JP4577731B1 - Game machine frame unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming machine frame capable of detecting a staying state of game balls paid out by a prize ball paying unit while executing a smooth game, and further preventing delay or stop of prize ball payout and its recurrence. Providing units.
The gaming machine frame unit includes a gaming machine frame that includes a gaming board, and a prize ball dispensing unit 100 that is detachably attached to the gaming machine frame. A supply passage 120 through which the game balls 23 pass, a ball guide member 141 through which the game balls 23 pass one by one, a stay detection means 130 for detecting a stay state in which a plurality of game balls have accumulated in the supply passage 120, Sphere presence detecting means 308 and 309 for detecting the presence or absence of the game balls 23 in the plurality of supply passages 106 and 107 for each column, and when there is not at least one game ball 23 in the plurality of columns. Error processing is executed, and when there is a game ball 23 in all rows, the error processing is canceled.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine frame unit, and in particular, quickly detects supply ball shortage to a prize ball payout unit that performs payout of prize balls, prevents delay or stop of prize ball payout operation, and prevents recurrence of ball shortage. It relates to a gaming machine frame unit that can be used.

  In a pachinko machine, a ball that has been bulleted flows down a game area (an area formed on or near the game board surface for realizing a game or production by the flow of the game ball). In the course of the flow, the game ball rolls while colliding with a game nail or windmill in the game area, and the flow direction changes. As a result, if a game ball wins at various winning holes arranged on the game area, a predetermined winning ball is paid out. On the other hand, if a game ball flows into the out port without winning any of the winning holes, the winning ball Will not be paid out. The player enjoys the game by demonstrating his / her skill in the ball or using the chance of the game ball flowing down and expecting the game ball to be won and paid out.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine, there is a launching device that launches game balls toward the game area, a prize ball payout unit for paying out prize balls to the player, a game ball launch and a prize ball payout Control means and the like for controlling are arranged. This control means executes the payout of a prize ball to the player through the prize ball payout unit when a game ball has entered the prize opening in the game area.

  The game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit are supplied to the ball tray through a ball passage provided in the gaming machine frame. Further, near the ball tray, a full tank detecting means for detecting that the game ball is full in the ball tray is provided (for example, see Patent Document 1). Then, when the full tank state continues, a game interruption process such as stoppage of prize ball payout is performed.

  The gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1 includes a hitting ball supply tray for storing game balls supplied from a prize ball payout device, and an extra ball receiving tray for storing surplus balls that are full and cannot be stored any more. . Further, a full tank detection switch for detecting that the surplus ball tray is full is provided on the back side of the surplus ball tray.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which ball check sensors A (68a) and B (68b) are provided in the pachinko ball supply passage from the tank rail, respectively. According to this, it can be confirmed that there are pachinko balls in each of the two ball paths 64a and 64b from the tank rail.

JP-A-5-237247

  The full tank detection switch of the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is disposed on the back side of the surplus ball tray, and the distance between the surplus ball tray and the full tank detection switch is relatively short. Accordingly, when the game balls in the surplus ball tray are full, the full tank detection switch detects a full tank state relatively soon, and a game interruption process is executed in accordance with the detection of the full tank state. Therefore, the frequency of game interruptions increases, and smooth game execution may be hindered.

  Moreover, in what is disclosed in Patent Document 1, although it can be confirmed that there is a pachinko ball in each of the ball passages 64a and 64b from the tank rail, the determination of the final error (abnormal) state is This is performed after the ball flow detection by the counting sensor, and quick error detection and error notification cannot be performed.

  The award ball payout operation in the award ball payout unit needs to be performed quickly, particularly in a situation such as a big hit with a large amount of award ball payout. If the timing of paying out a winning ball is delayed, the required number of winning balls during the jackpot game will not be in time, resulting in a shortage of balls, or the winning of the jackpot game will continue after the jackpot game ends. If the speed of paying out a prize ball (that is, the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time) is reduced, it becomes difficult to pay out an appropriate number of prize balls to a player at an appropriate timing, which is disadvantageous to the player. Or misunderstandings and discomfort.

  In order to quickly pay out a prize ball, it is necessary to supply a sufficient amount of balls to the prize ball payout unit and to quickly detect and judge a shortage of balls in the supply path. However, in the thing disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the final error determination is performed after the ball flow detection by the counting sensor, it is difficult to quickly determine the shortage of the supply of balls to the prize ball payout unit.

  On the other hand, a configuration has been proposed in which the presence or absence of a sphere in a plurality of supply paths is detected by one sensor and one detection piece. According to this configuration, if a sphere is supplied to any one of a plurality of supply paths, an error is not determined (determined as normal). However, even if only one row of the plurality of rows is supplied, if there is a shortage of balls in other rows, as a result, the supply of balls to the winning ball payout unit is not sufficient and the winning ball payout Will slow down.

  In addition, if there is not enough ball supply from all rows in the supply path, even if this award ball payout is completed without any problem, the ball will be thrown at a high probability in the next award ball payout. Insufficient supply and a decrease in payout speed due to this will occur. In some cases, the number of paid-out balls is insufficient, and the prize ball payout process is stopped, so that a smooth game is impaired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to detect a staying state of game balls paid out by a prize ball payout unit while executing a smooth game, and to further delay a prize ball payout. It is an exemplary problem to provide a gaming machine frame unit that can prevent a stoppage and a recurrence thereof.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine frame unit as an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a gaming machine frame that includes a gaming board that realizes a game based on the flow of gaming balls, and a detachable attachment to the gaming machine frame. A gaming machine frame unit having a freely mounted prize ball payout unit and a control means for controlling driving of the prize ball payout unit, wherein the prize ball payout unit is a plurality of rows of first rows through which game balls pass. A supply passage, a plurality of ball presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of game balls in the plurality of first supply passages for each row, and a ball inlet through which game balls guided from the first supply passage flow. And the second supply passage through which the inflowing game balls pass, the first supply passage and the second supply passage are disposed, and the game balls in the first supply passage are directed to the second supply passage one by one. A ball guiding member having a rotating body to be passed through and a drive for rotating the rotating body. Based on the position of the means, the swing member that constitutes a part of the second supply passage and moves between the position of narrowing the passage width of the second supply passage and the position of widening the passage width, and the position of the swing member A stay detecting means for detecting a stay state in which a plurality of game balls are accumulated in the second supply passage, and the second supply passage has a plurality of bent portions, The lower end portion is curved, and the lower end portion is configured to move to the inside of the passage from the first wall surface constituting the second supply passage by its own weight to be a position to narrow the passage width. A gap is provided between the lower surface and the first wall surface disposed below the swing member, and the lower surface of the swing member is inclined upward from the inside of the second supply passage toward the outside of the passage. In a state where the swinging member has moved to a position where the passage width of the second supply passage is narrowed, Of the wall surfaces constituting the supply passage, the width dimension between the second wall surface disposed facing the swing member and the swing member is substantially the same as the width dimension of the ball inlet of the second supply passage. The control means executes drive control for restricting driving of the ball guiding member when the stay detection means detects the stay state, and performs error processing based on the detection result by the ball presence / absence detection means and the The error processing can be canceled, and the control means further executes error processing when the ball presence / absence detecting means detects that there is no game ball in at least one of the plurality of rows in the first supply passage. At the same time, when it is detected that there are game balls in all of the plurality of columns, the error processing is canceled.

  The prize ball payout unit is detachably attached to a gaming machine frame containing a gaming board. Since the prize ball payout unit is detachable, the prize ball payout unit can be easily removed, and maintenance such as inspection of the prize ball payout unit can be performed. Compared to the configuration in which the prize ball payout unit and the gaming machine frame are integrally formed, only the prize ball payout unit can be easily replaced, and the disassembly work at the time of maintenance can be easily done. Maintenance efficiency can be improved.

  The prize ball payout unit is disposed between a first supply passage through which game balls pass, a second supply passage through which game balls guided from the first supply passage pass, and between the first supply passage and the second supply passage. And a ball guiding member for passing the game balls in the first supply passage one by one toward the second supply passage, and a part of the second supply passage, and the passage width of the second supply passage is reduced. A swing member that moves between a position and a position that widens the passage width; and a stay detection means that detects a stay state in which a plurality of game balls are accumulated in the second supply passage based on the position of the swing member. And a staying state in which the game ball stays in the second supply passage can be detected.

  For example, in a gaming machine frame unit configured to guide game balls discharged from a prize ball payout unit to a ball tray, when the game balls are full in the ball tray and no further game balls can be accommodated (full tank state). The game ball is not supplied to the ball tray and stays in the second supply passage on the downstream side of the ball guide member. By detecting the state in which the game ball stays in the second supply passage by the stay detection means, it is possible to detect the full tank state of the ball tray.

  Compared to the configuration in which the full-tank state of the ball pan is detected by the full-tank detection unit provided directly above the ball tray by detecting the full-tan state of the ball pan by the stay detection unit, the ball plate to the ball guide member Since the game balls can be stored in the space, it is possible to increase the number of game balls that can be accommodated until a full tank state is detected, and to reduce the frequency of game interruptions based on the ball bowl becoming full be able to.

  Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a full tank detection switch is provided in the vicinity of the ball tray, the timing for detecting the full tank state and the timing for interrupting the game can be relatively delayed, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted smoothly. Can be continued.

  Further, the swinging member is configured to move to a position where the passage width of the second supply passage is narrowed by its own weight, and at a position where the passage width in the supply passage is increased in a state where game balls are retained in the supply passage. Since it moves, the storage space of the retained game ball can be widened as necessary. Therefore, the number of stored game balls can be increased as appropriate, and the frequency of game interruption based on the game balls being full can be reduced.

  The stay detection means may be any means as long as it can detect that a plurality of game balls are accumulated in the second supply passage, and various configurations can be employed. In addition, the number of game balls in the second supply passage detected as a staying state may be an arbitrary number, may be a fixed number, or may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the number of game balls serving as a reference to be detected as the staying state can be appropriately set according to the number of game balls that can be accommodated in the second supply passage, the number of balls accommodated downstream of the prize ball payout unit, and the like.

  Further, a control means for controlling the driving of the ball guiding member based on the detection result of the staying detecting means is further provided, and the control means limits the driving of the ball guiding member when the staying detecting means detects the staying state. The drive control is executed.

