JP2534468C - - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to permitting or preventing the passage of a game ball flowing down a gutter.
A flow control device having an operating member and a drive source for controlling the flow of a game ball at
Detecting means for detecting a discharge state of a game ball flowing down by the flow down control device.
About effective technology for pachinko machines. 2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko game machine is provided when a game ball wins a winning area provided in a game section.
It has a prize ball discharge device for discharging a constant number of prize balls. The conventional prize ball discharge device
Generally, a ball-and-sheath case that can be swung is used.
The movement of the lever, which is rotated by the weight of the separated sphere, is separated by one piece at a time.
To be rocked. [0003] However, in recent pachinko machines, it is called a lucky seven.
Many have large floating prize devices that create a state in which a large number of prize balls can be obtained.
It's getting worse. In a pachinko gaming machine having such a large variable winning device,
Or, there are many chances that consecutive winning balls are generated. However, due to the winning ball
In conventional ball-and-sheath type prize ball discharge devices that are activated by the transmission of physical force
Also, there is a limit to speeding up due to friction of each mechanism. [0005] Therefore, one end faces the bottom opening of the storage tank disposed on the upper rear surface of the game board.
The guide gutter is arranged so as to be gently inclined downward toward the other end.
From the operating member that can enter the downflow path of the game ball and the drive source of this operating member
By disposing the ball discharge device, and retreating the operating member from the downflow path.
To start the discharge of game balls and set up a detector to detect the discharged game balls.
When a predetermined number of game balls have been ejected, the operating member enters the downflow path and is ejected.
Is proposed to be terminated. [0006] However, in the ball discharging device configured as described above, the ball to be discharged is
A sensor using a semiconductor element such as an optical sensor is used as a detector to detect a ball.
If used, the sensor may malfunction due to static electricity charged on the game ball flowing down the guide gutter.
The ball ejection device ejects more than a predetermined number of game balls when it is activated or destroyed.
There is a possibility that. To avoid this, set the sensor a little away from the guide gutter.
In this case, it is possible to detect the flowing game ball more reliably than when detecting the game ball directly.
There is a problem that it becomes difficult. [0007] An object of the present invention is to detect a game ball (sensing) by the static electricity of the flowing game ball.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pachinko gaming machine which can prevent the ball discharge device from being broken and the ball discharge device from erroneously discharging the game ball. [0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a gutter for guiding a game ball, and a gutter flowing down the gutter.
Control the flow of game balls by allowing or blocking the passing of incoming game balls
Control device having an operating member and a drive source for the
And a detector comprising an optical sensor for detecting a discharge state of a game ball to be dropped.
In the technical equipment, the detector faces the gutter, and the gutter has at least the detector.
A conductive member is provided on the upstream side and from the vicinity of the detector to several game balls.
Connecting the conductive member to another conductive part of the game machine to discharge static electricity from the flowing ball.
I did it. As the above-mentioned flow-down control device, a ball discharging device for discharging a prize ball or the like or a winning ball is used.
The prize ball processing device that separates and detects one prize is particularly effective, but is not limited thereto.
Not. According to the above-mentioned means, the electrostatic force of the game ball flowing down the gutter on the upstream side of the ball discharge device is obtained.
The detector is dissipated by static electricity because air is released by the conductive member provided on the gutter.
Ball discharge device as a flow control device to prevent malfunction and destruction
To prevent malfunctions such as incorrectly ejecting more than a predetermined number of game balls
Will be able to Moreover, it is possible to reliably detect a game ball flowing down by causing the detector to face the gutter.
At the same time, malfunctions and destruction due to static electricity due to the detector facing the gutter
It is possible to avoid that it is easy to happen. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a back mechanism of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention. A reserve tank 2 for reserve spheres is disposed above the back mechanism panel 1.
One end is connected to a guide gutter 11 for automatically aligning and guiding an internal spare ball.
I have. The guide gutter 11 has two passages, is gently inclined, and has a pendulum on the way.
A ball type flyer 3 of the type and a ball type flyer 4 of the pressing type are provided.
The balls are arranged in two rows while flowing down the guide gutter 11. A stopper-type prize as a flow-down control device is provided at the lower end of the guide gutter 11.
A ball discharge device 20 (see FIG. 4) is provided. Pachinko machine 100 (see FIG. 2)
The ball hitting the winning opening provided in the game board on the front of
A prize ball processing device which is collected at one place by the collecting shelf 10 and serves as another flow-down control device
Each of them is separated by the device 40 and detected by the winning ball detector 91.
An output command signal is generated. Then, the prize ball discharging device 20 is operated only once.
Thus, a predetermined number (for example, 13) of prize balls are discharged. By the winning ball processing device 40
The separated and detected winning ball passes through the outlet gutter 12 and is collected at the rear of the gaming machine (not shown).
Is discharged. When the prize ball discharge device 20 finishes discharging the prize ball, the discharge is completed.
Upon receiving the completion signal, the winning ball processing device 40 separates and detects the next winning ball. On the other hand, the prize ball discharged by the prize ball discharge device 20 is connected to the prize ball lead-out trough 13.
Through the supply port 14, it flows out to the supply plate 101 (see FIG. 2) on the front of the gaming machine. Offering
When the tray 101 is full, the prize ball passes through the diversion gutter 15 and is received at the lower front of the gaming machine.
It is discharged to the plate 102. When the tray 102 becomes full, it is installed in the middle of the diversion gutter 15.
Detected by the detected overflow detector 92, for example,
The driving is stopped. When the overflow state of the tray is detected by the overflow detector 92
To notify the player of this, an overflow indicator 113 is provided on the front of the gaming machine.
Have been. On the front surface of the gaming machine 100, in addition to the overflow indicator 113, a prize ball lamp 111 that is turned on every time a prize ball is discharged in accordance with the occurrence of a prize ball,
When the link 2 is empty or when the number of ejected prize balls reaches a predetermined number
The prize ball discharging device 2 is intentionally turned on by inserting a completion lamp 112, a piano wire or the like that is turned on.
Illicit warning display that lights or flashes when there is an illegal operation that activates 0
Clogging and discharging solenoids in the lamp 114, prize ball discharging device, etc.
