JP4566630B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is based on the fact that a predetermined winning combination is established in relation to the action of the launched game balls by firing a specified number of game balls per unit game, such as an arrangement ball machine, into the game area. The present invention relates to a ball game machine configured to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to a winning combination.

  Among the ball game machines, for example, in an arrangement ball machine, a specified number of game balls per unit game, for example, 15 balls are fired into the game area, and the fired game balls are arranged at the bottom of the game area. Based on the fact that a predetermined winning combination is established by winning a predetermined plurality of winning openings among a plurality of winning openings, the number of game balls corresponding to the winning combination is paid out by the payout means. It is configured.

  Among these types of arrange ball machines, game balls that are used as game media are used as game balls for launch as they are and are collected on the island side after use. A game ball circulation type is common (see Patent Document 1).

  In this game ball circulation type arrangement ball machine, the game balls stored in the upper plate are fired while being supplied one by one to the launching means side through the ball feeding means, and a prescribed number, for example, 15 games per unit game. On the condition that the ball is fired, the firing operation is stopped until the start condition of the next unit game is satisfied. Further, for example, when a foul ball that has not reached the game area is detected among a prescribed number of game balls that have been fired, a firing operation is additionally performed by the number of the foul balls.

  In addition, as an arrangement ball machine using a game ball as a game medium, for example, a predetermined number of game balls for launching are enclosed in the game machine and used repeatedly, and are introduced by the player every time a unit game is started. A game ball enclosing type in which the game ball is recovered as it is on the island side is also conceivable.

On the other hand, in an arrangement ball machine that uses medals as a game medium, a game ball for launch may be either a circulation type or an encapsulated type. This is one of the game start conditions. When a unit game is started, additional medals cannot be inserted until the unit game is completed.
JP 2003-205074 A

  Among the conventional arrangement ball machines that use game balls as game media, the game ball circulation type is configured so that the game balls that have been thrown in are placed one by one, as described above, and are sequentially fired. Since, for example, the insertion of 15 game balls required for establishing a unit game is not a condition for starting the unit game, the unit game can be played even if the number of game balls on hand is less than the specified number. This is very different from the arrangement ball machine that uses medals as game media in that it can be started, and there is a problem in performing unified operation for each game machine with different game media.

  Further, in a game ball circulation type arrange ball machine using game balls as game media, it is conceivable that the unit game start condition is set to a prescribed number necessary for the establishment of a unit game, for example, 15 game balls. In this case, if the additional insertion of the game medium in the unit game is prohibited, the additional launch cannot be performed when the foul ball is detected, which cannot be realized.

  Even if a game ball is used as a game medium, if the game ball is encapsulated, the unit game starts to insert a prescribed number of game media necessary for the establishment of the unit game, similar to a medal-type arrangement ball machine. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one of the conditions and the additional insertion of game media during a unit game cannot be made, but in this case, the game ball for launch can be circulated by the game ball circulation device on the island side. In addition, since it is necessary to perform cleaning and the like individually, there is a problem that requires a lot of labor and time for maintenance work.

  In view of such a conventional problem, the present invention can perform a unified operation with a gaming machine using another game medium while using a game ball as a game medium, and also for maintenance work etc. The object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine that can be played in the same manner as other game machines.

According to the present invention, a predetermined winning combination is established by a launching means 15 that launches a specified number of game balls per unit game to the game area 24, and a winning of the game balls launched into the game area 24 by the launch means 15 And a payout means 57a for paying out the number of game balls according to the winning combination, and configured to collect the game balls launched into the game area 24 on the island side. In the machine, the game ball take-in means 97 for taking the game ball from the game ball storage means 7 to the collection path side in the gaming machine, and the supply path side provided separately from the collection path and supplied from outside the game machine The unit game is started on the condition that a predetermined number of game balls are taken into the game machine by the launch ball supply means 57b for supplying game balls to the launch means 15 from the game balls and the game ball take-in means 97. A game start means 128a and a notification means 43 for notifying the game ball take-in operation by the game ball take-in means 97, the game ball take-in means 97 at the predetermined take-in start time. Allowing the game ball to flow down from the storage means 7 to the collection path side in the gaming machine and restricting the flow when the number of game balls flowing down to the collection path side reaches the specified input number The number of game balls is taken in, and the notifying means 43 is configured to notify the number of take-in by the game ball take-in means 97 and / or the shortage of the take-in number with respect to the specified throw-in number. are a collection waiting path 80 to wait for a game ball captured by the game balls capturing means 97, the game ball collection hand collecting game balls of the recovery waiting path 80 since the start of the unit game 109, and before starting the unit game, the game balls in the collection standby passage 80 are collected on the island side based on an external operation, and the same number of game balls as the collected game balls are paid out by the payout means 57a. Return control means 131 is provided .

  According to the bullet ball game machine of the present invention, when a foul ball is detected, the game ball collection path and the launch game ball supply path are separated from each other. Since it is possible to supply additional game balls for launch separately from the supply path, it is not necessary to add additional game media in the unit game, but to input the prescribed number of game media necessary for the establishment of the unit game. Is one of the unit game start conditions, and once the unit game is started, no additional game media can be inserted until the end of the unit game. Others such as arrange ball machines using medals as game media It is possible to perform unified operation with other gaming machines.

  In addition, since the game balls to be used can be circulated by the game ball circulation device on the island side, maintenance work and the like can be performed in the same manner as other ball game machines. Furthermore, since the collection path of the inserted game balls and the supply path of the game balls for launch are separate systems, the game ball take-in and collection operations may directly affect the launch operation. Therefore, the degree of freedom of control is high, and no problem occurs even if the specified number of inputs does not match the specified number of shots.

  Furthermore, the notification regarding the capturing operation allows the player to surely recognize the state of the capturing operation, thereby enabling a smooth game progress.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 15 illustrate a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied as an arrange ball machine. In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes an outer frame, and 2 a front frame, which are pivotally attached to the front side of the outer frame 1 via a pair of upper and lower hinges 3. Reference numeral 4 denotes a glass door, and 5 denotes a front plate, which are arranged vertically corresponding to the window holes 6 of the front frame 2 and are pivotally supported by the front frame 2 so as to be opened and closed.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes an upper plate (game ball storage means) for storing a game ball for launch, which is attached to the front side of the front plate 5 and is covered with an upper plate cover 8. Further, 9 is a lower tray for storing surplus balls and the like, and 10 is an ashtray. These are arranged on the lower side of the front plate 5 on the front side of the front frame 2 and are covered with a lower plate cover 11. A game board 12 is detachably attached to the game board mounting frame 13 on the back side of the front frame 2 so as to correspond to the window hole 6 of the front frame 2, and is attached to the front frame 2 on the lower side of the window hole 6. It is supported from below by a support plate 14 mounted on the back side.

  A firing handle 16 for operating the firing means 15 is provided on one side of the lower plate 9 and on the front side of the front frame 2. The launching means 15 includes a firing rail 17 disposed on the rear side of the front plate 5 and mounted on the front side of the support plate 14, a striking rod 19 that operates by a predetermined firing driving means 18 such as a motor, and the like. When the firing handle 16 is operated, the striking rod 19 is actuated by the firing driving means 18, for example, one on the firing rail 17 by the ball feeding means 20 mounted on the support plate 14 on the rear side of the firing rail 17. The game balls supplied one by one are fired toward the game board 12 side.

  In addition, a launch board case 22 for housing the launch control board 21 is detachably attached to a predetermined position on the back side of the front frame 2, for example, the back side of the launch drive means 18. Note that the firing handle 16 is provided with a contact detection switch (not shown) for detecting the grip of the player.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a guide rail 23 for guiding a game ball fired by the launching means 15 is annularly mounted on the front surface of the game board 12, and in the game area 24 inside the guide rail 23. The prize-winning means 25 is arranged at the lower part thereof, and the symbol display means 26, the specific prize-winning means 27, the score increasing means 28, the starting means 29, the operating means 30 and 31, and the normal prize-winning means 32 are disposed above the prize-winning means 25. , 33 and the like are arranged. In addition, a large number of game nails (not shown) are provided between the winning opening means 25 and each game component.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the winning opening means 25 is formed in a winning case 34 that is detachably attached to the opening 12 a of the game board 12 from the back side, and is formed in a horizontal line on the winning case 34. A plurality of, for example, 16 winning holes 35 for guiding the game balls won from the front side to the back side of the game board 12, and a plurality of, for example, 16 winning detection switches for detecting the game balls won in each of the winning holes 35 36, and a game ball falling along the game board 12 wins a winning slot 35, and the winning detection switch 36 detects the game ball.