  The stay detection means detects a staying state in which a plurality of game balls stays in the second supply passage, and when the staying state is detected, if the ball guiding member is continuously driven, There is a possibility that the amount of game balls that have accumulated is further increased and clogging occurs in the second supply passage. Therefore, it is desirable to control the driving of the ball guiding member according to the staying state of the game ball in the second supply passage by the control means. By providing the control means, it is possible to restrict the driving of the ball guiding member based on the staying state downstream of the ball guiding member and prevent the clogging of the second supply passage.

  The restriction of the driving of the ball guiding member can be exemplified by a configuration in which the driving of the ball guiding member is stopped, the driving speed is reduced, or the ball guiding member is intermittently driven. It is a concept that includes all drive controls that can prevent clogging of the second supply passage disposed downstream of the member.

  Further, the control means may be configured to execute drive control for limiting the drive of the ball guiding member after a predetermined time has elapsed when the stay detection means detects the stay state. In this way, by restricting the driving after the lapse of the predetermined time, the stop timing of the ball guiding member can be appropriately delayed with respect to the detection timing of the staying state. For example, if the staying state detection timing and the ball guiding member stop timing are substantially simultaneously, immediately after the staying state in the second supply passage is detected, the payout of the prize ball by the prize ball paying unit stops, and the game interruption frequency Becomes higher.

  However, by appropriately delaying the stop timing of the ball guiding member with respect to the detection timing of the staying state, it is possible to provide time for the staying state to be canceled after the staying state is detected, thereby reducing the frequency of game interruptions. it can. For example, immediately after the staying state is detected by the staying detection means, a process for prompting the player to remove the game ball from the ball tray is performed. When the player performs the ball removal operation, the staying state is eliminated, and the game can be continued without interruption.

  The predetermined time is determined based on the number of game balls that can be accommodated in the second supply passage and the number of game balls that can be accommodated in the downstream of the second supply passage. It is desirable to determine based on the arrangement, structure, etc.

  The prize ball payout unit has a plurality of first supply passages, and the presence / absence detecting means detects the presence / absence of game balls in the plurality of first supply passages for each row. It has become. The ball presence / absence detecting means and the control means are connected, and the control means can execute error processing based on the detection result of the presence / absence of the sphere for each row in each path.

  When the control unit detects that there is no game ball in at least one of the plurality of columns in the first supply passage, the control unit executes error processing. In other words, error processing is executed except when it is detected that game balls are present in all rows of the plurality of first supply passages.

  Therefore, when no game balls are detected even in one row and a shortage of supply game balls is detected (except when there are game balls in all rows and a sufficient supply ball number is secured), Perform error handling. As a result, it is possible to promptly notify the player or hall computer of the situation of “the shortage of supply balls to the prize ball payout unit”, preventing the delay or stop of the prize ball payout and the recurrence of the shortage of game balls. And contribute to the continuation of smooth games.

  And a control means performs cancellation | release of an error process, when a ball presence detection means detects that there exists a game ball in all the lines. In other words, the error processing being executed is not canceled until it is detected that game balls are present in all the rows in the plurality of rows of the first supply passages.

  If error processing is canceled when there is no game ball even in one of a plurality of rows, that is, when the ball supply is not sufficient, the award ball payout operation that has been stopped or delayed is not sufficient for the ball supply. Regardless, there is a case where the normal speed is restarted again to further promote the shortage of balls, or the error display may be eliminated even though the supply of balls is not sufficient. As a result, the prize ball payout is stopped again and the error is displayed again.

  However, according to this configuration, the error processing is canceled after sufficient supply of the balls to the prize ball payout unit is ensured, so that the recurrence of the ball shortage state can be prevented. That is, it is possible to prevent the smooth game from being hindered by frequent error processing.

  Note that the error processing includes notification to the player, notification to the hall computer connected to the gaming machine, delay or stop control of the prize ball payout operation. The notification to the player includes, for example, notification by displaying characters and images such as “Please call a clerk”, notification by voice utterance “Please call a clerk”, notification by lighting a warning lamp, and the like. Further, the notification to the hall computer includes transmission of an error signal to the hall computer that comprehensively manages various types of information at the gaming machine installation store (hall).

  Various sensors such as an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, and an electrostatic sensor can be applied to the sphere presence / absence detecting means. You may apply the detection means comprised including the detection piece which a game ball contacts, a light projection / reception sensor, and a microswitch.

  Even if the sphere presence / absence detecting means has a detection piece arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of rows and a sphere presence / absence sensor arranged corresponding to one or a plurality of detection pieces, Good.

  In order to detect the presence / absence of a game ball for each column of the first supply unit in the case of configuring the ball presence / absence detection unit having a detection piece and a ball presence / absence sensor in contact with the game ball, for each column, A configuration in which the detection piece and the sphere presence / absence sensor are arranged is conceivable. However, if it is configured to detect a plurality of rows of detection pieces arranged for each row (that is, a plurality of detection pieces) with one sphere presence / absence sensor, the number of sensors is reduced without degrading the detection sensitivity. Can be made. Therefore, it can contribute to the reduction of the number of parts and cost.

  The first supply passage and the ball guide member have two rows of ball passages through which game balls pass and a partition portion disposed between the ball passages, and a ball through which game balls in the second supply passage pass. The cross-sectional area of the passage is configured to be wider than the cross-sectional area of the two rows of ball passages of the first supply passage, and in the vicinity of the ball guide member, a light projecting unit that projects light and a light projecting unit from the light projecting unit A ball detecting member that detects the passage of the game ball by blocking the light from the light projecting unit by the game ball guided by the ball guide member toward the second supply passage. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are spaced apart from each other with the two rows of ball passages and the partition unit interposed therebetween, and the partition unit receives light from the light projecting unit to the light receiving unit. A hole is formed for passing through.

  The first supply passage and the ball guide member have two rows of ball passages through which game balls pass and a partition portion disposed between the ball passages, and the first supply passage receives the game balls in two rows. In order to allow passage, it is possible to provide a wider space for the game balls and to increase the number of game balls guided to the ball guide member per unit time as compared to the first supply passage in one row. it can. Further, in the ball guiding member, since the balls passing through the respective ball passages of the first supply passage are passed in two rows, the passing ball of the game ball per unit time is compared with the ball guiding member in which the ball passage is one row. The number can be increased, and smooth passing of the game ball from the first supply passage to the second supply passage can be realized.

  Furthermore, since the cross-sectional area of the ball passage through which the game balls of the second supply passage pass is larger than the cross-sectional area of the two rows of ball passages of the first supply passage, the first supply passage to the second supply passage It is possible to achieve a smooth passing of the game ball toward. The cross-sectional areas of the first supply passage and the second supply passage are cross-sectional areas in a plane orthogonal to the passing direction of the game balls, and the larger the cross-sectional area, the greater the number of game balls that pass through the unit time. It is comprised so that it may become.

  In addition, a ball detection member that detects the passage of the game ball by light projection and light reception is disposed in the vicinity of the ball guide member. The ball detection member detects the game ball in a non-contact manner, and can reliably detect the game ball passing without adversely affecting the passage of the game ball. Furthermore, the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion of the sphere detection member are spaced apart from each other with the two rows of sphere passages and the partition portion interposed therebetween, and a single sphere is detected by forming a hole in the partition portion. A game ball passing through two rows of ball paths can be detected by the member.

  Further objects and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, since the prize ball payout unit is configured to be detachable from the gaming machine frame, it is possible to easily remove the prize ball payout unit and perform maintenance such as inspection. Can be increased. In addition, a stay detecting means for detecting a stay state in which a plurality of game balls are accumulated in the second supply passage is provided, and a stay state in which the game balls stay in the second supply passage and a fullness of a ball tray or the like downstream thereof. Tan state can be detected. Compared with a configuration in which a full tank detection switch is provided in the vicinity of the ball tray, the timing for detecting the full tank state and the timing for interrupting the game can be relatively delayed, and the smooth interruption of the game is executed. can do.

  The presence / absence of balls in a plurality of rows of the first supply passage can be detected for each row, and error processing can be performed based on the presence / absence judgment. Therefore, the shortage of supply balls to the prize ball paying unit can be detected and notified reliably and quickly. As a result, it is possible to prevent a delay or stop of the prize ball payout operation and a recurrence of a shortage of balls, and contribute to providing a smooth game to the player.

  In addition, since the error processing is canceled after sufficient supply of balls is ensured, unnecessary recurrence of an error state (shortage of balls) can be prevented. It is possible to prevent delay / stop control of prize ball payout and unnecessary repetition of error display, and provide a player with a smooth game.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the state which removed the cover member and the game board unit from the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is an expansion perspective view of the prize ball paying unit portion of the pachinko machine visually recognized from the right rear. It is an expansion perspective view of the prize ball paying unit portion of the pachinko machine visually recognized from the right rear. It is the perspective view which visually recognized the prize ball payout unit from the right rear. It is a right view of the prize ball payout unit in a state where the right component is removed. It is a left view of the prize ball payout unit in a state where the left component member is removed. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a sphere presence detection unit shown in FIG. 7. It is the perspective view which expanded the rotary body part. It is the figure which showed the count sensor and the rotary body typically. It is an enlarged view of the switching valve shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the swing member shown in FIG. 7. It is an enlarged view of the 2nd supply path shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view of the 2nd supply passage concerning a modification. It is a functional block diagram of a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a prize ball payout processing operation by a prize ball payout unit. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the cancellation process of a full tank error. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a ball presence detection means in a first right supply passage of a prize ball payout unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, where (a) shows a state where a game ball is present in the passage; Indicates that there is no game ball in the passage. It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball presence detection means in the first left supply passage of the prize ball payout unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, where (a) shows a state in which there is a game ball in the passage, (b) Indicates that there is no game ball in the passage. It is a block diagram which perspectively shows the schematic structure of the vicinity of a ball presence detection means of a prize ball payout unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure of the error process in the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure of cancellation | release of the error process in the pachinko machine which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the gear which connects the rotary body and motor which concern on a modification.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 2 including a gaming machine frame unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The pachinko machine 2 includes a gaming machine frame 3, a gaming board unit 5, a glass 10, a launch unit (not shown), and a ball tray 14. The launch units can launch the game balls 23 one by one toward the game area 16 configured in the game board unit 5.