Malfunction indicator lamp 115, which is turned on or blinks when a sensor or the like fails.
A prize ball number indicator 116 for displaying the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the winning balls,
A pilot lamp that is turned on while the firing motor of the ball firing device 103 is driven
Various display devices such as 117 are provided. The prize ball number display 116 is an example.
For example, a transparent plate on which three types of prize balls are described, and three
A lamp consisting of a lamp and corresponding to the number of prize balls set by a setting device (described later)
Is displayed by selectively turning on. Reference numeral 105 denotes a hit ball which is not hit in the winning opening out of hit balls hit on the game board.
An out hole 93 for collecting to the back of the game board has no spare ball in the storage tank 2.
Is a ball shortage detector for detecting this. In addition, below the prize ball discharge device 20, the ball is removed in parallel with the prize ball outlet gutter 13.
A gutter 16 is provided.
Is provided with a ball punching device 60 having a switching gate. This ball emptying device 6
0 is a pin or a pin through an operation hole 106 formed on the front surface of the holding frame 104 of the gaming machine.
Can activate the switching gate by inserting a tool such as a wire
I can do it. Then, the switching gate is switched to the ball drain gutter 16 side.
Then, the ball release switch 84 is turned on. In a conventional pachinko game machine using a ball sheath case, a gate for removing balls is used to discharge prize balls.
The ball remains on the way even if the ball is removed
However, in this embodiment, the ball removing device 60 is located downstream of the prize ball discharging device 20.
Because there are, all balls can be skipped, and the data of pachinko parlors can be accurately calculated. The lower end of the ball drain gutter 16 is used to guide an out ball collected from the out hole 105.
A collection gutter (Min.)
(Omitted), and the collected sphere flows out. The back mechanism panel 1 further includes the prize ball discharging device 20 and the overflow detector 92.
Pachinko game machines such as stopping the launch of a ball by detection signal from the
Control device 200 for performing electrical control of the body and various fluctuation prizes on the front of the game board
It is based on signals from a detector built into the device or a variable display type auxiliary game device, etc.
A game content control device 210 for controlling these game operations is provided. In the field of pachinko gaming machines, it is necessary to prevent game players from leaving due to monotonization of game contents.
To be exchanged for a new game board with a different game content or design.
However, even in that case, the pachinko machine main unit and the back mechanism board except for the game board are almost the same
is there. However, even for such invariant parts, the game board
It is very uneconomical to exchange them with. In the above embodiment, when exchanging the game board, the game board and its game content control device 210
The configuration is such that only replacement is required. That is, the game content control device 210
Is fixed to the back of the removable game board, and the prize ball discharge device 20 and the winning ball processing
The devices 40 and their control devices 200 are provided with the reserve sphere storage tank 2 and various guiding gutters 10.
17 together with the gaming machine main body, and is fixed to the back mechanism board 1. Therefore, the game
When replacing the panel, leave the main unit and most of the back mechanism panel intact and continue using them.
It is very economical to use. On the outer surface of the control device 200, a single discharging operation of the prize ball discharging device 20 is performed.
Prize ball number setting devices 81 and 8 including dip switches and the like to set the number of ejected balls.
2 are installed. In addition, at the time of hitting or failure, the winning ball on the collecting shelf 10 is discharged to the upper part of the back mechanism panel 1 without operating the prize ball discharging device 20.
Manual switch (hereinafter referred to as a memory discharge switch) 83 is provided.
You. That is, the memory ejection switch 83 is used to eject the prize ball in the prize ball ejection device 20 described later.
Instead of the sensor 25, a pseudo discharge end signal is given. FIG. 3 shows the structure of the reserve ball storage tank 2, the guide gutter 11 and the prize ball discharge device 20.
And its connection state. The storage tank 2 is placed in a storage recess formed above the back mechanism panel 1.
Mounted. Although not shown, one end (left end in the figure) of the bottom wall of the storage tank 2 is opened.
An opening is formed, and a guide gutter 11 is attached so as to face the opening. Guide gutter
On the bottom wall of 11, a tread plate is rotatably arranged, and there is no spare ball in the storage tank 2.
And the tread rises. This is detected by the ball shortage detector 93 to form a ball supply request signal.
You. A flow dividing wall 11 a is provided in the middle of the guide gutter 11, and separates and regulates the flowing ball into two lines.
Line up. The ball nose 3 is attached to a support portion 11 b formed on the upper part of the guide gutter 11 by a pin 3.
The ball that hangs down at a and overlaps vertically on the guide gutter 11 and breaks down
Align. The ball nose 4 is attached to a support piece 4a fixed on both sides of the guide gutter 11 by a pin.
4b, it is rotatably supported and prevents the balls flowing down on the guide gutter 11 from overlapping. Further, in the middle of the guide gutter 11, preferably just before the prize ball discharge device 20,
A flow-down control member 7 rotatable around the pin 4b is provided. This flow control unit
The tip bent piece of the material 7 is divided into two parts, and each bent piece is
Slots 7c and 7d are formed in the upper wall of the guide gutter 11 corresponding to the two guide paths.
By entering into 11c and 11d, the ball in the guide gutter 11 is prevented from flowing down, and the prize is awarded.
The supply to the product ball discharging device 20 can be manually interrupted. This makes it possible to easily perform maintenance and inspection of the prize ball discharging device 20 and replacement work in the event of failure. An operation piece 7 b is provided on one side of the flow-down control member 7 so as to protrude laterally.
The flow-down control member 7 can be easily rotated by movement. In addition, this operation
A spring 9 is stretched between the piece 7b and the pin 8 provided on the side wall of the guide gutter 11.
The spring 9 can stably maintain the state of the flow-down control member 7.
ing. A prize ball integrally having a downflow path 30 at the lower end of the guide gutter 11
An ejection device 20 is provided. In this case, a locking piece is provided on the side of the gutter at the lower end of the guide gutter 11.
11e, and at the top and bottom of the starting end of the flow-down path 30 on the prize ball discharging device side,
A guide piece 30a projecting from the guide piece 30a is provided.
Thus, the guide gutter 11 and the downflow path 30 can be connected. FIGS. 4 to 6 show details of the prize ball discharging device 20. The prize ball discharging device 20
The lower path 30 and an operating member that enters the lower path 30 and controls the flow of the ball
The downflow prevention member 22 and the solenoid 21 as its driving means are integrally connected.
