JP2020138053A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent an error in game data including handing as a variation in a pattern because of occurrence of prize winning and as occurrence of a jackpot in execution of processing for determining whether the number of enclosed balls is appropriate.SOLUTION: A ball information control MPU 111 transmits a start signal to a main control board 100 when determining that a door frame 3 is opened or closed, shoots all the enclosed game balls to a game area 8, and counts the number of shot game balls, based on a detection signal of a shooting ball confirmation switch 36 when game balls are shot. Then, the ball information control MPU 111 compares the number of counted game balls with a predetermined appropriate number, and determines whether the number of game balls is appropriate or in excess or shortage. In determination regarding whether the number of all the enclosed game balls is appropriate, a completion signal is transmitted to a main control board. A main control MPU 101 temporarily suspends game control processing and stands by until reception of a completion signal when receiving a start signal during a game, and resumes game control processing on condition of reception of the completion signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 113

Description

The present invention relates to an enclosed ball type game machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are closedly circulated to play a game without paying out the game balls.

A predetermined number of game balls enclosed in the main body of the game machine are fired into the game area of the game board by a launching device to play a game, and the game balls that have passed through the game area are collected by a circulation path and guided to the launching device. A so-called enclosed ball-type game machine that circulates and uses balls has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In an enclosed ball-type gaming machine having a circulation path in which game balls used for pachinko games circulate, the game is played with a certain number of gaming balls enclosed inside the gaming machine. Then, the game balls can be launched corresponding to the number of game balls (data of the number of balls held) based on the data of the number of balls rented input from the storage medium such as a card via the settlement system or the like, and the game balls are launched. Then, the data of the number of possessed balls is subtracted according to the number of the fired game balls.

In addition, when the launched game ball wins a prize in the winning opening in the game area and a prize ball (game ball) is generated, the actual game ball is not paid out and the number of prize balls is added to the data of the number of balls held. Is added. Further, when the data of the number of balls held becomes "0", the game ball cannot be launched. In this way, the game by the enclosed ball type game machine is completely performed as a numerical value on the data. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately detect and manage the number of game balls enclosed in the game machine main body.

In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the enclosed ball exchange unit can be attached to and detached from the front of the lower part of the front surface of the main body frame, the door frame is opened with respect to the main body frame, and the enclosed ball exchange unit is a new one. Since it is only exchanged for one, the work of exchanging all the enclosed balls that are used in circulation can be easily and easily performed, and the number of game balls (totally enclosed balls) enclosed in the game machine main body is managed. Can be done relatively easily.

However, in the case of a type of enclosed ball type game machine that does not have an enclosed ball exchange unit that stores all the enclosed balls that are circulated, the number of all the enclosed ball enclosed in the game machine body is accurately detected and managed. It's not easy to do. The game balls enclosed in the game machine are waiting and aligned in the ball feeding path on the upstream side of the launching device arranged at the upper part of the main body frame, or via the out opening or winning opening provided in the game area. The circulation path of the game ball, such as being in a standby state until it is collected on the back side of the game board and sent to the lifting device, or existing inside the lifting device that lifts the game ball upward. It is divided into several places.

When the number of all game balls enclosed in the game machine body is not an appropriate amount (30 balls as an example), for example, when the number of all enclosed game balls is larger than the appropriate amount (referred to as excess game balls), the circulation path It becomes easy to cause ball clogging somewhere. Further, for example, when the number of all enclosed game balls is less than the appropriate amount (referred to as a game ball shortage), there is a concern that the launch balls will be insufficient during the game. In particular, if a shortage of launch balls occurs during a big hit game, the ball cannot be hit into the game area, which may cause a serious inconvenience to the player.

In addition, if the number of all game balls enclosed in the game machine body is not an appropriate amount (30 balls as an example), the number of game balls that can be used will be unbalanced when compared between the same models, and the game will be played. There is a problem that the principle that the fairness given to a person is ensured is broken.

By the way, the game ball driven into the game area during the game is caught between a large number of obstacle nails forming a gauge in the game area, and prevents the subsequent ball from flowing down the game area. A phenomenon in which a large number of game balls hit into a nail are piled up one after another to form a lump, so-called grapes, may occur.

When such grapes are generated, the clerk in the hall is called by a call lamp or the like, and the clerk is informed of the fact, and the clerk performs the elimination work. That is, when the clerk inserts the key into the cylinder lock and rotates it in one direction, the hook cover of the door frame and the hook portion of the sliding rod for the door frame of the main body frame are disengaged, and the door frame is moved to the front side. The door frame can be opened with respect to the main body frame by pulling.

After the clerk removes all the game balls in the game area where grapes are generated and puts them in the out port, the door frame is closed with respect to the main body frame to complete the elimination work. While trying to remove the game ball where the grapes are growing, the game ball may be accidentally spilled out of the machine and lost. In this way, even if the lost game ball cannot be returned to the game machine when opening and closing the door frame, the number of all game balls enclosed in the game machine body is not an appropriate amount (30 balls as an example). It will be in a state where a shortage of balls has occurred.

Regarding such a problem, as an enclosed ball type game machine that circulates the game balls enclosed in the game machine, an enclosed ball type game machine that can confirm the normality / abnormality of the number of enclosed game balls has been proposed. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).

The enclosed ball-type game machine described in Patent Document 2 can be opened and closed with respect to the game machine frame installed in the island facility and the game machine frame, and also performs a firing operation for firing the game ball into the game area. A front frame provided with a launch operation unit to be performed, a means for confirming the number of enclosed balls for confirming whether or not a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in the enclosed ball type game machine, and an opening / closing of the front frame are detected. A door open / close detection means is provided, and the circulation path includes a winning opening arranged in the game area where a game ball can be won, and a game ball arranged at the lower end of the game area and not winning the winning opening. The ball guiding passage is provided with an out port for accepting, a game ball winning in the winning opening, and a ball guiding passage for collecting the game ball in the out opening and guiding the game ball to a ball launching means capable of launching the game ball. , A waiting flow path for waiting the game ball sent to the ball launching means is provided, and a game ball detecting means for detecting the game ball waiting in the waiting flow path is provided, and the enclosed ball number checking means is an enclosed ball. It is configured to check the number of enclosed balls based on the detection information of the game ball detecting means when the power of the type game machine is turned on and when the door opening / closing detecting means detects the closing from the opening of the front frame. There is.

Further, the enclosed ball type gaming machine described in Patent Document 2 determines whether or not the number of enclosed balls is abnormal based on the confirmation information of the enclosed ball number confirming means, and determines that the number of enclosed balls is abnormal. If this happens, the ball launching means is prohibited from launching the game ball, and the abnormality is notified.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-081695 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-183928

By the way, the enclosed ball number determination control process for determining whether or not the number of enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount and the excess or deficiency is the launch control of the hitting ball launching device and the balls for circulating the enclosed balls. Since the enclosed ball control device (also referred to as a ball information control board) that performs feed control performs the operation, the main control MPU of the main control board that mainly performs game control cannot directly perform the enclosed ball number determination control process. On the other hand, the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board on the main body frame side, which controls the launch of the hitting ball launching device and the ball feed control for circulating the enclosed balls, directly performs the enclosed ball number determination control process. , The ball information control MPU directly determines whether or not the start condition of the enclosed ball number determination control process is satisfied and whether or not the end condition of the enclosed ball number determination control process is satisfied.

On the other hand, the main control MPU cannot directly determine the start and end of the enclosed ball number determination control process when the enclosed ball number determination control process is performed. In that case, when grapes are generated in the game area during the game and the door frame is opened and closed with respect to the main body frame to eliminate the grapes, the enclosed ball number determination control process is performed, and the original game is restored. Despite the irrelevant enclosed ball number determination control process, the game ball is mistakenly won while trying to remove the game ball at the place where grapes are growing, and the game control process of the main control MPU. In the above, problems such as fluctuation of the symbol due to the occurrence of a prize and treatment as a big hit occur, and the game data in the work area of the RAM becomes incorrect, causing trouble to both the player and the game field. It is possible that it will end up.

Further, the enclosed ball type gaming machine described in Patent Document 2 detects that the number of gaming balls waiting in the standby flow path is not insufficient without counting the enclosed gaming balls. The number of all enclosed game balls is appropriate depending on the detection state of the two sensors, the sensor for the purpose and the sensor for detecting that the number of game balls waiting in the standby flow path is excessive. Whether or not it is excessive or insufficient is determined.

On the other hand, all the enclosed game balls are moved by the circulation path without the need for two sensors for detecting the game balls waiting in the standby flow path, and the game balls in the middle of movement are moved. By counting, as an example, by firing a game ball toward the game area and counting the number of shot balls, it is determined whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls is appropriate, excess or deficiency. It can also be configured to.

According to this, since the number of all the game balls actually enclosed is counted, the number of all the enclosed game balls can be accurately counted, and while visually checking the launched game balls, while visually checking the fired game balls, Whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls counted is an appropriate amount can be accurately determined, and the reliability of the determination result can be improved.

As described above, the game balls in the process of moving from the start of execution of the enclosed ball number determination control process are counted, and it is determined whether or not the number of all the enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount based on the counted number of balls. In this case, even though the number of enclosed balls determination control process, which is essentially unrelated to the game control process, is performed, the hit ball launched into the game area for counting wins a prize. In the game control process of the main control MPU, it is conceivable that problems such as fluctuation of the symbol due to the occurrence of a prize and treatment as a big hit may occur, and the game data in the work area of the RAM may be out of order. There will be a problem that both sides will be inconvenienced.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to determine whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls is appropriate, and to determine excess or deficiency. In a ball-type game machine, when a process for determining whether or not the number of enclosed balls is appropriate is executed, the symbol changes due to the occurrence of a prize, even though it is irrelevant to the game control process. It is an object of the present invention to provide an enclosed ball-type game machine that can avoid problems such as being treated as a big hit and does not cause a deviation in the game data in the work area of the RAM.

The enclosed ball-type game machine according to [Solution 1]
A winning opening in which a game area is formed and a game ball that rolls down the game area can enter, and a game ball that rolls down the game area and does not enter the winning opening are collected. A game board equipped with an out port,
The main body frame into which the game board is fitted and housed
A door frame having a game window that is openable and closable to the front surface of the main body frame and that faces the player side when the game area of the game board is closed.
A door frame opening switch that detects the opening of the door frame with respect to the main body frame,
A hitting ball launching device arranged on the upper part of the main body frame and launching a game ball into the game area,
A ball collection device having a collection port for collecting a game ball that has entered the winning opening and a game ball that has been collected in the out opening.
A ball transporting device for transporting a game ball collected by the ball collecting device toward the hitting ball launching device is provided.
A predetermined number of game balls are closedly circulated in the ball striking device, the game area of the game board, the ball recovery device, and the circulation path of the game balls by the ball transfer device without paying out the game balls. In an enclosed ball-type game machine that lets you play games

The game board
Equipped with a main control board that performs game control processing

The main body frame
It is provided with a ball information control board which is connected to the main control board so as to enable bidirectional data communication and controls the ball launching device, the ball collecting device, and the ball transporting device.

The ball launching device is
Equipped with a launch ball confirmation means to detect the game ball placed at the launch position,
The sphere information control board is
Based on the detection signal of the door frame opening switch, it means that the door frame has shifted from the state of being open to the main body frame to the state of the door frame being closed to the main body frame. A door frame opening / closing determining means for determining whether or not the door frame has been opened / closed,
When the door frame opening / closing determining means determines that the door frame has been opened / closed, the start signal transmitting means for transmitting the start signal to the main control board and the start signal transmitting means.
After the start signal transmitting means outputs the start signal, the ball launching device and the ball transporting device are operated to launch all the enclosed game balls into the game area.
When a game ball is launched by the game ball launch control means, a game ball number counting means that counts the number of launched game balls based on the detection signal of the launch ball confirmation means.
A game ball number appropriate amount determining means for comparing the number of game balls counted by the game ball number counting means with a predetermined appropriate amount to determine whether or not the game ball number is appropriate, and determining excess or deficiency.
When it is determined whether or not the number of game balls in which the game ball number appropriate amount determination means is appropriate is appropriate for all the game balls, the end signal transmission means for transmitting the end signal to the main control board is provided.

The main control board
When the start signal is received during the game, the game control process is temporarily interrupted and waits until the end signal is received, and the game control process is restarted on condition that the end signal is received.
It is characterized by that.

According to the enclosed ball-type game machine according to [Solution 1], when the door frame is opened and closed with respect to the main body frame, all the actually enclosed game balls are fired and the number is counted. It is possible to accurately count the number of all the game balls that have been played, and while visually checking the fired game balls, whether or not the number of all the enclosed game balls that have been counted is an appropriate amount is excessive. The deficiency can be accurately determined, and the reliability of the determination result can be improved.

When the ball information control board determines that the door frame has been opened / closed based on the detection signal of the door frame opening switch, it transmits a start signal to the main control board, outputs a start signal, and then all enclosed. When it is determined whether or not the number of game balls is appropriate or not, and whether or not the number of enclosed game balls is appropriate, the end signal is transmitted to the main control board. When the main control board receives the start signal during the game, the game control process is temporarily interrupted, waits until the end signal is received, and the game control process is restarted on condition that the end signal is received. Therefore, when the process for determining whether or not the number of enclosed balls is appropriate is executed, it is treated as a change in the symbol due to the occurrence of a prize or a big hit, etc., even though it is irrelevant to the game control process. It is possible to avoid the trouble of the above, and it is possible to avoid inconvenience to both the player and the game field without causing the game data in the work area of the RAM to be out of order.

The enclosed ball-type game machine according to [Solution 2]
A winning opening in which a game area is formed and a game ball that rolls down the game area can enter, and a game ball that rolls down the game area and does not enter the winning opening are collected. A game board equipped with an out port,
The main body frame into which the game board is fitted and housed
A hitting ball launching device arranged on the upper part of the main body frame and launching a game ball into the game area,
A ball collection device having a collection port for collecting a game ball that has entered the winning opening and a game ball that has been collected in the out opening.
A ball transporting device for transporting a game ball collected by the ball collecting device toward the hitting ball launching device is provided.
A predetermined number of game balls are closedly circulated in the ball striking device, the game area of the game board, the ball recovery device, and the circulation path of the game balls by the ball transfer device without paying out the game balls. In an enclosed ball-type game machine that lets you play games

The game board
Equipped with a main control board that performs game control processing

The main body frame
It is provided with a ball information control board which is connected to the main control board so as to enable bidirectional data communication and controls the ball launching device, the ball collecting device, and the ball transporting device.

The ball launching device is
Equipped with a launch ball confirmation means to detect the game ball placed at the launch position,

The sphere information control board is
A start signal transmitting means for transmitting a start signal to the main control board when the power is turned on,
After the start signal transmitting means outputs the start signal, the ball launching device and the ball transporting device are operated to launch all the enclosed game balls into the game area.
When a game ball is launched by the game ball launch control means, a game ball number counting means that counts the number of launched game balls based on the detection signal of the launch ball confirmation means.
A game ball number appropriate amount determining means for comparing the number of game balls counted by the game ball number counting means with a predetermined appropriate amount to determine whether or not the game ball number is appropriate, and determining excess or deficiency.
When it is determined whether or not the number of game balls in which the game ball number appropriate amount determination means is appropriate is appropriate for all the game balls, the end signal transmission means for transmitting the end signal to the main control board is provided.
The main control board
When the start signal is received at the time of turning on the power, the process proceeds to the game control process on the condition that the end signal is received without shifting to the game control process and waits until the end signal is received.
It is characterized by that.

According to the enclosed ball-type game machine according to [Solution 2], when the main control board receives a start signal when the power is turned on, it waits until it receives an end signal without shifting to the game control process, and waits until the end signal is received. Since the game control process is started on the condition that the data is received, when the process for determining whether or not the number of enclosed balls is appropriate is executed, it is considered to be irrelevant to the game control process. In spite of this, it is possible to avoid problems such as fluctuations in the symbol due to the occurrence of a prize and treatment as a big hit, and the game data in the work area of the RAM does not become out of order, causing trouble to the game field that manages the game data. You can avoid that.

The enclosed ball-type game machine according to [Solution 3] is the enclosed ball-type game machine according to [Solution 1] or [Solution 2].
Provided with at least an operation permitting means for permitting the operation of the hitting ball launching device, provided that the number of all the game balls enclosed by the game ball number appropriate amount determining means is determined to be an appropriate amount.
It is characterized by that.

According to the enclosed ball type game machine according to [Solution 3], if the number of all enclosed game balls is not appropriate and there is an excess or deficiency, the operation of the ball launching device is not permitted and the ball is hit. Since it is not fired, the game itself is not performed. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player is inconvenienced due to a ball jam due to an excessive number of game balls or a shortage of game balls, and the number of all game balls enclosed in the game machine body must be an appropriate amount. If it is determined, the operation of the hit ball launching device is not permitted and the hit ball is not launched. Therefore, in comparison between the same models, an imbalance occurs in the number of game balls that can be used, which is given to the player. It is possible to avoid the problem that the principle that fairness is ensured is broken.

The enclosed ball-type game machine according to [Solution 4] is the enclosed ball-type game machine according to [Solution 3].
The ball collecting device is
A ball stop that allows the game ball collected through the collection port to be stopped in the flow path of the game ball,
A ball stop stopper member that is openable and closable to allow the game ball to flow down in the ball stop in the open state, while blocking the flow of the game ball in the closed state to stop the game ball in the ball stop. ,
A ball stop stopper driving means for opening and closing the ball stop stopper member is provided.

The sphere information control board is
By operating the ball stop stopper driving means to close the ball stop stopper member, the game ball collected in the collection port of the ball collection device via the winning port or the out port can be moved. A ball stopping control means for stopping at the ball stopping portion of the ball collecting device is provided.

After operating the ball stop control means to make the game ball stop at the ball stop portion of the ball recovery device, the game ball launch control means, the game ball number counting means, and the game ball number With the appropriate amount determination means, it is determined whether or not all the number of game balls is an appropriate amount, excess or deficiency.
It is characterized by that.

According to the enclosed ball-type game machine according to [Solution 4], after blocking the flow of the game ball by the ball stop stopper member at the ball stop portion of the ball recovery device, the ball launching device is operated to play the game ball. When the game ball is fired in the area, the number of the fired game ball is counted based on the detection signal of the launch ball confirmation means, so that the game ball fired in the game area is It is collected at the collection port of the ball collection device via the winning port or the out port, and is stopped at the ball stop portion of the ball recovery device whose flow is blocked by the ball stop stopper member, so that it is downstream from the ball stop portion in the circulation path. Do not flow down to.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has been counted once from being worn again and counted. As a result, the number of all enclosed game balls can be accurately counted. As a result, while visually checking the fired game balls, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls counted is an appropriate amount, and it is possible to accurately determine the excess or deficiency, and the reliability of the determination result is reliable. You can improve your sexuality.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the settlement machine attached to the pachinko game machine. It is a front view of the game machine which shows by removing the door frame. It is a front perspective view which shows the main body frame which comprises the pachinko game machine. It is a rear perspective view which shows the main body frame which comprises the pachinko game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the upper launching apparatus, the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit, a sphere collecting part, and a sphere lifting apparatus. It is a right side view which shows the upper launching apparatus, the ball supply path member, and the ball lifting apparatus. It is a perspective view by the line of sight looking up at the upper part of the game board from the front lower part of the game board which shows the upper launch device and the launch area. It is a front view which shows the upper launching apparatus (hammer hitting position for launching). It is a perspective view which shows the upper launcher viewed from the front left side. It is a perspective view which shows the upper launcher viewed from the rear left side. It is a perspective view which shows the upper launching apparatus viewed from the rear left side by removing the ball feed unit cover. It is a figure which shows the removal state of the upper launching apparatus in the game machine which shows by removing the door frame. It is the right side figure which shows the vertical cross section of the game machine which shows by removing the door frame (attached state). It is a figure which shows a part of the cross-sectional view view along AA of FIG. 2 schematicly. It is a perspective view which showed the state which the joint part with the base plate in the upper launching apparatus, and the protruding part of a panel holder in a game board are in contact with each other. It is a perspective view which shows the upper launcher viewed from the right side of the front. It is a front view which shows the upper launching apparatus (hammer waiting position for launching). It is a right side view which shows the upper launching apparatus (ball feed solenoid non-excitation, ball feed member holding position and return ball blocking position). It is sectional drawing of the upper launching apparatus shown by breaking in the arrow BB line of FIG. 10 (ball feed solenoid non-excitation, ball feed member holding position and return ball blocking position). It is a perspective view which shows the ball feed member, the ball feed shaft, and the ball feed sheet metal in the ball feed device diagonally from the rear. It is a right side view which shows the upper launching apparatus (ball feed solenoid excitation, ball feed member supply position and permissible position). It is sectional drawing of the upper launching apparatus shown by breaking at the arrow BB line of FIG. 10 (ball feed solenoid excitation, ball feed member supply position and permissible position). It is sectional drawing which broke the main body frame in the vertical direction so as to show the upper launching apparatus, the ball supply path member, and the ball lifting apparatus. It is a time chart which shows the drive timing of a ball feed solenoid and a firing solenoid. It is a front perspective view of the ball outlet opening / closing unit. It is a rear perspective view of the ball outlet opening / closing unit. It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between the upper launching unit and the ball outlet opening / closing unit in a main body frame. It is external perspective view explaining the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the magnetic ball discharge part cover separated and turned inside out. It is a top view of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a rear view of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a figure explaining the base plate of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a figure explaining the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit separately into the deformed sphere discharge unit and the magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a figure explaining the path which a deformed sphere and a magnetic sphere are discharged in a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a figure explaining the situation that a magnetic sphere is separated from a circulation path and discharged. It is a figure explaining the state which the magnetic sphere reached the magnetic sphere discharge inclined surface. It is a front left perspective view of a ball collecting part and a ball lifting device. It is a front view of the ball collecting part and the ball lifting device. It is a front view which shows the state which the ball polishing cartridge is removed in the ball collecting part. It is a rear perspective view which shows the case of the ball collecting part, and the state which removed the cover of a ball lifting device. It is a rear perspective view which enlarged the sphere assembly part in FIG. 40. FIG. 41 is a further enlarged view. It is a top view which removed the case of a sphere assembly part. It is a rear perspective view which shows the state which the upper gearbox and the lower gearbox are removed. It is a right side view which shows the state which the cover of the ball lifting device was removed. It is an enlarged view of (A) in FIG. 45. It is a figure which shows the state which disassembled a screw. It is a perspective view which shows the upper part of the ball lifting device. It is a figure which shows the fitting / non-fitting state of a screw and a fitting member. It is a left side view which shows the state which the ball polishing cartridge is attached. It is a perspective view explaining the mechanism which fixes a ball polishing cartridge. It is a perspective view which shows the state at the time of mounting the ball polishing cartridge. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the ball polishing cloth of a game ball and a ball polishing cartridge is pressed against. It is a left side view which shows the state which the ball polishing cloth of a game ball and a ball polishing cartridge is pressed against. FIG. 54 is a left side view showing a state in which the left side cover of the ball polishing cartridge is removed. FIG. 55 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the ball polishing cartridge is attached. FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a state in which only the right outer side cover is removed for explanation. FIG. 58 is an upper perspective view showing a state in which the right side cover is opened. It is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge. It is a front view of the ball polishing cartridge. It is a side view of a ball polishing cartridge. FIG. 62 is a side view showing a state in which the left side cover is removed. It is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge mounting part. It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between the ball polishing cartridge and the ball polishing cartridge mounting part. It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge of FIG. 39. It is a side view which shows the 2nd Example in the lifting slope member. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd Example in the lifting slope member. It is a top view which shows the state which removed the upper gearbox in a ball lifting device. It is a rear view which shows the state which removed the lifting part cover in a ball lifting device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which the inserted game balls are less than a predetermined number at the time of sealing a game ball in an enclosed ball type game machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which the inserted game ball is a predetermined number at the time of enclosing a game ball in an enclosed ball type game machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the behavior of the game ball when the number of the game balls thrown in exceeds a predetermined number when the game ball is sealed in the enclosed ball type game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the game ball introduction member in a game panel protrudes. It is a perspective view which shows the state which housed the game ball introduction member in a game panel. It is a block diagram which shows the main part in embodiment of the main control board deployed in the enclosed ball type pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main part of the ball information control board deployed in the enclosed ball type pachinko game machine. It is a block diagram which shows each element connected to the settlement machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power-on of the main control side which the main control MPU of a main control board executes. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the process at the time of power-on of the main control side of FIG. 79. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt process of the main control side which the main control MPU executes. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power-on of the ball information control side executed by the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the process at the time of power-on of the ball information control side of FIG. It is the flowchart which shows the continuation of the process at the time of power-on of the ball information payout control side following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the ball information control power-off processing executed by the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interrupt processing on the sphere information control side. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball lending process performed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the hitting possibility judgment processing performed by a ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the number of possession count processing performed by a ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball feed / launch drive processing performed by the ball information control MPU. It is the continuation of the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the launch ball detection process performed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the number of possession number subtraction processing performed by a ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the lifting drive processing performed by a sphere information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball clogging notification processing performed by the ball information control MPU. A partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ball feeding port and the ball receiving port. It is a figure which showed the positioning guide member arranged on the inner wall of the left side plate of a main body frame. It is a figure which showed the fitting of the game board in the 3rd Example of a game machine. It is a block diagram which showed the game board and the main body frame which were connected with the drawer connector. The schematic diagram which showed the dust countermeasure mechanism. It is a front view of the ball recovery device in this embodiment in which the enclosed ball number determination control means is provided on the ball information control board. It is a flowchart which shows 1st Embodiment of the subroutine of the enclosed sphere number determination control processing performed by a sphere information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the subroutine of the ball feed / launch drive processing performed by a ball information control MPU. It is the continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 103. FIG. 105 (A) is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the launch ball detection process performed by the ball information control MPU, and FIG. 105 (B) is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ball holding number subtraction process performed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball number appropriate amount determination processing performed by a ball information control MPU. It is a figure which shows the display example of the ball number appropriate amount determination result notified by a touch panel part. Following the flowchart of FIG. 82, it is a part of the flowchart of the power-on processing showing an example of the case where the ball information control MPU 111 executes the enclosed ball number determination control process at the time of power-on. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the door frame opening / closing determination processing performed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the hitting possibility determination processing performed by the ball information control MPU in the embodiment which adopted the enclosed ball number determination control means (executes the enclosed ball number determination control process). It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd Embodiment of the subroutine of the enclosed ball number determination control processing performed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the 2nd Embodiment of the door frame opening / closing determination processing performed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the weight processing which the main control MPU executes as one processing of the frame command reception processing. This is a part of the flowchart of the power-on processing showing another example (referred to as the second embodiment) in the case where the ball information control MPU 111 executes the enclosed ball number determination control processing at the time of power-on. It is a flowchart which shows a part of the 2nd Embodiment of the power-on processing which a main control MPU executes.

[Outline of game machine]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The pachinko gaming machine 1 (enclosed ball-type gaming machine) according to the present embodiment can be installed in the current island facilities in the hall (pachinko gaming ground), and the game content is the same as that of the well-known pachinko gaming machine. However, it is a game machine that does not use the ball supply mechanism or ball discharge mechanism of the island facility. That is, in the enclosed ball-type pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number of gaming balls formed of a non-magnetic material (for example, stainless steel) are accommodated in the gaming machine, and the predetermined number of gaming balls are played by a launching device. A game is played using a game ball pre-enclosed in the game machine so that the game ball is fired into an area to play a game, the game ball that has finished the game is collected, guided to the launcher, and the game ball is circulated and used. It is supposed to do. Then, the game balls can be launched corresponding to the number of game balls (data of the number of balls held) based on the data of the number of balls rented input from the storage medium such as a card via the settlement system or the like, and the game balls are launched. Then, the data of the number of possessed balls is subtracted according to the number of the fired game balls.

In addition, when the launched game ball wins a prize in the winning opening in the game area and a prize ball (game ball) is generated, the actual game ball is not paid out and the number of prize balls is added to the data of the number of balls held. Is added. Further, when the data of the number of balls held becomes "0", the game ball cannot be launched. In this state, if a numerical value (number of rented balls) is added to the number of balls held data based on the amount of money data stored in a storage medium such as a card or the data of stored balls, the game ball can be launched again. It becomes. In addition, the launched game ball is collected in the game machine, sent to the launch position again, and circulated in the game machine. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is an enclosed ball-type gaming machine that collects the gaming balls launched in the gaming area and supplies them to the game again.

First, the main body frame 2 (FIG. 3) and the door frame 3 (FIG. 1) constituting the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a payment machine 4 as an external device.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 has an outer frame 1a (FIG. 12) which is configured in a rectangular frame shape and is installed in the island facility on the hall side, and a game board 5 (FIG. 2) which is pivotally supported by the outer frame 1a and is openable and closable. It is configured to include a main body frame 2 to which the main body frame 2 can be mounted, and a door frame 3 pivotally supported by the main body frame 2 so as to be openable and closable.
A decorative cover 6 is attached to the front surface of the outer frame 1a at a position below the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3, so that the front surface of the outer frame 1a is completely closed by the door frame 3 and the decorative cover 6. It has become. Further, the outer frame 1a, the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 are arranged so that their upper ends are substantially aligned, and the main body frame 2 can be rotated by a hinge 7 (FIG. 3) provided on the left side of the outer frame 1a. It is pivotally supported, and the main body frame 2 is opened by moving the right side of the main body frame 2 to the front side with respect to the outer frame 1a. The door frame 3 is rotatably attached to the main body frame 2 with a pin, and is opened by moving the right side of the door frame 3 to the front side.

[Door frame 3]
The door frame 3 is arranged in a game window 9 in which the player can visually recognize the game area 8 in which the game ball of the game board 5 is driven, and in the game area 8 based on the operation of the player and arranged below the game window 9. It has a hitting ball handle 10 for hitting a game ball. A transparent plate 11 is attached to the game window 9 so as to visually cover the front surface (game area 8) of the game board 5 mounted on the main body frame 2 side with the door frame 3 closed to the main body frame 2. Has been done. The hitting handle 10 drives the firing solenoid 13 (see FIG. 5) of the hitting ball launching device (referred to as the upper launching device 12) attached to the upper left of the main body frame 2 based on the rotation operation of the player. The game ball is driven into the game area 8. The ball striking handle 10 includes a micro switch (not shown) that turns ON when the ball is rotated, a launch stop switch and a ball striking handle 10 that turn the micro switch OFF when the micro switch is pressed while the micro switch is ON. It is provided with a touch switch that detects the player's contact with the hitting handle 10 through the conductive plating applied to the outer peripheral surface of the player. The upper launcher 12 will be described later.

The door frame 3 and the main body frame 2 are opened from the main body frame 2 by inserting a key into a key device arranged in the lower right corner of the door frame 3 and rotating the door frame 3 in one direction. Can be done.

[Touch panel unit 14]
The door frame 3 is provided with a touch panel portion 14 formed horizontally in a lower portion of the game window 9 (a portion corresponding to an upper plate of a well-known pachinko gaming machine that is a non-encapsulated ball type). The touch panel unit 14 displays the remaining power, the number of balls held by the game machine, and the number of end balls.

Here, the remaining frequency is a value corresponding to the amount of money stored in the card used in the checkout machine 4, and the number of balls held by the player is lent to the player by lending the ball. It is the sum of the number of balls and the number of prize balls obtained by the player as a result of playing the game.

On the touch panel unit 14, a ball lending button as a ball lending command input means that can be operated by the player and a settlement button as a settlement command input means that can be operated by the player are displayed. The ball lending button instructs to lend a ball to be held for playing a game. In addition, the settlement button is for ending the pachinko game and instructing the settlement.

Further, the touch panel unit 14 further displays an end ball number display button as an end ball number display command input means that can be operated by the player. Here, the number of end balls is the number of surplus balls when the number of balls held by the player is divided by the number of balls corresponding to one special prize at the time of prize exchange. When the touch panel unit 14 instructs the display of the number of end balls by the button for displaying the number of end balls, the touch panel unit 14 can also display a message such as "Do you want to hit only the end balls?" A dialogue question format message is displayed together with the number of end balls display button, and a YES button and a NO button for the player to input a selection for answering either yes or no are displayed, respectively.

[Body frame 2]
The main body frame 2 has a box shape having a frame-shaped fitting frame 15 and a peripheral wall portion 16 so as to fit within the rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 1a (FIGS. 3 and 4). The fitting frame 15 has a square accommodating opening 17 for accommodating and accommodating the game board 5 on the front surface side thereof. An overhanging wall 18 overhanging inward is integrally formed at the back of the accommodation opening 17 (FIGS. 3 and 12). The back is closed with a back cover. When the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the front surface (game area 8) of the game board 5 housed in the main body frame 2 can be seen through the game window 9 of the door frame 3.

A deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit housing portion 19 is formed below the housing opening 17, and the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 is arranged in the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit housing portion 19. .. Then, as will be described later, the discharge ball receiving box 234 for accommodating the deformed sphere and the magnetic sphere having a diameter smaller than that of the regular game sphere discharged from the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 is a game machine. It can be attached and detached from the front.

Further, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the main body frame cut in the vertical direction so as to show the upper launching device, the ball supply path member, and the ball lifting device. As seen in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 23, the main body frame 2 is provided with an upper launching device 12, a ball collecting unit 21, a ball lifting device 22, and a ball supply path member 24. The upper launcher 12 is attached to the upper left portion of the main body frame 2 with a fixture 49. The ball collecting portion 21 is a portion that receives a game ball that has passed through the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharging unit 20 and guides it to the base of the ball lifting device 22 (FIG. 5), and includes a ball polishing device and the like.

The hitting ball launching device 29 for launching the game ball toward the game area 8 is arranged on one side (left side) of the front portion and the upper portion of the main body frame 2 (FIGS. 3 and 23). Further, the ball feeding device 28 for feeding the game balls arranged and stored in the guiding passage (ball feeding guiding gutter 69 described later, see FIG. 11) one by one to the firing position of the hitting ball launching device 29 is a hitting ball launching device 29. It is arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction behind the above (FIGS. 6 and 23). In the present embodiment, the ball striking device 29 and the ball feeding device 28 form an upper launching device 12 as an upper launching unit.

In this embodiment, the ball lifting device 22 uses a screw 25 driven by a ball lifting motor 150 (see FIG. 24), and the game balls that have reached the base are separated from each other by the rotation of the screws 25. It is opened and transported from below to the upper part of the main body frame 2. The ball lifting device 22 is attached to the rear surface of the main body frame 2 behind the upper launching device 12, and the upper end portion of the ball lifting device 22 is arranged above the ball feeding device 28 (FIGS. 3 and 3). 4, FIG. 23).

Between the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 and the upper portion of the upper launching device 12, a ball is supplied in the front-rear direction for feeding the game ball lifted by the ball lifting device 22 from above to the ball feeding device 28. A path member 24 is provided (FIGS. 3, 4, 23). Further, in the present embodiment, the ball supply path member 24 is formed at the upper end portion of the ball lifting device 22, and is gently inclined downward toward the front, so that the lifted game ball is moved from above to the front. It is composed of a ball sending gutter 23 to be sent out, and a lifting gutter 65 formed at the rear upper part of the upper launching device 12, connected to the ball sending gutter 23, and having a gentle downward slope toward the front. A game ball supply passage is formed inside the ball sending gutter 23 and the lifting gutter 65. The game ball lifted by the ball lifting device 22 is sent out to the ball sending gutter 23. The ball delivery gutter 23 of the ball supply path member 24 is provided with a launch standby ball detection switch 26 for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball flowing down the ball delivery gutter 23 (see FIG. 6).

[Upper launcher]
FIG. 8 is a front view showing the upper launcher, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the upper launcher as viewed from the front left side. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the upper launcher viewed from the rear left side, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the upper launcher viewed from the rear left side with the ball feed unit cover removed.