  In the pachinko machine 2, when a player operates a launcher handle 15 described later, a game ball 23 is launched by the launch unit toward the game area 16, and a game by the flow of the game ball 23 is realized. In addition to the pachinko machine 2, the gaming machine can be an arcade machine such as a pachinko slot machine and a coin game machine, and various game machines. In short, a gaming area that realizes a game by flowing down game media is provided. Any gaming machine you have is included. In addition, in the pachinko machine, any pachinko machine such as a combination pachinko machine such as an arrangement ball machine or a sparrow ball machine, a so-called digipachi type (one type) or a honey mono type (two types) pachinko machine can be conceptualized. In the first embodiment, a so-called one-type pachinko machine that realizes a digipachi game (also referred to as a one-type game or a symbol variation game) will be described as an example. The symbol variation game will be described later.

  The gaming machine frame 3 of the pachinko machine 2 is for holding a gaming board unit 5 to be described later, and is configured to surround the peripheral side surface of the pachinko machine 2 and the front side or the rear side in addition thereto. In addition to the game board unit 5, various mechanism parts such as various control boards and paths for game media, which are described later, are arranged on the inner side of the gaming machine frame 3. Unauthorized access to the inside of the pachinko machine 2 from behind is prevented.

  The outer frame 4 that surrounds the pachinko machine 2, the front frame 9 that is swingably supported by a hinge 22 inside the pachinko machine 2 so as to be able to be opened and closed forward, and that can hold the game board unit 5. The gaming machine frame 3 is configured to include the glass frame 12 that holds the decorative member 32 that is supported in a swinging manner and decorates the periphery of the glass 10. The glass 10 is a transparent member that allows the player to visually recognize the game board 6 held inside the gaming machine frame 3 from the front. The gaming machine frame unit includes a front frame 9 that holds the game board unit 5 and a prize ball payout unit 100 described later.

  The glass 10 is a transparent plate that is spaced apart from the game board 6 by a certain distance or more. The glass 10 is formed of two transparent flat glasses and is held on the back side of the glass frame 12, and has a function of forming a flowing-down space for the game ball 23 to flow between the game board 6 and the player through the glass 10. The function of ensuring visibility so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized and the function of preventing unauthorized access so that the player cannot illegally access (contact) the game board 6 are exhibited.

  The ball tray 14 is a plate member disposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 2 to store the player's ball, and in the first embodiment, the ball tray 14 includes an upper ball tray 14a and a lower ball tray 14b. ing. The upper ball tray 14a has a ball punching member 14c and is disposed below the game board 6, that is, a lower portion of the glass frame 12, and the lower ball tray 14b is disposed further below the upper ball tray 14a. .

  The launch unit launches (balls) the game ball 23 sent from the upper ball tray 14a as a part of the ball tray 14 to the launch position by the ball feeder (not shown) toward the upper part of the game area 16. belongs to. The launch unit includes, for example, a launcher for projecting the game ball 23 at the launch position, a launch motor for driving the launcher, a launch spring for energizing the launcher to generate a ball force, and the like. It is attached to the front frame 9. In order to launch a ball by the launch unit, a launcher handle 15 is provided below the front surface of the pachinko machine 2 to realize on / off of the launch of the ball and adjustment of its launch intensity based on the player's operation.

  The game board unit 5 has a game board 6 in which a center object 7 as a game object is arranged at substantially the center on the game board surface 6a side, and a number of game nails 27 are also arranged on the game board surface 6a. ing. An effect display device 7a as an image display means is disposed at the center of the center accessory 7, and a display opening 7d for exposing the display portion 7b of the effect display device 7a is formed.

  The game board 6 is a board-like member for constituting a game area 16 for realizing a game by the flow of the game ball 23 on the surface side thereof, so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized from the front by the player. It is held by the gaming machine frame 3 (in the first embodiment, the front frame 9 as a part of the gaming machine frame 3). A rail ornament 26 is attached to the surface of the game board 6 in a substantially circular shape so as to surround the periphery, and an outer rail 26a of the rail ornament 26 is arranged so as to stand on the game board. The game area 16 is a substantially circular area defined by the outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26 and facing the outer rail 26a.

  The game nails 27 are flow-down changing members that collide with the game balls 23 flowing down the game area 16 and change the flow-down direction thereof, and many of them are arranged in the game area 16. Further, in the game area 16, a winning member 28 such as a normal winning port 28, a starting winning port 29, and a big winning port 31 and an out port 30 are arranged. Furthermore, a gate 33, a windmill 34, and the like are arranged in the game area 16, and the game balls 23 that flow down flow into each ball entry member, pass through the gate 33, and rotate the windmill 34. Thus, it is possible to enjoy the down-flow game by the game ball 23.

  The center accessory 7 is configured to cover the periphery of the effect display device 7a, and realizes a symbol variation game (one type game). A first symbol (special symbol) display device 17 as a symbol display means is disposed on the center accessory 7, and an effect display device 7 a is disposed in the center of the center accessory 7.

  The first symbol display device 17 displays the variation of the first symbol 17a, which is the lottery result of the lottery means. The first symbol is a symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery executed when the game ball 23 enters the start winning opening 29. A big hit as the first special game occurs when the variable display of the first symbol is stopped in a predetermined winning manner.

  The effect display device 7a is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display, an LED, and the like, and is arranged so that the player can see from the game board surface 6a side, and displays an image on the display unit 7b. It is. A display symbol (first decorative symbol) 7c linked to the first symbol is displayed on the display unit 7b of the effect display device 7a. The display symbol is a symbol for visually producing the lottery result of the first lottery means, and corresponds to the first game. Further, for example, an effect image as a story tailoring image by a character or the like is also displayed on the display unit 7b. An effect control board as a game control means is electrically connected to the effect display device 7a via a relay board, and image display is controlled by the effect control board.

  On the back side of the game board 6, the main control board case 35 containing the main control means (main control board) 200 for controlling the whole of the pachinko machine 2 and effect control such as image display of the effect display device 7a are performed. An effect control board case 36 containing the effect control means (effect control board) 220 and a payout control board case containing payout control means (payout control board) 230 for controlling the payout of prize balls by the prize ball payout unit 100 described later. 37 and a power supply board case 38 containing power supply means (not shown) are arranged. A game is realized by each control means accommodated in each control board case. The main control board case 35 and the effect control board case 36 are mounted on the rear surface of the game board unit 5 and are configured to be detachable from the front frame 9 together with the game board unit 5. Further, the main control means 200 and the payout control means 230 have the function of the control means according to the present invention.

  Furthermore, an external output terminal plate 39 for outputting game information such as the game state of the pachinko machine 2 to the outside is provided on the back side of the game board 6. Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 2, a cover member 42 that covers a part of the effect control board case 36 and the prize ball payout unit 100 is provided.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, on the back of the pachinko machine 2, the ball storage as a game ball storage device for temporarily storing the game balls 23 supplied from the equipment of the hall where the pachinko machine 2 is installed. The game balls 23 from the tank 40 and the ball storage tank 40 flow in, and the prize ball payout unit 100 that passes the game balls 23 one by one, and the game balls 23 that have passed the prize ball payout unit 100 are placed in the ball tray 14. A prize ball supply passage 41 that leads toward the player.

  The award ball payout unit 100 is configured to be driven and controlled by a payout control means 230 described later, and responds to a request for entering the game ball 23 into various winning holes and a request for lending the game ball 23 from a player. Thus, the game ball 23 is supplied to the player. In the first embodiment, a description will be given of the payout process for winning balls based on the entering of the game ball 23 into various winning ports. The prize ball payout unit 100 will be described later.

  When the game ball 23 is launched by a ball launcher (not shown), the game ball 23 travels along the outer rail 26 a of the rail decoration 26 and reaches the upper part in the game area 16. Thereafter, the game ball 23 moves along a plurality of passing trajectories, some moves to the right along the outer rail 26 a of the rail decoration 26, and some moves in the game area 16 while colliding with the game nail 27. Some things flow downward, some flow into the normal winning opening 28 and trigger the payout of a certain number of winning balls, and some things do not flow into any of the pitching devices and are out at the bottom in the game area 16 It flows into the mouth 30 and is discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 2 as an out ball.

  When the game ball 23 flows into the start winning opening 29 during the symbol variation game, the display symbol 7c of the effect display device 7a starts rotating display (the first special game lottery) due to the inflow. If 7c is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol (for example, “7, 7, 7”), a big hit (first special game; hereinafter referred to as symbol fluctuation big hit) occurs in the symbol variable game. Then, the special winning opening 31 is opened to accept a large amount of winning balls, and a large amount of winning balls are paid out to the ball tray 14.

  Next, the prize ball payout unit 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 14. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. 2 with the cover member 42 covering the back and the game board unit 5 removed. 4 and 5 are enlarged perspective views of the prize ball paying unit 100 portion of the pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. 3 viewed from the right rear. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the prize ball payout unit 100 viewed from the right rear.

  The prize ball payout unit 100 is detachably attached to a front frame 9 containing the game board 6. FIG. 4 shows a state of being attached to the front frame 9, and FIG. 5 shows a state of being removed from the front frame 9. The winning ball payout unit 100 includes a right component member 101 (see FIG. 8) that constitutes a right side portion in a front view, a left component member 102 (see FIG. 7) that constitutes a left side portion, and a right component member 101 and a left component member 102. And a central constituent member 103 (103a to 103c) constituting a first right supply passage (first supply passage) 106 and a first left supply passage (first supply passage) 107, which will be described later.

  FIG. 7 is a right side view of the prize ball payout unit 100 with the right component member 101 removed. FIG. 8 is a left side view of the prize ball payout unit 100 with the left component member 102 removed. Two inlets 104 and 105 into which the game ball 23 supplied from the ball storage tank 40 flows are formed on the upper surface 100 c of the winning ball payout unit 100, and the inlets 104 and 105 are respectively supplied downstream. A passage is arranged.

  The inlet has a right inlet 104 located on the right side and a left inlet 105 located on the left side. The game ball 23 that has flowed in from the right inlet 104 flows into the first right supply passage 106 disposed on the right side, and the game ball 23 that has flowed in from the left inlet 105 has a first left supply passage 107 disposed on the left side. Flow into.

  The first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107 are two rows of spherical passages adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, and a central component is provided between the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107. 103 is arranged. The central component member 103 includes a partition portion 103a disposed between the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107, and protruding wall portions projecting from the right side surface and the left side surface of the partition portion 103a. Have.

  The protruding wall portion includes a right protruding wall portion 103b protruding from the partition portion 103a toward the right side (right component member 101 side), and a left protrusion protruding from the partition portion 103a toward the left side (left component member 102 side). Wall part 103c. A right end portion (not shown) of the right protruding wall portion 103b is in contact with an inner wall surface (not shown) of the right component member 101, and a space surrounded by the right protruding wall portion 103b and the right component member 101 is formed. It becomes the first right supply passage 106. Further, the left end portion (not shown) of the left protruding wall portion 103c is in contact with the inner wall surface (not shown) of the left constituent member 102 and is surrounded by the left protruding wall portion 103c and the left constituent member 102. The space becomes the first left supply passage 107.

