JP3766267B2

JP3766267B2 - Combination gaming machine

Info

Publication number: JP3766267B2
Application number: JP2000333304A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 敦士奥山
Original assignee: 株式会社藤商事
Priority date: 2000-10-31
Filing date: 2000-10-31
Publication date: 2006-04-12
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-31
Also published as: JP2002136665A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、供給皿に遊技球を投入する球投入式のアレンジボール機、雀球遊技機等の組み合わせ遊技機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
組み合わせ遊技機、例えばアレンジボール機には、球投入式、メダル投入式とがある。その何れの形式のアレンジボール機でも、ゲームに際しては各ゲーム毎に１６個の遊技球を発射手段により遊技盤の遊技領域へと打ち込んで、その遊技球を下部に横一列状に配置された入賞口手段の何れかの入賞口に入賞させ、その入賞口手段の隣合う４個の入賞口に入賞して所定の入賞役が成立したときに、その成立の難易度に応じて得点を付与して所定数のメダル又は遊技球を景品として遊技者に払い出すようにしている。
【０００３】
球投入式のアレンジボール機は、遊技機本体の前側の上皿に遊技球を投入しておき、発射手段の発射動作に連動してその遊技球を１個づつ送り手段により発射レールへと供給し、またメダル投入式のアレンジボール機は、遊技盤側と発射手段側とを含む循環経路中に遊技球を封入しておき、遊技機本体の前側のメダル投入口に所定のメダルを投入したときに、発射手段の発射動作に連動してその遊技球を１個づつ送り手段により発射レール上に供給するようになっている。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来、アレンジボール機では１ゲームにつき１６個の遊技球を遊技領域に打ち込む必要があるため、遊技球１個の貸出額を例えば４円と仮定した場合、専用のメダル１枚の貸出額は６４円に設定して、球投入式、メダル投入式の如何を問わず、遊技者は同じ負担額でゲームをできるようにしている。
【０００５】
しかし、アレンジボール機は、スロットマシン等の他のメダル投入式のゲーム機に比較して絶対数が少なく、それ専用のメダルを使用すれば、メダルの製造コストがアップする問題があり、また遊技ホールにアレンジボール機とスロットマシンとがある場合にも、アレンジボール機用のメダルを使用してスロットマシンでゲームをしたり、逆にスロットマシン用のメダルを使用してアレンジボール機でゲームをしたりすることができない問題がある。
【０００６】
そこで、スロットマシン用のメダルをアレンジボール機に使用可能にして、４枚のメダルを投入することにより、１６個の遊技球が遊技領域に入るまで遊技球を発射できるようにすると共に、メダル投入式と球投入式との何れの場合にも１ゲームに対する遊技者の負担額を同じにするために、球投入式のアレンジボール機での１ゲームに必要な遊技球を２０個に設定することが考えられている。
【０００７】
即ち、スロットマシン用のメダルをアレンジボール機に使用可能にすれば、メダルの製造コストを大幅に低減できると共に、遊技者は、そのメダルを使用してスロットマシンとアレンジボール機との何れでも自在にゲームをできる利点がある。
【０００８】
この場合、スロットマシン用のメダル１枚の貸出額を２０円と仮定すると、メダル投入式のアレンジボール機において、４枚のメダルを投入することにより１ゲームを行えるようにすれば、遊技者の１ゲーム当たりの負担額が８０円となる。従って、球投入式のアレンジボール機での１ゲームに必要な遊技球を２０個に設定することにより、メダル投入式と球投入式との何れの場合にも、遊技者の１ゲーム当たりの負担額を一致させることができる。
【０００９】
しかし、従来の球投入式のアレンジボール機では、上皿に遊技球を投入しておき、発射手段の発射動作に連動して送り手段がその遊技球を１個づつ発射レール上に供給するようになっている。このため１ゲーム当たり２０個の遊技球を必要とし、その内の１６個を発射手段で発射させて遊技領域へと打ち込むようにした場合、各ゲーム毎に４個の遊技球を回収する必要があり、その遊技球の回収処理をどのように行うかが問題となる。例えば、回収用の遊技球を投入する回収球投入口を設けることも考えられるが、この場合には発射用の１６個の遊技球を上皿に、回収用の４個の遊技球を回収球投入口にそれぞれ別々に投入する必要があり、遊技者の負担が大きくなるという問題がある。
【００１０】
本発明は、このような問題点に鑑み、ゲーム毎に１ゲームにつき規定数の遊技球を容易に回収できる組み合わせ遊技機を提供することを目的とする。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、供給皿８内から発射手段１０に遊技球を供給し、各ゲーム毎に前記発射手段１０により所定数の遊技球を遊技盤７の遊技領域１６へと打ち込んでゲームを行うようにした組み合わせ遊技機において、各ゲーム毎に規定数の遊技球を回収する回収手段２７を備え、前記供給皿８が、前記発射手段１０と前記回収手段２７とに遊技球を供給可能に接続されている。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて詳述する。図１〜図１０は本発明を球投入式のアレンジボール機に採用した第１の実施形態を例示する。このアレンジボール機は、図１に示すように、外枠１と前枠２とを備えた遊技機本体３を有し、その前枠２は外枠１の前側にヒンジ４を介して開閉自在に枢着されている。遊技機本体３の前面には、その前枠２にガラス扉５及び前面板６がヒンジ４と同一側のヒンジにより開閉自在に装着され、これらの裏側に遊技盤７が着脱自在に配置されている。
【００１３】
また遊技機本体３には、遊技球を貯留する上皿（供給皿）８、余剰球を受ける下皿（余剰球受け皿）９及び発射手段１０の発射ハンドル１１が前面側に設けられ、また発射手段１０の主要部分、及び上皿８からの遊技球を発射手段１０側へと送る送り手段１２が裏面側に設けられている。上皿８は前面板６の前面に、送り手段１２は前面板６の裏面に夫々装着され、下皿９と発射ハンドル１１は前面板６の下側で前枠２の前面に配置されている。また発射ハンドル１１側には、遊技者の把持を検出する接触検出スイッチ（図示省略）が設けられている。
【００１４】
発射手段１０の主要部分は、図３に示すように、発射レール１３、発射レール１３上の遊技球を遊技盤７側へと打撃する打撃槌１４、この打撃槌１４をカム機構（図示省略）を介して間欠的に駆動する発射モータ（図示省略）等を備え、遊技者の発射ハンドル１１の操作により発射モータが作動して、その発射動作に連動して送り手段１２により発射レール１３上に１個づつ供給される遊技球を打撃槌１４で打撃し、遊技盤７の遊技領域１６に所定数、例えば１６個の遊技球を打ち込むようになっている。なお、発射レール１３は、遊技盤７を下側から支持するために前枠２の裏側に固定された遊技盤支持板の前面等に装着され、また打撃槌１４、発射モータは前枠２の裏側に装着されている。
【００１５】
遊技盤７の前面には、図１に示すように、ガイドレール１５が環状に装着されると共に、このガイドレール１５の内側の遊技領域１６の下部に入賞口手段１７が配置され、またその入賞口手段１７の上側に誘導図柄表示手段１８、特定入賞手段１９、得点増加手段２０、作動手段２１、ゲーム回数表示手段２２等の各遊技部品が配置されている。入賞口手段１７と各遊技部品との間には、遊技釘群（図示省略）が設けられている。
【００１６】
入賞口手段１７は、横一列状等に適宜配置された複数個、例えば１６個の入賞口２３を備え、遊技盤７に沿って落下する遊技球が何れかの入賞口２３に入賞するようになっている。入賞口手段１７は、遊技盤７に装着された入賞口カバー２４により前側から覆われており、その入賞口カバー２４に、各入賞口２３に対応する複数個、例えば１６個の入賞表示部２５を備えた入賞表示手段２６が設けられている。
【００１７】
各入賞表示部２５は、各入賞口２３に対応してその近傍に横一列等に適宜配置され、遊技球が何れかの入賞口２３に入賞したときに、それに対応する入賞表示部２５が発光、その他によって入賞を表示するようになっている。各入賞表示部２５には、各入賞口２３に対応して一端側から順番に番号が表示されている。なお、入賞表示手段２６は、入賞口手段１７よりも上側の遊技領域１６の中央部等に、入賞表示部２５を縦横に所定数（例えば４個づつ）組み合わせて配置しても良い。
【００１８】
上皿８は、図２〜図６に示すように構成されると共に、その下流側に送り手段１２及び回収手段２７が接続され、また回収手段２７の近傍に視認部４７と待機表示手段４８とが設けられている。即ち、上皿８は、図２及び図３に示すように、多数の遊技球を貯留可能な容積の貯留部２９と、この貯留部２９からの遊技球を一列状に整列させる整列部３０とを備え、前面板６の前面側に、この上皿８を覆う上皿カバー２８と共に着脱自在に装着され、その底壁３１は前面板６に沿って貯留部２９から整列部３０へと遊技球が移動するように一方向に傾斜した斜面状になっている。上皿８の整列部３０は、図２に示すように、その下流側端部から上流側の所要範囲に亘ってゴミ等が入らないように上側から覆われている。
【００１９】
送り手段１２は、発射手段１０の発射動作に連動して上皿８内の遊技球を１個づつ発射手段１０の発射レール１３上に供給するためのもので、図３及び図４に示すように、上皿８の整列部３０の下流側端部に対応して前面板６の裏面に着脱自在に装着されている。この送り手段１２は、その球受入れ口が前面板６に形成された発射用の案内孔３２を介して整列部３０の下流側端部に連通する送りケース３３と、この送りケース３３内に設けられ且つ発射手段１０の発射動作に連動して作動する送り用の作動子３４とを有し、その作動子３４の作動により、打撃槌１４が発射レール１３上の遊技球を打撃した後に、送りケース３３内の遊技球を発射レール１３上に供給するようになっている。