  The winning opening means 25 is covered from the front side by a winning opening cover 37 attached to the game board 12, and a plurality of, for example, 16 display units corresponding to the winning openings 35 are provided on the winning opening cover 37. A winning display means 39 having 38 is provided. The winning display means 39 is configured such that when a game ball wins any one of the winning openings 35, the display unit 38 corresponding thereto emits light and displays the winning by others. Each display unit 38 displays a number in order from one end side corresponding to each winning opening 35.

  During the unit game, for example, when the winning combination is established with a predetermined combination of the display units 38 in the winning display state, such as when four consecutive display units 38 are in a light emitting state, the combination A predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the upper plate 7 as prize balls according to the difficulty level.

  Note that the winning display means 39 is arranged in a predetermined position (for example, four each) in the center of the game area 24 above the winning opening means 25 in combination with a predetermined number (for example, four each). Embodiments are arbitrary.

  The symbol display means 26 can variably display one or a plurality of, for example, three game symbols 26a to 26c, and is also used by a liquid crystal display means 40 for notifying the player of various game information and the like. Yes.

  Each of the game symbols 26a to 26c varies for a predetermined time on condition that the starting means 29 detects a game ball, and stops in a specific mode such as “7, 7, 7” or other non-specific mode. It has become. It should be noted that symbols such as numeric symbols and character symbols are appropriately used for the game symbols 26a to 26c.

  The specific winning means 27 includes an opening / closing body 27a that opens for a predetermined period after the game symbols 26a to 26c after the change of the symbol display means 26 are stopped and fixed in a specific manner, and a plurality of (for example, three) insides are provided. It is divided into passages, one of which (for example, the center) is the specific area 41. When the game ball passes through the specific area 41, the operation means 30 and 31 become effective. The specific winning means 27 is provided with a passage detection switch 42 for detecting that a winning game ball has passed through the specific area 41.

  The score increasing means 28 is for increasing the score when the game ball is won, and includes an opening / closing claw 28a that is opened for a predetermined period on condition that the game ball wins the operating means 30, 31 in the valid state. When the game ball wins the score increasing means 28, the score acquired in the game is increased (for example, doubled).

  The specific winning means 27, the score increasing means 28, the normal winning means 32, 33, and the like, when a game ball wins a game ball, wins a game ball to one or a plurality of winning holes 35 corresponding thereto. They are treated equally. For example, the specific winning means 27 corresponds to the eleventh and fourteenth of the winning opening 35, the score increasing means 28 corresponds to the 11th to thirteenth and fifteenth, respectively, and when the game ball wins, the corresponding winning opening 35 In the same way as the game ball has won, the display unit 38 corresponding to the winning opening 35 displays the winning. The specific winning means 27, the score increasing means 28, the starting means 29, the operating means 30, 31, and the normal winning means 32, 33 guide the winning game balls to the back side of the game board 12, as in the winning opening means 25. It is supposed to be.

  In addition, on a predetermined position on the front side of the front frame 2, for example, on the winning opening cover 37 on the front side of the game board 12, a take-in information display means (notification means) 43 including a liquid crystal display means is provided. The take-in information display means 43 can display various types of information relating to a game ball take-in operation by a game ball take-in means 97 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a back cover 44 is mounted on the back side of the game board 12 to cover game parts such as the symbol display means 26 from the back side. On the back side of the back cover 44, a main board case 46 for housing the main control board 45, a lamp board case 48 for housing the lamp control board 47, and a voice board case 50 for housing the voice control board 49 are detachable. It is installed. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a ball collecting cover 44a is integrally provided at the lower part of the back cover 44, and the game ball guided to the back side of the game board 12 after winning the winning hole means 25 or the like is this. After being collected at one place by the ball collecting cover 44a, it is collected on the island side through the discharge passage 44b.

  The game board mounting frame 13 has a gate shape, is fixed to the back side of the front frame 2 along the window hole 6 of the front frame 2, and corresponds to the back side of the front plate 5 between the lower ends of the game board mounting frame 13. Thus, the support plate 14 is fixed to the back side of the front frame 2. A back mechanism plate 51 is pivotally attached to the game board mounting frame 13 by a pair of upper and lower hinges 52 so that the game board 12 is pressed and fixed from the back side. 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the back mechanism plate 51 has an opening 54 into which the back cover 44 is fitted, and a game ball tank 55 and tank rails 56 a and 56 b are formed above the opening 54. A first payout means (payout means) 57a and a second payout means (fired ball supply means) 57b are provided on the left and right sides, respectively, and a passage unit 58 and an installation portion 59 are provided on the lower side.

  A payout board case 61 that houses the payout control board 60 and a power supply board case 63 that houses the power supply board 62 are detachably attached to the installation portion 59 from the back side.

  The game ball tank 55 is for storing the game balls replenished from the island-side ball replenishing device. The game ball tank 55 passes through the tank rails 56a and 56b, respectively, and the first and second payout means 57a and 57b. A game ball is supplied to the game.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the first and second payout means 57a and 57b are, for example, arranged on the rear side of the back mechanism plate 51 adjacent to each other on the left and right sides, and the payout cases arranged in the vertical direction, respectively. 71a, 71b, rotating bodies 72a, 72b rotatably supported in the dispensing cases 71a, 71b, feeding motors 73a, 73b for driving the rotating bodies 72a, 72b, and downstream of the dispensing cases 71a, 71b. The first and second discharge paths 74a and 74b connected to each other, and the first and second payout detection switches 75a and 75b for detecting the game balls passing through the first and second discharge paths 74a and 74b, respectively. The game balls supplied from the tank rails 56a and 56b into the payout cases 71a and 71b are fed downstream by the rotation of the rotating bodies 72a and 72b. The second discharge path 74a, so that the paid out downstream from 74b.

  Here, a path for supplying the game balls replenished from the ball supply device outside the machine to the second payout means 57b side, that is, a path from the game ball tank 55 through the tank rail 56b to the second payout means 57b is a gaming machine. It constitutes a supply path through which game balls are supplied from the outside, and is a separate system from a collection path to be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the first payout means 57a and the second payout means 57b are provided adjacent to each other on the left and right sides, and the respective payout cases 71a and 71b are integrally formed. You may form, and in that case, you may arrange | position in a respectively separate position.

  The passage unit 58 includes an upper plate guide passage 79 for guiding the game balls paid out from the first discharge passage 74a on the first payout means 57a side to the upper plate 7 side, and a second discharge passage on the second payout means 57b side. A launch ball supply guide passage 82 for guiding game balls paid out from 74b to the launch standby passage 81 side described later, and an overflow guide passage (not shown) for guiding surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate 7 to the lower plate 9 side. ).

  Although the support plate 14 is made of synthetic resin, a game board support portion 83 (see FIG. 6) for supporting the game board 12 from the lower side is provided on the upper side, and the launching means 15 is used for firing on the front side. A foul ball guide passage 84 and a launch rail 17 (see FIG. 1) for guiding a foul ball that could not reach the game area 24 to the island side, and a ball feeding means 20 and a launch standby passage 81 on the rear side, respectively. Has been placed.

  The foul ball guide passage 84 is provided downwardly between the firing rail 17 and the guide rail 23, and a foul ball detection switch (foul ball detection means) 85 for detecting a foul ball that has fallen therein is provided. Yes.

  The firing rail 17 is disposed in an inclined manner so that the downstream end is higher than the upstream end, and the vicinity of the upstream end is as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 8. In addition, a launch detection switch 86 for detecting the launch of the game ball due to the hit of the hitting basket 19 based on the presence or absence of the game ball on the launch rail 17 is arranged.

  The ball feeding means 20 is disposed, for example, on the rear side corresponding to the upstream end side of the firing rail 17, and supplies the game balls onto the firing rail 17 one by one in synchronization with the firing operation of the striking rod 19. It is configured.

  The launch standby passage 81 waits for a launch game ball in front of the ball feeding means 20. The downstream end side is, for example, the rear side of the ball feeding means 20, and the upstream end side is a launch ball supply guide passage 82 of the passage unit 58. The game balls paid out to the second discharge path 74b side of the second payout means 57b are arranged, for example, in a line before the ball feed means 20. Note that the launch standby passage 81 is formed with a length that allows at least a prescribed number of game balls to be aligned.

  Here, the prescribed number of shots is the number of game balls that need to be shot into the game area 24 in order to establish a unit game, and is set to 15 in this embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the front plate 5 includes an upper platen base plate 87 made of, for example, sheet metal, a rail cover member 88 and a collection passage 90 on the back side, and an upper plate 7 and a collection on the front side. A standby passage 80, a ball passage 89, a return passage 91, and an upper plate cover 8 that covers these from the front side are mounted.