  The winning ball payout unit 100 includes a ball presence detection means (ball presence detection means) 108 for detecting the presence of the game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 or the first left supply passage 107. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the ball presence detecting means 108 shown in FIG. The sphere presence detection means 108 detects the position of the sphere presence detection piece (detection piece) 108a that moves in the rotation direction (the X direction and the −X direction shown in FIG. 9) about the rotation axis, and the position of the sphere presence detection piece 108a. And a ball presence sensor (ball presence / absence sensor) 108b.

  The detecting piece 108a with a sphere moves between a first position shown in FIG. 9A and a second position shown in FIG. 9B. The ball presence detection piece 108a is configured to interfere with the game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 and the game ball 23 in the first left supply passage 107, and the first right supply passage 106 or the first left supply passage 106 If there is a game ball 23 in the supply passage 107, it is pressed by the game ball 23 to be in the first position, and if there is no game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 or the first left supply passage 107, it is in the second position.

  The ball presence sensor 108b detects that the ball presence detection piece 108a is in the first position, that is, the presence of a game ball in the first right supply passage 106 or the first left supply passage 107. The error determination means 211 performs an error determination process for determining whether or not the prize ball payout unit 100 is abnormal based on the detection information of the ball presence sensor 108b. This error determination process will be described later.

  The game ball 23 that has passed through the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107 is guided to the rotating body 141. The rotating body 141 includes a rotating plate 141a in which a holding portion 141b capable of holding the game balls 23 one by one is formed on the outer periphery, and a motor 141d (see FIG. 6) as a driving unit that rotationally drives the rotating plate 141a. Have. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the rotating body 141 portion.

  Two turntables 141a are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, and are rotated in the Y direction shown in the figure by a motor 141d in synchronization with the rotation shaft 141c. A partition 103a is disposed between the two rotating disks 141a. Further, a first rotating body passage (ball passage) 141e and a second rotating body passage (ball passage) 141f are arranged with the partition 103a interposed therebetween.

  Each turntable 141a is formed with three holding portions 141b, and each time it rotates 120 degrees, the game ball 23 that has passed through the first right supply passage 106 or the game ball 23 that has passed through the first left supply passage 107 is provided. Hold. In addition, the holding portions 141b of the two rotary disks 141a are formed so as to be shifted by approximately 60 degrees. Therefore, every time the rotator 141 rotates 60 degrees, the game balls 23 that have passed through the first right supply passage 106 and the game balls 23 that have passed through the first left supply passage 107 are alternately held by the rotator 141.

  The game ball 23 held by the holding portion 141b moves in the Y direction shown in the figure along with the rotation of the rotating disk 141a, passes through the first rotating body passage 141e or the second rotating body passage 141f, and passes through the rotating body 141. It flows down toward the second supply passage 120 provided downstream. The first rotating body passage 141e and the second rotating body passage 141f are ball passages through which the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 141b of the rotating body 141 passes. In addition, a count sensor (ball detection member) 143 that detects passage of the game ball 23 is provided, and the number of prize balls to be paid out by the prize ball payout unit 100 can be counted based on the detection of the count sensor 143.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating the count sensor 143 and the rotating body 141. (A) is a front view, (b) is a right side view. The count sensor 143 is a photosensor that has a pair of measurement units 143a and detects an object between the measurement units 143a by light projection and reception. The pair of measuring units 143a is a light projecting unit that projects light and a light receiving unit that receives light from the light projecting unit, and is disposed with the rotating body 141 and the partition unit 103a interposed therebetween. The partition 103a is formed with a light hole (hole) 103e for allowing the light projected and received by the measuring unit 143a to pass therethrough. The count sensor 143 receives light projected from one measurement unit 143a by the other measurement unit 143a, and when the game ball 23 held by the rotating body 141 passes, the measurement unit 143a is shielded from light, and the game The passage of the sphere 23 can be detected.

  According to the count sensor 143 configured in this way, it is possible to measure the passage of the game ball 23 through the two rotary disks 141a arranged with the partition portion 103a interposed therebetween, with one count sensor 143. When the passing of the game ball 23 is detected by the count sensor 143, it is determined that the game ball has been normally paid out by an error determination means described later.

  Further, a discharge passage 117 for discharging the game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 and the game ball 23 in the first left supply passage 107 to the outside of the pachinko machine 2 is provided in front of the rotating body 141. . Further, a switching valve 118 for switching the flow path of the game ball 23 is provided above the rotating body 141. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the switching valve 118 shown in FIG.

  The switching valve 118 is configured to be movable in the rotation direction (the Z direction shown in FIG. 12) about the rotation shaft 118a located at the upper part. The switching valve 118 constitutes a part of the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107 and moves so as to be separated from the other parts of the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107. The game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 and the game ball 23 in the first left supply passage 107 are guided to the discharge passage 117 and to the rotating body 141.

  The front surface of the switching valve 118 is in contact with the operation member 119 disposed on the front side. The operation member 119 passes through the operation hole 101a formed in the right component member 101 of the prize ball payout unit 100 and is disposed so as to protrude from the right side surface 100a of the prize ball payout unit 100 (see, for example, FIG. 6). The operation member 119 can be operated from the outside of the winning ball payout unit 100, and slides in the front-rear direction in the operation hole 101a. The operating member 119 moves between a first position shown in (a) and a second position shown in (b).

  As shown in (a), when the operation member 119 is in the first position, the operation member 119 restricts the movement of the switching valve 118 in the Z direction. Lower portions of the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107 are bent forward, and the switching valve 118 is pressed forward by the game ball 23 passing through the inside. However, when the operation member 119 is in the first position, the movement of the switching valve 118 in the Z direction is restricted by the operation member 119, and the switching valve 118 is connected to the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107. Does not move away from other parts. Therefore, the game ball 23 that has passed through the first right supply passage 106 and the game ball 23 that has passed through the first left supply passage 107 are guided to the rotating body 141.

  On the other hand, when the operation member 119 is moved to the second position, the restriction on movement of the switching valve 118 in the Z direction by the operation member 119 is released. Therefore, the switching valve 118 is pressed by the dead weight of the game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 and the game ball 23 in the first left supply passage 107 and moves in the Z direction. The game balls 23 in the first right supply passage 106 and the game balls 23 in the first left supply passage 107 flow into the discharge passage 117. The game ball 23 that has flowed into the discharge passage 117 passes through a discharge path (not shown) and is discharged outside the pachinko machine 2.

  Further, the position of the holding portion 141 b of the rotating body 141 changes with rotation, and the game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 is held in a state where the holding portion 141 b faces the first right supply passage 106. The game ball 23 in the first left supply passage 107 is held while facing the first left supply passage 107 (see, for example, FIG. 12B). Further, when the holding portion 141b is not opposed to the first right supply passage 106 or the first left supply passage 107, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating disk 141a prevents the game ball 23 from flowing into the holding portion 141b. (For example, see FIG. 12A).

  The switching valve 118 is disposed immediately above the rotating body 141. When the operation member 119 moves to the second position, the switching valve 118 is located above the rotating body 141 including the game ball 23 that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating disk 141a. The game ball 23 located at is guided to the discharge passage 117. Therefore, the game ball 23 upstream of the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 141b of the rotating body 141 can be guided to the discharge passage 117, and the number of game balls remaining in the prize ball dispensing unit 100 after the ball removal process is reduced. can do.

  The game ball 23 that has passed through the rotating body 141 flows into the second supply passage 120. The second supply passage 120 is a single row of ball passages. All the game balls 23 that have passed through the rotating body 141 are guided to the second supply passage 120, and the game balls 23 from the first right supply passage 106 and the game balls 23 from the first left supply passage 107 are connected. It flows in together. The cross-sectional area of the second supply passage 120 in the cross section orthogonal to the passing direction of the game ball 23 is equal to the cross-sectional area of the first right supply passage 106 in the cross section orthogonal to the passing direction of the game ball 23 and the first left supply passage 107. The cross-sectional area in the cross section orthogonal to the passing direction of the game ball 23 is configured to be wider than the total cross-sectional area.

  In the second supply passage 120, a stay detection means for detecting the stay state of the game ball is provided. The stay detection means 130 constitutes a part of the wall surface constituting the second supply passage 120, the swing member 130a that moves relative to the other part of the wall surface, and the swing sensor 130b that detects the position of the swing member 130a. And comprising.

  FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the stay detection means 130 shown in FIG. The swing member 130a constitutes a part of the rear wall portion 120a that constitutes the rear surface of the second supply passage 120, and moves in the rotation direction about the rotation shaft arranged at the upper end (T direction shown in the drawing). . The swing member 130a is located near the front wall portion 120b facing the rear wall portion 120a in a first position where the passage width of the second supply passage 120 is narrowed, and away from the front wall portion 120b. It moves between the second position where the passage width is widened. Further, a swing sensor 130b that detects that the swing member 130a is in the second position is provided behind the swing member 130a.

  The swing member 130a is in the first position when no external force is applied, and is pressed by the game ball 23 to the second position when the plurality of game balls 23 stays in the second supply passage 120. Further, when the swing sensor 130b detects that the swing member 130a is at the second position, the error determination unit 211 described later determines whether there is an abnormality. Further, according to the determination result of the error determination means 211, an error processing means 212 described later performs a process for stopping the driving of the rotating body and a process for prompting the player to remove the game ball 23 from the ball tray 14. It is configured to be executed.

  The game ball 23 that has passed through the second supply passage 120 flows into the prize ball supply passage 41 and is guided to the ball tray 14 through the prize ball supply passage 41. However, when the ball tray 14 becomes full, the game ball 23 cannot be supplied to the ball tray 14, and the game ball 23 is stored in the prize ball supply passage 41. When the prize ball supply passage 41 becomes full, the game balls 23 cannot be discharged from the prize ball payout unit 100, and the game balls 23 that have passed through the rotating body 141 accumulate in the second supply passage 120.

  When the number of game balls 23 in the second supply passage 120 increases, the game balls 23 staying in the second supply passage 120 press the swing member 130a, and the swing member 130a moves to the second position. Based on the detection of the position of the swinging member 130a, the full state of the ball tray 14 can be detected. Further, according to the staying state of the game ball 23 in the second supply passage 120, the swinging member 130a moves to the second position to increase the volume of the second supply passage 120 and accommodate it in the second supply passage. The number of possible game balls can be increased.

