JP2014176547A - Game machine including holding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine including a holding device and having new operability.SOLUTION: A center accessory 60 is provided in nearly the center on a game board of a Pachinko machine. A holding device 150, which can hold only one of game balls 50 flowing down in a third flow path 67, is provided at a right side of the center accessory 60. At a left upper portion of the center accessory 60, a non-contact-type touch sensor 70 is provided. When the holding device 150 holds only one of the game balls 50, the holding device 150 discharges the game ball 50 held inside to the outside with the fact that a player put his/her hand over the touch sensor 70 as an opportunity.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a holding device for holding a game ball.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine including a holding device that can temporarily hold a game ball flowing down on a game board is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a holding device provided at the center of the game board and a release switch provided at a lower part of an outer frame to which the game board is attached. When the release switch is operated, the holding device discharges the held game ball. Therefore, the player can discharge the held game ball from the holding device at a desired timing. Thereby, the gaming machine can shorten the time zone in which the game ball does not win the start opening.

JP 2006-198308 A

  However, in the holding device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the release switch is attached to the lower side of the outer frame. It has been conventionally known to provide an operation switch such as a release switch on the lower side of the outer frame, and there is a problem that a player hardly feels a new game sense when operating the release switch.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine including a holding device and having a new operability.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a holding unit capable of holding a game ball flowing down on a game board, and a holding ball detection sensor provided in the holding unit and detecting a game ball held in the holding unit. In accordance with the detection result of the device, the non-contact type touch sensor provided on the game board, and the holding ball detection sensor, it is determined whether or not the holding device holds the game ball in the holding unit. And a second determination unit that determines whether or not an object to be detected is detected by the touch sensor according to a detection result of the touch sensor, and the holding device includes the first determination unit. The game held in the holding unit when the means determines that the game ball is held in the holding unit and the second determining unit determines that the detected object is detected by the touch sensor. Discharging the ball onto the game board And features.

  In the gaming machine, when the player places his hand on the touch sensor on the game board, the holding device can discharge the game ball held in the holding unit. That is, when the game ball is discharged from the holding device, the player holds his hand in front of the game board. Therefore, the player reaches for the vicinity of the game ball flowing down on the game board, so that a new game sensation can be learned. That is, the gaming machine includes a holding device and can have new operability.

  In the gaming machine, the touch sensor includes a first light emitter capable of emitting light toward a front side of the game board, and the first light emitter is configured such that the first determination unit is the holding unit and the game ball is The light may be emitted when it is determined that it is suspended. When the game ball is put on hold in the holding unit, the first light emitter emits light, which can prompt the player to hold his hand over the touch sensor. Therefore, the gaming machine can give game play to the effect using the holding device.

  The gaming machine includes a second light emitter that can emit light toward the front side, and the second light emitter emits light when the first determination unit determines that the game ball is held by the holding unit. May be. When the game ball is put on hold in the holding unit, the second light emitter emits light, so that the player can be prompted to hold the hand on the touch sensor. Therefore, the gaming machine can give further gaming properties to the effect using the holding device.

  The gaming machine includes a center accessory having an accessory capable of performing an effect using a game ball discharged from the holding device, and the holding device and the touch sensor are attached to the center accessory. May be. By providing the center role, the gaming machine can further enhance the game performance. In addition, when the gaming machine is assembled, the holding device and the touch sensor can be attached in advance to the center accessory. That is, it is not necessary to attach the center accessory, the holding device, and the touch sensor individually to the gaming machine. Therefore, the gaming machine can improve assemblability.

  In the gaming machine, the touch sensor may be attached to an upper left portion of the center accessory when viewed from the front side. For the player who operates the gaming machine with the right hand, the touch sensor is on the left side of the center accessory, so that the left hand can be easily held over the touch sensor. Therefore, the gaming machine can improve operability. In addition, since the touch sensor is located above the center object, the staff of the hall can easily see the left hand that the player holds over the touch sensor. Therefore, compared to the case where the touch sensor is located below the center role, the staff of the hall is less likely to mistake the act of the player holding his hand over the touch sensor as an illegal act such as grape goto. Therefore, the gaming machine can provide a comfortable gaming environment.

  In the gaming machine, the holding device may hold only one gaming ball. When a player calls a hall staff with the left hand while operating the gaming machine with the right hand, the player may accidentally hold his hand over the touch sensor and discharge the game ball from the holding device. Even in this case, only one game ball is discharged. Therefore, the gaming machine can suppress a sense of loss felt by a player who has performed an erroneous operation.

  In the gaming machine, the holding device includes a receiving flow path that communicates the outside and the inside of the holding portion, and the receiving flow path that connects the receiving flow path and the gaming ball guided to the receiving flow path. A game ball that is connected to the inside of the receiving passage and is guided to the receiving passage and that does not flow down the first discharging passage can be discharged to the outside. The second discharge channel, the first position for holding the game ball flowing down the first discharge channel by closing the first discharge channel, and the first position for holding the first discharge channel are reserved. A switching member that can move between a second position where the game ball that has flowed down is discharged from the first discharge channel, and a moving unit that moves the switching member, the first discharge channel and the The second discharge flow path is connected to the accessory attached to the center accessory. It can have. A game ball discharged from the first discharge flow path after being held in the holding device and a game ball discharged from the second discharge flow path without being held in the same bonus attached to the center bonus Head. As a result, the gaming machine can make it easy to understand the production while the diversity of the production performed by the center accessory.

  In the gaming machine, the first discharge channel and the second discharge channel may discharge the gaming balls guided by the receiving channel in different directions. The gaming machine can easily distinguish between a game ball discharged after being held by the holding unit and a game ball discharged without being held by the holding unit.

  In the gaming machine, the switching member may include a support surface that supports the game ball held at the first position, and the support surface may be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. When the switching member supports the game ball at the first position, since the support surface is inclined, the held game ball contacts the wall portion in the first discharge channel from the inside. Thereby, the load added to a support surface by the dead weight of the game ball suspended is disperse | distributed. That is, the load applied to the support surface by the game ball can be reduced. Therefore, the gaming machine can stabilize the holding of the game ball at the first position.

  In the gaming machine, the moving means is a solenoid provided with a plunger movable along an axial direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and a convex portion provided on the plunger and protruding in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The switching member includes a support shaft portion that supports the support shaft extending in the up-down direction, a connection portion having one end connected to the support shaft portion, and the other end connected to the support portion having the support surface. The connecting portion may include a groove portion that is formed along a direction in which the convex portion is fitted and is orthogonal to the support shaft. When the solenoid moves the plunger in the axial direction, the convex portion fitted in the groove portion applies a force in the axial direction to the switching member. The switching member converts a force applied from the convex portion into a rotational moment by moving a portion in contact with the convex portion in the groove portion along the groove portion. As a result, the switching member rotates about the support shaft, and the switching member can move between the first position and the second position. That is, the switching member can be moved between the first position and the second position only by providing a convex portion on the plunger of the solenoid and supporting the switching member provided with the groove on the support shaft. Therefore, the gaming machine can simplify the mechanism for moving the switching member.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of a center accessory 60. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a rotating combination 200 and its surroundings. 3 is an enlarged front view of a holding device 150. FIG. It is arrow direction sectional drawing in the II line | wire of FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a hold releasing mechanism 160. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the upper part of a center accessory 60 in which a game ball 50 enters a diving port 80. It is a flowchart which shows the pending | holding state alerting | reporting process of the pachinko machine. It is an enlarged front view of the holding | maintenance apparatus 150 used as the holding | maintenance state. It is a flowchart which shows the pending | holding state cancellation | release process of the pachinko machine. 6 is a cross-sectional view when the switching member 166 is moved to the second position. FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a holding device 150 when a switching member 166 is moved to a second position. It is an enlarged front view of the holding | maintenance apparatus 150 which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the hold cancellation | release mechanism 160 which concerns on the modification of this invention.

