JP2013220310A - Game ball distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify a structure in a game ball distribution device for distributing game balls in different directions.SOLUTION: A game ball distribution device (B) includes: a distribution rotor (80) rotating about a shaft (81); and a driving means (62) for rotatingly driving the distribution rotor in a fixed direction. The game ball distribution device is configured to distribute game balls introduced from a game ball introduction hole (56) in at least two directions according to the rotation position of the distribution rotor.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball distribution device that distributes game balls in different directions.

  As is well known, a pachinko machine is provided with a game ball distribution device that distributes game balls in different directions in order to improve game performance. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a first rotating body provided with a notch through which a game ball can pass, and a second rotating body arranged coaxially with the first rotating body and provided with a ball receiving portion on the outer peripheral surface. And a pachinko machine sorting device (game ball sorting device) in which the first rotating body and the second rotating body are rotated in different modes by a drive source. According to the distribution device described in Patent Document 1, since the positional relationship between the cutout portion of the first rotating body and the ball receiving portion of the second rotating body changes relatively, the distribution of game balls is changed. be able to.

No. 7-49977

  However, the conventional sorting device pachinko machine has a structure in which the structure is distributed in two different directions by the two rotating bodies, and thus the structure is complicated. In addition, problems such as an increase in the size of the apparatus and an increase in cost have occurred.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to simplify the structure of a game ball sorting apparatus that sorts game balls in different directions.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a gaming ball sorting device that is mounted on a gaming board and sorts gaming balls introduced from a gaming ball introduction port in at least two directions, and that rotates around an axis. A rotating body and drive means for rotating the sorting rotating body in a fixed direction are provided, and the game balls are sorted into the at least two directions according to the rotational position of the sorting rotating body.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to distribute the game balls in at least two directions by simply rotating one distribution rotating body in a certain direction, so that the structure of the game ball distribution device can be simplified. Further, since the number of parts of the sorting rotator can be reduced, the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.

  Further, in the above configuration, the sorting rotator includes a columnar or cylindrical main body rotating around the axis, and a notch formed by cutting out a peripheral wall of the main body. The notch is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction, and has a size enough to hold one game ball, and an upstream in the rotation direction continuously from the game ball holding unit. The distribution rotating body distributes the game balls held by the game ball holding portion to the downstream side in the rotation direction, while the game balls guided by the flat surfaces Is preferably configured to be distributed to the upstream side in the rotational direction.

  According to this configuration, when the game balls are distributed while being held by the game ball holding unit, and when the game balls are distributed while being guided by the flat surface, the game balls are introduced into the game ball introduction port and then moved in a predetermined direction. It is possible to make a difference in the time until it is distributed.

  Further, in the above configuration, the axis is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the game board, and the center of the game ball inlet and the axis are separated in the left-right direction in a front view of the game board. It is preferable to adopt a configuration provided at a position. This is because bias can be generated in the direction in which game balls are distributed.

1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine to which a game ball distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is an external appearance perspective view of the state which opened the glass door of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1, and removed the game board. It is a front view of the game board attached to the main body frame shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the center accessory shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the center accessory shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a game ball distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a central rotary distribution mechanism shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a front view of the game ball distribution device and the central rotary distribution mechanism shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the game ball distribution device and the central rotary distribution mechanism shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a right side view of the game ball distribution device and the central rotary distribution mechanism shown in FIG. 8. It is a perspective view which shows the detail of the upper side rotary body of the game ball distribution apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a six-side view of the upper rotating body shown in FIG. 12, (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) is a rear view, and (e) is a right side view. (F) is a left side view. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the upper side rotary body shown in FIG. 12 distributes a game ball. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the upper side rotary body shown in FIG. 12 distributes a game ball. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the upper side rotary body shown in FIG. 12 distributes a game ball. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the upper side rotary body shown in FIG. 12 distributes a game ball.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a pachinko machine P to which a game ball distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied includes a vertical rectangular machine frame 1 installed in an island facility of a game hall, A main body frame 2 attached to the machine frame 1 in a door-like manner so as to be opened and closed, a game board 3 housed inside the main body frame 2 (the game board 3 is removed in FIG. 2), and the front surface of the main body frame 2 A glass door 4 that is openably and closably attached to a door and has a large opening 8 at the center, a transparent glass plate 10 attached to the opening 8 of the glass door 4, and the lower side of the body frame 2 And a front board 6 having a receiving tray 5 for receiving a game ball, a launcher 9 provided at the lower part of the main body frame 2, and a handle 7 attached to the front board 6. ing. Furthermore, the speaker 20 is attached to the upper part of the glass door 4 one each right and left, and the various sound effects regarding a game are emitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko machine P includes a main control processing unit 100, a payout / launch control processing unit 105, a sub control processing unit 200, a prize ball payout device 14, and the like on the back side. Next, the configuration of the pachinko machine P described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 3 has a game area 31 on the board surface, and the game area 31 can be observed through the glass plate 10 after being attached to the main body frame 2. The game area 31 is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape by a guide rail 32 for sliding the game ball and a game ball regulating rail 33, and the game ball launched by the launching device 9 flows down in the game area 31. To do. Further, in the game area 31, the effect display device 34, the center accessory 50, the through chucker 21, the electric tulip 49, the first start winning opening (start opening) 37 a and the second starting winning opening (start opening) 37b, a general winning port 38, an out port 39, a game nail (not shown), a windmill (not shown), an attacker device 41, and the like.