Further, FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the upper launching device in the game machine shown by removing the door frame is removed from the main body frame 2, and FIG. 13 is a view showing a vertical cross section of the game machine shown by removing the door frame. It is the right side figure which shows. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the joint portion of the upper launcher with the base plate and the protruding portion of the panel holder in the game board are in contact with each other.

The upper launching device 12 receives a metal plate-shaped base plate 39 for attaching and fixing the upper launching device 12 to the main body frame 2 and a game ball arriving from the ball supply path member 24, and launches the hit ball launching device 29. A ball feeding device 28 that reliably sends out game balls one by one by a ball feeding solenoid 31 (FIG. 11) and a ball feeding member 32 to a ball feeding position of a hammer 30 (FIG. 8), and launching a game ball toward a game area 8. It is provided with a ball launching device 29 (see FIGS. 8 to 11).

The ball feeding device 28 receives the game ball arriving from the ball supply path member 24 (FIG. 6), and the ball feeding member 32 sends one game ball to the launching position of the launching hammer 30 (FIG. 8) of the hitting ball launching device 29. It is a device for reliably sending out one by one.

As shown in FIG. 9, the hitting ball launching device 29 includes a launching hammer 30, a launching solenoid 13, a rail member 33, a launching stopper 34, a returning stopper 35, a launching ball confirmation switch 36, an upper launching device hinge 37, and a launching port. Has 38. These members are attached to a base plate 39 (a metal plate in this embodiment) as a substrate. The launch port 38 is formed so as to face the tip end portion of the launch hammer 30, and the rail member 33 is attached to this portion. The rail member 33 is a member in which the rail portion 332 holds one game ball sent out to the launch position (ball striking position) by the ball feed member 32. The game ball launched by the launching hammer 30 is launched from the launch port 38 into the game area 8.

The launch ball confirmation switch 36 is arranged with respect to the rail portion 332 of the rail member 33 to detect the presence or absence of a game ball driven by the launch hammer 30, and the detection of the game ball by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is not detected. By switching, it is detected that one game ball has been fired by the firing hammer 30.

As shown in FIG. 5, the circulation path of the game ball includes the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharge unit 20, the ball collecting unit 21, the ball lifting device 22, the ball supply path member 24, the upper launching device 12, and the game area 8. It goes through. The game ball launched from the upper launch device 12 into the launch area 40 (FIG. 7) of the game area 8 flows down the game area from above to below, passes through the winning opening 41 or the out opening 42, and the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharging unit 20. Return to.

[Game board]
The game board 5 is mounted on the fitting frame 15 of the main body frame 2. In this embodiment, the game board 5 has a structure in which the transparent panel plate 44 is attached to the panel holder 43, the front component 45 is attached to the front surface thereof, and the transparent panel plate 44 is fixed (FIG. 12). The game board 5 does not correspond to the conventional inner rail, and the upper part of the inner peripheral surface of the front component 45 is a game ball running surface 46 (FIG. 7).

The electrical connection of the game board 5 to the main body frame 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 99. The mechanical and electrical connection between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 is made by connecting with a drawer connector. The game board 5 is provided with a game board side main drawer connector and a game board side sub drawer connector, and the main body frame 2 is provided with a main body frame side main drawer connector and a main body frame side sub drawer connector. There is. By fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2, the game board side main drawer connector and the main body frame side main drawer connector, the game board side sub-drawer connector and the main body frame side sub-drawer connector are connected, and the game board 5 And the main body frame 2 are mechanically connected and at the same time electrically connected. As a result, electrical communication can be performed between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2.

A notch 47 (FIG. 12) is formed in the upper left corner of the game board 5 according to the form of the upper launching device 12. The notch 47 reaches a part of the transparent panel plate 44 of the game area 8 from the front component 45. The launch port 38 of the upper launch device 12 faces the portion where the transparent panel plate 44 is cut out, and as shown in FIG. 7, the vicinity of the launch port 38 along the game ball running surface 46 above the launch port 38. The game area 8 of the above is the launch area 40. Therefore, the game ball launched by the launching hammer 30 of the upper launching device 12 is guided to the game ball traveling surface 46 of the front component 45 in the launching area 40.

In the game area 8 of the present embodiment, a large number of obstacle nails (not shown), various winning openings such as winning openings, and the like are provided, and a predetermined number of prize balls are given according to the winning of the various winning openings. It has become like. Since this embodiment is an enclosed ball type game machine, "1" is subtracted from the data of the number of balls held according to the hitting of one game ball, while the number of prize balls corresponding to the prizes in various winning openings. Is added to the data on the number of balls held, and the number of balls held corresponding to this is displayed on the touch panel unit 14.

In addition, since it is an enclosed ball-type pachinko game machine, prize balls are not paid out, and the number of balls released, the number of balls entered, the number of difference balls, the number of balls held, etc. are not the actual number of game balls but the numerical values on the data. .. That is, the number of game balls actually used is limited to a predetermined number (for example, 50 or 75) that is circulated and used, and the number of possessed balls detects, for example, the game balls fired in the game area 8. From the numbers such as the number of fired balls counted in the game, the number of collected balls counted by detecting the game balls fired and collected in the game area 8, the number of prize balls when winning a prize, the number of balls rented from the hall side, etc. The number of balls entered, the number of balls released, the number of difference balls, and the number of balls held can be obtained.

That is, unless there is a problem such as opening the door frame 3 and the game ball going out, the number of launched balls = the number of collected balls. Then, the number of balls entered = the number of collected balls = the number of launched balls, the number of balls released = the number of prize balls (integrated value) = the number of balls entered-the number of balls rented (the number of replayed balls) + the number of balls held, and the number of balls held = the number of balls held Number of balls (or number of replayed balls) + number of balls released-number of balls entered, number of balls exited-number of balls entered = number of difference balls, number of balls held = number of rented balls (or number of balls replayed) + number of difference balls It becomes. In this way, the game by the pachinko game machine 1 is completely performed as a numerical value on the data, and there is no error due to spilling the game ball or leaving the game ball on the lower plate or the upper plate. , It becomes possible to manage reliably in integer units. Note that basically no foul ball is generated in the structure of the upper launcher 12 described later.

Further, in the above embodiment, the front component 45, the panel holder, and the transparent panel plate 44 are composed of separate members, but these are integrated by, for example, bonding, or integrally molded to form one member. You can also do it. When the front component 45, the panel holder 43, and the like are integrally formed on the transparent panel plate 44 in this way, the front component 45, the panel holder 43, and the like have the front component 45 and the panel holder 43 because the notch 47 is provided in the game board 5. It is possible to prevent the structural weakening of these members due to the cutting of the frame structure (the four sides are connected).

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the upper launcher as viewed from the front right side, FIG. 17 is a front view showing the upper launcher (launching hammer standby position), and FIG. 18 is a right side view showing the upper launcher. Is.

[Striking ball launcher 29]
The hitting ball launching device 29 can hit the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 28 into the game area 8 of the game board 5 with a strength corresponding to the rotation operation of the hitting ball handle 10. The ball striking launcher 29 includes a launching solenoid 13 attached to the upper rear surface of the base plate 39 so that the rotary drive shaft 60 projects forward, and a launching hammer 30 rotatably fixed to the rotary drive shaft 60 of the launch solenoid 13. A hammer 61 fixed to the tip of the launching hammer 30, a rail member 33 attached to the front surface of the base plate 39 with a predetermined position on the movement trajectory of the mallet 61 as the launch position, and a rail member 33 at the launch position. A launching stopper 34 that regulates the rotation of the mallet 61 counterclockwise from the hitting position where the stopped game ball can be hit, and a standby position (initial position) in the rotation operation of the launching hammer 30. A return stopper 35, a launch ball confirmation switch 36 for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball parked at the launch position, a hinge 37 for an upper launch device, and a launch opened facing the game area 8. It is provided with a mouth 38 (see FIGS. 8, 9, 16 and 18).

Although detailed illustration is omitted, the firing solenoid 13 in the hitting ball launching device 29 is configured such that the rotation drive shaft 60 reciprocates with a strength (speed) corresponding to the rotation operation angle of the hitting ball handle 10. The launching hammer 30 of the hitting ball launching device 29 extends from the fixed portion 301 fixed to the rotary drive shaft 60 of the launch solenoid 13 and the fixed portion 301 in a gentle arc shape, and the tip thereof is at the axis of the rotary drive shaft 60. On the other hand, a stopper that faces the normal direction and extends to the opposite side with the fixed portion 301 sandwiched between the rod portion 302 in which the mallet tip 61 is fixed to the tip and the rod portion 302 that can come into contact with the stopper 34 at the time of launch. It includes a contact portion 303. When the stopper contact portion 303 of the firing hammer 30 comes into contact with the stopper 34 at the time of firing, rotation in the counterclockwise direction in the front view is restricted (see FIG. 8).

Further, a ball supply port 63 formed on a ball feed unit base (described later) of the ball feed device 28 is arranged directly above the rail member 33 of the ball launch device 29. The rail member 33 stops one game ball sent out from the ball supply port 63 at the launch position by the ball feeding operation of the ball feeding member 32 of the ball feeding device 28 described later.

The rail member 33 is formed by bending and molding a metal plate, and has a mounting plate portion 331 that is mounted and fixed to the base plate 39 and a rail portion 332 that is bent forward from the mounting plate portion 331. (See FIG. 8). The rail portion 332 for setting the launch position has a substantially L-shape tilted 45 degrees to the left when viewed from the front, and the left rail plate 333 forming the left side of the rail portion 332 and the right side of the rail portion 332. It is composed of a right rail plate 334 forming the above (see FIG. 8). The left rail plate 333 is formed with a through hole 335 through which the mallet tip 61 passes during the ball striking operation of the launching hammer 30 (see FIGS. 9 and 21).

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when viewed from the front, a portion extending from the center to the lower end in the vertical direction of the right side of the ball launching device 29 of the upper launching device 12 is exposed and arranged so as to face the game area 8. ing. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 16, a launch port decoration member 64 is disposed on the front right side portion of the base plate 39, and the launch port decoration member 64 is attached to the base plate 39 and the ball feed unit base 67 described later. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 16, the launch port decoration member 64 is arranged so that the right side surface portion and the lower side surface portion are exposed facing the game area 8, and therefore the right side portion of the launch port decoration member 64 is exposed. The face portion and the lower side surface portion are formed on the ball entry prevention wall 51 that prevents the game ball launched into the game area 8 from entering the inside of the hit ball launching device 29. The launch port 38 is formed on the ball entry prevention wall 51 on the right side surface of the launch port decorative member 64, and the ball entry prevention wall 51 surrounds the launch port 38 from substantially the same surface as the rear end surface of the game area 8. It has an arch shape that rises toward the front.

The launch port 38 is located diagonally to the upper right in front view with respect to the rail portion 332, as will be understood with reference to FIGS. 8 and 16. As can be understood from FIGS. 8 and 17, the distance between the rail portion 332 (launch position) and the launch port 38 is short (about twice the diameter of the game ball P), and therefore, the launch distance is short. It is possible to reliably hit the launched game ball into the game area 8 without generating a foul ball.

The launch ball confirmation switch 36 detects the presence or absence of a game ball parked at the launch position, and does not detect the detection of the game ball when the game ball at the launch position is hit by the launch hammer 30 and launched. By switching to, it is detected that one game ball has been fired by the firing hammer 30.

The launch ball confirmation switch 36 is composed of a transmissive photo sensor, and a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion are arranged so as to straddle the rail portion 332 that sets the launch position in the front-rear direction. The launch ball confirmation switch 36 is arranged with respect to the launch position by being supported by the photo bracket 361, and the photo bracket 361 is attached and fixed to the lower front surface of the base plate 39.

The hitting ball launching device 29 has a stopper cover 62 that covers the front surface of the firing stopper 34 that can regulate the rotation end of the firing hammer 30 toward the hitting position side, and a position that is separated from the hitting position of the launching hammer 30. It is provided with a return stopper 35 that regulates the rotating end (the rotating end in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front). The surfaces of the stoppers 34 and 35 are covered with rubber so that the impact when the firing hammer 30 comes into contact can be absorbed and the generation of noise due to the contact can be suppressed. ..

Further, in the ball hitting device 29, the firing solenoid 13 is driven by the ball information control unit described later with a driving strength corresponding to the rotation operation of the hitting ball handle 10, and the ball feeding device 28 is driven by the ball feeding device 28. With respect to the drive timing of the solenoid 31, the ball is driven so as to hit the ball according to the drive timing described later (see FIG. 24). Specifically, in the ball feeding device 28 that supplies the game ball to the hitting ball launching device 29, when the ball feeding solenoid 31 is driven (ON), the game ball received by the ball feeding member 32 is sent to the hitting ball launching device 29, and the state thereof. When the drive of the ball feed solenoid 31 is released (OFF), the ball feed member 32 accepts the game ball.

In the ball striking device 29, when the ball striking handle 10 is launched, the firing solenoid 13 is repeatedly energized and cut off at a voltage corresponding to the operation amount. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 17, the firing hammer 30 rotates from the initial position (FIG. 17) in the firing direction (counterclockwise direction) to the firing position due to the excitation / non-excitation of the firing solenoid 13. After launching the stopped game ball with the mallet 61 (FIG. 8), the firing operation of rotating clockwise and returning to the initial position is repeated.

[Ball feeding device 28]
Next, the ball feeding device 28 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the ball feeding device 28 is mainly configured as a unit, and has a ball inlet 66 connected to the front end of the ball feeding gutter 23 of the ball supply path member 24 shown in FIG. It is connected to the gutter 65 and the lifting gutter 65, and has a ball supply port 63 for supplying the game ball that has entered from the lifting gutter 65 to the hitting ball launching device 29, and the ball feed is open at the rear. The unit base 67, the ball feed unit cover 68 that closes the rear end of the ball feed unit base 67 and is open at the front, the ball feed solenoid 31 arranged at the bottom of the ball feed unit base 67, and the ball feed solenoid 31. It is provided with a ball feeding member 32 that simultaneously realizes a ball feeding operation and a return ball blocking operation described later by driving the ball feeding member 32.

The lifting gutter 65 is gently inclined downward from the rear end to the front end where the ball entrance 66 is formed. The ball feed unit base 67 is attached to the left side of the rear surface of the base plate 39, and the front end of the lifting gutter 65 is connected to the upper right side, and is connected to the front end of the lifting gutter 65 in the rear view. From the right side of the upper part to the center in the vertical direction, a gentle downward slope is applied to the left in the left-right direction, and the ball feed guide gutter 69 is bent downward in the middle, and the lower end of the ball feed guide gutter 69. Has a ball supply port 63 penetrating in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 11).

Further, on the rear surface of the ball feed unit cover 68 which is lower than the bent portion of the ball feed guide gutter 69 and faces the upper portion of the ball supply port 63, the game ball waiting in the ball feed guide gutter 69 A launch standby ball detection switch 70 for detecting the presence or absence is provided (see FIG. 10). The launch standby ball detection switch 70 is composed of a flat type proximity switch that detects a game ball as a metal body by changing the impedance of the detection coil of the high-frequency oscillation circuit.

The ball feed solenoid 31 of the present embodiment is composed of an electromagnet, and is arranged below the ball feed unit base 67 in a posture in which a suction portion that exerts a suction function by excitation is directed downward. Further, the ball feed member 32 is arranged below the ball feed unit base 67 adjacent to the left side of the ball feed solenoid 31. The ball feed member 32 in the present embodiment is an allowable position that allows the ball to pass through without interfering with the ball launched from the launch position by the ball striking operation of the ball launching device 29 by the excitation / non-excitation of the ball feed solenoid 31. And the return ball blocking portion that is movable between the return ball blocking position that blocks the entry of the returning ball returning from the game area 8 to the launch port 38, is provided integrally.

[Ball feed member 32]
Hereinafter, the ball feed member 32 will be described. FIG. 18 is a right side view showing the upper launching device 12 (the ball feed solenoid 31 is not excited, the ball feed member 32 takes a holding position and a return ball blocking position), and FIG. 19 is a cross-eyed view B of FIG. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the upper launching device 12 which is broken along the line B (the ball feeding solenoid 31 is not excited, the ball feeding member 32 takes a holding position and a return ball blocking position), and FIG. 20 is a ball feeding device 28. It is a perspective view which shows the ball feed member 32, the ball feed shaft, and the ball feed sheet metal obliquely from the rear.

21 is a right side view showing the upper launching device 12 (the ball feed solenoid 31 is excited, and the ball feed member takes a supply position and an allowable position), and FIG. 22 is a view BB of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the upper launching apparatus shown by breaking with a line (the ball feed solenoid 31 is excited, and the ball feed member 32 takes a supply position and an allowable position).

As shown in FIG. 20, a shaft hole 75 is formed in the middle of the ball feed member 32 in the vertical direction in the horizontal direction. A ball feed shaft 76 is inserted into the shaft hole 75 with both ends protruding, and both ends of the ball feed shaft 76 in the left-right direction are supported by a ball feed unit base 67. As a result, the ball feed member 32 is rotatably supported in the front-rear direction with the ball feed shaft 76 as the center of rotation.

Further, an arm portion 77 is stretched and formed in the middle of the ball feed member 32 toward the rear, and at the lower end of the arm portion 77, as shown in FIG. 11, an operation of extending downward of the ball feed solenoid 31 is performed. A rod portion 72 is formed, a sheet metal accommodating portion 73 is formed in the operating rod portion 72, and a ball feed sheet metal 71 made of a metal material attracted by a magnet is housed in the sheet metal accommodating portion 73.

Immediately below the sheet metal accommodating portion 73, a sheet metal locking claw 78 is formed so as to project rearward to prevent the ball feed sheet metal 71 from falling off, whereby the ball feed member 32 unexpectedly operates. It prevents the ball feed sheet metal 71 from falling off from the sheet metal accommodating portion 73.

As shown in FIG. 20, a hooking protrusion 79 is formed at the end of the operating rod portion 72, and one end of the tension spring 52 shown in FIG. 19 is hooked on the hooking protrusion 79. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the other end of the tension spring 52 is hooked on a spring locking portion 53 formed on the lower bottom surface of the ball feed unit base 67.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, a roof-shaped ball feeding portion 74 is formed integrally with the ball feeding member 32 toward the lower edge of the ball feeding port 63 above the shaft hole 75 of the ball feeding member 32. There is. The ball feeding portion 74 is formed in a mountain shape in which the center of the upper surface is raised upward, and the ball feeding port 63 is formed from the center to the front, that is, at the lower end of the ball feeding guide gutter 69 in FIG. A circular arc convex toward the ball feed guide surface 80 inclined downward toward the lower edge and the ball feed unit cover 68 that closes the rear end of the ball feed guide gutter 69 from the center to the rear, that is, in FIG. It is provided with a ball holding surface 81 that is inclined to be lowered in a shape. Further, a hanging piece 82 that hangs downward is formed at the rear end of the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feeding portion 74.

Further, the upper part of the ball feed member 32 in the vertical direction penetrates the ball feed unit base 67 toward the front, and as shown in FIGS. 18, 20, and 21, the rail portion 332 (launch position) in the side view. A rectangular frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 stretched and formed toward the hitting path from the ball is formed, and a hit ball passing port 85 opened in a rectangular shape is formed in the center of the return ball blocking portion 83.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 formed integrally with the ball feed member 32 is arranged adjacent to the launch port 38 in the launch position direction. Further, on the launch position direction side of the portion of the return ball blocking portion 83 located on the front side of the frame, a ball stopping portion 84 having a horizontal bottom portion protruding in a triangular shape toward the rail portion 332 is formed. The ball stop portion 84 is arranged in front of the ball feed portion 74 and above the launch position so as to face the ball feed portion 74.

Further, the ball feed unit cover 68 is formed with a ball guide protrusion 54 having a "dogleg" vertical cross section toward the front at a position facing the ball supply port 63 behind the ball supply port 63. A front guide surface 55 having an arc concave shape facing the ball supply port 63 is formed on the upper portion of the ball guide protrusion 54 facing forward. The lower portion of the ball guide protrusion 54 is formed to be convexly curved toward the rear, and in the space below the lower portion of the ball guide protrusion 54, the front-rear direction of the ball feed member 32 centered on the ball feed shaft 76. In the rotation operation, the ball feed portion 74 can be retracted. Further, a stopper piece 56 is formed so as to project forward toward the lower end of the ball guide protrusion 54.

[Ball feed operation and return ball prevention operation of ball feed member 32]
The ball feeding operation and the return ball blocking operation by the ball feeding member 32 of the ball feeding device 28 configured as described above will be described. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is in the non-excited state, it is hooked on the hook projection 79 at the end of the operating rod portion 72 of the ball feed member 32 and the spring locking portion 53 formed on the lower bottom surface of the ball feed unit base 67. Due to the tensile force of the stopped tension spring 52, the lower end portion of the ball feed member 32 is pulled toward the ball feed unit base 67.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the normal state (when the ball feed solenoid 31 is in the non-excited state), the ball feed member 32 has a rectangular frame-shaped return ball in a rotation posture centered on the ball feed shaft 76. The blocking unit 83 takes an inclined posture toward the rear, and the launch port 38 is immediately launched in the lateral view from the game area 8, that is, in the ball striking path from the launch position of the ball launch device 29 to the launch port 38. At the position on the position direction side, the portion located in front of the frame of the return ball blocking portion 83 is in a posture of intersecting the launch port 38, and the hit ball passage port 85 with respect to the launch port 38 in the hit path. Is in a position shifted rearward, and it is impossible for the ball to pass through the ball hitting port 85 in the hitting path. That is, the return ball blocking unit 83 takes a return ball blocking position that blocks the entry of the returning ball returning from the game area 8 to the launch port 38 in this posture.

After the hit ball is launched, the return ball blocking unit 83 takes the return ball blocking position, so that the game ball launched in the game area 8 becomes a return ball and enters the launch port 38, which is blocked by the return ball blocking unit 83. Since the return ball can be blocked, it is possible to prevent the return ball from deteriorating the interest in the game.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, in the ball feeding member 32, in the normal state (when the ball feeding solenoid 31 is in the non-excited state), the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feeding portion 74 is a ball guide collision of the ball feeding unit cover 68. Retreating into the space below the portion 54, the hanging piece 82 formed at the lower end of the ball feeding portion 74 abuts on the stopper piece 56, and in a rotational posture centered on the ball feeding shaft 76 of the ball feeding member 32. , It is regulated by the holding position in the ball feeding operation.

In the holding position, the ball feed guide surface 80 of the ball feed portion 74 is located in front of the lower end of the front guide surface 55 of the ball guide protrusion 54, and is located on the extension line in the tangential direction of the front guide surface 55. Further, the ball stop portion 84 approaches the ball supply port 63, the game ball P1 is fitted in the gap between the lower end portion of the ball supply port 63 and the ball stop portion 84, and the game ball P1 stays. Will be.

[Excitation of ball feed solenoid 31]
When excited by energizing the ball feed solenoid 31, the ball feed sheet metal 71 is attracted upward by the electromagnet function, and the operating rod portion 72 of the ball feed member 32 moves upward against the tensile force of the tension spring 52. The ball feed member 32 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 19 with the ball feed shaft 76 as the center of rotation, and as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the ball feed member 32 passes the supply position and the hit ball in the ball feed operation. Move to an acceptable position.

As a result, the ball stop portion 84 moves forward from the position close to the ball supply port 63, and at the same time, the ball feed portion 74 moves forward and sends out the game ball P1 remaining in the holding position to the launch position (FIG. 22). reference).

As shown in FIG. 21, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is in the excited state, the rectangular frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 takes an upright posture in a rotation posture centered on the ball feed shaft 76, and the game area. In the lateral view seen from 8, that is, in the hitting path from the launching position of the hitting ball launching device 29 to the launching port 38, at the position on the immediate launching position direction side of the launching port 38, with respect to the launching port 38 in the hitting path. The hitting ball passing port 85 is in the same position, and is a position allowing the ball to pass through the hitting ball passing port 85 in the hitting path. That is, in this posture, the return ball blocking unit 83 takes an allowable position that allows the hit ball to pass without interfering with the hit ball launched from the launch position.

As shown in FIG. 22, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is in the excited state, the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feed unit 74 is positioned in front of the ball guide protrusion 54 of the ball feed unit cover 68 at the supply position in the ball feed operation. Then, the succeeding game ball P2 is fitted into the gap between the upper end portion of the ball supply port 63 and the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feed portion 74, and the succeeding game ball P2 stays in the state. By the ball feeding operation described above, the ball feeding member 32 feeds the game balls aligned and stored in the ball feeding guide gutter 69 one by one to the firing position of the hitting ball launching device 29.

Further, FIG. 24 is a time chart showing the drive timings of the ball feed solenoid 31 and the launch solenoid 13. The firing solenoid 13 is turned on when the period A has elapsed from the time when the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned on, and the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned off when the period B has passed since the firing solenoid 13 was turned on. The firing solenoid 13 is turned off when a period C elapses from the time when the solenoid 31 is turned off.

In this embodiment, the period A is 300 ms, the period B is 30 ms, and the period C is 50 ms. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the launch ball is fed to the launch position (rail portion 332) by the ball feed member 32. That is, the launch ball is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36. In the present embodiment, when a game ball stopped at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time (the period D is set to 30 ms), it is determined that there is a launch ball. To do.

In this way, when the game ball parked at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball, so that it is launched by noise. The false ball count of the ball can be eliminated, and the certainty in the detection of the launch ball can be increased.

According to the drive timing of the ball feed solenoid 31 and the launch solenoid 13 shown in FIG. 24, the operation control is performed by the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control unit 118 described later. That is, when the return ball blocking portion 83 of the ball feed member 32 is in the allowable position, the ball striking device 29 is operated to perform the ball striking operation by the launching hammer 30, which is predetermined from the time when the ball striking device 29 is activated. After the specified time has elapsed (after 30 ms has elapsed), the return ball is blocked by the return ball blocking unit 83 by releasing the excitation of the ball feed solenoid 31 and moving the return ball blocking unit 83 to the return ball blocking position. It controls to.

According to this, when the return ball blocking unit 83 takes an allowable position, the ball is allowed to pass without interfering with the ball launched from the launch position, so that the ball does not interfere with the launch ball. It is possible to prevent distrust of hitting the ball at the target position, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest in the game.

After the hit ball is launched, the return ball blocking unit 83 takes the return ball blocking position, so that the game ball launched in the game area 8 becomes a return ball and enters the launch port 38, which is blocked by the return ball blocking unit 83. Since the return ball can be blocked, it is possible to prevent the return ball from deteriorating the interest in the game.

In the present embodiment, since the return ball blocking portion 83 is integrally formed with the ball feed member 32, the ball is fed to the firing position by the excitation / non-excitation of one electric drive source (ball feed solenoid 31). And return ball prevention can be realized at the same time. That is, when the ball feed member 32 takes the supply position, the hit ball passage port 85 is located on the hit path through which the game ball launched from the launch position passes, while when the ball feed member 32 takes the holding position, it deviates from the hit path. A frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 is provided so that the hit ball passage port 85 is located at the retracted position.

When the ball feed member 32 takes the supply position, the return ball blocking unit 83 takes an allowable position and does not interfere with the hit ball fired from the launch position, so that the game ball is hit at the target position. It is possible to prevent a feeling of distrust and to prevent a decline in interest in the game.

Further, when the ball feed member 32 moves to the holding position, the return ball blocking unit 83 moves to the return ball blocking position at the same time, so that the game ball launched in the game area 8 becomes a return ball and enters the launch port 38. Since it is possible to block the return ball and prevent the return ball, it is possible to prevent the return ball from deteriorating the interest in the game.

Further, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 described above has a structure in which a return ball prevention valve blocking a launch port is forcibly pryed open by a launch ball to launch or push it into a game area. For this reason, it is necessary to have an electric drive source that is large and powerful enough to make the ball hitting operation, and it is necessary to supply a large current to obtain the hitting force, and the power consumption is large. is there.

On the other hand, in the upper launching device 12 of this example, when the launching hammer 30 performs a ball striking operation, the return ball blocking portion 83 of the ball feeding member 32 is allowed to pass through the launching ball (with the hitting ball passing port 85). Since both the launch port 38 and the launch port 38 are in the same state on the hitting path and do not interfere with the launching ball, it is sufficient if the hitting force enough to hit the hitting ball can be provided to the game area 8, so the power is small. Adopting an electric drive source is sufficient. Therefore, the electric drive source can be made smaller and thinner, and the power consumption required for the drive can be suppressed to a low level.

Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the firing solenoid 13 is excited for a period C from the time when the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, and the mallet tip 61 protrudes through the through hole 335 of the rail portion 332 (FIG. 9). Therefore, the game ball can be prevented from being stopped at the rail portion 332, the return ball can be prevented, and the error count of the launch ball can be made more reliable.

The return ball blocking portion 83 of the present embodiment is shown to have a rectangular frame shape and a hitting ball passing port 85 in the center, but the shape of the return ball blocking portion 83 is not limited to this, for example. , It may be in the shape of a piece or a rod, and it may not be provided with a ball hitting passage port 85. That is, on the hitting path from the launching position to the launching port 38, an allowable position is provided adjacent to the launching position direction of the launching port 38 and allows the hitting ball to pass without interfering with the hitting ball launched from the launching position. And the return ball blocking position that blocks the entry of the return ball returning from the game area 8 to the launch port 38 may be movable.

In the enclosed ball-type game machine of the present embodiment described above, the ball lifting device 22 is located in the front part of the main body frame 2 and behind the upper launching device 12 arranged on one side of the upper part of the main body frame 2. Attached to the rear surface, the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 is arranged above the ball feeding device 28, and the ball lifting device 22 is located between the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 and the upper portion of the upper launching device 12. A ball supply path member 24 extending in the front-rear direction for feeding the game ball lifted in the above to the ball feeding device 28 from above is provided.

Since it has the above-described configuration, various members (movable body, power transmission mechanism for driving the movable body (for example, gear train), left and right) in which the ball supply path member 24 is attached to the rear portion of the game board 5. A ball at the rear of the game machine without obstructing the slide rail for guiding in the direction, the drive motor as a drive source, the position detection sensor for detecting the position of the movable body, the LED board, the relay board, etc.) The game ball lifted to the upper part of the main body frame 2 by the lifting device 22 can be smoothly fed to the upper launching device 12.

Further, since the ball supply path member does not interfere with various members attached to the rear part of the game board, the space formed behind the upper launching device 12 can be reserved in the rear part of the game board 5. It can be applied to the arrangement space of each member.

Further, the upper launching device 12 shown in FIG. 23 employs an electric drive source that is smaller and thinner than the conventional one for the reason described above. As shown in FIG. 23, since the electric drive source (launch solenoid 13) of the ball striking device can be made smaller and thinner, the electric drive source does not project behind the upper launcher 12. Therefore, it is possible to secure a wide arrangement space 57 for each member attached to the rear portion of the game board 5.

Further, the upper launcher 12 of the present embodiment is supported by the main body frame 2 by the hinge 37 for the upper launcher, and can be removed from the main body frame 2 by removing the fixture 49 and rotating it (FIG. 12). , The operation of attaching and detaching to the main body frame is easy.

In this case, when the upper launching device 12 is removed from the main body frame 2, the ball delivery gutter 23 and the ball delivery gutter 23 are lifted so that the game ball does not spill even if the game ball remains in the ball delivery gutter 23. A spill ball prevention means for shielding the game ball supply passage by the communication gutter 65 is provided.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the spill ball prevention means (ball outlet opening / closing unit) will be described. FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the ball outlet opening / closing unit, and FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the ball outlet opening / closing unit. Further, FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the upper launch unit and the ball outlet opening / closing unit.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 23, the ball supply path member 24 is formed at the upper end of the ball lifting device 22, and has a ball delivery gutter 23 for feeding the lifted game ball from above to the front, and an upper launching unit. It is composed of a lifting gutter 65 formed in the upper part of the rear portion of the twelve and connected to the ball sending gutter 23, and the inside is a game ball supply passage as described above. In a state where the upper launch unit 12 is fixed to the main body frame 2, the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball delivery gutter 23 is opened to connect the ball outlet 58 and the ball inlet 66 at the rear end of the lifting gutter 65. The game balls can be supplied from the ball outlet 58 to the ball entrance 66 by communicating with each other.

The ball feeding device of the upper launching device 12 includes an opening / closing actuating piece 426 for operating the opening / closing shutter 412 of the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 on the right side of the ball feeding unit cover (FIG. 27). When the upper launching device 12 is attached to the main body frame 2 from the front for fixing, the opening / closing actuating piece 426 comes into contact with the spherical contact portion 424 of the opening / closing crank 413 in the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410. The opening / closing crank 413 is rotated to open the opening / closing shutter 412, and the game ball supply passage is opened.

[Ball exit opening / closing unit]
The ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 in the main body frame 2 of the present embodiment is attached to a mounting member 407 attached to the lower surface of the ball delivery gutter 23 of the ball lifting device 22, and is attached to the upper launching device 12 from the main body frame 2. When is removed, the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball delivery gutter 23 in the ball lifting device 22 is closed to shield the game ball supply passage, and the ball lifting device 22 is transferred to the ball feeding device 28 of the upper launching device 12. It is possible to block the flow of the game ball.

More specifically, the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 has a shutter base 411 attached to the hanging wall 408 facing in the vertical direction of the mounting member 407 and a plate shape held slidably in the vertical direction by the shutter base 411. The opening / closing shutter 412, the opening / closing crank 413 that slides the opening / closing shutter 412 in the vertical direction, and the opening / closing spring 414 that urges the opening / closing shutter 412 to rise via the opening / closing crank 413 are provided.

The shutter base 411 of the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 includes a pair of slide grooves 415 extending in the vertical direction for holding the opening / closing shutter 412 slidably in the vertical direction so as to project upward from the upper end of the shutter base 411. A rectangular opening 416 that penetrates in the front-rear direction between a pair of slide grooves 415 and a crank that is arranged in front of the left end portion in a front view and rotatably supports an opening / closing crank 413 extending in the front-rear direction. A support portion 417 and a spring locking portion 418 for locking one end (upper end) of the opening / closing spring 414 are provided. The crank support portion 417 of the shutter base 411 is arranged on the left side of the opening 416 in the front view, and the spring locking portion 418 is arranged in the vicinity of the upper portion on the left side from the center in the left-right direction in the front view.

Further, the opening / closing shutter 412 of the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 is a pair of sliding protrusions (not shown) that project from the front surface of the flat shutter body 419 and the shutter body 419 and slide in the slide groove 415 of the shutter base 411. ), And a horizontally long rectangular drive hole 420 arranged at a position facing the opening 416 of the shutter base 411 between the pair of sliding protrusions and penetrating in the front-rear direction.

The opening / closing crank 413 of the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 has a shaft portion 421 rotatably supported around an axis extending in the front-rear direction by a crank support portion 417 of the shutter base 411, and the shaft portion 421 from the outer periphery on the right side in the front view to the right. A drive rod 422 that extends outward and has a tip extending to the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the opening 416, and a drive rod 422 that protrudes rearward from the tip of the drive rod 422 and is slidably inserted into the drive hole 412b of the opening / closing shutter 412. Drive pin 423, a contact portion 424 extending downward from the lower outer periphery of the shaft portion 421 and having a spherical tip, and the other end of the opening / closing spring 414 formed on the upper surface of the drive rod 422 in the middle. It is provided with a spring locking portion 425 that locks (lower end).

In the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410, the opening / closing crank 413 rotates around an axis extending in the front-rear direction, so that the drive pin 423 of the opening / closing crank 413 rotates in the vertical direction in an arc shape, and at the same time, the drive pin 423 is inserted. The opening / closing shutter 412 slides in the vertical direction via the drive hole 420.