It becomes. The flow path 30 includes an alignment gutter 31 gently inclined and a flow of the alignment gutter 31.
The flow control gutter 33 extending substantially vertically downward from the lower end, the alignment gutter 31 and the flow control gutter 33
An adjusting unit 32 for turning the flowing ball at the connection part by about 90 degrees,
A guiding gutter 34 extending obliquely downward from the lower end of the gutter 33 by about 45 degrees,
A discharge gutter 35 extending substantially vertically downward from the end of the guide gutter 34
. Near the boundary between the guide gutter 34 and the discharge gutter 35, a pair of
The support pieces 36 are protruded, and the support shaft 24 is suspended between the support pieces 36. The flow path 30 is formed in two lines corresponding to the guide gutter 11, and has two flow lines.
In correspondence with the path 30, a pair of fan-shaped flow-down preventing members 22 are mounted rotatably about the support shaft 24. Solenoid 21 is also one corresponding to
A pair is provided. The tip of the flow-down preventing member 22 is provided on the inner wall of the flow-down path 30.
It enters through the slit and protrudes into the guide gutter 34. Above-mentioned downflow prevention
The rear end of the tip of the member 22 is connected to the plunge of the solenoid 21 via a link member 23.
It is connected to the distal end of the plunger 21a, so that the plunger 21a expands and contracts.
The stop member 22 is reciprocated about the support shaft 24, and the leading end enters the guide gutter 34.
And retreat. This allows or prevents the ball from flowing down.
Or a predetermined number of discharges. The side wall of the guide gutter 34 swells outward to form a storage section 37.
The ejection sphere detector 25 composed of a transmission type optical sensor is inserted into the storage section 37. The solenoid 21 and the discharge ball detector 2 are provided above the solenoid 21.
5 is connected to the control device 200 at one place.
Connector 26 so that wiring for connection can be collectively connected from the front.
Are arranged. Then, at the lower end of the flow-down path 30, the start of the prize ball lead-out gutter 13 is started.
The connection is performed by engaging the engaging portion 13a formed at the end. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, on the bottom surface of the alignment gutter 31 at the entrance of the flow path 30,
A conductive sheet 38 such as a metal plate is attached, and one end of the conductive sheet 38 is
It is grounded to the frame. As a result, the static electricity charged on the falling ball is released.
Thus, electrostatic discharge damage of the ejected ball detector 25 can be prevented. That is, the detector
Although a method using a mechanical type such as a micro switch is also conceivable,
The micro switch has a slow return operation, so it turns on when the ball continuously flows down
There is a risk of being left unattended, and chattering is likely to occur. Also, long
Contact failure is likely to occur due to use of the period. Therefore, the micro switch is a prize ball
It is not suitable as a detector for detecting a continuous sphere like a discharge device. Therefore, in the above embodiment, an optical sensor is used as the ejected ball detector 25. However, since the optical sensor is formed of an IC, it is susceptible to static electricity,
While the ball is flowing down the guide gutter 11, it is charged with static electricity due to friction with the gutter.
There is an inconvenience that the sensor easily malfunctions due to air. The inconvenience
In the embodiment, the conductive sheet 38 attached to the bottom surface of the alignment gutter 31 avoids the discharge by discharging.
It is. Further, by selecting the material of the conductive sheet 38, the frictional force between the ball and the gutter can be increased.
Can be reduced to make the flow of the ball smooth. Further, the upper wall of the straightening gutter 31 constituting the flow-down path of the prize ball discharging device 20 and
On the outer wall of the flow control gutter 33, slits 31a and 33a are respectively provided as shown in FIG.
It is provided. As a result, foreign matter or the like intrudes into the downflow path, and
If the ball is clogged or the flow is prevented from flowing smoothly,
Foreign matter can be removed by inserting a tool such as a pin from 31a or 33a.
For example, maintenance becomes easy. The slits 31a and 33a are
Engage the cover member 39 having the step portion 39a of substantially the same size as
It is made to close. Next, the operation of the downflow path 30 and the downflow control device 20 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the prize ball discharging device 20, the falling-off preventing member 22 is guided as shown by a solid line in FIG.
In the state where the pachinko ball B has entered the passage 34, the pachinko balls B arranged in the flow-down passage 30
Is stopped by the leading edge ball B1 contacting the outer peripheral surface of the flow-down preventing member 22.
. At this time, two balls B1 and B2 are provided in the guiding gutter 34, and three balls B1 and B2 are provided in the flow control gutter 33.
The dimensions of the guide gutter 34 and the flow control gutter 33 are determined so that the balls B3, B4, and B5 are stored.
Is defined. Moreover, the uppermost ball B5 in the flow control gutter 33 is the same as the ball B6 in the alignment gutter 31.
, B7... And come into contact with the tapered adjusting portion 32.
. By being pressed toward the adjusting portion 32, the ball B5 generates a repulsive force from the adjusting portion 32.
The repulsive force is transmitted to the ball B5 and the balls B4, B3,.
Acts to push up. As a result, the downflow prevention member 22 is indicated by a broken line C in FIG.
When the ball is retracted from the guiding gutter 34 as described above, the repulsive force from the adjusting portion 32 and the ball
Due to the weight, the balls B1 to B5 in the flow control gutter 33 and the guide gutter 34 begin to flow down quickly.
Become so. When the balls B1 to B5 flow down, the balls B6, B7... In the alignment gutter 31 flow down subsequently.
To start. Then, at the exit of the alignment gutter 31, first, it collides with the adjustment unit 32 to reduce the flow velocity.
The flow direction is changed by about 90 ° from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction,
Enter 3. There, acceleration is performed by its own weight.
A ball interval is secured between the ball and the following ball. Therefore, for example, the ball B7 is detected.
When the solenoid 21 is demagnetized at the time of the release, the operation of the downflow prevention member 22 is delayed.
Even before the ball B7 passes, it can be prevented from flowing down.
By increasing the ball interval in this way, control of the flow-down preventing member becomes easy.
However, when B7 is detected and the solenoid 21 is turned off, the prize ball discharged is 6
Individual. Further, in the flow-down path 30, the flow-down of the ball is prevented by the flow-down preventing member 22.