  The first start winning opening 37a is a winning component provided in the left-right direction of the game area 31, and can receive a game ball from the intake opening of the upper opening. When a game ball flows into the first start winning opening 37a in the process of flowing down the game area 31, it is detected by a first start winning opening detection sensor (starting detector) 43a provided inside the first start winning opening 37a. The main control processing unit 100 requests the payout / launch control processing unit 105 to control to pay out, for example, five game balls to the player based on the detection signal. The payout / launch control processing unit 105 drives the prize ball payout device 14 in accordance with this request to control the prize balls to be paid out.

  The second start winning opening 37b is a winning component provided between the two first start winning openings 37a, and can receive a game ball from the intake opening in the upper opening similarly to the first start winning opening 37a. is there. When the game ball flows into the second start winning port 37b in the process of flowing down the game area 31, it is detected by a second start winning port detection sensor (starting detector) 43b provided inside the second start winning port 37b. The main control processing unit 100 requests the payout / launch control processing unit 105 to control to pay out, for example, five game balls to the player based on the detection signal. The payout / launch control processing unit 105 drives the prize ball payout device 14 in accordance with this request to control the prize balls to be paid out.

  In addition, when the detection signal from the first start winning port detection sensor 43a or the second start winning port detection sensor 43b is input, the main control processing unit 100 performs a lottery related to the special symbol based on the input signal. In this lottery, you will win a small hit. Driving the solenoid so that the main control processing unit 100 opens the pair of blades 52 once (opening time 0.45 seconds) when winning a small hit based on the winning of the game ball in the first start winning opening 37a. To control. In addition, when the winning ball is won based on the winning of the game ball in the second start winning opening 37b, the main control processing unit 100 opens the blade 52 twice (opening time 0.75 seconds × 2 times). Control the drive of the solenoid.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of times (special symbol variation time) from when the game ball is won to the start winning opening 37a, 37b until the opening operation of the blade 52 is started are provided. Which time is set is determined by lottery by the main control processing unit 100. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the start timing of the opening operation of the blades 52 is random. Of course, the blade 52 may be opened / closed based on the input from the start winning port detection sensors 43a and 43b without performing the lottery related to the special symbol regarding the opening / closing operation of the blade 52.

  The general winning opening 38 is a winning component provided in the left-right direction of the game area 31 and can receive a game ball from the intake opening of the upper opening. When a game ball flows into the general prize opening 38 in the process of flowing down the game area 31, it is detected by a general prize opening detection sensor 44 provided inside the general prize opening 38, and the main control processing unit 100 detects the detection signal. For example, the payout / launch control processing unit 105 is requested to pay out 10 game balls to the player. The payout / launch control processing unit 105 drives the prize ball payout device 14 in accordance with this request to control the prize balls to be paid out. Even if the game ball wins the general winning opening 38, the blade 52 is not released.

  The out port 39 has a take-in hole with a front opening, and collects the game balls that have not been taken into the winning ports 37a, 37b, 38 in the process of flowing down the game area 31. The game balls taken in from the out-port 39 and the above-described winning ports 37a, 37b, 38 are collected in a collective basket after flowing down a guideway (not shown) arranged on the back side of the game board 3, Discharged.

  The through chucker 21 has a gate structure through which a game ball can pass, and a magnetic sensor type through chucker detection sensor 46 that detects that the game ball has passed is incorporated therein. When the game ball passes through the through chucker 21, the main control processing unit 100 performs a lottery related to the normal symbol. When the lottery is won, the main control processing unit 100 opens the electric tulip 49 described below twice.

  The electric tulip 49 is provided at the entrance of the second start winning prize opening 37b, and includes a pair of blade members that rotate about an axis orthogonal to the surface of the game board 3. When the solenoid is energized, The blade members are rotated in directions away from each other, and the entrance of the second start winning prize opening 37b is enlarged. Then, by opening the electric tulip 49, it becomes easy to win a game ball to the second start winning opening 37b.

  The attacker device 41 is a device that is opened a predetermined number of times when shifting to the big hit game, and includes a plate-like lid member that opens and closes in the front-rear direction around a horizontal axis, and the lid member is driven by driving a solenoid. It is configured to rotate around a horizontal axis. When the special winning detection sensor 47 detects that a game ball has won a center role 50, which will be described later, and the game ball related to the winning has passed through the hit passages (specific areas) 68 and 77, the main control is triggered by this. The processing unit 100 executes a jackpot game. During the big hit game, the main control processing unit 100 controls the lid member to open for a long time.

  That is, in the attacker device 41, since the lid member normally closes the lower large winning opening 42, the game ball does not win the lower large winning opening 42. However, as described above, Since the lid member is opened and the lower prize winning opening 42 is exposed, the game ball can be awarded in the lower prize winning opening 42. Then, when a game ball wins the lower big prize opening 42, it is detected by the lower big prize opening detection sensor 45b provided inside the lower big prize opening 42, and the main control processing unit 100 is based on one detection signal. For example, the payout / launch control processing unit 105 is requested to control to pay out 15 game balls to the player. The payout / launch control processing unit 105 drives the prize ball payout device 14 in accordance with this request to control the prize balls to be paid out.