  A pachinko machine 1 that is an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front side, back side, upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively the front side (front side), rear side (rear side), upper side, and lower side of the pachinko machine 1. , Left and right.

  With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, schematic structure of the pachinko machine 1 is demonstrated. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a game board 2. The game board 2 has a substantially square plate shape in front view, and the front surface is protected by a front frame 13 holding a transparent glass plate. An upper plate 5 is provided at the lower part of the game board 2. The upper plate 5 supplies a game ball 50 (see FIG. 5) made of metal to a launcher (not shown) and receives a prize ball. An operation button 9 that is operated by a player is provided at the upper center of the upper plate 5. A lower plate 10 for receiving a prize ball is provided immediately below the upper plate 5. On the right side of the lower plate 10, a launch handle 11 that adjusts the launch of the game ball 50 is provided. Speakers 48 are respectively provided on the left and right corners of the upper portion of the front frame 13.

  A substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by guide rails 3 is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. The game ball 50 launched by the launcher flows down in the game area 4. An image display device 28 composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is provided in the approximate center of the game area 4. The image display device 28 has a display surface 28A capable of displaying various videos such as moving images. The image display device 28 displays a demo symbol for notifying the result of the jackpot determination. The pachinko machine 1 changes the number of demo symbols (three in this embodiment), and then executes a notification effect to confirm and display a combination of demo symbols indicating the result of the jackpot determination, thereby obtaining the result of the jackpot determination. Inform the player.

  At the center of the game area 4, a center accessory 60, which is a game member having a circular shape in front view, is attached so as to surround the display surface 28A of the image display device 28. The display surface 28 </ b> A is exposed forward from the display opening 60 </ b> A at a substantially central portion of the center accessory 60. The upper part of the center accessory 60 is provided with a diving port 80 opened upward, and the first starting port 16 is provided at the lower end. Therefore, when the pachinko machine 1 is assembled, the diving port 80 and the first start port 16 can be provided in the game area 4 by assembling the center accessory 60 in the center of the game board 2.

  A normal symbol start gate 12 is provided on the right side of the center accessory 60, and a second start port 75 is provided below. Below the normal symbol start gate 12, a first big prize opening 18 and a second big prize opening 19 are provided side by side in the vertical direction. A lower out port 8 is provided below the second start port 75 and at the center lower end of the game area 4. The game ball 50 that flows down to the lower side of the game area 4 without entering the first start port 16, the second start port 75, the first major winning port 18, or the second major winning port 19, etc. It is collected by the out port 8 and discharged out of the game board 2.

  The detailed structure of the center accessory 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. The center accessory 60 has an outer peripheral wall 600 that is annular when viewed from the front. In the inner region that is the region surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 600, a first flow path 64 that extends downward from the lower right side of the entry port 80, a branch portion 65 that is connected to the lower end of the first flow path 64, The second flow path 66 extending downward on the left side of the display opening 60A, the third flow path 67 extending spirally downward on the right side of the display opening 60A from the branch portion 65, and the lower end of the third flow path 67 A box-shaped holding device 150 connected to the display unit, and a rotating accessory 200 disposed below the display opening 60A.

  The 1st flow path 64, the 2nd flow path 66, and the 3rd flow path 67 are comprised by the transparent member. Therefore, the player can view the game ball 50 flowing down the first flow path 64, the second flow path 66, and the third flow path 67 from the front. 2 and 3, the first flow path 64, the second flow path 66, and the third flow path 67 are indicated by dotted lines in order to make the drawings easy to see (FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 5). The same applies to 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 14, and FIG.

  The first flow path 64 extends downward from the entry port 80 so as to be bent slightly to the right. A swivel portion 64 </ b> A is provided at the lower end portion of the first flow path 64. The turning part 64A has an inner wall surface that allows the game ball 50 that has entered itself to turn about the vertical direction. The downstream end portion of the first flow path 64 communicates with a branch portion 65 provided above the display opening 60A through an opening formed at the lower end portion of the turning portion 64A.

  A distribution member 100 that is a game member that changes the flow direction of the game ball 50 flowing down the game area 4 is provided inside the branch portion 65. The sorting member 100 is a substantially rod-shaped movable body that is rotatably provided around a support shaft 100A extending in the front-rear direction. The distribution member 100 extends to the second flow path 66 side (left direction in FIG. 3) so as to be orthogonal to the support shaft 100A. The distribution member 100 distributes the game balls 50 supplied from the turning unit 64 </ b> A to either the second channel 66 or the third channel 67.

  One end portion of the sorting member 100 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 100A extending in the front-rear direction immediately below the turning portion 64A, and a substantially hemispherical crune 101 having an upper opening is provided at the other end portion. A ball outlet 123 through which the game ball 50 can pass is formed at the bottom of the croon 101. A first guide portion 103, which is a rolling surface of the game ball 50 having a U-shape when viewed from the front, is formed between the croon 101 and the support shaft 100A. Further, a second guide portion 104 that is gently curved in a front view is provided at one end portion (the end portion in the lower right direction in FIG. 3) of the sorting member 100. The second guide portion 104 is a wall portion extending in a direction away from the support shaft 100A (upward in FIG. 3).

  The allocating member 100 rotates between an upper position (see FIG. 3) for moving the croon 101 upward with respect to the support shaft 100A and a lower position (see FIG. 9) for moving downward with respect to the support shaft 100A. Is possible. The support shaft 100A is provided with an elastic member (not shown) for applying an elastic force for holding the sorting member 100 in the upper position. When the game ball 50 is not supplied to the sorting member 100, the sorting member 100 is held at the upper position by the elastic force of the elastic member (not shown). On the other hand, when the game ball 50 is supplied to the sorting member 100, the sorting member 100 is displaced from the upper position to the lower position against the elastic force of the elastic member due to its own weight. The croon 101 turns the game ball 50 entering from the upper side along the inner peripheral wall, and discharges it toward the second flow channel 66 from the discharge port provided at the bottom when the turning momentum is weakened.

  A first guide portion 103, which is a rolling surface of the game ball 50 having a U-shape when viewed from the front, is provided between the croon 101 and the support shaft 100A. The first guide portion 103 is curved so as to be recessed in a counterclockwise direction (downward in FIG. 3) about the support shaft 100A in a front view. The end of the first guide portion 103 on the side of the croon 101 (the end in the upper left direction in FIG. 3) is connected to the croon 101.

  The second guide portion 104 is a wall portion having one end connected to the support shaft 100A and extending in a direction away from the support shaft 100A (upward in FIG. 3). The other end portion (upper end portion in FIG. 3) of the second guide portion 104 is connected to an end portion (right end portion in FIG. 3) of the first guide portion 103 on the support shaft 100A side. When the sorting member 100 is in the upper position, the second guide portion 104 extends from the support shaft 100A directly below the turning portion 64A toward the upper right (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, when the distribution member 100 is in the lower position, the second guide portion 104 extends from the support shaft 100A toward the upper left (see FIG. 9). Therefore, the second guide unit 104 guides the game ball 50 falling from the turning unit 64A to the first guide unit 103 when the sorting member 100 is in the upper position, and the third ball when it is in the lower position. The flow guide 67 is guided.