The center O5 of the ball B5 located at the top of the flow control gutter 32 in the
From the extension of the center line connecting the centers O6, O7 ... of the aligned balls B6, B7 ...
The dimensions of the guide gutter 34 and the regulating gutter 33 are determined so as to be located below.
. Therefore, the pressure transmitted from the waiting balls B6, B7 ... to B5 pushes down the ball B5.
Component force. Thereby, when the flow-down preventing member 22 retreats, the adjustment is performed.
The ball B5 at the top of the flow gutter 33 is positioned between the following ball B6 and the outer wall 33a of the flow control gutter 33.
In rare cases, it will not be impossible to follow the flow of the balls B1 to B4 and try to flow down.
No. The ejection sphere detector 25 provided in the middle of the guiding gutter 34 has a detection optical axis F
It is located so that it is slightly off the center of the sphere flowing down. Detection light
When the axis F is positioned so as to pass through the center of the sphere, if a plurality of spheres flow continuously, the pulse interval of the detection signal becomes narrow and accurate counting may not be performed.
There is. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the detection optical axis F is shifted from the center of the sphere.
Due to the shift, accurate counting can be performed. The falling locus at the center of the sphere on which the rotating surface of the fan-shaped falling-off member 22 flows is described.
The flow-down preventing member 22 is attached so as to coincide with the guide gutter 34, and is directed downward from above.
Once moved to enter the gutter, it stopped the flowing ball
I have. Therefore, when the flowing ball stops, the impact force acting on the flowing-down preventing member 22 is
A stopper for limiting the rotation range of the flow-down preventing member 22 (for example,
(The slit end of the guiding gutter 34), which can be easily stopped.
It can have the strength to withstand the shock acting when stopped. Further, the lowermost ball B 1 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the fan-shaped downflow prevention member 22 and stops.
As a result, the lowermost ball B1 is positioned between the outer peripheral surface of the flow-down preventing member 22 and the wall surface of the guide gutter 34.
Even if it is stopped in such a way that it bites in between, it does not
The ball B1 moves away while rotating the ball B1 on the outer peripheral surface of the ball. Therefore, relatively small
The downflow prevention member 22 can be moved backward by a small force, and the downflow prevention member 22 and the guide gutter can be used.
It is possible to prevent the ball from being stuck between the wall surfaces of the 34 and not moving. Further, the rotation center of the flow-down preventing member 22 and the center of the lowermost ball B 1 in the guide gutter 34
It is arranged so that the line connecting O1 is horizontal. Therefore, the downflow prevention member 2
As soon as the end of 2 comes off the outer periphery of the ball B1, the ball B1 can flow down and stop flowing down
The blocking force is released after the ball B1 has slipped down a little with the rotation of the member 22, and
Nothing to start. In the above embodiment, the angle α between the flow control gutter 33 and the guide gutter 34 is 0 to 9
It is good if it is in the range of 0 °, but if it is set to around 45 °, it accelerates in the flow control gutter 33.
The speed of the falling ball is not greatly reduced,
The load applied to the stop member 22 can be reduced. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the downflow of the ball is prevented by the downflow prevention member 22.
From the contact point between the downflow prevention member 22 and the lowermost ball B1 in the guide gutter 34
The distance d between the vertical line G passing through a point separated by the diameter of
Smaller than the radius r of the sphere and larger than r-rcosα (r-rcos
The position of the terminal end 34a of the guide gutter 34 is determined such that α <d <r). This
Therefore, when the downflow preventing member 22 enters the guide gutter 34 and prevents the ball from flowing down,
The ball to be discharged later is pushed by the end face 22a of the downflow prevention member 22 so as to be discharged.
When it comes out, when it reaches the end 34a of the guide gutter 34, it flows down into the discharge gutter 35 and flows down.
It can escape from the blocking member 22. Therefore, the final discharge ball is guided forever
It remains in the gutter 35 and does not hinder the inflow of the downflow prevention member 22, and is quickly discharged.
It is possible to stop out. FIG. 7 shows details of one embodiment of the winning ball processing device 40. The collecting shelf 10 provided on the back of the back mechanism panel 1 is inclined downward toward the center, and
A flow path conversion unit 10C is provided at the center. This flow path conversion unit 10C is a set of left and right
A vertical wall 10a that creates a step on the shelves 10A and 10B, and is fixed to the vertical wall 10a.
To turn the winning ball flowing down from the right-hand set shelf 10A forward.
A guide piece 10b having a front end formed in an arc shape, and an assembly shelf 1 below the guide piece 10b.
Tapered portion 10c formed so as to be gently downwardly inclined forward at the end of 0A
It is composed of [0053] A path attached to cover the collecting shelf 10 corresponding to the flow path conversion unit 10C.
An inlet 41a through which one ball can pass is formed in the holding frame 41 integrated with the flannel.
An L-shaped winning ball guide plate 42 is provided along one side and the lower side of the inflow port 41a.
The winning ball that has entered is turned 90 degrees. A ball processing device 43 is swingably mounted on a support shaft 44 so as to be located on the side of the winning ball guide plate 42. The ball processor 43 is filled in on the prize ball guide plate 42.
On the opposite side, a concave ball receiving portion 43a is formed, and the opposite side is formed.
The weight 45 is attached to the side, and in the normal state, the attachment side of the weight 45 has its weight.
It is going down. The lower side of the ball receiving portion 43 a on the opposite side contacts the lower surface of the winning ball guide plate 42.
Then, further rotation is prevented and the balance is maintained. In this state, FIG.
When the winning ball flows down from the winning ball guide plate 42 to the ball receiving portion 43a as shown in FIG.
The weight of the weight 45 is adjusted so that the ball processor 43 rotates clockwise by the weight of
Has been determined. The bottom side of the ball processor 43 rotated by the weight of the flowing ball is held
It stops when it comes into contact with the frame 41. In this stopped state, the ball processor 43 stops at a position facing the winning ball guide plate 42.
A stop piece 43b is protruded. As a result, two or more winning balls are generated consecutively
In this case, the second and subsequent winning balls flow through the blocking piece 43b as shown in FIG.