【００２０】
回収手段２７は、各ゲーム毎に１ゲームにつき上皿８内の遊技球を規定数、例えば４個づつ回収するためのもので、整列部３０の下流側端部に対応して上皿カバー２８の内部で前面板６の前面に着脱自在に装着されている。この回収手段２７は、図２〜図６に示すように、規定数（４個）の遊技球を収容可能な容積の待機通路３５と、待機通路３５内の遊技球を下流側で受ける受け体３６と、待機通路３５の上流側で整列部３０の後続の遊技球を規制する規制体３７と、受け体３６及び規制体３７を待機通路３５に対して出退自在に駆動する駆動手段３８と、待機通路３５内に規定数の遊技球が待機状態であることを検出する待機検出スイッチ３９とを備えている。
【００２１】
待機通路３５は、前面板６の前面に上下方向又は斜め方向に配置され、整列部３０の遊技球が自然に流下するように、その上流側が発射用の案内孔３２の下側近傍で整列部３０の底壁３１の下流側端部に形成された回収用の案内孔４０を介して整列部３０に連通され、受け体３６と案内孔４０との間に４個の遊技球を収容するようになっている。
【００２２】
また待機通路３５は、中継通路４１を介して遊技機本体３の裏側の回収通路４２に連通され、待機通路３５内の遊技球を中継通路４１から回収通路４２を経て下方の島設備側へと機外に排出するようになっている。回収通路４２は前枠２の裏側に上下方向に装着されている。中継通路４１は待機通路３５の下端側から前面板６を貫通して裏側に突出しており、この中継通路４１の後端は前面板６を閉状態に閉じたときに、回収通路４２の上端側に接続するようになっている。
【００２３】
受け体３６と規制体３７は、中間部分が回収通路４２の形成体４５等に枢軸４３によって揺動自在に枢着された連動腕４４の上下に設けられ、受け体３６が待機通路３５内に突出したときに規制体３７が待機通路３５から後退し、受け体３６が待機通路３５から後退したときに規制体３７が待機通路３５内に突出するように、連動腕４４の揺動により、待機通路３５に対してその上下両側で出退自在である。駆動手段３８はソレノイド等の電気的手段により構成され、連動腕４４と前面板６側の支軸４９との間に介装されている。
【００２４】
規制体３７は板状等であって、図７及び図８に示すように、待機通路３５内に突出したときに、整列部３０の底壁３１の案内孔４０を閉鎖して後続の遊技球を案内孔３２側へと誘導するように、上面に案内孔３２側が低くなる傾斜面等の誘導部４６が形成されている。
【００２５】
なお、回収手段２７は、通常、図４及び図５に示すように、受け体３６が突出し規制体３７が後退して、待機通路３５内に遊技球が待機可能な状態（以下、回収側誘導状態と称する）にある。この状態から、図７及び図８に示すように、駆動手段３８の駆動により受け体３６が後退し規制体３７が突出した状態（以下、発射側誘導状態と称する）に移行すると、案内孔４０が閉鎖されて整列部３０上の遊技球が案内孔３２側へと誘導されると共に、待機通路３５内に待機していた遊技球は中継通路４１側へと流下する。また受け体３６と規制体３７は、連動腕４４を介して一体に構成する必要はなく、別々に分離して設けても良い。その場合、駆動手段３８も受け体３６と規制体３７とに対応して別々に設けて、その各駆動手段３８により受け体３６と規制体３７が待機通路３５に対して逆に出退するように構成すれば良い。
【００２６】
待機検出スイッチ３９は、待機通路３５内に待機中の最上流側の遊技球を検出するように、待機通路３５の上流側で規制体３７の下側近傍に設けられている。待機表示手段４８は回収手段２７を含む上皿８側、取り分け回収手段２７の待機通路３５内に規定数の遊技球が待機中か否かを表示するためのもので、表示ランプ等により構成され、遊技者が容易に確認できるように視認部４７の近傍で上皿カバー２８の前面側に設けられている。
【００２７】
視認部４７は、回収手段２７を含む上皿８側、取り分け回収手段２７の待機通路３５内に規定数の遊技球が待機中か否かを目視により視認可能にするためのもので、図４及び図６に示すように、遊技者が回収手段２７の待機通路３５内の遊技球を容易に透視できるように上皿カバー２８に設けられている。この視認部４７は、待機通路３５に対応して上皿カバー２８に形成された透視窓５０と、この透視窓５０を閉鎖するように上皿カバー２８に装着された凸レンズ等の透視体５１とを備えている。待機通路３５の形成体４５は、その内部に待機中の遊技球を透視できるように透明な合成樹脂材により構成されている。なお、視認部４７は、待機通路３５内で待機中の全ての遊技球を視認可能にする必要はなく、最上流側の少なくとも１個の遊技球が視認可能であれば十分である。
【００２８】
図９はアレンジボール機の制御系のブロック図である。この制御系は、図９に示すように主制御手段５２、入賞表示制御手段５３、精算処理手段５４、払い出し制御手段５５、回収制御手段５６、発射制御手段５７、待機表示制御手段５８を備えている。
【００２９】
主制御手段５２は遊技盤７側の各遊技動作を制御するようになっており、また入賞表示制御手段５３は入賞口手段１７の各入賞口２３に遊技球が入賞したとき等に、入賞表示手段２６のその入賞口２３等に対応する入賞表示部２５に入賞表示をさせるようになっている。精算処理手段５４は、主制御手段５２からの信号により、ゲーム中又はゲームの終了毎に入賞役の成否等に応じて得点を算出する精算処理を行うようになっている。払い出し制御手段５５は、精算処理手段５４の精算処理により得点が付与された場合に、ゲーム中又はゲームの終了後に払い出し手段５９を制御して、その得点に応じた景品球を払い出し手段５９により上皿８へと払い出させるようになっている。なお、払い出し手段５９は、遊技機本体３の裏側に設けられている。
【００３０】
回収制御手段５６は、ゲームの開始前に回収手段２７を作動させて規定数の遊技球の回収処理を行うためのもので、待機検出スイッチ３９が待機中の遊技球を検出すること、又は待機検出スイッチ３９が待機中の遊技球を検出すること及び遊技者が発射手段１０の発射ハンドル１１を操作することを条件に、各ゲームの開始前に回収手段２７に規定数の遊技球を回収させ、その回収後の１ゲームが終了するまで後続の遊技球を規制させるようになっている。
【００３１】
発射制御手段５７は、各ゲーム毎に適当な休止時間をおいて発射手段１０の発射動作を制御するためのもので、回収手段２７が遊技球を回収すること及び遊技者が発射手段１０の発射ハンドル１１を操作することを条件に発射手段１０を作動させ、発射手段１０が所定数（１６個）の遊技球を遊技領域１６に打ち込むまでその作動を継続させるようになっている。なお、遊技領域１６に打ち込まれた遊技球の数は、発射手段１０側の発射数からファール球数を減算するか、又は入賞口手段１７、特定入賞手段１９等に入賞した遊技球の数から求めれば良い。
【００３２】
待機表示制御手段５８は待機表示手段４８の表示を制御するためのもので、ゲームの開始前に回収手段２７の待機通路３５に規定数の遊技球が待機状態にないときに、待機検出スイッチ３９からの信号に従って待機表示手段４８に非待機状態を、また規定数の遊技球が待機状態のときに待機表示手段４８にその待機状態を夫々表示させて、規定数の遊技球の有無を遊技者に報知するようになっている。なお、待機表示手段４８は、非待機と待機との何れか一方を表示するようにしても良い。
【００３３】
次に、図１０に示すフローチャートを参照しつつ、上記構成のアレンジボール機における動作を説明する。ゲームの開始に際しては、上皿８に規定数（４個）以上、好ましくは１ゲームの必要個数である２０個以上の遊技球を投入する。このとき、発射用の遊技球と回収用の遊技球とを区別する必要はない。上皿８に投入された遊技球は、貯留部２９から整列部３０を経て一列状に整列しながら前面板６に沿って下流側へと移動して行く。
【００３４】
そして、遊技球が整列部３０の下流側端部まで移動すると、図５に示すように回収手段２７の規制体３７が後退して回収用の案内孔４０を開放し、受け体３６が待機通路３５内に突出している（回収側誘導状態にある）ので、その遊技球は回収用の案内孔４０を経て待機通路３５内へと流下して、この待機通路３５の受け体３６から上側に４個の遊技球が回収用として待機する。
【００３５】
待機通路３５に４個の遊技球が待機すると、待機検出スイッチ３９がその最上位の遊技球を検出し（Ｓ１→Ｙｅｓ）、待機表示制御手段５８の制御により待機表示手段４８がその待機状態を遊技者に報知する。従って、遊技者は、その待機表示手段４８の表示を見れば、回収手段２７内に遊技球が待機中か否かを容易に確認できる。また遊技者は、視認部４７からも遊技球が待機通路３５内に待機中か否かを容易に確認できる。
【００３６】
その後、遊技者が発射ハンドル１１を把持して操作すると（Ｓ２→Ｙｅｓ）、回収制御手段５６の制御により回収手段２７の駆動手段３８が連動腕４４を介して受け体３６及び規制体３７を駆動し、回収側誘導状態から発射側誘導状態へと移行する（Ｓ３）。これによって図７及び図８に示すように受け体３６が後退し、待機通路３５内に待機中の遊技球が中継通路４１、回収通路４２を経て島設備側へと機外に排出されて行く。一方、受け体３６の後退と同期して規制体３７が待機通路３５内へと突出し回収用の案内孔４０を閉じて、後続の遊技球が待機通路３５内へと流入しないように規制し、遊技球の回収後の１ゲームが終了するまでその状態を維持する。
【００３７】
遊技者が発射ハンドル１１を操作し続けておれば、回収手段２７による遊技球の回収後に発射制御手段５７の制御により発射手段１０が作動し、上皿８の整列部３０から送り手段１２を経て発射レール１３上に供給される遊技球を打撃槌１４で打撃して、その遊技球を順次ガイドレール１５を経て遊技領域１６へと打ち込んで行き、これによって通常のゲームが進行する（Ｓ４）。
【００３８】
１６個の遊技球の打ち込みが終了すると（Ｓ５→Ｙｅｓ）、発射手段１０が停止し、払い出し制御手段５５が、精算処理手段５４によって算出された得点に基づいて払い出し手段５９を制御する。これにより、そのゲームの得点に応じた景品球が上皿８へと払い出される（Ｓ６）。また、回収制御手段５６の制御により回収手段２７が発射側誘導状態から回収側誘導状態へと移行し（Ｓ７）、その後、次ゲームについてステップＳ１以降の処理を繰り返す。なお、ステップＳ６とステップＳ７の処理については、どちらを先に行ってもよいし、並行して行ってもよい。
