JP4701740B2 - Medal game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal gaming machine in which a player plays a game by inserting medals, and in particular, a medal passage restriction member can be operated at a speed according to the game level of the player, The present invention relates to a medal gaming machine that allows unskilled players to enjoy games together.

  Conventionally, medal gaming machines called medal dropping game machines or pusher game machines are known as gaming machines using medals. This is configured such that the medal pushing device reciprocates in the front-rear direction (between the player side and the anti-player side) on the game surface.

  In such a medal gaming machine, when a player inserts (drops) a medal on the game surface, the dropped medal is accumulated on the game surface. Then, while the medal pusher reciprocates, the medals on the game surface are pushed out to the medal insertion side and fall from the game surface, and are paid back to the player through a payout chute.

  However, in this type of medal gaming machine, the movement of the medal pushing device is limited to the movement in the front-rear direction, so that the movement pattern becomes regular. As a result, the operation pattern is easy for the player to read and lacks game play.

  Therefore, in order to improve game playability, a plurality of blades including a push plate having a medal passage opening through which a medal inserted on the game surface passes, and a rotating plate (medal passage restriction member) that obstructs medal passage. A medal gaming machine including the above has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Such a game of the medal gaming machine is performed by a player, looking at the timing of the forward / backward movement of the push plate and the rotation of the blades, and inserting the medal on the game surface so as to pass through the medal passage opening. . Here, when the inserted medal passes between two adjacent blades, a state advantageous to the player occurs. For example, a medal supply device is disposed above the game surface, and a predetermined number of medals are supplied from the medal supply device onto the game surface as the medals pass through the medal passage port. In this case, since more medals are pushed out than usual by the push-out plate, these many medals fall from the game surface and are paid back to the player.
Japanese Patent No. 3143444 ([0031], FIG. 1)

  However, according to the medal gaming machine of Patent Document 1, the player has to insert medals on the game surface while measuring the timing of the movement operation of the push plate and the rotation operation of the blades. It takes a certain amount of skill to get a medal (the medal will be refunded), and a gamer's skill will be satisfied with the game, but the unskilled player will be less excited, There is a problem that you may refuse to participate.

  Therefore, there has been a demand for a medal gaming machine that can operate a medal passage restricting member at a speed according to a game level of a player so that both skilled and unskilled players can enjoy the game. It had been.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a medal gaming machine capable of operating a medal passage restricting member at a speed according to a player's game level, so that both skilled and unskilled players can enjoy the game together. It is to provide.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides a gaming table having a game surface capable of accumulating medals, a medal insertion device having a medal insertion port for inserting medals on the gaming surface, and an upper side of the gaming table. A medal gaming machine having a medal passage restricting member having a medal passage opening, the number of medals passing through the medal passage opening with respect to the number of medals inserted into the medal insertion opening. The apparatus further includes a controller that controls the operation of the medal passage restricting member based on a medal passage rate indicating a ratio, and the medal passage restricting member reciprocates between a medal insertion position that is a protruding side and an accommodation position that is a backward side. And a position detection sensor for detecting a forward / backward position of the medal passage restriction member, wherein the controller includes the position detection sensor. Based on the detection result by the service calculates the forward and backward movement time of the medal passing regulating member, on the basis of the calculation result to control the forward and backward movement of the medal passing regulating member, wherein the controller further sets medal passes a preset The medal gaming machine is characterized in that the rate and the medal passing rate are compared and determined, and the operation of the medal passing restricting member is determined based on the determination result.

  According to the present invention, the medal passage restricting member can be operated at a speed according to the game level of the player, and both a skilled player and an unskilled player can enjoy the game.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Overall configuration of medal gaming machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an entire medal gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a part of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2, the medal gaming machine denoted by reference numeral 1 is roughly constituted by a main body 2 and game execution mechanisms 3, 3,.