  Moreover, the 2nd supply channel | path 120 is comprised so that the game ball which passes the inside may be passed along an up-down direction, The channel | path shape has a some bending part. By providing a plurality of bent portions, the passing direction of the game ball 23 can be appropriately changed in the process of passing through the second supply passage 120, and the game ball 23 can be decelerated. Furthermore, even when a long member is inserted upward from the ball outlet 120d, the inner wall surface constituting the second supply passage 120 can be disposed above the ball outlet 120d, and the insertion of foreign matter can be performed. Cheating can be prevented.

  Further, an illegal act on the prize ball payout unit 100 can be detected by the swing member 130a and the swing sensor 130b. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the second supply passage 120 shown in FIG. The dishonest act with respect to the prize ball payout unit 100 here means that a long member such as a wire is inserted into the prize ball payout unit 100 from the ball tray 14, the rotating body 141 is illegally rotated, and the game ball 23 is illegally received. It is an act.

  The positional relationship between the ball inlet 120c of the second supply passage 120 into which the game ball 23 that has passed through the rotating body 141 flows and the ball outlet 120d of the second supply passage is shifted in the front-rear direction so as to partially overlap. A swing member 130a is disposed at a portion where the ball inlet 120c and the ball outlet 120d overlap. Accordingly, even when a long member is inserted upward from the ball outlet 120d, the long member cannot directly contact the ball inlet 120c, and therefore, illegal acts using the long member can be prevented. it can.

  Specifically, when a long member is inserted from the bottom to the top of the ball inlet 120c, the long member interferes with the swing member 130a and cannot reach the ball inlet 120c ( L1 shown in FIG. In addition, when the long member is inserted upward so as to be positioned along the front surface of the swinging member 130a, since the spherical inlet 120c is not disposed on the extended line, the long member is not the spherical inlet. 120c is not reached (L2 shown in FIG. 14). Further, when the long member is inserted so as to be in a position ahead of the swinging member 130a, the long member does not reach the ball inlet 120c because the ball inlet 120c is not disposed on the extended line. (L3 shown in FIG. 14).

  As described above, by disposing the ball inlet 120c and the ball outlet 120d in the front-rear direction, it is possible to prevent an illegal act on the rotating body 141 due to insertion of a long member or the like, and to obtain a prize ball illegally. It is possible to prevent illegal acts. Further, since the swinging member 130a is in the first position for narrowing the passage width of the second supply passage 120 in a state where no external force is applied, the insertion opening of the long member is narrowed to effectively prevent illegal acts by the long member. Can be suppressed.

  Further, the positional relationship between the rotating body 141 and the second supply passage 120 can be conceptualized as a modification. FIG. 15 shows a rotating body 141 and a second supply passage 120 according to a modification. In addition, about the same structure, description is abbreviate | omitted using a same sign. In the modification shown in FIG. 15, the rotating body 141 and the second supply passage 120 are arranged above the ball outlet 120d, and the vertical direction straight line (on the vertical line) from the ball outlet 120d to the side of the rotating body 141. A swinging member 130a is disposed on the surface.

  Specifically, when a long member is inserted from below the ball inlet 120c toward the front (side) of the rotating body 141, the long member interferes with the swing member 130a, and the rotating body 141 cannot be reached (L4 shown in FIG. 15). Further, when a long member is inserted upward so as to be positioned along the front surface of the swinging member 130a, the ball inlet 120c is disposed on the extension line and reaches the rotating body 141. Can do. However, the long member can contact the lower side of the rotating body 141, but cannot contact the side of the rotating body 141 or the upstream side of the rotating body 141. Difficult to get.

  If the elongate member reaches the side of the rotating body 141, the side is accessed from the side to the holding part 141b of the rotating body from the side, and the elongate member or the like is hooked on the holding part 141b downward. By pulling the long member, the rotating body 141 may be rotated to obtain a prize ball illegally. However, since it is difficult to illegally rotate the rotating body 141 only by accessing the lower surface of the rotating body 141, an illegal act can be prevented.

  Furthermore, when a long member is inserted so as to be in a position ahead of the swinging member 130a, the rotating body 141 is not disposed on the extended line, and the inner wall surface of the second supply passage 120 is disposed. Therefore, the rotating body 141 cannot be rotated by the long member (L6 shown in FIG. 15). As described above, by disposing the ball outlet 120d and the side of the rotating body 141 in the front-rear direction, an illegal act on the rotating body 141 due to insertion of a long member or the like can be prevented, and the prize ball is illegally obtained. Fraudulent attempts to obtain Further, since the swinging member 130a is in the first position for narrowing the passage width of the second supply passage 120 in a state where no external force is applied, the insertion opening of the long member is narrowed to effectively prevent illegal acts by the long member. Can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, the lower end portion 130c of the swinging member 130a disposed to face the ball outlet 120d is formed in a curved shape. A gap k is formed between the lower surface 130d of the swing member 130a and the metal plate 121 disposed below the swing member 130a. Since the lower end portion 130c of the swing member 130a has a curved shape and a gap k is provided below the swinging member 130a, when a foreign object is inserted, the second supply passage 120 is moved from the inside to the outside via the gap k. Foreign matter can be moved. By moving the foreign matter from the inside of the second supply passage 120 to the outside, an illegal act on the rotating body 141 disposed upstream of the second supply passage 120 can be prevented.

  In the state where the swing member 130a is in a position where the passage width is narrowed, the passage width between the swing member 130a and the rear wall portion 120a facing the swing member 130a is substantially the same width as the ball inlet 120c. You may comprise so that it may become. In this manner, the passage width between the swing member 130a at the position where the passage width is narrowed and the rear wall portion 120a facing the swing member 130a is configured to be substantially the same width as the ball inlet 120c. As a result, even when the swinging member 130a narrows the passage width, the game ball 23 flowing in from the ball inlet 120c can be passed downstream without being delayed.

  Furthermore, in a state where the swinging member 130a is in a position to widen the passage width, the passage width between the swinging member 130a and the front wall portion 120b facing the swinging member 130a is substantially equal to the ball outlet 120d. You may comprise so that it may become the same width. In this manner, the passage width between the swing member 130a at the position where the passage width is widened and the front wall portion 120b facing the swing member 130a is configured to be substantially the same width as the ball outlet 120d. Thus, in a state where the swinging member 130a has expanded the passage width, the game ball 23 accommodated in the second supply passage 120 can be discharged from the ball outlet 120d without stagnation.

  The second supply passage 120 includes a metal plate 121 as a protective plate along the rear wall portion 120a and the front wall portion 120b (shaded portions shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). By providing the metal plate 121, the strength of the second supply passage 120 can be increased. In particular, it is desirable to dispose the metal plate 121 in a portion where the game ball 23 is likely to collide. Specifically, the metal plate 121 is provided on the extended line of the inclined surface 120e disposed immediately below the ball entrance 120c. By arranging the metal plate 121 in such a portion, the strength of the portion where the game ball 23 collides can be increased, and damage due to the collision of the game ball 23 can be effectively prevented.

  In addition, when an illegal act of inserting a long member from the lower side of the second supply passage 120 is performed, the inner wall surface (the rear wall portion 120a and the front wall portion 120b) of the second supply passage is damaged, The damage may affect the smooth passage of the game ball 23. In particular, when the second supply passage 120 is made of resin, the damage becomes remarkable, and there is a possibility that problems such as a decrease in the passing speed of the game ball 23 may occur. However, the inner wall surface of the second supply passage 120 can be protected by covering the inner wall surface with the metal plate 121 that is relatively high in strength and hardly damaged. Furthermore, the metal plate 121 is configured to be detachable with respect to the inner wall surface, and can be appropriately replaced.

  Furthermore, the metal plate 121 has a function as a discharge plate, and the static electricity of the game ball 23 can be removed through the metal plate 121. If the game ball 23 is charged with static electricity, a malfunction such as an abnormality of an electrical component may occur, and it is desirable to appropriately remove the static electricity from the game ball 23. For example, by connecting the metal plate 121 to the ground, static electricity charged on the game ball 23 via the metal plate 121 can be removed.

  The metal plate 121 is provided on a part of the rear wall part 120a and a part of the front wall part 120b, and the static electricity of the game ball 23 flowing down along the front wall part 120b is attached to the front wall part 120b. The metal plate 121 can be removed. On the other hand, the game ball 23 that has flowed down along the rear wall portion 120 a and the game ball 23 that has flowed down between the front wall portion 120 b and the rear wall portion 120 a may not be in direct contact with the metal plate 121. However, even if the game ball 23 is not in direct contact with the metal plate 121, static electricity can be removed while the game ball 23 stays in the second supply passage 120.

  For example, in the state where the game ball 23 shown in FIG. 13B stays, the swing member 130a is in the second position, and the game ball B1 that is in contact with the swing member 130a is not in direct contact with the metal plate 121. However, the game ball B1 is in contact with another game ball (for example, the game ball B2), and is electrically connected to the metal plate 121 via the game ball B2 and the game ball B3 in contact with the game ball B2. Yes. Therefore, the static electricity of the game ball B1 can be removed via the other game balls (B2 and B3).

  Also, a detachable detachable wall 150 is provided on the rear surface 100f of the prize ball payout unit. The detachable wall 150 is configured to be detachable from the rear hole 100g formed in the rear surface 100f of the prize ball payout unit 100. The detachable wall portion 150 includes a plate portion 150a having an outer shape along the inner wall surface of the rear hole portion 100g, and a grip portion 150b protruding rearward from the plate portion 150a. The grip 150b protrudes rearward from the rear surface 100f of the prize ball payout unit 100 in a state where the detachable wall 150 is attached to the prize ball payout unit 100, and the operator can easily attach and detach the handle with the grip 150b. It can be carried out.

  On the rear surfaces of the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107, a supply passage hole portion 106a is formed at a position facing the rear surface hole portion 100g. When the detachable wall portion 150 is removed from the winning ball payout unit 100, the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107 can be accessed from the outside through the rear hole portion 100g and the supply passage hole portion 106a. ing. Therefore, the ball clogging of the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107 can be eliminated by inserting a rod or the like from the rear hole portion 100g and the supply passage hole portion 106a.

  In addition, the width of the supply passage hole 106a and the width of the rear hole 100g are both less than the diameter of the game ball 23 (for example, 11 mm). Therefore, even when the detachable wall 150 is detached in a state where the game balls 23 are in the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107, the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107 are separated from each other. It is possible to prevent the game ball 23 from spilling.