【００３９】
以上のように、待機通路３５内に４個の遊技球がなければ、発射ハンドル１１を操作しても、回収手段２７、発射手段１０は共に作動しない。従って、この場合には待機通路３５内に４個の遊技球が待機するように、上皿８内に遊技球を投入すれば良い。また待機通路３５内に４個の遊技球があるか否かは、遊技者が視認部４７から待機通路３５側を視認するか、又は待機表示手段４８の表示を視認することによって容易に確認できる。
【００４０】
以上のように構成すれば、規定数（例えば４個）の遊技球が、打ち込み用の遊技球（例えば１６個）と同様に上皿８から回収されるため、各ゲーム毎に規定数の遊技球を自動的に容易且つ確実に回収しながら、順次ゲームを行うことができる。また、遊技者は、発射用と回収用の区別なく１ゲームの必要個数以上の遊技球を上皿８に投入すればよいため、遊技球の投入に際しての遊技者の負担を極めて小さくできる。更に、１ゲームの必要個数（２０個）の遊技球の内、ゲームの開始前に規定数の遊技球を回収するため、打ち込み個数以上、必要個数未満の遊技球を上皿８に投入してゲームを行うような場合でも、規定数の遊技球を確実に回収でき、遊技者相互での不公平を防止できる。
【００４１】
構造的には上皿８の整列部３０の下流側に回収手段２７を設けているため、上皿８の貯留部２９側から規定数の遊技球を回収する場合に比較して遊技球の回収が容易であり、回収手段２７の構成を簡単にできる。また整列部３０の下流側に、送り手段１２へと遊技球を案内する発射用の案内孔３２と、回収手段２７へと遊技球を案内する回収用の案内孔４０とを設けているため、送り手段１２及び回収手段２７を集中的に配置でき、しかも上皿８内の遊技球を整列部３０を経て一方向に移動させれば良いので、全体の構成を簡単にできる。
【００４２】
更に遊技機本体３に開閉自在に枢着された前面板６に回収手段２７を装着し、この回収手段２７からの遊技球を機外へと排出する回収通路４２を遊技機本体３の裏側に設けることにより、遊技機本体３側の他の機構部分の点検等が容易であると共に、規定数の遊技球の機外への排出も容易にできる。
【００４３】
前面板６の前面で上皿８を覆うカバーの内部に回収手段２７を、前面板６の裏面に送り手段１２を夫々設けているので、回収手段２７、送り手段１２の干渉等を防止でき、また回収手段２７をカバーにより保護できる。また前面板６に発射用の案内孔３２を、整列部３０の底壁３１に回収用の案内孔４０を夫々設けることにより、前面板６の前後に送り手段１２、回収手段２７があるにも拘わらず、その送り手段１２、回収手段２７に整列部３０側から円滑に遊技球を案内できる。
【００４４】
図１１は本発明の第２の実施形態を例示するものである。この実施形態は、規定数（４個）の遊技球の回収を、１ゲームの終了後に行うようにしたものである。図１１に示すフローチャートを参照しつつ、本実施形態に係るアレンジボール機の動作を説明する。なお、本実施形態では、回収手段２７は、通常、図７及び図８に示すような発射側誘導状態にあるものとする。
【００４５】
ゲームの開始に際しては、上皿８に遊技領域１６への打ち込み個数（１６個）以上、好ましくは１ゲームの必要個数である２０個以上の遊技球を投入する。上皿８に投入された遊技球は、貯留部２９から整列部３０を経て一列状に整列しながら前面板６に沿って下流側へと移動して行く。
【００４６】
そして、遊技球が整列部３０の下流側端部まで移動すると、図７及び図８に示すように回収手段２７の規制体３７が突出して回収用の案内孔４０を閉鎖している（発射側誘導状態にある）ので、その遊技球は発射用の案内孔３２を経て送り手段１２側に案内される。
【００４７】
遊技者が発射ハンドル１１を把持して操作すると（Ｓ１１→Ｙｅｓ）、発射制御手段５７の制御により発射手段１０が作動し（Ｓ１２）、送り手段１２から発射レール１３上に供給される遊技球を打撃槌１４で打撃して、その遊技球を順次ガイドレール１５を経て遊技領域１６へと打ち込んで行き、これによって通常のゲームが進行する。
【００４８】
発射手段１０によって所定数（１６個）の遊技球が遊技領域１６に打ち込まれて１ゲームが終了すると（Ｓ１３→Ｙｅｓ）、回収制御手段５６の制御により、回収手段２７の駆動手段３８が連動腕４４を介して受け体３６及び規制体３７を駆動し、回収手段２７を発射側誘導状態から回収側誘導状態へと移行させる（Ｓ１４）。即ち、図４及び図５に示すように、規制体３７が後退して回収用の案内孔４０が開放し、整列部３０上の遊技球が待機通路３５内に流入すると同時に、受け体３６が突出して、待機通路３５内に流入してきた遊技球が回収通路４２方向へ流れないように規制する。
【００４９】
整列部３０から待機通路３５に４個の遊技球が流入すると、待機検出スイッチ３９がその最上位の遊技球を検出し、待機表示制御手段５８の制御により待機表示手段４８がその待機状態を遊技者に報知する。従って、遊技者は、その待機表示手段４８の表示を見れば、回収手段２７内に遊技球が待機中か否かを容易に確認できる。また遊技者は、視認部４７からも遊技球が待機通路３５内に待機中か否かを容易に確認できる。
【００５０】
待機検出スイッチ３９により待機通路３５内に待機中の最上位の遊技球が検出されると（Ｓ１５→Ｙｅｓ）、回収制御手段５６の制御により回収手段２７の駆動手段３８が連動腕４４を介して受け体３６及び規制体３７を駆動し、回収手段２７を回収側誘導状態から発射側誘導状態へと移行させる（Ｓ１６）。これにより、図７及び図８に示すように受け体３６が後退し、待機通路３５内に待機中の遊技球が中継通路４１、回収通路４２を経て島設備側へと機外に排出されて行く。一方、受け体３６の後退と同期して規制体３７が待機通路３５内へと突出して回収用の案内孔４０を閉鎖し、後続の遊技球が待機通路３５内へと流入しないように規制する。
【００５１】
回収制御手段５６の制御により４個の遊技球が回収されると、払い出し制御手段５５は、精算処理手段５４によって算出された得点に基づいて払い出し手段５９を制御する。これにより、そのゲームの得点に応じた景品球が上皿８へと払い出される（Ｓ１７）。その後、次ゲームについてステップＳ１１以降の処理を繰り返す。
【００５２】
以上のように構成すれば、第１の実施形態と同様、規定数（例えば４個）の遊技球が、打ち込み用の遊技球（例えば１６個）と同じように上皿８から回収されるため、各ゲーム毎に規定数の遊技球を自動的に容易且つ確実に回収しながら、順次ゲームを行うことができる。また、遊技者は、発射用と回収用の区別なく１ゲームの必要個数以上の遊技球を上皿８に投入すればよいため、遊技球の投入に際しての遊技者の負担を極めて小さくできる。更に、各ゲームの終了後、そのゲームに関する景品球の払い出し動作の前に規定数の遊技球を回収するため、結果的に１ゲームの必要個数（例えば２０個）の遊技球の投入がなければそのゲームで得られた利益を実際に享受することができず、遊技者相互での不公平を防止できる。
【００５３】
図１２〜図１４は本発明の第３の実施形態を例示するものである。この実施形態では、前面板６の裏面に回収手段２７、送り手段１２、発射用案内通路６０、回収用案内通路６１が夫々装着されている。回収手段２７は、一方向に傾斜する整列部３０の下流側に、前面板６に形成された供給孔６７を介して接続されており、前面板６の裏面に装着された回収ケース６２と、この回収ケース６２内に前後方向の回転軸６３廻りに正逆回転可能に配置され且つ外周側に周方向に複数個の球送り凹部６４が形成された回転体６５と、この回転体６５を正逆方向に回転駆動する駆動モータ等の駆動手段６６とを備えている。
【００５４】
回収ケース６２には、その両側下部に発射用案内通路６０と回収用案内通路６１とが連通状に接続されている。発射用案内通路６０は送り手段１２に、回収用案内通路６１はその下方の回収通路４２に夫々接続されている。回転体６５は、整列部３０の下流側端部から前面板６の供給孔６７を経て送られてくる遊技球を球送り凹部６４に１個づつ受け入れて、その正転又は逆転により遊技球を発射用案内通路６０から送り手段１２又は回収用案内通路６１から回収通路４２へと案内するようになっている。回収用案内通路６１には、遊技球の通過を検出する回収検出スイッチ６８が設けられ、この回収検出スイッチ６８の信号を計数手段６９で計数するようになっている。
【００５５】
上皿カバー２８には、整列部３０の下流側に対応して視認部４７が設けられている。視認部４７は、整列部３０に沿って長く形成された透視窓５０に、その透視窓５０を塞ぐ凸レンズ等の透視体５１が設けられている。なお、整列部３０には、視認部４７に対応して透明部７０が設けられている。
【００５６】
この実施形態では、上皿８に遊技球を投入すれば、その最下流側の１個の遊技球が供給孔６７を経て回転体６５の球送り凹部６４に入り、後続の遊技球が整列部３０に一列状に並んだ状態になる。そこで、ゲームの開始に際して遊技者が発射ハンドル１１を把持すると、回収手段２７の回転体６５が駆動手段６６により正転して遊技球を回収用案内通路６１側へと案内し、回収通路４２を経て回収し機外へと排出する。そして、遊技球が回収用案内通路６１を通過する際に、回収検出スイッチ６８が遊技球を検出し、計数手段６９がその個数を計数する。
【００５７】
規定数の遊技球を回収し終えて発射手段１０が発射動作を開始すると、駆動手段６６が回転体６５を逆転方向に回転させて後続の遊技球を送り手段１２側へと送り、ゲームを開始する。従って、この場合にも第１の実施形態と同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００５８】
なお、この第３の実施形態においても、第２の実施形態と同様、規定数（４個）の遊技球の回収を、１ゲームの終了後に行うことも可能である。即ち、ゲームの開始に際して遊技者が発射ハンドル１１を把持すると、回収手段２７の回転体６５が駆動手段６６により逆方向に回転し、遊技球を発射用案内通路６０から送り手段１２方向へと案内すると共に、送り手段１２から発射レール１３上に供給される遊技球を打撃槌１４で打撃して、その遊技球を順次ガイドレール１５を経て遊技領域１６へと打ち込んで行き、これによって通常のゲームが進行する。