  In the present embodiment, the number of times the attacker device 41 is released in the jackpot game is set to 12R (round). Specifically, after the attacker device 41 is opened once until the total number of balls detected by the lower prize winning detection sensor 45b reaches 10 counts, or until 30 seconds have passed since the attacker device 41 is activated. This is done by repeating this process, for example, 12 rounds until the earlier condition is satisfied. In this way, the player can obtain a lot of balls by winning the game balls at the lower prize winning opening 42 during the big hit game. Of course, when the game ball won in the center role 50 enters the lost passage (lost area) 59, 67, 78, the big hit game is not provided. Needless to say, a plurality of rounds of the attacker device 41 during the big hit game may be provided.

  The front board 6 is provided with a receiving tray 5 that accommodates game balls and can be discharged to the outside. This tray 5 can accommodate not only game balls thrown by the player but also game balls paid out as prize balls from the prize ball payout device 14. A launching device 9 for launching game balls toward the game area 31 is attached to the lower part of the main body frame 2, and the game balls accommodated in the tray 5 are supplied to the launching device 9 one by one. The Then, when the handle 7 attached to the lower right of the front board 6 is rotated, the launching device 9 can launch the game ball to the game area 31 with a launch intensity corresponding to the turning amount. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, an effect touch button 25 that is pressed by the player is provided on the side of the tray 5.

  The main control processing unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a predetermined control program, a RAM (Random Access) that temporarily stores generated processing information and deletes the stored information. Memory) or the like. The CPU reads and executes various programs and data stored in the ROM, thereby providing main processing relating to the game (for example, processing for controlling the operation of the center player 50, operating the attacker device 41, and providing a big hit game) For example, a process for controlling the operation of the electric tulip 49).

  The payout / launch control processing unit 105 is connected to the main control processing unit 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other, and is also connected to the CR unit so as to be able to communicate with each other via a relay board. The predetermined number of prize balls and rental balls are paid out by controlling the driving of. Further, the payout / firing control processing unit 105 controls the driving of the firing motor of the launching device 9 (the firing rotary solenoid may be used) according to the value of the firing volume, so that the predetermined firing strength is obtained. It is also in charge of processing such as sending out game balls one by one to the launching device 9 by making it possible to launch game balls or by controlling the driving of the ball feed solenoid of the rectifier. When the CR unit is not electrically connected to the payout / launch control processing unit 105, control is performed so that the game ball is not launched from the launching device 9.

  The sub-control processing unit 200 performs various effects upon receiving a command from the main control processing unit 100, and includes an effect control processing unit 201 that controls the display of the effect display device 34, a frame lamp, a panel lamp, and the like. A lamp control processing unit 202 for controlling the various lamps, and an audio control processing unit 203 for controlling the speaker 20 and the sound processor.

  Next, details of the center accessory 50 will be described. The center accessory 50 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance of the upper university winning opening 51 (large winning opening) 51 through which the game ball enters, and detects that the game ball has won the upper winning opening 51. An upper prize winning detection sensor 45a, a pair of blades 52 for opening and closing the upper prize winning opening 51, an internal space R for receiving game balls that have passed through the upper prize winning opening 51, and a plurality of hits provided in the internal space The passages (specific areas) 68 and 77, the lost passages (losing areas) 59, 67 and 78, a plurality of distribution mechanisms A, C, D and F for distributing the game balls in a predetermined direction, and the game balls A game ball sorting device B that sorts the game balls in the direction and delays the flow of the game balls, a game ball lifting mechanism E that lifts the game balls to a predetermined position, and a game ball rotation transfer mechanism that transfers the game balls to a predetermined position G. The payout of the winning ball is performed based on a detection signal from the upper prize winning detection sensor 45a.

  First, the seesaw type distribution mechanism A will be described. The seesaw type distribution mechanism A has two paths (normal route NR, special route) for a game ball that has won (entered) the winning prize opening 51 when the upper university winning opening 51 is opened, toward the left and right sides of the effect display device 34 in the drawing. Route SR). The seesaw type distributing mechanism A is arranged on the back side of the center accessory 50, and drives the distributing plate 54 (see FIG. 6) and the distributing plate 54 that are pivotally supported at the center and alternately move up and down (seesaw operation). It is comprised with the solenoid to do.

  In the initial state (non-operating state), the distribution board 54 is in a left-down state as shown in FIG. 6, and when the upper prize winning opening 51 starts an opening operation, the distribution plate 54 is in a right-down state for a certain time, and then returns to the left-down state. So that the seesaw works. During the seesaw operation time, the game ball that won the upper prize opening 7 has a probability of about 11/12 to the left normal route (first route), and to the right special route (second route). Is set to be assigned with a probability of about 1/12.