(Configuration of body 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 2 includes a base portion 2A and a main body portion 2B. A gaming table 300 having a gaming surface 3A capable of storing metal medals M is disposed between the base unit 2A and the main body unit 2B. The game table 300 is provided with six field portions 3a, 3a,... Parallel in the circumferential direction. Above each field portion 3a, 3a,..., A first through window 100A (shown in FIG. 2) that opens in the front-rear direction (the medal insertion side and the anti-medal insertion side) and on both sides of the first through window 100A There are two second through windows (not shown) positioned, and medal supply ports 100B and 100C for supplying a medal M on the game surface 3A above each of the second through windows. And a partition member 100 that defines the anti-medal insertion side. A medal payout hole 3B (shown in FIG. 7) for paying out the medal M is provided at the front end of each of the field portions 3a, 3a,. .. Are provided on both sides of the field portions 3a, 3a,... (Shown in FIG. 7) for collecting medals M, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 2 </ b> A has a substantially annular base member 4, a bottom plate 5 that faces the base member 4, and a predetermined circumferential direction between the bottom plate 5 and the base member 4. Are arranged in parallel with a gap, and lid members 7, 7,... Fitted between two leg members 6, 6 adjacent to each other among the leg members 6, 6,. And is formed of a substantially hexagonal box made of a metal material such as a steel plate. And it functions as a seat member of medal game machine 1, and is constituted so that main part 2B and game implementation mechanisms 3, 3, ... may be held. In the base portion 2A, a medal payout opening (a tray) 8 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside so as to communicate with the medal payout hole 3B (shown in FIG. 7) and to pay back (pay out) the medal M to the player. ing. .. Are erected on the upper end face edge of the base 2A in parallel with a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. In the base portion 2A, a medal recovery box 102 for recovering medals (not shown) through the recovery chute 101 is disposed in the medal recovery holes 3C and 3D.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2B is made of acrylic transparent plates 10, 10,... Fitted between two struts 9, 9 adjacent to each other among the six struts 9, 9,. And a metal ceiling plate 11 (shown in FIG. 1) with a through hole 11A disposed at the upper end of these transparent plates 10, 10,... ing. In the main body 2B, field spaces 2b, 2b,... (Shown in FIG. 1) corresponding to the field portions 3a, 3a,... Are divided into six by an acrylic transparent plate (not shown) in the circumferential direction. Is formed. In the main body 2B, there are six pairs of medal insertion devices 12, 12,... (Described later) having medal shoots 12A, 12A,... Capable of inserting medals M in each field space 2b, 2b,. It is arranged. The medal chutes 12A, 12A,... Of each pair of medal insertion devices 12, 12,... Are configured to be able to rotate within a predetermined angle range in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.

(Composition of game execution mechanism 3, 3, ...)
FIG. 3 is a front view for explaining the medal supply device for the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining the medal supply device of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a fixed box opening / closing mechanism of the medal supply device of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view shown for explaining the rotation driving mechanism of the rotary reflector of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view for explaining the game execution unit of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the holder driving mechanism and the holder advance / retreat position detecting device of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view. FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view for explaining the rotation drive mechanism of the medal passage restriction member of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the rotational drive mechanism of the medal passage restricting member of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining a control circuit of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the medal insertion into the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a side view. is there.

  The game execution mechanisms 3, 3,... Are arranged in the field spaces 2b, 2b,. As shown in FIG. 1, the game execution mechanism 3, 3,... Has a medal supply unit 20 for supplying a medal M to the game surface 3A of each field space 2b, 2b,. A game execution unit (station) 50, medal collection units 80, 80,... For collecting medals M in each field space 2b, 2b,..., A medal supply unit 20, a game execution unit 50, and a medal collection unit 80 , 80,... Are controlled by a control unit 90 (shown in FIG. 11).

(Configuration of medal supply unit 20)
As shown in FIG. 1, the medal supply unit 20 is driven by a hopper 21, 21,... With a rotary pumping disk (not shown) for pumping up the medal M in the medal collection box 102 and a control unit 90. A medal supply device 22, a second medal supply device (not shown), and a medal supply path changing device 25 for changing the medal supply rods 30, 30,. The unit 200 is disposed.