  The upper plate 7 has a storage portion 92 for storing game balls discharged from the discharge port 92a through the upper plate guide passage 79 of the passage unit 58 from the first payout means 57a, and a row of game balls in the storage portion 92. Alignment portions 93 that guide to the downstream collection standby passage 80 while being aligned in the shape are provided on the left and right.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage portion 92 has a shape that protrudes greatly in front of the front plate 5, and the amount of protrusion gradually decreases as the distance from the storage portion 92 increases in the left-right direction, so that the storage portion 92 is smoothly connected to the alignment portion 93. is doing. Further, the bottom wall 94 of the upper plate 7 is provided with a slight inclination so as to be gradually lowered from the storage unit 92 side toward the alignment unit 93 side. The game ball naturally moves to the passage 80 side.

  The alignment unit 93 is formed to have a length that allows at least a predetermined number of game balls that need to be inserted to start a unit game, for example, 15 game balls to be aligned in a line, and in the vicinity of the upstream end thereof. Is provided with a specified number storage detection switch (specified number storage detection means) 95 for detecting the specified number of game balls, for example, the fifteenth game ball from the top (downstream side) in the alignment section 93. If the state where the specified number storage detection switch 95 detects the game ball continues for a predetermined time, it can be determined that at least the specified number (15) of game balls are aligned on the alignment unit 93.

  Further, in the vicinity of the upstream end portion of the alignment portion 93, for example, an alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a is disposed below the bottom wall 94. The alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a operates in a state where the storage of the specified number of game balls is detected by the specified number storage detection switch 95, thereby collecting the game balls upstream of the specified number of game balls. This is for preventing inflow to the standby passage 80 side, and is constituted by an electromagnetic solenoid or the like provided with a blocking member 95b capable of moving back and forth on the alignment portion 93 side. For example, during operation, the blocking member 95b is located below the bottom wall 94. From the storage portion 92 side to the alignment portion 93 side, the inflow blocking state is prevented, and when not in operation, the blocking member 95b is retracted from the alignment portion 93 and stored in the storage portion 92. It is configured to be in an inflow permitting state in which game balls are allowed to flow from the side to the alignment portion 93 side.

  The collection standby passage 80 constitutes a collection path for collecting game balls outside the machine together with a collection passage 90 and the like described later, and is connected to the downstream side of the alignment portion 93 of the upper plate 7 and from the upper plate 7 side. The taken game balls are configured to wait in a state of being arranged in a line, for example, before the collection passage 90.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 and the like, the collection waiting passage 80 is disposed, for example, on the lower side of the alignment portion 93 in an inclined shape opposite to the alignment portion 93, and the upstream end side is aligned. For example, on the downstream side of the downstream end side of the portion 93, the downstream end side is connected to the upstream end side of the collection passage 90. The collection standby passage 80 is formed to have a length that allows at least a prescribed number (15) of game balls to wait before the collection passage 90. The collection waiting passage 80 may not be one in which game balls are arranged in a line.

  For example, in the vicinity of the intake communication port 96 where the alignment portion 93 and the collection standby passage 80 communicate vertically, there is a game ball taking-in means 97 for taking game balls from the alignment portion 93 of the upper plate 7 to the collection standby passage 80 side. A take-in ball detection switch 98 is arranged in the vicinity of the downstream side of the game ball take-in means 97 and detects a game ball that flows from the alignment portion 93 side into the collection standby passage 80 side.

  The game ball take-in means 97 switches the open / close member 99 that can open and close the take-in communication port 96, and switches the open / close member 99 between a take-in preventing position for closing the take-in open port 96 and a take-in allowed position for opening. An intake drive means 100 made of an electromagnetic solenoid or the like is provided. The take-in drive means 100 is detachably fixed to the front side of the upper platen base plate 87 with the drive shaft 100a directed in a substantially horizontal direction, for example, on the side of the take-in communication port 96. The take-out communication port 96 is withdrawn and withdrawn substantially horizontally.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 and the like, a ball removal passage 89 is connected to the downstream end side of the alignment portion 93 in the vicinity of the upstream side of the game ball taking-in means 97 via a ball removal port 101. A ball opening / closing means 102 for opening and closing the ball opening 101 is provided. The ball removal passage 89 has a downstream end connected to the lower plate 9 side, and guides the game balls in the upper plate 7 to the lower plate 9 side when the ball removal port 101 is opened. . The ball outlet 101 is provided, for example, in the side wall portion 93a on the front side of the alignment portion 93, and the upper surface side of the opening / closing member 99 faces forward so as to guide the upstream game ball to the ball outlet 101 side. It is formed in an inclined shape.

  The ball opening / closing means 102 includes, for example, a sliding opening / closing member 103 that is slidable between an open state in which the ball opening 101 is opened and a closed state in which the ball opening 101 is closed, and a spring member 104 that biases the opening / closing member 103 to a closed state, An operation lever 105 that is slidably provided on the upper plate cover 8 and that opens and closes the opening / closing member 103, an interlocking member 106 that interlocks the operation lever 105 and the opening / closing member 103, and the opening / closing member 103 are opened. A ball removal operation detection switch 107 for detecting this, and by operating the operation lever 105 in the opening direction, the opening / closing member 103 moves to the open state against the spring member 104 and the ball removal port 101 is opened. The opening operation is detected by a ball removal operation detection switch 107. In the present embodiment, the operation lever 105, the interlocking member 106, and the opening / closing member 103 are integrally formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the like, a collection passage 90 is connected to the downstream side of the collection standby passage 80 via a collection port 108, and in the vicinity thereof, a game ball in the collection standby passage 80 is connected. A game ball collecting means 109 for collecting the game ball to the collection passage 90 side, and a collection ball detection switch 110 for detecting a game ball flowing from the collection standby passage 80 to the collection passage 90 side by the game ball collection means 109. ing.

  The collection passage 90 is disposed, for example, rearward from the downstream end side of the collection standby passage 80, and the downstream end side is connected to the discharge passage (not shown) to the island side, and the collection port 108 is opened when the collection port 108 is opened. The game balls in the waiting passage 80 are guided to the island side. The collection port 108 is provided in the upper platen base plate 87 on the rear side of the collection standby passage 80, for example.

  The game ball collecting means 109 includes an opening / closing member 111 capable of opening and closing the collecting port 108, and a collecting port opening / closing drive comprising an electromagnetic solenoid or the like for switching the opening / closing member 111 between an open state for opening the collecting port 108 and a closed state for closing the collecting port 108. Means 112, which operates in a direction to open the collection port 108 at a predetermined timing after the unit game is started, and collects a specified number of game balls in the collection standby passage 80 to the island side. It has become. A game ball that has flowed from the collection standby passage 80 side into the collection passage 90 side through the collection port 108 is detected by a collection ball detection switch 110.

  Further, a return passage 91 is connected to the downstream side of the collection standby passage 80 via a return port 113, and in the vicinity thereof, game ball return means for returning the game balls in the collection standby passage 80 114 and a return ball detection switch 115 for detecting a game ball flowing from the collection waiting passage 80 to the return passage 91 side by the game ball return means 114.

  The return passage 91 is disposed, for example, downward from the downstream end side of the collection standby passage 80, and the downstream end side thereof is connected to the lower plate 9, and when the return port 113 is opened, the game ball in the collection standby passage 80 Is guided to the lower plate 9 side. The return port 113 is provided, for example, in the bottom wall portion 80b below the collection standby passage 80.

  The game ball return means 114 is an opening / closing member 116 capable of opening / closing the return port 113, and a return port opening / closing drive comprising an electromagnetic solenoid or the like for switching the open / close member 116 between an open state for opening the return port 113 and a closed state for closing the return port 113. Means 117, and the opening / closing member 103 is operated to the opening side of the ball outlet 101 between the end of the unit game and the start of the next unit game, and the ball removal operation detection switch 107 detects it. It operates so as to open the return port 113. A game ball that has flowed from the collection standby passage 80 side into the return passage 91 side through the return port 113 is detected by the return ball detection switch 115.

  In addition, the upper surface side of the opening / closing member 116 is formed in a backward inclined shape so as to guide the upper game ball to the collection port 108 side when the return port 113 is closed.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control system of the arrange ball machine. As shown in FIG. 9, the control system of this embodiment includes a main control board 45, a payout control board 60, a launch control board 21, a display control board 121, a lamp control board 47, a sound control board 49, and the like. The display control board 121 is mounted in a state of being stored in a board case, for example, on the back side of the liquid crystal display means 40 or the like.

  The main control board 45 mainly constitutes main control means for controlling the game operation on the game board 12 side. The random number generation means 123 and the game state determination means 124 constituted by electronic parts such as CPU, ROM, RAM and the like. , Special game state generation means 125, winning process processing means 126, checkout processing means 127, game update means 128, game ball collection control means 129, shot ball supply control means 130, return control means 131, control command transmission means 132, etc. ing.