The lower part is blocked, and is made to stand by on the winning ball guide plate 42. Also, its mounting position
Is not limited, for example, a detection piece 43 c is provided on the upper part of the ball processing device 43.
In addition, the holding frame 41 corresponding to the detecting piece 43c has a pair of
A safe sensor 91 such as an optical sensor in which containers are arranged opposite to each other is attached.
. Further, a solenoid 46 is provided on the side of the ball processing device 43,
Ball receiving portion of the ball processor 43 rotated by a winning ball flowing into the receiving portion 43a.
The solenoid 46 is fixed to the tip of the plunger 46a at a position facing the lower side.
A stopper 47 is provided. This solenoid 46 is in a demagnetized state.
And the stopper 47 at the tip of the plunger is pulled down by the spring 48
And flow down to the winning prize ball outlet gutter 12 held by the ball receiving portion 43a.
It is made to come into contact with the winning prize ball which is going to stop its flow (FIG. 8B)
reference). When the solenoid 46 is excited, the plunger 46 a contracts and the stopper
47 is raised, and the winning ball held in the ball receiving portion 43a moves toward the outlet gutter 12.
Flow down. The stopper 47 has an operation piece 47a projecting therefrom.
In the event of a malfunction of the solenoid or the like, a pachinko parlor staff manually releases the stopper 47.
The prize ball can be ejected by moving. The solenoid 46 receives a signal indicating that the prize ball has been discharged from the prize ball discharging device 20, for example.
Be moved. When the solenoid 46 is excited and the winning ball flows down
The ball processor 43 is rotated counterclockwise by the weight of the weight 45,
3b rises. Therefore, it is generated continuously and made to stand by on the winning ball guide plate 42.
The next winning ball flows into the ball receiving portion 43a, and the ball processor 43 again rotates clockwise.
Is rotated. In this way, by repeating the above operation,
A large number of winning balls are quickly separated and detected and processed. As described above, the prize ball discharging device 20 is prevented from flowing down by the solenoid 46.
Controlling the ejection of the prize ball by moving the member 22 into or out of the downflow path 30
If a stopper type is used, a safe
By installing the sensor 91 and detecting the winning ball, and electrically storing it,
It is also possible to perform high-speed discharge control. On the other hand, in the winning ball processing device 40 of the above embodiment, the winning ball processing device 43
Since the prize balls are separated and detected one by one, between the detection of the previous prize ball and the next prize ball
Separation is necessary and sufficient. Therefore, consecutive winning balls are more accurately detected.
Can be issued. It is to be noted that a prize is also won in a conventional gaming machine using a prize ball discharging device of a ball-and-sheath case type.
Discharge of prize balls is performed by separating balls one by one.
In the setting, the lever is moved with the winning ball separated, and the movement causes the stopper of the ball sheath case.
Is removed and tilted to discharge, and furthermore, the tilting of the ball sheath case is physically transmitted to the ball processor to allow the next winning ball to flow down.
The response speed is slower than that of the winning ball processing device 40, and a large amount of winning balls are generated in a short time.
Not suitable for processing. In the winning ball processing device 40 of the above embodiment, the prize ball discharging device 20
After confirming the exit, the solenoid 46 is actuated to discharge the previous winning ball, and the next winning ball is discharged.
Since it can be controlled to proceed to prize ball detection, prize balls are paid out even if a prize ball occurs
To prevent troubles that occur between the player and the game store
Can be. In other words, if there is no ejection of the prize ball, the winning ball remains at the stopper
So you can immediately see if the player's claim is correct. Moreover,
There is a one-to-one relationship between the prize ball and the discharge of the prize ball.
Since the processing has been suspended and the winning balls related to undischarged are kept on standby,
Becomes unnecessary. In other words, the winning ball is detected in advance and stored electrically in a memory or counter.
If you keep it, in order to prevent the number of memories from being lost in the event of a power failure
Although it is necessary to take countermeasures against power outages such as backup with a battery,
The use of device 40 eliminates the need. Further, in the above embodiment, the detection of the winning ball is performed by detecting the rotation of the ball processor 43.
Is performed in an indirect manner, so that the
The break sensor 91 is prevented from being broken. That is, in the case of the above embodiment, the passing of the winning ball
By placing the sensor 91 on the route, it is possible to directly detect the winning ball.
However, doing so may cause the sensor to be destroyed by static electricity charged on the winning ball.
However, indirect detection can destroy sensor damage
. In the above embodiment, the winning ball processing device is configured as shown in FIG.
To the right set shelf 10A as an inclination angle α of 6 to 8 °, and the left set shelf 1
0B is given an angle of 14 to 16 ° as the inclination angle β, so that the left and right collective shelves 10A and 10B
The speed of the winning ball flowing down B is varied, and the height h of the vertical wall 10a is set to 12
mm or more. As a result, a plurality of winning balls are generated and
Even if a prize ball sometimes flows down, it is possible to prevent the clogging of the ball in the flow path conversion unit 10C.
Swelling. Next, the prize ball discharge device 20 is controlled to discharge a predetermined number of prize balls and to launch a hit ball.
An embodiment of a control device 200 that controls the device 103 and the like will be described with reference to FIG.
I do. In this embodiment, the CPU (microcomputer) controls the prize ball discharging device 20 and the like.
) 200 '. The CPU 200 ′ is provided with the prize ball number setting devices 81 and 82 and the memory discharge in the above-described embodiment.
Switch 83, ball-off switch 84, safe sensor 91, overflow detector 9
2. The ball shortage detector 93 is input. By providing prize ball number setting devices 81 and 82,
In addition, it is possible to control models (pachinko machines) with different numbers of prize balls. The CPU 200 ′ is provided in the middle of the flow path 30 of the prize ball discharging device 20.
Ejected ball detection signals from a pair of ejected ball detectors (hereinafter referred to as ejected sensors) 25
Number is to be entered. Further, the CPU 200 ′ is stopped by a central management device of a game store (not shown).
A command signal is input. The CPU 200 ′ includes a ROM 201 as a read-only memory and a read-only memory
And a RAM 202 as a writable memory. ROM20
1 is a program to be executed by the CPU 200 ′ for controlling the prize ball discharging device 20 and the like.
