In S415, the main controller 30 permits the launch controller 35 to launch the game ball at a speed corresponding to the rotation amount signal from the launch handle 9, and ends this process.
On the other hand, in S420, main controller 30 determines whether or not the game balls have been cleaned. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S420: Yes), the process proceeds to S425, and if a negative determination is obtained (S420: No), this process ends.

  In S425, the main control device 30 causes the firing control device 35 to perform continuous automatic firing of game balls, and ends this processing. At this time, since the game balls are being cleaned (no game is being performed), the number of game balls that have been fired is not subtracted from the ball and the number of foul balls is not added to the ball. At this time, the number of game balls fired and the number of foul balls may be counted, and the total number of enclosed game balls may be measured.

  By this launch control process, a game can be performed without generating a foul ball, and the game can be facilitated. Further, it is possible to prevent an illegal act of intentionally generating a foul ball and increasing the number of held balls illegally.

  Note that the minimum value of the game ball firing speed by the launch control device 35 during the game may be the speed at which the game ball can reach the game area 7a (reachable speed). In such a case, the same effect can be obtained without performing the firing control process.

Further, a threshold for determining whether or not a game ball is fired at a speed at which it reaches the game area 7a in the launch control process, and the reachable speed may be modified.
This is because the friction force between the game ball and the guide rail 16 changes depending on the state of the game ball being polished (dirt state) and the state of the guide rail 16 such as rust and dirt. Accordingly, the threshold value and the reachable speed are appropriately set according to the above, and the determination is performed accurately, or the fired game ball is surely reached the game area 7a.

  Specifically, for example, a sensor is attached near the tip of the guide rail 16, and when the game is not in progress, the shooting speed of the game ball is changed, and the shooting speed that does not become a foul ball using the sensor or the foul ball sensor 43. It is also conceivable to obtain a suitable firing speed that does not become a foul ball and does not greatly exceed the left end of the game area 7a. Then, it is conceivable that a value corresponding to the firing speed is set as the threshold value, or the firing speed is set as the reachable speed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment will be described.
The pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the path for guiding the game ball to the launch control device 35 and the configuration of the polishing device 46 and the like are different. In the following, this difference will be mainly described.

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a game area 7a of the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, a game ball launch control device 35, a path for guiding the game ball, and the like.

Also in the second embodiment, the same launch path 50 as in the first embodiment is provided, and the game ball launched from the launch control device 35 reaches the game area 7 a through the launch path 50.
Further, as in the first embodiment, the game balls that have reached the game area 7a and entered the winning port or the out port 15 are guided to the collection path 51, and the game balls that have not reached the game area 7a are A foul ball is collected from a foul ball inlet (not shown) formed in the launch path 50 and guided to the collection path 51. The recovery path 51 branches into a normal path 52 and a ball polishing path 53 provided with a polishing device 46, and a path switching device 45 is provided at a branch point of the recovery path 51. The route switching device 45 guides the game ball to either the normal route 52 or the ball polishing route 53 in accordance with an instruction from the main control device.

  In the second embodiment, the ball polishing path 53 supplies the game ball to the polishing device 46 by causing the game ball to flow downward, and the polishing device 46 conveys the game ball upward while polishing it. The polishing device 46 is provided with a screw (not shown) and a motor 46a for driving the screw, and the game balls are sequentially conveyed upward by the rotation of the screw. A polishing member (for example, cloth, foamable rubber, sponge) is disposed along the direction in which the game ball is conveyed, and the game ball is polished by the polishing member. Note that the polishing device 46 may be configured as a game ball polishing device described in Patent Document 2, for example.

The ball polishing path 53 guides the game ball to the firing control device 35 by causing the game ball polished by the polishing device 46 to flow down.
Further, similarly to the first embodiment, a measuring device 44 for detecting the degree of contamination of the game ball is provided in front of the branch point of the collection path 51. Further, a launch ball sensor 41 is provided in the vicinity of the start point of the launch path 50, a foul ball sensor 43 is provided in the foul ball intake, and an out ball sensor 42 is provided in the vicinity of the branch point of the collection path 51. In and out are counted by these sensors and transmitted to the management computer. Of course, the arrangement of the sensors is not limited to this.