  Next, the attaching / detaching operation of the winning ball payout unit 100 configured as described above with respect to the front frame 9 will be described. On the upper surface of the prize ball supply passage 41, a hole into which the game ball 23 that has passed through the second supply passage 120 of the prize ball dispensing unit 100 flows, a rear wall portion 41 g protruding upward from the rear end portion, and a left end Left wall 41h protruding upward from the portion.

  When the prize ball dispensing unit 100 is mounted on the front frame 9, the bottom surface 100d of the prize ball dispensing unit 100 is awarded from above the prize ball supply passage 41 with the lower part of the prize ball dispensing unit 100 inclined forward. It is placed on the upper surface 41 c of the sphere supply passage 41. Then, the upper part of the prize ball payout unit 100 is moved forward with the bottom surface 100d of the prize ball payout unit 100 as an axis, and the inlets 104 and 105 of the prize ball payout unit 100 are connected to the outlets of the ball storage tank 40 (not shown). ).

  On the other hand, when removing the prize ball payout unit 100 from the front frame 9, after moving the upper part of the prize ball payout unit 100 rearward, the entire prize ball payout unit 100 is moved rearward and upward. Can be attached to and detached from the front frame 9, and the maintenance of the prize ball payout unit 100 can be easily performed.

  Next, the system configuration of the pachinko machine 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the pachinko machine 2. In the pachinko machine 2, the control means (first control means, second control means, and error determination means) having the main control means 200, the effect control means 220, and the payout control means 230 is an operation control and display device for the pachinko machine 2. And the like, control of game progress, and payout of prize balls. The control means includes a normal winning opening 28 as a winning opening, a starting winning opening 29, a large winning opening 31, a first symbol display device 17, an effect display device 7a, a ball presence detecting means 108, a stay detecting means 130, and a count sensor. Each component such as 143 is electrically connected.

  The main control unit 200 includes a lottery unit 201, a symbol determination unit 203, a hold storage unit 204, a symbol display control unit 205, a prize ball determination unit 206, a pattern storage unit 207, a ball entry determination unit 208, Special game control means 209, error determination means 211, and error processing means 212 are provided. The effect control means 220 includes an effect determination means 221, an effect control means 222, and an effect pattern storage means 223.

  The payout control means 230 includes a prize ball payout control means 231. Each function included in the main control means 200 may be configured to be mounted on the effect control means 220 or the payout control means 230, or the function included in the effect control means 220 or the payout control means 230 is You may comprise so that it may mount in the main control means 200. FIG.

  The lottery means 201 acquires a random value for determining whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, triggered by the game ball 23 entering the start winning opening 29. . The lottery means 201 holds a plurality of success / failure determination tables that are referred to in the determination of whether or not to shift to a special game based on a random number value. In the plurality of success / failure determination tables, a lottery result of winning or losing and a random value are associated with each other, and the success / failure probability is determined according to the range setting of the random value associated with the winning. The lottery means acquires a lottery result based on the random value. The acquired lottery result is temporarily stored in the hold storage unit 204.

  The lottery means 201 refers to the normality probability determination table at the normal time, and refers to the normality probability determination table at a higher probability than the normal probability when the probability variation is higher than the normal probability. The lottery means 201 appropriately selects and refers to any one of the plurality of success / failure determination tables, and determines whether or not the random number value is a win.

  The random value can be configured to be acquired from a value in a range from “0” to “65535”, for example. The random number may not be a mathematically generated random number, but may be a pseudo random number generated by a hardware random number, a software random number, or the like.

  The holding storage unit 204 stores the lottery result of the lottery unit 201. The number of holds in the holding means has an upper limit, and the lottery result is stored until the number of holds in the holding means reaches a predetermined upper limit. In the first embodiment, the upper limit of the number of holds of the holding means is 4. The number of holds held by the holding means is displayed with a lamp or the like so that the player can check the number of holds.

  The lottery result of the lottery means 201 is displayed on the first symbol display device 17 as the first symbol 17a. Further, in conjunction with the first symbol 17a, an effect display including the display symbol 7c is performed on the effect display device 7a. The symbol determination means 203 determines the stop symbol of the first symbol 17a and the display symbol 7c displayed on the first symbol display device 17 and the effect display device 7a and the symbol variation display pattern according to the lottery result of the lottery means 201. .

  The pattern storage means 207 includes a symbol pattern table 207a that should be referred to in order to determine the stop symbol pattern of the first symbol, and a symbol variation display pattern table 207d that should be referred to in order to determine the symbol variation display pattern. The symbol pattern table 207a stores the first symbol 17a and the lottery result in association with each other, and the symbol variation display pattern table 207d stores the symbol variation display pattern and the lottery result in association with each other.

  The symbol variation display pattern is a variation display pattern in which the variation mode from the variation start to the stop when the symbol is variably displayed is defined. The variation mode includes a design variation mode and a variation time. The variation time is the time from when the symbol starts to vary until the symbol stops, and is defined as a symbol variation end condition. When the fluctuation time elapses, the symbol fluctuation is stopped. The variation time is set to be different for each symbol variation display pattern.

  The symbol determination means 203 acquires the lottery result of the lottery means 201, refers to the symbol pattern table 207a, and determines the stop symbol of the first symbol 17a. In addition, the symbol determination unit 203 in the first embodiment also has a function of a variation display pattern selection unit, and selects any symbol variation display pattern with reference to the symbol variation display pattern table 207d. The symbol determination unit 203 sends information indicating the determined stop symbol and symbol variation display pattern to the symbol display control unit 205 and the effect control unit 222.

  The ball entering determination unit 208 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each winning opening. The winning determination means 208 determines that the winning winning opening 29 has been won when receiving the winning detection information of the starting winning opening sensor 29a. Upon receiving the winning detection information of the big winning opening sensor 31a provided in the big winning opening 31, the winning determination means 208 determines that the big winning opening 31 has been won. The winning ball determination means 208 sends the determined winning information to the winning ball determination means 206 and the lottery means 201.

  The winning ball determining means 206 determines the number of winning balls to be paid out to the player by the winning ball paying unit 100 based on the winning information determined by the winning ball determining means 208. The winning ball determining unit 206 includes a winning ball number storage unit 206a for determining the number of winning balls. The winning ball number storage means 206a stores each winning opening information and the number of winning balls in association with each other. Specifically, the number of prize balls 3 is associated with the normal prize opening 28, the number of prize balls 15 is associated with the large prize opening 31, and stored in the prize ball number storage means 206a. .

  When receiving the winning information of the normal winning opening 28 from the winning determination means 208, the winning ball determination means 206 determines the number of winning balls 3 based on the winning ball number storage means 206a. The winning ball determination means 206 sends the determined number of winning balls to the winning ball payout control means 231 of the payout control means 230. The prize ball payout control means 231 controls the payout of game balls by the prize ball payout unit 100 based on the number of prize balls determined by the prize ball determination means 206. Specifically, the rotating body 141 of the prize ball payout unit 100 is driven and controlled, and a predetermined number of game balls 23 are supplied toward the ball tray 14.

  Further, the error determination unit 211 determines the presence / absence of an error such as a payout of a prize ball based on a payout process by the prize ball payout unit 100, a state of the ball tray 14 to which the paid out prize ball is supplied, and the like. At the same time, the presence / absence of an illegal act against the winning ball payout unit 100 is determined. The error processing unit 212 executes processing for eliminating the error when the error determination unit 211 determines that there is an error. The error determination process by the error determination unit 211 and the error cancellation process by the error cancellation unit will be described later.

  The symbol display control means 205 causes the first symbol display device 17 to variably display the first symbol 17a based on the variation display pattern determined by the symbol determination means 203. The symbol display control unit 205 transmits a variation start command and a variation stop command to the effect control unit 222 at the timing of starting and stopping the variation display of the first symbol 17a. By sending this command, the variable display by the symbol display control means 205 and the effect control means 222 can be synchronized and kept in sync.

  When the lottery result by the lottery means 201 is a win, the special game control means 209 executes the special game by opening the special winning opening 31. The special game is a game in which the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 31 is continuously performed a plurality of times, and is configured by one or a plurality of unit games with one opening / closing unit. The unit game is repeated up to 15 times, for example, and the grand prize opening 31 is opened for about 30 seconds in one unit game. The special game control means 209 terminates the special game when the unit game is consumed a predetermined number of times.

  The effect determining means 221 determines the stop symbol and the display symbol variation display pattern of the display symbol 7c based on the first symbol 17a and the symbol variation display pattern of the first symbol 17a.

  The effect pattern storage means 223 includes a decorative symbol variation display pattern table 223a to be referred to in order to determine a decorative symbol variation display pattern. The decorative symbol variation display pattern table 223a has a display symbol variation display pattern for determining the stop symbol of the display symbol 7c. The decorative symbol variation display pattern is a symbol of the first symbol 17a and the first symbol 17a. Associated with variable display pattern.

  The decorative symbol variation display pattern is a variation display pattern in which a variation mode from the variation start to the stop when the ornamental symbol is variably displayed is defined. The variation mode includes a design variation mode, a variation time, and an effect display mode in each region of effect display. The effect determining unit 221 selects a decorative symbol variation display pattern in which a variation time equal to the symbol variation display pattern is set according to the symbol variation display pattern determined by the symbol determination unit. For example, when a symbol variation display pattern is selected from a fixed time pattern, a decoration variation display pattern having the same variation time is selected. The effect determining means sends information on the determined decorative symbol variation display pattern to the effect control means 222.

  The effect control means 222 displays the lottery result by the lottery means 201 on the effect display device 7a in a variable manner based on the selected decorative symbol change display pattern.

  Next, error determination processing and error elimination processing in the pachinko machine configured as described above will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is an example of a prize ball payout process by the prize ball payout unit 100, and FIG. 18 is an example of an error elimination process when a full tank error of the ball tray 14 is detected.

  When the prize ball payout control means 231 acquires the prize ball number information from the prize ball determination means 206 (S1), the game ball 23 is placed in the first right supply path 106 or the first left supply path 107 of the prize ball payout unit 100. It is determined whether or not there is (S2). Specifically, it is determined by the ball presence sensor 108b whether or not the ball presence detection piece 108a is at the first position.