  The normal route NR on the left side is a route through which a game ball is guided to the aisle and falls from the introduction port (game ball introduction port) 56 and is introduced into the game ball distribution device B. Thereafter, the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C, A regular route that passes through the entrance of the hit passage 68 in a predetermined case via the central rotation type distribution mechanism D in sequence, a game ball lifting mechanism E, and a right rotation type distribution mechanism F in turn from the central rotation type distribution mechanism D There are two routes, a replay route that passes through the entrance of the passage 77 in a predetermined case. On the other hand, the special route SR on the right side passes through the entrance of the contact passage 77 in a predetermined case through the game ball rotation transfer mechanism G and the right rotation type distribution mechanism F in order as a route through which the game balls are guided to the contact passage. There is only a special route to do. As will be described in detail later, the probability that the game ball is distributed to the special route SR rather than the normal route NR is higher than the normal route NR.

  Next, the game ball distribution device B is a mechanism for distributing the game balls in a predetermined direction and causing the game balls to flow toward the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C after being delayed by a predetermined time. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 13, the game ball sorting apparatus B includes an upper rotating body (distributed rotating body) 80 provided on the upstream side in the flow direction of the game balls, and the flow direction of the game balls. A lower rotating body 90 provided on the downstream side, a motor (driving means) 62 for driving these rotating bodies 80, 90, and a plurality of gears 63 b to k that connect the rotating bodies 80, 90 and the motor 62. It is equipped with. It should be noted that the upper rotating body 80 and the lower rotating body 90 are in a fixed direction (FIGS. 6 and 8) from the time when the pachinko machine P is turned on until it is shut off, regardless of the opening / closing operation of the blade 52 of the center accessory 50. It is always rotating at a constant speed in the direction of arrow O and F).

  As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 11, and the like, the upper rotating body 80 is a cylindrical structure that rotates about a rotation shaft (shaft) 81, and includes a main body 82 and a peripheral wall of the main body 82. Two outer wall surfaces 83a and 83b adjacent to the two notch portions 87 and 88, the rotation shaft, and two notch portions 87 and 88 formed by cutting the outer peripheral surface into two equal parts. And a shaft hole 86 into which 81 is inserted. Needless to say, the main body 82 may be a columnar structure instead of a cylindrical one.

  The notch 87 has a game ball holding portion 84a formed on the downstream side in the rotation direction (the direction of arrow O), and an upstream side in the rotation direction (the direction of arrow O) continuously from the game ball holding portion 84a. And a flat surface 85a formed up to. The game ball holding portion 84a is formed of a curved surface drawn with a radius slightly larger than the radius of the game ball, and is configured to hold one game ball on the curved surface. The flat surface 85a is a smooth surface without unevenness. As shown in FIG. 13, the game ball holding portion 84a is formed with a width L1 from the center line CL of the upper rotating body 80 to the downstream side in the rotational direction (left side in the figure), and the flat surface 85a is A width L2 larger than the width L1 is formed upstream of the center line CL in the rotation direction (right side in the figure). In the present embodiment, L1 has a size approximately equal to the radius of the pachinko sphere.

  The notch 88 includes a game ball holding portion 84b formed on the downstream side in the rotation direction (the direction of arrow O), and an upstream side in the rotation direction (the direction of arrow O) continuously from the game ball holding portion 84b. And a flat surface 85b formed as described above. The shapes of the game ball holding portion 84b and the flat surface 85b are the same as those of the game ball holding portion 84a and the flat surface 85a of the notch portion 87, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  On the other hand, the lower rotating body 90 is a cylindrical structure that rotates about the rotation shaft 91, and is formed by cutting out a main body 92 and a peripheral wall of the main body 92 so as to be divided into three equal parts. Two notches 94a, 94b, 94c, peripheral wall surfaces 93a, 93b, 93c adjacent to these three notches 94a, 94b, 94c, and a shaft hole 96 into which the rotary shaft 91 is inserted are provided. The notches 94a, 94b, 94c are formed with a size that allows one game ball to enter and exit. Needless to say, the main body 92 may be a columnar structure instead of a cylindrical one.

  The upper rotating body 80 is attached to the game board 3 such that the rotation shaft 81 is directed in a direction orthogonal to the board surface of the game board 3. Similarly, the lower rotating body 90 is attached to the game board 3 such that the rotation shaft 91 is directed in a direction orthogonal to the board surface of the game board 3. However, the lower rotator 90 is located below the upper rotator 80, at a position slightly centered on the left side of the upper rotator 80 (see FIG. 9), and slightly forward of the upper rotator 80. (See FIG. 11). Further, as shown in FIG. 14 and the like, the upper rotating body 80 is attached to a position offset from the center of the introduction port (game ball introduction port) 56 by a distance L3 in the right direction when viewed from the front.

  And the upper side rotary body 80 and the lower side rotary body 90 are driven by the same drive source as the central rotary body 65 of the central rotary type distribution mechanism D described later. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a gear 63 b is coupled to the shaft of the motor 62, and the gear 63 b and the gear 63 a mesh with each other, whereby the central rotating body 65 is indicated by an arrow “a” via the rotating shaft 64. Rotate in the direction. Further, the upper rotating body 80 rotates in the direction of the arrow O when the gears 63b to 63i and the gear 63k are engaged with each other. The lower rotating body 90 rotates in the direction of the arrow F when the gears 63b to 63i and 63j are engaged with each other.