When the upper launching device 12 is removed from the main body frame 2 from this state, the contact portion 424 of the opening / closing crank 413 and the opening / closing actuating piece 426 of the upper launching device 12 are released, and the opening / closing crank 413 is released from the opening / closing spring. At the same time that the opening / closing shutter 412 is raised by the urging force of 414 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front, the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball delivery gutter 23 can be closed (FIG. 27). ).

In this way, the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 can automatically open / close the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball delivery gutter 23 in the ball lifting device 22 according to the attachment / detachment of the upper launching device 12 to / from the main body frame 2. Even if the upper launching device 12 is opened with the game ball remaining in the ball delivery gutter 23, it is possible to prevent the game ball from spilling from the ball outlet 58.

The spill prevention means is for shielding the game ball supply passage by the delivery gutter 23 and the lifting communication gutter 65, but the spill prevention means for shielding the game ball supply passage is, for example. , Not limited to this location, it should be placed in a location consisting of two parts in the pachinko game machine, such as the game ball supply passage that is the connecting portion between the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 and the ball collecting portion 21. Can be done. In particular, it is useful in places where it is necessary to separate the two parts for inspection and repair.

Here, at the location where the ball feed outlet 23a of the ball delivery gutter 23 and the ball inlet 66 of the lifting gutter 65 are connected, the width (d1) of the ball feed outlet 23a is schematically shown in FIG. The width (d2) of the ball inlet 66 is sufficiently large with respect to the ball inlet 66 so that the ball inlet 66 swallows the ball feed outlet 23a, the ball delivery gutter 23 side is high, and the lifting gutter 65 side is low. It is preferable to do so. The game ball lifted by the ball lifting device 22 passes through the ball sending gutter 23 and smoothly moves to the lifting gutter 65 side.

Since the step at the boundary between the ball feed outlet 23a and the ball inlet 66 is lower on the side where the slope of the game ball supply path is lower, the movement of the game ball is not hindered by the step at this point. Although it is a simple configuration, when the upper launching device 12 is reattached to the main body frame 2 after inspection or the like, the connection between the ball sending gutter 23 and the lifting gutter 65 can be ensured.

The location where the ball outlet 23a of the ball delivery gutter 23 and the ball inlet 66 of the lifting gutter 65 are connected is taken as an example, but this structure consists of the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 and the sphere collecting portion 21. It can be applied to a wide range of connection points through which the game ball passes, such as a connection part and a connection point between the ball collecting part 21 and the ball lifting device 22, so that the work at the time of assembling the parts can be simplified.

[Deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit]
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the magnetic ball discharge part cover separated and turned inside out in FIG. 28. FIG. 30 is a plan view of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 31 is a rear view of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a base plate of a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit separately into the deformed sphere discharge unit and the magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a path through which the deformed sphere and the magnetic sphere are discharged in the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the magnetic sphere is separated from the circulation path and discharged. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the magnetic sphere reaches the magnetic sphere discharge inclined surface.

As shown in FIG. 28, the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 has a deformed sphere discharge function and a magnetic sphere discharge function. The deformed sphere is a spherical object such as a bearing having a diameter smaller than that of a regular game sphere. The deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 is a transparent resin molded product, which is arranged in the lower part of the game machine main body (deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit accommodating portion 19), and the front side is a front plate (not shown) and the rear side. It has a structure in which the side is covered with a rear surface plate (ball gutter base 201). At the top, as a safe ball that flows down without winning various winning openings (special variable winning device, general winning opening, ordinary variable winning device) and a safe ball that flows down the safe ball discharge route by winning various winning openings. A collection port 202 for collecting the game balls of the above is provided. The out ball flows into the collection port 202 through the out port 42 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 5). The safe ball flows into the collection port 202 through the winning port 41 (see FIG. 5).

The circulation path in the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 communicating with the collection port 202 is formed by meandering in the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 to the left and right and folding vertically, and the recovery sphere is formed in the middle of the circulation path. It includes a detection switch 203, a deformed ball discharge unit 204, a magnetic ball discharge unit 205, a ball path full tank detection switch 206, and a ball appropriate amount detection switch 207. The game balls that have flowed into the collection port 202 move in a row along the circulation path in the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 to reach the sphere collecting portion 21 connected to the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20. However, the deformed sphere and the magnetic sphere are separated from the circulation path of the regular game ball in the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 and discharged to the outside of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 so as not to move to the sphere collecting portion 21. To.

Next, the movement of the game ball collected in the collection port 202 in the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 will be described step by step. The number of game balls collected in the collection port 202 is counted one by one by the collection ball detection switch 203. The game ball that has passed through the recovery ball detection switch 203 reaches the deformed ball discharge unit 204. When the difference in the number of game balls detected by the recovery ball detection switch 203 and the launch ball detection means increases, it is possible to detect that an abnormality has occurred in the game machine.

The deformed ball discharging portion 204 is formed by two shaped ball discharging portion bases 208 fixed to the deformed ball discharging portion base mounting portion 212 provided on the ball gutter base 201 and two fixed to the deformed ball discharging portion base 208. It is composed of deformed sphere separation shafts 209 and 210.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the deformed ball discharge portion base mounting portion 212 is a rectangular opening provided in the ball gutter base 201. As shown in FIG. 28, the deformed ball discharge portion base mounting portion 212 is provided so as to be inclined to the ball gutter base 201 so that the side on the collection port 202 side is higher. As a result, since the deformed ball separation shafts 209 and 210 are arranged in an inclined manner, the game ball can move from the upstream side 213 (see FIG. 30) to the downstream side 214.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit separately into the deformed sphere discharge unit and the magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 33 (a) shows the deformed sphere discharge portion 204. FIG. 33 (b) shows the magnetic ball discharge unit 205.

The irregular ball discharge unit 204 uses the difference in diameter between the regular game ball and the illegal ball to eliminate the illegal ball having a diameter smaller than that of the regular game ball from the circulation path in the irregular ball / magnetic ball discharge unit 20. .. As shown in FIG. 30, the deformed sphere discharge portion 204 includes two deformed sphere separation shafts 209, 210 having a circular cross section arranged side by side from the upstream side 213 to the downstream side 214 of the circulation path. In order to exclude the irregular sphere, that is, the atypical sphere having a diameter smaller than that of the regular game ball, from the circulation path in which the regular game ball circulates, the gap distance between the two irregular sphere separation shafts 209 and 210 is set on the upstream side 213. The deformed ball separation shaft is narrower than the diameter of the regular game ball and wider than the diameter of the regular game ball on the downstream side 214, that is, the distance between the two deformed ball separation shafts 209 and 210 is gradually increased. 209 and 210 are fixed to the deformed ball discharge portion base 208.

The game balls that flow down one by one to the deformed ball discharge section 204 via the collection port 202 and the recovery ball detection switch 203 flow down while rolling so as to straddle the two deformed ball separation shafts 209 and 210. To do. On the upstream side, the gap distance between the two deformed ball separation shafts 209 and 210 is narrower than the diameter of the regular game ball, so that the regular game ball does not fall between the deformed ball separation shafts 209 and 210.

On the other hand, an illegal ball, which is a deformed ball having a diameter smaller than that of a regular game ball, falls between the two deformed ball separation shafts 209 and 210. As shown in FIG. 33A, the dropped deformed sphere is discharged to the outside of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 from the deformed sphere discharge port 216 via the deformed sphere discharge path 215. The deformed ball discharge path 215 is formed by a deformed ball discharge path forming member 217 which is on the front side of the ball gutter base 201 and is attached to the lower side of the deformed ball discharge portion base 208. The deformed ball discharge path forming member 217 is also integrally provided with a connecting path 218 that guides a ball having the same diameter as a regular game ball to the magnetic ball discharge unit 205.

A game ball of a regular size that rolls and flows down the two deformed ball separation shafts 209 and 210 falls from between the two deformed ball separation shafts 209 and 210 on the downstream side 214 and passes through the connecting path 218. It reaches the circulation path 219 formed in the magnetic ball discharge portion 205.

The magnetic ball discharge unit 205 is fixed to the ball gutter base 201 as shown in FIG. 28. FIG. 33 shows a state in which the magnetic ball discharge portion 205 is removed from the ball gutter base 201. An inclined surface 220 connected to the connecting path 218 is formed in the magnetic ball discharging portion 205, a falling surface 221 that descends steeply is connected to the downstream side of the inclined surface 220, and a portion where the inclined surface 220 is extended is connected. , The magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 is formed. A gap of the discontinuous portion 223 is provided so that the inclined surface 220 and the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 are not continuous. In the magnetic ball discharging portion 205, magnets are attached to at least one of the side wall 224 or the ceiling wall 225 at least on the front surface, the back surface thereof, or the inside thereof.

FIG. 35 shows an example in which the magnet 229 is mounted in the magnet accommodation space 230 on the back surface of the ceiling wall 225. The magnet accommodating space 230 is formed as a space having a rectangular cross section arranged along the back surface side of the ceiling wall 225. The magnet 229 is a flat plate magnet, and is a permanent magnet having an N pole or an S pole on one side and an S pole or an N pole on the other side. The magnetic force of the magnet is not so strong that the game ball (magnetic ball 232) made of a magnetic material is attracted and the rolling is hindered, and it flows down the region of the inclined surface 220 and falls from the discontinuous portion 223. It suffices as long as it can reach the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222. The magnet to be attached may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

The regular game ball 233 flowing from the connecting path 218 rolls down the inclined surface 220, and flows down from the inclined surface 220 while rolling down the falling surface 221. The non-magnetic regular game ball 233 falls down the discontinuous portion 223, passes through the circulation path 219, and reaches the ball collecting portion 21 connected to the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharge unit 20.

On the other hand, the illegal sphere (magnetic sphere 232) made of a magnetic material is attached to the inner wall surface of the ceiling wall 225 by the attractive force of the magnet 229 housed in the magnet accommodation space 230, and the circulation path 219 is upstream of the inclined surface 220. It flows down from the side to the downstream side while rolling due to the action of gravity. Then, as shown in FIG. 35, the magnetic sphere 232 reaches the region of the magnetic sphere discharge inclined surface 222 (see FIG. 28) as shown in FIG. 36 without falling from the discontinuous portion 223. The illegal sphere made of a magnetic material that has reached the region of the magnetic sphere discharge inclined surface 222 is discharged from the magnetic sphere discharge port 227 to the outside of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 via the magnetic sphere discharge path 226 (see FIG. 34). ).

The portion of the ceiling wall 225 above the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 is configured as the magnetic force adjusting portion 231. The magnetic force adjusting unit 231 is formed so that the distance between the magnet accommodating space 230 and the magnetic ball discharge path 226 increases toward the downstream side of the magnetic ball discharge path 226. In FIG. 35, the magnetic ball discharge path 226 has a curved portion, and this curved portion functions as the magnetic force adjusting unit 231. As a result, the distance between the magnetic sphere 232 and the magnet 229 becomes longer toward the downstream of the magnetic sphere discharge path 226. Then, the magnetic force (attractive force) of the magnet 229 acting on the magnetic sphere 232 gradually decreases. Therefore, the magnetic sphere 232 that has been attached to the wall surface of the ceiling wall 225 and has moved in the downstream direction separates from the wall surface of the ceiling wall 225 and falls on the magnetic sphere discharge inclined surface 222. Then, it is discharged from the magnetic ball discharge port 227 via the magnetic ball discharge path 226.

The deformed sphere and the illegal sphere of the magnetic material are discharged to the outside of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 from the deformed sphere discharge port 216 and the magnetic sphere discharge port 227, respectively (FIG. 34). The deformed sphere or the magnetic sphere discharged from the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 is collected in the discharge ball receiving box 234 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 5). In this way, the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharging unit 20 can be used to eliminate the illegal sphere composed of the deformed sphere and the magnetic material from the circulation path 219 of the regular game ball. In the present embodiment, the configuration can be simplified by using gravity to discharge the deformed sphere and the magnetic sphere to the outside of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20. The deformed sphere discharge path 215 is arranged along the side surface of the magnetic sphere discharge portion 205, and the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 can be compactly configured.

The deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 can eliminate an illegal sphere made of a deformed sphere or a magnetic material from the circulation path 219 of a regular game sphere without stopping the game, which reduces the interest of the player. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce the chance that the employee of the game hall is called to each game machine to deal with the illegal ball and deals with the defect of the game machine. The deformed sphere discharge unit 204 and the magnetic sphere discharge unit 205 may be configured independently. That is, when the discharge of the deformed ball is executed by another component in the game machine, the magnetic ball discharge unit 205 may be configured independently.

Then, in one embodiment of the enclosed ball-type gaming machine of the present invention, a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed, a main body frame into which the game board is fitted and accommodated, and an upper portion of the main body frame are arranged. A hit ball launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area and a game ball launched by the hit ball launcher are collected as enclosed balls on the back surface side of the game board, and an illegal ball is eliminated and the hit ball launcher is again. A circulation path including a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharging means and the enclosed spheres arranged and stored in an arrangement passage formed in a part of the circulation path based on the drive of an electric drive source are provided in 1 The ball feeding device that feeds the ball to the launching position of the hitting ball launching device one by one, the main control board that performs the game control processing related to the pachinko game, and the main control board are connected so as to enable bidirectional data communication, and the game control processing Control of increase / decrease in the number of balls held based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main control board and the ball number information of the launch balls launched by the hit ball launcher, and launch control of the game ball by the hit ball launcher. A ball information control board that controls the feeding of the game balls to the launch position by the ball feeding device is provided, and a predetermined number of game balls are closedly circulated without paying out the game balls. The ball launching device performs a ball striking operation based on a launch rail for stopping the game ball at the launch position and an electric drive source, and the launch position is The ball information control board is provided with a launching member for launching a game ball parked at the launching ball and a launching ball confirmation means for detecting the game ball parked at the launching position, and the ball information control board is provided at a predetermined time. When the game ball parked at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation means, the launch ball detection determination means for determining that the launch ball is present and the launch ball detection determination means for the launch ball are present. On condition that the determination is made, when the game ball is not detected by the launch ball confirmation means, it is determined that the game ball stopped at the launch position has been launched, and the number of possessed balls is subtracted by one. It is configured with means.

According to the above embodiment, when a game ball parked at a launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation means for a predetermined predetermined time, the launch ball detection determination means for determining that the launch ball is present. , On the condition that the launch ball detection determination means determines that there is a launch ball, if the launch ball confirmation means does not detect the game ball, it is determined that the game ball stopped at the launch position has been launched, and the number of balls held. Is reduced by one, so if noise enters the launch ball confirmation means, it is possible to eliminate the false ball count of the launch ball due to noise, increase the certainty in detecting the launch ball, and deform the sphere. And magnetic balls can be excluded from the circulation path in which regular game balls circulate.

[Sphere gathering part 21]
FIG. 37 is a front left perspective view of the ball collecting portion and the ball lifting device, FIG. 38 is a front view of the ball collecting portion and the ball lifting device, and FIG. 39 is a state in which the ball polishing cartridge in the ball collecting portion is removed. It is a front view which shows. Further, FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the case of the ball collecting portion and the cover of the ball lifting device are removed, and FIG. 41 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the ball collecting portion in FIG. 40. Is a further enlarged view of FIG. 41, and FIG. 43 is a plan view in which the case of the sphere collecting portion is removed.

The ball collecting portion 21 (FIG. 41) has a ball feeding passage 275, a ball polishing cartridge 251 and a ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273 (FIG. 39), and a lifting / feeding inlet switch 156. The ball feeding passage 275 has a groove structure having walls on both sides arranged at the lower part of the entire ball collecting portion 21, and has a ball receiving port 275a connected to a ball outlet (not shown) of the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharging unit 20. It has a ball feed port 275b that opens in the ball feed rotating body 350 (described later) (FIGS. 41, 42, 43).

The ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273 is an opening provided in the ball collecting portion 21 for attaching and detaching the ball polishing cartridge 251 described later (FIG. 39). The ball polishing cartridge 251 is removable from the front side of the game machine to the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273, and the ball polishing cloth 263 is attached to the portion of the ball polishing cartridge 251 facing the ball lifting device 22 described later. It is arranged (Fig. 41). The lift inlet switch 156 is provided on the outside of one wall constituting the ball feed passage 275, and detects the presence or absence of a game ball passing through the ball feed passage 275 (FIG. 41).

[Ball lifting device 22]
FIG. 44 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the upper gearbox and the lower gearbox are removed. FIG. 45 is a right side view showing a state in which the cover of the ball lifting device is removed, and FIG. 46 is an enlarged view of the portion (A) in FIG. 45. Further, FIG. 47 is a view showing a state in which the screw is disassembled, FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing the upper part of the ball lifting device, and FIG. 49 is a view showing the fitted / non-fitted state of the screw and the fitting member. It is a figure which shows.

The ball lifting device 22 includes a screw 25 (FIG. 40), a ball lifting motor 150 (FIGS. 38 and 48), a lifting guide rail 282 (FIGS. 40 and 44), and an upper gearbox 356 (FIG. 37). , FIG. 40), lower gearbox 357 (FIGS. 37, 40), ball feed rotating body 350 (FIG. 40), ball feed inclined portion 351 and (FIG. 40, FIG. 41), lifting portion cover 353 (FIG. 40). It has a spiral base cover 352 (FIG. 37), a lifting slope member 354 (FIG. 46), and a ball delivery gutter 23 (FIG. 44, 46, 48).

The spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 are cover members 368 arranged so as to surround the screw 25, and are made of a transparent resin (acrylic resin). The spiral base cover 352 is provided with an opening 281 at an angle at a portion of the ball collecting portion 21 that opposes the ball polishing cartridge 251 (FIG. 39).
Further, the upper surface of the cover member 368 is formed with a protrusion for installing the lower surface of the upper gearbox 356, which will be described later (FIG. 69).

The screw 25 is vertically arranged inside the square tubular cover member 368 from the base to the upper end of the ball lifting device 22. The cover member 368 is arranged so as to assemble the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 and surround the screw 25. The screw 25 is composed of a screw shaft 25a, two small pitch ridge members 25b located above and below, and four large pitch ridge members 25c located at the center (FIG. 45). .. These are fitted into the screw shaft 25a.

The small pitch ridge member 25b is composed of a cylindrical portion 25e and a spiral ridge 25d (FIG. 45). As shown in FIG. 47, the small pitch ridge member 25b is formed by assembling a half-split body 25bR, which is entirely divided into two by a vertical surface including a screw shaft 25a, and a half-split body 25bL with the screw shaft 25a in between. It is united. A pair of recesses 25g and convex portions 25h for assembling the half-split bodies 25bR and 25bL on both sides is vertically formed on the cut surface of the cylindrical portion 25e, which can be integrated. it can.

Further, an upper edge recess 25j opened upward is formed on the upper edge 25i of the half-split bodies 25bR and 25bL, and a lower edge convex portion 25m protruding downward is formed on the lower edge 25k. The upper edge concave portion 25j and the lower edge convex portion 25m are for connecting the small pitch ridge member 25b and the large pitch ridge member 25c in the vertical direction and transmitting rotation to each other.

The same applies to the large pitch ridge member 25c, which has the same reference numerals and a specific description thereof, but the pitch of the spiral ridge 25d is larger than that of the small pitch ridge member 25b. The pitch of the portion where the spiral ridge 25d of the small pitch ridge member 25b and the spiral ridge 25d of the large pitch ridge member 25c are continuous changes in pitch, but is smoothly continuous. The large pitch ridge member 25c is composed of a half-split body 25cR and a half-split body 25cL.

The pitch is the interval of the spiral ridges 25d along the straight line. The pitch of the spiral ridge 25d of the small pitch ridge member 25b is smaller than that of the spiral ridge 25d of the large pitch ridge member 25c. For example, the pitch of the small pitch ridge member 25b is 25 mm, and the pitch of the large pitch ridge member 25c is 43.2 mm.

The screw shaft 25a shown in FIG. 47 is a rotating shaft of the screw 25, and as shown in FIG. 44, an upper lifting gear 360 (spur gear) is fixed to the upper end portion, and a lower lifting gear 362 (lower lifting gear 362) is fixed to the lower end portion. Spur gear) is fixed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 49, in the small pitch ridge member 25b at the lower part of the screw 25, the lower edge convex portion 25 m is integrally formed with the lower lifting gear 362 with the fitting recess 366a of the fitting member 366. It is fitted using uneven fitting, and is driven and rotated integrally with the screw shaft 25a and the lower lifting gear 362.

The ball lifting motor 150 is a motor for driving the screw 25, and is attached to the lower surface of the upper gearbox 356 in the ball lifting device 22 (FIGS. 38 and 48).

The upper gearbox 356 is arranged at the upper end of the ball lifting device 22, and houses and pivotally supports the ball lifting motor gear 358, the idle gear 359, and the upper lifting gear 360 (FIGS. 40 and 44). .. The ball lifting motor gear 358 is fixed to the drive shaft of the ball lifting motor 150 and meshes with the idle gear 359. The idle gear 359 is a two-stage gear in which an upper gear having a large number of teeth and a lower gear having a small number of teeth on the lower surface thereof are integrated. The ball lifting motor gear 358 and the upper gear mesh with each other, and the lower gear It meshes with the upper lifting gear 360. These gears are spur gears with a lower vertical dimension of the upper gearbox. The upper lifting gear 360 is fixed to the upper end of the screw shaft 25a. With these gear configurations, the ball lifting motor 150 drives and rotates the screw 25.

The lower gearbox 357 is arranged from the lower end of the ball lifting device 22 to the lower end of the ball collecting portion 21, and houses and pivotally supports the lower lifting gear 362 and the ball feed rotating body gear 363 (FIG. FIG. 44). The lower lifting gear 362 is fixed to the lower end of the screw shaft 25a and meshes with the ball feed rotating body gear 363. The gear ratio of the ball feed rotating body gear 363 and the lower lifting gear 362 is 2: 1.

A ball feed rotating body 350 is fixed to the gear shaft 363a of the ball feed rotating body gear 363, and the ball feed rotating body 350 is driven and rotated by the ball feed rotating body gear 363. The ball-feeding rotating body 350 is arranged corresponding to the ball-feeding port 275b of the ball-feeding passage 275 in the ball-collecting portion 21, is a low columnar member, and is a low columnar member, and the game is played on the peripheral portion at 180-degree intervals in this embodiment. A ball engaging recess 350a for accommodating the ball is provided. The ball engaging recess 350a has a depth that accommodates about half of the game ball (FIG. 43).

The ball feed inclined portion 351 (FIG. 42) is a member formed around the ball feed rotating body 350 and having a slope for lifting a game ball. In the range in which the ball feed inclined portion 351 exists, the ball feed rotating body 350 screws the game ball from the position of the ball feed port 275b, which is the exit on the ball feed rotating body side of the ball feed passage 275 with respect to the rotation direction of the ball feed rotating body 350. It is the range up to the delivery position to 25.

As described above, the ball feed inclined portion 351 has an arc shape along the outer circumference of the ball feed rotating body 350 from the ball feed port 275b to the delivery position, and is 7 mm (about 5 to 8 mm) upward from the position of the ball feed port 275b. ) It has an inclined surface 351a that rises to a high delivery position, and a top inclined portion 351b that protrudes from the top thereof in the screw 25 direction and is inclined downward. The width of the inclined surface 351a is 4 mm (about 3 to 5 mm), and the top inclined surface 351b is formed in a range larger than the diameter of the game ball in front of and behind the delivery position in the rotation direction of the ball feed rotating body 350.

The positional relationship between the ball feed rotating body 350 and the screw 25 in a plan view is a positional relationship in which a game ball dropped from the top inclined surface 351b can be received between the pitches of the spiral ridge 25d. A cover member 368 (not shown) is arranged along the outer circumference of the ball feed inclined portion 351 to the vicinity of the delivery position to prevent the game ball from falling from the inclined surface 351a.

A guide block 365 (FIGS. 42 and 43) is arranged on the upper surface of the lower gearbox 357 in the vicinity of the lower front surface side of the screw 25. The guide block 365 has an arcuate spherical guide surface and 365a close to the spiral ridge 25d of the screw 25, followed by a stopper surface 365b. The ball guide surface 365a is formed from the vicinity of the top inclined surface 351b to the opening 281 provided in the spiral base cover 352, and the tip thereof is the stopper surface 365b (FIG. 43).

Two lifting guide rails 282 are arranged adjacent to each other in parallel with the screw 25, and have a diameter of about 5 mm and serve as a guide for linearly guiding the game ball to be lifted by the screw 25 upward. It is a round bar-shaped guide member. The lift guide rail 282 is located on the side substantially opposite to the ball feed rotating body 350 with respect to the rotation direction of the screw 25, and is from a position corresponding to the upper end of the opening 281 (FIG. 39) diagonally provided in the spiral base cover 352. It is arranged vertically upward and its upper end is fixed to the lower surface of the upper gearbox 356. The distance between the two adjacent lifting guide rails 282 is a width that the game ball (diameter 11 mm) cannot pass through (the distance between the inside of the lifting guide rails 282 is 5 to 8 mm).
Further, when the game ball is lifted, it is lifted while being in contact with the guide rail 282. Therefore, the lift guide rail 282 has a low friction coefficient and is guided from the game ball generated by the rotation of the screw 25. It shall be rigid enough not to be deformed by the pressing force on the rail 282. It is preferable to use stainless steel as the material.

The support member 367 is a cushion member that prevents deformation of the lifting guide rail 282 and absorbs vibration transmitted between the game ball and the lifting guide rail 282 and to the upper launching device 12, and is a lifting guide rail. It is provided with a portion that maintains the 282 in its original position, and has a thickness sufficient to fit between the cover member 368 composed of the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 and the lifting guide rail 282. A plate-shaped block member having a flat surface on the side in contact with the cover member 368 and a recess on the side supporting the lifting guide rail 282.

The lifting guide rail 282 has a rigidity that does not deform due to the pressing force from the game ball to the guide rail 282 generated by the rotation of the screw 25, but the pressing force from the game ball is applied over a long period of time. Then, the lifting guide rail 282 is gradually deformed in the pressing direction, and the game ball may be disengaged from the guidance by the lifting guide rail 282. Therefore, the deformation is restricted.

Further, since the parts such as the screw 25 and the lifting guide rail 282 where the game ball passes are designed with a clearance, for example, the vibration generated by driving the ball lifting motor 150 is a screw. It conducts to 25 and the lifting guide rail 282, and there is a possibility that an abnormal noise may be generated between the lifting guide rail 282 and the game ball. Further, the ball lifting device 22 is a cover member 368 with a screw 25 and a lifting guide rail 282. When an abnormal noise is generated in the ball lifting device 22, it resonates and the sound becomes louder. However, by arranging the support member 367, it is possible to absorb the vibration generated in the game machine and suppress the generation of abnormal noise.
The number of support members 367 is arranged between the cover member 368 and the lifting guide rail 282 so that deformation of the guide rail 282 can be regulated and abnormal noise due to vibration is not generated.

The lifting slope member 354 shown in FIG. 46 is a block member having a slope formed on the lower surface of the upper gearbox 356 facing the upper end of the screw 25, and the slope intersects the path through which the game ball is fed. The game ball vertically lifted by the screw 25 is directed to the ball delivery gutter 23 by turning the moving direction in the horizontal direction.

The ball delivery gutter 23 is a passage provided at the upper end of the spiral base cover 352 and having an inclination for feeding the game ball guided from the lifting slope member 354 to the upper launching device 12. Further, on the side surface of the ball delivery gutter 23, a ball removing member 355 for discharging the game ball inside the game machine to the outside of the game machine is provided (FIGS. 44 and 48). The ball removing member 355 is a removable lid member, and can be removed from the side wall of the ball delivery gutter 23 by operating a knob at the bottom to open an opening provided in the side wall. The ball delivery gutter 23 is provided with a slanted portion, and a ball pulling member 355 is arranged on a wall on the tip side of the slanted portion (FIG. 44).

Further, a launch ball standby ball detection switch 26 for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball is arranged on the outer surface of the ball delivery gutter 23 (FIG. 45). When the launch standby ball detection switch 26 does not detect the game ball, the screw 25 is driven and new game balls are supplied from the ball lifting device 22 to the upper launch device 12 one by one.

[Operation of ball collecting unit 21 and ball lifting device 22]
The game ball sent from the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharging unit 20 forming a part of the circulation path is sent to the ball feeding rotating body 350 in the ball lifting device 22 through the ball feeding passage 275 of the ball collecting unit 21. Be done. On the other hand, the screw 25 is rotated via the gear trains 358, 359, 360 by driving the ball lifting motor 150, and the ball feed rotating body 350 is rotated via the screw shaft 25a and the lower gear trains 362 and 363. Since the gear ratio of the lower lifting gear 362 and the ball feed rotating body gear 363 is 2: 1, the ball feeding rotating body 350 makes one rotation with two rotations of the screw 25. The ball feed rotating body 350 receives the game balls one by one from the ball feed passage 275 into the ball engagement recess 350a and rotates counterclockwise (FIG. 43).

After that, the game ball is engaged with the ball engaging recess 350a by the rotation of the ball feed rotating body 350 and moves, and the remaining outer half moves along the inclined surface 351a of the ball feed inclined portion 351 and the top inclined surface. Reach 351b. Since the top inclined surface 351b is inclined downward, the game ball is sent from that position to the spiral ridge 25d of the small pitch ridge member 25b. At this time, the game balls sent from the top inclined surface 351b, which is slightly higher, have a large distance from the subsequent game balls, and are surely separated one by one.
In addition, in order to carry out stable feeding of the game ball, it is conceivable that the end portion of the top inclined surface 351b and the delivery position of the game ball of the small pitch ridge member 25b are set to substantially the same height.
Further, when the game ball is sent from the top inclined surface 351b to the small pitch ridge member 25d, the downward inclination is not limited to be used, and for example, a rail may be used to guide the game ball to the small pitch ridge member 25d. ..
Further, when the step between the end of the inclined surface 351a and the small pitch ridge member 25d below the screw 25 that receives the game ball is small, the game ball may be dropped directly from the inclined surface 351a to the small pitch ridge member 25d. It is possible.

Next, the game ball moves along the ball guide surface 365a of the guide block 365 with the rotation of the small pitch ridge member 25b and collides with the stopper surface 365b. During this time, the game ball rises with the rotation of the screw 25 and reaches the lower end of the opening 281 provided in the spiral base cover 352. In this case, the ball feed rotating body 350 is provided with a ball engaging recess 350a every 180 degrees as described above, and since it rotates at a speed of half that of the screw 25, one ball is provided every half rotation. The game ball will be supplied to the screw 25. Since one-half rotation of the ball feed rotating body corresponds to one pitch of the small pitch ridge member 25b, the game ball sent from the ball feed rotating body 350 is always one ball between the pitches of the small pitch ridge member 25b. It is sent one by one and continuously. (Fig. 41).
That is, it is prevented that the game balls are connected in a string in the ball lifting device 22.

It comes into contact with the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 through the opening 281. That is, as the game ball is lifted by the screw 25 of the ball lifting device 22, the game ball is rubbed against the ball polishing cloth 263 through the opening 281 to clean and polish the game ball (FIG. 39). Then, by being guided diagonally upward, the area of the ball polishing cloth 263 can be effectively utilized.

After passing through the opening 281, the game ball is lifted to the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 as the screw 25 rotates, and at that time, the game ball is lifted to the lifting guide rail 282 arranged in parallel. It is guided and moves in a straight line. The guide rail 282 allows the game ball lifted by the screw 25 to move in the vertical direction and restricts the movement in the horizontal direction. During this period, the game ball is lifted relatively slowly due to the small pitch at the lower small pitch ridge member 25a so as not to interfere with the ball receiving from the ball feed rotating body 350. There is. Further, even at the portion of the upper small pitch ridge member 25b, the movement of the game ball is relatively slow due to the small pitch so that the ball is not hindered from being fed to the upper launching device 12.
On the other hand, in the middle portion of the screw 25, there is no particular problem even if the lifting speed of the game ball is increased, so that a large pitch ridge member having a large pitch is used. The number of game balls circulated in the ball lifting device 22 can be reduced. Further, this makes it possible to reduce the burden due to the weight of the game ball on the screw 25 (FIG. 45).
Further, the lifting in the present embodiment is used to mean that the game ball is continuously carried from the lower part to the upper part of the game machine.

The game ball that has reached the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 abuts on the slope of the lifting slope member 354 from below, so that the moving direction of the game ball lifted by the screw 25 changes from the vertical direction to the substantially horizontal direction. The ball is turned and the game ball is smoothly fed from the ball lifting device 22 to the ball delivery gutter 23. Then, the game ball sent to the ball delivery gutter 23 rolls on the gentle slope of the ball delivery gutter 23 and is sent to the upper launching device 12 (FIG. 46).
In this case, when the lifted game ball comes into contact with the slope portion of the lifted slope member 354, the guide of the lifted guide rail 282 is removed and the ball is naturally flowed down to the floor surface of the ball delivery gutter 23. , The lifting guide rail 282 and the screw 25 are not subjected to ball pressure, and can be smoothly fed.

When it is necessary to take out the circulating game ball from the game machine for maintenance or the like, the ball removal member 355 provided on the outer surface of the ball delivery gutter 23 can be operated to easily discharge the ball to the outside of the game machine ( 37 and 48).

In this embodiment, the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 are made of a transparent resin (acrylic resin), and by using the transparent resin in this way, the state inside the ball lifting device 22 Is preferable because it can be easily visually confirmed without disassembling, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 may be made of an opaque resin, metal, or the like.

Further, although the small pitch ridge member 25b and the large pitch ridge member 25c are formed by joining half-split members, they may be integrally formed from the beginning into a tubular shape. Further, by making full use of the synthetic resin molding technology, the entire screw 25 excluding the screw shaft 25a can be integrally molded.

Further, the screw 25 and the lifting guide rail 282 are made of a material having good slipperiness and rigidity enough not to be deformed by the pressing force from the game ball to the lifting guide rail 282 generated by the rotation of the screw 25. Preferably, it may be a metal such as aluminum or a synthetic resin. Further, it is conceivable that the spiral ridge 25d uses a hardened silicon material or the like at least in the portion where the game ball is received from the ball feed rotating body 350. As a result, it is possible to absorb the impact generated when the game ball falls on the spiral ridge 25d.

The lifting guide rail 282 in the present embodiment guides the game ball in the vertical direction by two rails, but is not limited to the two rails, for example, the lifting guide rail 282 is set to one, and another one. The guide may be configured to guide the game ball by extending the inner wall of the cover member 368 so as to be adjacent to the lifting guide rail 282 in parallel.

Further, the support member 367 is arranged between the cover member 368 composed of the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 and the lifting guide rail 282, but the cover is limited to absorbing vibration. Not limited to the member 368, for example, as shown in FIG. 70, the support member 367 may be arranged so as to cover both ends of the lifting guide rail 282. As a result, the player operates the vibration generated by the operation of an electric drive source such as a movable accessory (not shown) or a motor arranged on the game board, and the touch panel unit 14 arranged on the door frame 3. Since various vibrations generated in the game machine, such as vibrations due to the impact generated during the operation, are absorbed, the game ball may come off the guide of the guide rail and cannot be lifted, or the game ball may be launched due to vibration. It is possible to suppress the instability.

Further, in this embodiment, the game balls are continuously sent out and lifted one by one at one pitch of the spiral ridge 25d over the entire length of the screw 25, but the game balls are lifted at all pitches of the screw 25. It is not limited to this as long as the game ball is continuously lifted even if it is not sent.

The lifting slope member 354 may have a structure that allows the game ball vertically lifted by the screw 25 and the lifting guide rail 282 to be smoothly fed to the ball delivery gutter 23, and is integrally molded with the upper gearbox 356. Or, as shown in FIGS. 67 and 68, the upper surface of the ball delivery path 23 may be extended to the lifting path of the game ball to form a slope on the lower surface of the extended portion.

Further, the ball lifting device 22 of the present invention has a configuration in which the game ball is lifted by using the screw 25, but if the ball is lifted so as to vertically guide and carry the game ball, the screw can be used. Not limited to this, various methods such as a belt conveyor capable of continuously carrying the game ball can be selected.