  The second flow channel 66 extends from the branch portion 65 in the lower left direction and further extends downward on the left side of the display opening 60A. At the lower end of the second flow path 66, a ball outlet 66A (see FIG. 4) through which the game ball 50 is discharged toward the rotating accessory 200 is provided. The third flow path 67 extends from the branch portion 65 in the lower right direction, and further extends downward on the right side of the display opening 60A in a spiral shape. In the portion of the third channel 67 that forms a spiral shape, a third channel passage switch 67A is provided. The third channel passage switch 67 </ b> A is a transmission type sensor that includes a light emitter (not shown) and a light receiver (not shown) that are arranged to face each other with the third channel 67 interposed therebetween, and flows down the third channel 67. The game ball 50 is detected.

  On the right side of the display opening 60A, a holding device 150 is provided that can hold only one game ball 50 flowing down the third flow path 67 inside. A lower end portion of the third flow path 67 is connected to a receiving flow path 153 that communicates the inside and the outside of the holding device 150. When the game ball 50 is not held inside the holding device 150, the holding device 150 captures only one game ball 50 flowing down the third flow path 67 and holds it inside itself (hereinafter referred to as the holding device 150). The state where the game ball 50 is held is referred to as “holding state”). The game ball 50 to be held is discharged from a first discharge port 151A (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, provided at the lower end of the holding device 150, when the player holds his hand over the touch sensor 70, which will be described later. . On the other hand, when the holding device 150 is in the holding state, the game ball 50 flowing down the third flow path 67 is discharged from the second discharge port 152A described later without being captured by the holding device 150. The game ball 50 discharged from the first discharge port 151 </ b> A or the second discharge port 152 </ b> A is directed to the rotating combination 200. Details of the structure of the holding device 150 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the touch sensor 70 is an inner region of the center accessory 60 and is attached to the upper left side of the display opening 60 </ b> A and the second flow channel 66. That is, the touch sensor 70 is attached to the upper left portion of the center accessory 60 when viewed from the front side. The touch sensor 70 is a non-contact type touch sensor that employs a surface-type capacitance method, and detects a player's hand held from the front of the glass plate held by the front frame 13 as an object to be detected.

  The touch sensor 70 includes a detection unit 70A, a frame body 70B that surrounds the periphery of the detection unit 70A, and a first light emitter 70C that is provided on the front surface of the frame body 70B. 70 A of detection parts are comprised at least from the electrically conductive film (not shown) etc. which were formed on the glass substrate. The frame 70B has an octagonal shape when viewed from the front. The first light emitter 70C is a front surface portion of the frame body 70B, and is provided on each of the right side and the left side of the detection unit 70A. The first light emitter 70C includes a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) inside, and emits light toward the front side of the game board 2 when the game ball 50 is held on the holding device 150 as described later ( Blink).

  The outer peripheral wall 600 is formed from the left and right ends of the diving port 80 at the upper end to the vicinity of the first start port 16 at the lower end along the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral wall 600 includes a right guide member 61 and a left guide member 62 that are provided in a pair of left and right with respect to the entry port 80. The right guide member 61 has a rolling surface of the game ball 50 that inclines in an arc shape from the right end of the entry port 80 toward the lower side of the game board 2. The left guide member 62 has a rolling surface of the game ball 50 that inclines in an arc shape from the left end of the entry port 80 toward the lower side of the game board 2. The right guide member 61 and the left guide member 62 guide the game ball 50 that has failed to enter the entry port 80 from the left and right sides of the center accessory 60 to the lower side of the game board 2.

  The right guide member 61 is provided with a right out port 71. When a plurality of game balls 50 are formed on the rolling surface of the right guide member 61 so as to be accumulated (so-called grape state), the game balls 50 forming the grape state are collected. The left guide member 62 is provided with a left out port 72. When a plurality of game balls 50 form a grape state on the rolling surface of the left guide member 62, the game balls 50 forming the grape state are collected.

  The rotating combination 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The rotating accessory 200 is an accessory capable of performing an effect using the game ball 50 discharged from the ball outlet 66A and the game ball 50 discharged from the holding device 150. The rotating accessory 200 is provided on the stage 63. The stage 63 is a surface portion that is provided directly below the display opening 60A and extends substantially in the front-rear direction. At the left end portion of the stage 63, a ball outlet 66A of the second flow channel 66 is formed. A first discharge port 151 </ b> A and a second discharge port 152 </ b> A (described later) of the holding device 150 are formed at the right end of the stage 63.

  In a substantially central portion of the stage 63, a sorting portion which is a substantially circular concave portion in plan view at a position lower than the ball outlet 66A, the first outlet 151A (described later), and the second outlet 152A (described later). 81 is formed. In the center of the bottom portion of the distribution portion 81, a distribution surface 210 that forms the upper surface of the rotating accessory 200 is disposed. The rotating combination 200 rotates the distribution surface 210 about a shaft 200A extending in the vertical direction by a motor (not shown). Eight holes penetrating in the vertical direction are formed in the distribution surface 210 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis 200A in plan view. These eight holes are composed of two chance holes 211 arranged with the shaft 200A interposed therebetween and the remaining six lost holes 212.

  The game ball 50 discharged from the ball outlet 66A of the second channel 66 is supplied to the inside of the sorting unit 81 via a guide path 82 extending rearward to the right side from the ball outlet 66A. The game ball 50 discharged from the first discharge port 151A of the holding device 150 is supplied to the inside of the sorting unit 81 via a guide path 83 extending rearward on the left side from the holding device 150. The game ball 50 discharged from the second discharge port 152A of the holding device 150 is supplied to the inside of the sorting unit 81 via the guide path 84 extending forward from the left side from the holding device 150.

  The game ball 50 supplied to the inside of the allocating unit 81 rolls so as to go around an annular rolling surface 81A that surrounds the outside of the allocating surface 210. Since the rolling surface 81A is slightly inclined inward toward the distribution surface 210, the game ball 50 moves around the rolling surface 81A and then moves toward the rotating distribution surface 210. Then, the player enters the chance hole 211 or the loss hole 212. The game ball 50 that has entered the chance hole 211 wins the first start port 16 via a guide route (not shown). The game ball 50 that has entered the lose hole 212 is discharged to the lower side of the center accessory 60 through one of the discharge paths 84 and 85 provided on the left and right sides of the first start port 16.

  The configuration of the holding device 150 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The holding device 150 includes a box-shaped case 156, a holding portion 159 that forms a space inside the case 156, a holding release mechanism 160 provided at the left rear portion of the holding portion 159, and a lower end portion of the third flow path 67. The receiving flow path 153 communicating with the inside of the holding section 159, the first discharge flow path 151 extending downward from the receiving flow path 153 inside the holding section 159, and the receiving flow path 153 and the holding section 159 are connected. However, a second discharge channel 152 extending downward on the right side of the first discharge channel 151 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the case 156 has an octagonal shape when viewed from the front, and a viewing window 156 </ b> A formed of a transparent member is fitted into the front portion. The case 156 is formed from a resin member having translucency. Therefore, the player can see the game ball 50 held by the holding unit 159 or the game ball 50 passing through the inside of the holding unit 159 without being held.

  A bottomed cylindrical mounting member 154 that opens toward the rear is provided on the upper right side of the front surface of the case 156. The attachment member 154 is formed of a resin member having translucency, and includes a second light emitter 154A inside. The second light emitter 154A in the present embodiment includes a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) inside, and when the game ball 50 is held on the holding device 150 as will be described later, the front side of the game board 2 Emits light (lights up).