  The random number generation means 123 repeatedly generates a predetermined random number. The gaming state determination means 124 is for selecting and determining either a specific gaming state advantageous to the player or an unfavorable non-specific gaming state based on the extracted random number value from the random number generation means 123. Then, the generated random number value of the random number generating means 123 is extracted on condition that the starting means 29 detects the game ball, and it is determined that the specific gaming state is set when the extracted random number value is the specific game determination random value. It is like that.

  When the game state determination unit 124 determines that the game state is the specific game state, after the game symbols 26a to 26c after the change of the symbol display unit 26 are stopped in a specific mode such as “7/7/7”, the specific winning unit 27 is opened / closed. The body 27a is opened for a predetermined period.

  The special game state generating means 125 is a special game that is advantageous to the player on condition that the game ball won in the specific prize winning means 27 passes the specific area 41 and the passage detection switch 42 detects the passage of the game ball. The game state is generated, and then the special game state is continued until the result of the maximum predetermined number of games (for example, a plurality of games such as 14 games) is obtained. Note that when the game ball won in the specific winning means 27 passes through the specific area 41 again, the operation of the special gaming state generating means 125 ends at that time.

  During the special game state, the operating means 30 and 31 are enabled. When a game ball wins the operating means 30 and 31, the opening / closing claw 28a of the score increasing means 28 is opened for a predetermined period, and the game increasing ball 28 is given a game ball. The score obtained in the game is increased (for example, doubled) on condition that the player wins.

  The winning processing means 126, when a game ball wins each winning opening 35 etc. of the winning opening means 25, based on a winning signal from the winning detection switch 36 etc., a predetermined winning display corresponding to the winning opening 35 etc. A winning process for causing the display unit 38 of the means 39 to emit light is performed.

  The checkout processing means 127 is for giving a score according to the winning combination for each unit game, and more than the number (for example, four) of game balls necessary for establishment of the winning combination is won in any winning opening 35. A function for determining whether the winning combination is successful, a function for assigning a score according to the difficulty level when the winning combination is established, and a game ball winning in the score increasing means 28 during the occurrence of a special gaming state And a function for increasing (for example, doubling) the score in the game. The maximum score per unit game is 10 points.

  The game update unit 128 is for performing a unit game update process, and includes a game start unit 128a, a game end unit 128b, and the like.

  The game start means 128a is for starting the next unit game when the unit game start condition is satisfied. For example, the game start means 128a has been described below. The specified number (15) of game balls has been taken into the collection standby passage 80 by the control of the insertion control means 129a, and the specified number (15) of game balls has been controlled by the launch ball supply control means 130 described later. When a predetermined unit game start condition is satisfied, such as that the player has been supplied to the firing standby passage 81, or the firing handle 16 has been operated by the player, the firing by the launching means 15 is permitted and the unit game is played. It is supposed to start.

  The game ending means 128b is for ending the game when a unit game ending condition is satisfied. The game ending means 128b is stipulated that a predetermined time has elapsed after the release of the specified number of game balls (15). The fact that all winnings (15) of the game balls have been detected, the game symbols 26a to 26c have been changed, the payout of the prize balls has been completed, the lower plate full error, the ball out of error, etc. When a predetermined unit game end condition such as a predetermined error has not occurred, the unit game is ended.

  Further, the game end means 128b is effective each time a firing detection signal is output from the firing detection switch 86, for example, based on the firing detection signal from the firing detection switch 86 and the foul ball detection signal from the foul ball detection switch 85. 1 is added to the number of shots, and every time a foul ball detection signal is output from the foul ball detection switch 85, by subtracting 1 from the effective number of shots, the effective number of shots shot in the game area 24 is counted, Based on the fact that the effective number of shots reaches the prescribed number of shots (15), the launching by the launching means 15 is terminated prior to the game end process. The foul sphere detected by the foul sphere detection switch 85 is collected on the island side via the foul sphere guide passage 84.

  The game ball collection control means 129 performs control for collecting a specified number (15) of game balls per unit game from the upper plate 7 side, and includes an intake control means 129a, a collection control means 129b, and the like. ing.

  The take-in control means 129a performs control for taking in a predetermined number (15) of game balls from the upper plate 7 to the collection standby passage 80 when the unit game is started. When it is determined that a predetermined number (15) or more of game balls are stored on the alignment portion 93 of the upper plate 7 based on the detection signal from the storage detection switch 95, the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a is activated. By operating from the inflow permitting state to the inflow blocking state, the inflow of the gaming balls behind the specified number of insertions (15th) in the aligning portion 93 to the aligning portion 93 side is blocked, and a take-in ball detection switch Until the predetermined number (15) of game balls are detected by 98, the take-in drive means 100 of the game ball take-in means 97 is operated to open the take-in communication port 96. As a result, a predetermined number (15) of game balls in the alignment portion 93 are taken into the collection standby passage 80 via the take-in communication port 96.

  When a specified number (15) of game balls are detected by the take-in ball detecting switch 98, the take-in drive means 100 is stopped under the control of the take-in control means 129a and the take-in communication port 96 is closed. At the same time, the operation of the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a is stopped and the inflow of the game balls in the storage portion 92 into the alignment portion 93 is allowed. The game ball take-in means 97 cannot be operated to open the take-in communication port 96 during the unit game.

  In addition, when the detection signal from the specified number storage detection switch 95 is not obtained at a predetermined time, for example, when the unit game ends, that is, the number of game balls stored on the alignment unit 93 of the upper plate 7 is equal to the specified number ( If less than 15), a game ball shortage display command is transmitted to the display control board 121 side via the control command transmission means 132 under the control of the capture control means 129a. In addition, when the taking operation by the game ball taking-in means 97 is started, a display command during taking is displayed, and when the taking operation by the game ball taking-in means 97 is completed, a take-in completion display command is taken in, respectively. Under the control of the control means 129a, it is transmitted to the display control board 121 side via the control command transmission means 132.

  The collection control means 129b performs control for collecting a predetermined number (15) of game balls taken into the collection standby passage 80 to the island side. For example, after the start of the unit game by the game start means 128a. The game ball collection means 109 is operated at least at a predetermined timing until the end of the unit game, and the game balls in the collection standby passage 80 are collected to the island side through the collection passage 90. The collection control unit 129b stops the operation of the game ball collection unit 109 based on the detection of the specified number of game balls by the collection ball detection switch 110.

  The firing ball supply control means 130 performs control for supplying a game ball for launch to the launching means 15, and includes an initial supply control means 130a, an additional supply control means 130b, and the like.

  The initial supply control means 130a performs control for supplying a predetermined number of game balls to the launching means 15 at the start of the unit game, and a predetermined timing after the end of the previous unit game, for example, capture control. When the game ball take-in process under the control of the means 129a is completed, a shot ball supply command is transmitted to the payout control board 60 side via the control command transmission means 132.

  When the shot ball supply command is transmitted, the payout control board 60 controls the payout motor 73b of the second payout means 57b, and the specified number of shots (here 15 balls) is discharged second. It is paid out to the road 74b side. As a result, a predetermined number (15) of game balls are arranged in the firing standby passage 81 in front of the ball feeding means 20.

  The additional supply control means 130b performs control for additionally supplying game balls for the detected number of foul balls to the launching means 15 during the unit game. A foul ball detection signal is output from the foul ball detection switch 85. Each time an additional shot ball supply command is transmitted to the payout control board 60 side via the control command transmission means 132.

  When the additional ball supply command is transmitted, the payout motor 73b of the second payout means 57b is operated under the control of the payout control board 60, and one game ball is paid out to the second discharge path 74b side. . As a result, the game balls collected as foul balls on the island side are additionally supplied to the firing standby passage 81 side, so that even when a foul ball is generated, the number of effective shots reaches the specified number of shots (15). Can fire.

  The return control means 131 controls the return of the game ball in the collection standby passage 80 and includes a return port opening / closing control means 133. The return opening / closing control means 133 performs opening / closing control of the return opening 113 by driving the return opening / closing driving means 117, and during the period from the end of the unit game to the start of the next unit game, that is, the unit. When it is determined that the opening / closing member 103 of the ball removal opening / closing means 102 is in an open state based on a detection signal from the ball removal operation detection switch 107 at a time other than during the game, the game ball return means 114 is operated. The return port 113 is configured to be opened.

  As a result, when the player operates the operation lever 105 at a time other than during the unit game, the ball outlet 101 is opened, and the game ball on the upper plate 7 side is discharged to the lower plate 9 side through the ball discharge passage 89. At the same time, the return port 113 is opened and the game balls in the collection waiting passage 80 are returned to the lower plate 9 side through the return passage 91.

  When the player operates the operation lever 105 during the unit game, the ball outlet 101 is opened and the game ball on the upper plate 7 side is discharged to the lower plate 9 side. The process of returning the game balls in the collection waiting passage 80 is not performed.