[Ball polisher]
Next, a ball polishing device for cleaning and polishing the game balls enclosed in the game machine will be described. FIG. 38 described above is a front view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge is attached to the ball polishing device, and FIG. 39 described above is the outside of the ball polishing cartridge for the ball polishing device. It is a front view which shows the state which was done.

Further, FIG. 50 is a left side view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge is attached, and FIG. 51 is a perspective view illustrating a mechanism for fixing the ball polishing cartridge. FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing a state at the time of mounting the ball polishing cartridge.

53 and 54 are diagrams showing a state in which the ball polishing cloth of the game ball and the ball polishing cartridge is pressed, and FIG. 53 is a state in which the ball polishing cloth of the game ball and the ball polishing cartridge is pressed against each other. FIG. 54 is a left side view showing a state in which the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other, and FIG. 55 is a left side cover of the ball polishing cartridge removed in FIG. 54. It is a left side view which shows the state which was done. Further, FIG. 56 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG. 55.

Next, FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge is attached, and FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing a state in which the right outer side cover is removed for the purpose of explaining the inside of the right side cover in FIG. 57. FIG. 59 is an upper perspective view showing a state in which the right side cover is opened in FIG. 58. 60 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge, FIG. 61 is a front view of the ball polishing cartridge, FIG. 62 is a side view of the same, and FIG. 63 is a side view showing a state in which the left side cover is removed in FIG. 62.

As shown in FIGS. 38 and 50, a ball collecting portion 21 is provided at the lower part of the ball lifting device 22, and a ball polishing cartridge 251 is provided on a part of the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 of the ball collecting portion 21. Can be installed. Here, the outside of the ball lifting device 22 is formed of a transparent plastic member, and even if a game ball is clogged inside the ball lifting device 22, the location where the clogging occurs can be easily visually recognized. It has become like. As shown in FIG. 51, the ball polishing cartridge 251 mounted on the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 is provided on the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 with one end supported on an axis and the other end rotated. By hanging the other end of the enabled ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271 on the ball polishing cartridge fixing stopper 272 also provided in the ball collecting portion 21, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is pressed in the back direction and the left direction. It has a structure. In addition, in FIG. 51, in order to make it easy to understand the movement mode of the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271, both the open state and the closed state of the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271 are shown together.

FIG. 39 is a front view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge 251 is removed. As shown in FIG. 39, the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 has a ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 formed of a hollow portion so that the ball polishing cartridge 251 can be mounted. In FIG. 39, the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271 and the mounting sensor 291 and the drive shaft 290 provided inside the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 and visible from the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 for easy viewing. The description is omitted.

FIG. 66 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 in FIG. 39. At the back of the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 inside the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270, below the surface on the right side when facing, coaxial with the second drive gear 257 shown in FIG. 59, the first ball polishing cartridge 251. A drive shaft 290 that fits into the gear shaft 261 of 1 is provided, and a mounting sensor 291 with a pushable button 292 is provided above the surface on the right side. The mounting of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is detected by pushing the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 by a series of mounting operations of the ball polishing cartridge 251. The specific mode of the mounting operation will be described later.

Further, in the innermost portion of the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 facing the ball lifting device 22, the ball lifting device 22 has a long side thereof, which is the progress of the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 described later. An opening 281 having an angle different from the direction is provided. As a result, the lifting direction of the game ball and the traveling direction of the ball polishing cloth 263 are deviated from each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to use only a part of the ball polishing cloth 263 having a predetermined width in the width direction. It is possible to effectively utilize the width of 263 to clean and polish the game ball.

Further, the width between the long sides of the opening 281 allows at least a part of the peripheral edge of the game ball to be lifted by the ball lifting device 22 to protrude to the outside of the ball lifting device 22 at the opening position. The width is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. In this embodiment, the width between the long sides of the opening 281 is set to 8.4 mm with respect to the diameter of the game ball of 11 mm. Therefore, a game ball of about 1.5 mm protrudes from the opening 281 toward the ball polishing cloth 263.

As a result, during the game period, the game ball to be lifted in the ball lifting device 22 has a part of the peripheral edge protruding to the outside of the ball lifting device 22 at the position of the opening 281 to polish the ball. The ball polishing cloth 263 of the cartridge 251 and the game ball can come into contact with each other. In particular, when the ball polishing cartridge 251 has an elastic member and the ball polishing cloth 263 is pressed against the game ball, the ball polishing cloth 263 can be more reliably brought into contact with the game ball. Reliable ball polishing is possible.

Further, even if the ball polishing cartridge 251 is removed while the game ball remains in the ball lifting device 22 during a time zone outside the game period, the width of the opening 281 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. The game ball remaining in the ball lifting device 22 does not spill on the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273 side of the ball polishing cartridge 251.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing a state in the middle of mounting the ball polishing cartridge 251 from the state of FIG. 39. As can be seen from FIGS. 39 and 52, in the present embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is inserted and mounted from the front of the main body frame 2.

60 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge 251, FIG. 61 is a front view of the same, FIG. 62 is a side view of the same, and FIG. 63 is a side view showing a state in which the left side cover is removed in FIG. 62. Here, 259 is a take-up roller, 260 is a driven roller, 261 is a first gear shaft, and 262 is a second gear shaft. The first gear shaft 261 is a take-up roller 259, and a second gear shaft described later. It is configured to be coaxial with the drive gear 257, and the second gear shaft 262 is configured to be coaxial with the driven roller 260. Further, 268 is a game ball contact mark, and as shown in FIG. 39, the lifting direction of the game ball by the ball lifting device 22 and the winding direction of the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 are determined. Since the angles are different with respect to the vertical direction, the game ball contact marks 268 are formed with an inclination with respect to the long side direction of the ball polishing cloth 263.

53 and 54 are diagrams showing a state in which the ball polishing cloth of the game ball and the ball polishing cartridge is pressed, and FIG. 53 is a state in which the ball polishing cloth of the game ball and the ball polishing cartridge is pressed against each other. FIG. 54 is a left side view showing a state in which the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other.

As shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the game ball is lifted by the screw 25 provided in the ball lifting device 22, and the ball lifting device 22 and the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 are used. At the opposite location, the game ball comes into contact with the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 through the opening 281 of the ball lifting device 22, and the game ball is lifted by the screw 25 of the ball lifting device 22. The ball is rubbed against the ball polishing cloth 263 to clean and polish the game ball.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the shape of the screw 25 in the ball lifting device 22 is different between the upper part and the lower part and the intermediate part. In the upper part and the lower part, the inclination angle of the spiral of the screw 25 (spiral ridge 25d in FIG. 47) is reduced to narrow the pitch, while in the middle part, the inclination angle of the spiral of the screw is increased to pitch. Is also wide. In the middle part, it is not necessary to spend time for lifting, so by increasing the inclination angle of the spiral and increasing the lifting speed, the game ball can be lifted in a short time, and the intermediate part It is possible to reduce the number of game balls included in the game machine, and it is possible to reduce the number of game balls enclosed inside the game machine.

Further, by narrowing the pitch interval at the lower part, the lifting speed of the game ball at the portion where the game ball faces the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is reduced, so that the game ball and the ball polishing cloth 263 are reduced. By prolonging the contact time with the game ball, the game ball can be reliably cleaned and polished. Further, by narrowing the pitch interval in the upper part, the lifting speed of the game ball at the lifting end portion of the ball lifting device 22 can be reduced, and the ball is sent from the ball lifting device 22 to the ball sending gutter 23. It is possible to smoothly feed the game ball to the ball delivery gutter 23 by eliminating the occurrence of troubles such as ball biting during delivery.

Further, as shown in FIG. 54, the ball lifting device 22 is provided with two guide rails 282 for guiding the lifting of the game ball. The distance between the two guide rails is set to be about the same as the diameter of the game ball, but adjustments are also made to stabilize the part where the behavior of the game ball to be lifted may become severe. be able to. In this way, the game ball is lifted in the ball lifting device 22 so that both guide rails can support both sides.

FIG. 55 is a left side view showing a state in which the left side cover of the ball polishing cartridge is removed in FIG. 54. Further, FIG. 56 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG. 55. Here, 259 is a take-up roller and 260 is a driven roller, and the driving force from the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155, which will be described later, is transmitted. The take-up roller 259 is rotated by the rotation of the second drive gear 257 configured to be coaxial with the take-up roller 259, and the frictional force between the take-up roller 259 and the driven roller 260 causes the ball polishing cloth. 263 is wound up.

Further, a ball polishing cloth 263 is arranged at a portion of the ball polishing cartridge 251 facing the ball lifting device 22, and a tensioner 267 having a function of pressing the ball polishing cloth 263 is provided behind the ball polishing cloth 263. Behind the tensioner 267, two coil-shaped ball polishing cloth pressing springs 264 having a function of pressing the tensioner 267 and the ball polishing cloth 263 against the game ball are provided. Further, behind the ball polishing cloth holding spring 264, a spring holding 266 for supporting the ball polishing cloth holding spring 264 is provided. Further, a leaf spring 265 is provided on the upper part of the ball polishing cartridge, and the ball polishing cloth 263 is lightly pressed and aligned by the leaf spring 265, and the ball polishing cloth 263 is placed on a portion facing the ball lifting device 22. It plays a role of aligning before sending.

The ball polishing cloth 263 wound by the take-up roller 259 and the driven roller 260 is housed in the ball polishing cartridge 251. In FIGS. 55 and 56, the take-up roller 259 and the driven roller 260 are used. The description of the ball polishing cloth 263 inside the ball polishing cartridge after being wound is omitted.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge is mounted, and FIG. 253 is a right side cover, which is composed of a right outer side cover 253a and a right inner side cover 253b and is integrated. Reference numeral 258 is a second drive gear case that covers the second drive gear 257 described later. FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing a state in which only the right outer side cover 253a is removed from the right side cover 253 for explanation in FIG. 57, 253b is the right inner side cover, and 155 is a ball polishing ribbon. It is a feed motor and serves as a driving source for winding the ball polishing cloth 263 in the ball polishing cartridge 251. Further, the rear end of the right side cover 253 is provided with a hinge 255 that engages with the hinge receiving portion 254, and the right side cover 253 is rotatable around the hinge 255 as a fulcrum. In this embodiment, the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 includes a stepping motor. The specific drive mode of the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 will be described later.

FIG. 59 is an upper perspective view showing a state in which the right side cover 253 is opened in FIG. 58, and the right side cover 253 is rotatable about the hinge 255 engaged with the hinge receiving portion 254 as a fulcrum. .. A first (not shown) rotating between the right outer side cover 253a and the right inner side cover 253b of the right side cover 253 by driving the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 coaxially with the rotation axis of the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155. A drive gear is provided, and in this embodiment, a gear having 16 teeth is used. Similarly, between the right outer side cover 253a and the right inner side cover 253b, a second drive gear that is coaxial with the drive shaft 290 and meshes with the first drive gear is also provided. In this embodiment, the number of teeth is 32. I'm using the gear.

Next, the mounting operation and mounting detection of the ball polishing cartridge 251 will be described. FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270, and FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the ball polishing cartridge 251 and the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270. The ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 is configured so that the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 expands with the hinge portion as a fulcrum by rotating the right side cover 253 with the hinge 255 as a fulcrum (direction A in FIG. 64). There is.

In that state, as shown in FIG. 65, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is inserted into the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 from the front direction. At the time of insertion, the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 is widened by the rotation of the right side cover 253, so that the drive shaft 290 and the mounting sensor 291 do not interfere with the insertion. After inserting the ball polishing cartridge 251, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is rotated in the direction opposite to A in FIG. 64 so that the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 is returned to the original width, and then the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever. By engaging 271 with the ball polishing cartridge fixing stopper 272, the drive shaft 290 meshes with the first gear shaft 261 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 and the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is pushed in, so that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is pushed. It is detected that it has been attached.

When the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is pressed while the power of the game machine is being turned on, it is detected that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is normally mounted and the notification is not performed, but the power is turned on. Nevertheless, when the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is not pressed, the notification is performed as a state in which the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not normally mounted. As a mode of notification, a display device (not shown), which is usually provided in a game machine and displays an effect according to the mode of the game, can be notified by displaying that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not installed. .. Further, as another mode of notification, a decorative lamp for effect or a dedicated lamp indicating the mounting state of the ball polishing cartridge 251 can be turned on or blinked in a predetermined mode to notify the notification.

Further, in the enclosed ball type game machine as in the present embodiment, since the game is played by circulating the game balls enclosed in the game machine, the game is continued for an excessively long time without cleaning the game balls. Then, the game ball may become dirty and the rolling of the game ball may be deteriorated. Therefore, it is preferable to clean the game ball with a ball polishing device somewhere in the middle of the circulation path of the game ball. However, this does not mean that the game cannot be played without the ball polishing device, so even if it is detected that the ball polishing cartridge is not installed, the game can be continued by simply notifying with the display device or the lamp. it can.

Further, the game time by the player is cumulatively measured by a measuring means (not shown) by detection by a touch switch 87 provided on the handle. In this embodiment, the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 is fed one step every time the cumulative measurement time by the measuring means reaches one minute. In this embodiment, since the winding roller 259 has a diameter of 25 mm, the circumference length is about 78.5 mm (= 25 × 3.14), the first drive gear 256 and the second drive gear 257. Considering that the gear ratio of the ball polishing cloth 263 is 1/2, the feed amount of the ball polishing cloth 263 per step is 0.11 mm (= 78.5 / 360/2).

In this embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is pressed and fixed by hanging the lever on the stopper, but the fixing method is not limited to this method and is not limited to this method. The method can also be used.
Further, in this embodiment, a coil-shaped ball polishing cloth pressing spring 264 is used as a means for pressing the ball polishing cloth 263 against the game ball, but the pressing means is not limited to this, and other means. Shaped springs, other elastic members, and the like can also be used.

In this embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is arranged at the bottom of the game machine, but the arrangement position of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not limited to this position, and is located in the middle or upper part of the game machine. It can also be placed. In that case, the opening provided in the portion of the ball lifting device 22 facing the ball polishing cartridge 251 may be changed to a location corresponding to the arrangement position of the ball polishing cartridge 251.

Further, in the present embodiment, as a method of differentiating the lifting direction of the game ball by the ball lifting device 22 and the winding direction of the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251, the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is used. Is transported in the vertical direction, and the game ball of the ball lifting device 22 at the portion facing the ball polishing cloth 263 is transported in the direction inclined from the vertical direction. The transport direction of the game ball of the ball lifting device 22 is not limited to the vertical direction, and the transport direction of the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is tilted from the vertical direction, or both are tilted. Various methods can be selected, such as the direction.

Further, in this embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 has a pushable button 292 as a mounting sensor 291, and the ball polishing cartridge 251 is mounted by pushing the button 292 by the mounting operation of the ball polishing cartridge 251. Although it has been detected, the aspect of the mounting sensor 291 is not limited to these sensors, and other forms of sensors such as an optical sensor and a magnetic sensor can also be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, even if the mounting sensor 291 detects that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not correctly mounted, the game can be continuously performed only by notifying. When it is detected that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not correctly attached, it is possible to prevent the game from being performed.

[Encapsulation operation of game ball]
Next, the encapsulation operation of enclosing a predetermined number of game balls in the enclosed ball type game machine will be described when a newly installed enclosed ball type game machine or when a dirty game ball is once taken out and cleaned. To do. The encapsulation operation is performed when the power is not turned on to the encapsulation ball type game machine. Therefore, the ball lifting device 22 and various sensors in the enclosed ball type game machine are not operating.

In the enclosed ball type game machine, the game ball is launched into the game area by the launching device, and after rolling in the game area, a prize is won in the winning device, or the game ball collected from the out port 42 is collected. It is transported to the launching device again, and is launched again into the game area in the launching device to play the game. That is, the circulation path of the game ball is formed as a whole.
To introduce the game ball in the encapsulation operation, the game ball may be inserted in this circulation path, and in this embodiment, the game ball is introduced from the out port 42. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide an encapsulation port for enclosing the game ball in the enclosed ball type game machine, and the configuration of the enclosed ball type game machine can be simplified. Further, instead of the out opening 42, the game ball may be introduced from the winning opening 41 of the winning device. The game ball that has entered the winning opening 41 of the winning device is also configured to join the game ball that has entered the out opening 42 and then be transported to the launching device. Therefore, the game ball is conveyed from the winning opening 41 of the winning device. Even if the above is introduced, the game ball can be put into the circulation path in the same manner as when the game ball is introduced into the out port 42. In either case, when introducing the game ball, care must be taken not to hit the game ball, hands, or the like with the nail. When the game ball is introduced into the out port 42, it is possible to prevent the game ball from hitting the nail at the time of insertion by providing the game ball introduction member 427 described later. The out port 42 and the winning port 41 correspond to the game ball collection port.

FIG. 71 is a schematic view showing a state in which the number of game balls is less than a predetermined number when the game balls are sealed in the enclosed ball type game machine. As described above, when the game ball is sealed, the ball lifting device 22 is not driven because the power is not yet turned on to the sealed ball type game machine. Therefore, the game balls thrown in from the out port 42 and the winning port 41 enter through the collection port 202, pass through the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharging unit 20, and then are aligned with the front of the ball lifting device 22 at the head.

FIG. 72 shows a state in which a predetermined number of game balls are reached by further inserting game balls from the state of FIG. 71. As shown in FIG. 72, when a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed, the game ball 233 thrown in last is a discontinuous portion 223 at a position where the magnetic ball discharge path 226 and the path of the regular game ball branch off. It is located at and is configured to block the discontinuous portion 223.

FIG. 73 shows a state in which more game balls are thrown in from the state of FIG. 72, and a predetermined number of game balls are thrown in. As described above, when a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed, the game balls 233 thrown in last are configured to block the discontinuous portion 223, so that the number of game balls thrown in is a predetermined number. The game ball 235 exceeds the above, and the discontinuous portion 223 cannot enter the path of the regular game ball 233, and is guided from the magnetic ball discharge path 226 to the magnetic ball discharge chestnut 227 and collected.

In this embodiment, in the magnetic ball discharging section, the discontinuous portion 223 to which the regular game ball 233 is guided when a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed is closed, and the magnetic ball is formed in a predetermined number or more. Although it is configured to be collected at the discharge section, similarly, in the deformed ball discharge section, the path through which the regular game ball 233 is guided when a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed is blocked and collected at the deformed ball discharge section. You can also do it.

Further, in order to improve efficiency when the game ball is thrown into the out port 42, the game ball introduction member 427 is provided on the rail portion of the front component 45 located at the lower edge of the out port 42 (FIGS. 74 and 74). 75). When the game ball is placed on the upper surface of the game ball introduction member 427, the game ball is poured toward the out port 42, so that the game ball can be efficiently enclosed. In addition, the game ball can be thrown in without hitting a nearby nail.

FIG. 74 is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball introduction member 427 is projected. The game ball introduction member 427 can be projected by opening the door frame 3 and sliding it toward the front.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball introduction member 427 is housed. From the state shown in FIG. 74, the game ball introduction member 427 can be pushed into the back so that the game can be stored, so that the game is not hindered.

In this embodiment, the game ball introduction member 427 has a structure that allows it to move forward and backward by manually sliding it, but the door frame is not limited to the above method and an urging member such as a spring spring is used. Various methods can be selected, such as automatically advancing and retreating by opening and closing of 3.

In the present embodiment, the upper launcher 12 is attached and fixed to the upper left side of the main body frame 2.
Therefore, when fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2 in the installation of a new stand or the like, it is necessary to avoid the upper launching device 12 and fit the game board 5. However, since the upper launching device 12 is arranged on the same surface on which the game board 5 is fitted, it is difficult to handle the game board 5 when it is fitted, and the game board 5 is mistakenly inserted when the game board 5 is fitted. There is a possibility that the upper launching device 12 may collide with the upper launching device 12 to damage the upper launching device 12 and the game board 5. In order not to cause such a problem, a positioning guide member 450 that plays a role of positioning when fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2 is arranged in the main body frame 2.

Next, the positioning guide member will be described. As shown in FIG. 97, a positioning guide member is arranged on the inner wall of the left side plate of the main body frame 2. This member is a member that positions and guides the game board 5 when it is fitted into the main body frame 2, and is rotatably supported by a hinge so that it can rotate about 90 degrees. .. Further, since the game board 5 is urged by an urging member such as a spring, when the game board 5 is not fitted into the main body frame 2, the portion where the lower left end portion of the game board 5 and the lower left end portion of the front surface are aligned is the front surface. It faces to the side. In addition, a floor surface for aligning the left end of the lower surface of the game board 5 is formed. Further, in order to stabilize the fitting, the positioning guide member 450 on which the floor surface is not formed may be arranged above the positioning guide member 450 on which the floor surface is formed.

As shown in FIG. 98A, the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2 by aligning the front left lower end portion, the side surface lower end portion, and the lower surface left end portion of the game board 5 with the positioning guide member 450, respectively. After that, as shown in FIG. 98 (B), the game board 5 is rotated toward the main body frame 2 with the positioning guide member as a fulcrum, and is fitted into the main body frame 2 as shown in FIG. 98 (C). Do. By doing so, the positioning guide member 450 presses the lower left lower end of the front surface of the game board 5 toward the main body frame 2 when the game board 5 is fitted, so that the positional relationship between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 is fixed without play. , The launch port 38 of the upper launch device 12 and the launch area 40 of the game board 5 are fixed so as to be flush with each other, which becomes an obstacle when the game ball runs between the launch port 38 and the game area 8. Stable firing can be performed without any steps.

Further, the game board 5 is positioned on the main body frame 2 by aligning the game board 5 with the positioning guide member 450 provided on the inner side wall of the main body frame 2. After that, by fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2, the positioning guide member 450 rotates according to the fitting operation of the game board 5, so that the game board 5 becomes a guide for pulling the game board 5 into the fitting position of the main body frame 2. Since the board 5 can be fitted into the main body frame 2 without accidentally colliding with the upper launching device 12, the possibility that the upper launching device 12 and the game board 5 are damaged by the collision is minimized as much as possible. be able to.

[Countermeasures against dust on pachinko machines]
As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has an outer frame 1a (FIG. 12) which is configured in a rectangular frame shape and is installed in the island facility on the hall side, and a game board which is pivotally supported by the outer frame 1a so as to be openable and closable. It is configured to include a main body frame 2 to which 5 (FIG. 2) can be mounted, and a door frame 3 pivotally supported by the main body frame 2 so as to be openable and closable. Conventionally, the back side of the main body frame 2 is covered with a rear cover body that can be opened and closed, but the structure is not sealed, and the back side of the main control board 100 and the peripheral control board 130 mounted on the rear surface of the game board 5 is protected. Is the main purpose. For this reason, outside air circulates inside the main body frame 2 from the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and dust, cigarette smoke, and the like (hereinafter referred to as dust) in the hall invade.

The dust wraps around to the front side of the game panel through the opening for showing the LCD screen for production provided on the game panel (transparent panel plate 44) of the game board 5 attached to the main body frame 2, the winning opening 41, and the out opening 42. Even if the door frame 3 is closed, it adheres to the front surface of the game ball or the game panel. For this reason, a slight trajectory may appear in the passage of the game ball. In the enclosed pachinko gaming machine, the cleaning of the gaming balls is not the same as in the case of the island equipment, and since the enclosed gaming balls are not replaced for a certain period of time, contamination by dust is easily noticeable. In addition, dust accumulates in the decorative members on the front of the panel and the storage box that houses the control board on the back. In the storage box, since air is taken into the box for heat dissipation and discharged, dust is likely to accumulate.

FIG. 100 is an example of an enclosed pachinko gaming machine 1 provided with measures against dust.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 1a, a main body frame 2, a door frame 3, and a gaming board 5 in the same manner as the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above. These forms and structures are the same as those described above, but the main body frame 2 is a container type having no through holes including the back side, and the portion of the main body frame base 2a (FIGS. 2 and 3) on the front side. It's just open. A synthetic rubber tight material 2b (FIG. 100) for airtightness is attached to the front surface side of the main body frame base 2a, that is, the front surface of the edge frame portion that is on the same plane and divides the opening into a quadrangle. Therefore, when the door frame 3 is closed, the inside of the main body frame 2 is maintained to be almost airtight.

On the other hand, the outer frame 1a is divided into an upper part in which the lower part is partitioned by a lateral reinforcing metal fitting 812 and a lower space 800 in which the main body frame 2 is fitted and a lower part covered with a decorative cover 6 (FIG. 2). The lower space 800 is provided for exchanging the game board 5 with respect to the main body frame, opening / closing the door frame 3, or processing a game ball on the back side of the pachinko game machine. In this embodiment, the lower space 800 is provided. An intake device 801 and an exhaust device 802 are arranged in the space. In particular, in a so-called encapsulation machine that circulates game balls in units of game machines, the back side of the decorative decorative cover 6 can often be used as a space (lower space 800).

The intake device 801 is for taking in outside air into the pachinko gaming machine, and includes a fan 804 driven by a motor 803, a filter 805 and a simple accumulator 806 (accumulator) on the downstream side thereof. The exhaust device 802 is composed of a lead-out passage 807 and an outer opening valve 808, and communicates the inside of the sealed main body frame 2 with the outside of the game machine.

Then, the intake device 801 enters the inside of the main body frame 2 from the accumulator 806 through the main tube 809 made of thin resin, branches variously in the closed space of the main body frame 2 as shown in the figure, and the tip of each branch tube 810. Is a member configured in the main body frame, for example, a member constituting the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20, a member constituting the sphere collecting portion 21, a member constituting the ball lifting device 22, and an upper launching device 12. It is connected to the hollow part of the member constituting the above. Each hollow portion is provided with an opening 811 opened in the closed space of the main body frame 2. A large number of openings 811 will be provided, but the arrangement is such that the ball supply path member 24 from the ball lifting device 22 to the upper launching device 12 is provided near the ball feeding port 23a of the ball sending gutter 23 and the lifting communication gutter 65. The tip of the branch tube 810 is connected to a joint portion between members, a portion having a step, or a portion having a bent portion as an internal space, such as the vicinity of the ball entrance 66 of the above. Place 811. That is, the air from the accumulator is supplied to the internal key points of the member having an internal space such as the ball supply passage to create an air flow around the internal key points to prevent dust from adhering.

The air blown out from a large number of openings 811 into the sealed space of the main body frame 2 raises the air pressure inside the main body frame 2, circulates inside the main body frame 2, and then is discharged to the outside through the lead-out passage 807 of the exhaust device 802. To. The outward opening valve 808 of the lead path 807 prevents the outside air from flowing back and entering the inside of the pachinko machine.

By such a mechanism, the clean air taken in from the intake device 801 and obtained the filter 805 is sent directly through the main tube 809 and the branch tube 810 to a place where dust is likely to adhere, and then into the internal space of the main body frame 2. It is released. As a result, the internal air pressure of the main body frame 2 is always higher than that of the outside, and the dust outside does not enter the inside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The accumulator inside the accumulator 806 may be higher than the outside air pressure at the tip of the branch tube 810, and does not need to be so high. It can also be achieved by wind pressure from the fan 104.

Further, in this embodiment, the inside of the main body frame 2 is sealed by the door frame 3, and a tight material 2b is attached to the edge frame portion of the main body frame 2 for that purpose. However, the pressure inside the accumulator 806 is increased to increase the pressure inside the main body. If the air pressure inside the frame 2 is always higher than the outside air pressure, such a closed structure is not necessary, and a normal closing degree is sufficient. That is, even if the structure of the main body frame 2 itself has a gap for internal air to leak to the outside, or even if there is a gap for internal air to leak between the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3, the internal air pressure is the outside air pressure. As it is higher, no dust can enter through these gaps.

Next, an outline of control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the settlement machine 4 as an external device arranged adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 76 is a block diagram showing a main part in an embodiment of a main control board provided in an enclosed ball-type pachinko gaming machine and provided with an RTC. The control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is roughly divided into the main board group and the peripheral board group. Of these, the main board group controls the game operation, and the peripheral board group controls the production operation (liquid crystal display panel, peripheral board group, Lamps, body frame lamps, door frame lamps, sounds) are controlled. The main board group is composed of the main control board 100 and the sphere information control board 110, and the peripheral board group is composed of the peripheral control board 130.

[Main control board 100]
The main control board 100 controls the pachinko game. The main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110, which will be described later, are connected so as to enable bidirectional data communication. As shown in FIG. 76, the main control board 100 that controls the progress of the game is a main control MPU 101 that is a microprocessor having a built-in ROM for storing various processing programs and various commands, a RAM for temporarily storing data, and the like. The main control I / O port 102 as an input / output device (I / O device), the main control input circuit 103 into which detection signals from various detection switches are input, and the main control solenoid for driving various solenoids. It includes a drive circuit 104 and a RAM clear switch 105 for completely erasing the information stored in the RAM (hereinafter, referred to as “main control built-in RAM”) built in the main control MPU 101.

In addition to its built-in ROM (hereinafter referred to as "main control built-in ROM") and main control built-in RAM, the main control MPU 101 has a watch dock timer for monitoring its operation (system) and for preventing fraud. Functions etc. are also built-in. In addition, the main control MPU 101 has a built-in non-volatile memory, and this non-volatile RAM has a unique code for identifying an individual by the manufacturer of the main control MPU 101 (a code that exists only once in the world). ) Is stored in advance as a unique ID code. Since the ID code once attached is stored in the non-volatile RAM, it cannot be rewritten even if an external device is used. The main control MPU 101 can take out the ID code from the non-volatile RAM and refer to it.

[RTC control unit]
Further, the main control MPU 101 of the embodiment includes an external real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 107 capable of acquiring time information as a time information acquisition means. Although not shown, the RTC 107 includes a register circuit, a clock input circuit, a clock output circuit, an interrupt output circuit, a data input / output circuit, and a control circuit.

The RTC107 has a clock / calendar function. The clock / calendar function is a function that counts the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. Further, if necessary, a device that counts up to the day of the week may be used. The RTC control unit 106 is provided with a battery 108 for driving the RTC 107 and the RTC 107. By providing the battery 108, the RTC 107 does not interrupt the timekeeping and calendar functions even when the power supply of the power supply board (not shown) is cut off.

The battery 108 may be a primary battery (for example, a button battery), or a rechargeable secondary battery, whereby it is not necessary to arrange a backup power source and the configuration of the main control board 100 is avoided from being complicated. Can be done. The battery 108 is also used as a backup power source for the RAM 109.

The main control MPU 101 is provided with an RTC 107 to have a function of specifying a year, month, day, hour, minute, and second (calendar information and time information). The main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 acquires time information (hours, minutes, seconds) from the RTC 107 when the power of the game machine is turned on.

The upper start port detection switch 90 for detecting the game ball winning in the upper start port (not shown) arranged in the game area 8 of the game board 5, and the game ball winning in the lower start port (not shown) are detected. The detection signals from the lower start port detection switch 91 and the general winning port detection switch 93 that detects the game ball that has won the general winning port (not shown) are first input to the main control input circuit 103, and then the main control I / O / It is input to the main control MPU 101 via the O port 102.

Further, a gate switch 92 for detecting a game ball that has passed through a gate portion (not shown), a general winning opening detection switch 94 for detecting a game ball that has won a prize in a general winning opening (not shown), and a large winning opening (not shown). The detection signal from the count switch 98 that detects the winning game ball is first input to the main control input circuit 103 via the panel relay terminal plate 140 attached to the game board 5, and then the main control I / O port. It is input to the main control MPU 101 via 102.

The main control MPU 101 outputs a control signal from the main control I / O port 102 to the main control solenoid drive circuit 104 based on these detection signals, so that the start port solenoid 96 and the large one are large via the panel relay terminal plate 140. A drive signal is output to the winning port solenoid 97, and the upper special symbol display 142, lower special symbol display 143, and upper special are output from the main control I / O port 102 via the panel relay terminal plate 140 and the function display board 141. A drive signal is output to the symbol storage display 144, the lower special symbol storage display 145, the normal symbol display 146, the normal symbol storage display 147, the game status display 148, and the round display 149.

Further, the main control MPU 101 serially transmits various information related to the game (game information) and various commands related to the prize ball according to the winning to the ball information control board 110, or a pachinko game from the ball information control board 110. It receives various commands related to the status of the machine 1 in a serial manner. Further, the main control MPU 101 transmits various commands related to the control of the game effect and various commands related to the state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the peripheral control board 130. When the peripheral control board 130 receives the control command transmitted from the main control board 100, the peripheral control board 130 has various effects (for example, a decorative symbol for notifying the hit / fail determination result on the display panel of the liquid crystal display device 1400) according to the received control command. Controls related to the variable display of columns, the accompanying display of effects, lamps, sounds, the operation of movable decorative accessories for effects, etc.).

[Sphere information control board 110]
FIG. 77 is a block diagram showing a main part of a ball information control board 110 mainly installed in an enclosed ball-type pachinko gaming machine. The ball information control board 110 includes a ball information control unit 118 that manages a holding ball, controls a ball lifting device 22, a launch solenoid 13, a ball feed solenoid 31, a ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155, and the like. Further, the main control board 100 and the sphere information control board 110 are connected so as to enable bidirectional data communication.

[Sphere information control unit 118]
As shown in FIG. 77, the ball information control unit 118 includes a ball information control MPU 111 which is a microprocessor having a built-in ROM for storing various processing programs and various commands, a RAM for temporarily storing data, and the like, and I / O. A ball information control I / O port 112 as an O device and an external watch dock timer 116 (hereinafter, referred to as "external WDT 116") for monitoring whether or not the ball information control MPU 111 is operating normally. , A ball lifting motor drive circuit 114 for outputting a drive signal to the ball lifting motor 150 of the ball lifting device 22 that performs ball lifting, and a ball information control input circuit for inputting detection signals from various detection switches. A CR unit input / output circuit 115 for exchanging various signals with the 113 and the checkout machine 4, a ball polishing ribbon feed motor drive circuit 119 for outputting a drive signal to the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155, and a ball described later. A ball stop stopper solenoid drive circuit 245 for outputting a drive signal to the stop stopper solenoid 244 is provided. In addition to the built-in ROM (hereinafter, referred to as "sphere information control built-in ROM") and RAM (hereinafter, referred to as "ball information control built-in RAM"), the ball information control MPU 111 is fraudulent. It also has built-in functions to prevent it.

The ball information control MPU 111 receives various information (game information) related to the game from the main control board 100 and various commands related to the prize ball in a serial manner via the ball information control I / O port 112, or from the main control board 100. The operation signal (detection signal) of the RAM clear switch 105 of the above is input via the ball information control I / O port 112.

The detection signals from the door frame opening switch 131 for detecting the opening of the door frame 3 with respect to the main body frame 2 and the main body frame opening switch 132 for detecting the opening of the main body frame 2 with respect to the outer frame are first input to the ball information control input circuit 113. It is input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I / O port 112. Further, a touch detection signal (on signal) by the touch switch 87 that detects whether or not the palm or finger is touching the ball striking handle 10 is input to the ball information control board 110 via the handle relay terminal plate 123, and further touched. The detection signal is input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I / O port 112.

Further, the ball information control MPU 111 is connected to the launch solenoid 13 through the launch solenoid drive circuit 120, is connected to the ball feed solenoid 31 through the ball feed solenoid drive circuit 122, and is connected to the ball feed solenoid 31 through the ball feed solenoid drive circuit 122. And the ball feed solenoid 31 is driven. In addition, there are game balls to be supplied to the launch standby ball detection switches 26 and 70, the launch ball confirmation switch 36, the recovery ball detection switch 203, the ball path full tank detection switch 206, the ball appropriate amount detection switch 207, and the ball lifting device 22. The lifting inlet switch 156 for detecting the above, the lifting motor sensor (photosensor) 157 for detecting the rotation speed of the ball lifting motor 150, and the ball polishing cartridge containing the ball polishing cloth ribbon shall be installed. The detection signal from the cassette detection switch 158 for detecting is input to the ball information control input circuit 113 via the sensor relay board 124, and is input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I / O port 112. There is. The ball information control MPU 111 sends a drive signal for driving the ball lifting motor 150, the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155, the ball retention stopper solenoid 244, the launch solenoid 13, and the ball feed solenoid 31, which will be described later, to the ball information control I / O. Output to each drive element via port 112.