  The receiving channel 153 is a substantially cylindrical channel and extends in the vertical direction. The receiving channel 153 is provided with a receiving port 153A penetrating the case 156 at the upper end portion, and a branch portion 153B connected to the first discharge channel 151 and the second discharge channel 152 at the lower end portion. The receiving port 153 </ b> A communicates the third flow path 67 outside the holding unit 159 and the inside of the holding unit 159. The branch portion 153B is connected to the upper end portion of the first discharge channel 151 and the upper end portion of the second discharge channel 152.

  The first discharge channel 151 is a cylindrical channel having an inner diameter substantially equal to that of the reception channel 153. An upper end portion of the first discharge channel 151 is connected to the branch portion 153B, and a first discharge port 151A that penetrates the case 156 is provided at the lower end portion. 151 A of 1st discharge ports connect the inside of the storage part 159, and the exterior.

  The first discharge channel 151 includes a cutout portion 151B in which the front and left wall portions are partially cut out between the branch portion 153B and the first discharge port 151A. As will be described later, when the switching member 166 (see FIG. 7) rotates around the support shaft portion 166A, the support portion 166D passes through the notch portion 151B, so that the inner side and the outer side of the first discharge flow channel 151 are obtained. It can be moved between. The distance from the upper end of the notch 161B to the branch 153B is shorter than the diameter of the game ball 50.

  The first discharge channel 151 includes a first discharge path passage switch 157 on the outside of the wall portion between the notch 151B and the first discharge port 151A. The first discharge passage passage switch 157 is a transmission type sensor that includes a light emitter (not shown) and a light receiver (not shown) that are arranged to face each other across the first discharge passage 151. The game ball 50 flowing down is detected.

  The second discharge channel 152 is a cylindrical channel having an inner diameter substantially equal to that of the reception channel 153, and extends downward while slightly curving from the branch portion 153B to the right. An upper end portion of the second discharge channel 152 is connected to the branch portion 153B, and a second discharge port 152A penetrating the case 156 is provided at the lower end portion. The second discharge port 152A communicates the inside and the outside of the holding unit 159. The second discharge port 152A includes a second discharge path passage switch 158 outside the wall portion between the branch portion 153B and the second discharge port 152A. The second discharge path passage switch 158 is a transmission type sensor that includes a light emitter (not shown) and a light receiver (not shown) that are arranged to face each other with the second discharge path 152 interposed therebetween. The game ball 50 flowing down is detected.

  The first discharge channel 151 discharges the game ball 50 flowing down from the first discharge port 151A to the guide path 83 (see FIG. 4), and the second discharge channel 152 is guided from the second discharge port 152A to the guide channel. 84 (see FIG. 4). As described above, the guide path 83 extends leftward and rearward from the holding device 150, and the guide path 84 extends rightward and forward from the holding device 150 (see FIG. 4). That is, the first discharge flow channel 151 and the second discharge flow channel 152 are configured to discharge the game balls 50 flowing from the receiving flow channel 153 in different directions. Thereby, the holding device 150 can easily distinguish the game ball 50 discharged from the first discharge channel 151 from the game ball 50 discharged from the second discharge channel 152.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the hold release mechanism 160 includes a hold release solenoid 161, a support shaft 168 that extends in the vertical direction, and a switching member 166 that can rotate around the support shaft 168. The holding release solenoid 161 includes at least a main body 162, a columnar plunger 163 extending rightward from the inside of the main body 162, and a coil spring 164 provided on the plunger 163.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the main body 162 has a box shape whose upper side is open, and accommodates a wound coil (not shown) and a fixed iron core (not shown) inside. A through-hole 162B is provided in the approximate center of the right side wall 162A of the main body 162. The axis of the plunger 163 extends in the left-right direction so as to be orthogonal to the up-down direction. A contact portion 163A provided at the distal end portion of the plunger 163 (an end portion in a direction away from the main body portion 162) and a fixing portion 163B provided between the right side wall 162A and the contact portion 163A are provided. The contact portion 163 </ b> A and the fixing portion 163 </ b> B are disk-like members having a diameter larger than that of the plunger 163, and are fixed to the plunger 163.

  The plunger 163 is inserted through the through-hole 162B and further inserted inside the coil. The contact part 163A and the fixed part 163B are arranged on the right side of the right side wall 162A. A convex portion 165 is provided at the lower end portion of the plunger 163 between the contact portion 163A and the fixed portion 163B. The convex portion 165 protrudes downward so as to be orthogonal to the axial direction (left-right direction) of the plunger 163. The coil spring 164, which is an elastic member, is inserted with a plunger 163 inside while being compressed in the axial direction by the right side wall 162A and the fixing portion 163B. That is, the plunger 163 is urged rightward by the elastic force applied by the coil spring 164 via the fixed portion 163B, and is stationary at a position where the contact portion 163A contacts the wall portion not shown. As will be described later, when the holding release solenoid 161 is turned on by passing a current through a coil (not shown), the fixed iron core (not shown) becomes magnetic. Thereby, the plunger 163 is configured to be movable to the left to a position where it abuts against the fixed iron core against the elastic force of the coil spring 164.

  The support shaft 168 is provided on the right rear side of the holding release solenoid 161. The switching member 166 is a bar-like game member that extends from the support shaft 168 to the inside of the first discharge flow channel 151 through the notch 151B (see FIG. 3). As will be described later, the switching member 166 is movable between a first position where the first discharge passage 151 is closed and a second position where the first discharge passage 151 is opened.

  The switching member 166 includes a support shaft portion 166A that is rotatably supported by the support shaft 168, and a connection portion 166B that has one end connected to the support shaft portion 166A and extends forward so as to be orthogonal to the axis of the support shaft 168. Prepare. A support portion 166D that closes the inside of the first discharge channel 151 is provided at the other end portion (front end portion shown in FIG. 7) of the connection portion 166B.

  The support shaft portion 166A has a cylindrical shape, and the support shaft 168 is fitted and fixed in its own cylindrical hole. As a result, the switching member 166 can rotate with the rotation of the support shaft 168. The connecting portion 166B has a groove portion 166C formed along a direction orthogonal to the support shaft 168 between the support shaft portion 166A and the support portion 166D. The groove 166C has a rectangular shape with the front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction in plan view. The upper part of the groove part 166C is opened, and the convex part 165 is fitted.

  The support portion 166D is a flat plate-like member that can capture the game ball 50 flowing down the first discharge flow channel 151 and can support the game ball 50 from below. The support surface 166E, which is the upper end surface of the support portion 166D, is inclined obliquely toward the lower left in a front view and is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (see FIG. 5). When viewed from the front side, the distance in the vertical direction (the direction in which the first discharge channel 151 extends) from the lowermost end of the support surface 166E to the branching portion 153B is smaller than the diameter of the game ball 50 (see FIG. 5). .

  As described above, the contact portion 163A of the hold release solenoid 161 is in contact with a wall portion (not shown) by the elastic force of the coil spring 164. By fitting the convex portion 165 and the groove portion 166C, the switching member 166 is stationary at a position where the support portion 166D closes the inside of the first discharge channel 151 (see FIG. 6). Hereinafter, the position of the switching member 166 where the support portion 166D closes the first discharge channel 151 is referred to as a first position. As will be described later, when the plunger 163 moves leftward to the fixed iron core, the switching member 166 is configured such that the support portion 166D rotates and moves to the left side of the first discharge channel 151 (FIG. 13). (See FIG. 14). Hereinafter, the position of the switching member 166 in which the support portion 166D is rotationally moved to the left side of the first discharge channel 151 is referred to as a second position.