  The control command transmission means 132 is for transmitting a control command to the sub-control boards 60, 47, 49, 121 and the like by one-way communication. The control command transmission means 132 is displayed on the display control board 121 based on the determination result of the gaming state determination means 124. A function of transmitting a control command, a function of transmitting a winning display control command to the display control board 121 based on a winning process of the winning processing means 126, and a payout of a winning ball to the payout control board 60 based on a score of the settlement processing means 127 A function for transmitting a control command, a function for transmitting a launch ball supply command to the payout control board 60 based on the control of the initial supply control means 130a, and an additional launch ball supply to the payout control board 60 based on the control of the additional supply control means 130b Payment based on command transmission function, unit game start / end control of game update means 128 A function for transmitting a launch permission / stop command to the launch control board 21 side via the control board 60, a game ball shortage display command, a fetching display command on the display control board 121 side based on the control of the fetch control means 129a , Based on the function of transmitting the capture completion command, the function of transmitting the lamp display control command to the lamp control board 47 side based on the gaming state such as the occurrence of the special gaming state, the gaming state such as the occurrence of the special gaming state, etc. And a function of transmitting a voice control command to the voice control board 49 side.

  The payout control board 60 controls the first and second payout means 57a and 57b, and starts supplying power to the fire control board 21 when the main control board 45 receives a fire permission / stop command. A function for starting / stopping the output of the firing control signal at the same time as stopping / stopping, when there is a lending ball payout request signal from a not-shown ball lending unit side, the feeding motor 73a of the first payout means 57a is operated and a predetermined number When a prize ball payout control command is issued from the main control board 45, the payout motor 73a of the first payout means 57a is operated to release a predetermined number of game balls. When there is a function of paying out to the upper plate 7 side, a launch ball supply command, and an additional launch ball supply command from the main control board 45, the second payout means 57b is fed. Actuates was motor 73b and has a like function to paid out the predetermined number of game balls to launch the waiting path 81 side.

  The launch control board 21 constitutes launch control means for performing launch control of the launch means 15 based on the power supply and launch control signal supplied from the payout control board 60, and the launch control signal is output from the payout control board 60. The operation of the launching unit 15 is started on the condition that it is detected based on a signal from a contact detection switch or the like of the launching handle 16 that the player has performed the launching operation of the game ball. The operation of the firing means 15 is terminated on the condition that the output of the firing control signal is stopped.

  The display control board 121 performs display control of the winning display means 39, the symbol display means 26, the take-in information display means 43, etc., and the win display control means 141, the symbol display control means 142, and the take-in information display control means 140. Etc.

  The winning display control means 141 is for performing display control of the winning display means 39 on the basis of a winning display control command from the main control board 45, and a game ball wins a winning opening 35 or the like to display a winning display. When there is a control command, the display unit 38 corresponding to the winning award 35 or the like is caused to emit light.

  The symbol display control means 142 is for performing fluctuation control of the game symbols 26 a to 26 c of the symbol display means 26 according to the determination result of the gaming state determination means 124, and the game symbol 26 a is detected by detecting the game ball by the starting means 29. -26c is started and stopped in a specific mode such as "7, 7, 7" when the determination result of the game state determination means 124 is a specific game determination, and in a non-specific mode when a non-specific game determination is made It is like that.

  The take-in information display control means 140 performs display control of the take-in information display means 43 based on a game ball shortage display command, a capture in-progress display command, a capture completion display command, etc. from the main control board 45. When a game ball shortage display command is received, information indicating that the number of game balls on the upper plate 7 is less than the specified number of throws, such as “please supply balls to the upper plate”, is displayed. When receiving the display command, the information indicating that the game ball taking-in means 97 is taking in, such as “taken in”, is displayed, and when the take-in completion display command is received, Information notifying that the taking-in operation by the game ball taking-in means 97 has been completed, such as “take-in completed” and “launch OK”, is displayed.

  When there is a lamp display control command from the main control board 45, the lamp control board 47 emits a display lamp 143 arranged on the front side of the main body of the gaming machine body such as the front frame 2 and the game board 12 in a predetermined pattern. It is supposed to let you. The voice control board 49 outputs a predetermined voice from the voice output means 144 such as a speaker when a voice control command is received from the main control board 45.

  Next, the operation of the arrangement ball machine having the above configuration will be described. When the player performs a predetermined lending ball operation at the start of the game, a lending ball payout request signal is output from the unillustrated ball lending unit side to the payout control board 60 side. On the payout control board 60 side, the payout motor 73a of the first payout means 57a is operated based on the lending ball payout request signal to pay out a predetermined number of game balls to the upper plate 7.

  The game balls paid out into the upper plate 7 from the first payout means 57a side through the payout port 92a pass through the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a which is inoperative and inflow-allowed state, from the storage portion 92. The leading (most downstream) game balls flow down sequentially to the alignment section 93 side, and are aligned in a line on the upstream side in a state where they are regulated by the opening / closing member 99 of the game ball taking-in means 97 (FIG. 11 (a)). )).

  When a predetermined number (15) or more of game balls are stored in the upper plate 7, among the game balls arranged in the alignment unit 93, the fifteenth game ball from the head is the specified number storage detection switch. 95 is detected (FIG. 11B).

  At the start of the unit game, first, the capture control means 129a executes a capture control process as shown in FIG. 10, for example. That is, it is first determined whether or not a unit game is in progress (S1), and if it is not in a unit game (S1: No), based on a detection signal from the specified number storage detection switch 95, a specified number of inputs ( 15) It is determined whether or not the above game balls are stored (S2).

  Here, when it is determined that more than the specified number of game balls are not stored (S2: No), a game ball shortage display command is, for example, 1 on the display control board 121 side via the control command transmission means 132. Is transmitted only once (S2a), and then monitoring of the detection signal from the specified number storage detection switch 95 is continued.

  When a game ball shortage display command is transmitted from the control command transmission unit 132 to the display control board 121 side, the capture information display control unit 140 controls the capture information display unit 43 to “supplement the top plate with balls. Please display "or other information that informs that the number of game balls on the upper plate 7 is less than the predetermined number.

  Then, when it is determined based on the detection signal from the specified number storage detection switch 95 that more than the specified number of game balls are stored (S2: Yes), display control is performed via the control command transmission unit 132. An in-loading display command is transmitted to the substrate 121 side (S2b), and the aligning portion inflow prevention means 95a is operated from the inflow permitting state to the inflow blocking state, and from the specified number of inputs (15th) in the alignment portion 93. In addition, the inflow of the rear game balls to the alignment portion 93 side is blocked (S3a), and the take-in driving means 100 of the game ball take-in means 97 is operated to open the take-in communication port 96 (S3b). As a result, the input (15) game balls aligned in the alignment portion 93 sequentially flow into the collection standby passage 80 side via the intake communication port 96. At this time, the game ball that has passed through the intake communication port 96 is detected by the intake ball detection switch 98 (FIG. 11C).

  In addition, when a capture display command is transmitted from the control command transmission unit 132 to the display control board 121 side, the capture information display control unit 140 controls the capture information display unit 43 to display “capturing”, etc. Character information notifying that the taking-in operation by the game ball taking-in means 97 is in progress and other information are displayed.

  After that, when the number of game balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 98 reaches the specified throw-in number (15) (S4: Yes), the operation of the take-in drive means 100 of the game ball take-in means 97 is stopped. When the insertion port 96 is closed (S5a), the operation of the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a is stopped to return from the inflow prevention state to the inflow allowed state (S5b), and the game from the storage portion 92 side to the alignment portion 93 side Sphere inflow is allowed. As a result, a predetermined number (15) of game balls wait in the collection standby passage 80, and subsequent game balls are sequentially aligned in the alignment section 93 (FIG. 11 (d)).

  In addition, a capture completion display command is transmitted to the display control board 121 side via the control command transmission means 132 (S5c). When an acquisition completion display command is transmitted from the control command transmission unit 132 to the display control board 121 side, the acquisition information display control unit 140 controls the acquisition information display unit 43 to display a game ball such as “acquisition completion”. Character information for notifying that the capturing operation by the capturing means 97 is completed and other information are displayed.

  Further, for example, after the game ball taking-in process by the control of the taking-in control means 129a is completed, the payout control board 60 side via the control command transmitting means 132 is controlled by the initial supply control means 130a in the firing ball supply control means 130. A launch ball supply command is transmitted to On the payout control board 60 side, upon receiving a shot ball supply command, the payout motor 73b of the second payout means 57b is operated to pay out a predetermined number of game balls (here 15 balls) to the shot standby passage 81 side. Let As a result, a predetermined number (15) of game balls are waiting in a line in front of the ball feeding means 20 (FIGS. 12A and 12B).

  Note that the capture control process by the capture control means 129a and the fired ball supply process by the initial supply control means 130a are performed in any order from the end of the unit game to the start of the next unit game. Or may be performed in parallel.