Drive time and wait time per program and safe solenoid 46 (
Fixed data such as a discharge interval. On the other hand, the RAM 202 stores a memory area for storing the accumulated number of balls discharged from each of the flow-down paths 30 based on the discharged-ball detection signal from the discharge sensor 25 and the like, and each flow-down path.
Set the number of ejected balls, register area and soft
Provide an illegal counter that counts the detection signal from the discharge sensor when the solenoid is off.
ing. Further, the prize ball discharging device 20 is provided to the CPU 200 ′ through the driver 220.
A pair of solenoids (hereinafter referred to as discharge solenoids) 21 and a winning ball processing device 4
0 solenoid (hereinafter referred to as a safe solenoid) 46 and a prize ball lamp
111, completion lamp 112, overflow lamp 113, fraud warning display lamp
114, malfunction indicator lamp 115, award ball number indicator 116, pilot lamp 1
17, a display device (see FIG. 2), a speaker 120, and a hitting ball launching device 1.
03 is connected. The CPU 200 'follows the program in the ROM 201.
Therefore, based on the signals from the setting device, various detectors and switches, the prize ball discharging device is
Drive unit 20, various display lamps, hitting ball firing device 103, and the like.
. The main processes of the CPU 200 ′ are an overflow process, a tank process, and a ball removing process.
Prize ball detection processing and prize ball discharge processing. However, the order of processing is
The present invention is not limited to this, and may be executed from any process. Perform the above processing using a timer
Pachinko machine control is performed by repeatedly executing interrupts.
You. Here, in the overflow processing, the detection signal from the overflow detector 92 is
Upon detection, for example, the overflow lamp 113 is turned on for a predetermined time (10 to 20 seconds).
Lights or blinks, and if the overflow condition is not released
Means that the launching operation by the hit ball launching device 103 is stopped. to this
Therefore, the inside of the prize ball lead-out gutter 13 is filled with the prize ball to the vicinity of the prize ball discharge device 20.
Thus, it is possible to avoid adversely affecting the discharging operation. In the tank processing, when it is detected that the storage tank 2 is empty and the ball shortage detector 93 is turned off, for example, a ball supply request is sent to the central control room and the completion lamp 11
2 at the same time or afterwards, a discharge sensor in the prize ball discharge device 20.
When the ballless state is detected based on the signal of No. 25, the hit ball launching device 103 is stopped.
You. When the ball supply request signal is sent to the central control room, a command from the central control room
, A replenishing device (not shown) above the tank is operated to replenish the storage tank 2.
Be done. In this embodiment, the ball from the tank is detected by a signal from the ball shortage detector 93.
As shown in FIG. 10, the discharge of the prize ball is not restarted immediately after the state is detected.
For example, after waiting for a delay time td of 2 seconds to elapse,
I have. The reason for the delay time is that the guide gutter 11
This takes into account the time lag before the ball is filled with the spare ball, and
Empty discharge in the device 20 is prevented. In the ball removing process, the switching gate of the ball removing device 60 opens the entrance of the ball removing gutter 16 and the prize ball.
The fact that the opening of the outlet gutter 13 has been switched to the direction in which it is closed is indicated by the ball release switch 84.
When it is detected based on the signal from the prize ball discharging device 20, the solenoid 21 in the prize ball discharging device 20 is activated.
To move the reserve sphere continuously through the two flow passages 30 to form the storage tank.
This is to empty the work 2. Since the winning ball detection processing and the prize ball discharging device 20 are related to each other and become complicated, FIG.
1 shows a detailed processing procedure, which will be described below. When the processing is started by turning on the power or generating an interrupt, first, a winning ball is detected.
Previously, the initial settings of the safe memory for storing the number of winning balls and various registers were performed.
Thereafter (routine R1), one discharge for each flow path in the prize ball discharge device 20
The number of balls (hereinafter, referred to as the number of discharged bases) is determined (routine R2). In the gaming machine 100 of the above embodiment, the dip switch
There are provided prize ball number setting devices 81 and 82 each composed of a ball. Therefore, the CPU 200 '
Determines the discharge bases 1 and 2 as shown in the following table, for example, in accordance with the combination of the on and off states of these switches 81 and 82, and determines the total number of prize balls in the gaming machine 100.
It is displayed on the display 116 on the front. Here, as an example, the total number of prize balls is 11
, 13 and 15 are set. [Table 1] In the above [Table 1], the discharge solenoid 1 side is the one of the two
Refers to the solenoid provided on the path closer to the substrate.
The number of discharge units on the output solenoid 1 side is always larger than that on the discharge solenoid 2 side.
Has been determined. The reason for setting such a relationship is that the downflow route is defined as Article 2.
In this case, the water flows from the storage tank 2 to the prize ball discharging device 20 through the guide gutter 11.
The flow of the falling sphere is smoother on the flow path on the side closer to the substrate, and always on the far side
This is because it has been experimentally revealed that the ball tends to be short. Therefore,〔
By always increasing the number of discharge units on the discharge solenoid 1 side as shown in Table 1)
It is possible to balance the supply of the spheres to the two flow paths. The set n prize balls are discharged by the prize ball discharge device 20 shown in FIG.
When the discharge sensor 25 is to be discharged, the flow-down preventing member 22
Thus, there is one ball blocked, and the next discharge command is awaited while the discharge sensor 25 detects the previous ball. Therefore, in actual control, the set number n
When the discharge sensor detects the (n-1) th ball, which is smaller by "1", the flow-down preventing member 2
It is necessary to change a control signal for the solenoid 21 that operates the solenoid 2. When the discharge radix setting process (routine R2) is completed, an idle timer for 2 seconds
After the elapse of the program (routine R3), the process proceeds to the next routine, and the safe sensor is fixed.
R4) to determine whether the switch is on for a time. Here, if it is determined to be no (no),
In the next routine R5, it is determined whether or not the output of the safe sensor has risen.
If so, the process proceeds to the routine R7. On the other hand, the routines R4 and R5
If the answer is yes in any case, that is, if there is a safe ball, the routine proceeds to routine R6.
The safe memory in the CPU is incremented by "1" before proceeding to routine R7.
No. In the routine R7, it is determined whether or not the number in the register for storing the processing number is “1”.