Further, an opening / closing device 47 similar to that of the first embodiment is provided, and the firing path 50 is closed or opened.
[Description of operation]
Next, operation | movement of the pachinko machine 1 of 2nd embodiment is demonstrated.

  Also in the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment, the game balls are removed by the same dirt removal start process and dirt removal end process as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted. Moreover, you may perform the launch control process similar to 1st embodiment.

[Third embodiment]
Next, the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment will be described.
The pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment also has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the path for guiding the game ball to the launch control device 35 and the configuration of the polishing device 46 and the like are different. In the following, this difference will be mainly described.

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a rear view of the game area 7a of the pachinko machine 1 according to the third embodiment, the game ball launch control device 35, the path for guiding the game ball, and the like. .

Also in the third embodiment, the same launch path 50 as in the first embodiment is provided, and the game ball launched from the launch control device 35 reaches the game area 7 a through the launch path 50.
Further, as in the first embodiment, the game balls that have reached the game area 7a and entered the winning port or the out port 15 are guided to the collection path 51, and the game balls that have not reached the game area 7a are A foul ball is collected from a foul ball intake 50 a formed in the launch path 50 and guided to a collection path 51.

  And in 3rd embodiment, the collection | recovery path | route 51 is connected with the launch control apparatus 35 without branching, and while flowing down a game ball and guiding it to the launch control apparatus 35, on the collection | recovery path | route 51, the collection | recovery path | route 51 is provided. A polishing device 46 is provided for polishing game balls flowing down. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment is not provided with a path switching device as in the first and second embodiments.

  The polishing apparatus 46 includes a polishing mechanism including two pulleys, a motor for rotating the pulleys, and an annular belt or the like that is stretched around these pulleys (entrained by these pulleys). 46a, a control mechanism 46b for moving the polishing mechanism 46a toward and away from the recovery path 51, and the like.

  On the outside of the belt of the polishing mechanism 46a, a polishing member (for example, cloth, foamable rubber, sponge) is disposed, and in the polishing mechanism 46a, the belt positioned between the two pulleys is along the collection path 51. Arranged.

  When the polishing mechanism 46a approaches the collection path 51, a path having a width slightly narrower than the diameter of the game ball is formed between the belt located on the collection path 51 side and the wall surface of the collection path 51. It becomes a state.

  At this time, the polishing mechanism 46a is urged in the direction of the wall surface of the recovery path 51 by an elastic member such as a spring, and the belt positioned on the recovery path 51 side circulates in the flow direction of the game ball. The motor is driven to move to. Thereby, the game ball moves in the flow-down direction while being sandwiched between the belt and the wall surface, and at this time, the game ball is polished by the polishing member, and the dirt is removed.

  On the other hand, when the polishing mechanism 46a is separated from the collection path 51, a path wider than the diameter of the game ball is formed between the belt positioned on the collection path 51 side and the wall surface. The driving of the motor is stopped, and the game ball flows down the collection path 51 without being obstructed by the polishing mechanism 46a (in other words, when the polishing mechanism 46a is separated, the game ball is collected without driving the motor). The arrangement position of the polishing mechanism 46a in the path 51 is maintained so that the game ball can pass therethrough).

A measuring device 44 similar to that of the first embodiment is provided adjacent to the upstream side of the position where the polishing device 46 is disposed in the recovery path 51.
Similarly to the first embodiment, a launch ball sensor 41 is provided in the vicinity of the start point of the launch path 50, and a foul ball sensor 43 is provided at the foul ball intake 50a. Further, an out-sphere sensor 42 is provided at a position upstream of the arrangement position of the measuring device 44 in the collection path 51 and downstream of the point where the foul balls meet. Then, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the in and out counts are performed by these sensors and transmitted to the management computer. Of course, the arrangement of the sensors is not limited to this.

Further, an opening / closing device 47 similar to that of the first embodiment is provided, and the firing path 50 is closed or opened.
[Description of operation]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment, the same launch control process as in the first embodiment may be performed.
In the pachinko machine 1 according to the third embodiment, the game balls are removed by a dirt removal start process and a dirt removal end process similar to those of the first embodiment. For this reason, below, the difference with 1st embodiment in these processes is demonstrated.

(1) Contamination Removal Start Process First, the dirt removal start process will be described. In the dirt removal start process of the third embodiment, S220 and S225 are different from the first embodiment, and the same processes as those of the first embodiment are performed in other steps. For this reason, below, the content of the process of S220 and S225 in the dirt removal start process of 3rd embodiment is demonstrated.