  If it is determined in S2 that there is a game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 or the first left supply passage 107, a payout process for the game balls 23 of the predetermined number of prize balls acquired in S1 is executed (S3). ). Specifically, the rotating body 141 of the prize ball paying unit 100 is rotationally driven by a motor 141d. On the other hand, when it is determined in S2 that there is no game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 or the first left supply passage 107, the first ball error processing is not performed, so the first error processing is performed (S4).

  The first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107 are supplied with the game ball 23 from the ball storage tank 40, but when there is no game ball 23 in the ball storage tank 40 or when the ball is clogged. The game ball 23 does not flow in. If there is no game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107, it is necessary to solve problems such as ball clogging by hall attendants.

  Therefore, as the first error process, a message for prompting the player to call a hall attendant is sent, and error information is transmitted to the hall computer via the external output terminal board 39. As a message display for the player, for example, displaying a message “Please call a clerk” on the display screen of the effect display device 7a can be exemplified.

  Next, after executing the payout process of S3, it is determined whether or not the payout of the game balls 23 having a predetermined number of winning balls has been completed (S5). Specifically, the number of prize balls detected by the count sensor 143 is counted, and it is determined by determining whether or not this number is a predetermined number of prize balls.

  If it is determined in S5 that the payout process of the predetermined number of game balls 23 has been completed, it is determined whether or not the game balls 23 remain in the second supply passage 120 (S6). Specifically, the swing sensor 130b detects whether or not the swing member 130a is in the first position. If it is determined in S6 that the game ball 23 is not staying in the second supply passage 120, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S6 that the game ball 23 stays in the second supply passage 120, the ball tray 14 is considered to be in a full state, so the full tank error elimination process (S20) is executed. To do.

  If it is determined in S5 that the predetermined payout process has not been completed, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S7). The predetermined time is an elapsed time since the payout processing is executed, and is a time that takes into account the time lag between the payout of the prize ball (rotation of the rotating body 141) and the detection timing of the count sensor 143. . Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined again whether or not the payout process has been completed (S5).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S7 that the predetermined time has passed, it is highly possible that a malfunction such as a rotating body 141 or a ball clogging has occurred, and the game cannot be continued. First error processing is executed (S4).

  Next, the full tank error elimination process that is executed when it is determined in S6 that the game ball 23 stays in the second supply passage 120 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the second error process is executed (S21). The second error process is a process for urging the player to perform a ball removing operation for removing the game ball 23 from the ball tray 14 in order to eliminate the full state. Specifically, a message “please remove the ball” is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 7a, and a message prompting the user to remove the ball via a speaker (not shown) attached to the gaming machine frame. Is output.

  After executing the second error process of S21, after a lapse of a certain time (S22), it is determined again whether or not the game ball 23 stays in the second supply passage 120 (S23). The certain time of S22 is the time required for the player to perform the ball removal operation. If it is determined in S23 that the game ball 23 is not staying in the second supply passage 120, it is determined that the full state of the ball tray 14 has been eliminated by the player's ball removal operation, and therefore a full error has occurred. Terminate the resolution process.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S23, when it is determined that the game ball 23 stays in the second supply passage 120, the award ball payout process is stopped (S24). This is because if the award ball payout process is continued, problems such as ball clogging may occur further. After the award ball payout process is stopped, it is determined again whether or not the game ball stays in the second supply passage 120 (S25).

  As a result of the determination in S25, when it is determined that the game ball is not staying in the second supply passage 120, the prize ball payout process is resumed (S27), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S25, when it is determined that the game ball stays in the second supply passage 120, a game stop process is executed (S26), and the process is terminated. The game stop process is, for example, a launch stop process of the game ball 23, and a process of temporarily stopping the game is performed in order to suppress the occurrence of further problems.

  Thus, according to the prize ball payout unit 100 according to the first embodiment, the full state of the ball tray 14 can be detected based on the staying state of the game balls 23 in the second supply passage 120. In addition, by changing the volume of the second supply passage by the swing member 130a, the number of game balls that can be accommodated when the state becomes a staying state can be increased. Furthermore, since the metal plate 121 is provided on the wall surface constituting the second supply passage 120, the strength of the wall surface can be increased and the static electricity of the game ball passing through the second supply passage 120 can be removed. .

  Furthermore, depending on the storage state of the game balls 23 in the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107 upstream of the rotation body 141 and the retention state of the game balls in the second supply passage 107, the rotation body 141 is used. Is configured to control the payout process of the game ball 23 and the game interruption process. By detecting the occurrence of a malfunction such as a ball jam of the game ball 23 at an early stage and executing the solution process, It is possible to reduce the interruption frequency of the game and contribute to the smooth execution of the game.

[Embodiment 2]
In the second embodiment of the present invention, another example of the error process execution process based on the detection result by the presence detector 108 will be described. In addition, since it is the same as that of the said Embodiment 1 about the component other than the structure demonstrated in this Embodiment 2, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The winning ball payout unit 100 of the pachinko machine 2 according to the second embodiment also includes a ball presence detection unit that detects the presence of the game balls 23 in the two rows of the first supply passages 106 and 107. The ball presence detecting means and the control means are connected to each other.

  However, in the pachinko machine 2 according to the second embodiment, separate ball presence detecting means 308 and 309 are arranged in the first right supply passage 106 as a row and the first left supply passage 107 as a row, respectively. ing. That is, the first right supply passage 106 is provided with right sphere presence detection means 308 configured to include a right sphere presence detection piece 308a and a right sphere presence sensor 308b, and the first left supply passage 107 has a left sphere. A left sphere presence detection means 309 configured to include a presence detection piece 309a and a left sphere presence sensor 309b is provided.

  FIGS. 19 and 20 are enlarged views of the vicinity of the ball presence detection means of the prize ball payout unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 shows the vicinity of the right ball presence detection means 308 in the first right supply passage 106. FIG. 20 shows the vicinity of the left sphere presence detection means 309 in the first left supply passage 107. Further, in FIGS. 19 and 20, (a) shows a state in which the game ball 23 is in the passage (the state in which the ball detection pieces 308 a and 309 a are in the first position), and (b) shows the game ball 23 in the passage. It shows a state where there is no ball (the detection pieces 308a and 309a are in the second position). FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration in the vicinity of the ball presence detecting means 308 and 309 in the first supply passage. In FIG. 21, both the detection pieces with balls 308a and 309a are in the first position.

  The sensors with balls 308b and 309b are both translucent light emitting / receiving sensors. The sensor light is shielded when the detection pieces with balls 308a and 309a are in the first position, and the sensor light is transmitted when the detection pieces with balls 308a and 309a are in the second position. The presence or absence of the sphere 23 can be detected.

  Of course, the detecting means 308, 309 with a sphere is a reflection type light projecting / receiving, the sensor light is reflected when the detecting pieces 308a, 309a with a sphere are in the first position, and the detecting pieces 308a, 309a with a sphere are the first. It may be possible to detect the presence or absence of the game ball 23 in the passage when the sensor light is not reflected when it is in the two positions. In addition, other known sensors such as a magnetic sensor, an electrostatic sensor, and a microswitch can be used.

  The detection piece 308a with the right sphere and the detection piece 309a with the left sphere can swing independently in the ± X directions, and the presence or absence of the game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106, the first left supply passage The presence / absence of the game ball 23 in 107 can be detected independently.

  The control means (main control means 200) continuously monitors the outputs (detection results) from the ball presence sensors 308b and 309b of the ball presence detection means 308 and 309. Then, error determination by the error determination unit 211 is performed according to the detection results from the sensors with balls 308b and 309b, and error processing by the error processing unit 212 is executed as necessary.

  A specific procedure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of error processing by the main control means 200. The main control means 200 receives the output from the right sphere presence sensor 308b. When the output from the right sphere presence sensor 308b is a detection result indicating that the game ball 23 is present in the first right supply passage 106 (S31), the right sphere presence / absence flag is set to “1” indicating the presence of a sphere. Set (S32). When the output from the right ball presence sensor 308b is a detection result indicating that there is no game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 (S31), the right ball presence flag is set to “0” indicating no ball. (S33).

  The sphere presence / absence flag is binary variable information that indicates the presence / absence of a sphere, and takes either a value of “0” or “1”. When the ball presence / absence flag is “1”, the state where there is a game ball 23 is indicated, and when it is “0”, the state where there is no game ball 23 is indicated. The right sphere presence / absence flag indicates the sphere presence / absence state in the first right supply passage 106, and the left sphere presence / absence flag indicates the sphere presence / absence state in the first left supply passage 107.

  Subsequently, the main control means 200 receives the output from the left sphere presence sensor 309b. When the output from the left sphere presence sensor 309b is a detection result indicating that the game ball 23 is present in the first left supply passage 107 (S34), the left sphere presence / absence flag is set to “1” indicating the presence of a sphere. Set (S35). When the output from the left ball presence sensor 309b is a detection result indicating that there is no game ball 23 in the first left supply passage 107 (S34), the left ball presence flag is set to “0” indicating no ball. (S36). Then, error determination by the error determination unit 211 is executed (S37).

  The error determination unit 211 executes different processes according to information on the right sphere presence / absence flag and the left sphere presence / absence flag. That is, if both the right sphere presence / absence flag information and the left sphere presence / absence flag information are “1” (S38), it is determined that no error has occurred and the right sphere presence sensor is again detected without executing error processing. Loop to the process of receiving output from 308b.

  However, in other cases, that is, when the information of either the right sphere presence flag or the left sphere presence flag is “0”, and the information of both the right sphere presence flag and the left sphere presence flag is “0”. (S38), the error determination unit 211 determines an error, and the error processing unit 212 executes error processing (S39). This error process is the same process as the first error process in the first embodiment, and a message “Please call a staff member” is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 7a based on the error process. . The error information may be transmitted to the hall computer together with the message display.

  When it is detected that there is no game ball 23 in either the first right supply passage 106 or the first left supply passage 107, error processing is executed quickly. Further, the error determination is quickly made based only on the detection result of the presence / absence of the sphere by the sphere presence / absence detection means 308, 309. Therefore, the error processing can be quickly executed before the supply of the game balls 23 to the prize ball payout unit 100 becomes serious (for example, the game balls 23 disappear in both the left and right supply passages). As a result, it is possible to prevent a delay or stop in payout due to a shortage of supply of the game balls 23 to the prize ball payout unit 100, and a recurrence of the shortage of supply, thereby contributing to the smooth provision of games to the player. .

  Next, the procedure for canceling error processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for canceling error processing by the main control means 200. In this flowchart, the initial state is a state in which error processing is being performed (a state in which there is no game ball 23 in at least one of the first supply passages 106 and 107). That is, the flowchart shown in FIG. 23 is a procedure continued from step (S39) shown in FIG.