  The gaming ball distribution device B configured in this way, after blocking the flow of the game ball for a different delay time with respect to the game ball introduced from the introduction port 56, the game ball flows down to the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C Let How the delay times become different will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the game ball falls from the introduction port 56 when the peripheral wall 83 b of the upper rotation body 80 reaches a position directly below the introduction port 56, the game ball of the upper rotation body 80 It collides with the peripheral wall 83b and is immediately distributed to the left side. Then, the game balls distributed to the left side flow down toward the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C on the downstream side. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 14, the flow of the game ball is delayed by an amount corresponding to the collision of the game ball with the peripheral wall 83ba. This delay time is, for example, about 0.2 seconds in this embodiment.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the gaming ball holding portion 84a of the upper rotating body 80 is at the rotational position where the gaming ball holding portion 84a has just reached directly below the introduction port 56, or the gaming ball holding portion 84a is slightly downstream in the rotation direction. When the game ball falls from the introduction port 56 when the rotation position is located (in other words, the position where the flat surface 85a is inclined slightly to the left from the horizontal), the game ball is held by the game ball holding unit. The upper rotating body 80 rotates while riding on 84a. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, when the game ball holding portion 84a rotates to a predetermined position, the game ball falls from the game ball holding portion 84a and is distributed to the left side, and the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C located on the downstream side. It flows down toward. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the flow of the game ball is delayed by the time that the game ball is held in the game ball holding portion 84a. This delay time is, for example, about 1.5 seconds in this embodiment.

  If the game ball falls from the introduction port 56 at the timing when the upper rotating body 80 is at the position shown in FIG. 16, it collides with the flat surface 85b and jumps to the left and collides with the game ball holding portion 84a to some extent. Then, the game balls are distributed to the left side, but at this time, the game balls are hardly held in the game ball holding portion 84a. Therefore, the delay time in this case is different from the above-described 0.2 seconds or 1.5 seconds. In other words, the delay time in the case of being distributed to the left side by the upper rotating body 80 is various times (random) according to the rotational position of the upper rotating body 80.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, a rotational position (in other words, a flat surface where the game ball holding portion 84 a of the upper rotator 80 is located slightly upstream of the introduction port 56 in the rotational direction). When the game ball falls from the introduction port 56 when the level of 85a reaches a horizontal position or a position inclined slightly downward to the right), the game ball rolls on the flat surface 85a and is distributed to the right side with the momentum of dropping. The game balls distributed to the right side flow down toward the lower rotator 90 and are introduced into any of the notches 94a, 94b, 94c of the lower rotator 90 shown in FIG. Thereafter, the game ball is held in the notches 94a, 94b, 94c until the lower rotating body 90 reaches a predetermined rotational position. When the lower rotator 90 reaches a predetermined rotational position, the game ball falls from the notches 94a, 94b, and 94c of the lower rotator 90 and flows down toward the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C. In this case, the game balls are distributed to the right side by the upper rotator 80 and delayed by the time held by the lower rotator 90. This delay time is, for example, about 2.5 seconds in this embodiment.

  Even when the game ball is guided to the lower rotating body 90, the game ball may immediately enter the notches 94a, 94b, 94c depending on the rotational position of the lower rotating body 90. In some cases, you may have to wait. For this reason, in this embodiment, the delay time in the case of being distributed to the right side by the upper rotating body 80 also varies.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the game balls dropped from the introduction port 56 are distributed to the left side and the right side by the game ball distribution device B. Rolls toward the downstream side after being delayed by different delay times such as 5 seconds and 2.5 seconds. Therefore, the time until the game balls distributed to the normal route NR reach the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C varies. The fact that the time to reach the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C varies means that the timing at which the game balls are introduced into the central rotation type distribution mechanism D is different, so when the game balls are distributed to the normal route NR, It is extremely difficult to predict whether or not the game ball enters the V hole (s1) of the central rotating body 65.

  Therefore, conventionally, since the big hit / losing can be predicted at the time when the game ball is distributed to the normal route NR, the interest in the game has been lost, but according to the present embodiment, the delay time of the game ball Since the game ball is disjoint, the enjoyment and expectation after the game ball enters the center role 50 is increased, and the preference of the game is enhanced.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the upper rotator 80 is provided with the game ball holding portions 84a and 84b and the flat surfaces 85a and 85b, the game is played even though the upper rotator 80 rotates only in one direction. It is possible to distribute the sphere to the left side and the right side. Since the game balls can be distributed in different directions while rotating in one direction, a single motor 62 performs driving of the central rotating body 65 and driving of the upper rotating body 80 and the lower rotating body 90 described later. be able to.

  Since the upper rotating body 80 is provided at a position offset to the right side by a distance L3 from the introduction port 56, compared to the case where the upper rotating body 80 is disposed on the same center line as the introduction port 56, The probability that the game ball is distributed to the left side is high. On the other hand, when it is desired to increase the probability that the game balls are distributed to the right side, the upper rotating body 80 may be provided at a position offset to the left side from the introduction port 56. Of course, the upper rotating body 80 may be arranged on the same center line as the introduction port 56. In short, the positional relationship between the introduction port 56 and the upper rotating body 80 may be arranged at a suitable position according to the design concept of how to distribute the game balls.