  In S220, the main control device 30 brings the polishing mechanism 46a of the polishing device 46 closer to the collection path 51 and drives the motor of the polishing mechanism 46a (S225), at the position where the polishing device 46 is disposed. It is assumed that the reached game ball is polished. Then, the process proceeds to S230.

(2) Contamination Removal End Process Next, the dirt removal end process will be described. In the dirt removal end process of the third embodiment, S335 and S340 are different from those of the first embodiment, and the same processes as those of the first embodiment are performed in other steps. For this reason, below, the content of the process of S335 and S340 in the stain | pollution | contamination removal completion process of 3rd embodiment is demonstrated.

  In S335, the main controller 30 stops the motor of the polishing mechanism 46a in the polishing apparatus 46, sets the polishing mechanism 46a away from the collection path 51 (S340), and shifts the processing to S345.

[effect]
According to the pachinko machine 1 of the first to third embodiments, since the game and the removal of the dirt of the game ball are not performed at the same time, the ball polishing is performed in parallel with various effects such as images and sounds. And the maximum power consumption and noise of the pachinko machine 1 can be suppressed.

  In addition, when removing the dirt of the game ball during the game, it is necessary to supply the game ball to the launch control device 35 after removing the dirt after collecting the game ball used in the game. A game ball cannot be used for a game immediately. For this reason, in order to enable continuous games over a long period of time, it has been necessary to circulate a large number of game balls inside the enclosed pachinko machine.

  On the other hand, according to the pachinko machine 1 of the first to third embodiments, since the removal of dirt is not performed during the game, the collected game balls can be used immediately for the game and circulate inside. Even if the number of game balls is small, continuous games over a long period of time are possible.

In addition, according to the pachinko machine 1 of the first to third embodiments, the game can be performed comfortably because noise due to ball polishing is not generated during the game.
In addition, according to the pachinko machine 1 of the first to third embodiments, the game ball that is launched when removing the dirt collides with the opening and closing member 47b that closes the launch path 50 and becomes a foul ball. It is possible to reliably prevent a game from being played by the game ball.

  Also, rather than collecting the game ball from the prize opening and the out port provided in the game area 7a, it is shorter to launch and collect the game ball so that it becomes a foul ball. can do. In addition, since the game ball fired at the time of removing the dirt always becomes a foul ball, it is possible to launch the game balls at high speed to shorten the launch interval of the game balls, and the time required for removing the dirt of the game balls Can be shortened. For this reason, it is possible to efficiently remove dirt in a short time, thereby reducing the power consumption when removing dirt.

  In addition, when a game ball is fired to remove dirt in the unmanned pachinko machine 1 in which no game is being performed and the game ball is flowing down the game area 7a, a visitor who visits the pachinko parlor will be asked. On the other hand, there is a risk of discomfort. Other than this, misunderstanding that a failure or fraud has occurred, or misunderstanding that there is a player who is playing a game without sitting in front of the pachinko machine 1 by fixing the launch handle, etc. There is a possibility that the game in the pachinko machine 1 from which the dirt is removed may be avoided due to the sense of incongruity or misunderstanding.

  On the other hand, according to the pachinko machine 1 of the first to third embodiments, since the game ball fired for removing the dirt does not reach the game area 7a, it makes the launch of the game ball inconspicuous, The game ball can be made invisible from the outside. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned feeling of strangeness and misunderstanding from being given to the customer.

  Further, according to the pachinko machine 1 of the first and second embodiments, the normal path 52 and the ball polishing path 53 are provided as paths for guiding the collected game balls to the launch control device 35. In addition, it is configured to remove the dirt of the game ball that passes through the normal path 52, and since it is possible to change which path the game ball is guided by, it is possible to remove the dirt of the game ball. Whether or not to perform can be switched reliably.

[Other Embodiments]
(1) In the pachinko machine 1 according to the first to third embodiments, the main control device 30 performs a process for removing dirt from the game balls, but the sub-integrating device 32 may perform the process. .