  Since the hoppers 21, 21,... Are configured identically, only the configuration of one hopper 21 will be described. The hopper 21 communicates with the first pumping rod 26 and the second pumping rod 27 as shown in FIG. And disposed in the main body 2. The medal M is pushed into the first and second scoops 26 and 27 by the rotation of the rotary scooping disk. The first scoop 26 communicates with the medal supply ports 100B and 100C of the partition member 100 via a guide pipe (not shown), and is disposed in the leg member 6 and the main body 2B. The second pumping rod 27 is embedded in the leg member 6 and the column 9.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first medal supply device 22 includes a medal housing / fixing box 28 and a fixed box opening / closing mechanism 29, and is disposed in the device housing box 200 </ b> A on the ceiling plate 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the medal accommodation fixing box 28 includes a convex bottom base 28A on which the medal M can slide down, and a headed box (hemisphere) -like lid body 28B that moves up and down with respect to the bottom base 28A. It is held above the surface 3A (shown in FIG. 1). And it is comprised so that it may open and close by the drive of the fixed box opening and closing mechanism 29 by the command of the control unit 90. Thereby, when the medal accommodation fixing box 28 is closed, the medal M can be accommodated therein. On the other hand, when the medal accommodation fixing box 28 is opened, the medal M accommodated therein falls.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom base 28A is formed by a frustoconical first bottom surface portion 28a and a conical second bottom surface portion 28b connected to the first bottom surface portion 28a. As shown in FIG. 1, a substantially funnel-shaped medal receiving plate 31 located on the anti-medal insertion side of the partition member 100 is disposed below the bottom base 28 </ b> A. The medal receiving plate 31 is formed by combining six receiving plate elements 31A, 31A,... In a substantially plane shape in the circumferential direction, and is entirely made of a metal material. And it is comprised so that the medal M which falls from the medal accommodation fixed box 28 may be received and dropped.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 28B has an internal space 28c in which the medal M can be stored (stored) in the closed state of the medal storage fixing box 28, and the medal M stored in the internal space 28c is stored and fixed in the medal. The box 28 is dropped by opening the box 28 and is connected to a fixed box opening / closing mechanism 29 via a medal guiding cylinder 32. And the whole is formed of the transparent member made from acrylic. The cylinder 32 communicates with the second pumping rod 27 (shown in FIG. 1) via the induction pipe 33 and is inserted into the ceiling plate 11 via the bearing 70 so as to be movable up and down. On the medal supply side of the guide pipe 33, a medal counter 34 is provided that sends out the medal M from the second scooping rod 27 toward the cylinder 32 and simultaneously outputs a pulse signal.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the fixed box opening / closing mechanism 29 includes a drive motor 29 </ b> A for raising and lowering the lid body 28 </ b> B, a crank arm 29 </ b> B that rotates by driving the drive motor 29 </ b> A, The transmission link 29 </ b> C swings (retracts and retreats) and a holding link 29 </ b> D that rotates as the transmission link 29 </ b> C advances and retreats, and is held on the ceiling plate 11 via the first bracket 35 and the second bracket 36. The transmission link 29C is advanced and retracted by the rotation of the crank arm 29B driven by the drive motor 29A, and the holding link 29D is rotated accordingly, and the lid 28B is moved up and down via the cylinder 32. Accordingly, when the lid 28B is raised, the medal accommodation fixing box 28 is opened, and when the lid 28B is lowered, the medal accommodation fixing box 28 is closed.

  The drive motor 29 </ b> A has a motor shaft 29 a that protrudes toward the medal insertion side, and is attached to the first bracket 35. The crank arm 29B has a pin insertion hole 29b made of a long hole, and is attached to the motor shaft 29a. The transmission link 29C has a pin 29c that passes through the pin insertion hole 29b, and is swingably connected to the crank arm 29B. The holding link 29 </ b> D is a bifurcated link that holds the cylinder 32, is swingably connected to the transmission link 29 </ b> C via a connecting pin 37, and is pivotally supported to the second bracket 36 via a pivot pin 38. . The position of the holding link 29D in the rotational direction 2 is detected by the sensors 39 and 40.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the medal supply path changing device 25 has a common cylinder 43 (shown in FIG. 1) and a drive mechanism (not shown), and is disposed on the anti-medal insertion side of the partition member 100. . The common cylinder 43 is rotatably disposed below the medal receiving plate 31, and is configured to always communicate with the medal receiving plate 31 and store the medal M. Moreover, it is comprised so that it may rotate by the drive of the drive mechanism by the command of the control part 90 (shown in FIG. 11). This selectively communicates with the medal supply ports 100B and 100C of each field unit 3a via the medal supply rod 30 (guidance rods 44 to 46).