  When the take-in control process (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the take-in control means 129a finishes taking in the specified number (15) of game balls into the collection standby passage 80, the control of the initial supply control means 130a is completed. When the processing for supplying the game ball to the firing standby passage 81 (FIG. 12) is completed, the previous unit game is finished and a predetermined pause time has elapsed, the launch handle 16 is operated by the player, etc. The game start means 128a starts the next unit game on condition that all the other unit game start conditions are satisfied. In other words, the firing permission command of the launching means 15 is transmitted to the payout control board 60 via the control command transmitting means 132.

  When the unit game is started, the take-in control means 129a causes the game ball take-in means 97 to allow the game balls to flow from the upper plate 7 side to the collection standby passage 80 side until the unit game is finished. Control to continue the blocked state.

  When the unit game is started, the game ball collecting means 109 is operated under the control of the collection control means 129b at a predetermined timing such as immediately after that. Thereby, the collection port 108 is opened, and the game balls in the collection standby passage 80 are collected to the island side through the collection passage 90 (FIG. 13). The game ball collecting means 109 is provided on condition that the specified number of game balls are detected by the collection ball detection switch 110, that is, all the game balls in the collection standby passage 80 are collected on the island side. The operation is stopped and the recovery port 108 is closed.

  When a launch control signal is output from the payout control board 60 to the launch control board 21, the launch is performed on the condition that the player has performed a launch operation of the game ball based on a detection signal from a contact detection switch or the like. The operation of the means 15 is started, whereby the game balls sequentially supplied from the ball feeding means 20 onto the firing rail 17 are sequentially driven into the game area 24 through the guide rail 23 (FIG. 14 (a)).

  When a game ball is launched by the launching means 15, the launch detection switch 86 detects the launch, and when a foul ball is generated, the foul ball detection switch 85 detects the foul ball. Based on these launch detection signals and foul ball detection signals, the game end means 128b counts the number of effective launches.

  Further, when the foul ball detection signal is output by the foul ball detection switch 85, the additional supply control unit 130b of the shot ball supply control unit 130 controls the additional discharge to the payout control board 60 side through the control command transmission unit 132. A ball supply command is transmitted. On the payout control board 60 side, when an additional shot ball supply command is received, the payout motor 73b of the second payout means 57b is operated to pay out one game ball. As a result, game balls are additionally supplied from the second payout means 57b to the firing standby passage 81 side by the number of foul balls detected by the foul ball detection switch 85 (FIG. 14 (b)), so that foul balls are generated. Even in this case, it is possible to fire until the effective number of fires reaches the specified number of fires (15).

  A game ball that has been driven into the game area 24 by the launching means 15 wins a winning slot 35 of the winning slot means 25, or wins a normal winning means 32, 33, etc., to the back side of the game board 12. I will be guided.

  When the game ball wins the winning opening 35 or the like of the winning opening means 25, a winning display control command is transmitted from the control command transmitting means 132 to the display control board 121 side under the control of the winning processing means 126. Based on the winning display control means 141, the display unit 38 corresponding to the winning opening 35 or the like emits light.

  At the same time, the payment processing means 127 determines whether or not the winning combination is successful based on the winning process of the winning process means 126. For example, when a game ball wins in the first to fourth winning openings 35 on the left side of the winning openings 35 of the winning opening means 25, the first to fourth on the left side of the winning display means 39 correspondingly. The display unit 38 emits light and a winning combination is established. When the fourth game ball is won, the checkout processing means 127 determines whether a winning combination is established, and a score corresponding to the winning combination is awarded.

  On the other hand, when a score is given by the settlement processing means 127, a payout control command is sent from the control command sending means 132 to the payout control board 60 side. On the payout control board 60 side, when a payout control command is received, the payout motor 73a of the first payout means 57a is operated to pay out a prize ball corresponding to the score to the upper plate 7 side.

  When a game ball wins the starting means 29, the gaming state determination means 124 extracts the generated random number value of the random number generating means 123, determines whether or not to enter the specific gaming state based on the extracted random number value, and the determination Based on the result, the game symbols 26a to 26c of the symbol display means 26 start to change under the control of the symbol display control means 142. The gaming symbols 26a to 26c are based on the determination result of the gaming state determination means 124 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the change, and the determination result is a specific mode when the specific game determination is made, and the non-specific game determination is not performed. In order to be in a specific mode, the pattern display control unit 142 is controlled to change in a predetermined change pattern and stop.

  When the game symbols 26a to 26c are stopped and determined in a specific manner, the opening / closing body 27a of the specific winning means 27 is opened to guide the game ball falling from above into the operation port. When a game ball that has won the specific winning means 27 passes through the specific area 41, the passage detection switch 42 detects the passage of the game ball, and the special game state generating means 125 starts to operate for a predetermined number of games. As a result, a special gaming state occurs continuously.

  During the occurrence of the special game state, the operating means 30 and 31 are enabled. When a game ball wins the operating means 30 and 31, the score increasing means 28 is released for a predetermined period. When a game ball wins the score increasing means 28, the score processing means 127 increases the score obtained during the game, for example, twice.

  When the count value of the number of effective firings based on the firing detection signal from the firing detection switch 86 and the foul ball detection signal from the foul ball detection switch 85 reaches the specified number of fires (15), control is performed by the control of the game end means 128b. A command to stop firing is transmitted from the command transmission unit 132 to the payout control board 60. On the payout control board 60 side, when a firing stop command is received, the supply of power to the firing control board 21 is stopped and the output of the firing control signal is stopped, and the firing control board 21 stops the operation of the launching means 15. .

  Thereafter, the launch of the specified number of game balls has been completed, a predetermined time has elapsed, all winnings of the specified number of game balls (15) have been detected, and the variation of the game symbols 26a to 26c has ended. In other words, the game is terminated by the game ending means 128b when various conditions such as the completion of the payout of the prize ball and the occurrence of a predetermined error are satisfied.

  After the unit game ends, for example, when the player operates the operation lever 105 to move to another gaming machine, the opening / closing member 103 moves to the open side against the spring member 104 and the ball outlet 101 is opened. Thereby, the game ball on the upper plate 7 side is discharged to the lower plate 9 side through the ball discharge port 101 and the ball discharge passage 89 (FIG. 15).

  When the operation lever 105 is operated, an operation detection signal is output from the ball removal operation detection switch 107. The timing at which the operation detection signal is output starts after the end of the unit game. During a period until the game is played, that is, during a game other than the unit game, the game ball return means 114 is operated by the control of the return control means 131 to open the return port 113, and the game balls in the collection waiting passage 80 are returned to the return path. It is returned to the lower plate 9 side through 91.

  Here, for example, when the operation lever 105 is operated during the taking-in operation by the game ball taking-in means 97, the operation of the game ball taking-in means 97 is stopped, the take-in communication port 96 is closed, and the collection standby is performed. The game ball already taken in the passage 80 may be returned to the lower plate 9 side.

  The opened return port 113 is closed when, for example, the number of game balls detected by the return ball detection switch 115 reaches the number of game balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 98. That's fine. Note that the return ball detection switch 115 may be omitted, and for example, the return port 113 may be closed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the game ball return unit 114 opened the return port 113.

  Further, when the operation of the operation lever 105 is finished before all the game balls in the collection standby passage 80 are returned, for example, until all the game balls in the collection standby passage 80 are returned, or It is desirable to keep the return port 113 open for a predetermined time. The return port 113 may be closed simultaneously with the end of the operation of the operation lever 105, but in this case, there is a possibility that less than the specified number of game balls remain in the collection waiting passage 80.

  When the player operates the operation lever 105 during the unit game, the ball outlet 101 is opened and the game ball on the upper plate 7 side is discharged to the lower plate 9 side. The process of returning the game balls in the collection waiting passage 80 is not performed.

  As described above, in the arrangement ball machine of the present embodiment, the game ball taking-in means 97 for taking the game ball from the upper plate 7 to the collection path side in the gaming machine, and the collection path are provided separately and from outside the gaming machine. Units on condition that a specified number of game balls are taken into the game machine by the second payout means 57b for supplying the game balls to the launch means 15 from the supply path side to which the game balls are supplied and the game ball take-in means 97 When a foul ball is detected because the game start unit 128a for starting the game and the capture information display unit 43 as a notification unit for performing notification regarding the game ball capture operation by the game ball capture unit 97 are provided. In addition to the collection of game balls, it is possible to supply additional game balls for launch from the supply route, so that it is not an additional input of game media in the unit game. One of the unit game start conditions is the insertion of a predetermined number of game media necessary for standing, and once the unit game is started, no additional game media can be inserted until the unit game is completed. It is possible to perform unified operation with other gaming machines such as an arrangement ball machine using medals as a medium.