Further, the touch panel unit 14 is connected to the ball information control MPU 111 so as to be displayable by the control output from the ball information control I / O port 112. The ball information control board 110 relays the electrical connection between the main control board 100 and the external terminal board 133, and also includes the door frame opening switch 131, the main body frame opening switch 132, and the external terminal board 133. It is relaying the electrical connection between. The external terminal plate 133 is electrically connected to a hall computer installed in the amusement park (hall).

Detection signals from the touch switch 87 that detects whether or not the palm or finger is touching the ball striking handle 10 and the launch stop switch 86 that detects whether or not the launch of the game ball is forcibly stopped by the player's will. Is first input to the ball information control input circuit 113 via the handle relay terminal plate 123. Further, when the settlement machine 4 and the ball information control board 110 are electrically connected, they are input to the CR unit input / output circuit 115 as a CR connection signal.

The DC power supply + 24V, + 12V, and + 5.2V is supplied from the power supply board (not shown) to the ball information control board 110. Further, DC power supplies + 24V, + 12V, and + 5.2V are supplied to the main control board 100 via the ball information control board 110.

The power failure monitoring circuit 117 compares and monitors the voltage V1 based on + 24V and the reference voltage, and the voltage V2 based on + 12V and the reference voltage, respectively, and when a sign of a power failure or momentary power failure is detected, that is, the voltage V1 or V2 is the reference. When the voltage becomes smaller than the voltage, a power failure warning signal is output as a power failure warning. The power failure warning signal output from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 is supplied to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 and also to the main control MPU 101. Although not shown, the power failure warning signal is also input to the peripheral control board 130.

[Payment machine 4]
FIG. 78 is a block diagram mainly showing each element connected to the checkout machine 4. The settlement machine 4 and the ball information control board 110 are connected so that data communication is possible in both directions. Although not shown, the control unit of the settlement machine 4 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, an input / output interface, a communication interface, and the like.

The operation input signals of the ball lending button and the settlement button arranged on the touch panel unit 14 of the enclosed ball-type game machine 1 are connected to the settlement machine 4 so as to be inputtable through, for example, an interface. Further, the residual frequency display unit and the operable notification lamp arranged on the touch panel unit 14 of the enclosed ball-type pachinko gaming machine 1 are connected so as to be displayable by the control output from the settlement machine 4. Further, the checkout machine 4 is provided with a card processing machine 402 behind the card insertion slot shown in FIG.

[Card 403]
The card 403 used in the embodiment is composed of, for example, a magnetic card, an IC card, or the like, and is issued by a card issuing machine (not shown) and provided to the player when the player pays a predetermined amount. FIG. 78 shows the data structure stored in the card 403.

The card 403 has an ID storage unit 404 in which an ID number (hereinafter, simply referred to as an ID) as identification information individually assigned to the card 403 is stored, and corresponds to the amount paid when purchasing the card 403. Remaining frequency storage unit 305 that stores the remaining frequency as valuable value information to be used, and the number of balls possessed memory unit 406 that stores the number of balls held by the player (number of balls held by the game machine) as a result of playing the game. Is set. When the card 403 is issued, the ID is stored in the ID storage unit 404, and the remaining power equivalent to the amount paid when the card 403 is purchased in the remaining power storage unit 405 (for example, the amount paid is 5000 yen). If so, "5000") is stored as the remaining frequency, but "0" is stored as the initial value of the number of balls held in the ball holding number storage unit 406.

The card processor 402 has been well known in the past, and is a card sensor that detects a card 403, a card reader / writer that reads data stored in the card 403 and writes data to the card 403, and data reading of the card 403. It is provided with a card transporting means for feeding the card 403 to the writing position and ejecting the card 403 to the card insertion slot. When the card 403 is inserted into the card insertion slot, the card processing machine 402 sends the card 403 to a predetermined data reading / writing position, and the data stored by the card reader / writer, that is, the ID, the remaining frequency, and the possession The number of balls is read and output to the checkout machine 4. Further, in response to a writing command from the settlement machine 4, the ID, the remaining frequency, and the number of balls held are written (stored) in each of the above-mentioned storage units.

The checkout machine 4 stores the ID, the remaining frequency, and the number of balls held from the card 403 through the card processing machine 402 in the RAM.

[Ball lending by card 403]
When the settlement machine 4 reads the data of the card 403, the remaining frequency stored in the RAM is displayed on the residual frequency display unit. When the card 403 can be used, the settlement machine 4 lends the ball in response to the operation of the ball lending button. In this ball lending, for example, a ball lending number of 125 (ball unit price is 4 yen) is lent for each operation of the ball lending button. In ball lending, if there is a number of balls held and the number of balls held is less than 125, the total number of balls held is used as the number of balls to be lent. The settlement machine 4 transmits the number of rented balls to the ball information control board 110. Further, the settlement machine 4 obtains the consideration for the ball lending by multiplying the set ball unit price by the number of balls lent, and subtracts the obtained consideration (the consideration corresponding to the ball lending is the remaining frequency) from the current remaining frequency. If there is a number of balls held and the ball is lent from the number of balls held, the number of balls lent is subtracted from the current number of balls held. The settlement machine 4 displays this result on the remaining frequency display unit. Further, the remaining frequency is written in the remaining frequency storage unit 405 of the card 403.

[Start game]
When the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 receives the number of rented balls transmitted from the checkout machine 4, it adds the number of balls to the game machine and displays the addition result on the touch panel unit 14. The upper launching device 12 can be launched and the game becomes playable.

[Playing]
When the player operates the hitting handle 10 to operate the hitting ball launching device 29 and the launching hammer 30 launches the game ball at the ball launching position into the game area 8, this is used to detect the ball of the launching ball confirmation switch 36. Based on this, it is detected that each game ball is driven into the game area 8. Then, the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 sequentially "1" from the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area in response to the detection of each game ball being driven. Is subtracted and the number of balls held is displayed on the touch panel unit 14.

On the other hand, the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 has a gate switch 92 arranged at a gate (not shown) on the five sides of the game board that allows the game ball to pass through, and a normal winning opening (not shown). General winning opening detection switches 93 and 94 arranged for, count switch 98 arranged for the large winning opening (not shown), and starting opening (not shown) as the upper starting opening. Based on the detection signals from the upper and lower start port detection switches 90 and 91, processing related to the game is performed, and the commands and signals as the processing results are sent to the ball information control board 110, the peripheral control board 130, and the upper and lower special symbols. Outputs to indicators 142, 143, upper and lower special symbol storage indicators 144, 145, ordinary symbol display 146, ordinary symbol storage indicator 147, starting port solenoid 96, grand prize opening solenoid 97, and the like.

When the game ball launched by the upper launching device 12 wins various winning openings (starting winning opening, large winning opening, etc.) in the game area 8, the game ball is provided with various winning detection switches for each winning opening. (Upper start port detection switch 90, lower start port detection switch 91, general winning opening detection switch 93, general winning opening detection switch 94, count switch 98).

The main control MPU 101 responds to the detection signals of the detection switches (general winning opening detection switches 93, 94, count switch 98, upper and lower starting opening detection switches 90, 91) provided for each winning opening. , A prize ball command indicating the number of prize balls set according to the winning opening where the game ball has won is output to the ball information control board 110 as necessary.

Further, the main control MPU 101 periodically outputs a game state signal (status) indicating the type of the current game state to the peripheral control board 130. In the game state, for example, a winning lottery is performed due to winning a prize in the starting port and the starting port, and a special symbol is variably displayed based on the lottery result to stop the symbol, and the lottery result is won. In the case of the first-class pachinko gaming machine that shifts to the special gaming state (big hit gaming state) in the case of, the normal gaming state (the probability of winning by lottery is the normal probability, and the variable display time of the normal symbol is normal), the time is shortened. Game state (normal symbol variable display time is shorter than usual, time saving medium information output signal), big hit game state (15 round big hit information output signal, or 2 round big hit information output signal), high probability game State (state where the probability of winning by lottery is higher than usual, information output signal during probability fluctuation), state during special symbol change (special symbol display information output signal), state with hold based on start opening prize (start) There is a lottery information output signal) and so on.

The peripheral control board 130 includes a liquid crystal display panel (not shown), a accessory decoration board (not shown), a board decoration board (not shown), and a frame decoration based on a command output from the main control board 100. By outputting control signals to the board (not shown), the lighting display of various decorative LEDs is controlled, and the sound (sound, sound, sound effect, etc.) output from the speaker (not shown) is also controlled. , The liquid crystal display panel (not shown) controls the design to be displayed.

The ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 displays the number of balls held by the firing solenoid 13, the ball feed solenoid 31, the ball lifting motor 150, the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155, and the touch panel unit 14 based on various input signals. And output a signal to the checkout machine 4.

A game status signal and a prize ball command output from the main control board 100 are input to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110.

In response to receiving such a prize ball command, the ball information control MPU 111 has a value of the number of prize balls preset for each winning opening in the game machine possession ball number data stored in the game machine ball number storage area. Is added and this is displayed on the touch panel unit 14.

[End of game, settlement]
After that, when the settlement button is operated by the player to end the game, the settlement machine 4 transmits the game end command to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110.

When the settlement machine 4 transmits the game end command to the ball information control MPU 111 in response to the operation of the settlement button, the ball information control MPU 111 receives the game end command sent from the settlement machine 4, and the ball information control The MPU 111 transmits "end possible" to the checkout machine 4. Next, the ball information control MPU 111 stops the firing solenoid 13 and the ball feeding solenoid 31 to stop the game. The current number of balls held by the game machine stored in the game machine number storage area is transmitted to the checkout machine 4.

Then, when the processing of the settlement machine 4 corresponding to the number of balls possessed by the game machine transmitted from the ball information control MPU 111 is completed, the settlement machine 4 transmits the processing completion, so that the ball information control MPU 111 receives the processing completion. Then, the game machine holding number storage area of the RAM is cleared to 0, and the process ends.

On the other hand, after the settlement machine 4 receives "end possible" as a response to the game end command about the end state, the ball information control MPU 111 transmits the number of balls held by the game machine to the settlement machine 4, so that the settlement machine 4 is a game. When the number of balls held by the machine is received, the number of balls held by the game machine received is added to the number of balls held by the checkout machine stored in the RAM when the card is inserted, and the addition result is stored as the number of balls held by the checkout machine. As a result, all the number of balls held as a result of the game played by the player is stored as the number of balls held by the checkout machine. Then, the processing end is transmitted to the ball information control MPU 111, the number of balls held by the checkout machine is written in the ball holding number storage unit 406 of the card 403, the card 403 is ejected from the card insertion slot, and the processing is completed. As a result, the card 403 rewritten by adding the number of balls held by the game machine as a result of the game is returned to the player.

[Various control processes on the main control board]
First, various control processes performed by the main control board 100 shown in FIG. 76 according to the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 79 to 81. FIG. 79 is a flowchart showing the main control side power-on processing executed by the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100, and FIG. 80 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the main control-side power-on processing of FIG. 79. Is a flowchart showing the main control side timer interrupt process executed by the main control MPU 101.

[Processing when the main control side is turned on]
When the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the main control MPU) of the main control board 100 performs the main control side power-on processing as shown in FIGS. 79 and 80. .. When the main control side power-on processing is started, the main control MPU sets the stack pointer (step S10). The stack pointer indicates, for example, the address loaded on the stack to temporarily store the contents of the storage element (register) in use, or temporarily returns the return address of this routine when the subroutine is terminated and returned to this routine. It indicates the address stacked on the stack for storage, and the stack pointer advances each time the stack is stacked. In step S10, the initial address is set on the stack pointer, and the contents of the register, the return address, and the like are pushed onto the stack from this initial address.
Then, the stack pointer returns to the initial address by reading in order from the last stacked stack to the first stacked stack.

Following step S10, wait timer processing 1 is performed (step S12) to determine whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input (step S14). The voltage does not rise immediately from the time the power is turned on until the specified voltage is reached. On the other hand, when a power failure or momentary power failure (a phenomenon in which the power supply is suddenly stopped) occurs, the voltage drops, and when the voltage becomes smaller than the power failure warning voltage, the power failure monitoring circuit 117 of the ball information control board 110 gives a power failure notice as a power failure notice. The signal is output and input to the main control MPU. Similarly, when the voltage becomes smaller than the power failure warning voltage between the time when the power is turned on and the voltage rises to a predetermined voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 of the ball information control board 110.

Therefore, the wait timer process 1 in step S12 is a process for waiting until the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes after the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, the waiting time (wait timer) is 200 milliseconds (waiting timer). ms) is set. The determination in step S14 is performed based on the power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 of the ball information control board 110. After the power is turned on, when the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes, the power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 is output, and the main control MPU proceeds to step S16.

Proceeding to step S16, the main control MPU determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 (FIG. 76) is operated (step S16). This determination is made based on whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 of the main control board 100 is operated and the operation signal (detection signal) is input to the main control MPU. When the detection signal is input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated, while when the detection signal is not input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is not operated.

When it is determined in step S16 that the RAM clear switch 105 is being operated, the value 1 is set in the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG (step S18), and the process proceeds to step S20, while the RAM clear switch 105 is set in step S16. When it is determined that the operation has not been performed, the value 0 is set in the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG (step S19), and the process proceeds to step S20.

This RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is a game related to a game such as a probability fluctuation or an unpaid prize ball stored in a RAM built in the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter, referred to as "main control built-in RAM"). It is a flag indicating whether or not to delete the information, and is set to a value of 1 when the game information is deleted and a value of 0 when the game information is not deleted. The values of the RAM clear notification flags RCL-FLG set in steps S18 and S19 are stored in the general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) of the main control MPU.

When the main control MPU shifts to step S20, the wait timer process 2 is performed (step S20). In this wait timer process 2, the system waits until the system that controls the drawing of the liquid crystal display device (not shown) by the liquid crystal control unit of the peripheral control board 130 starts (boots). In the present embodiment, 2 seconds (s) is set as the time until booting (boot timer).

Following step S20, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG has a value of 0 (step S32). As described above, the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is set to a value of 1 when the game information is erased and a value of 0 when the game information is not erased. When it is determined in step S32 that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG has a value of 0, that is, when the game information is not erased, the checksum is calculated (step S34). This checksum regards the game information stored in the main control built-in RAM as a numerical value and calculates the total.

Following step S34, whether or not the calculated checksum value (sum value) matches the checksum value (sum value) stored in the main control side power off processing (power off) described later. (Step S36). If they match, it is determined whether or not the backup flag BK-FLG has a value of 1 (step S38). The backup flag BK-FLG stores and holds backup information such as game information, checksum value (sum value), and backup flag BK-FLG value in the main control built-in RAM in the main control side power supply cutoff process described later. It is a flag indicating whether or not, and is set to a value 1 when the main control side power off processing is normally completed, and a value 0 when the main control side power off processing is not normally completed.

When the backup flag BK-FLG has a value of 1 in step S38, that is, when the main control side power off processing is normally completed, the work area of the main control built-in RAM is set as the time of power recovery (step S40). In this setting, in addition to setting the value 0 to the backup flag BK-FLG, the power recovery information is read from the ROM built in the main control MPU (hereinafter, referred to as "main control built-in ROM"), and this power recovery is performed. The time information is set in the work area of the main control built-in RAM. In addition, "recovery" means that the power is turned on from the state where the power is cut off, the state where the power is restored after the power failure or momentary power failure, and the state where high frequency is irradiated is detected and reset. The state of returning after that is also included.

Following step S40, a command creation process at power-on is performed (step S42). In this power-on command creation process, game information is read from backup information, and various commands corresponding to the game information are stored in a predetermined storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is not a value 0 (value 1), that is, when erasing the game information, or in step S36, the checksum values (sum values) match. When it is not set, or when it is determined in step S38 that the backup flag BK-FLG is not a value 1 (value is 0), that is, when the main control side power off processing is not normally completed, the main control internal RAM Clear all areas (step S44). Specifically, the value 0 is written to the main control built-in RAM (note that a predetermined value may be read from the main control built-in ROM as an initial value and set). Further, the random number for determining the initial value for determining the jackpot to be used for determining the initial value of the random number for determining the jackpot is used when the RAM clear switch 105 is operated to erase the game information, when the sum values do not match, or. When the main control side power off processing is not completed normally, the unique ID code stored in advance in the non-volatile RAM of the main control MPU is taken out, and the big hit judgment random number is updated based on the taken out ID code. The initial value derivation process for always deriving the same fixed value from the fixed numerical value range of the counter is executed, and this fixed value is set as the initial value.

Following step S44, the work area of the main control built-in RAM is set as an initial setting (step S46). This setting reads the initial information from the main control built-in ROM and sets this initial information in the work area of the main control built-in RAM.

Following step S46, RAM clear notification and test command creation processing are performed (step S48). In this RAM clear notification and test command creation process, a power-on command classified into power-on for clearing the main control built-in RAM and notifying that the initial setting has been performed is created, and various peripheral control boards 130 are used. A test command classified into test-related commands for performing an inspection is created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

Following step S42 or step S48, interrupt initial setting is performed (step S50). This setting sets the interrupt cycle when the main control side timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 4 ms.

Following step S50, interrupt enable setting is performed. (Step S52). With this setting, the main control side timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every 4 ms, that is, the interrupt cycle set in step S50. The process of steps S10 to S52 is referred to as "main control side power-on process".

Following step S52, the value A is set in the watch dock timer clear register WCL (step S54). The watch dock timer is set to clear by setting the value A, the value B, and the value C in this order in the watch dock timer clear register WCL.

Following step S54, it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input (step S56). As described above, when the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is cut off, a power failure occurs or a momentary power failure occurs, when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the power failure warning voltage, a power failure warning signal is sent as a power failure warning to the ball information control board 110. It is input from 117. The determination in step S56 is performed based on this power failure warning signal.

When there is no input of the power failure warning signal in step S56, the non-winning random number update process is performed (step S58). In this non-winning random number update process, for example, a reach determination random number, a variable display pattern random number, a large hit symbol initial value determination random number, a small hit symbol initial value determination random number, and the like are updated. In this way, in the non-winning random number update process, random numbers that are not related to the winning determination (big hit determination) are updated. The random number for determining the normal symbol hit, the random number for determining the initial value for determining the normal symbol hit, the random number for the normal symbol variation display pattern, and the like are also updated by this non-winning random number update process.

Following step S58, the process returns to step S54 again, the value A is set in the watch dock timer clear register WCL, it is determined in step S56 whether or not there is a power failure warning signal input, and this power failure warning signal must be input. For example, the non-winning random number update process is performed in step S58, and steps S54 to S58 are repeated. The processing of steps S54 to S58 is referred to as "main control side main loop processing".

On the other hand, when the power failure warning signal is input in step S56, the interrupt prohibition setting is set (step S60). With this setting, the timer interrupt process on the main control side, which will be described later, is not performed, writing to the main control built-in RAM is prevented, and rewriting of game information is protected.

Following step S60, the starting port solenoid 96, the winning opening solenoid 97, the upper special symbol indicator 142, the lower special symbol indicator 143, the upper special symbol memory indicator 144, and the lower special symbol memory display shown in FIG. 76. The drive signal output to the device 145, the normal symbol display 146, the normal symbol storage display 147, the game status display 148, the round display 149, and the like is stopped (step S62).

Following step S62, the checksum is calculated and the calculated value is stored (step S64). This checksum calculates the total of the game information in the work area of the main control built-in RAM, excluding the storage area of the checksum value (sum value) and the backup flag BK-FLG value described above, as numerical values.

Following step S64, the backup flag BK-FLG is set to a value of 1 (step S66). This completes the storage of backup information.

Following step S66, the watch dock timer is cleared (step S68). As described above, this clear setting is performed by setting the value A, the value B, and the value C in order in the watch dock timer clear register WCL.

Following step S68, a loop process of repeating a state in which nothing is executed is entered. The processing and loop processing of steps S60 to S68 are referred to as "main control side power off processing". In this loop processing, the value A, the value B, and the value C are not set in order in the watch dock timer clear register WCL, so that the watch dock timer is not set to clear. Therefore, the watch dock timer times out and outputs a timeout signal, the main control MPU is reset by the timeout signal, and then the main control MPU performs the main control side power-on processing from the beginning again.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 (main control MPU 101) is reset when there is a power failure or when there is a momentary power failure, and the main control side power is turned on when the power is restored thereafter.

In step S36, it is inspected whether the backup information stored in the main control built-in RAM is normal, and then in step S38, it is checked whether or not the main control side power off processing is normally completed. Inspecting. In this way, by double-checking the backup information stored in the main control built-in RAM, it is inspected whether or not the backup information is stored by fraudulent activity.

[Main control side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt processing on the main control side will be described. This main control side timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every interrupt cycle (4 ms in this embodiment) set in the main control side power-on time process shown in FIGS. 79 and 80.

When the main control side timer interrupt process is started, the main control MPU of the main control board 100 sets the value B in the watch dock timer clear register WCL as shown in FIG. 81 (step S70). At this time, the value B is set in the watch dock timer clear register WCL following the value A set in step S54 of the main control side main loop processing.

Following step S70, the interrupt flag is cleared (step S72). When this interrupt flag is cleared, the interrupt cycle is initialized, and the next interrupt cycle is clocked from the initial value.

Following step S72, switch input processing is performed (step S74). In this switch input process, various signals input to the input terminal of the main control I / O port 102 are read and stored as input information in the input information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

Following step S74, timer subtraction processing is performed (step S76). In this timer subtraction process, for example, the time during which the upper special symbol display 142 and the lower special symbol display 143 are lit according to the variable display pattern determined by the special symbol and the special electric accessory control process described later, the normal symbol described later, and the normal symbol In addition to the time when the normal symbol display 146 lights up according to the normal symbol variation display pattern determined by the normal electric accessory control process, the ball information control board 110 sends various commands transmitted by the main control board 100 (main control MPU). When determining whether or not the ball information main ACK signal for transmitting the normal reception is input, time management such as the ACK signal input determination time set as the determination condition is performed. Specifically, when the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display pattern or the normal symbol fluctuation display pattern is 5 seconds, the timer interrupt cycle is set to 4 ms, so that the fluctuation time is subtracted by 4 ms each time the timer subtraction process is performed. Then, when the subtraction result becomes a value of 0, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display pattern or the normal symbol fluctuation display pattern is accurately measured.

In the present embodiment, the ACK signal input determination time is set to 100 ms. Each time this timer subtraction process is performed, the ACK signal input determination time is subtracted by 4 ms, and the subtraction result becomes a value of 0, so that the ACK signal input determination time is accurately measured. These various times and the ACK signal input determination time are stored in the time management information storage area of the main control built-in RAM as time management information.

Following step S76, the winning random number update process is performed (step S78). In this winning random number update process, the above-mentioned big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number, and small hit symbol random number are updated. Further, in addition to these random numbers, the random number for determining the initial value for the jackpot symbol, which is updated by the non-winning random number update process in step S58 in the main control side power-on processing (main control side main process) shown in FIG. And the random number for determining the initial value for the small hit symbol is also updated. These random numbers for determining the initial value for the big hit symbol and the random numbers for determining the initial value for the small hit symbol are updated in the main control side main process and the main control side timer interrupt process, respectively, to further enhance the randomness. .. On the other hand, the big hit judgment random number, the big hit symbol random number, and the small hit symbol random number are random numbers related to the winning judgment (big hit judgment), so each counter is used only each time the winning random number update process is performed. Counts up. For example, the counter that updates the random number for jackpot determination is an initial value update type counter as described above, and has a predetermined fixed numerical value range from the minimum value to the maximum value (in the present embodiment, the value is set as the minimum value). It is updated within the value 32767) as 0 to the maximum value, and the range from the minimum value to the maximum value is counted up by adding a value of 1 each time the main control side timer interrupt process is performed. The random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination is counted up toward the maximum value (value 32767), and then the random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination is counted up from the minimum value (value 0). When the counter that updates the big hit judgment random number finishes counting up in the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the big hit judgment random number, the big hit judgment initial value determination random number is updated by this winning random number update process. At this time, the updated value is always the same from the fixed numerical range of the counter that the main control MPU extracts the ID code from the built-in non-volatile RAM and updates the big hit determination random number based on the extracted ID code. The initial value derivation process for deriving the fixed value of is executed, and the derived fixed value is set as the initial value. That is, the random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination is constantly overwritten and updated with the same fixed value derived based on the ID code as the initial value by executing the initial value derivation process. The above-mentioned random number for determining the normal symbol hit and the random number for determining the initial value for determining the normal symbol hit are also updated by this winning random number update process. The random number for determining the normal symbol hit is the same as the method for updating the random number for determining the big hit described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Following step S78, prize ball control processing is performed (step S80). In this prize ball control process, a prize ball command for reading input information from the above-mentioned input information storage area and transmitting it to the ball information control board 110 based on this input information can be created, or the main control board 100 and ball information can be transmitted. A self-check command for confirming the connection state between the board and the control board 110 is created. Then, the created prize ball command and self-check command are transmitted to the ball information control board 110 as main ball information serial data. For example, when one game ball enters the large winning opening, a prize ball command representing 15 balls as the number of prize balls is created and transmitted to the ball information control board 110, or this prize ball command is sent to the ball information control board. Create a self-check command to check the connection status between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 when the ball information main ACK signal telling that 110 has completed reception normally is not input within a predetermined time. It is transmitted to the sphere information control board 110.

Following step S80, frame command reception processing is performed (step S82). The sphere information control board 110 transmits various 1-byte (8-bit) commands classified into status displays. In the frame command reception process of step S82, when these various commands are normally received as the sphere information main serial data, the information to convey the fact to the sphere information control board 110 is transmitted to the output information storage area of the main control built-in RAM as output information. Remember. Further, the command normally received as the sphere information main serial data is formatted into a 2-byte (16-bit) command, and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area described above.

Following step S82, fraud detection processing is performed (step S84). In this fraud detection process, an abnormal state related to the prize ball is confirmed. For example, when the input information is read from the above-mentioned input information storage area and the detection signal from the count switch 98 is input when the game is not in the big hit game state (when the game ball enters the big winning opening), etc. A winning abnormality display command that is classified as a notification display as an abnormal state is created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area described above.

Following step S84, a special symbol and a special electric accessory control process are performed (step S86). In this special symbol and special electric accessory control process, the value of the counter that updates the above-mentioned random number for jackpot determination is taken out, and it is determined whether or not it matches the jackpot determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM (big hit). It is determined whether or not to generate a game state (referred to as "special lottery")), and the value of the counter that updates the random number for the jackpot symbol is taken out and used as the probability variation hit determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM. It is determined whether or not they match (determination of whether or not a probability fluctuation is generated). Here, the "probability fluctuation" means that the probability of a big hit changes to a high probability (probability change) set higher than that in the normal time (low probability). In the present embodiment, the value 32668 to the value 32767 are set as the above-mentioned jackpot determination value range (big hit determination range) with a low probability, and are read from the normal judgment table, whereas the value 32438 is set with a high probability. ~ Value 32767 is set and is read from the probability change determination table. As described above, in the special symbol and the special electric accessory control process in step S86, whether or not the value of the counter for updating the random number for jackpot determination and the jackpot determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM match. When determining whether or not, the value of the counter that updates the jackpot determination random number is included in the jackpot determination range.

When these determination results are based on the upper start port detection switch 90, various commands related to the special drawing 1 tuning effect are created, while when the lottery result is based on the lower start port detection switch 91, special features are created. FIG. 2 Various commands related to the synchronization effect are created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area, and the upper special symbol display 142 or the lower special symbol display 143 is turned on according to the determined variation display pattern of the special symbol. The output of the lighting signal to the upper special symbol display 142 or the lower special symbol display 143 is set and stored as output information in the above-mentioned output information storage area.

In addition, depending on the game state to be generated, for example, when a big hit game state is reached, various commands classified in relation to the big hit are created and stored in the transmission information storage area as transmission information, or the opening / closing member is opened / closed. When the output of the drive signal to the winning opening solenoid 97 is set and stored as output information in the output information storage area, or when the number of times (round) that the large winning opening is opened from the closed state is 2, a round display is displayed. Set the output of the lighting signal to the 2-round indicator lamp so that the 2-round indicator lamp of the device 149 is turned on, and store it in the output information storage area as output information. When the number of rounds is 15, the round indicator 149 The output of the lighting signal to the 15-round indicator lamp is set so as to turn on the 15-round indicator lamp, and it is stored in the output information storage area as output information, or the presence or absence of probability fluctuation is lit in a predetermined color in the gaming state. The output of the lighting signal to the display 148 is set and stored in the output information storage area as output information.

Following step S86, a normal symbol and a normal electric accessory control process are performed (step S88). In this ordinary symbol and ordinary electric accessory control process, input information is read from the above-mentioned input information storage area, and gate winning processing is performed based on this input information. In this gate winning process, it is determined from the input information whether or not the detection signal from the gate switch 92 has been input to the input terminal. Based on this determination result, when the detection signal is input to the input terminal, the value of the counter that updates the above-mentioned normal symbol hit determination random number is extracted and used as gate information in the gate information storage area of the main control built-in RAM. Remember in.

Following step S88, port output processing is performed (step S90). In this port output process, output information is read from the output information storage area described above from the output terminal of the main control I / O port 102, and various signals are output based on the output information. For example, when various commands from the ball information control board 110 are normally received from the output terminal of the main control I / O port 102 based on the output information, the main ball information ACK signal may be output to the ball information control board 110. , When in the big hit game state, a drive signal is output to the big prize opening solenoid 97 that opens and closes the opening and closing member of the big winning opening, and a drive signal is output to the starting port solenoid 96 that opens and closes the movable piece. In addition, 15 round jackpot information output signal, 2 round jackpot information output signal, probability fluctuation information output signal, special symbol display information output signal, normal symbol display information output signal, time saving medium information output information, start opening winning information output signal Various information (game information) signals related to the game such as the above are output to the ball information control board 110.

Following step S90, peripheral control board command transmission processing is performed (step S92). In this peripheral control board command transmission process, transmission information is read from the transmission information storage area described above, and this transmission information is transmitted to the peripheral control board 130 as main peripheral serial data. This transmission information includes various commands classified in the special figure 1 synchronization effect-related, various commands classified in the special figure 2 synchronization effect, and jackpot-related, which are created by the main control side timer interrupt processing of this routine. Various commands to be executed, various commands to be classified as power-on, various commands to be classified to the normal electric power production, various commands to be classified to the notification display, and status display Various commands to be classified, various commands to be classified for testing, and various commands to be classified to others are stored. One packet of the main circumference serial data is composed of 3 bytes.

Specifically, the main peripheral serial data has a status indicating the type of command having a storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits), a mode indicating a variation of an effect having a storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits), and a status. It is composed of a sum value obtained by regarding the mode as a numerical value and a sum of the sum values, and this sum value is created at the time of transmission. The process of steps S74 to S92 is referred to as "game control process".

Following step S92, the value C is set in the watch dock timer clear register WCL (step S94). By setting the value C in the watch dock timer clear register WCL in step S94, the value C is set in the watch dock timer clear register WCL following the value B set in step S70. As a result, the value A, the value B, and the value C are set in order in the watch dock timer clear register WCL, and the watch dock timer is set to clear.

Following step S94, register switching (returning) is performed (step S96), and this routine is terminated. Here, when the main control side timer interrupt process, which is this routine, is started, the main control MPU stacks the contents of the general-purpose register in hardware and saves it. This prevents the contents of the general-purpose register used in the main processing on the main control side from being destroyed. In step S96, the contents loaded on the stack and saved are read and written to the original register. The main control MPU sets interrupt enable after returning in step S96.

[Various control processing of sphere information control board]
Next, various control processes performed by the sphere information control board 110 shown in FIG. 77 will be described with reference to FIGS. 81 to 86. FIG. 82 is a flowchart showing the ball information control side power-on processing executed by the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110, and FIG. 83 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the ball information control side power-on processing of FIG. 82. FIG. 84 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the ball information control side power-on processing following FIG. 83, and FIG. 85 shows the ball information control power-off processing executed by the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110. FIG. 86 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side.

[Processing when the power is turned on on the ball information control side]
When the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the ball information control MPU 111 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the ball information control MPU) of the ball information control unit 118 on the ball information control board 110 is as shown in FIGS. 82 to 83. Sphere information control side Performs power-on processing. When the power-on processing on the ball information control side is started, the ball information control MPU sets the interrupt mode (step S500). This interrupt mode sets the interrupt priority of the ball information control MPU. In the present embodiment, the ball information control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is set to the highest priority, and when an interrupt of the ball information control unit timer interrupt process occurs, the process is preferentially performed.

Following step S500, input / output settings (I / O input / output settings) are performed (step S502). In this I / O input / output setting, the input / output setting of the I / O port of the ball information control MPU is performed.

Following step S502, the output of the power failure clear signal to the power failure monitoring circuit 117 shown in FIG. 77 is started (step S504). The power failure monitoring circuit 117 includes a voltage comparison circuit and a D-type flip-flop IC. The voltage comparison circuit outputs the comparison result by comparing the voltage of + 24V and the reference voltage or comparing the voltage of + 12V and the reference voltage. This comparison result becomes HI when no power failure or momentary power failure occurs and is input to the PR terminal which is a preset terminal of the D type flip-flop, while when a power failure or momentary power failure occurs, the comparison result is input. The logic becomes LOW and is input to the PR terminal which is a preset terminal of the D type flip-flop. In step S504, the output of the power failure clear signal is started to the CLR terminal which is the clear terminal of the D type flip-flop. The power failure clear signal is input to the clear terminal with its logic set to LOW via the ball information control I / O port 112 of the ball information control unit 118. As a result, the ball information control MPU can release the latch state of the D type flip-flop, and inverts the logic input to the PR terminal which is the preset terminal of the D type flip-flop until the latch state is set. Then, it is possible to output from the 1Q terminal which is an output terminal, and the signal from the 1Q terminal can be monitored.

Following step S504, wait timer processing 1 is performed (step S506) to determine whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input (step S508). The voltage does not rise immediately from the time the power is turned on until the specified voltage is reached. On the other hand, in the event of a power failure or momentary power failure (a phenomenon in which the power supply is suddenly stopped), the voltage drops, and when the voltage becomes smaller than the power failure warning voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 as a power failure warning. Similarly, when the voltage becomes smaller than the power failure warning voltage during the period from when the power is turned on until the voltage rises to a predetermined voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117. Therefore, the wait timer process 1 in step S506 is a process for waiting until the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes after the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, the waiting time (wait timer) is 200 milliseconds (waiting timer). ms) is set. In the determination in step S508, it is determined whether or not the power failure warning signal is input. This determination is performed based on the signal output from the 1Q terminal, which is the output terminal of the above-mentioned D type flip-flop, as the power failure warning signal.

Following step S508, the output of the power failure clear signal is stopped at the CLR terminal, which is the clear terminal of the D type flip-flop (step S510). By stopping the output of the power failure clear signal, the logic becomes HI via the ball information control I / O port 112 and is input to the CLR terminal which is the clear terminal. As a result, the ball information control MPU can set the D-type flip-flop in the latched state. When the D-type flip-flop latches the state in which the logic is LOW and is input to the PR terminal which is the preset terminal, the power failure warning signal is output from the 1Q terminal which is the output terminal.

Following step S510, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 is being operated (step S512). This determination is made based on whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 of the main control board 100 is operated and the operation signal (detection signal) is input to the ball information control MPU. When the detection signal is input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated, while when the detection signal is not input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is not operated.