If the answer is yes, the process jumps to the ejected ball detection process indicated by the symbol A. Only
Then, the processing number register is reset to "0" by the initial setting in the routine R1.
Therefore, the first determination in the routine R7 is NO, and the routine proceeds to the next routine R8.
move on. Here, it is determined whether or not the number in the processing number register is “2”.
Jumps to the post-processing indicated by the symbol B,
As in the case of the routine R7, the determination is NO, and the process proceeds to the fraud detection processing of the routine R9. FIG. 12 shows an example of a specific procedure of the fraud detection processing. In this process,
It is determined whether there is a rising edge of the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 (routine R
91). Here, if it is determined that there is a rising edge, that is, if there is a rising edge, the routine R92
The routine goes to and adds “1” to the illegal counter 1, and in the next routine R93, the illegal counter 1
It is determined whether or not the value of the counter has exceeded 2. In the above routines R91 and R93
If the determination is no, the process proceeds to routine R94, where the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is output.
It is determined whether or not there has been a rising edge. Where yes, ie with rising edge
If it is determined that the value is "1", the process proceeds to the routine R95 and "1" is added to the illegal counter 2.
In the next routine R96, it is determined whether or not the value of the illegal counter 2 has exceeded 2. If the determination in any of the above routines R93 and R96 is YES, the routine
Transfer to Tin R97. That is, one of the values of the unauthorized counter 1 or 2 is "2".
Exceeding means that there was a discharge ball even though the discharge solenoid was off
That is, the stopper of the prize ball discharging device 20 is incorrectly removed or the discharging
Either the solenoid 1 has failed and the stopper has come off. Because normal
In this state, when the discharge solenoid 1 is turned on as described later (routine R14), the
After the processing number is changed to "1" in the routine R15, the process returns to the routine R5, and the routine
Since the process shifts from R7 to prize ball discharge processing A, in this case, the illegal counter 1
, 2 are not counted up to 2 or more. Therefore, if one of the routines R93 or R96 determines “yes”,
After moving to the routine R97 and stopping the motor for hitting the ball, an improper warning is displayed.
The lamp 114 is turned on (routine R98), and a warning is issued from the speaker 120.
A sound is generated and the process ends (routine R99). Game store watching fraud warning display
Of the prize ball ejection device 20 inspected the solenoid 21
Or whether the solenoid 21 has failed. Note that the routine returns after a negative determination is made in one of the routines R91 and R93.
Proceed to routine R94 and determine NO in either routine R94 or R96
Then, the process proceeds to a routine R10. In the routine R10, it is determined whether the storage of the safe memory is not “0”, and
When the winning memory is "0", the routine returns to the routine R5. Thus, the routine R6
If the winning memory is incremented and the routine proceeds to R10,
After the determination, the process proceeds to a series of processes including the routines R11 to R15. That is, when there is a winning memory, first, in a routine R11, a safe lamp (prize ball lamp) is set.
111) is lit, the discharge base 1 (see Table 1) determined in the routine R2 is discharged to the discharge register 1 in the routine R12, and the discharge base 2 is discharged to the discharge register 2 in the routine R13.
Load base 2 each. Then, in the routine R14, the discharge solenoid 1
And 2 are turned on, and then "1" is set in the process number register in routine R15.
Then, the process returns to the routine R5. Then, the above process is repeated again,
This time, since the processing number register is set to "1", the routine
And the process jumps to discharge ball detection processing A. In the discharge ball detection processing A, first, it is determined whether or not the output of the discharge sensor 1 has risen.
The determination is made (routine R2).
It is determined whether the output of the sensor 2 has risen. Then, in routine R21,
When the rise of the output is detected, the routine proceeds to a routine R22, where the contents of the discharge register are set.
After the content is subtracted by "1", the value of the discharge register is set to "0" in the next routine R23.
Is determined. Here, if the determination is yes, the discharge solenoid is turned off.
(R24), but immediately after the start of discharge, it is determined NO in the routine R23,
Proceed to R25. In the routines R25 to R28, the processing (the
After performing the same processing as that of the routines R21 to R24), the process proceeds to the routine R29.
In the routine R29, it is determined whether or not the sum of the values of the discharge registers 1 and 2 is "0".
That is, if it is not "0", the process returns to the routine R5, and the above procedure is performed again.
Step by step. Then, in the routine R29, yes, that is, in the prize ball discharging device 20
When it is determined that the discharge of the predetermined number of prize balls has been completed, the routine proceeds to a routine R31, and
Turn on the safe solenoid. As a result, the next winning ball can be captured in the winning ball processing device 40.
. After turning on the safe solenoid 46, the routine proceeds to routine R32 where the safe solenoid 46 is turned on.
Timer (for example, 100 ms), and a timer for wait time in routine R33.
Ima (for example, 600 ms) is set. Then, in routine R34
After resetting the illegal counters 1 and 2 to zero, the process number is checked in the routine R35.
The contents of the register are changed to "2", and the routine returns to the routine R5. Then, the routine jumps from the routine R7 to the post-processing B, and first, the routine R41
To determine if the safe timer has timed out.
If so, the safe solenoid is turned off (routine R42) and then to routine R43.
move on. In the routine R43, it is determined whether or not the time of the wait timer has expired.
If it is, return to the routine R5 and repeat the above processing again.
In the routine R44, the winning memory of the safe memory is subtracted by "1", and then the processing number register
The routine is reset to "0" and the routine returns to the routine R5 (routine R45). In FIG. 13, the prize ball processing and the prize ball discharge processing are executed according to the above procedure.
The timings of various signals in the case of the above are shown. That is, in response to the rise of the output of the safe sensor, the winning memory of the safe memory is set to “1”.
”, The safe lamp is turned on and the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are turned on.
You. Then, the discharge of the prize ball is started, and the output of the discharge sensors 1 and 2 is output for each discharged ball.
And when a predetermined number (radix-1 in Table 1) is reached, a solenoid demagnetization command is issued.
And the corresponding discharge solenoid is turned off and the safe lamp is turned off.
. At the same time, the safe solenoid is turned on for about 100 msec.
The prize ball is discharged, and the next prize ball can be accepted. On the other hand, a safe solenoid
The discharge wait timer is turned on at the same time as turning on.