  In addition, since the game balls to be used can be circulated by the game ball circulation device on the island side, maintenance work and the like can be performed in the same manner as other ball game machines. Furthermore, since the collection path of the inserted game balls and the supply path of the game balls for launch are separate systems, the game ball take-in and collection operations may directly affect the launch operation. Therefore, the degree of freedom of control is high, and no problem occurs even if the specified number of inputs does not match the specified number of shots.

  Furthermore, the notification regarding the capturing operation allows the player to surely recognize the state of the capturing operation, thereby enabling a smooth game progress.

  The game balls with the specified number of inputs required for the start of the unit game are automatically taken into the collection path side from the upper plate 7, so that, for example, the player has completed the insertion compared to a game machine using medals as game media. However, since the take-in information display means 43 is configured to notify that the taking-in of the specified number of game balls by the game ball take-in means 97 has been completed, Disadvantages can be eliminated.

  A prescribed number storage detection switch 95 for detecting that at least a prescribed number of game balls are stored on the upper plate 7 side is provided, and the game ball take-in means 97 is operated by the prescribed number storage detection switch 95. The capture information display means 43 is configured to perform notification when there is no detection by the specified number storage detection switch 95 by a predetermined time, on the condition that the storage of the sphere is detected. Since it is configured, the player can easily recognize that the number of game balls in the upper plate 7 is less than the prescribed number.

  FIG. 16 illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention, omitting the specified number storage detection switch 95 and the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a on the alignment portion 93 in the first embodiment, and a predetermined take-in start time. By allowing the game balls to flow down from the upper plate 7 to the collection standby passage 80 side, and preventing the flow of the game balls when the number of game balls flowing down to the collection standby passage 80 side reaches the specified number of inputs. An example in which a specified number of game balls are taken in is shown.

  The take-in control means 129a of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, takes the drive driving means 100 of the game ball take-in means 97 on the condition that the unit game is not in progress at the start of the unit game (S1: No). To open the intake communication port 96 (S3b). Thereby, the inflow of game balls from the upper plate 7 side to the collection standby passage 80 side is allowed, and the game balls on the upper plate 7 side sequentially flow into the collection standby passage 80 side and are detected by the take-in ball detection switch 98. Is done.

  When a detection signal is output from the capture ball detection switch 98 (S3c: Yes), for example, for each output, the capture display corresponding to the number of captures at that time (the number detected by the capture ball detection switch 98) The command is transmitted to the display control board 121 side via the control command transmission means 132 (S3d).

  When the capture display command is transmitted from the control command transmission unit 132 to the display control board 121 side, the capture information display unit 43 controls the capture information display unit 43 to acquire the capture display command. Character information for notifying the number of game balls already taken into the collection standby passage 80 at that time (hereinafter referred to as the number to be taken in), such as “number to be taken in” corresponding to the number to be taken in, or other information Is displayed.

  It should be noted that instead of or in addition to the information for notifying the number of captures, the text information for notifying the shortage of the number of captures at that time relative to the specified number of inputs, such as “Insufficient number of inputs ××”, etc. The information may be displayed. In addition, for example, when a state where the capture display command is not received while the number of captures does not reach the specified number of inputs continues for a predetermined time, the capture information display means 43 indicates that “the number of inputs is not enough”. For example, character information for notifying the shortage of the number of fetches at that time with respect to the specified number of feeds and other information may be displayed.

  After that, when the number of taking-in reaches the specified number (15) (S4: Yes), the operation of the taking-in driving means 100 of the game ball taking-in means 97 is stopped and the taking-in communication port 96 is closed. At the same time (S5), a capture completion display command is transmitted to the display control board 121 side via the control command transmission means 132 (S5c). When an acquisition completion display command is transmitted from the control command transmission unit 132 to the display control board 121 side, the acquisition information display control unit 140 controls the acquisition information display unit 43 to display a game ball such as “acquisition completion”. Character information for notifying that the capturing operation by the capturing means 97 is completed and other information are displayed.

  By configuring as described above, for example, when the number of game balls in the upper plate 7 is less than the specified number of insertions, the operating state of the take-in drive means 100 must be maintained until the specified number of insertions is reached. However, since the game balls in the upper plate 7 are sequentially taken into the collection standby passage 80 even in a state where the prescribed number has not been reached, the following unit is compared with the case where the prescribed number storage detection switch 95 or the like is used. There is an advantage that the start timing of the game can be advanced.

  17 and 18 exemplify the third embodiment of the present invention, based on the fact that the number of game balls waiting in the firing standby passage 81 on the upstream side of the launching means 15 falls below a predetermined lower limit number during the unit game. In this example, a game ball is supplied to the launching means 15 side.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, a firing standby ball detection switch 151 is provided on the firing standby passage 81. The firing standby ball detection switch 151 is arranged at a position where, for example, among the gaming balls waiting in the firing standby passage 81, a predetermined lower limit number (for example, 10th) gaming ball from the head (most downstream side) is detected. If the state where the launch standby ball detection switch 151 does not detect a game ball continues for a predetermined time, the number of game balls waiting on the launch standby passage 81 (hereinafter referred to as the number of standby standby) is a predetermined lower limit number. It can be judged that it is less than (less than 10).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the fired ball supply control means 130 of this embodiment includes a firing standby number determination means 130c and a supply control means 130d.

  The firing standby number determining means 130c is configured to determine whether or not the number of firing standbys has fallen below a predetermined lower limit number, for example, 10, based on a detection signal from the firing standby ball detection switch 151, for example. In addition, instead of the detection signal from the firing standby ball detection switch 151, the firing standby number determination unit 130c, for example, the number of game balls supplied by the control of the supply control unit 130d described later, and the firing detection signal from the launch detection switch 86 It may be configured to determine whether or not the number of waiting for firing has fallen below a predetermined lower limit number based on the number of firings based on.

  The supply control means 130d performs control for supplying a game ball to the launching means 15 side based on the determination result of the firing standby number determination means 130c. When it is determined that the firing ball supply command is below, the firing ball supply command is transmitted to the payout control board 60 side via the control command transmission means 132.

  When the shot ball supply command is transmitted, the payout control board 60 controls the payout motor 73b of the second payout means 57b to move a predetermined additional number, for example, five game balls to the second discharge path 74b side. It is to be paid out.

  In addition, the game start means 128a of the present embodiment starts a unit game on condition that the number of waiting for shooting is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit number.

  The predetermined lower limit number and the predetermined additional number are not limited to 10 and 5, respectively, and can be set to arbitrary values. If the predetermined lower limit number is set to a value equal to or greater than the specified number of shots, for example, even if the payout from the second payout means 57b is delayed, there is no shortage of shot balls during the unit game, and at least the unit The game can be completed normally.

  As described above, the shot ball supply control means 130 is configured to perform supply control of the game balls to the launch means 15 side so as to maintain the number of game balls waiting on the upstream side of the launch means at a predetermined lower limit number or more. May be.

  19 and 20 exemplify the fourth embodiment of the present invention. When there is a request for returning the game ball in the collection standby passage 80 before the start of the unit game, the game ball in the collection standby passage 80 is shown. The game balls in the collection waiting passage 80 are collected on the island side, and the same number of game balls as the collected game balls are paid out to the upper plate 7 etc. An example configured as shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, in the arrangement ball machine of the first embodiment, a return passage 91 provided on the downstream side of the collection standby passage 80, a game ball return means 114 associated therewith, a return ball The detection switch 115 and the like are omitted, and only the collection passage 90 is connected to the downstream side of the collection standby passage 80.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the return control means 131 of the present embodiment is provided with a collection port opening / closing control means 134, a return payout control means 135, and the like.

  The recovery port opening / closing control means 134 controls the opening / closing of the recovery port 108 by driving the recovery port opening / closing drive means 112, and the opening / closing member 103 of the ball removal opening / closing means 102 based on a detection signal from the ball removal operation detection switch 107. Is determined to be in the open state, the collection port opening / closing drive means 112 is operated on the condition that it is during a non-game period after the end of the unit game and until the next unit game is started. The collection port 108 is opened.

  The return payout control means 135 is used for paying out from the first payout means 57a the same number of game balls collected from the collection standby passage 80 through the collection passage 90 to the island side. When the collection port 108 is opened under the control of the means 134 and the game ball in the collection standby passage 80 flows down to the collection passage 90 side through the collection port 108, based on the detection signal from the collection ball detection switch 110, The payout control command corresponding to the detected number is sent to the payout control board 60 side via the control command sending means 132.

  When the payout control command is transmitted, the payout motor 73a of the first payout means 57a is operated by the control of the payout control board 60, and the number of game balls detected by the recovered ball detection switch 110 are in the first discharge path. It is paid out to the 74a side. As a result, the game balls collected from the collection standby passage 80 to the island side through the collection passage 90 are paid out to the upper plate 7 side from the first payout means 57a, so that the game in the collection standby passage 80 is consequently obtained. It is equivalent to the ball being returned to the lower plate 9 or the like as it is.

  FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which a visual recognition unit is provided through which a game ball in the collection standby passage 80 can be viewed from the front side, and a game played by the launching unit 15 by the game ball collection unit 109. An example is shown in which the game balls in the collection standby passage 80 are collected in synchronization with the ball launching operation.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, a visual recognition unit 76 is provided on the front side of the collection standby passage 80 so that a game ball in the collection standby passage 80 can be viewed from the front side. The visual recognition unit 76 includes, for example, a see-through unit 77 provided in the collection standby passage 80 and a visual recognition window 78 provided in the upper plate cover 8 that covers the front side of the collection standby passage 80.

  The see-through portion 77 is configured by, for example, a slit, a transparent portion, or the like provided in at least a part of the front wall portion 80a of the recovery standby passage 80. The viewing window 78 includes, for example, an elongated opening 78a provided in the upper plate cover 8 corresponding to the see-through portion 77, and a transparent lens portion 78b that closes the opening 78a.

  The player can visually check the game ball in the collection waiting passage 80 through the visual recognition unit 76. Note that the viewing window 78 is preferably disposed obliquely above the fluoroscopic unit 77 so as to be positioned on a line connecting the position of the player's eyes and the fluoroscopic unit 77.

  Further, the collection control processing by the collection control means 129b of the present embodiment is performed in the procedure as shown in FIG. 22, for example. That is, it is first determined whether or not a unit game has been started (S11), and when the unit game is started (S11: Yes), the collection port opening / closing drive means 112 of the game ball collection means 109 is operated to wait for collection. One game ball in the passage 80 is collected (S12). This first collection corresponds to the first launch after the start of the unit game.

  Thereafter, each time a firing detection signal is output from the firing detection switch 86, one game ball in the collection standby passage 80 is collected (S14), and when the collection of the game balls for the specified number of insertions is completed ( S13: Yes) The collection control process ends.

  When a foul sphere is detected, the collection process may be stopped until firing detection signals corresponding to the number of detected foul spheres are output. For example, when the foul ball detection switch 85 is turned on, 1 is added to the foul ball counter, and the foul ball counter is set to 1 or more when the firing detection signal is output. 1 may be subtracted from this value so that when the value of the foul ball counter is other than 0, the collection process is not performed.

  By performing the processing as described above, the game balls that are actually collected from the collection standby passage 80 are not used for launching, but the game in which the state of the collection processing is visually observed through the visual recognition unit 76 is displayed. An impression can be given to the person as if the collected ball is being used for launch.

  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 in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, the notification unit 43 may perform notification regarding the collection operation by the game ball collection unit 109, notification regarding the supply operation of the fired ball, and the like. The notifying unit 43 may be any unit such as a unit that displays an image including predetermined character information on a variable display unit such as the liquid crystal display unit 40, or a unit that outputs a predetermined sound using the sound output unit 144. Further, for example, the symbol display means 26 and the notification means 43 may be constituted by a single display means.

  One payout means 57 may be used as the first and second payout means 57a and 57b. In this case, the payout means 57 is provided with a payout switching means capable of switching the payout direction between a first discharge path 74a communicating with the upper plate 7 side and a second discharge path 74b communicating with the firing standby path 81 side. The payout switching means may be switched under the control of the payout control board 60.

  Further, in this case, the payout switching means closes the first discharge path 74a and the upper platen side switching position for closing the second discharge path 74b and connecting the payout case 71 and the first discharge path 74a, for example. Then, a switching drive comprising a swinging claw that can swing between the discharge case 71 side and the discharge side switching position that allows the second discharge path 74b side to communicate, and an electromagnetic solenoid that drives the swinging claw to swing. You may comprise with a means and you may employ | adopt another structure.

  You may comprise so that the taking operation of the game ball to the collection waiting passage 80 side by the game ball taking-in means 97 may be started during the previous unit game. However, it must be after at least the specified number of game balls for the previous unit game have been collected from the collection standby passage 80.

  The specified number of inputs and the specified number of launches need not be the same, and there is no problem even if they are different.

  An externally operable push button type take-in start operating means is provided, and when the take-in start operating means is operated at a time other than during the unit game, the game ball take-in means 97 causes the upper plate 7 side. The game ball may be allowed to flow into the collection standby passage 80 side. The take-in start operating means may be provided at an arbitrary position where the player can easily operate, such as the upper plate cover 8.

  The game ball return means 114 that opens and closes the return port 113 may be configured such that the opening and closing member 116 opens the return port 113 mechanically in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever 105. In this case, there is provided an opening prevention means comprising an electromagnetic solenoid or the like that can be switched between a blocking position for blocking the movement of the opening / closing member 116 in the opening direction and an allowable position for allowing the opening / closing member 116. What is necessary is just to comprise so that the movement to the opening direction of the opening-and-closing member 116 may be prevented by hold | maintaining.

  In the embodiment, the game ball return unit 114 that opens the return port 113 or the game ball collection unit 109 that opens the collection port 108 based on the operation of the operation lever 105 for opening the ball release port 101 is provided. The operation means for opening the return port 113 or the collection port 108 is provided separately from the operation lever 105 for opening the ball exit port 101, and the unit is not in the unit game. Alternatively, the return port 113 or the recovery port 108 may be opened based on the operation of the operation means.

  At least one of the take-in control means 129a and the collection control means 129b may be provided on a board other than the main control board 45. For example, when at least one of the capture control means 129a and the recovery control means 129b is provided on the launch control board 21 side, related switches such as a specified number storage detection switch 95 and a capture ball detection switch 98 are provided on the launch control board 21. What is necessary is just to comprise so that it may connect and provide CPU and to perform control by the intake control means 129a and the collection | recovery control means 129b based on the command from the main control board 45 side.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment, the arrangement ball machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is similarly applied to other ball game machines such as a sparrow ball game machine that perform a unit game by firing a specified number of game balls. Is possible.

It is a front view of the arrangement ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a reverse view of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the game board of the arrangement ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the front frame of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is front sectional drawing of the front board of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the front frame principal part of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part of the front board of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the collection waiting passage, the firing waiting passage, and the periphery thereof of the arrange ball machine showing the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the acquisition control process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the taking-in operation | movement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the launching ball supply operation | movement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the game ball collection | recovery operation | movement from the collection | recovery waiting path of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the game ball replenishment operation | movement to the discharge waiting path of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the ball | bowl extraction operation | movement from the top plate and collection | recovery waiting path of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the taking-in control processing of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a general | schematic perspective view of the collection | recovery waiting | waiting channel | path of the arrangement ball machine which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, a firing waiting channel | path, and its periphery. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is front sectional drawing of the front board of the arrange ball machine which shows the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the front view and longitudinal cross-sectional view of the front plate principal part of the arrangement ball machine which show the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the collection | recovery control processing of the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

7 upper plate (game ball storage means)
15 Launching means 24 Game area 43 Capture information display means (notification means)
57a First payout means (payout means)
57b Second payout means (game ball supply means)
95 Specified number storage detection switch (specified number storage detection means)
97 Game ball taking means 128a Game starting means

Claims (1)

A launching means (15) for launching a specified number of game balls per unit game to the game area (24), and a predetermined prize is awarded by the winning of the game balls launched into the game area (24) by the launch means (15). A payout means (57a) for paying out the number of game balls corresponding to the winning combination based on the establishment of the winning combination, and collecting the game balls launched into the gaming area (24) on the island side. In the ball game machine configured as described above, the game ball take-in means (97) for taking the game ball from the game ball storage means (7) to the collection path side in the game machine and the collection path are provided separately and A game ball with a specified number of inputs by means of a launch ball supply means (57b) for supplying game balls to the launch means (15) from the supply path side through which game balls are supplied from outside the machine and the game ball take-in means (97). Is taken into the gaming machine Game start means (128a) for starting the unit game as a condition, and notification means (43) for notifying the game ball take-in operation by the game ball take-in means (97), the game ball take-in means (97) allows the flow of game balls from the game ball storage means (7) to the collection path side in the gaming machine at a predetermined take-in start time, and the number of game balls flowing down to the collection path side is When the specified number of throws is reached, the flow of the game balls is taken in by blocking the flow-down, and the notification means (43) is taken in by the game ball take-in means (97). A collection waiting passage (80) for notifying the number and / or the shortage of the number of taken-in with respect to the specified number of throws, and waiting for the game ball taken in by the game ball taking-in means (97); , The unit Game ball collecting means (109) for collecting game balls in the collection waiting passage (80) after the start of the game, and in the collection waiting passage (80) based on an external operation before starting the unit game. And a return control means (131) for collecting the same number of game balls as the collected game balls by the payout means (57a). Machine.

Images