【００５９】
発射手段１０によって所定数（１６個）の遊技球が遊技領域１６に打ち込まれて１ゲームが終了すると、回収制御手段５６の制御により、回収手段２７の回転体６５が駆動手段６６により逆方向に回転して遊技球を回収用案内通路６１側へと案内し、回収通路４２を経て回収し機外へと排出する。そして、遊技球が回収用案内通路６１を通過する際に、回収検出スイッチ６８が遊技球を検出し、計数手段６９がその個数を計数する。計数手段６９によって４個の遊技球が計数されると、払い出し制御手段５５は、精算処理手段５４によって算出された得点に基づいて払い出し手段５９を制御する。これにより、そのゲームの得点に応じた景品球が上皿８へと払い出される。
【００６０】
図１５及び図１６は本発明の第４の実施形態を例示するものであり、上皿８を左右両方向に傾斜させ、その片方の下流側に、発射手段１０と、発射用の遊技球を発射手段１０へと案内する案内孔３２とを設け、他方の下流側に、第１の実施形態と同様の回収手段２７と、回収用の遊技球を回収手段２７へと案内する案内孔４０とを設けた例を示している。
【００６１】
本実施形態における上皿８の底壁３１は、左右方向の片側に向かって傾斜する発射側底壁３１ａと、その反対方向に向かって傾斜する回収側底壁３１ｂとに分割されている。発射側底壁３１ａと回収側底壁３１ｂには、それぞれ遊技球を一列状に整列させる整列部３０ａ，３０ｂが形成されている。
【００６２】
発射側整列部３０ａの下流側端部近傍における前面板６の裏面側には、上皿８からの遊技球を発射手段１０側へと送る送り手段１２が取り付けられており、発射側整列部３０ａ上の遊技球は、前面板６に形成された案内孔３２を介して送り手段１２に案内される。また、回収側整列部３０ｂの下流側端部近傍における前面板６の前面には、第１の実施形態と同様の回収手段２７が取り付けられており、回収側整列部３０ｂ上の遊技球は、回収側底壁３１ｂに形成された案内孔４０を介して回収手段２７の待機通路３５内に案内される。更に、上皿カバー２８には、第１、第２の実施形態と同様の視認部４７が、回収手段２７の待機通路３５に対応して設けられている。
【００６３】
回収側整列部３０ｂは、待機通路３５内に格納される１ゲーム分の回収用遊技球（４個）に続く遊技球を、例えばあと１〜２ゲーム分（即ち４〜８個）程度貯留できる程度の広さに形成されており、それを超える後続の遊技球は、発射側整列部３０ａ側に溢れるようになっている。また、景品球等を上皿８に排出する排出口７１は、回収側底壁３１ｂの上方に設けられており、排出口７１から排出された遊技球はまず回収側底壁３１ｂの整列部３０ｂ上に貯留され、整列部３０ｂから溢れた遊技球が発射側整列部３０ａ側に流れて貯留されるようになっている。
【００６４】
制御手順については、図１０に示した第１の実施形態と同じようにゲーム開始前に規定数の遊技球を回収するようにしてもよいし、図１１に示した第２の実施形態と同じようにゲーム終了後に規定数の遊技球を回収するようにしてもよい。
【００６５】
以上のような構成によっても、規定数（例えば４個）の遊技球が、打ち込み用の遊技球（例えば１６個）と同じように上皿８から回収されるため、各ゲーム毎に規定数の遊技球を自動的に容易且つ確実に回収しながら、順次ゲームを行うことができる。また、排出口７１から払い出される遊技球は、回収側の整列部３０ｂに優先的に貯留されるため、打ち込み個数以上、必要個数未満の遊技球が上皿８に貯留されているような場合でも、規定数の遊技球を確実に回収できる。
【００６６】
以上、本発明の各実施形態について詳述したが、各実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲内で種々の変更が可能である。例えば、規定数の遊技球の回収のタイミングは、ゲーム開始前、ゲーム終了後に限られるものではなく、ゲーム途中、即ち１６個の遊技球の発射が行われている間に行うことも可能である。即ち、規定数の遊技球の回収は、各ゲームの遊技期間内の何れかの時点で行うようにすればよい。
【００６７】
例えば、第１、第２、第４の実施形態で示したような規定数の遊技球を一括して回収する一括回収型のアレンジボール機の場合には、例えばゲーム開始前には回収を行わず、ゲーム途中で遊技者が発射ハンドル１１から手を離した時、若しくはゲーム終了後に、規定数の遊技球を回収することも可能である。また、第３の実施形態で示したような規定数の遊技球を１個ずつ個別に回収する個別回収型のアレンジボール機の場合には、遊技球の発射動作と並行して、例えば４個の遊技球の発射毎に１個の遊技球を回収することも可能である。
【００６８】
なお、各実施形態では、回収手段２７として規定数の遊技球を一括して回収する一括回収型（第１、第２、第４の実施形態）と、規定数の遊技球を１個ずつ個別に回収する個別回収型（第３の実施形態）とを例示しているが、回収手段２７には、一括回収型、個別回収型を問わず、他の構造のものを採用することも可能である。
【００６９】
視認部４７は、待機通路３５に対応して上皿カバー２８に形成したスリット等の開口部によって構成することも可能である。また視認部４７は上皿８の整列部３０の上側に設けても良い。待機表示手段４８は、遊技機本体３の前面側でしかも遊技者が容易に確認可能な箇所であれば、上皿カバー２８以外の部分に設けても良い。また視認部４７、待機表示手段４８は何れか一方のみでも良く、両者を省いても良い。待機表示手段４８は待機報知手段の一例であり、非待機状態及び／又は待機状態を遊技者に対して音声で報知する手段を採用しても良い。
【００７０】
更に待機表示手段４８に代えて、又は待機表示手段４８と共に、規定数の遊技球を回収したことを遊技者に報知する回収報知手段を設けても良い。その回収報知手段には、表示式の報知方式、音声式の報知方式の何れを採用しても良い。
【００７１】
また各実施形態では、アレンジボール機について例示しているが、アレンジボール機の他、雀球遊技機等の各種の組み合わせ遊技機でも同様に実施できることはいうまでもない。
【００７２】
【発明の効果】
本発明では、供給皿８内から発射手段１０に遊技球を供給し、各ゲーム毎に発射手段１０により所定数の遊技球を遊技盤７の遊技領域１６へと打ち込んでゲームを行うようにした組み合わせ遊技機において、各ゲーム毎に規定数の遊技球を回収する回収手段２７を備え、供給皿８が、発射手段１０と回収手段２７とに遊技球を供給可能に接続されているので、ゲーム毎に供給皿から１ゲームにつき規定数の遊技球を容易に回収することが可能である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態を示すアレンジボール機の正面図である。
【図２】本発明の第１の実施形態を示す上皿側の正面断面図である。
【図３】本発明の第１の実施形態を示す上皿側の平面断面図である。
【図４】本発明の第１の実施形態を示す回収部分の側面断面図である。
【図５】本発明の第１の実施形態を示す回収部分の正面断面図である。
【図６】本発明の第１の実施形態を示す回収部分の平面断面図である。
【図７】本発明の第１の実施形態を示す回収部分の側面断面図である。
【図８】本発明の第１の実施形態を示す回収部分の正面断面図である。
【図９】本発明の第１の実施形態を示す制御系のブロック図である。
【図１０】本発明の第１の実施形態を示すアレンジボール機の動作のフローチャートである。
【図１１】本発明の第２の実施形態を示すアレンジボール機の動作のフローチャートである。
【図１２】本発明の第３の実施形態を示す回収部分の平面断面図である。
【図１３】本発明の第３の実施形態を示す回収部分の正面断面図である。
【図１４】本発明の第３の実施形態を示す回収部分の側面断面図である。
【図１５】本発明の第４の実施形態を示す上皿側の正面断面図である。
【図１６】本発明の第４の実施形態を示す上皿側の平面断面図である。
【符号の説明】
３遊技機本体
６前面板
７遊技盤
８上皿（供給皿）
１０発射手段
１２送り手段
１６遊技領域
２７回収手段
２８カバー
３０整列部
３１底壁
３２案内孔
４０案内孔
４２回収通路
６０案内通路
６１案内通路
７１排出口[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a combination gaming machine such as a ball throwing arrangement ball machine or a sparrow ball gaming machine that throws a game ball into a supply tray.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Combination gaming machines, such as arrange ball machines, include a ball throwing type and a medal throwing type. In any type of arrange ball machine, 16 game balls are shot into the game area of the game board by the launching means for each game, and the game balls are arranged in a horizontal row at the bottom. When a predetermined winning combination is established by winning at any of the four winning mouths adjacent to the winning mouth means and a predetermined winning combination is established, a score is given according to the difficulty of the establishment. Thus, a predetermined number of medals or game balls are paid out to the player as a prize.