(Configuration of game execution unit 50)
As shown in FIG. 1, the game execution unit 50 includes a holder 51 formed of a carriage and a medal passage restriction member that is a chucker that restricts passage of medals M through the medal passage openings 52A and 53A (shown in FIG. 7). 52, 53, displays 54 and 55 for displaying images, a jukebox (not shown) for playing music such as disco music, and a rotating reflector 56 for decoratively illuminating the field space 2b.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the holder 51 is disposed on the game surface 3 </ b> A so as to be freely rollable via a pulley 57, and is inserted through the first through window 100 </ b> A (shown in FIG. 2) to be opposite to the partition member 100. It is accommodated in the medal insertion side (the rear end of the field portion 3a) so as to be able to appear and retract. Then, a guide 51A, 51B (shown in FIG. 7) is provided between the medal insertion side (front end of the field portion 3a) of the partition member 100 and the anti-medal insertion side by the holder driving mechanism 58 (shown in FIG. 7). The medal M on the game surface 3A is pushed out to the medal insertion side. A long hole 51 </ b> A (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) extending in the left-right direction is provided at the rear end of the holder 51 (the anti-medal insertion side of the partition member 100).

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the holder drive mechanism 58 includes a drive motor 58A for moving the holder 51 forward and backward in the front-rear direction of the field portion 3a, and a crank arm that rotates by driving of the drive motor 58A. 58B and disposed below the holder 51. And it is comprised so that the holder 51 may be advanced or retracted in the front-back direction of the field part 3a by rotation of the crank arm 58B by the drive of the drive motor 58A. Thereby, when the holder 51 advances to the medal insertion side, the medal passage restriction members 52, 53 are exposed to the medal insertion side of the partition member 100, and when the holder 51 is retracted to the anti-medal insertion side, the medal passage restriction members 52, 53 53 is buried on the anti-medal insertion side of the partition member 100. The holder 51 reciprocates once between the medal insertion position side and the anti-medal insertion position side by one rotation of the drive motor 58A (motor shaft 58a). Note that a stepping motor or a forward / reverse motor may be used as the drive motor 58A, whereby the reciprocating speed of the holder 51 can be varied, or the player can easily insert the medal M (for example, on the player side). It may be controlled to temporarily stop at the most protruding position).

  The drive motor 58A has a motor shaft 58a protruding upward, and is attached to the game table 300 (shown in FIG. 1). The crank arm 58B has a pin 58b inserted through the long hole 51A, is disposed below the holder 51, and is connected to the motor shaft 58a.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, one medal passage restriction member 52 is rotatably held on one side of the holder 51 in the left-right direction. The medal passage restriction member 52 is provided with a plurality (12 pieces) of medal passage openings (chuckers) 52A, 52A,. A driven side gear 52 </ b> B connected to the rotation drive mechanism 59 is disposed at the center of rotation on the lower end surface of the medal passage restriction member 52. The other medal passage restriction member 53 is disposed on the side of the medal passage restriction member 52 and is rotatably held on the other side portion in the left-right direction on the holder 51 as shown in FIGS. ing. The medal passage restricting member 53 is provided with a plurality (12 pieces) of medal passage openings (chuckers) 53A, 53A,. A driven side gear 53 </ b> B connected to the rotation drive mechanism 59 is disposed at the center of rotation on the lower end surface of the medal passage restriction member 53. The medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 are configured to rotate within the game surface 3A by the rotation drive mechanism 59.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the rotation drive mechanism 59 includes a drive motor 60 for rotating the medal passage restriction members 52, 53, a drive side gear 61 that rotates by driving of the drive motor 60, and the drive side gear 61. , And a transmission gear 63 and a transmission gear train 64 that are rotated by the rotation of the common gear 62, and are disposed below the holder 51. And it is comprised so that a drive control may be carried out by the control part 90 (shown in FIG. 11). As a result, the rotational speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 can be controlled to a predetermined speed or adjusted (changed). Further, the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 can be rotated forward, reverse, or intermittently rotated. The drive motor 60 may be controlled by using a stepping motor or a forward / reverse rotation motor to perform forward rotation, reverse rotation, intermittent rotation, or temporary stop.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the drive motor 60 has a motor shaft 60 </ b> A that protrudes downward, and is disposed in the holder 51. The drive side gear 61 meshes with the common gear 62 (large gear 62A) and is fixed to the motor shaft 60A. The common gear 62 is held in the holder 51 and is formed by a stepped gear including a large gear 62 </ b> A that meshes with the driving gear 61 and a small gear 62 </ b> B that meshes with the transmission gear 63. The transmission gear 63 meshes with the small gear 62 </ b> B and the driven gear 52 </ b> B of the common gear 62 and is held in the holder 51. As shown in FIG. 9, the transmission gear train 64 includes two transmission gears 64 </ b> A and 64 </ b> B and is held in the holder 51. The transmission gear 64A is formed by a stepped gear including a large gear 64a meshing with the large gear 62A of the common gear 62 and a small gear 64b meshing with the transmission gear 64B. The transmission gear 64B meshes with the small gear 64b of the transmission gear 64A and the driven gear 53B, and is arranged in parallel with the transmission gear 63.