  That is, the path switching device 45, the measuring device 44, the polishing device 46, and the opening / closing device 47 are controlled from the sub integration device 32, and signals from the launch ball sensor 41, the out ball sensor 42, and the foul ball sensor 43 are transmitted to the sub integration device 32. Further, the launch control device 35 is configured to be controllable from the sub-integrating device 32 as well. Then, the sub integration device 32 may execute a dirt removal start process and a dirt removal end process. Even in such a case, the same effect can be obtained.

Similarly, the launch control process may be executed by the sub integration device 32.
(2) Further, in the dirt removal end process of the first to third embodiments, the degree of dirt of the game ball is detected using the measuring device 44, and when the degree of dirt is sufficiently lowered, the dirt removal is finished. ing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be terminated when a certain period has elapsed after the start of the removal of the dirt on the game ball.

  Specifically, in S320 of the dirt removal end process, it is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed after the dirt removal start. If the determination is affirmative (S320: Yes), the process proceeds to S325. In the case of negative determination (S320: No), the stain removal end process may be ended.

By doing so, the measuring device 44 becomes unnecessary, the cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced, and the processing load when removing the dirt can be reduced.
(3) In S215 of the dirt removal start process in the first to third embodiments, the entry to the winning opening and the passage of the normal symbol operation gate are invalidated, but the dirt of the game ball is removed. Since the game ball does not enter the game area 7a while the game is in progress, this invalidation is not always necessary, and the same effect can be obtained even when invalidation is not performed.

  (4) In the first to third embodiments, the game balls are polished to remove the dirt. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the game balls are stained by a method of immersing the game balls in a cleaning agent. May be removed. Even in such a case, the same effect can be obtained.

  (5) In the first to third embodiments, the opening / closing device 47 is configured to close and open the firing path 50 by sliding the plate-like opening / closing member 47b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the firing path 50 may be closed and opened by an opening / closing member 47b formed in a lattice shape or a rod shape, or the opening / closing member 47b is pivotally provided on a wall portion. The firing path 50 may be closed and opened by rotating the opening / closing member 47b.

  Further, when the firing path 50 is closed, the opening / closing member 47b is fitted into the recessed portion 47c, but the recessed portion 47c is not provided, and the tip of the opening / closing member 47b contacts the wall portion of the firing path 50. Alternatively, the firing path 50 may be closed with the opening / closing member 47b close to the wall portion with a slight gap therebetween.

Even in such a case, the same effect can be obtained.
[Correspondence with Claims]
The correspondence between the terms used in the description of the above embodiment and the terms used in the description of the claims is shown.

  The firing control device 35 corresponds to the firing device, the polishing device 46 corresponds to the removing means, the opening / closing member 47b corresponds to the course changing means, the measuring device 44 corresponds to the measuring means, and the drop button 8a, the settlement button 8b, and the return button 8c correspond to the receiving means. To do.

Further, the collection path 51 and the foul ball intake 50a in the first and second embodiments correspond to a collection unit.
Further, the normal route 52 in the first and second embodiments corresponds to the second guide route, and the ball polishing route 53 corresponds to the first guide route.

Further, S205 of the dirt removal start process corresponds to a determination unit.
Further, S210, S220, S225, and S240 of the dirt removal start process, S320, S325, S335, and S340 of the dirt removal end process, and the path switching device 45 correspond to the removal control means.

  Further, S230 of the dirt removal start process and S345 of the dirt removal end process correspond to the prevention means.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 2 ... Outer frame, 3 ... Inner frame, 4 ... Front frame, 5 ... Hinge, 6 ... Plate glass, 7 ... Game board, 7a ... Game area, 8 ... Control part, 8a ... Pull-down button, 8b ... Settlement button, 8c ... Return button, 8d ... Display, 9 ... Launch handle, 11 ... First start port, 11a ... First special figure start SW, 12 ... Second start port, 12a ... Second special figure start SW, 12b ... Normal actor solenoid, 12c ... Normal symbol operation SW, 13 ... General winning port, 13a ... General winning port SW, 14 ... Large winning port, 14a ... Count SW, 14b ... Large winning port solenoid, 15 ... Out port, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Guide rail, 17 ... 1st special figure display apparatus, 18 ... 2nd special figure display apparatus, 19 ... 1st special figure reservation number display apparatus, 20 ... 2nd special figure reservation number display apparatus, 21 ... Normal symbol display Device, 22 ... General-purpose hold number display device, 23 ... IC card Connection board, 24 ... Speaker, 26 ... Symbol display device relay terminal board, 30 ... Main control device, 32 ... Sub-integration device, 33a ... Production symbol control device, 33b ... Production symbol display device, 35 ... Launch control device, 35a ... Launch stop SW, 35b ... Touch SW, 35c ... Launch motor, 41 ... Launch ball sensor, 42 ... Out ball sensor, 43 ... Foul ball sensor, 44 ... Measuring device, 45 ... Path switching device, 46 ... Polishing device, 46a ... Polishing mechanism, 46b ... control mechanism, 47 ... opening / closing device, 47a ... housing portion, 47b ... opening / closing member, 47c ... recessed portion, 50 ... fire path, 50a ... foul ball inlet, 50b ... foul ball taking path, 51 A collection path 52 a normal path 53 a ball polishing path 100 an IC card processing device 110 a card insertion slot