[0003]
A ball throwing-type arrangement ball machine is loaded with a game ball in the upper plate on the front side of the game machine main body, and the game balls are fed to the firing rail by the feeding means one by one in conjunction with the firing operation of the launching means. In addition, the medal insertion type arrangement ball machine encloses a game ball in a circulation path including the game board side and the launching means side, and inserts a predetermined medal into the medal slot on the front side of the gaming machine body. Sometimes, the game balls are fed one by one on the firing rail by the feeding means in conjunction with the launching operation of the launching means.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, in an arrangement ball machine, since it is necessary to drive 16 game balls into a game area per game, if the lending amount of one game ball is assumed to be 4 yen, for example, the lending amount of one dedicated medal is 64. Regardless of whether the ball throwing type or medal throwing type is set, the player can play the game with the same amount of money.
[0005]
However, the arrangement ball machine has a smaller absolute number than other medal insertion type game machines such as slot machines, and there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the medal increases if a dedicated medal is used. Even if there are an arrangement ball machine and a slot machine in the hall, you can play games with the slot machine using the medal for the arrangement ball machine, or conversely, you can play the game with the arrangement ball machine using the medal for the slot machine. There is a problem that cannot be done.
[0006]
Therefore, the medal for the slot machine can be used for the arrange ball machine, and by inserting 4 medals, the game balls can be launched until 16 game balls enter the game area, and the medals are inserted. In order to make the player's burden for one game the same for both the ball throwing type and the ball throwing type, the number of game balls required for one game on the ball throwing type arrange ball machine is set to 20 Is considered.
[0007]
In other words, if the medal for the slot machine can be used in the arrangement ball machine, the manufacturing cost of the medal can be greatly reduced, and the player can freely use either the slot machine or the arrangement ball machine by using the medal. Has the advantage of being able to play games.
[0008]
In this case, assuming that the lending amount of one medal for a slot machine is 20 yen, in a medal insertion type arrangement ball machine, if one game can be performed by inserting four medals, the player's The burden per game is 80 yen. Accordingly, by setting the number of game balls required for one game in the ball-throwing type arrangement ball machine to 20 in either case of the medal-throwing type or ball-throwing type, the player's burden per game The forehead can be matched.
[0009]
However, in the conventional ball throwing-type arrangement ball machine, the game balls are thrown into the upper plate, and the feeding means supplies the game balls one by one onto the launch rail in conjunction with the launching operation of the launch means. It has become. For this reason, when 20 game balls are required for one game and 16 of them are fired by the launching means and then driven into the game area, it is necessary to collect 4 game balls for each game. There is a problem of how to collect the game balls. For example, it is conceivable to provide a collection ball insertion port for introducing a game ball for collection. In this case, 16 game balls for launch are placed on the upper plate, and four game balls for collection are collected. There is a problem in that it is necessary to put each into the slot separately, which increases the burden on the player.
[0010]
In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a combination gaming machine that can easily collect a prescribed number of game balls for each game.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, a game ball is supplied from the supply tray 8 to the launching means 10 and a game is played by driving a predetermined number of game balls into the game area 16 of the game board 7 by the launching means 10 for each game. The combination gaming machine includes a collecting means 27 for collecting a specified number of game balls for each game, and the supply tray 8 is connected to the launching means 10 and the collecting means 27 so as to be able to supply game balls. Yes.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 10 exemplify a first embodiment in which the present invention is adopted in a ball throwing type arrange ball machine. As shown in FIG. 1, this arrange ball machine has a gaming machine body 3 having an outer frame 1 and a front frame 2, and the front frame 2 can be opened and closed via a hinge 4 on the front side of the outer frame 1. It is pivotally attached to. On the front surface of the gaming machine main body 3, a glass door 5 and a front plate 6 are attached to the front frame 2 of the front frame 2 by a hinge on the same side as the hinge 4, and a gaming board 7 is detachably disposed on the back side thereof. Yes.
[0013]
Further, the gaming machine main body 3 is provided with an upper tray (supply tray) 8 for storing game balls, a lower tray (surplus ball receiving tray) 9 for receiving surplus balls, and a firing handle 11 for launching means 10 on the front side. The main part of the means 10 and the feeding means 12 for sending the game ball from the upper plate 8 to the firing means 10 side are provided on the back side. The upper plate 8 is mounted on the front surface of the front plate 6, the feeding means 12 is mounted on the back surface of the front plate 6, and the lower plate 9 and the firing handle 11 are disposed on the front surface of the front frame 2 below the front plate 6. . Further, a contact detection switch (not shown) for detecting the player's grip is provided on the firing handle 11 side.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 3, the main part of the launching means 10 includes a launch rail 13, a strike rod 14 that strikes the game ball on the launch rail 13 toward the game board 7, and a cam mechanism (not shown). A firing motor (not shown) or the like that is intermittently driven via the player, and the firing motor is activated by the player's operation of the firing handle 11, and is linked to the firing rail 13 by the feeding means 12 in conjunction with the firing operation. The game balls supplied one by one are hit with the striking bar 14 and a predetermined number, for example, 16 game balls are driven into the game area 16 of the game board 7. The launch rail 13 is mounted on the front surface of a game board support plate fixed to the back side of the front frame 2 to support the game board 7 from below, and the striking rod 14 and the launch motor are provided on the front frame 2. It is mounted on the back side.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, a guide rail 15 is annularly mounted on the front surface of the game board 7, and a winning opening means 17 is disposed at a lower portion of the game area 16 inside the guide rail 15. The gaming parts such as the guiding symbol display means 18, the specific winning means 19, the score increasing means 20, the operating means 21, and the game number display means 22 are arranged above the mouth means 17. A group of game nails (not shown) is provided between the winning opening means 17 and each game component.
[0016]
The winning opening means 17 includes a plurality of, for example, 16 winning openings 23 that are appropriately arranged in a horizontal row or the like, so that game balls falling along the game board 7 win any of the winning openings 23. It has become. The winning opening means 17 is covered from the front side by a winning opening cover 24 mounted on the game board 7, and a plurality of, for example, 16 winning display sections 25 corresponding to the winning openings 23 are provided on the winning opening cover 24. A winning display means 26 is provided.
[0017]
Each winning display section 25 is appropriately arranged in a horizontal row or the like in the vicinity thereof corresponding to each winning opening 23, and when the game ball wins any winning opening 23, the corresponding winning display section 25 emits light. In other cases, the winning is displayed. In each winning display section 25, numbers are displayed in order from one end side corresponding to each winning opening 23. The winning display means 26 may be arranged by combining a predetermined number (for example, four) of the winning display sections 25 vertically and horizontally at the center of the game area 16 above the winning opening means 17 or the like.
[0018]
The upper plate 8 is configured as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the feed unit 12 and the collection unit 27 are connected to the downstream side thereof, and the visual recognition unit 47 and the standby display unit 48 are disposed in the vicinity of the collection unit 27. Is provided. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper plate 8 has a storage portion 29 having a volume capable of storing a large number of game balls, and an alignment portion 30 that aligns the game balls from the storage portion 29 in a line. Is attached to the front side of the front plate 6 together with the upper plate cover 28 that covers the upper plate 8, and the bottom wall 31 of the game ball from the storage unit 29 to the alignment unit 30 along the front plate 6. It is in the shape of a slope inclined in one direction so as to move. As shown in FIG. 2, the alignment portion 30 of the upper plate 8 is covered from above so that dust or the like does not enter from the downstream end to the required range on the upstream side.
[0019]
The feeding means 12 is for supplying the game balls in the upper plate 8 one by one onto the firing rail 13 of the launching means 10 in conjunction with the launching operation of the launching means 10, as shown in FIGS. Further, it is detachably mounted on the back surface of the front plate 6 corresponding to the downstream end of the alignment portion 30 of the upper plate 8. The feeding means 12 includes a feeding case 33 whose ball receiving port communicates with the downstream end of the alignment unit 30 through a launching guide hole 32 formed in the front plate 6, and a feeding case 33 provided in the feeding case 33. And a feeding actuator 34 that operates in conjunction with the launching operation of the launching means 10, and after the striking rod 14 hits the game ball on the launching rail 13 by the actuation of the actuator 34, The game balls in the case 33 are supplied onto the launch rail 13.