  The ball-throw type distribution mechanism C is distributed to the normal route NR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A and guides the game balls that have passed through the communication path 57 via the game ball distribution device B to the central rotation type distribution mechanism D. This is a mechanism that distributes to either the path 60 or the entrance of the lost passage (lost area) 59. The ball thrusting type distribution mechanism C includes a ball thrusting plate 58 and a solenoid that drives the ball thrusting plate 58.

  When the blade 51 of the center accessory 50 is opened and closed, the ball thrust plate 58 performs a predetermined advance / retreat operation. When the ball striking plate 58 moves in the direction of the arrow K in FIG. 6 and is held at the position advanced into the communication passage 57, the game ball rolling on the communication passage 57 from the back side to the front side is It is dammed by the thrust plate 58. At this time, the game ball is guided to the guide path 60 by the ball thrust plate 58, rolls on the guide path 60, and is introduced into the central rotary distribution mechanism D (see FIGS. 6 and 7). On the other hand, when the ball thrusting plate 58 moves in the direction of the arrow K in FIG. 6 and retreats from the communication passage 57, there is nothing to dam the game ball. Enter the entrance. Then, the game ball is discharged from the lost passage 59 to the outside.

  It should be noted that the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C distributes the game balls to the central rotation type distribution mechanism D side with a probability of about 2/5 and to the lost passage 59 side with a probability of about 3/5. A time interval for playing (advancing and retreating) is set. The time interval of this playing operation is determined when the game ball won in the upper university winning opening 51 is distributed to the normal route NR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A when the game ball is won by the upper university winning opening 51 (upper university An average time from when the winning opening detection sensor 45a is turned on) until reaching the position where the ball thrust plate 58 advances and retreats is obtained by experiments and set based on the time.

  The central rotation type distribution mechanism (second game ball distribution mechanism) D is a mechanism for distributing the game balls guided by the ball-throw type distribution mechanism C to any one of the contact path 68, the introduction path 69, or the loss path 67. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, a central rotating body 65 that always rotates in the direction of arrow A and a motor 62 that drives the central rotating body 65 are provided. The central rotating body 65 is a disk body that is located below the effect display device 34 (see FIG. 3) and is rotatable about the vertical direction, and has eight equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Holes are provided, and these holes are separated from each other by a protrusion 66. One of the eight holes is a V hole (s1), the other one is a replay hole (s5), and the rest are all lost holes (s2 to s4, s6 to s8).

  On the mounting surface of the central rotating body 65, there are provided an entrance for a contact passage (specific region) 68 and an entrance for a loss passage (losing region) 67. Depending on the rotational position of the central rotating body 65, a V-hole ( s1) communicates with the entrance of the hit passage 68, the losing holes (s2 to s4, s6 to s8) communicate with the entrance of the losing passage 67, and the replay hole (s5) communicates with the introduction passage 69. Of course, the V hole (s1) does not communicate with the inlet of the loss passage 67 and the introduction passage 69, and the loss holes (s2 to s4, s6 to s8) communicate with the inlet of the contact passage 68 and the introduction passage 69. In addition, the replay hole (s5) does not communicate with the entrance of the contact passage 68 and the entrance of the loss passage 67.

  When a game ball enters the V hole (s1), the game ball moves with the rotation of the central rotating body 65 while being held in the V hole (s1), and communicates with the entrance of the contact passage 68. It passes through the passage from the entrance of the contact passage 68 and is discharged to the outside. At this time, the special winning detection sensor 47 provided in the winning passage 68 detects the passage of the game ball and outputs a detection signal to the main control processing unit 100. Upon receiving the detection signal, the main control processing unit 100 provides a big hit game.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the replay hole (s5), the game ball moves with the rotation of the central rotating body 65 while being held in the replay hole (s5), and communicates with the introduction passage 69. Then, it flows down to the introduction passage 69. In addition, when a game ball enters the lost hole (s2 to s4, s6 to s8), the game ball is held in the lost hole (s2 to s4, s6 to s8), and the rotation of the central rotating body 65 is performed. When it moves and communicates with the inlet of the lost passage 67, it passes through the passage from the inlet of the lost passage 67 and is discharged to the outside. At this time, the passing of the game ball is detected by the lost ball detection sensor 48 provided in the lost passage 67, and the detection signal is input to the main control processing unit 100. The main control processing unit 100 confirms that the game ball has been discharged to the outside based on this detection signal.

  According to this configuration, the game ball that has reached the central rotational distribution mechanism D is introduced into the V hole (s1) with a probability of 1/8 (first probability), and also with a probability of 1/8, the replay hole (s5 ) And will be introduced into the lost holes (s2 to s4, s6 to s8) with a probability of 6/8.

  The game ball lifting mechanism E is a mechanism that lifts the game ball that has been introduced into the replay hole (s5) of the central rotation type distribution mechanism D and has flowed down the introduction passage 69 to the right rotation type distribution mechanism F. . The game ball lifting mechanism E has a movable body 70 that moves up and down in the direction of arrow C and arrow D in FIG. 6 while holding the game ball, a motor that drives the movable body 70, and the movement of the movable body 70 And a guide (not shown) for guiding.