  The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 40 of the pachinko machine 1 includes at least a main board 41, a sub control board 58, an effect control board 43, a payout control board 45, and a relay board 47.

  The main board 41 controls the main control of the pachinko machine 1. The main board CPU unit 56 of the main board 41 is provided with a CPU 51 that performs various arithmetic processes, a RAM 52 that temporarily stores data, and a ROM 53 that stores a control program and the like. An interrupt signal generation circuit 57 is connected to the main board CPU unit 56. The ROM 53 stores a control program for the CPU 51 to execute a hold state release process described later.

  The main board 41 executes a program each time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generation circuit 57. The main board 41 is connected to the sub control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, the output port 55, the first start port switch 31, the second start port switch 32, and the touch sensor 70 via the I / O interface 54. The hold release solenoid 161 and the second timer 34 are connected. The output port 55 outputs information on the pachinko machine 1 to a game hall management computer (not shown). The first start port switch 31 and the second start port switch 32 detect the game balls 50 that have won the first start port 16 and the second start port 75, respectively. The second timer 34 measures time.

  The sub control board 58 includes a CPU 581, a RAM 582, and a ROM 583. The sub control board 58 includes an effect control board 43, a speaker 48, an operation button 9, a first timer 33, a third passage passage switch 67A, a first discharge passage passage switch 157, a second discharge passage passage switch 158, a first The light emitter 70C and the second light emitter 154A are connected. The sub control board 58 performs comprehensive control such as effects according to the command transmitted from the main board 41. The ROM 583 stores a control program for the CPU 581 to execute a hold state notification process described later. The first timer 33 measures time.

  The effect control board 43 includes a CPU 43 a and the like, and controls the display operation of the image display device 28 in accordance with a command received from the sub control board 58. The payout control board 45 controls the operation of the prize ball payout device 49 in accordance with a command transmitted from the main board 41, and pays out a predetermined number of game balls 50.

  The relay board 47 includes a normal symbol operation switch 98, a first big prize opening switch 96, a second big prize opening switch 97, a first big prize opening / closing solenoid 91, a second big prize opening / closing solenoid 92, and the display unit 24. Is connected. The normal symbol operation switch 98 detects the game ball 50 that has passed through the normal symbol start gate 12. The first big prize opening switch 96 and the second big prize opening switch 97 detect the game balls 50 that won the first big prize opening 18 and the second big prize opening 19, respectively. The first big prize opening / closing solenoid 91 and the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 92 open and close the opening / closing members of the first big prize opening 18 and the second big prize opening 19, respectively, during the big hit game.

  The power supply board 42 is connected to the main board 41 and the launching device 37, and supplies stabilized DC power to each board and the launching device 37. The launching device 37 launches one game ball 50 to the game area 4 at regular intervals (0.6 seconds in this embodiment).

  A mode in which the game ball 50 flows down the inner region of the center accessory 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 9. As shown in FIG. 3, the game ball 50 that has entered the entrance 80 flows down the first flow path 64 and enters the turning portion 64 </ b> A. The game ball 50 that has entered the turning portion 64A turns along the inner wall surface of the turning portion 64A, and drops from the turning portion 64A when the turning force is weakened.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in a state where the game ball 50 is not supplied to the sorting member 100, the sorting member 100 is held at the upper position by the elastic force of an elastic member (not shown). The game ball 50 dropped from the turning unit 64A enters the branch unit 65 and is guided to the first guide unit 103 by the second guide unit 104.

  Due to the weight of the game ball 50 received by the first guide portion 103, the sorting member 100 rotates counterclockwise in front view against the elastic force of the elastic member (not shown). Thereby, the distribution member 100 is displaced from the upper position to the lower position. As shown in FIG. 9, when the sorting member 100 is in the lower position, the ball outlet 123 of the croon 101 is located immediately above the second flow path 66.

  As the sorting member 100 is displaced from the upper position to the lower position, the game ball 50 is guided in the lower left direction by the first guide portion 103 and enters the inside of the croon 101. The game ball 50 that has entered the inside turns along the inner wall surface and falls from the ball outlet 123 when the turning force is weakened. The game ball 50 that has fallen from the ball outlet 123 enters the second flow path 66 that is located directly below the ball outlet 123.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the game ball 50 falls from the ball outlet 123, the sorting member 100 returns to a state where the game ball 50 is not supplied again. The distribution member 100 rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front by the elastic force of an elastic member (not shown). Thereby, the distribution member 100 returns from the lower position to the upper position.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the game ball 50 that has entered the second flow channel 66 (see FIG. 3) is discharged from the ball discharge port 66 </ b> A and is supplied into the distribution unit 81 via the guide path 82. The game balls 50 that have entered the distribution unit 81 circulate while rolling clockwise on the rolling surface 81A in plan view, and are distributed to the chance holes 211 or the loss holes 212.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the sorting member 100 is in the lower position, the second guide portion 104 is located immediately below the turning portion 64A. Therefore, when the game ball 50 is turning along the inner wall surface of the croon 101 and the subsequent game ball 50 falls from the turning part 64A, the subsequent game ball 50 enters the branching part 65 and enters the second guide. Guided by the portion 104 to the third flow path 67. The third flow path 67 guides the game ball 50 to the receiving flow path 153 of the holding device 150.

  Of the game balls 50 that have entered from the receiving port 153A of the receiving channel 153, one ball is held in the holding unit 159 of the holding device 150 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the holding device 150 is put on hold. The subsequent game ball 50 entering the holding device 150 in the holding state passes through the holding unit 159 as it is and is discharged from the second discharge port 152A. When the holding device 150 enters a holding state, the holding device 150 notifies that. Then, when the player's hand is held over the touch sensor 70, the holding device 150 releases the holding state, and discharges the held game ball 50 to the first outlet 151A. In this case, the hold state notification process executed by the CPU 581 (see FIG. 8) and the hold state release process executed by the CPU 51 (see FIG. 8) will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the game ball 50 discharged from the second discharge port 152 </ b> A without being held by the holding unit 159 (see FIG. 3) is supplied into the distribution unit 81 via the guide path 84. . The game ball 50 discharged from the guide path 84 rolls the rolling surface 81A clockwise in plan view, then moves toward the rotating distribution surface 210, and enters the chance hole 211 or the loss hole 212. .

  The game ball 50 discharged from the first discharge port 151 </ b> A after being held by the holding unit 159 is supplied into the distribution unit 81 via the guide path 83. The game ball 50 discharged from the guide path 83 rolls the rolling surface 81A counterclockwise in plan view, and then moves toward the rotating distribution surface 210 and enters the chance hole 211 or the loss hole 212. To do.

  The game balls 50 discharged from the first outlet 151A and the second outlet 152A roll in opposite directions on the rolling surface 81A, respectively. That is, the rotating combination 200 can execute different effects on the game ball 50 discharged from the first outlet 151A and the game ball 50 discharged from the second outlet 152A. Thereby, the center accessory 60 can diversify the effects using the game balls 50 discharged from the holding device 150. The game balls 50 discharged from the first discharge port 151A and the second discharge port 152A are both discharged toward the rotating combination 200. The game balls 50 discharged from the first discharge port 151A and the second discharge port 152A are discharged toward the same accessory, so that the pachinko machine 1 has a variety of effects performed by the center accessory 60. However, the production can be easily understood.