[0020]
The collecting means 27 is for collecting a predetermined number, for example, four game balls in the upper plate 8 per game for each game, and corresponding to the downstream end of the aligning unit 30, the upper plate cover 28. Is detachably mounted on the front surface of the front plate 6 inside. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the collecting means 27 includes a standby passage 35 having a capacity capable of accommodating a prescribed number (4) of game balls, and a receiver that receives the game balls in the standby passage 35 on the downstream side. 36, a restricting body 37 that restricts the game balls that follow the alignment section 30 on the upstream side of the waiting passage 35, and a drive means 38 that drives the receiving body 36 and the restricting body 37 so as to be freely retractable and retractable. A standby detection switch 39 for detecting that a specified number of game balls are in a standby state is provided in the standby passage 35.
[0021]
The waiting passage 35 is arranged on the front surface of the front plate 6 in the vertical direction or in an oblique direction, and the upstream side of the waiting passage 35 is arranged in the vicinity of the lower side of the guide hole 32 for launching so that the game balls of the aligning portion 30 naturally flow down. 30 is communicated with the alignment portion 30 via a collection guide hole 40 formed at the downstream end portion of the bottom wall 31 so that four game balls are accommodated between the receiving body 36 and the guide hole 40. It has become.
[0022]
The waiting passage 35 is communicated with the collection passage 42 on the back side of the gaming machine main body 3 through the relay passage 41, and the game balls in the waiting passage 35 are transferred from the relay passage 41 to the lower island facility side through the collection passage 42. It is designed to be discharged outside the machine. The collection passage 42 is mounted on the back side of the front frame 2 in the vertical direction. The relay passage 41 penetrates the front plate 6 from the lower end side of the standby passage 35 and protrudes to the back side. The rear end of the relay passage 41 is the upper end side of the recovery passage 42 when the front plate 6 is closed. To connect to.
[0023]
The receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37 are provided above and below the interlocking arm 44 that is pivotally attached to the forming body 45 of the recovery passage 42 by a pivot 43 so that the receiving body 36 is placed in the standby passage 35. When the protrusions protrude, the regulating body 37 retracts from the standby passage 35, and when the receiving body 36 retracts from the standby passage 35, the regulating body 37 protrudes into the standby passage 35 by swinging the interlocking arm 44. The passage 35 can be withdrawn and retreated on both upper and lower sides. The driving means 38 is constituted by electric means such as a solenoid, Communicating It is interposed between the moving arm 44 and the support shaft 49 on the front plate 6 side.
[0024]
The restricting body 37 has a plate shape or the like. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the restricting body 37 protrudes into the standby passage 35, the guide hole 40 of the bottom wall 31 of the alignment portion 30 is closed and the following game ball is closed. A guide portion 46 such as an inclined surface is formed on the upper surface so that the guide hole 32 side is lowered.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the collecting means 27 is normally in a state in which the receiving body 36 protrudes and the regulating body 37 moves backward so that the game ball can stand by in the waiting passage 35 (hereinafter referred to as collecting side guidance). Is called a state). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the guide hole 40 is moved from this state to a state in which the receiving body 36 is retracted and the regulating body 37 protrudes by driving the driving means 38 (hereinafter referred to as a firing side guiding state). Is closed and the game balls on the alignment portion 30 are guided to the guide hole 32 side, and the game balls waiting in the standby passage 35 flow down to the relay passage 41 side. Further, the receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37 do not need to be integrally formed via the interlocking arm 44, and may be provided separately. In that case, the driving means 38 is also provided separately corresponding to the receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37 so that the receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37 are moved back and forth with respect to the standby passage 35 by each driving means 38. What is necessary is just to comprise.
[0026]
The standby detection switch 39 is provided in the vicinity of the lower side of the regulating body 37 on the upstream side of the standby passage 35 so as to detect the most upstream game ball in the standby passage 35. The standby display means 48 is for displaying whether or not a specified number of game balls are waiting in the standby path 35 of the upper tray 8 including the recovery means 27 and in particular the recovery means 27, and comprises a display lamp or the like. It is provided on the front side of the upper plate cover 28 in the vicinity of the visual recognition portion 47 so that the player can easily check.
[0027]
The visual recognition part 47 is for making it possible to visually recognize whether or not a specified number of game balls are waiting in the standby passage 35 of the upper tray 8 including the recovery means 27 and in particular the recovery means 27. FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper plate cover 28 is provided so that the player can easily see through the game balls in the standby passage 35 of the collecting means 27. The visual recognition unit 47 includes a see-through window 50 formed in the upper plate cover 28 corresponding to the standby passage 35, and a see-through body 51 such as a convex lens attached to the upper plate cover 28 so as to close the see-through window 50. It has. The formation body 45 of the standby passage 35 is made of a transparent synthetic resin material so that a waiting game ball can be seen through the formation body 45. The visual recognition unit 47 does not need to make all the game balls waiting in the standby passage 35 visible, and it is sufficient if at least one game ball on the most upstream side is visible.
[0028]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control system of the arrange ball machine. As shown in FIG. 9, this control system includes a main control means 52, a winning display control means 53, a settlement processing means 54, a payout control means 55, a collection control means 56, a firing control means 57, and a standby display control means 58. Yes.
[0029]
The main control means 52 controls each game operation on the game board 7 side, and the winning display control means 53 displays a winning display when a game ball wins in each winning opening 23 of the winning opening means 17. A winning display is displayed on the winning display section 25 corresponding to the winning opening 23 and the like of the means 26. The settlement processing unit 54 performs a settlement process for calculating a score according to the success or failure of a winning combination during the game or at the end of the game, based on a signal from the main control unit 52. The payout control means 55 controls the payout means 59 during the game or after the game ends when the score is given by the checkout process of the checkout processing means 54, and the payout means 59 increases the prize ball according to the score. It is made to pay out to the plate 8. The payout means 59 is provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body 3.
[0030]
The collection control means 56 is for operating the collection means 27 to collect a predetermined number of game balls before starting the game, and the standby detection switch 39 detects a waiting game ball or waits. On the condition that the detection switch 39 detects a waiting game ball and the player operates the firing handle 11 of the launching means 10, the collecting means 27 collects a specified number of game balls before starting each game. The subsequent game balls are regulated until one game after the collection is completed.
[0031]
The firing control means 57 is for controlling the launching operation of the launching means 10 with an appropriate pause time for each game. The collection means 27 collects the game balls and the player launches the launching means 10. The launching means 10 is operated on the condition that the handle 11 is operated, and the operation is continued until the launching means 10 hits a predetermined number (16) of game balls into the game area 16. The number of game balls that have been driven into the game area 16 is obtained by subtracting the number of foul balls from the number of shots on the launching means 10 side, or from the number of game balls won in the prize opening means 17, the specific winning means 19 or the like. Just ask.
[0032]
The standby display control means 58 controls the display of the standby display means 48, and when the specified number of game balls are not in the standby state in the standby passage 35 of the collecting means 27 before the game starts, the standby detection switch 39 In accordance with a signal from the player, the standby display means 48 displays a non-standby state, and when the specified number of game balls are in the standby state, the standby display means 48 displays the standby state. To inform you. Note that the standby display means 48 may display either non-standby or standby.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the arrangement ball machine having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. At the start of the game, a predetermined number (4) or more, preferably 20 or more game balls, which is a necessary number for one game, are put into the upper plate 8. At this time, it is not necessary to distinguish between the game ball for launching and the game ball for collection. The game balls thrown into the upper plate 8 move to the downstream side along the front plate 6 while being aligned in a line from the storage portion 29 via the alignment portion 30.
[0034]
Then, when the game ball moves to the downstream end of the aligning portion 30, as shown in FIG. 5, the restricting body 37 of the collecting means 27 moves backward to open the collecting guide hole 40, and the receiving body 36 moves to the standby path. 35, the game ball flows down into the standby passage 35 through the guide hole 40 for collection, and 4 upwards from the receiving body 36 of the standby passage 35. A number of game balls wait for collection.
[0035]
When four game balls wait in the standby passage 35, the standby detection switch 39 detects the highest game ball (S1 → Yes), and the standby display means 48 changes its standby state under the control of the standby display control means 58. Inform the player. Therefore, the player can easily confirm whether or not the game ball is waiting in the collecting means 27 by looking at the display on the standby display means 48. Also, the player can easily confirm whether or not the game ball is waiting in the standby passage 35 from the visual recognition unit 47.
[0036]
Thereafter, when the player holds and operates the firing handle 11 (S2 → Yes), the driving means 38 of the collecting means 27 drives the receiving body 36 and the regulating body 37 via the interlocking arm 44 under the control of the collecting control means 56. Then, the recovery side guiding state is shifted to the firing side guiding state (S3). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the receiving body 36 moves backward, and the waiting game ball in the standby passage 35 is discharged out of the machine to the island facility side through the relay passage 41 and the collection passage 42. . On the other hand, the regulating body 37 protrudes into the standby passage 35 in synchronization with the backward movement of the receiving body 36 and closes the collection guide hole 40 to restrict the subsequent game balls from flowing into the standby passage 35. This state is maintained until one game after the game balls are collected is completed.
[0037]
If the player continues to operate the firing handle 11, after the game ball is collected by the collecting means 27, the firing means 10 is operated by the control of the firing control means 57, and passes from the alignment unit 30 of the upper plate 8 through the feeding means 12. A game ball supplied on the firing rail 13 is hit with the hitting bar 14, and the game balls are sequentially driven through the guide rail 15 into the game area 16, whereby a normal game proceeds (S4).