  The movable body 70 receives the game ball that has flowed down the introduction passage 69 at the lowermost position, and moves up to the uppermost position while holding the game ball in the direction of arrow C. At the uppermost position, the movable ball 70 Operates to be sent out to the side entrance 74b of the right rotation type distribution mechanism F. After the game ball is lifted up to the side entrance 74b, the movable body 70 descends in the direction of arrow D to the lowest end position.

  The right rotation type distribution mechanism F is distributed to the special route SR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A, and the game ball introduced from the game ball rotation transfer mechanism G, which will be described later, and the game ball lifting mechanism E as described above. This is a mechanism for distributing the game balls introduced to the side entrance 74b to the hitting passage 77 or the lost passage 78, respectively.

  The right rotation type distribution mechanism F includes a right rotation body 75 whose one end surface intersecting the rotation axis direction is directed to the front side of the pachinko machine, and a motor that drives the right rotation body 75. The right rotating body 75 is always rotated at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 6 by a motor. The right rotating body 75 is provided with a V hole 76a and two lost holes 76b and 76c at equal intervals. Each of the holes 76a, 76b, and 76c has a size that allows one game ball to enter and exit.

  When the game ball enters the V hole 76 a, it is guided to the entrance of the hit passage (specific area) 77. The game ball that has passed through the winning passage 77 is detected by the special winning detection sensor 47, and the detection signal is input to the main control processing unit 100. Then, the main control processing unit 100 provides a big hit game. On the other hand, when the game ball enters the losing holes 76b and 76c, the game ball is led to the entrance of the losing passage (losing area) 78. The game ball that has passed through the lost passage 78 is detected by the lost ball detection sensor 48, and the main control processing unit 100 confirms that the game ball has been discharged to the outside based on the detection signal.

  Although not shown, the hitting passage 68 and the hitting passage 77 merge in the middle to form one hitting passage, and a special prize detection sensor 47 is provided in the joined hitting passage. Similarly, the lost passage 59, the lost passage 67, and the lost passage 78 are joined together to form one lost passage, and the lost ball detection sensor 48 is provided in the joined lost passage.

  According to this configuration, the game balls that have entered the right-turning distribution mechanism F are distributed to the V holes 76a with a probability of 1/3 (second probability), and to the lost holes 76b and 76c with a probability of 2/3. Sorted. Therefore, the probability that a game ball enters the V hole (s1) of the central rotor 65 from the normal route NR and is a big hit is 1/8, whereas the V hole 76a of the right rotor 75 from the special route SR. Since the probability of winning a game ball into the jackpot is 1/3, the special route SR is more advantageous to the player.

  The game ball rotation transfer mechanism G moves the game balls distributed to the special route SR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A from the back side of the game board 3 to the front side (player side) while moving the right rotation type distribution mechanism F. This is a mechanism for leading to the upper entrance 74a located above. The game ball rotation transfer mechanism G includes two decoration rotators 71 and 72 that rotate about a direction orthogonal to the board surface of the game board 3, and these decoration rotators 71 and 72 include a motor. Yes. Each of the decorative rotating bodies 71 and 72 is provided with a plurality of notches capable of holding one game ball. The game balls distributed to the special route SR are first transported to a predetermined rotational position in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6 while being held in the notch of the decorative rotating body 71 and then sent out to the decorative rotating body 72. It is. Next, the game ball is transported to a predetermined rotational position in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 6 while being held in the notch portion of the decorative rotating body 72, and then guided to the upper entrance 74a.

  Although not shown in detail, the two decorative rotating bodies 71 and 72 and the right rotating body 75 described above are connected to one motor through a plurality of gears, and the three rotating bodies are connected by this motor. It always rotates in a predetermined direction. Specifically, the decorative rotator 71 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6, the decorative rotator 72 rotates in the direction of arrow C, and the right rotator 75 rotates in the direction of arrow i. The value is such that the least common multiple of the number of teeth of the plurality of gears is large (for example, a prime number). This discriminates the rotational positions of the rotators 71, 72, 75, and can be in an advantageous gaming state (a game ball can be introduced into the V hole 76a). This is to make it difficult to guess the law.

  In this pachinko machine P, the flow path of the game balls when the game balls win the center bonus 50 is summarized as follows. In addition, the arrow of FIG. 7 has shown the direction in which a game ball flows down.

“When assigned to normal route NR”:
(Pattern 1)
A game ball wins the upper grand prize winning hole 51 → is distributed to the normal route NR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A → is randomly delayed while being distributed left and right by the game ball distribution device B → the entrance of the lost passage 59 by the ball collision distribution mechanism C To the outside → discharged to the outside of the center object 50.

(Pattern 2)
A game ball is won at the upper prize winning hole 51 → distributed to the normal route NR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A → randomly delayed while being distributed to the left and right by the game ball distribution device B → the central rotation type distribution mechanism by the ball collision distribution mechanism C Guide to D → Leave into the hole (s2 to s4, s6 to s8) and guide to the entrance of the lost passage 67 → Exhaust outside the center accessory 50.