If it is determined in step S512 that the RAM clear switch 105 is being operated, the value 1 is set in the ball information RAM clear flag (step S514), and the process proceeds to step S518, while the RAM clear switch 105 is operated in step S512. If it is determined that the value is not set, the value 0 is set in the ball information RAM clear (step S516), and the process proceeds to step S518.

This sphere information RAM clear flag is stored in a RAM built in the sphere information control MPU (hereinafter, referred to as "sphere information control built-in RAM"), for example, various flags and various information storage areas. It is a flag indicating whether or not to erase various ball information, and is set to a value 1 when the ball information is erased and a value 0 when the ball information is not erased. The sphere information RAM clear flag set in step S514 and step S516 is stored in the general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) of the sphere information control MPU.

Following step S514 or step S516, a setting is made to allow access to the ball information control built-in RAM (step S518). With this setting, the sphere information control built-in RAM can be accessed, and for example, sphere information can be written (stored) or read out.

Following step S518, the stack pointer is set (step S520). The stack pointer indicates, for example, the address loaded on the stack for temporarily storing the contents of the storage element (register) in use, or temporarily returns the return address of this routine when the subroutine is terminated and returned to this routine. It indicates the address stacked on the stack for storage, and the stack pointer advances each time the stack is stacked. In step S520, the initial address is set in the stack pointer, and the contents of the register, the return address, and the like are pushed onto the stack from this initial address. Then, the stack pointer returns to the initial address by reading in order from the last stacked stack to the first stacked stack.

Following step S520, the ball information control MPU proceeds to step S527. In step S527, it is determined whether or not the ball information RAM clear flag has a value of 0 (step S527). As described above, the ball information RAM clear flag is set to a value of 1 when the ball information is erased and a value of 0 when the ball information is not erased.

When the ball information RAM clear flag has a value of 0 in step S527, that is, when the ball information is not erased, the checksum is calculated (step S528). This checksum regards the ball information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM as a numerical value and calculates the total.

Following step S528, it is determined whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value stored in the ball information control unit power off processing (when the power is turned off), which will be described later (step S530). ). If they match, it is determined whether or not the ball information backup flag has a value of 1 (step S532). This sphere information backup flag is a flag indicating whether or not the sphere information backup information such as the sphere information and the checksum value is stored and held in the sphere information control built-in RAM in the sphere information control unit power off processing described later. The value is set to 1 when the power-off processing of the ball information control unit is normally completed, and to 0 when the power-off processing of the ball information control unit is not normally completed.

When the ball information backup flag has a value of 1 in step S532, that is, when the ball information control unit power off processing is normally completed, the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM is set as the time of power recovery (step S534). In this setting, in addition to setting the value 0 to the ball information backup flag, the power recovery information is read from the ROM built in the ball information control MPU (hereinafter, referred to as "ball information control built-in ROM"), and this setting is performed. Set the power recovery information in the work area of the sphere information control built-in RAM. As a result, information used for various processes is set based on various flags, various information stored in various information storage areas, etc., which are the above-mentioned ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM. .. The term "recovery" includes not only the state in which the power is turned on from the state in which the power is cut off, but also the state in which the power is restored after the power failure or momentary power failure.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S527 that the ball information RAM clear flag is not a value 0 (value 1), or when the checksum values do not match in step S530, or when the ball information backup flag is set to a value in step S532. When it is determined that the value is not 1 (value is 0), that is, when the ball information control unit power off processing is not normally completed, the entire area of the ball information control built-in RAM is cleared (step S536). As a result, the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM is cleared.

Following step S536, the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM is set as an initial setting (step S538). This setting reads the initial information from the ball information control built-in ROM and sets this initial information in the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM.

Following step S534 or step S538, interrupt initial setting is performed (step S540). This setting sets the interrupt cycle when the timer interrupt process of the ball information control unit, which will be described later, is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 2 ms.

Following step S540, interrupt enable setting is performed (step S542). With this setting, the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every 2 ms, that is, the interrupt cycle set in step S540.

Following step S542, it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input (step S544). As described above, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is cut off, a power failure or a momentary power failure occurs, when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the power failure warning voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 as a power failure warning. The determination in step S540 is performed based on this power failure warning signal.

When there is no input of the power failure warning signal in step S544, it is determined whether or not the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1 (step S546). This 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is a flag that measures 2 ms by the timer interrupt process of the ball information control unit that is processed every 2 ms, which will be described later, and becomes a value of 1 when 2 ms has elapsed and a value of 0 when 2 ms has not elapsed. Each is set.

When it is determined in step S546 that the value of the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is 0, that is, when 2 ms has not elapsed, the process returns to step S544 to determine whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S546 that the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1, that is, when 2 ms has elapsed, the value 0 is set in the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG (step S547), and the process proceeds to step S550. , Output the external WDT clear signal to the external watchdog timer (external WDT) 116 (ON, step S550). The external WDT 116 monitors the operation (system) of the ball information control MPU, and when the external WDT clear signal is not stopped at the clear signal release time, a reset signal is sent to the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112. Is output and reset is applied (regularly diagnoses whether the ball information control MPU system is out of control).

Following step S550, port output processing is performed (step S552). In this port output process, various information is read from the output information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM, and various signals are output from the output terminal of the ball information control I / O port 112 based on the various information.

In the output information storage area, for example, ball information main ACK information for notifying that various commands (prize ball command and self-check command) related to the prize ball from the main control board 100 have been normally received, to the ball lifting device 22 Various information such as drive information for performing drive control is stored, and when a prize ball command from the main control board 100 is normally received from the output terminal of the ball information control I / O port 112 based on this output information. The sphere information main ACK signal is output to the main control board 100, and the drive signal is output to the firing solenoid 13.

Following step S552, port input processing is performed (step S554). In this port input process, various signals input to the input terminal of the ball information control I / O port 112 are read and stored as input information in the input information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM. For example, door frame opening switch 131, main body frame opening switch 132, launch standby ball detection switch 26, 70, launch ball confirmation switch 36, recovery ball detection switch 203, ball path full tank detection switch 206, ball appropriate amount detection switch 207, Lifting inlet switch 156, lifting motor sensor (photosensor) 157, cassette detection switch 158, launch stop switch 86, touch switch 87, BRQ signal, BRDY signal and CR connection signal from the checkout machine 4, command transmission processing described later. The main ball information ACK signal and the like from the main control board 100 that conveys that the main control board 100 has normally received the various commands transmitted in the above are read and stored in the input information storage area as input information.

Following step S554, timer update processing is performed (step S556). The various determination times are stored as time management information in the time management information storage area of the sphere information control built-in RAM. In the timer update process, it is determined whether or not the timer values of various timers are set, and if the timer values are set, the timer values are subtracted by 1. For example, when "1000" is set in the timer as a value corresponding to 2 seconds (2000 ms), the timer interrupt cycle is set to 2 ms, so the timer value is set to 1 each time the timer subtraction process is performed in the 2 ms cycle. When the subtraction is performed and the subtraction result becomes a value of 0, the time is up and the time is accurately measured.

Following step S556, the settlement machine communication process is performed (step S558). In the settlement machine communication process, whether or not various signals (BRQ signal, BRDY signal and CR connection signal) from the settlement machine 4 are input based on the input information read from the above-mentioned input information storage area. To judge. Based on various signals from the settlement machine 4, the ball information control MPU exchanges various signals with the settlement machine 4. When the ball information control MPU receives, for example, the number of rented balls transmitted from the checkout machine 4, the ball information control MPU adds the number of rented balls to the number of balls held by the game machine.

Following step S558, command reception processing is performed (step S560). In this command reception process, various commands (prize ball command and self-check command) related to the prize ball from the main control board 100 are received. When these various commands are normally received, the sphere information main ACK information to that effect is stored in the output information storage area described above. On the other hand, when various commands cannot be received normally, a connection for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the connection between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 (an abnormality has occurred in various command signals). Abnormal information is stored in the above-mentioned state information storage area.

Following step S560, command analysis processing is performed (step S562). In this command analysis process, the command received in step S562 is analyzed, and the analyzed command is stored in the reception command information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM as reception command information.

Following step S562, the main operation setting process is performed (step S564). In this main operation setting process, the ball information control MPU sets the operation of the launch solenoid 13, the ball feed solenoid 31, the ball lift device 22 (ball lift motor 150), the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155, and the like. In addition, the ball information control MPU sequentially "1" from the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area in response to the hit detection of each game ball based on the ball detection of the launch ball confirmation switch 36. Is subtracted. Further, when the prize ball command is stored in the received command information storage area, the number of prize balls corresponding to this prize ball command is added to the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area.

Following step S564, LED display data creation processing is performed (step S566). In this LED display data creation process, for example, the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area described above is read out, display data for displaying the number of possessed balls on the touch panel unit 14 is created, and the LED is displayed. It is stored in the output information storage area described above as display information.

Following step S566, a command transmission process is performed (step S568). In this command transmission process, various information is read from the above-mentioned state information storage area, various commands classified into state displays are created based on the various information, and the commands are transmitted to the main control board 100.

Following step S568, the output of the external WDT clear signal to the external watchdog timer (external WDT) 116 is stopped (turned off, step S570). As a result, the external WDT 116 is cleared so that the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 are not reset. Further, when the output of the external WDT clear signal is stopped, the external WDT 116 starts timing the clear signal release time.

Following step S570, the process returns to step S544 again to determine whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input. If this power failure warning signal is not input, the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1 in step S546. When it is determined whether or not the 2ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1, that is, when 2 ms has elapsed, the value 0 is set in the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG in step S547, and the external WDT4120c is externally set in step S550. The WDT clear signal is output (ON), the port output process is performed in step S552, the port input process is performed in step S554, the timer update process is performed in step S556, the settlement machine communication process is performed in step S558, and the checkout machine communication process is performed in step S560. Command reception processing is performed, command analysis processing is performed in step S562, main operation setting processing is performed in step S564, LED display data creation processing is performed in step S566, command transmission processing is performed in step S568, and external WDT116 is performed in step S570. The output of the external WDT clear signal is stopped (OFF), and steps S544 to S570 are repeated. The processing of steps S544 to S570 is referred to as "sphere information control main processing".

On the other hand, when the power failure warning signal is input in step S544, the interrupt prohibition setting is set (step S572). With this setting, the timer interrupt process of the ball information control unit, which will be described later, is not performed, writing to the ball information control built-in RAM is prevented, and the above-mentioned rewriting of ball information is protected.

Following step S572, the power failure clear signal is output to the CLR terminal, which is the clear terminal of the D type flip-flop of the power failure monitoring circuit 117, via the ball information control I / O port 112 (step S574). As a result, the D-type flip-flop can release the latch state by outputting the power failure clear signal.

Following step S574, the output of the drive signal to the firing solenoid 13 is stopped (step S576). As a result, the launch of the game ball is stopped. Following step S576, the output of the drive signal to the ball feed solenoid 31 is stopped (step S578). As a result, the feeding of the game ball to the hit ball launching device 29 side is stopped.

Following step S578, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external WDT 116 and the output is stopped (ON / OFF, step S580). This clears the external WDT116. Following step S580, a checksum is calculated and the calculated value is stored (step S582). This checksum calculates the total of the checksum value calculated in step S528 and the ball information of the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM excluding the storage area of the value of the ball information backup flag HBK-FLG as a numerical value. To do. Following step S582, the value 1 is set in the ball information backup flag (step S584). As a result, the storage of the ball information backup information is completed. Following step S584, the prohibition setting of access to the ball information control built-in RAM is set (step S586). By this setting, access to the ball information control built-in RAM is prohibited, writing and reading are not possible, and the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM is protected.

Following step S586, a loop process of repeating the state of doing nothing is entered. In this loop processing, the clear signal is not turned ON / OFF to the external WDT116. Therefore, the external WDT 116 outputs a reset signal to the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 to perform a reset. After that, the sphere information control MPU performs the sphere information control side power-on processing again from the beginning. The processing and loop processing of steps S572 to S586 are referred to as "ball information control power cutoff processing".

The pachinko gaming machine 1 (ball information control MPU) is reset when there is a power failure or when there is a momentary power failure, and when the power is restored thereafter, the ball information control side power-on processing is performed.

In step S530, it is inspected whether or not the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM is normal, and then in step S532, the ball information control unit power off processing is normally terminated. We are inspecting whether or not it is. In this way, by double-checking the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM, it is inspected whether or not the ball information backup information is stored by fraudulent activity.

[Timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side]
Next, the timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side will be described. This ball information control side timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every interrupt cycle (2 ms in this embodiment) set in step S540 of the ball information control side power-on processing process shown in FIG. 83.

When the timer interrupt process on the ball information control side is started, the ball information control MPU of the ball information control unit 118 on the ball information control board 110 sets the timer interrupt to disabled and switches the register (as shown in FIG. 86). Evacuation) (step S590). Here, the general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) used in the above-mentioned sphere information control unit main processing is switched to the auxiliary register. By using this auxiliary register in the timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side, the value of the general-purpose register will not be overwritten. This prevents the contents of the general-purpose register used in the main processing on the sphere information control side from being destroyed.

Following step S590, the value 1 is set in the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG (step S592). This 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is a flag that clocks 2 ms every time the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is performed, that is, every 2 ms, and the value is 1 when 2 ms has elapsed and 0 when 2 ms has not elapsed. Is set to each. Following step S592, register switching (returning) is performed (step S594). This return switches from the auxiliary register used in the timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side to the general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register). By using this general-purpose register in the main processing on the sphere information control side, the value of the auxiliary register is not overwritten. This prevents the contents of the auxiliary register used in the timer interrupt processing of the ball information control unit from being destroyed. Following step S594, interrupt enable setting is performed (step S596), and this routine is terminated.

[Each process to be executed in the sphere information control main process]
Next, each process executed by the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board 110 every 2 ms in the ball information control main process of FIG. 84 will be described. First, the ball lending process will be described, and then the ball hitting possibility determination process, the ball holding number counting process, the ball feed / launch drive process, the launch ball detection process, and the ball holding number subtraction process will be described. The ball hitting possibility determination process, the number of balls held count process, the ball feed / launch drive process, the launch ball detection process, the ball number subtraction process, and the lift drive process are one of the main operation setting processes in step S564. It is executed in the order of hitting possibility determination processing, holding ball number counting processing, ball feeding / launching driving processing, launching ball detection processing, holding ball number subtraction processing, and lifting drive processing.

When the card 403 is inserted into the card insertion slot by the player, the checkout machine 4 detects the insertion of the card 403, and the card processor 402 reads the data stored in the card 403. That is, the ID stored in the ID storage unit 404 of the card 403 of FIG. 78, the remaining number stored in the remaining frequency storage unit 405, and the number of held balls stored in the ball holding number storage unit 406 are read and stored in the RAM. Is stored in a predetermined storage area (ID storage area, remaining number storage area, ball holding number storage area).

Next, the checkout machine 4 determines whether the inserted card 403 is usable or unusable. In this embodiment, when the remaining frequency read is 0 and the number of balls held is 0, it is determined that the card 403 cannot be used, and the card 403 is ejected from the card insertion slot. Therefore, when it is determined that the card 403 cannot be used, each of the ball holding count processing, the ball feed / firing drive processing, and the ball holding number subtraction processing described below is not executed.

On the other hand, if the remaining frequency read is not 0, or if the remaining frequency read is 0 but the number of balls read is not 0, the checkout machine 4 determines that the card can be used and ball information. The card usable information is transmitted to the control board 110.

When the player presses the ball lending button to play the game, the operation signal of the ball lending button is input to the checkout machine 4. In response to the operation signal of the ball lending button, the settlement machine 4 performs ball lending processing, for example, transmits a specified number of ball lending to the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board 110, and then from the ball information control MPU. Wait until you receive the end of ball lending.

[Ball rental processing]
Here, the ball lending process executed by the ball information control MPU will be described. FIG. 87 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ball lending processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The ball lending process is executed as one of the settlement machine communication processes of step S558, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball lending process, it determines whether or not the card usable information transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is received (step S600). When the card usable information transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is received in step S600, the process proceeds to step S601, and the number of balls held counter (game machine holding) which is a part of the storage area set in the built-in RAM. The ball number storage area) is cleared to 0 (step S601), and the process proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if the card usable information transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is not received in step S600, the process directly proceeds to step S602. The initial value of the number of balls held counter is set to "0" by the setting at the time of power recovery in the RAM work area in step S534.

When the ball information control MPU proceeds to step S602, it determines whether or not the number of loaned balls transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is received (step S602). When the number of rented balls transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is received in step S602, the process proceeds to step S603, the number of rented balls received is added to the value of the ball number counter (step S603), and the balls are lent. The end of lending is transmitted to the settlement machine 4 (step S604), and the subroutine of ball lending processing is exited.

On the other hand, if the number of ball lendings transmitted from the settlement machine 4 is not received in step S602, the process does not proceed to step S603 and step S604, and the subroutine of the ball lending process is directly exited.

As described above, the card usable information is transmitted to the ball information control board 110 only when the newly usable card 303 is inserted into the checkout machine 4. Further, the number of balls to be rented is transmitted to the ball information control MPU only when the operation signal of the ball lending button is input to the settlement machine 4 after the card usable information is received. Then, when the number of rented balls is received, the number of rented balls is added and stored in the value of the number of balls held counter for the first time.

[Determination process for hitting / not hitting]
Next, the ball hitting possibility determination process executed by the ball information control MPU will be described. FIG. 88 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ball hitting possibility determination process performed by the ball information control MPU. The ball hitting possibility determination process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball hitting possibility determination process, it determines whether or not the number of balls held is 0, that is, whether or not the value of the number of balls held counter is 0 (step S710). If it is determined in step S710 that the value of the number of balls held counter is not 0, that is, if step S710 is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S711, and the launch standby ball detection switch 70 (see FIG. 10). ) Is on, that is, whether or not the ball feeding device 28 has a standby ball (step S711).

If it is determined in step S711 that the launch standby ball detection switch 70 (see FIG. 10) is on, the launchable flag is set to 1 (launchable) (step S712), and the ball hitting possibility determination process is performed. Exit the subroutine of. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S710 that the value of the number of balls held counter is 0, and when it is determined in step S711 that the launch standby ball detection switch 70 is not on (off), the launch is performed. The possible flag is set to 0 (cannot be fired) (step S713), and the subroutine of the hitting possibility determination process is exited.

As described above, when the value of the ball feed counter is not 0 and the ball feed device 28 has a standby ball, the launch solenoid 13 and the ball feed solenoid 31 can be driven, and substantially the game area 8 of the game ball. It is in a playable state where it can be driven into. Further, when the value of the number of balls held counter is 0, or when the ball feeding device 28 does not have a standby ball, the launch solenoid 13 cannot be driven and the game ball is substantially driven into the game area 8. It is in a state where it is impossible to play. At the same time, the ball feed solenoid 31 cannot be driven.

[Number of balls held]
Next, the number of balls held counting process corresponding to the ball information processing during the game will be described assuming that the game is substantially possible. FIG. 89 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the number of balls held count processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The number of balls held count process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball holding number counting process, it determines whether or not there is a prize ball command analyzed in the command analysis process of step S562 (step S720). That is, it is determined whether or not the prize ball command is stored in the received command information storage area. If the prize ball command is stored, it is determined that step S720 is present, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command stored in the received command information storage area is added and stored in the value of the ball number counter (step S722). ), Exit the subroutine for counting the number of balls. On the other hand, if there is no memory of the prize ball command, it is determined that step S720 is none, and the subroutine of the number of possessed balls counting process is exited.

For example, when a prize is awarded in the winning opening set to the number of prize balls "4", the number of prize balls "4" is added and stored in the value of the number of balls held counter, for example, the number of prize balls "15". When a prize is generated in the winning opening (large winning opening) set in, the number of winning balls "15" is added and stored in the value of the number of balls held counter.

[Ball feed / launch drive processing]
Next, the ball feed / launch drive process will be described. 90 to 91 are flowcharts showing an example of a subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The ball feed / launch drive process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

Further, FIG. 24 is a time chart showing the drive timings of the ball feed solenoid 31 and the launch solenoid 13. The firing solenoid 13 is turned on when the period A has elapsed from the time when the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned on, and the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned off when the period B has passed since the firing solenoid 13 was turned on. The firing solenoid 13 is turned off when a period C elapses from the time when the solenoid 31 is turned off.

In this embodiment, the period A is 300 ms, the period B is 30 ms, and the period C is 50 ms. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the launch ball is fed to the launch position (rail portion 332) by the ball feed member 32. That is, the launch ball is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36. In the present embodiment, when a game ball stopped at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time (the period D is set to 30 ms), it is determined that there is a launch ball. To do.

In this way, when the game ball parked at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball, so that it is launched by noise. The false ball count of the ball can be eliminated, and the certainty in the detection of the launch ball can be increased.

Then, when the launch solenoid 13 is turned on, the game ball stopped at the launch position is launched into the game area 8 by the launch hammer 30, and the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. As a result, the number of balls held is reduced by -1.

When the ball feed / launch drive process is started, the ball information control MPU first determines whether or not the launchable flag is 1 (launchable) (step S730). When it is determined that the ball can be fired in the ball hitting possibility determination process described above, the fireable flag is set to 1 (fireable). If it is determined in step S730 that the launchable flag is not 1 (launchable), that is, if the launchable flag is 0 (launchable), the subroutine of the ball feed / launch drive process is exited. In this case, the actual ball feed / launch drive process is not executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S730 that the launchable flag is 1 (launchable), the process proceeds to step S731, and it is determined whether or not the processing flag is 0 (step S731).

Here, the processing flag is a flag for identifying whether the ball information control MPU branches to any of the processes in the ball feed / launch drive process described later, in other words, the control in the ball feed / launch drive. It is a flag for identifying the state, "0" means the initial setting, and "1" specifies the period from turning on the ball feed solenoid 31 to turning on the firing solenoid 13. Yes, it defines the period from turning on the firing solenoid 13 in "2" to turning off the ball feed solenoid 31. After turning off the ball feed solenoid 31 in "3", turning off the firing solenoid 13. It defines the period until.

When the ball feed / launch drive process is started, the value of the process flag is 0. Therefore, it is determined that step S731 is YES, the process proceeds to step S732, the timer value corresponding to the period A (see FIG. 24, 300 ms) is set in the timer (step S732), and the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on (step S733). , Set the processing flag to 1 (step S734), and exit the ball feed / firing drive processing subroutine. The timer value set in the timer is decremented by 1 in a 2 ms cycle in the timer update process in step S556 of FIG. 82.

The next processing cycle of the ball feed / launch drive processing is 2 ms later. As a result of setting 1 in the processing flag, in the ball feed / firing drive processing of the next cycle, it is determined that step S730 YES, step S731 is determined NO, and the process proceeds to step S735. In step S735, it is determined whether or not the value of the processing flag is 1 (step S735). In this case, since 1 is set in the processing flag, it is determined that step S735 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S736 to determine whether or not the timer has timed up (step S736). If the timer is not timed up, step S736 is determined to be NO, and the subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing is exited.

Hereinafter, until the timer for which the period A is set times out, step S730 is determined to be YES, step S731 is determined to be NO, step S735 is determined to be YES, and the step is determined based on the value 1 of the processing flag. The processing routine for determining NO in S736 is repeated.

Then, when the timer time-ups, it is determined that step S736 is YES, and assuming that the period A has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S737 and the timer value corresponding to the period B (see FIG. 26, 30 ms) is set in the timer. (Step S737), the firing solenoid 13 is turned on (step S738), the processing flag is set to 2 (step S739), and the ball feed / firing drive processing subroutine is exited.

As a result of setting 2 in the processing flag, in the ball feed / firing drive processing of the next cycle, step S730 is determined to be YES, step S731 is determined to be NO, step S735 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S740. .. In step S740, it is determined whether or not the value of the processing flag is 2 (step S740). In this case, since 2 is set in the processing flag, it is determined that step S740 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S741 to determine whether or not the timer has timed up (step S741). If the timer is not timed up, step S741 is determined to be NO, and the subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing is exited.

Hereinafter, until the timer for which the period B is set times out, step S730 is determined to be YES, step S731 is determined to be NO, step S735 is determined to be NO, and the step is determined based on the value 2 of the processing flag. The processing routine in which S740 is determined to be YES and step S741 is determined to be NO is repeated.

Then, when the timer time-ups, it is determined that step S741 is YES, and assuming that the period B has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S742 and the timer value corresponding to the period C (see FIG. 24, 50 ms) is set. (Step S742), the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned off (step S743), the processing flag is set to 3 (step S744), and the subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing is exited.

As a result of setting 3 in the processing flag, in the next cycle of ball feed / firing drive processing, step S730 is determined to be YES, step S731 is determined to be NO, step S735 is determined to be NO, and step S740 is determined to be NO. The determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S745. In step S745, it is determined whether or not the timer has timed up (step S745). If the timer is not timed up, step S745 is determined to be NO, and the subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing is exited.

Hereinafter, until the timer for which the period C is set times out, step S730 is determined to be YES, step S731 is determined to be NO, step S735 is determined to be NO, and the step is determined based on the value 3 of the processing flag. The processing routine in which S740 is determined to be NO and step S745 is determined to be NO is repeated.

Then, when the timer time-ups, it is determined that step S745 is YES, the process proceeds to step S746, the firing solenoid 13 is turned off (step S746), and the processing flag is set to 0, assuming that the period C has elapsed. It returns to the initial value (step S747) and exits the subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing.

[Launch ball detection process]
Next, the launch ball detection process will be described. FIG. 92 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of launch ball detection processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The launch ball detection process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the launch ball detection process, it first determines whether or not the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is on (step S750). As described above, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the launch ball is fed to the launch position (rail portion 332) by the ball feed member 32. That is, the launch ball is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36.

When it is determined that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is on, the value of the timekeeping counter, which is a counter for timing the time in which it is in the ON state, is incremented by 1 (step S751), and the process proceeds to step S753.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is not on, that is, when the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is off, 0 is set in the time counter (step S752), and the process proceeds to step S753.

Proceeding to step S753, it is determined whether or not the value of the time counter has reached a predetermined predetermined time D (30 ms in this example) (step S753). If the value of the timekeeping counter has not reached the predetermined predetermined time D, step S753 is determined as NO, and the subroutine of the launch ball detection process is exited.

Since the launch ball detection process is executed every 2 ms, if the game ball stopped at the launch position is continuously detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time D, the timekeeping counter of the time counter is displayed every 2 ms. The value increases by 1, and the value of the time counter reaches a predetermined time D (30 ms in this example, count value 15). In this case, step S753 is determined to be YES, it is considered that the launch ball has been detected, 1 (with detection) is set in the launch ball detection flag (step S754), and the subroutine of the launch ball detection process is exited.

On the other hand, when noise enters the launch ball confirmation switch 36, the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is momentarily turned on, but then the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. Therefore, since the value of the time counting counter is set to 0 when the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off, the value of the time counting counter is set to a predetermined time D (30 ms in this example, count value 15). Will never reach.

In this way, when the game ball parked at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball, so that it is launched by noise. The false ball count of the ball can be eliminated, and the certainty in the detection of the launch ball can be increased.

[Number of balls subtraction process]
Next, the ball holding number subtraction process will be described. FIG. 93 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ball holding number subtraction process performed by the ball information control MPU. The number of balls held subtraction process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball holding number subtraction process, it first determines whether or not the launch ball detection flag is 1 (with detection) (step S760). If it is determined that the launch ball detection flag is not 1 (with detection), that is, if step S760 is determined to be NO, the subroutine of the ball holding number subtraction process is exited. In this case, the number of balls held is not subtracted.

If it is determined in step S760 that the launch ball detection flag is 1 (with detection), that is, if step S760 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S761 and whether the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is off. Whether or not it is determined (step S761). If it is determined in step S761 that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is not off, that is, if it is determined that step S761 is NO, the subroutine of the ball holding number subtraction process is exited.

As described above, when the launch solenoid 13 is turned on, the game ball parked at the launch position is launched into the game area 8 by the launch hammer 30, and the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. As a result, the number of balls held is reduced by -1. If it is determined in step S761 that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is off, that is, if it is determined that step S761 is YES, the value of the number of balls held counter is set to -1 (step S762) and the launch ball detection flag is set. Set 0 (no detection) (step S763), and exit the subroutine of the number-of-balls subtraction process.

In this way, when the game ball stopped at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball, and it is determined that there is a launch ball. When the game ball is not detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36, it is determined that the game ball stopped at the launch position has been launched, and the number of balls held is reduced by one, so the launch ball confirmation switch When noise enters 36, it is possible to eliminate the false ball count of the launch ball due to the noise, and it is possible to increase the certainty in the detection of the launch ball.

[Ball lifting drive processing]
Next, the lifting drive process will be described. FIG. 94 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the lifting drive processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The lifting drive process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the lifting drive process, it first determines whether or not the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is on (step S770). If it is determined in step S770 that the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is off, that is, if step S770 is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S771 and it is determined whether or not the loading / unloading inlet switch 156 is on. (Step S771). If it is determined in step S771 that the unloading inlet switch 156 is on, that is, if it is determined that step S771 is YES, the ball unloading motor 150 is driven (step S772), and the subroutine of unloading drive processing is performed. Exit.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S770 that the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is on, that is, when it is determined that step S770 is YES, the ball lifting motor 150 is stopped (step S773), and the lifting drive process is performed. Exit the subroutine.
Further, when it is determined in step S771 that the lifting inlet switch 156 is off, that is, when it is determined that step S771 is NO, the ball lifting motor 150 is stopped (step S773), and the lifting drive process is performed. Exit the subroutine.

In this way, when the game ball is not detected by the launch standby ball detection switch 26, it is determined that the number of game balls required in the ball supply path member 24 is not satisfied, and the ball feed passage is determined by the lift inlet switch 156. When a game ball waiting to be aligned in 275 is detected, the ball lifting motor is driven on condition that it is determined that there is a game ball, and the launch standby ball detection switch 26 enters the ball supply path member 24. On condition that the game balls waiting to be aligned are detected, the ball lifting device 22 is driven and stopped to stop the lifting of the game balls, so that the game balls are excessively lifted in the ball supply path member 24. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of ball clogging. As a result, since the game ball is lifted, the game ball can be sent to the ball supply path member 24 without excess or deficiency.

Further, the game of the ball lifting device 22 to the ball supply path member 24 is compared with the firing cycle of the game ball of the hitting ball launching device 29 and the ball feeding cycle of the game ball of the ball feeding device 28 in the upper launching unit 12. The ball delivery cycle is set short. In this embodiment, the firing cycle of the game ball of the hitting ball launching device 29 and the ball feeding cycle of the game ball of the ball feeding device 28 are 600 ms (100 shots are fired per minute), and the ball supply path member by the ball lifting device 22. The delivery cycle of the game ball to 24 is 384 ms.
As a result, during the game, the operation of the upper launching unit 12 causes the hitting ball launching device 29 to launch the game ball into the game area and the ball feeding device 28 to feed the game ball to the launching position. In addition, since the delivery cycle of the game ball to the ball supply path member 24 by the ball lifting device 22 is shorter than the cycle of feeding the game ball to the launch position, the game waits before being lifted by the lifting inlet switch 156. When the state in which the game balls are satisfied is maintained, the game balls in the ball supply path member 24 are not detected by the launch standby ball detection switch 26 while the game balls are being driven. Then, the ball lifting device 22 is driven to start lifting the game ball, and the game ball is sent out to the ball supply path member 24 at a pace faster than the driving pace of the game ball. When the detection switch 26 detects the game balls waiting to be aligned in the ball supply path member 24, the ball lifting device 22 is driven and stopped, and the lifting of the game balls is stopped. That is, during the game, the ball lifting operation of the ball lifting device 22 is performed intermittently, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of ball clogging, and the game is efficiently and stably lifted. The balls can be efficiently supplied to the upper launch unit with a stable number of game balls.

In this embodiment, the firing cycle of the game ball of the hitting ball launching device 29 and the ball feeding cycle of the game ball of the ball feeding device 28 are 600 ms (100 shots are fired per minute), and the ball feeding device 22 supplies the ball. The delivery cycle of the game ball to the path member 24 is 384 ms, but the method is not limited to this, and the launch cycle and the ball feed cycle of the game ball and the delivery cycle of the game ball to the ball supply path member 24 are not limited to this. Various methods can be selected, such as setting each to 600 ms.

[Ball jam notification processing]
Next, the ball jam notification process will be described. FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ball jam notification processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The ball jam notification process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process. Further, the ball jam notification process is performed after the ball hitting possibility determination process shown in FIG. 88. The launch standby ball detection switch 26 corresponds to the first launch standby ball detection means, and the launch standby ball detection switch 70 corresponds to the second launch standby ball detection means.

When the ball information control MPU 111 starts the ball jam notification process, it first determines whether or not the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is on (step S780). If it is determined in step S780 that the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is on, that is, if step S780 is determined to be YES, the ball lifting motor 150 is stopped (step S782), the process proceeds to step S786, and launch standby is performed. It is determined whether or not the ball detection switch is on (step S786). If it is determined in step S786 that the launch standby ball detection switch 70 is off, that is, if step S786 is determined to be NO, the abnormality detection flag is set to 1 (step S788), and the notification means is turned on. (Step S789) Exit the subroutine of the ball jam notification process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S786 that the launch standby ball detection switch 70 is on, that is, if step S786 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S787, and it is determined whether or not the abnormality detection flag is 1. Step S787). When the abnormality detection flag is determined to be 1 in step S787, that is, when step S787 is determined to be YES, the abnormality detection flag is cleared to 0 (step S790), the abnormality notification means is turned off (step S792), and the recovery notification means is restored. Is turned on (step S794) to exit the subroutine of ball jam notification processing.

Further, when it is determined in step S780 that the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is off, that is, when step S780 is determined to be NO, the ball lifting motor 150 is driven (step S784), and the abnormality detection flag is set. It is determined whether or not it is 1 (step S787). If the abnormality detection flag is determined to be 0 in step S787, that is, if step S787 is determined to be NO, the subroutine of the ball jam notification process is exited.

In this way, the ball supply path member 24 and the ball feeding device 28 are provided with sensors for detecting the game ball, the game ball in the ball supply path member 24 is detected, and the game ball in the ball feeding device 28 is detected. On the condition that the ball is not clogged, it is determined that the abnormal state is caused by the ball clogging, and the abnormality notification means (not particularly shown, for example, the touch panel unit 14 is notified that the ball is clogged) is used for notification. As a result, for example, it is possible to reliably notify the staff of the game hall that a ball jam has occurred.

Further, since the upper launching device 12 of the present embodiment can be attached to and detached from the main body frame 2 by the fixture 49 (FIG. 12), the staff member who receives the notification due to the ball clogging opens the door frame 3 and then raises the upper part. The launching device 12 can be rotated and removed, and the state can be immediately grasped, so that the ball clogging can be easily cleared. When the ball clogging is cleared, the abnormality detection flag is cleared to 0, and the abnormality notification means is stopped. After that, the recovery notification means (for example, the touch panel unit 14 displays to the extent that the staff in the game hall can recognize that the ball has been recovered from the jammed state (for example, 5 seconds to 10 seconds)), so that the notification is surely performed. It can be recognized that the ball clogging has been cleared.

Further, the arrangement position of the launch standby ball detection switch 70 is attached so as to detect a game ball near the launch position in the path of the ball feed device 28, but detects a game ball passing through the path of the ball feed device 28. As long as the arrangement is possible, various arrangement positions can be selected.

[Electrical connection between game board 5 and body frame 2]
The electrical connection of the game board 5 to the main body frame 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 99. FIG. 99 is a block diagram showing a game board and a main body frame connected by using a drawer connector. The mechanical and electrical connection between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 is made by connecting with a drawer connector. The game board 5 is provided with a game board side main drawer connector and a game board side sub drawer connector, and the main body frame 2 is provided with a main body frame side main drawer connector and a main body frame side sub drawer connector. There is. By fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2, the game board side main drawer connector and the main body frame side main drawer connector, the game board side sub-drawer connector and the main body frame side sub-drawer connector are connected, and the game board 5 And the main body frame 2 are mechanically connected and at the same time electrically connected. As a result, electrical communication can be performed between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2.