[0038]
When the 16 game balls have been shot (S5 → Yes), the launching means 10 stops and the payout control means 55 controls the payout means 59 based on the score calculated by the settlement processing means 54. Thereby, a prize ball according to the score of the game is paid out to the upper plate 8 (S6). Further, the collection means 27 is controlled by the collection control means 56. From the firing side guidance state to the collection side guidance state (S7), and thereafter, the process after step S1 is repeated for the next game. In addition, about the process of step S6 and step S7, which may be performed first and may be performed in parallel.
[0039]
As described above, if there are no four game balls in the standby passage 35, neither the collecting means 27 nor the firing means 10 will operate even if the firing handle 11 is operated. Therefore, in this case, the game balls may be inserted into the upper plate 8 so that four game balls wait in the standby passage 35. Further, whether or not there are four game balls in the waiting passage 35 can be easily confirmed by the player visually recognizing the waiting passage 35 side from the visual recognition unit 47 or visually checking the display of the standby display means 48. .
[0040]
According to the above configuration, a prescribed number (for example, 4) of game balls are collected from the upper plate 8 in the same manner as the game balls for driving (for example, 16). Therefore, the prescribed number of games for each game. The game can be sequentially played while automatically and reliably collecting the balls. In addition, since the player only has to insert more than the required number of game balls for one game into the upper plate 8 regardless of whether the game is to be launched or to be collected, the burden on the player when the game balls are inserted can be extremely reduced. Furthermore, out of the required number (20) of game balls for one game, a specified number of game balls are collected before starting the game. Even when a game is played, a specified number of game balls can be reliably collected, and unfairness among players can be prevented.
[0041]
Structurally, since the collecting means 27 is provided on the downstream side of the alignment portion 30 of the upper plate 8, the collection of game balls is compared with the case where a specified number of game balls are collected from the storage portion 29 side of the upper plate 8. And the configuration of the recovery means 27 can be simplified. Further, on the downstream side of the alignment portion 30, a launch guide hole 32 for guiding the game ball to the feeding means 12 and a collection guide hole 40 for guiding the game ball to the collection means 27 are provided. Since the feeding means 12 and the collecting means 27 can be arranged in a concentrated manner, and the game balls in the upper plate 8 have only to be moved in one direction via the alignment section 30, the overall configuration can be simplified.
[0042]
Further, a collecting means 27 is mounted on the front plate 6 pivotably attached to the gaming machine main body 3, and a collecting passage 42 for discharging the game balls from the collecting means 27 to the outside of the machine is provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body 3. By providing, it is possible to easily check other mechanism portions on the gaming machine main body 3 side and to easily discharge a prescribed number of gaming balls to the outside of the machine.
[0043]
Since the collecting means 27 is provided inside the cover that covers the upper plate 8 on the front surface of the front plate 6 and the feeding means 12 is provided on the back surface of the front plate 6, interference between the collecting means 27 and the feeding means 12 can be prevented, Further, the recovery means 27 can be protected by a cover. In addition, by providing the launch guide hole 32 in the front plate 6 and the recovery guide hole 40 in the bottom wall 31 of the alignment portion 30, there are the feeding means 12 and the recovery means 27 in the front and rear of the front plate 6. Regardless, the game balls can be smoothly guided to the feeding means 12 and the collecting means 27 from the alignment unit 30 side.
[0044]
FIG. 11 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a specified number (4) of game balls are collected after one game is over. The operation of the arrange ball machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the collecting means 27 is normally in the firing side guiding state as shown in FIGS.
[0045]
At the start of the game, 20 or more game balls, which are the required number for one game, are inserted into the upper plate 8 in the number of game areas 16 (16) or more. The game balls thrown into the upper plate 8 move to the downstream side along the front plate 6 while being aligned in a line from the storage portion 29 via the alignment portion 30.
[0046]
Then, when the game ball moves to the downstream end of the alignment portion 30, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the regulating body 37 of the collecting means 27 protrudes to close the collecting guide hole 40 (launching side). Therefore, the game ball is guided to the feeding means 12 through the guide hole 32 for launching.
[0047]
When the player holds and operates the firing handle 11 (S11 → Yes), the firing means 10 is operated under the control of the firing control means 57 (S12), and the game ball supplied from the sending means 12 onto the firing rail 13 is played. The hitting ball 14 is struck, and the game balls are sequentially driven through the guide rails 15 into the game area 16, whereby a normal game proceeds.
[0048]
When a predetermined number (16) of game balls are driven into the game area 16 by the launching means 10 and one game is finished (S13 → Yes), the driving means 38 of the collecting means 27 is linked to the interlock arm by the control of the collecting control means 56. The receiving body 36 and the regulation body 37 are driven via 44, and the collection means 27 is shifted from the firing side guidance state to the collection side guidance state (S14). That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the regulating body 37 is retracted, the collection guide hole 40 is opened, and the game balls on the alignment portion 30 flow into the standby passage 35, and at the same time, the receiving body 36 The game ball that protrudes and flows into the standby passage 35 is regulated so as not to flow toward the collection passage 42.
[0049]
When four game balls flow from the alignment unit 30 into the standby passage 35, the standby detection switch 39 detects the uppermost game ball, and the standby display unit 48 controls the standby state by the control of the standby display control unit 58. Inform the person. Therefore, the player can easily confirm whether or not the game ball is waiting in the collecting means 27 by looking at the display on the standby display means 48. Also, the player can easily confirm whether or not the game ball is waiting in the standby passage 35 from the visual recognition unit 47.
[0050]
When the standby game switch detects the uppermost game ball waiting in the waiting passage 35 (S15 → Yes), the driving means 38 of the collecting means 27 is controlled via the interlocking arm 44 by the control of the collecting control means 56. The receiving body 36 and the regulation body 37 are driven, and the collecting means 27 is shifted from the collecting side guiding state to the firing side guiding state (S16). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the receiving body 36 moves backward, and the waiting game ball in the standby passage 35 is discharged out of the machine through the relay passage 41 and the collection passage 42 to the island facility side. go. On the other hand, in synchronization with the backward movement of the receiving body 36, the regulating body 37 protrudes into the standby passage 35 and closes the collection guide hole 40, thereby restricting the subsequent game balls from flowing into the standby passage 35. .
[0051]
When four game balls are collected by the control of the collection control means 56, the payout control means 55 controls the payout means 59 based on the score calculated by the settlement processing means 54. Thereby, a prize ball corresponding to the score of the game is paid out to the upper plate 8 (S17). Then, the process after step S11 is repeated about the next game.
[0052]
If configured as described above, a prescribed number (for example, 4) of game balls are collected from the upper plate 8 in the same manner as the game balls for driving (for example, 16) as in the first embodiment. The games can be sequentially played while automatically and reliably collecting a prescribed number of game balls for each game. In addition, since the player only has to insert more than the required number of game balls for one game into the upper plate 8 regardless of whether the game is to be launched or to be collected, the burden on the player when the game balls are inserted can be extremely reduced. Further, after each game is finished, a predetermined number of game balls are collected before the payout operation for the prize balls related to the game. As a result, if the required number (for example, 20) of game balls is not inserted, Profits obtained from the game cannot be actually enjoyed, and unfairness among players can be prevented.
[0053]
12 to 14 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the collecting means 27, the feeding means 12, the firing guide passage 60, and the collecting guide passage 61 are mounted on the back surface of the front plate 6. The collection means 27 is connected to the downstream side of the alignment portion 30 inclined in one direction through a supply hole 67 formed in the front plate 6, and a collection case 62 mounted on the back surface of the front plate 6; A rotating body 65 is disposed in the collection case 62 so as to be able to rotate forward and backward around a rotating shaft 63 in the front-rear direction, and has a plurality of ball feed recesses 64 formed in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral side. Drive means 66 such as a drive motor that rotates in the reverse direction.
[0054]
A discharge guide passage 60 and a collection guide passage 61 are connected to the collection case 62 at lower portions on both sides thereof. The launch guide passage 60 is connected to the feeding means 12, and the recovery guide passage 61 is connected to the recovery passage 42 below. The rotating body 65 receives the game balls sent from the downstream end of the alignment unit 30 through the supply holes 67 of the front plate 6 one by one in the ball feed recess 64, and receives the game balls by forward rotation or reverse rotation. Guide is provided from the launch guide passage 60 to the feed means 12 or from the collection guide passage 61 to the collection passage 42. The collection guide passage 61 is provided with a collection detection switch 68 for detecting the passage of the game ball, and the signal of the collection detection switch 68 is counted by the counting means 69.
[0055]
The upper plate cover 28 is provided with a visual recognition portion 47 corresponding to the downstream side of the alignment portion 30. In the visual recognition unit 47, a fluoroscopic body 51 such as a convex lens that closes the fluoroscopic window 50 is provided on a fluoroscopic window 50 that is formed long along the alignment unit 30. The alignment portion 30 is provided with a transparent portion 70 corresponding to the visual recognition portion 47.
[0056]
In this embodiment, when a game ball is thrown into the upper plate 8, one game ball on the most downstream side enters the ball feed recess 64 of the rotating body 65 through the supply hole 67, and the subsequent game ball moves to the alignment unit. 30 in a line. Therefore, when the player holds the firing handle 11 at the start of the game, the rotating body 65 of the collecting means 27 is driven. 66 , The game ball is guided to the collection guide passage 61 side, collected through the collection passage 42, and discharged outside the machine. When the game ball passes through the collection guide passage 61, the collection detection switch 68 detects the game ball, and the counting means 69 counts the number of the game balls.