(600 ms) The start of discharging the next prize ball is waited. Since the set time of the safe solenoid timer is set to 100 ms,
Stopper 47 driven by safe solenoid 46 is raised for 100 ms.
Then, the winning ball blocked by the stopper 47 is reliably discharged, and
Next, the system immediately shifts to a state for waiting for the winning ball flowing into the winning ball processing device 40.
Can be done. Further, since the set time of the discharge wait timer is set to 600 ms,
After the discharge is completed, the state of the ball in the guide gutter 11 can be stabilized before the next discharge can be performed.
Discharge accuracy is guaranteed. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the above embodiment, the prize ball discharging device 20
A special contrivance is added to the drive circuit of the discharge solenoid 21 in the inside. That is,
As shown in FIG. 14, various display lines connected between the power supply voltage terminal VA and the ground point.
The pump L, the discharge solenoid 21, and the safe solenoid 46 are connected in series with them.
To turn on / off the switched transistors Tr1, Tr2, Tr3, etc.
Therefore, in the above embodiment, the discharge solenoid 21 and the discharge solenoid 21 are driven.
In parallel, a Zener voltage such as 24 V higher than the peak value of the power supply voltage is provided.
Zener diode Dz is connected. Therefore, a voltage obtained by full-wave rectification of AC 24 V AC is impressed on the power supply voltage terminal VA.
When the transistor Tr2 is turned off, the transistor Tr2 is normally turned off, as shown in FIG.
It took time t1 until the solenoid was completely demagnetized.
When the diode Dz is connected in parallel with the solenoid coil,
Acting as a forcible release means, the demagnetization time of the solenoid is reduced. That is,
Time when the areas S1 and S2 of the hatched portions in FIGS. 15A and 15B become equal.
t2 is the demagnetization time when the Zener diode Dz is inserted. by this,
When the Zener voltage is 24V, compared to the case where the Zener diode Dz is not inserted
The degaussing time is reduced to about one half, and the falling-off prevention part in the prize ball discharging device 20 is correspondingly reduced.
The response speed of the material 22 increases. In FIG. 14, it is connected in reverse direction in series with the Zener diode Dz.
The diode D1 is for protecting the transistor Tr2 from the back electromotive force of the solenoid.
The same protection is provided for the switch transistor Tr3 of the safe solenoid 46.
A diode D2 is provided. However, the safe solenoid 46 is a discharge solenoid.
Since it does not require much quicker response than the
Dz is unnecessary. In the above-described embodiment, the detection for operating the safe sensor (winning ball detector) 91 is performed.
The piece 43c is provided in the swingable ball processor 43, and the swing of the ball processor 43 is detected.
Prize balls are detected indirectly, but this is not a limitation.
A sensor or a microswitch for detecting contact may be provided. In the above embodiment, the conductive sheet is provided on the bottom surface of the alignment gutter on the upstream side of the prize discharge device.
38 has been described, for example, on the upstream side of the winning ball processing device 40,
A similar conductive sheet is stuck on the bottom of the collecting shelf 10 and the winning prize ball is directly
Prevention of sensor electrostatic damage when a sensor is installed
A situation in which the device makes a mistake in detecting a winning ball may be avoided. As described above, according to the present invention, a gutter for guiding a game ball, and the gutter flows down the gutter.
To control the flow of the game ball by allowing or blocking the passage of the game ball
A flow-down control device having an operating member and a drive source;
Ball game machine equipped with a detector consisting of an optical sensor that detects the discharge state of the game ball
The detector faces the gutter, and the gutter has at least an upstream side of the detector.
And a conductive member is provided from the vicinity of the detector to several game balls.
Connect the conductive member to other conductive parts of the game machine to discharge the static electricity of the falling ball
As a result, static electricity of game balls flowing down the gutter on the upstream side of the ball
The detector may escape due to static electricity and malfunction due to static electricity.
In order to prevent the ball from being destroyed, the ball discharge device as
A malfunction such as discharging the upper game ball can be prevented.
Moreover, it is possible to reliably detect a game ball flowing down by making the detector face the gutter.
In both cases, malfunction or destruction may occur due to static electricity caused by the detector facing the gutter.
There is an effect that it is possible to avoid stiffness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a rear view showing a configuration example of an entire back mechanism board of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a reserve ball storage tank, a guide gutter, and a prize ball discharge device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a prize ball discharging device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional state of a flow-down path of the prize ball discharging device. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view showing the operation of the prize ball discharging device. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a winning ball processing device. FIGS. 8A and 8B are operation explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the winning ball processing device. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing timing in tank processing for replenishing a storage tank. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a winning ball detection process and a prize ball discharging process by the CPU. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a fraud detection process therein; FIG. 13 is a timing chart of a process according to the procedure of FIG. 11; FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a drive circuit for various lamps and solenoids. FIGS. 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams showing differences in characteristics when a solenoid is cut off by a solenoid drive circuit according to a conventional example and an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Back mechanism board 2 Storage tank 10 Collecting shelf 11 Guide gutter 12 Winning ball derivation gutter 13 Prize ball derivation gutter 20 Prize ball discharge device 22 Operating member (flow-down prevention member) 25 Discharge sensor 30 Flow-down route 40 Winning ball Processing device 43 Ball processing device 45 Weight 46 Safe solenoid 47 Stopper 91 Winning ball detector (safe sensor) 92 Overflow detector 60 Ball punching device 100 Pachinko gaming machine 101 Supply tray 102 Receiving tray 103 Hitting and launching device 114 Warning notification means (illegal display) Lamp) 200 control device

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A gutter for guiding a game ball, and an operation for controlling the flow of the game ball by allowing or preventing the passage of the game ball flowing down the gutter. In a ball game machine including a downflow control device having a member and a drive source, and a detector including an optical sensor for detecting a discharge state of a game ball flowed down by the downflow control device, the detector is attached to the gutter. The gutter is provided with a conductive member on at least the upstream side of the detector and from the vicinity of the detector for several game balls, and the conductive member is connected to another conductive portion of the gaming machine. A ball game machine characterized by discharging static electricity of a ball that is connected and flowing down. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the flow-down control device is a ball discharging device for discharging a prize ball.