[Authentication of main control board 100 and ball information control board 110]
When the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 can perform electrical communication as described above, mutual authentication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 is performed when the power is turned on. The authentication functions of the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 will be described with reference to FIG. 97.

Although it has been explained that the ID code is stored in advance in the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 described above, the ID code described above is also stored in advance in the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110. Hereinafter, the ID code stored in advance in the main control MPU 101 is referred to as a first MPU recognition number, and the ID code stored in advance in the ball information control MPU 111 is referred to as a second MPU recognition number.

An example of the wording in this embodiment is presented. The main control board 100 corresponds to the first control board, the ball information control board 110 corresponds to the second control board, the main control MPU 101 corresponds to the first MPU, and the ball information control MPU 111 corresponds to the second MPU.

Bidirectional data communication is possible between the main control board 100 and the sphere information control board 110 in this embodiment, and by performing authentication processing between the boards when the power is turned on, each MPU is a legitimate one. It has a structure that allows it to be determined whether or not it exists. The details will be described below.

The main control board 100 includes at least the main control MPU 101, and whether the first MPU recognition number storage unit 101a in which the first MPU recognition number stored in advance is stored in the main control MPU 101 and the second MPU recognition number are appropriate. The first authentication unit 162 that performs the authentication process of the above, and the main cryptographic communication unit 160 that encrypts the information transmitted to the ball information control MPU 111 and decrypts the information transmitted from the ball information control MPU 111 are provided. Further, the first authentication unit 162 includes a second MPU recognition number storage unit 161 for storing the second MPU recognition number.

Further, the ball information control board 110 includes at least a ball information control MPU 111, and the ball information control MPU 111 contains a second MPU recognition number storage unit 111a in which a second MPU recognition number stored in advance and a first MPU recognition number are stored. The second authentication unit 167 that performs authentication processing to see if it is appropriate, and the ball information encryption communication unit 165 that encrypts the information transmitted to the main control MPU 101 and decrypts the information transmitted from the main control MPU 101. The second authentication unit 167 further includes a first MPU identification number storage unit 166 that stores the first MPU identification number.

When the power is turned on to the game machine, the first MPU recognition number from the first MPU recognition number storage unit 101a is encrypted by the main encryption communication unit 160 by bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110. Then, it is transmitted to the ball information encrypted communication unit 165, and the second MPU recognition number is encrypted by the ball information encrypted communication unit 165 from the ball information control MPU 111 and then transmitted to the main encrypted communication unit 160.

Next, the main control MPU 101 decrypts the second MPU recognition number transmitted from the ball information encrypted communication unit 165 from the ball information control MPU 111 by using the main encrypted communication unit 160, and then the first authentication unit 162 in the first authentication unit 162. Stored in the 2MPU recognition number storage unit 161 and stored in the ball information control MPU 111, the ball information control MPU 111 decrypts the first MPU recognition number transmitted from the main control MPU 101 using the ball information encryption communication unit 165, and then the second authentication number in the second authentication unit 167. It is stored in the 1MPU recognition number storage unit 166.

Next, the main control MPU 101 performs an authentication process in the first authentication unit 162 based on the second MPU recognition number stored in the second MPU recognition number storage unit 161 and determines whether the second MPU recognition number is appropriate. To do.

On the other hand, the sphere information control MPU 111 performs authentication processing by the second authentication unit 167 based on the first MPU recognition number stored in the first MPU recognition number storage unit 166, and the first MPU recognition number is appropriate. To judge.

When it is determined that the main control MPU 101 and the ball control MPU 111 are appropriate based on the results of authentication by the first authentication unit 162 and the second authentication unit 167, when the main control side power is turned on in FIG. 79. Processing and ball information in FIG. 82 Start of power-on processing on the control side is permitted and the game can be started. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not appropriate, the power-on processing on the main control side and ball information The start of the process when the power of the control side is turned on is not permitted, and the game cannot be performed.

With these configurations, the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111 are allowed to perform mutual authentication processing, and if such authentication processing is not properly performed, the game is not performed. It is possible to effectively suppress fraudulent acts such as replacement of the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111 with a counterfeit chip.

As described above, when it is determined that the mutual authentication result is appropriate in the mutual authentication process performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111, the main control side power-on process and FIG. The start of the 82 ball information control side power-on processing is permitted. That is, the game board 5 is normally mounted on the main body frame 2 on condition that the mutual authentication result is judged to be appropriate in the mutual authentication process performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111. It is guaranteed that the game board 5 exists.

[For all enclosed game balls]
The enclosed ball type game machine described in the above embodiment is of a type that does not have a storage unit for collectively storing all enclosed balls that are used in circulation. In such a type of enclosed ball type game machine, it is not easy to accurately detect and manage the number of all the game balls enclosed in the game machine main body. For example, the game ball enclosed in the game machine has a ball feeding path on the upstream side of the hitting ball launching device 29 arranged in the upper part of the main body frame 2 [for example, a ball feeding guide gutter 69 or a lifting communication gutter 65 (FIG. 11). ], Or a deformed ball that is collected on the back side of the game board 5 via the out port 42 and the winning port 41 provided in the game area 8 and sent to the ball lifting device 22. The circulation path of the game ball, such as being in a standby state inside the magnetic ball discharge unit 20 or inside the ball collecting unit 21, or existing inside the ball lifting device 22 for lifting the game ball upward. It is divided into several places.

When the number of all game balls enclosed in the game machine body is not an appropriate amount (30 balls as an example), for example, when the number of all enclosed game balls is larger than the appropriate amount (referred to as excess game balls), the circulation path It becomes easy to cause ball clogging somewhere. Further, for example, when the number of all enclosed game balls is less than the appropriate amount (referred to as a game ball shortage), there is a concern that the launch balls will be insufficient during the game. In particular, if a shortage of launch balls occurs during a big hit game, the ball cannot be hit into the game area, which may cause a serious inconvenience to the player.

In addition, if the number of all game balls enclosed in the main body of the game machine is not an appropriate amount, the number of game balls that can be used will be unbalanced when compared between the same models, which is given to the player. There is a problem that the principle that fairness is ensured is broken.

Further, the game ball driven into the game area 8 during the game is caught between a large number of obstacle nails forming a gauge in the game area 8 and hinders the subsequent flow of the subsequent ball flowing down the game area 8. , A phenomenon in which a large number of game balls driven into the game area 8 are overlapped one after another to form a lump, so-called grapes, may occur.

When such grapes are generated, the clerk in the hall is called by a call lamp or the like, and the clerk is informed of the fact, and the clerk performs the elimination work. That is, when the clerk inserts the key into the cylinder lock and rotates in one direction, the hook cover of the door frame 3 and the hook portion of the sliding rod for the door frame of the main body frame 2 are disengaged, and the door frame 3 is disengaged. The door frame 3 can be opened to the main body frame 2 by pulling it toward the front side.

After the clerk removes all the game balls in the game area where grapes are generated and puts them in the out port 42, the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2 to complete the elimination work. However, while trying to remove the game ball where the grapes are growing, the game ball may be accidentally spilled out of the machine and lost. In this way, even when the lost game ball cannot be returned to the game machine when the door frame 3 is opened and closed, the number of all the game balls enclosed in the game machine body is not appropriate, and a shortage of balls occurs. It becomes a state.

[Determining the appropriate amount of all enclosed game balls]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, in an enclosed ball type gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming balls are closedly circulated to play a game, whether or not the number of all enclosed gaming balls is an appropriate amount. Alternatively, the ball information control board 110 is provided with an enclosed ball number determination control means for determining excess or deficiency (hereinafter, also referred to as ball number appropriate amount determination).

[Ball recovery device]
As described above, the collection port 202 opened at the upper part of the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 shown in FIG. 28 is a combination of the game ball entered in the winning opening 41 and the game ball collected in the out opening 42. (FIG. 5), in this embodiment, the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 functions as a sphere recovery device.

FIG. 101 is a front view of the ball recovery device 240 according to the present embodiment. A collection port 202 opened upward is formed in the upper part of the ball collection device 240. The out ball flows into the collection port 202 through the out port 42 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 5). The safe ball flows into the collection port 202 through the winning port 41 (see FIG. 5).

A substantially hopper-shaped ball stop 241 is formed which communicates with the edge of the ball gutter base 201 forming the collection port 202 and extends downward to one side. A ball discharge gutter 242 capable of flowing a game ball in the ball stop portion 241 is bent and formed at the lower part of the ball stop portion 241 toward the deformed ball discharge portion 204, and a recovery ball detection switch is formed on the upper part of the ball discharge gutter 242. 203 is arranged.

Above the recovery ball detection switch 203, a ball holding stopper member 243 that opens or shuts off the lower part of the ball stop portion 241 is provided so as to be openable and closable in the front-rear direction. The ball holding stopper member 243 allows the game ball to flow down in the ball stopping portion 241 in the open state of retracting backward from the lower part of the ball stopping portion 241, while in the closed state of entering the lower part of the ball stopping portion 241 forward. The flow of the game ball is blocked so that the game ball can be stopped at the ball stop portion 241.

On the back surface of the ball gutter base 201, a ball stop stopper solenoid 244 is provided as a ball stop stopper driving means for opening and closing the ball stop stopper member 243, which is indicated by a chain line. .. A plunger urged rearward by a spring or the like (not shown) is inserted into and out of the ball retaining stopper solenoid 244 so that an operating rod (not shown) is engaged with the tip of the plunger. The ball retaining stopper member 243 is engaged with the operating rod.

As a result, when the ball retention stopper solenoid 244 is in the non-excited state, the plunger is extended by the urging of the spring, and the operating rod is moved rearward and is engaged with the operating rod. The ball stop stopper member 243 takes a position where it has moved rearward. That is, the ball holding stopper member 243 is in an open state in which the ball holding stopper member 243 is retracted rearward from the lower part of the ball stopping portion 241, and the flow of the game ball in the ball stopping portion 241 is allowed.

On the other hand, when the ball retention stopper solenoid 244 is in the excited state, the plunger is sucked against the urging of the spring and the operating rod moves forward, and the ball engaged with the operating rod. The stop stopper member 243 takes a position where it has moved forward. That is, the ball holding stopper member 243 is in a closed state in which it enters the lower part of the ball stopping portion 241 to block the flow of the game ball in the ball stopping portion 241. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the collection port 202 is stopped at the ball stop portion 241.

[Enclosed ball number determination control means for determining the appropriate amount of balls]
Next, the enclosed ball number determination control process (enclosed ball number determination control means) executed by the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 will be described. In the present embodiment, the enclosed ball number determination control process is generally performed by operating the ball stop stopper driving means (ball stop stopper solenoid 244) to close the ball stop stopper member 243, thereby closing the winning opening 41 or out. The ball stop control process for stopping the game ball collected in the collection port 202 of the ball collection device 240 via the port 42 at the ball stop portion 241 of the ball collection device 240, the ball launching device 29 (launch solenoid 13), and the ball. By operating the transfer device (ball feeding rotor 150 for driving the ball feeding rotating body 350 and the ball lifting device 22) and the ball feeding device 28 (ball feeding solenoid 31), all the enclosed game balls are moved into the gaming area. When the game ball was launched by executing the game ball launch control process and the game ball launch control process to be launched in 8, the launch ball was launched based on the detection signal of the launch ball confirmation means (launch ball confirmation switch 36). The game ball number counting process for counting the number of game balls, and determining whether or not the predetermined end condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the end condition is satisfied, the game ball number is counted by the game ball number counting process. When the number of game balls is completed and the number of game balls counted by the game ball number counting process is set as the total number of enclosed game balls, the total number of game balls is compared with a predetermined appropriate amount, and the total number of game balls is compared. Includes a game ball number appropriate amount determination process for determining whether or not is an appropriate amount, and an excess or deficiency.

Further, in the present embodiment, the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 executes the enclosed ball number determination control process when the power is turned on or when the door frame 3 is opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2. ing.

The enclosed ball type gaming machine of the embodiment includes at least a notification means for notifying the suitability of the number of game balls. In this example, for example, the touch panel unit 14 is used as the notification means. Further, when it is determined that there is excess or deficiency in the game ball number appropriate amount determination process, the fact that there is excess or deficiency is output to the touch panel unit 14.

In the present embodiment, the door frame opening switch 131 (see FIG. 77) for detecting the opening of the door frame 3 with respect to the main body frame 2 is provided, and the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 detects the door frame opening switch 131. Based on the signal, the door frame 3 is opened and closed, which means that the door frame 3 is closed to the main body frame 2 from the state where the door frame 3 is open to the main body frame 2. The door frame opening / closing determination process for determining whether or not the door frame has been broken is executed, and when it is determined in the door frame opening / closing determination process that the door frame 3 has been opened / closed, the enclosed ball number determination control process is executed.

[Enclosed ball number determination control process]
FIG. 102 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a subroutine of the enclosed ball number determination control process performed by the ball information control MPU 111 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a ball information control MPU). When the ball information control MPU starts the enclosed ball number determination control process, first, the initial value 0 is set in the ball number counter for counting (counting) all the game balls enclosed in the game machine (step S900). .. Next, in order to stop the game ball collected in the collection port 202 of the ball collection device 240 via the winning port 41 or the out port 42 at the ball stop portion 241 of the ball collection device 240, the ball stop stopper solenoid 244 is used. Turn on (step S902).

In step S902, the ball holding stopper member 243 takes a position moved forward, the ball holding stopper member 243 takes a closed state of entering the lower part of the ball stopping portion 241, and the flow of the game ball in the ball stopping portion 241 is blocked. Will be done. Therefore, with respect to the circulation path of the enclosed game ball, the game ball existing downstream of the ball holding stopper member 243 is based on the ball feed rotating body 350 shown in FIG. 41 and the ball lifting device 22 in the ball collecting portion 21. The ball is conveyed toward the ball feeding device 28 arranged above by the ball conveying operation.

Next, the ball information control MPU drives the ball lifting motor 150 (FIG. 44) in order to convey the game ball existing downstream of the ball holding stopper member 243 toward the ball feeding device 28 (step S904). The process of step S905 will be described later.

Then, the initial value 0 is set in the processing flag related to the ball feed / launch drive process in step S908 (step S906), and the process proceeds to the ball feed / launch drive process (step S908). The processing flag will be described later.

The ball feed / launch drive process in step S908 is basically the same as the ball feed / launch drive process shown in FIGS. 90 to 91, but the ball feed / launch drive process shown in FIGS. 90 to 91. Since the process is a process executed in the ball information control main process (see FIG. 84) executed every 2 ms, the time management in the process is performed in the timer update process in step S556.

On the other hand, the ball feed / launch drive process in step S908 is executed as a process before the enclosed ball number determination control process is performed as the interrupt permission setting (step S542) in the power-on process, or the door frame. When 2 is opened and closed (including when the door frame 2 is opened and closed during the game, of course), it is executed as a process that prohibits interruption, so time management in the process can be performed by the timer update process. You can't do it. Therefore, the time management in processing is different in that the timer value of the external WDT 116 in FIG. 77 is read and the time management is performed based on the timer value.

The ball feed / launch drive process in step S908 is a process of turning on / off the ball feed solenoid 31 and the launch solenoid 13 at the drive timing shown in the time chart of FIG. 24. The ball feed / launch drive process in step S908 will be described later.

The ball information control MPU sequentially performs the ball feed / launch drive process in step S908, followed by the launch ball detection process (step S910) and the ball count process (step S912). The launch ball detection process is a process of detecting a game ball on the rail portion 332 (launch position), and the ball number counting process is a process of detecting the number of game balls ejected from the launch position by the launch hammer 30 of the ball striking device 29. Is a process of counting. The launch ball detection process in step S910 and the ball count processing in step S912 will be described later.

When the ball information control MPU exits the ball number counting process in step S912, it determines whether or not the counting end condition is satisfied (step S914). In addition, in the determination of whether or not the end condition is satisfied, for example, the number of times the firing solenoid 13 is turned on exceeds the specified number of times [not limited to an appropriate number (for example, 30 balls) but may be greater than the appropriate number)]. In this case, or for example, when the execution time from the start of the ball feed / launch drive process reaches a predetermined end condition, it is determined that the count end condition is satisfied.

The following can be considered as an example of the above-mentioned specified number of times. The number of balls that can be launched by the hitting ball launching device 29 in one minute is 100. That is, when converted into time, the time required to launch one ball by the hitting motion of the firing hammer 30 is 0.6 seconds. From this, the number of times the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, which is sufficient to launch all the enclosed number of balls, that is, the specified number of times is set to 100 times.

Further, as the end condition for the execution time from the start of the ball feed / launch drive process, for example, 1 minute may be set.

Further, if all the enclosed balls are launched into the game area 8, the game balls cannot be provided at the launch position. In this case, the missed swing detecting means for detecting the state in which the hitting motion of the firing hammer 30 by turning on the firing solenoid 13 becomes missed, and the number of times for detecting the missed swing state by the missed swing detecting means have reached a predetermined number of ends. In this case, it may be configured to include a determination means for determining that the counting end condition is satisfied.

According to the time chart of FIG. 24, in the missed swing state, the launch ball detection flag is 0 (no launch ball) in the period A in which the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on and the ball feed is performed, and the ball feed state enters the period B. Then, by turning on the launch solenoid 13 while the launch ball detection flag is 0 (no launch ball), the hitting motion of the launch hammer 30 is missed. The number of such missed swings is counted. Then, in step S914, when the number of missed swings counted reaches a predetermined number of end times, it is determined that the count end condition is satisfied. The process for detecting the missed swing state will be described later.

When the ball information control MPU determines that the counting end condition is not satisfied (NO in step S914), the ball information control MPU returns to the ball feed / launch drive process in step S908. Hereinafter, the process of looping steps S908 to S914 is repeated until it is determined that the counting end condition is satisfied.

When all the enclosed numbers of balls are launched into the game area 8, all the game balls pass through the winning opening 41 or the out opening 42. On the other hand, the ball holding stopper member 243 enters the lower part of the ball stopping portion 241 in a closed state, and the flow of the game ball in the ball stopping portion 241 is blocked, so that the ball stopping of the ball collecting device 240 first. When the game ball is stopped in the section 241 and the ball stop section 241 is filled with the game ball, the flow-down gutter (not shown) formed on the back surface of the game board 5 from the collection port 202 of the ball recovery device 240. Accumulate.

When it is determined in step S914 that the counting end condition is satisfied (YES in step S914), the ball retention stopper solenoid 244 is turned off (step S916). By turning off the ball stop stopper solenoid 244, the ball stop stopper member 243 takes a position moved rearward, and the ball hold stopper member 243 takes an open state of retracting backward from the lower part of the ball stop portion 241 to stop the ball. The flow of the game ball in the unit 241 is allowed.

The ball information control MPU executes the ball number appropriate amount determination process (step S918) after step S916, and ends the enclosed ball number determination control process when the ball number appropriate amount determination process is completed.

[Ball feed / launch drive processing]
Next, the ball feed / launch drive process will be described. FIGS. 103 to 104 are flowcharts showing an example of a subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing performed by the ball information control MPU.

Further, FIG. 24 is a time chart showing the drive timings of the ball feed solenoid 31 and the launch solenoid 13. The firing solenoid 13 is turned on when the period A has elapsed from the time when the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned on, and the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned off when the period B has passed since the firing solenoid 13 was turned on. The firing solenoid 13 is turned off when a period C elapses from the time when the solenoid 31 is turned off.

In this embodiment, the period A is 300 ms, the period B is 30 ms, and the period C is 50 ms. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the launch ball is fed to the launch position (rail portion 332) by the ball feed member 32. That is, the launch ball is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36.

Further, in the present embodiment, when a game ball stopped at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time (the period D is set to 30 ms), there is a launch ball. Is determined.

In this way, when the game ball parked at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball, so that it is launched by noise. The false ball count of the ball can be eliminated, and the certainty in the detection of the launch ball can be increased.

Then, when the launch solenoid 13 is turned on, the game ball stopped at the launch position is launched into the game area 8 by the launch hammer 30, and the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball feed / launch drive process, it first determines in step S930 whether or not the process flag is 0 (step S930). Here, the processing flag is a flag for identifying whether the ball information control MPU branches to any of the processes in the ball feed / launch drive process described later, in other words, the control in the ball feed / launch drive. It is a flag for identifying the state, "0" means the initial setting, and "1" specifies the period from turning on the ball feed solenoid 31 to turning on the firing solenoid 13. Yes, it defines the period from turning on the firing solenoid 13 in "2" to turning off the ball feed solenoid 31. After turning off the ball feed solenoid 31 in "3", turning off the firing solenoid 13. It defines the period until.

At the time when the ball feed / launch drive process is started, the value of the process flag is 0 (according to step S906). Therefore, it is determined that step S930 is YES, the process proceeds to step S931, the timer value of the external WDT116 is read and stored in the storage area X1 set in the RAM (step S931), and the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on (step S932). , Set the processing flag to 1 (step S933), and exit the ball feed / firing drive processing subroutine.

In the next processing cycle of the ball feed / launch drive processing, as a result of setting 1 in the processing flag, step S930 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S934. In step S934, it is determined whether or not the value of the processing flag is 1. (Step S934). In this case, as a result of setting 1 in the processing flag, step S934 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S935, the timer value of the external WDT 116 is read and stored in the storage area X2 set in the RAM (step S935). , The elapsed time is calculated by subtracting the timer value stored in the storage area X1 from the timer value stored in the storage area X2 (step S936), and the process proceeds to step S937, and the calculated elapsed time is the period A (see FIG. 24, 300 ms). Is determined (step S937). If the calculated elapsed time has not reached the period A, step S937 is determined to be NO, and the subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing is exited.

Hereinafter, until the elapsed time calculated in step S936 reaches the period A, step S930 is determined to be NO, step S934 is determined to be YES, and steps S935 to S936 are determined based on the value 1 of the processing flag. The processing routine for determining NO in step S937 is repeated.

Then, when the elapsed time calculated in step S936 reaches the period A, the step S937 is determined to be YES, and if the period A has elapsed and the missed state of the firing hammer 30 is detected, the step The processing of S953 and step S954 is performed. If the missed state of the firing hammer 30 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S938.

Proceeding to step S938, the timer value of the external WDT116 is read and stored in the storage area X1 set in the RAM (step S938), the firing solenoid 13 is turned on (step S939), and the processing flag is set to 2 (step S938). S940), exit the ball feed / launch drive processing subroutine.

In step S939, the hit ball launching device 29 is activated to launch the game ball placed at the launch position toward the game area 8. The game ball is automatically launched with a preset firing intensity (when a predetermined voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 13). Further, at the end of the enclosed ball number determination control process, the firing intensity is switched to the normal gaming state so that the voltage corresponds to the operation amount of the hitting ball handle 10.

As a result of setting 2 in the processing flag, in the ball feed / firing drive processing of the next cycle, step S930 is determined to be NO, step S934 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S941. In step S941, it is determined whether or not the value of the processing flag is 2 (step S941). In this case, as a result of setting 2 in the processing flag, step S941 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S942, the timer value of the external WDT 116 is read and stored in the storage area X2 set in the RAM (step S942). , The elapsed time is calculated by subtracting the timer value stored in the storage area X1 from the timer value stored in the storage area X2 (step S943), and the process proceeds to step S934, and the calculated elapsed time is the period B (see FIG. 24, 30 ms). Is determined (step S944). If the calculated elapsed time has not reached the period B, step S944 is determined to be NO, and the subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing is exited.

Hereinafter, until the elapsed time calculated in step S943 reaches the period B, step S930 is determined to be NO, step S934 is determined to be NO, and step S941 is determined to be YES based on the value 2 of the processing flag. Then, the processing routine for determining NO in steps S942 to S943 and step S944 is repeated.

Then, when the elapsed time calculated in step S943 reaches the period B, the step S944 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step S945 assuming that the period B has elapsed. Proceeding to step S945, the timer value of the external WDT116 is read and stored in the storage area X1 set in the RAM (step S945), the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned off (step S946), and the processing flag is set to 3 (step S946). Step S947), exiting the ball feed / launch drive processing subroutine.

As a result of setting 3 in the processing flag, in the ball feed / firing drive processing of the next cycle, step S930 is determined to be NO, step S934 is determined to be NO, step S941 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S948. .. In step S948, the timer value of the external WDT 116 is read and stored in the storage area X2 set in the RAM (step S948), and the elapsed time is obtained by subtracting the timer value stored in the storage area X1 from the timer value stored in the storage area X2. Is calculated (step S949), the process proceeds to step S950, and it is determined whether or not the calculated elapsed time has reached the period C (see FIG. 24, 50 ms) (step S950). If the calculated elapsed time has not reached the period C, step S950 is determined to be NO, and the subroutine of ball feed / launch drive processing is exited.

Hereinafter, until the elapsed time calculated in step S949 reaches the period C, step S930 is determined to be NO, step S934 is determined to be NO, and step S941 is determined to be NO based on the value 3 of the processing flag. Then, the processing routine for determining NO in steps S948 to S949 and step S950 is repeated.

Then, when the elapsed time calculated in step S949 reaches the period C, the step S950 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step S951 assuming that the period C has elapsed. When the process proceeds to step S951, the firing solenoid 13 is turned off (step S951), the processing flag is set to 0 to return to the initial value (step S952), and the ball feed / firing drive processing subroutine is exited.

[Launch ball detection process]
Next, the launch ball detection process will be described. FIG. 105 (A) is a flowchart showing a subroutine of launch ball detection processing performed by the ball information control MPU. When the ball information control MPU starts the launch ball detection process, it first determines whether or not the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is on (step S955). As described above, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the launch ball is fed to the launch position (rail portion 332) by the ball feed member 32. That is, the launch ball is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36.

When it is determined that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is on, the value of the timekeeping counter, which is a counter for timing the time in which the launch ball is in the ON state, is incremented by 1 (step S956), and the process proceeds to step S958.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is not on, that is, when the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is off, 0 is set in the time counter (step S957), and the process proceeds to step S958.

Proceeding to step S958, it is determined whether or not the value of the time counter has reached a predetermined predetermined time D (30 ms in this example) (step S958). If the value of the timekeeping counter does not reach the predetermined time D, step S958 is determined as NO, the launch ball detection flag is set to 0 (no detection) (step S959), and the subroutine of the launch ball detection process is set. Exit.

When the game ball stopped at the launch position is continuously detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined predetermined time D, the value of the timekeeping counter is incremented by 1 and the value of the timekeeping counter is predetermined. The specified time D (30 ms in this example) is reached. In this case, step S958 is determined to be YES, it is considered that the launch ball has been detected, 1 (with detection) is set in the launch ball detection flag (step S960), and the subroutine of the launch ball detection process is exited.

On the other hand, for example, when noise enters the launch ball confirmation switch 36, the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is momentarily turned on, but then the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. Therefore, since the value of the time counting counter is set to 0 when the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off, the value of the time counting counter is set to a predetermined time D (30 ms in this example, count value 15). Will never reach.

In this way, when the game ball parked at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball, so that it is launched by noise. The false ball count of the ball can be eliminated, and the certainty in the detection of the launch ball can be increased.

[Number of balls counting process]
Next, the ball count processing will be described. FIG. 105B is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ball holding number subtraction process performed by the ball information control MPU. When the ball information control MPU starts the ball number counting process, it first determines whether or not the launch ball detection flag is 1 (with detection) (step S962). If it is determined that the launch ball detection flag is not 1 (with detection), that is, if step S962 is determined to be NO, the subroutine of the ball count processing is exited.

If it is determined in step S962 that the launch ball detection flag is 1 (with detection), that is, if step S962 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S963 and whether the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is off. Whether or not it is determined (step S963). If it is determined in step S963 that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is not off, that is, if it is determined that step S963 is NO, the subroutine of the ball count processing is exited.

As described above, when the launch solenoid 13 is turned on, the game ball parked at the launch position is launched into the game area 8 by the launch hammer 30, and the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. When the ball information control MPU determines in step S963 that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is off, that is, when it determines that step S963 is YES, the number of balls launched is increased by +1 the value of the ball count counter. It counts (step S964), sets the launch ball detection flag to 0 (no detection) according to the launch of the game ball and returns it (step S965), and exits the subroutine of the ball count processing.

In this way, when the game ball stopped at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 over a predetermined predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball, and it is determined that there is a launch ball. When the game ball is not detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36, it is determined that the game ball stopped at the launch position has been launched, and the number of balls is added by one. Therefore, the launch ball confirmation switch When noise enters 36, it is possible to eliminate the false ball count of the launch ball due to the noise, and it is possible to increase the certainty in the detection of the launch ball.

[Appropriate amount of balls judgment processing]
Next, the ball number appropriate amount determination process will be described. FIG. 106 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ball number appropriate amount determination process performed by the ball information control MPU. When the ball information control MPU starts the ball number appropriate amount determination process, it first determines whether or not the value of the ball number counter is the appropriate amount number E (for example, 30 balls) (step S970).

If it is determined that the value of the ball counter is equal to the appropriate number E, that is, if step S970 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S971 and the touch panel unit 14 (an example of the notification means) displays the appropriate amount (an example of the notification means). Step S971), the firing permission flag is set to "1 (operation permission)" (step S972), and the subroutine of the ball number appropriate amount determination process is exited.

If it is determined in step S970 that the value of the ball counter is not equal to the appropriate number E, that is, if step S970 is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S973, and the value of the ball counter is the appropriate number E (for example,). It is determined whether or not the number of balls is less than 30 (30 balls) (step S973).

If it is determined that the value of the ball counter is less than the appropriate number E, that is, if step S973 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S974, and the value of the ball counter is subtracted from the appropriate number E to reduce the number of shortages. Calculate (step S974), display the fact that the number of balls is insufficient on the touch panel unit 14 (step S975), set "0 (operation not permitted)" to the launch permission flag (step S976), and determine the appropriate number of balls. Exit the processing subroutine.

If it is determined in step S973 that the value of the ball count counter satisfies the appropriate quantity number E, that is, if step S973 is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S977. In this case, the value of the ball counter is not equal to the appropriate number E, and the value of the ball counter satisfies the appropriate number E, resulting in an excess of balls in which the number of balls is larger than the appropriate number E.

The ball information control MPU subtracts an appropriate amount number E from the value of the ball number counter to calculate the excess (step S977), displays the fact that the ball is excessive on the touch panel unit 14 (step S978), and permits firing. Set the flag to "0 (operation not permitted)" (step S979), and exit the subroutine of the ball number appropriate amount determination process.

FIG. 107 is a diagram showing a display example of a ball number appropriate amount determination result notified by the touch panel unit 14. FIG. 107 (a) shows that the number of all enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount (for example, 30 balls) as a determination result in the ball number appropriate amount determination process. In FIG. 107 (b), as a determination result in the ball number appropriate amount determination process, it is shown that the number of all enclosed game balls is insufficient and the number of insufficient balls is three. In FIG. 107 (c), as a determination result in the ball number appropriate amount determination process, the number of all enclosed game balls is excessive, and the number of balls excessive than the appropriate amount is 2 balls. ing.

[Timing to execute the enclosed ball count determination control process]
In the present embodiment, the ball information control MPU 111 executes the enclosed ball number determination control process when the power is turned on or when the door frame 3 is opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2.

<When the power is turned on>
FIG. 108 is a part of a flowchart of the power-on processing showing an example of the case where the ball information control MPU 111 executes the enclosed ball number determination control processing at the time of power-on. When the sphere information control MPU sets the stack pointer in step S520 of FIG. 82, the sphere information control MPU proceeds to step S522 and executes the enclosed sphere number determination control process (step S522). When the enclosed ball number determination control process in step S522 is completed, the process proceeds to step S527.

<When the door frame 3 is opened and closed>
Here, opening and closing of the door frame 3 means that the door frame 3 has shifted from the state of being open to the main body frame 2 to the state of the door frame 3 being closed to the main body frame 2. In the present embodiment, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not the door frame 3 has been opened or closed based on the detection signal of the door frame opening switch 131. When the door frame 3 is released from the main body frame 2, the door frame opening switch 131 is turned on. On the other hand, when the door frame 3 is closed to the main body frame 2, the door frame opening switch 131 is turned off.

[Door frame open / close judgment process]
Next, the door frame open / close determination process will be described. FIG. 109 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of door frame opening / closing determination processing performed by the ball information control MPU. Considering that the door frame 3 is opened and closed in the situation where so-called grapes and the like are generated in the game area 8 as described above, it is assumed that the door frame 3 is opened and closed at least during the game. For this reason, the door frame open / close determination process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process (see FIG. 84).

When the ball information control MPU starts the door frame opening / closing determination process, it first determines whether or not the door frame opening switch 131 is on (step S990). When it is determined in step S990 that the door frame opening switch 131 is not on (when step S990 is determined to be NO), that is, when the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the door It returns after exiting the subroutine of the frame open / close judgment process.

On the other hand, in step S990, when it is determined that the door frame opening switch 131 is ON (when it is determined that step S990 is YES), that is, it is detected that the door frame 3 is opened with respect to the main body frame 2. If so, the process proceeds to step S991, wait timer processing is performed (step S991), and it is determined whether or not the door frame opening switch 131 is off (step S992).

The wait timer process in step S991 is a process for waiting until the door frame 3 is open to the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 is closed to the main body frame 2. In the present embodiment, for example, 2 seconds is set as the waiting time (wait timer). In the determination of step S992, it is determined whether or not the door frame opening switch 131 is turned off.

When it is determined in step S992 that the door frame opening switch 131 is not off (when it is determined that step S992 is NO), that is, when the door frame 3 is still open with respect to the main body frame 2. , Step S991 and step S992 are determined to be NO, and the process waits until the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2.

Then, when the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the ball information control MPU determines that step S992 is YES, and proceeds to step S993. In step S993, the interrupt disable setting is performed (step S993). With this setting, the above-mentioned ball information control unit timer interrupt processing is not performed, writing to the ball information control built-in RAM is prevented, and the above-mentioned rewriting of ball information is protected.

Following step S993, the enclosed ball number determination control process is executed (step S994). When the ball information control MPU finishes the enclosed ball number determination control process in step S994, it sets the interrupt permission (step S995), exits the subroutine of the door frame open / close determination process, and returns. With this setting, the game returns to the normal game state, and the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every 2 ms, that is, the interrupt cycle set in step S540.

[Detection of missed swing state of launching hammer 30 of hitting ball launching device 29]
Hereinafter, the process of detecting the missed swing state of the launching hammer 30 of the hitting ball launching device 29 will be described. When detecting the missed swing state of the firing hammer 30, first, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 102, the missed swing count counter is cleared to 0 (step S905).

After that, when the period A elapses in the ball feed / launch drive process, that is, when the launch solenoid 13 is turned on to operate the launch hammer 30, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 103, It is determined whether or not the launch ball detection flag is "0 (no detection)" (step S953).

If it is determined in step S953 that the launch ball detection flag is "0 (no detection)", the value of the missed swing counter is incremented by 1 (step S954), the missed swing operation of the launching hammer 30 is counted, and the step Proceed to S938. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S953 that the launch ball detection flag is not "0 (no detection)", that is, if the launch ball detection flag is "1 (with detection)", it means that the swing operation is not performed. , Directly proceed to step S938.

As described above, the number of missed movements of the firing hammer 30 is counted. When all the enclosed numbers of balls are launched into the game area 8, the game balls cannot be provided at the launch position, and the ball striking motion of the launch hammer 30 by turning on the launch solenoid 13 is continuously missed. ..