(Pattern 3: jackpot on regular route)
A game ball is won at the upper prize winning hole 51 → distributed to the normal route NR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A → randomly delayed while being distributed to the left and right by the game ball distribution device B → the central rotation type distribution mechanism by the ball collision distribution mechanism C Guide to D → Enter into V hole (s1) and guide to entrance of passage 68 → Discharge to outside of center accessory 50 (provide jackpot game).

(Pattern 4: Big hit on replay route)
A game ball is won at the upper prize winning hole 51 → distributed to the normal route NR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A → randomly delayed while being distributed to the left and right by the game ball distribution device B → the central rotation type distribution mechanism by the ball collision distribution mechanism C Guided to D → Entered into replay hole (s5), guided to game ball lifting mechanism E → Guided from side entrance 74b to right-rotating distribution mechanism F → Entered into V hole 76a and guided to entrance of hit passage 77 → Center Discharge to outside of the bonus item 50 (providing a big hit game).

(Pattern 5: Lost on replay route)
A game ball is won at the upper prize winning hole 51 → distributed to the normal route NR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A → randomly delayed while being distributed to the left and right by the game ball distribution device B → the central rotation type distribution mechanism by the ball collision distribution mechanism C Guide to D → Enter into the replay hole (s5), guide to the game ball lifting mechanism E → guide from the side entrance 74b to the right-rotating distribution mechanism F → enter to the entrance of the lose passage 78 through the holes 76b and 76c. → Discharge outside the center member 50.

“When routed to special route SR”:
(Pattern 6: Big hit by special route)
A game ball is won at the upper prize winning port 51 → is distributed to the special route SR by the seesaw type distribution mechanism A → is transferred to the right rotation type distribution mechanism F by the game ball rotation transfer mechanism G → enters the V hole 76a and enters the hit passage 77 Guidance to the entrance → discharge to the outside of the center object 50 (providing a big hit game)

(Pattern 7)
A game ball is won in the upper prize winning hole 51 → is distributed to a special route SR by a seesaw type distribution mechanism A → is transferred to a right rotation type distribution mechanism F by a game ball rotation transfer mechanism G → a lost passage through the holes 76b and 76c Guide to 78 entrance → discharged to outside of center member 50.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine P to which the game ball sorting device B according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, the game ball is changed according to the rotational position of the upper rotating body 80 of the game ball sorting device B. It is difficult to predict whether or not the game balls that have entered from the upper prize winning port 51 and are distributed to the normal route NR can pass through the hit passage 68 or the hit passage 77. Become. Therefore, the player's expectation for the big hit can be given. In addition, since various delay times are generated by the upper rotator 80 and the lower rotator 90, the prediction becomes more difficult and the gameability is improved.

  In addition, since the game ball distribution device B according to the present embodiment can distribute the game balls in different directions (left and right directions) only by one upper rotating body 80, the structure of the game ball distribution device B is simplified. In addition, since the number of parts can be reduced, downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved.

  Further, the upper rotating body 80 is provided with game ball holding portions 84a and 84b and flat surfaces 85a and 85b, and always rotates in a certain direction, so that the game balls can be distributed to the left and right depending on the rotation position. In addition, the delay time can vary. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the destination of the game ball. In addition, since the center positions of the upper rotating body 80 and the introduction port 56 are offset, the probability of distributing the game balls in one direction can be made higher than the probability of distributing the game balls in the other direction.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications. For example, the game ball may be caused to flow down from the game ball distribution device B to the central rotary distribution mechanism D without providing the ball collision distribution mechanism C. Even with this configuration, the time required for the game ball to reach the central rotation type distribution mechanism D by the game ball distribution device B varies, so whether or not the V ball (s1) of the central rotation body 65 is entered. Prediction becomes difficult, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Game board, 56 ... Introduction port (game ball introduction port), 62 ... Motor (driving means), 80 ... Upper side rotation body (distribution rotation body), 81 ... Rotation axis (axis), 82 ... Main-body part, 83a -B ... peripheral wall surface (peripheral wall), 84a-b ... game ball holding portion, 85a-b ... flat surface, 87, 88 ... notch portion, 90 ... lower rotating body, 91 ... rotating shaft, 92 ... main body portion, 93a-c ... peripheral wall surface, 94a-c ... game ball holding part, B ... game ball distribution device

Claims (3)

  A game ball distribution device that is attached to a game board and distributes game balls introduced from a game ball introduction port in at least two directions, a distribution rotation body that rotates about an axis, and the distribution rotation body in a certain direction And a driving means for rotationally driving the game balls, wherein the game balls are distributed in the at least two directions according to the rotational position of the distribution rotating body. In the description of claim 1,
The sorting rotator includes a columnar or cylindrical main body that rotates around the axis, and a notch formed by cutting out a peripheral wall of the main body.
The notch is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction, and has a size enough to hold one game ball, and an upstream in the rotation direction continuously from the game ball holding unit. A flat surface formed to the side,
The distribution rotator distributes the game balls held by the game ball holding unit to the downstream side in the rotation direction, and distributes the game balls guided by the flat surface to the upstream side in the rotation direction. A game ball sorting apparatus characterized by comprising a configuration capable of. In the description of claim 1 or 2,
The axis is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the game board, and the center of the game ball inlet and the axis are provided at positions separated in the left-right direction in a front view of the game board. A game ball sorting device as a feature.