Claims (9)

The game balls launched toward the game area on the game board by the launch device are collected, and the collected game balls are fired again by the launch device, thereby circulating a predetermined number of game balls enclosed therein. An enclosed ball game machine that uses and plays games,
After reaching the gaming area after being launched by the launching device, the game balls that have entered the winning opening or the exit opening provided in the gaming area are collected, and after being launched by the launching apparatus, Collecting means for collecting game balls that have not reached as foul balls,
A first guiding path and a second guiding path for guiding the game ball collected by the collecting means to the launching device in order to fire again.
Removing means for removing dirt of the game ball guided by the first guide path;
A determination means for determining whether or not a game is in progress;
If the determination means determines that a game is in progress, the game ball is guided to the launching device by the second guide path, so that the removal means does not remove the dirt of the game ball, When it is determined by the determination means that the game is not in progress, the launching device is caused to launch a game ball, and the game ball is guided to the launching device through the first guide path, thereby allowing the removal device to Removal control means for removing dirt on the game ball;
A course changing means for changing the course of the game ball launched by the launching device and using the game ball as the foul ball;
Preventing means for preventing a game from being performed by making the game ball launched by the launching device by the course changing means into the foul ball while the dirt of the game ball is being removed,
Enclosed ball game machine characterized by In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The collection means includes a game ball that has entered a foul ball inlet provided at a position where a game ball that flows down the launch path toward the launch device enters the wall of the launch path, Collected as a foul ball,
The course changing means is slidable in a direction intersecting the firing path, and by the sliding movement, the stowed state accommodated in a housing part provided on the wall part of the firing path, and protrudes from the wall part. It is configured as an opening and closing member that is displaced to the protruding state,
When the dirt of the game ball has not been removed, the preventing means sets the open / close member in the stored state so that the game ball launched from the launch device can reach the game area. While the dirt of the game ball is being removed, the open / close member is placed in the protruding state so that the game ball launched from the launch device collides with the open / close member and is guided to the foul ball intake. And preventing the game from being played by using the game ball as the foul ball,
A ball game machine characterized by In the ball game machine according to claim 2,
When the opening / closing member is in the protruding state, one end of the opening / closing member is fitted into a depressed portion provided in a wall portion of the firing path,
A ball game machine characterized by In the bullet ball game machine of claim 2 or claim 3,
A path through which the game balls that enter the foul ball intake and collect as the foul balls flow down is referred to as a foul ball intake path.
When the opening and closing member is in the protruding state, the opening and closing member intersects with an extension line of the foul ball taking-in path;
A ball game machine characterized by In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A receiving means for receiving a removal start operation for starting the removal of dirt on the game ball;
When the removal control means receives the removal start operation via the reception means when the determination means determines that the game is not in progress, the removal control means causes the removal means to remove dirt on the game ball. ,
A ball game machine characterized by In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The removal control means causes the removal means to remove dirt from the game ball when a predetermined start condition is satisfied when the determination means determines that the game is not in progress.
A ball game machine characterized by In the ball game machine according to claim 6,
The start condition is a condition that a predetermined time arrives;
A ball game machine characterized by In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The removal control means causes the removal means to remove the dirt of the game ball over a predetermined time;
A ball game machine characterized by In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A measuring means for measuring the degree of dirt on the game ball based on the brightness;
The removal control means causes the removal means to remove the dirt of the game ball until the degree of dirt of the game ball measured by the measurement means reaches a predetermined degree.
A ball game machine characterized by

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