  The main control means 200 receives the output from the right sphere presence sensor 308b. If the output from the right sphere presence sensor 308b is a detection result indicating that there is no game ball 23 in the first right supply passage 106 (S41), the right sphere presence / absence flag is set to “0” indicating no sphere. Set (S42). When the output from the right sphere presence sensor 308b is a detection result indicating that the game sphere 23 is present in the first right supply passage 106 (S41), the right sphere presence / absence flag is set to “1”. (S43).

  Subsequently, the main control means 200 receives the output from the left sphere presence sensor 309b. When the output from the left sphere presence sensor 309b is a detection result indicating that there is no game ball 23 in the first left supply passage 107 (S44), the left sphere presence flag is set to “0” indicating no sphere. Set (S45). When the output from the left sphere presence sensor 309b is a detection result indicating that there is a game ball 23 in the first left supply passage 107 (S44), the left sphere presence flag is set to “1” indicating the presence of a sphere. (S46). Then, error determination by the error determination unit 211 is executed (S47).

  The error determination unit 211 executes different processes according to information on the right sphere presence / absence flag and the left sphere presence / absence flag. That is, when at least one of the right sphere presence flag information and the left sphere presence flag information is “0” (S48), the error state (at least one of the columns in the shortage state) continues. Therefore, the process loops again to the process of receiving the output from the right sphere sensor 308b without canceling the error. As a result, execution of error processing is continued.

  However, in other cases, that is, when both the right sphere presence / absence flag information and the left sphere presence / absence flag information are “1” (S48), the error determination means 211 eliminates the error state (games are added to all columns). The error processing unit 212 cancels the error processing (S49).

  When it is detected that there is a game ball 23 in both the first right supply passage 106 and the first left supply passage 107, the error processing is canceled, so that unnecessary reoccurrence such as an error notification or a stop of a prize ball payout is performed. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to providing a smooth game to the player.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary. For example, in the first embodiment, the rotating body 141 and the motor 141d as driving means for driving the rotating body 141 are connected coaxially, but the driving force of the motor is rotated via a plurality of gears. You may comprise so that it may transmit to a body. FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modification in which a motor and a rotating body are connected via a plurality of gears. In addition, about the structure similar to Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted using a same sign.

  The gear G1 is a gear connected to the motor, and transmits the driving force of the motor to the gear G4 via the large-diameter gears G2 and G3. The gear G4 is a gear connected to the rotating body 141. The driving force (P1) of the gear G1 is the torque (τ1) of the G1 × the angular velocity (w1) of the gear G1, and the driving force P1 is transmitted to the gear G4 via the gear G2 and the gear G3. Further, the radius r4 of the gear G4 is larger than the radius r1 of the gear G1.

  Therefore, the angular velocity (w4) of the gear G4 is smaller than the angular velocity (w1) of the gear G1. However, the driving force (P1) of the gear G1 and the force (P4) transmitted to the gear G4 are substantially the same. Therefore, when the torque of the gear G1 (τ1) and the torque of the gear G4 (τ4) are compared, the torque of the gear G4 increases. Since the torque of the gear G4 is large, the robustness of the rotating body 141 can be improved. Accordingly, even if the rotating body 141 is illegally rotated from the outside, it is possible to counter the unauthorized external force from the outside, and to prevent an illegal act on the rotating body 141.

  Furthermore, by providing the gear G2 and the gear G3, the motor and the rotating body can be spaced apart. The rotating body is disposed in the vicinity of the second supply passage 120. If the rotating body 141 and the motor 141d are disposed close to each other, the space in the vicinity of the second supply passage 120 is reduced, and the inside of the second supply passage 120 is reduced. There is a risk that the number of balls to be accommodated will be reduced. However, by disposing the motor 141d away from the rotating body 141, it is possible to secure a storage space for the game ball 23 in the second supply passage 120.

  In the second embodiment, the output from the sensor 309b with the left sphere is received after receiving the output from the sensor 308b with the right sphere, and then the error determination by the error determination unit 211 is performed. Output reception from right sphere presence sensor 308b, right sphere presence / absence flag set, error determination by error determination means 211, output reception from left sphere presence sensor 309b, left sphere presence / absence flag set, error determination means 211 error determination Alternatively, it may be configured to be repeated sequentially.

  In this case, when the information of either the right sphere presence flag or the left sphere presence flag becomes “0”, the error determination unit 211 immediately performs error determination and error processing in the subsequent error determination step. can do. Therefore, it is possible to realize more rapid error processing.

  In the second embodiment, one sphere presence sensor is arranged for each sphere presence detection piece and provided in each row of the supply passage. However, a plurality of sphere presence detections are provided for each of the plurality of rows. It is good also as a structure which provides a piece and arrange | positions one sphere presence sensor corresponding to the some detection piece with a sphere.

  In this case, the sensor light of one sensor with a ball is “translucent only when game balls are present in all rows” and “shielded when there is no game ball in any one or more rows”. If comprised in this way, quick error processing and reliable cancellation | release of error processing can be performed, and the summary of this invention can be implement | achieved.

B1, B2, B3: Game balls G1, G2, G3, G4: Gears r1, r4: Radius 2: Pachinko machine (game machine)
3: gaming machine frame 4: outer frame 5: gaming board unit 6: gaming board 6a: gaming board surface 7: center role 7a: effect display device 7b: display unit 7c: display pattern 7d: display opening 9: front frame 10 : Glass 12: Glass frame 14: Ball tray 14 a: Upper ball tray 14 b: Lower ball tray 14 c: Ball release member 15: Launcher handle 16: Game area 17: First symbol (special symbol) Display device 17 a: First symbol 22: Hinge 23: Game ball 26: Rail decoration 26a: Outer rail 27: Game nail 28: Ordinary winning port 29: Start winning port 29a: Starting winning port sensor 30: Out port 31: Large winning port 31a: Large winning port sensor 32: decoration member 33: gate 34: windmill 35: main control board case 36: production control board case 37: payout control board case 38: power supply board case 39: external output terminal board 40: ball storage tank 41: prize ball supply passage Road 41c: Upper surface 41g: Rear wall portion 41h: Left wall portion 42: Cover member 100: Prize ball dispensing unit 100a: Right side surface 100c: Upper surface 100d: Bottom surface 100f: Rear surface 100g: Rear hole (opening)
101: Right component 101a: Operation hole 102: Left component 103: Central component 103a: Partition 103b: Right projection wall 103c: Left projection wall 103e: Light hole 104: Right inlet 105: Left flow Inlet 106: first right supply passage (first supply passage)
106a: supply passage hole 107: first left supply passage (first supply passage)
108: Sphere presence detection means (sphere presence / absence detection means)
108a: Detection piece with a sphere (detection piece)
108b: Sensor with ball (ball presence sensor)
117: Discharge passage 118: Switching valve
118a: Rotating shaft 119: Operating member 120: Second supply passage 120a: Rear wall (inner wall surface)
120b: Front wall (inner wall surface)
120c: Sphere inlet 120d: Sphere outlet 120e: Inclined surface 121: Metal plate 130: Stay detection means 130a: Swing member 130b: Swing sensor (swing detection means)
130c: lower end portion 130d: lower surface 141: rotating body (sphere guide member)
141a: turntable 141b: holding portion 141c: rotating shaft 141d: motor 141e: first rotating body passage (ball passage)
141f: Second rotating body passage (ball passage)
143: Count sensor (ball detection member)
143a: measuring unit 150: detachable wall unit 150a: plate unit 150b: gripping unit 200: main control means (main control board)
201: Lottery means 203: Symbol determination means 204: Holding storage means 205: Symbol display control means 206: Prize ball determination means 206a: Prize ball number storage means 207: Pattern storage means 207a: Symbol pattern table 207d: Symbol variation display pattern table 208: Entry determination unit 209: Special game control unit 211: Error determination unit 212: Error processing unit 220: Production control unit (production control board)
221: Effect determining means 222: Effect control means 223: Effect pattern storage means 223a: Decoration symbol variation display pattern table 230: Dispensing control means (effect control board)
231: Prize ball payout control means 308, 309: Sphere presence detection means (ball presence / absence detection means)
308a: Right sphere presence detection piece 308b: Right sphere presence sensor (sphere presence sensor)
309a: Left sphere presence detection piece 309b: Left sphere presence sensor (sphere presence sensor)

Claims (1)

A gaming machine frame containing a gaming board that realizes a game based on the flow of gaming balls;
A prize ball paying unit detachably attached to the gaming machine frame;
Control means for controlling the driving of the prize ball payout unit;
A game machine frame unit having an effect display device for video display ,
The prize ball payout unit is
A plurality of rows of first supply passages through which the game balls pass;
A plurality of ball presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of the game balls in the plurality of first supply passages for each row;
A second supply passage having a ball inlet through which game balls guided from the first supply passage flow, and through which the flowed game balls pass;
A ball guiding member that is disposed between the first supply passage and the second supply passage and has a rotating body that passes the game balls in the first supply passage one by one toward the second supply passage; ,
Drive means for rotationally driving the rotating body;
An oscillating member that constitutes a part of the second supply passage and moves between a position of narrowing the passage width of the second supply passage and a position of widening the passage width;
A residence detecting means for detecting a residence state in which a plurality of game balls are accumulated in the second supply passage based on the position of the swing member;
The second supply passage has a plurality of bent portions,
The swinging member has a curved lower end, and the lower end moves to the inside of the passage from the first wall surface constituting the second supply passage by its own weight so that the passage width is narrowed. Is composed of
A gap is provided between the lower surface of the swing member and the first wall surface disposed below the swing member,
The lower surface of the swing member is inclined upward from the inside of the second supply passage toward the outside of the passage,
In a state where the rocking member is moved to a position where the width of the second supply passage is narrowed, a wall surface of the second supply passage that is disposed opposite the rocking member and the rocking surface are arranged. The width dimension between the moving member and the width dimension of the ball inlet of the second supply passage is configured to be substantially the same,
The control means executes drive control for restricting driving of the ball guiding member when the stay detection means detects a stay state, and displays an error on the effect display device based on a detection result by the ball presence / absence detection means. It is possible to execute error processing and cancellation of the error processing,
The control means further executes the error processing when the ball presence / absence detecting means detects that the game ball is not present in at least one of the plurality of rows in the first supply passage.
A gaming machine frame unit configured to perform cancellation of the error processing when it is detected that the game ball is present in all of the plurality of columns.

Images