  When the holding device 150 is released from the holding state, the holding device 150 is supplied to the distribution unit 81 via the game ball 50 guide path 84. The player can supply the game ball 50 held by the holding unit 159 to the distribution unit 81 at any time, aiming at the position of the chance hole 211 on the rotating distribution surface 210. Accordingly, the probability that the game ball 50 discharged from the first discharge port 151A wins the first start port 16 is the probability that the game ball 50 discharged from the second discharge port 152A wins the first start port 16. Higher than the probability of. As a result, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the player's willingness to play when the player places the game ball 50 on the holding device 150 and then uses the touch sensor 70 to aim for winning in the chance hole 211. .

  Next, the hold state notification process will be described with reference to FIGS. The hold state notification process is a process executed by the CPU 581 when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. By executing the hold state notification process, the player can recognize that the hold device 150 has been put on hold.

  When the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, no current has yet flowed through the coil (not shown) of the hold release solenoid 161 (see FIG. 7), and the switching member 166 is positioned at the first position (FIG. 5). reference). That is, the support portion 166D closes the first discharge channel 151.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, the CPU 581 determines whether or not the third flow path passing switch 67A is turned on (S11). The third flow path passing switch 67A is turned ON when the game ball 50 flowing down the third flow path 67 is detected. When the third channel passage switch 67A is OFF (S11: NO), the CPU 581 returns the process to S11. For example, when the game ball 50 is not guided to the third flow path 67 by the distribution member 100, the game ball 50 does not flow down the third flow path 67, and the third flow path passing switch 67A detects the game ball 50. There is nothing to do (S11: NO).

  When the third channel passage switch 67A is turned on (S11: YES), the CPU 581 causes the first timer 33 to start measuring time (S13). The CPU 581 determines whether or not the first timer 33 has counted a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) (S15). When it is determined that the first timer 33 has not timed the predetermined time (S15: NO), the CPU 581 determines whether or not the second discharge path passage switch 158 is turned on (S17). The second discharge path passage switch 158 is turned on when the game ball 50 flowing down the second discharge path 152 is detected. When it is determined that the second discharge path passage switch 158 is not ON (S17: NO), the CPU 581 returns the process to S15. When it is determined that the first timer 33 has counted the predetermined time (S15: YES), the CPU 581 determines that the holding device 150 is in the holding state, and causes the first light emitter 70C and the second light emitter 154A to emit light. (S19).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the game ball 50 guided by the sorting member 100 flows down the third flow path 67, the game ball 50 is connected to the light emitter ( It passes between a light receiver (not shown) and a light receiver (not shown). Thereby, the game ball 50 blocks the light emitted from the light emitter toward the light receiver, and the third flow path passing switch 67A is turned on (S11: YES).

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the game ball 50 is not held in the holding unit 159, the game ball 50 passing through the third flow path passing switch 67 </ b> A (see FIG. 3) passes through the branching unit 153 </ b> B from the receiving flow path 153. Pass through and enter the first discharge channel 151. The game ball 50 collides with the support portion 166D within the time less than the predetermined time (3 seconds) described above after the third flow path passing switch 67A is turned ON. Thereafter, the game ball 50 is captured by being supported from below by the support surface 166E, and is retained in the retaining unit 159. As a result, the holding device 150 is put on hold. At this time, the first timer 33 does not measure the predetermined time (3 seconds) described above (S15: NO). Moreover, since the captured game ball 50 does not flow down the second discharge channel 152, the second discharge channel passage switch 158 does not detect the game ball 50 (S17: NO). Thereafter, when the first timer 33 counts the predetermined time (3 seconds) described above (S15: YES), the first light emitter 70C blinks and the second light emitter 154A is lit (S19). Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can easily notify the player that the game ball 50 has been held in the holding unit 159 of the holding device 150.

  In addition, the fact that the first light emitter 70C blinks indicates that the player needs to hold his / her hand over the touch sensor 70 at the upper left side of the center accessory 60 in order to release the hold state of the hold device 150. Can be easily recognized.

  The support surface 166E is inclined obliquely downward and leftward. Accordingly, the game ball 50 supported by the support surface 166E comes into contact with the left wall portion of the first discharge channel 151 from the inside.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the second discharge path passage switch 158 is turned on (S17: YES), the CPU 581 ends the process. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the subsequent game ball 50 enters the holding device 150 in the hold state from the receiving flow path 153, the game ball 50 is connected to the game ball 50 on the support surface 166 </ b> E. collide. As described above, the vertical distance from the lowermost end of the support surface 166E to the branching portion 153B is less than the diameter of the game ball 50. Therefore, the subsequent game ball 50 that has collided flows down from the branch portion 153B to the second discharge flow path 152. The game ball 50 flowing down the second discharge flow path 152 passes between the light emitter (not shown) and the light receiver (not shown) of the second discharge path passing switch 158. Thereby, the game ball 50 blocks light emitted from the light emitter toward the light receiver, and the second discharge path passage switch 158 is turned on (S17: YES). The game ball 50 that has passed through the second discharge path passing switch 158 is discharged from the second discharge port 152A to the guide path 84 (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 581 determines whether or not the first discharge path passing switch 157 is turned on (S20). The first discharge path passage switch 157 is turned on by detecting the game ball 50 flowing down from the notch 151B through the lower first discharge path 151. When the first discharge path passage switch 157 is not turned ON (S20: NO), the CPU 581 returns the process to S20. For example, as will be described later, when the player does not hold his hand over the touch sensor 70, the switching member 166 remains in the first position, and the game ball 50 is captured in the first discharge channel 151. It remains. In this case, the game ball does not flow down from the cutout portion 151B to the lower first discharge passage 151, and the first discharge passage passage switch 157 is not turned ON (S20: NO).

  When it is determined that the first discharge path passage switch 157 is turned on (S20: YES), the CPU 581 turns off the first light emitter 70C and the second light emitter 154A (S21), and resets the first timer 33. (S22), the process is terminated.

  For example, as will be described later, when the player holds his / her hand over the touch sensor 70 in the hold state release process, the switching member 166 moves to the second position and is captured in the first discharge flow channel 151. 50 flows down the first discharge channel 151 again. Thereby, the game ball 50 passes between the light emitter (not shown) and the light receiver (not shown) of the first discharge path passage switch 157. Thereby, the game ball 50 blocks the light emitted from the light emitter toward the light receiver, and the first discharge path passing switch 157 is turned on (S20: YES). In this case, the CPU 581 determines that the game ball 50 is no longer held by the holding unit 159, and turns off the first light emitter 70C and the second light emitter 154A (S22). Thereby, the player recognizes that the hold state of the hold device 150 is released. The player operates the pachinko machine 1 with the aim of entering the entry port 80 in order to cause the holding device 150 to hold the game ball 50 again.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, and FIG. The hold state release process is a process executed by the CPU 51 when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. By executing the hold state releasing process, the hold state of the holding device 150 (see FIG. 3) is released, and the game ball 50 held in the holding unit 159 is discharged from the first outlet 151A.

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the touch sensor 70 is turned on (S23). The touch sensor 70 is turned on when the player holds his hand in front of the detection unit 70A. When it is determined that the touch sensor 70 is not ON (S23: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to 23.

  For example, in the above-described hold state notification process, when the hold device 150 enters the hold state, the first light emitter 70C and the second light emitter 154A emit light (FIG. 10, S19). Even in this case, if the chance hole 211 does not rotate to the position desired by the player along with the rotation of the distribution surface 210, the player maintains the holding state of the holding device 150, and the touch sensor. Do not hold your hand over 70 (S23: NO).