[0057]
When the launching means 10 starts the firing operation after collecting the specified number of game balls, the drive means 66 rotates the rotating body 65 in the reverse direction to send the subsequent game balls to the sending means 12 side and start the game. To do. Therefore, also in this case, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0058]
In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a specified number (four) of game balls can be collected after the end of one game. That is, when the player holds the firing handle 11 at the start of the game, the rotating body 65 of the collecting means 27 is driven. 66 The game ball is rotated in the reverse direction to guide the game ball from the launch guide passage 60 in the direction of the feed means 12, and the game ball supplied from the feed means 12 onto the launch rail 13 is hit with the hitting rod 14. The game balls are sequentially driven into the game area 16 via the guide rails 15, and thereby a normal game proceeds.
[0059]
When a predetermined number (16) of game balls are driven into the game area 16 by the launching means 10 and one game is finished, the rotating body 65 of the collecting means 27 is driven by the control of the collecting control means 56. 66 , The game ball is guided to the collection guide passage 61 side, collected through the collection passage 42, and discharged out of the machine. When the game ball passes through the collection guide passage 61, the collection detection switch 68 detects the game ball, and the counting means 69 counts the number of the game balls. When four game balls are counted by the counting means 69, the payout control means 55 controls the payout means 59 based on the score calculated by the settlement processing means 54. Thereby, a prize ball corresponding to the score of the game is paid out to the upper plate 8.
[0060]
15 and 16 exemplify the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The upper plate 8 is inclined in both the left and right directions, and the launching means 10 and the game ball for launching are fired on one downstream side. A guide hole 32 for guiding to the means 10 is provided, and on the other downstream side, a collecting means 27 similar to that of the first embodiment and a guide hole 40 for guiding a game ball for collection to the collecting means 27 are provided. An example is shown.
[0061]
In the present embodiment, the bottom wall 31 of the upper plate 8 is divided into a firing side bottom wall 31a inclined toward one side in the left-right direction and a collection side bottom wall 31b inclined toward the opposite direction. The firing side bottom wall 31a and the collection side bottom wall 31b are formed with alignment portions 30a and 30b for aligning the game balls in a line.
[0062]
On the back side of the front plate 6 in the vicinity of the downstream side end portion of the firing side alignment portion 30a, a feeding means 12 for sending game balls from the upper plate 8 to the firing means 10 side is attached, and the firing side alignment portion 30a. The upper game ball is guided to the feeding means 12 through a guide hole 32 formed in the front plate 6. Further, a collecting means 27 similar to that of the first embodiment is attached to the front surface of the front plate 6 in the vicinity of the downstream end of the collecting side alignment portion 30b, and the game balls on the collecting side alignment portion 30b are It is guided into the standby passage 35 of the recovery means 27 through the guide hole 40 formed in the recovery side bottom wall 31b. Further, the upper plate cover 28 is provided with a visual recognition portion 47 similar to the first and second embodiments corresponding to the standby passage 35 of the collection means 27.
[0063]
The collection side alignment unit 30b can store, for example, about 1 to 2 games (that is, 4 to 8) of game balls following the collection game balls (4) for one game stored in the waiting passage 35. The subsequent game balls exceeding the width are formed so as to overflow toward the launch side alignment portion 30a. Further, the discharge port 71 for discharging a prize ball or the like to the upper plate 8 is provided above the collection side bottom wall 31b, and the game balls discharged from the discharge port 71 are first arranged in the alignment portion 30b of the collection side bottom wall 31b. The game balls that are stored above and overflow from the alignment unit 30b flow toward the launching alignment unit 30a and are stored.
[0064]
As for the control procedure, a prescribed number of game balls may be collected before the start of the game, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10, or the same as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. In this way, a prescribed number of game balls may be collected after the game ends.
[0065]
Even with the above configuration, a prescribed number (for example, four) of game balls are collected from the upper plate 8 in the same manner as the game balls for driving (for example, sixteen). The game can be sequentially played while automatically and reliably collecting the game balls. In addition, since the game balls paid out from the discharge port 71 are preferentially stored in the collecting side alignment unit 30b, even when the game balls are stored in the upper plate 8 more than the number of shots and less than the required number. The specified number of game balls can be reliably collected.
[0066]
As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, it is not limited to each embodiment, A various change is possible within the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, the timing of collecting a specified number of game balls is not limited to before the game starts or after the game ends, but can be performed during the game, that is, while 16 game balls are being fired. . That is, the specified number of game balls may be collected at any point in the game period of each game.
[0067]
For example, in the case of a collective arrangement type ball machine that collects a predetermined number of game balls as shown in the first, second, and fourth embodiments, for example, collection is performed before the start of the game. It is also possible to collect a specified number of game balls when the player releases his hand from the launch handle 11 during the game or after the game is over. In addition, in the case of an individually collectable arrangement ball machine that individually collects a specified number of game balls as shown in the third embodiment, for example, four in parallel with the launch operation of the game balls It is also possible to collect one game ball for every game ball fired.
[0068]
In each embodiment, a collective collection type (first, second, and fourth embodiments) that collects a specified number of game balls at once as the collecting means 27, and a specified number of game balls individually. The individual recovery type (third embodiment) to be recovered is illustrated as an example, but the recovery means 27 can be of any other structure regardless of whether it is a collective recovery type or an individual recovery type. is there.
[0069]
The visual recognition part 47 can also be configured by an opening such as a slit formed in the upper plate cover 28 corresponding to the standby passage 35. The visual recognition part 47 may be provided on the upper side of the alignment part 30 of the upper plate 8. The standby display means 48 may be provided in a portion other than the upper plate cover 28 as long as it is a location on the front side of the gaming machine main body 3 and can be easily confirmed by the player. Further, only one of the visual recognition part 47 and the standby display means 48 may be provided, or both may be omitted. The standby display unit 48 is an example of a standby notification unit, and a unit that notifies the player of the non-standby state and / or the standby state by voice may be employed.
[0070]
Further, instead of the standby display means 48 or together with the standby display means 48, a recovery notification means for notifying the player that a specified number of game balls have been recovered may be provided. As the recovery notification means, either a display notification method or a voice notification method may be employed.
[0071]
In each embodiment, the arrangement ball machine is illustrated, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be similarly applied to various combination game machines such as a sparrow ball game machine in addition to the arrange ball machine.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
In the present invention, a game ball is supplied from the supply tray 8 to the launching means 10 and a game is played by driving a predetermined number of game balls into the game area 16 of the game board 7 by the launching means 10 for each game. The combination gaming machine is provided with a collecting means 27 for collecting a specified number of game balls for each game, and the supply tray 8 is connected to the launching means 10 and the collecting means 27 so as to be able to supply the game balls. It is possible to easily collect a prescribed number of game balls per game from the supply tray every time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of an arrange ball machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the upper plate showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of the upper plate showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a recovery portion showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of a recovery portion showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan cross-sectional view of a recovery portion showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the recovery portion showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a recovery portion showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control system showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the arrange ball machine showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the operation of the arrange ball machine showing the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a plan sectional view of a recovery portion showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of a recovery portion showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a recovery portion showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a front sectional view on the upper pan side showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a plan sectional view on the upper plate side showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
3 gaming machine body
6 Front plate
7 Game board
8 Top plate (supply tray)
10 Launching means
12 Feeding means
16 Game area
27 Collecting means
28 Cover
30 Alignment part
31 Bottom wall
32 Guide hole
40 Guide hole
42 Collection passage
60 Guide passage
61 Guide passage
71 outlet

Claims

A game ball is supplied from the supply tray (8) to the launching means (10) via the feeding means (12), and a predetermined number of game balls are played on the game board (7) by the launch means (10) for each game. In the combination gaming machine that is driven into the area (16) to play a game, the game machine includes a collection means (27) for collecting a specified number of game balls for each game, and the supply tray (8) includes the launching means. A combination gaming machine, characterized in that a game ball is connected to (10) and the collecting means (27).

The supply tray (8) is inclined in one direction, and on the downstream side thereof, a guide hole (32) or a guide passage (60) for guiding a launch game ball to the launch means (10), and a collection The combination gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a guide hole (40) or a guide passage (61) for guiding the game ball to the collecting side.

The combination gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the collecting means (27) is provided on the downstream side of the alignment section (30) of the supply tray (8).

The gaming machine main body (3) is provided with a front plate (6) that can be opened and closed, and the supply plate (8) and the collecting means (27) are mounted on the front plate (6). The combination gaming machine according to any one of?

The recovery path (42) for discharging the game balls recovered by the recovery means (27) to the outside of the machine is provided on the back side of the gaming machine body (3). The described combination gaming machine.

A front plate (6) mounted with the supply tray (8) is provided on the gaming machine body (3) so as to be openable and closable, and an interior of a cover (28) that covers the supply tray (8) with the front surface of the front plate (6) The combination gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said collecting means (27) is provided, and said feeding means (12) is provided on the back surface of said front plate (6).

Corresponding to the downstream end of the alignment portion (30) of the supply tray (8), the front plate (6) is provided with the guide hole (32) for launching, and the bottom wall of the alignment portion (30) ( The combination gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the guide holes (40) for collection are respectively provided in 31).

The gaming machine main body (3) is provided with a front plate (6) that can be opened and closed, and the collecting means (27) and the feeding means (12) are provided on the rear surface of the front plate (6). Item 8. A combination gaming machine according to any one of Items 1 to 7.

The supply tray (8) is inclined in both left and right directions, and on one downstream side thereof, a guide hole (32) for guiding a game ball for launch to the launch means (10) is provided, and on the other downstream side, The combination gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a guide hole (40) for guiding a collecting game ball to the collecting means (27).

10. The combination gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein a discharge port (71) for discharging the paid-out game balls to the supply tray (8) is provided above the slope on the collection side.