Then, in the determination process of step S914 of FIG. 102, it is determined whether or not the value of the missed swing counter has reached a predetermined end number (5 times as an example), and the value of the missed swing counter reaches the end number. If it is determined that the counter is satisfied, it is considered that the counting end condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S916, and the process proceeds to the ball number appropriate amount determination process in step S918.

[Determination process for hitting / not hitting]
FIG. 110 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ball hitting possibility determination process performed by the ball information control MPU in the embodiment in which the enclosed ball number determination control means is adopted (the enclosed ball number determination control process is executed). The ball hitting possibility determination process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes (FIG. 84) of step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball hitting possibility determination process, it first determines whether or not the above-mentioned launch permission flag is "1 (operation permission)" (step S700). That is, it is determined whether or not the number of all the enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount.

If it is determined in step S700 that the launch permission flag is "1 (operation permission)", the number of all enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount, and step S700 is determined to be YES and the step Proceed to S710. That is, the operation of the upper launching device 12 is permitted on condition that it is confirmed that the number of all the enclosed game balls is appropriate.

The process after step S710 is the same as the ball hitting possibility determination process (FIG. 88) described above, and when the value of the number of balls held counter is not 0 and the launch standby ball detection switch 70 is on, Set 1 (launchable) to the launchable flag (step S712), and exit the subroutine of the hitting enable / disable determination process.

As described above, when the number of all the enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount, the value of the ball holding counter is not 0, and the ball feeding device 28 has a standby ball, the firing solenoid 13 and the ball feeding solenoid 31 Is driveable, and is in a game-ready state in which the game ball can be substantially driven into the game area 8.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S700 that the launch permission flag is not "1 (operation permission)" (when the launch permission flag is 0), the number of all enclosed game balls is not an appropriate amount. As a result, the number of game balls that can be used becomes unbalanced, and the principle that the fairness given to the player is ensured is broken. Therefore, step S700 is judged as NO. Then, the process proceeds to step S713. In step S713, the fireable flag is set to 0 (cannot be fired) (step S713), and the subroutine of the ball hitting possibility determination process is exited.

That is, if the number of all enclosed game balls is not an appropriate amount, the operation of the upper launching device 12 is not permitted and is not permitted.

In addition, as in the case of determining whether or not the ball can be hit (FIG. 88) described above, in step S710, when it is determined that the value of the number of balls held counter is 0, and in step S711, the launch standby ball detection switch. When it is determined that 70 is not on (off), 0 (cannot be fired) is set in the fireable flag (step S713), and the subroutine of the ball hitting possibility judgment process is exited. That is, when the value of the number of balls held counter is 0, or when the ball feeding device 28 does not have a standby ball, the launch solenoid 13 cannot be driven and the game ball is substantially driven into the game area 8. It is in a state where it is impossible to play. At the same time, the ball feed solenoid 31 cannot be driven.

[Second Embodiment of Enclosed Ball Number Determination Control Process]
The enclosed ball number determination control process of FIG. 102 described above moves all the enclosed game balls in a circulation path and counts the number of the enclosed game balls in the process of moving, so that all the enclosed game balls can be moved. Whether or not the number is appropriate is determined, and the excess / deficiency is determined. However, the enclosed ball number determination control process does not count the enclosed game balls, but all the enclosed game balls. Whether or not the number is an appropriate amount may be used to determine excess or deficiency.

For example, a plurality of game ball detection sensors for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball are arranged in a circulation path in which all the enclosed game balls circulate, and the plurality of game ball detection sensors are among all the enclosed game balls. The first game ball detection sensor that detects the game ball located at the head, the second game ball detection sensor that detects the game ball that is located in the appropriate number of all the enclosed game balls, and the appropriate number of games. A third game ball detection sensor that detects a game ball located next to is included, and the enclosed ball number determination control means is based on the detection signals of the first, second, and third game ball detection sensors. Whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount is determined to be excess or deficiency.

In this second embodiment, first, the game ball located at the head is a game ball placed at the launch position of the hitting ball launching device 29. Then, the plurality of game ball detection sensors have a launch ball confirmation switch 36 in which the first game ball detection sensor for detecting the game ball located at the head of all the enclosed game balls is arranged at the launch position. (FIG. 8 or 17), the game ball located at the appropriate number number (in this example, the appropriate amount is 30 balls and the appropriate amount number is 30th) among all the enclosed game balls is detected. The second game ball detection sensor is the ball appropriate amount detection switch 207 (FIG. 28), and the third game ball detection sensor that detects the game ball located next to the appropriate number number (31st in this example) is used. The ball path full tank detection switch 206 (FIG. 28) is used.

Then, based on the detection signals of the launch ball confirmation switch 36, the ball appropriate amount detection switch 207, and the ball path full tank detection switch 206, whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount is determined. judge.

Hereinafter, the enclosed ball number determination control process of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 111 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the subroutine of the enclosed ball number determination control process performed by the ball information control MPU. When the sphere information control MPU starts the enclosed sphere number determination control process, it first clears the operation counter to 0 (step S1000). Here, the operation counter is a counter for counting the number of operations of the ball feed solenoid. When step S1000 is performed, the ball information control MPU proceeds to step S1002.

In step S1002, it is determined whether or not the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is on (step S1002). That is, it is determined whether or not the game ball exists at the launch position on the rail portion 332 of the hit ball launching device 29. If it is determined that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is on, the process proceeds to step S1004.

In step S1004, it is determined whether or not the ball appropriate amount detection switch 207 is on (step S1004). That is, the appropriate number, that is, the 30th position, in which the game ball existing at the launch position is at the head and is waiting to be aligned in the ball recovery device 240 by going back in the direction opposite to the transport direction of the game ball in the circulation path. It is determined whether or not the game ball to be played is detected. When it is determined that the ball appropriate amount detection switch 207 is on, the process proceeds to step S1006.

In step S1006, it is determined whether or not the ball path full tank detection switch 206 is on (step S1006). That is, it is determined whether or not the game ball located next to the appropriate number, that is, the 31st position, which is waiting to be aligned in the ball collecting device 240, is detected.

Next, in step S1002, when it is determined that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is on (when it is determined that step S1002 is YES), that is, when the game ball exists at the launch position, the ball information Each process executed by the control MPU will be described.

[When the number of all enclosed game balls is appropriate]
When the number of all the enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount, the game ball exists at the position of the appropriate amount set in the ball collecting device 240, and the appropriate amount set in the ball collecting device 240. There is no game ball at the next position.

In this case, in step S1004, it is determined that the ball appropriate amount detection switch 207 is on (step S1004 is determined to be YES), and in step S1006, it is determined that the ball path full tank detection switch 206 is not on (step S1006). Is determined as NO), the process proceeds to step S1008, an appropriate amount is displayed on the touch panel unit 14 (an example of the notification means) (for example, display in characters) (step S1008), and the firing permission flag is set to "1 (operation permission). (Step S1010), exiting the subroutine of the enclosed ball number determination control process.

[When the number of all enclosed game balls is not appropriate and there are too many balls]
When the number of all the enclosed game balls is excessive, the game balls are present at the appropriate number position set in the ball collection device 240, and the appropriate amount set in the ball collection device 240. There is also a game ball at the next position.

In this case, it is determined in step S1004 that the ball appropriate amount detection switch 207 is on (step S1004 is determined to be YES), and in step S1006 it is determined that the ball path full tank detection switch 206 is on. (Determining that step S1006 is YES), the process proceeds to step S1008, the touch panel unit 14 displays the fact that there are too many balls (for example, display in characters) (step S1012), and the firing permission flag is "0 (operation not permitted)". Is set (step S1014), and the subroutine of the enclosed ball number determination control process is exited.

[When the number of enclosed game balls is not appropriate and the number of balls is insufficient]
When the number of all enclosed game balls is insufficient, the game balls do not exist at the appropriate number of positions set in the ball recovery device 240.

In this case, it is determined in step S1004 that the ball appropriate amount detection switch 207 is not on (step S1004 is determined to be NO), the process proceeds to step S1016, and the touch panel unit 14 displays that the ball is insufficient (for example,). (Display in characters) (step S1016), set the launch permission flag to "0 (operation not permitted)" (step S1014), and exit the subroutine of the enclosed ball number determination control process.

[Other processing]
Next, in step S1002, when it is determined that the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is not on, that is, when the game ball does not exist at the launch position on the rail portion 332 of the hit ball launch device 29 (NO in step S1002). Each process executed by the sphere information control MPU will be described.

If the ball information control MPU determines that step S1002 is NO, the ball feed solenoid 31 proceeds to step S1018, the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on (step S1018), the wait timer process is performed (step S1020), and the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned off. (Step S1022).

The wait timer process in step S1020 is a process for waiting until the on-time (period A + period B) of the ball feed solenoid 31 shown in the time chart of FIG. 24 elapses, and in the present embodiment, the waiting time (wait timer). ), For example, 300 ms + 30 ms = 330 ms is set.

When the sphere information control MPU performs step S1022, the value of the operation counter is incremented by +1 (step S1024), the process proceeds to step S1026, and the value of the operation counter reaches a predetermined number of terminations (for example, 5 times). It is determined whether or not this has been done (step S1026). If it is determined in step S1026 that the value of the operation counter has not reached the predetermined number of terminations (if it is determined that step S1026 is NO), the process returns to step S1002, and the launch ball confirmation switch is displayed again. It is determined whether or not 36 is on (step S1002).

By executing the processes of steps S1018 to S1022, the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on and the ball feed member 32 operates to feed the ball (see FIG. 22), so that one game ball and the hit ball launcher 29 are launched. It is sent to the position.

When the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is maintained in the off state for some reason such as ball clogging, a processing routine that determines step S1002 as NO, steps S1018 to S1024, and step S1026 as NO operates. It is repeated until the value of the counter and the number of terminations match.

Then, when the value of the operation counter and the number of ends match, the ball information control MPU ends the enclosed ball number determination control process. In this case, the subroutine of the ball jam notification process shown in FIG. 95 may be executed. Further, the ball information control MPU 111 transmits an error command to the main control MPU 101, the main control MPU 101 transmits an error command to, for example, the peripheral control board 130, and the peripheral control board 130 transmits, for example, the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 1400. It may be configured to notify by displaying an error in.

[Effect of the enclosed ball-type game machine of the embodiment]
According to the enclosed ball type game machine of the embodiment related to the enclosed ball number determination control process executed by the ball information control MPU 111 described above, whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount is excessive. The shortage can be determined.

Further, after blocking the flow of the game ball by the ball stopping stopper member 243 at the ball stopping portion 241 of the ball collecting device 240, the hitting ball launching device 29, the ball feeding rotating body 350, the ball lifting device 22 and the ball feeding device 28 are used. All the game balls that are activated and enclosed are fired in the game area 8, and when the game balls are fired, the number of fired game balls is counted based on the detection signal of the launch ball confirmation switch 36. Therefore, the game ball launched into the game area 8 is collected at the collection port 202 of the ball collection device 240 via the winning port 41 or the out port 42, and the ball is blocked from flowing down by the ball stop stopper member 243. Since it is stopped at the ball stop portion 241 of the recovery device 240, it does not flow down from the ball stop portion 241 in the circulation path.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has been counted once from being worn again and counted. As a result, the number of all enclosed game balls can be accurately counted. As a result, while visually checking the fired game balls, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls counted is an appropriate amount, and it is possible to accurately determine the excess or deficiency, and the reliability of the determination result is reliable. You can improve your sexuality.

Further, by turning on the power to the game machine, the number of all the enclosed game balls can be counted, and whether or not the amount is appropriate and whether or not the amount is appropriate can be determined. On the other hand, when the door frame 3 is opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the number of all the enclosed game balls can be counted, and it can be determined whether or not the amount is appropriate and whether or not the amount is excessive.

When it is determined that the number of all the enclosed game balls is excessive or insufficient, the fact that the number of enclosed game balls is excessive or insufficient is output to the notification means (touch panel unit 14), so that the number of enclosed game balls becomes excessive or insufficient. You can identify that you are.

Further, even when the door frame 3 is opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the number of all the enclosed game balls can be counted, and whether or not the amount is appropriate can be determined. In addition, during the grape removal work by the clerk, the game ball may be accidentally spilled out of the machine and lost, making it impossible to return the lost game ball to the inside of the game machine. It can be determined that the number of all the game balls enclosed in the game machine body is not an appropriate amount, and the fact that there is excess or deficiency is output to the notification means, so that the number of enclosed game balls is excess or deficiency. Can be identified.

Further, on condition that it is confirmed that the number of all the enclosed game balls is appropriate, the operation of the upper launching device 12 is permitted. On the other hand, if the number of all enclosed game balls is not appropriate and is excessive or insufficient, the operation of the upper launching device 12 is not permitted and the hit ball is not fired, so that the game itself is not performed. As a result, it is possible to avoid the problem that the principle that the fairness given to the player is ensured is broken due to the imbalance in the number of game balls that can be used.

[Start and end of enclosed ball number determination control process for the main control board 100]
By the way, the enclosed ball number determination control process for determining whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount is for controlling the launch of the hitting ball launching device 29 and circulating the enclosed balls. Since the ball information control board 110 that performs ball feed control performs the ball feed control, the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 that mainly performs game control cannot directly perform the enclosed ball number determination control process. On the other hand, the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 on the main body frame side that controls the launch of the hit ball launching device 29 and the ball feed control for circulating the enclosed balls directly performs the enclosed ball number determination control process. Therefore, the ball information control MPU 111 directly determines whether or not the start condition of the enclosed ball number determination control process is satisfied and whether or not the end condition of the enclosed ball number determination control process is satisfied.

On the other hand, the main control MPU 101 cannot directly determine the start and end of the enclosed ball number determination control process when the enclosed ball number determination control process is performed. In that case, when the door frame 3 is opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2 in order to eliminate the grapes due to the generation of grapes in the game area 8 during the game, the enclosed ball number determination control process is originally performed. Despite the enclosed ball number determination control process that is irrelevant to the game of, while trying to remove the game ball at the place where grapes are growing, the game ball accidentally wins a prize, and the main control MPU 101 In the game control process, problems such as fluctuations in the symbol due to the occurrence of a prize and treatment as a big hit occur, the game data in the work area of the RAM becomes incorrect, and both the player and the game hall are inconvenienced. May occur.

As in the first embodiment described above, a game ball is launched toward the game area 8 from the start of execution of the enclosed ball number determination control process, the launched game ball is counted, and the ball is enclosed by the counted number of balls. When the configuration is such that it is determined whether or not the number of all game balls is appropriate, the number of enclosed balls determination control process, which is essentially unrelated to the game control process, is performed. In the unlikely event that a hit ball launched into the game area for counting wins a prize, in the game control process of the main control MPU 101, problems such as fluctuation of the symbol due to the occurrence of the prize and treatment as a big hit occur occur, and the RAM work area It is possible that the game data will be out of order, causing a problem that both the player and the game field will be inconvenienced.

Therefore, the embodiment described below is in an enclosed ball type game machine in which it is determined whether or not the number of all enclosed game balls is an appropriate amount, and the excess or deficiency is determined, and the number of enclosed balls is an appropriate amount. When the process for determining whether or not the game is executed, although it is irrelevant to the game control process, it is possible to avoid problems such as fluctuations in the symbol due to the occurrence of a prize and treatment as a big hit, and RAM. This is to prevent the game data in the work area of the above from being out of order.

[Second Embodiment of Door Frame Open / Close Determination Process]
FIG. 112 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the second embodiment of the door frame open / close determination process performed by the ball information control MPU. Considering that the door frame 3 is opened and closed in the situation where so-called grapes and the like are generated in the game area 8 as described above, it is assumed that the door frame 3 is opened and closed at least during the game. For this reason, also in the second embodiment, the door frame open / close determination process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process (see FIG. 84). ..

When the ball information control MPU starts the door frame opening / closing determination process, it first determines whether or not the door frame opening switch 131 is on (step S990). When it is determined in step S990 that the door frame opening switch 131 is not on (when step S990 is determined to be NO), that is, when the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the door It returns after exiting the subroutine of the frame open / close judgment process.

On the other hand, in step S990, when it is determined that the door frame opening switch 131 is ON (when it is determined that step S990 is YES), that is, it is detected that the door frame 3 is opened with respect to the main body frame 2. If so, the process proceeds to step S991, wait timer processing is performed (step S991), and it is determined whether or not the door frame opening switch 131 is off (step S992).

The wait timer process in step S991 is a process for waiting until the door frame 3 is open to the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 is closed to the main body frame 2. In the present embodiment, for example, 2 seconds is set as the waiting time (wait timer). In the determination of step S992, it is determined whether or not the door frame opening switch 131 is turned off.

When it is determined in step S992 that the door frame opening switch 131 is not off (when it is determined that step S992 is NO), that is, when the door frame 3 is still open with respect to the main body frame 2. , Step S991 and step S992 are determined to be NO, and the process waits until the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2.

Then, when the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the ball information control MPU determines that step S992 is YES, and proceeds to step S993. In step S993, the interrupt disable setting is performed (step S993). With this setting, the above-mentioned ball information control unit timer interrupt processing is not performed, writing to the ball information control built-in RAM is prevented, and the above-mentioned rewriting of ball information is protected.

Following step S993, the ball information control MPU transmits a start signal to the main control MPU (step S1100). Then, the process proceeds to the enclosed ball number determination control process (see FIG. 102) (step S1101), and when the enclosed ball number determination control process is completed, the end signal is transmitted to the main control MPU (step S1102). When the sphere information control MPU transmits an end signal to the main control MPU, it sets interrupt permission (step S995), exits the subroutine of the door frame open / close determination process, and returns. With this setting, the game returns to the normal game state, and the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every 2 ms, that is, the interrupt cycle set in step S540.

[Game control processing on the main control side]
As described above, the processing of steps S74 to S92 of the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 81 performed at a cycle of every 4ms corresponds to the game control processing. When the sphere information control MPU transmits a start signal to the main control MPU, the main control MPU receives the start signal in the frame command reception process in step S82.

[Wait processing]
FIG. 113 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of wait processing executed by the main control MPU as one of the frame command reception processing. When the main control MPU starts the wait process, it first determines whether or not a start signal (for example, 8-bit serial data) transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received (step A10). If the start signal is not received, it exits the wait processing subroutine and returns to this routine of the frame command reception processing.

On the other hand, when the start signal is received in step A10, the main control MPU sets the interrupt disable setting (step A12). With this setting, the timer interrupt process on the main control side is not performed, writing to the main control built-in RAM is prevented, and rewriting of game data is protected.

Next, when the main control MPU proceeds to step A14, the watch dock timer is cleared (step A14). The watch dock timer is set to clear by setting the value A, the value B, and the value C in the watch dock timer clear register WCL in this order. Then, the process proceeds to step A16, and it is determined whether or not the end signal (for example, 8-bit serial data) transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received (step A16).

If the end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is not received in step A16, the main control MPU returns to step A14 and sets the watch dock timer to be cleared. Therefore, the main control MPU waits by repeating the process of step A14 and the process of determining step A16 as NO (none). That is, while setting the clear of the watch dock timer, it waits until the end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received. This prevents the watch dock timer from timing out during standby and resetting the main control MPU.

Further, as a result, the main control MPU waits without proceeding with the game control process (main control side timer interrupt process) until the end signal is received (interrupted by not proceeding to the previous process). That is, until the enclosed ball number determination control process by the ball information control MPU ends and the end signal is received, the main control MPU performs the switch input process (step S74), the timer subtraction process (step S76), and the special one shown in FIG. The symbol and special electric accessory control process (step S86), the normal symbol and ordinary electric accessory control process (step S88), the port output process (step S90), and the like are not executed and stand by.

On the other hand, during this period, the enclosed ball number determination control process by the ball information control MPU is being executed, and the ball launching device 29, the ball feeding device 28, the ball lifting device 22 and the ball stopping stopper solenoid 244 are actually driven to launch the ball. By the hitting motion of the firing hammer 30 of the device 29, the game balls placed at the firing positions are launched one by one into the game area 8.

In this case, a hit ball launched in the game area 8 in order to count the number of all enclosed balls may win a prize in the start port (winning port 41). For example, a start port provided in the start port is provided. Although the detection signal of the sensor (not shown) is input to the main control I / O port 102, since the switch input process (step S74) is not executed, it is not reflected at all in the game control process and becomes invalid.

As a result, even though it is irrelevant to the game control, the hit ball launched in the game area 8 in order to count the number of enclosed balls should win a prize and be treated as a change in the symbol due to the occurrence of the prize, a big hit, etc. Since the problem can be avoided and the game data in the work area of the RAM of the main control MPU stored at the start of the enclosed ball count determination control process does not become incorrect, both the player and the game hall are inconvenienced. This can be avoided. In addition, it does not impose an unnecessary load on the main control MPU and does not interfere with other necessary processing.

On the other hand, the ball information control MPU transmits an appropriate amount of balls from the transmission of the start signal by executing the enclosed ball number determination control process until the above-mentioned predetermined counting end conditions (for example, elapsed time, number of missed swings, etc.) are satisfied. When the determination process (step S918 in FIG. 102) is executed and the ball number appropriate amount determination process is completed, the enclosed ball number determination control process is terminated. Then, when the enclosed ball number determination control process is completed, the end signal is transmitted to the main control MPU.

When the main control MPU receives the end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU, the main control MPU proceeds to step A18 and sets the interrupt disable release setting (step A18). With this setting, timer interrupt processing on the main control side is performed. Then, it exits the wait processing subroutine and returns to this routine of the frame command reception processing.

That is, upon receiving the end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU (in other words, on condition that the end signal is received), the main control MPU resumes the game control process. In this case, as described above with reference to FIG. 106, the operation of the upper launching device 12 is permitted (launching) on condition that it is confirmed that the number of all enclosed game balls is appropriate. Permission flag = 1). On the other hand, if the number of all enclosed game balls is not an appropriate amount, the operation of the upper launching device 12 is not permitted and is disabled (launch permission flag = 0). That is, the game cannot be restarted.

[Second embodiment when executing the enclosed ball number determination control process when the power is turned on]
FIG. 114 is a part of a flowchart of the power-on processing showing another example (referred to as a second embodiment) in the case where the ball information control MPU 111 executes the enclosed ball number determination control processing at the time of power-on. When the sphere information control MPU sets the stack pointer in step S520 of FIG. 82, the sphere information control MPU proceeds to step S522 of FIG. 114 and transmits a start signal to the main control MPU (step S522). Then, the process proceeds to the enclosed ball number determination control process (see FIG. 102) (step S524), and when the enclosed ball number determination control process is completed, the end signal is transmitted to the main control MPU (step S526). When the ball information control MPU transmits the end signal to the main control MPU, the process proceeds to step S527. Since the configuration of the processing after step S527 is the same as that of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 82, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Second embodiment of power-on processing on the main control side]
FIG. 115 is a flowchart showing a part of the second embodiment of the power-on processing executed by the main control MPU. When the wait timer process 2 is performed in step S20, the main control MPU proceeds to step A20 and sets the watch dock timer to be cleared (step A20). The watch dock timer is cleared by setting the value A, the value B, and the value C in the watch dock timer clear register WCL in this order. Then, the process proceeds to step A22 to determine whether or not the start signal (for example, 8-bit serial data) transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received (step A22).

If the start signal is not received in step A22, the main control MPU returns to step A20 and sets the watch dock timer to clear. Therefore, the main control MPU waits by repeating the process of step A20 and the process of determining step A22 as NO (none). That is, while setting the clear of the watch dock timer, it waits until the start signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received. This prevents the watch dock timer from timing out during standby and resetting the main control MPU.

On the other hand, when the start signal is received in step A22, the main control MPU proceeds to step A24 and sets the watch dock timer to be cleared (step A24). Then, the process proceeds to step A26 to determine whether or not the end signal (for example, 8-bit serial data) transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received (step A26). In the second embodiment, the main control MPU does not set the interrupt disable setting because it is before the timer interrupt initial setting is set at this stage.

If the end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is not received in step A26, the main control MPU returns to step A24 and sets the watch dock timer to be cleared. Therefore, the main control MPU waits by repeating the process of step A24 and the process of determining step A26 as NO (none). That is, while setting the clear of the watch dock timer, it waits until the end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received. This prevents the watch dock timer from timing out during standby and resetting the main control MPU.

In the second embodiment, the main control MPU waits until it receives the end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU in the main control side power-on processing, thereby performing a game control process (main control side timer interrupt process). Wait without migrating to.

In this case as well, a hit ball launched into the game area 8 in order to count the number of all enclosed balls may win a prize at the start opening (winning opening 41). For example, it is provided at the start opening. Although the detection signal of the start port sensor (not shown) is input to the main control I / O port 102, the game control process itself (FIG. 81) is not executed at all, so the start port sensor (not shown) is detected. The signal becomes invalid.

As a result, even though it is irrelevant to the game control, the hit ball launched in the game area 8 in order to count the number of enclosed balls should win a prize and be treated as a change in the symbol due to the occurrence of the prize, a big hit, etc. It is possible to avoid such problems, and the game data in the work area of the RAM built into the main control MPU, which is stored at the start of the enclosed ball count determination control process, does not become incorrect, which is a nuisance to the game field that manages the game data. Can be avoided. In addition, it does not impose an unnecessary load on the main control MPU and does not interfere with other necessary processing.

Upon receiving the end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU, the main control MPU proceeds to step S32 of FIG. Since the configuration of the processing after step S32 is the same as that of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 80, detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, upon receiving the end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU (in other words, on condition that the end signal is received), the main control MPU shifts to the game control process. Also in this case, as described above with reference to FIG. 106, the operation of the upper launching device 12 is permitted provided that it is confirmed that the number of all enclosed game balls is appropriate (the operation of the upper launching device 12 is permitted). Launch permission flag = 1). On the other hand, if the number of all enclosed game balls is not an appropriate amount, the operation of the upper launching device 12 is not permitted and is disabled (launch permission flag = 0). That is, the game cannot be played.

1 Pachinko game machine 1a Outer frame 2 Main body frame 2a Main body frame base 2b Tight material 3 Door frame 4 Settlement machine 5 Game board 6 Decorative cover 7 Hinge 8 Game area 9 Game window 10 Hitting handle 11 Transparent plate 12 Upper launcher (upper launch device) unit)
13 Launch solenoid 14 Touch panel 15 Fitting frame 16 Peripheral wall 17 Storage opening 18 Overhanging wall 19 Deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit Storage unit 20 Deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 21 Ball collecting part 22 Ball lifting device 23 sphere Delivery gutter 24 Ball supply path member 25 Screw 25a Screw shaft 25b Small pitch ridge member 25bL Half split 25bR Half split 25c Large pitch ridge member 25cL Half split 25cR Half split 25d Spiral ridge 25e Cylindrical part 25g Recess 25h Convex part 25i Upper edge 25j Upper edge concave part 25k Lower edge 25m Lower edge convex part 26 Launch standby ball detection switch 28 Ball feeder 29 Hitting ball launcher 30 Launching hammer (launching member)
301 Fixed part 302 Sake part 303 Stopper contact part 31 Ball feed solenoid 32 Ball feed member 33 Rail member 331 Mounting plate part 332 Rail part 333 Left rail plate 334 Right rail plate 335 Through hole 34 Launch stopper 35 Return stopper 36 Launch Sphere confirmation switch 361 Photo bracket 37 Upper launcher hinge 38 Launch port 39 Base plate 39a Abutment 40 Launch area 41 Winning port 42 Out port 43 Panel holder 44 Transparent panel plate 45 Front component 46 Game ball running surface 47 Notch 48 Solenoid 49 Fixture 50 Screw receiving member 51 Ball entry prevention wall 52 Tension spring 53 Spring locking part 54 Ball guide protrusion 55 Front guide surface 56 Stopper piece 57 Arrangement space 58 Ball outlet 60 Rotating drive shaft 61 Hammer tip 62 Stopper Cover 63 Ball supply port 64 Launch port Decorative member 65 Lifting communication trough 66 Ball inlet 67 Ball feed unit base 68 Ball feed unit cover 69 Ball feed guidance trough 70 Launch standby ball detection switch 71 Ball feed sheet metal 72 Acting rod 73 Sheet metal accommodation Part 74 Ball feed part 75 Shaft hole 76 Ball feed shaft 77 Arm part 78 Sheet metal locking claw 79 Hook protrusion 80 Ball feed guide surface 81 Ball holding surface 82 Hanging piece 83 Return ball blocking part 84 Ball stop part 85 Ball hitting port 86 Launch stop switch 87 Touch switch 90 Upper start port detection switch 91 Lower start port detection switch 92 Gate switch 93 General winning port detection switch 94 General winning port detection switch 96 Starting port solenoid 97 Large winning port solenoid 98 Count switch 100 Main control board 101 Main control MPU
101a 1st MPU recognition number storage unit 102 Main control I / O port 103 Main control input circuit 104 Main control solenoid drive circuit 105 RAM clear switch 106 RTC control unit 107 RTC
108 Battery 109 RAM
110 Sphere Information Control Board 111 Sphere Information Control MPU
111a 2nd MPU recognition number storage unit 112 Ball information control I / O port 113 Ball information control input circuit 114 Ball lifting motor drive circuit 115 CR unit input / output circuit 116 External WDT
117 Power failure monitoring circuit 118 Ball information control unit 119 Ball polishing ribbon feed motor drive circuit 120 Launch solenoid drive circuit 122 Ball feed solenoid drive circuit 123 Handle relay terminal board 124 Sensor relay board 130 Peripheral control board 131 Door frame release switch 132 Body frame open Switch 133 External terminal board 140 Panel relay terminal board 141 Function display board 142 Upper special symbol display 143 Lower special symbol display 144 Upper special symbol storage display 145 Lower special symbol storage display 146 Normal symbol display 147 Normal symbol storage display Instrument 148 Game status indicator 149 Round indicator 150 Ball lifting motor 155 Ball polishing ribbon feed motor 156 Lifting inlet switch 157 Lifting motor sensor 158 Cassette detection switch 160 Main cryptographic communication unit 161 2nd MPU recognition number storage unit 162 1st Authentication unit 165 Ball information encrypted communication unit 166 1st MPU recognition number storage unit 167 2nd authentication unit 201 Ball receiving base 202 Recovery port 203 Recovery ball detection switch 204 Deformed ball discharge unit 205 Magnetic ball discharge unit 206 Ball path full tank detection switch 207 Ball proper amount detection switch 208 Deformed ball discharge part base 209 Deformed ball separating shaft 210 Deformed ball separating shaft 212 Deformed ball discharging part base mounting part 213 Upstream side 214 Downstream side 215 Deformed ball discharging route 216 Deformed ball discharging port 217 Deformed ball discharging Path forming member 218 Communication path 219 Circulation path 220 Inclined surface 221 Falling surface 222 Magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 223 Discontinuous part 224 Side wall 225 Ceiling wall 226 Magnetic ball discharge path 227 Magnetic ball discharge port 228 Magnetic ball discharge part cover 229 Magnet 230 Solenoid Containment space 231 Magnetic force adjustment unit 232 Magnetic ball 233 Regular game ball 234 Discharge ball receiving box 240 Ball recovery device 241 Ball detention part 242 Ball discharge trough 243 Ball detention stopper member 244 Ball detention stopper solenoid 245 Ball detention stopper solenoid drive circuit 251 Ball Polishing cartridge 252 Left side cover 253 Right side cover 253a Right outer side cover 253b Right inner side cover 254 Hinge receiving part 255 Hinge 258 Second drive gear case 259 Take-up roller 260 Driven roller 261 First Gear shaft 262 Second gear shaft 263 Ball polishing cloth 264 Ball polishing cloth holding spring 265 Leaf spring 266 Spring holding 267 Tensioner 268 Game ball contact mark 270 Ball polishing cartridge mounting part 271 Ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 272 Ball polishing cartridge fixing stopper 273 Ball polishing cartridge mounting port 275 Ball feeding passage 275a Ball feeding port 275b Ball feeding port 281 Opening 282 Lifting guide rail 290 Drive shaft 291 Mounting sensor 292 Button 350 Ball feeding rotating body 350a Ball engaging recess 351 Ball feeding inclined part 351a Inclined surface 351b Top inclined surface 352 Spiral base cover 353 Lifting part cover 354 Lifting slope member 355 Ball pulling member 356 Upper gearbox 357 Lower gearbox 358 Ball lifting motor gear 359 Idle gear 360 Upper lifting gear 362 Lower lifting gear 363 Ball feed rotating body gear 363a Gear shaft 365 Guide block 365a Ball guide surface 365b Stopper surface 366 Fitting member 366a Fitting recess 367 Support member 368 Cover member 402 Card processing machine 403 Card 404 ID storage unit 405 Remaining frequency storage unit 406 Ball number storage 407 Mounting member 408 Hanging wall 410 Ball outlet opening / closing unit 411 Shutter base 412 Opening / closing shutter 413 Opening / closing crank 414 Opening / closing spring 415 Slide groove 416 Opening 417 Crank support 418 Spring locking part 419 Shutter body 420 Drive hole 421 Shaft 422 Drive 樟 423 Drive pin 424 Contact part 425 Spring locking part 426 Opening and closing operating piece 427 Game ball introduction member 450 Positioning guide member 500 Following member 700 Ball stop pin 701 Electromagnetic 702 Electromagnetic 703 Spring 800 Lower space 801 Intake device 802 Exhaust device 803 Motor 804 Fan 805 Filter 806 Accumulator 807 Derivation passage 808 Outer opening valve 809 Main tube 810 Branch tube 811 Opening 812 Auxiliary metal fittings 1400 LCD display device

Claims (1)

A winning opening in which a game area is formed and a game ball that rolls down the game area can enter, and a game ball that rolls down the game area and does not enter the winning opening are collected. A game board equipped with an out port,
The main body frame into which the game board is fitted and housed
A door frame having a game window that is openable and closable to the front surface of the main body frame and that faces the player side when the game area of the game board is closed.
A door frame opening switch that detects the opening of the door frame with respect to the main body frame,
A hitting ball launching device arranged on the upper part of the main body frame and launching a game ball into the game area,
A ball collection device having a collection port for collecting a game ball that has entered the winning opening and a game ball that has been collected in the out opening.
A ball transporting device for transporting a game ball collected by the ball collecting device toward the hitting ball launching device is provided.
A predetermined number of game balls are closedly circulated in the ball striking device, the game area of the game board, the ball recovery device, and the circulation path of the game balls by the ball transfer device without paying out the game balls. In an enclosed ball-type game machine that lets you play games

The game board
Equipped with a main control board that performs game control processing
The main body frame
It is provided with a ball information control board which is connected to the main control board so as to enable bidirectional data communication and controls the ball launching device, the ball collecting device, and the ball transporting device.
The ball launching device is
Equipped with a launch ball confirmation means to detect the game ball placed at the launch position,

The sphere information control board is
Based on the detection signal of the door frame opening switch, it means that the door frame has shifted from the state of being open to the main body frame to the state of the door frame being closed to the main body frame. A door frame opening / closing determining means for determining whether or not the door frame has been opened / closed,
When the door frame opening / closing determining means determines that the door frame has been opened / closed, the start signal transmitting means for transmitting the start signal to the main control board and the start signal transmitting means.
After the start signal transmitting means outputs the start signal, the ball launching device and the ball transporting device are operated to launch all the enclosed game balls into the game area.
When a game ball is launched by the game ball launch control means, a game ball number counting means that counts the number of launched game balls based on the detection signal of the launch ball confirmation means.
A game ball number appropriate amount determining means for comparing the number of game balls counted by the game ball number counting means with a predetermined appropriate amount to determine whether or not the game ball number is appropriate, and determining excess or deficiency.
When it is determined whether or not the number of game balls in which the game ball number appropriate amount determination means is appropriate is appropriate for all the game balls, the end signal transmission means for transmitting the end signal to the main control board is provided.

The main control board
When the start signal is received during the game, the game control process is temporarily interrupted and waits until the end signal is received, and the game control process is restarted on condition that the end signal is received.
An enclosed ball-type game machine characterized by this.