  When the touch sensor 70 is turned on (S23: YES), the CPU 51 turns on the hold release solenoid 161 (S25). The hold release solenoid 161 is turned on when the CPU 51 passes a current through a coil (not shown) housed in the main body 162 (see FIG. 7).

  For example, when the chance hole 211 rotates and moves to a position desired by the player along with the rotation of the distribution surface 210, the player operating the launch handle 11 with the right hand detects the touch sensor 70 from the front of the game board 2. Hold your left hand over (S23: YES). In this case, a current flows through the coil of the hold release solenoid 161 (S25), and the fixed iron core (not shown) is excited. The excited fixed iron core attracts the plunger 163. When the player holds his hand over the touch sensor 70, the player reaches his hand to the vicinity of the game ball 50 flowing down the game area 4 of the game board 2, such as the game ball 50 flowing down the second flow path 66. You can learn the feeling of operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the hold release solenoid 161 is turned on, the plunger 163 moves to the left along the axial direction against the elastic force of the coil spring 164 and moves to the fixed iron core (not shown). Abut. Along with the movement of the plunger 163, the convex portion 165 (see FIG. 7) fitted in the groove 166 </ b> C applies a force toward the moving direction (left direction) of the plunger 163 to the switching member 166. In this case, the switching member 166 moves the contact part with the convex part 165 in the groove part 166C along the groove part 166C. Thereby, the switching member 166 converts the force applied from the convex portion 165 into a rotational moment, and rotates counterclockwise around the support shaft 168 in plan view. Thereby, support part 166D which existed in the 1st position passes through notch part 151B (refer to Drawing 5), and rotates and moves to the 2nd position. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the game ball 50 supported by the support surface 166E flows down through the first discharge channel 151 again.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 13, the support portion 166 </ b> D is farther from the support shaft 168 than the groove portion 166 </ b> C and the convex portion 165. Therefore, when the hold release solenoid 161 sucks the plunger 163, the movement amount of the convex portion 165 is smaller than the rotation movement amount around the support shaft 168 of the support portion 166D. Therefore, since the pachinko machine 1 can reduce the amount of movement (stroke amount) of the plunger 163 in the left-right direction, the hold release solenoid 161 can be downsized.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 51 starts the time measurement of the second timer 34 (S28). The CPU 51 determines whether or not the second timer 34 has counted a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) (S30). When it is determined that the second timer 34 has not timed the predetermined time (S30: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to S30. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, immediately after the hold release solenoid 161 (see FIG. 13) is turned ON, the game ball 50 captured in the first discharge flow path 151 is lower than the support portion 166D. Do not move to the side. At this time, the second timer 34 does not measure the predetermined time (1 second) described above (S30: NO).

  As shown in FIG. 12, when it is determined that the second timer 34 has timed a predetermined time (S30: YES), the CPU 51 stops supplying current to the coil of the hold release solenoid 161 and turns off the hold release solenoid 161. After turning off (S32) and resetting the second timer 34 (S34), the process is terminated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, after the game ball 50 captured in the first discharge channel 151 passes through the first discharge path passage switch 157 below the support portion 166D, the first discharge port When discharged from 151A to the guide path 84 (see FIG. 9), the second timer 34 counts the predetermined time (1 second) described above (S30: YES). The CPU 51 determines that the game ball 50 is not held by the holding unit 159 and the holding state of the holding device 150 is released, and turns off the holding release solenoid 161 (S32). Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the plunger 163 moves to the right by the elastic force of the coil spring 164 until the contact portion 163 </ b> A contacts the wall portion (not shown). As a result, the switching member 166 rotates about the support shaft 168 from the second position to the first position. As a result, the support portion 166D again closes the first discharge flow path 151, and the holding device 150 becomes in a state in which the game ball 50 entering from the receiving flow path 153 can be held again.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the game ball 50 held by the holding unit 159 of the holding device 150 is triggered by the player holding his left hand over the touch sensor 70 and the first outlet 151A. Discharged from. When the player holds the left hand over the touch sensor, the player holds the left hand from the front of the game area on the game board 2. As a result, the player reaches out to the vicinity of the game ball 50 flowing down the game area 4 of the game board 2, such as the game ball 50 flowing down the second flow path 66, for example, so that the player can feel a new sense of operation. it can. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 includes the holding device 150 and can have new operability.

  Further, when it is determined that the game ball 50 is held in the holding unit 159 (S11 to S17), the pachinko machine 1 moves the first light emitter 70C provided in the touch sensor 70 toward the front side of the game board 2. To emit light (flash) (S19). The pachinko machine 1 can prompt the player to hold his hand over the touch sensor 70. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can give game play to the effect using the holding device 150.

  Further, when it is determined that the game ball 50 is held in the holding unit 159 (S11 to S17), the pachinko machine 1 emits the second light emitter 154A of the holding device 150 toward the front side of the game board 2. (Lights up) (S19). The pachinko machine 1 can prompt the player to hold his hand over the touch sensor 70. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can give further playability to the effect using the holding device 150.

  Further, the holding device 150 and the touch sensor 70 are attached to the center accessory 60. When the pachinko machine 1 is assembled, the holding device 150 and the touch sensor 70 can be attached to the center accessory 60 in advance. That is, it is not necessary to attach the center accessory 60, the holding device 150, and the touch sensor 70 to the pachinko machine 1 individually. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can improve assemblability.

  The touch sensor 70 is attached to the upper left portion of the center accessory 60. For the player who operates the firing handle 11 with the right hand, the touch sensor 70 is on the left side of the center accessory 60, so that the left hand is easily held over the touch sensor 70. That is, the player can simultaneously perform an operation of adjusting the launch of the game ball 50 using the launch handle 11 and an operation of discharging the game ball 50 from the holding unit 159 using the touch sensor 70. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can improve operability. In addition, since the touch sensor 70 is above the center accessory 60, the staff of the hall can easily see the left hand that the player holds over the touch sensor 70. Therefore, compared with the case where the touch sensor 70 is located below the center accessory 60, the staff of the hall is less likely to mistake the act of the player holding his hand over the touch sensor 70 as an illegal act such as grape goto. . Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can provide a comfortable gaming environment.

  Further, the holding device 150 can hold only one game ball 50 in the holding unit 159. When a player operates the launch handle 11 of the pachinko machine 1 with the right hand and calls a staff member of the hall with the left hand, the player accidentally puts his hand over the touch sensor 70 and ejects the game ball 50 from the holding device 150. May end up. Even in this case, only one game ball 50 is discharged. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can suppress the feeling of loss felt by the player who has performed an erroneous operation.

  Further, the game ball 50 discharged from the first outlet 151A after being held by the holding unit 159 and the game ball 50 discharged from the second outlet 152A without being held are both located below the center accessory 60. Head to the attached rotating accessory 200. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can easily understand the effect while giving the effect performed by the center accessory 60 various.

  The direction in which the first discharge channel 151 discharges the game ball 50 from the first discharge port 151A and the direction in which the second discharge channel 152 discharges the game ball 50 from the second discharge port 152A are different from each other. is there. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can easily distinguish between the game ball 50 discharged after being held by the holding unit 159 and the game ball 50 discharged without being held.

  Further, the support surface 166E in the first position is inclined toward the rear left side. The game ball 50 held by the holding unit 159 contacts the left wall portion of the first discharge channel 151 from the inside. The game ball 50 is supported by the left side wall portion and the support surface 166E. Thereby, the load applied to the support surface 166E by the dead weight of the game ball 50 to be held is dispersed. That is, the load applied to the support surface 166E by the game ball 50 can be reduced. Therefore, the gaming machine can stabilize the holding of the game ball 50 at the first position.

  Further, when the hold release solenoid 161 moves the plunger 163 in the axial direction toward the fixed iron core (not shown), the convex portion 165 fitted in the groove 166C also moves in the axial direction, and the switching member 166 moves the support shaft 168. Rotate to center. As a result, the switching member 166 moves from the first position to the second position. That is, the protrusion 165 is provided on the plunger 163, the groove 166C that fits the protrusion 165 is provided on the switching member 166, and the switching member 166 is supported by the support shaft 168, so that the switching member 166 has the first position and the second position. You can move between. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can simplify the hold release mechanism 160 that moves the switching member 166.

  In the above embodiment, the third passage passage switch 67A corresponds to the “reserved ball detection sensor” of the present invention, the pachinko machine 1 corresponds to the “game machine” of the present invention, and the rotating accessory 200 corresponds to “ The holding release solenoid 161 corresponds to the “solenoid” of the present invention.

Further, the CPU 581 that executes S11 to S17 corresponds to the “first determination means” of the present invention,
The CPU 51 that executes S23 corresponds to the “second determination means” of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in detail above, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the touch sensor 70 is a non-contact type touch sensor that employs a surface capacitive method. Instead of this, a projection-type capacitive non-contact type touch sensor may be used, or a non-contact type touch sensor employing an optical method or an infrared method may be used. Even in this case, the touch sensor 70 detects the player's hand held from the front of the glass plate held by the front frame 13 as an object to be detected.

Further, in the above embodiment, it is determined that the game ball 50 is held in the holding unit 159 when the third flow path passing switch 67A is turned ON and the second discharge path passing switch 158 is OFF for a predetermined time or more. (S11-17). Instead, a transmission type sensor may be provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first discharge flow channel 151 slightly above the notch 151B. In this case, it can be determined that the game ball 50 is held in the holding unit 159 by continuing the ON state for a predetermined time or more.

  In the above embodiment, the holding device 150 is connected to the third flow path 67 on the right side of the display opening 60A. Alternatively, the holding device 150 may be provided in the middle of the second flow channel 66 on the left side of the display opening 60A. Even in this case, the holding device 150 holds only one of the game balls 50 flowing down the second flow path 66 in the holding unit 159, and discharges the other game balls 50 toward the discharge port 66A. it can.

  In the above embodiment, the first discharge port 151A discharges the game ball 50 from the holding device 150 to the left rear, and the second discharge port 152A discharges the game ball 50 from the hold device 150 to the left front. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, the first outlet 151A may discharge the game ball 50 to the left of the holding device 150, while the second outlet 152A may discharge the game ball 50 downward. . Even in this case, the first discharge channel 151 and the second discharge channel 152 can discharge the game balls 50 guided by the receiving channel 153 in different directions.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the support surface 166E in a 1st position inclines toward the left lower side. Instead, the support surface 166E may be inclined to the lower right side, the lower front side, or the lower rear side. Even in this case, the game ball 50 supported by the support surface 166E of the switching member 166 at the first position can contact the wall portion of the first discharge flow channel 151 from the inside.

  In the above embodiment, the groove 166C opens upward. Instead, the groove portion 166C may open downward. In this case, the convex part 165 can be fitted into the groove part 166C by protruding upward from the plunger 163.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the rectangular groove part 166C is provided in planar view between the spindle part 166A and the support part 166D. Instead, as shown in FIG. 16, the groove portion 166C may have a shape that is orthogonal to the support shaft 168 and curved leftward on the right side of the support shaft portion 166A. Even in this case, if the support portion 166D at the first position is behind the first discharge channel 151, the support is provided when the plunger 163 is sucked in the direction of the arrow A toward the fixed iron core. Portion 166D rotates clockwise (in the direction of arrow B) in plan view. Thereby, support part 166D moves to a 2nd position, and can block | close the 1st discharge flow path 151. FIG.

  In addition, all elements described in the claims, the specification, and the drawings may be single or plural unless explicitly described as limiting the number. In addition, since it is an item that can be easily considered by those skilled in the art to configure each of these elements separately or as a unitary structure as appropriate, the difference in configuration at that level depends on the embodiment. However, just because the other is used does not mean that the present invention or the right is avoided.

1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 50 Game ball 51 CPU
60 Center character 67A Third flow path switch 70 Touch sensor 70C First light emitter 150 Reserving device 151 First discharge flow path 152 Second discharge flow path 153 Receiving flow path 154A Second light emitter 159 Reserving section 161 Retention release solenoid 163 Plunger 165 Convex portion 166 Switching member 166A Support shaft portion 166B Connection portion 166C Groove portion 166D Support portion 166E Support surface 168 Support shaft 200 Rotating accessory 581 CPU

Claims (10)

A holding unit having a holding unit capable of holding a game ball flowing down on the game board, and a holding ball detection sensor that is provided in the holding unit and detects a game ball held in the holding unit;
A non-contact type touch sensor provided on the game board;
First determination means for determining whether or not the holding device holds the game ball in the holding unit according to a detection result of the holding ball detection sensor;
A second determination means for determining whether or not an object to be detected is detected by the touch sensor according to a detection result of the touch sensor;
When the first determination unit determines that the game ball is held in the holding unit, and the second determination unit determines that the detected object is detected by the touch sensor, A gaming machine, wherein the gaming ball held in a holding unit is discharged onto the gaming board. The touch sensor includes a first light emitter that can emit light toward the front side of the game board,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first light emitter emits light when the first determination unit determines that the game ball is held by the holding unit. The holding device includes a second light emitter capable of emitting light toward the front side,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second light emitter emits light when the first determination unit determines that the game ball is held by the holding unit. A center accessory having an accessory capable of performing an effect using a game ball discharged by the holding device;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the holding device and the touch sensor are attached to the center accessory.   The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the touch sensor is attached to an upper left portion of the center accessory when viewed from the front side.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding device can hold only one gaming ball. The holding device is
A receiving channel that communicates the outside and the inside of the holding unit;
A first discharge flow path that is connected to the reception flow path inside and capable of discharging game balls guided to the reception flow path to the outside;
A second discharge flow path that is connected to the reception flow path inside and guided to the reception flow path and that does not flow down the first discharge flow path, and is capable of discharging to the outside;
Closing the first discharge flow path causes the first position to hold the game ball flowing down the first discharge flow path, and opening the first discharge flow path causes the game ball held down to flow down. A switching member movable between a second position for discharging from the first discharge channel;
Moving means for moving the switching member,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first discharge channel and the second discharge channel are respectively connected to an accessory attached to the center accessory.   The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the first discharge channel and the second discharge channel discharge the game balls guided by the receiving channel in different directions. The switching member is
A support surface for supporting the game ball held at the first position;
The gaming machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the support surface is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. The moving means is
A plunger movable along an axial direction perpendicular to the vertical direction;
A solenoid provided with a convex portion provided on the plunger and projecting in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction;
The switching member is
A support shaft portion that supports the support shaft extending in the vertical direction;
One end portion is connected to the support shaft portion, and the other end portion includes a connection portion connected to the support portion having the support surface,
The connecting portion is
The gaming machine according to claim 9, further comprising a groove portion that is formed along a direction perpendicular to the support shaft and into which the convex portion is fitted.

Images