  As shown in FIG. 1, one display 54 is a liquid crystal display device having a display screen that becomes a video display area or a reel display area, and is disposed above the holder 51 and held by the partition member 100. . As shown in FIG. 1, the other display 55 includes a liquid crystal display device having a display screen serving as a video display area, is disposed above the display 54, and is held by the partition member 100. The displays 54 and 55 are controlled by a control unit 90 (shown in FIG. 11).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary reflector 56 is formed of a hemispherical hollow rotary reflector adapted to the shape of the lid 28B and a combination of a plurality of reflecting mirrors, and is attached to the lower end of the bottom base 28A. It has been. And it is comprised so that illumination light may be received from several illuminating devices (not shown), and it may rotate with the rotation drive mechanism 66 (shown in FIG.3, FIG.4, FIG.6).

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the rotation drive mechanism 66 includes a drive motor 66 </ b> A for rotating the rotary reflector 56, a drive pulley 66 </ b> B that rotates by driving the drive motor 66 </ b> A, A driven pulley 66C corresponding to the driving pulley 66B and a transmission belt 66D for transmitting the rotational force from the driving pulley 66B to the driven pulley 66C are provided on the ceiling plate 11 via the third bracket 67. Is retained.

  The drive motor 66 </ b> A has a motor shaft 66 a that protrudes upward, and is attached to the third bracket 67. The driving pulley 66B is attached to the motor shaft 66a. The driven pulley 66C is in parallel with the driving pulley 66B and is connected to the bottom base 28A via a rotating shaft 68. The transmission belt 66D is an endless belt made of rubber, and is stretched between a driving pulley 66B and a driven pulley 66C. The rotating shaft 68 is rotatably inserted into the third bracket 67 via a bearing 69.

(Configuration of medal collection unit 80)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medal recovery unit 80 includes a medal recovery box 102 located in the vicinity of the hopper 21. The medal collection box 102 is disposed in the base portion 2A, and the medal M that has passed through the medal passage openings 52A, 52A,... Of the medal passage restriction member 52 and the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,. The medal M dropped from the medal recovery holes 3C and 3D (shown in FIG. 7) is recovered.

(Configuration of control unit 90)
As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 90 includes a controller 91 that drives and controls the medal supply unit 20, the game execution unit 50, and the medal collection unit 80, and a memory 92 that stores various data and the like. 2A (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

  The controller 91 includes a control unit with a built-in timer (not shown), and is connected to the medal passage detection device 93, the holder advance / retreat position detection device 400, and the medal insertion detection device 500, and the medals of the medal insertion devices 12, 12,. The medal passage rate (the ratio of the number of medals M passing through the medal passage ports 52A, 52A,... Or the medal passage ports 53A, 53A,... To the number of medals M inserted into the insertion port 124 (shown in FIG. 12). Chucker winning rate: normal gamers are high and unskilled ones are low.) Based on α, the operation speed (at least one of rotation operation and advance / retreat operation) of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is controlled. It is configured as follows. The operation speeds of the metal passage restriction members 52 and 53 are determined based on a result of comparison between a preset medal passage rate β and a medal passage rate α. In this case, when the medal passage rate α is larger than the set medal passage rate β (α> β), the operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is set to a speed higher than the normal operation speed. Thereby, the operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 becomes higher than the normal operation speed, and it becomes difficult to insert the medal M into the medal passage openings 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,. On the other hand, when the medal passage rate α is smaller than the set medal passage rate β (α ≦ β), the operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is set to a speed slower than the normal operation speed. As a result, the operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 becomes slower than the normal operation speed, and the medal M is easily inserted into the medal passage openings 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,.

  In this embodiment, the advance / retreat operation control of the medal passage restriction members 52, 53 is performed by controlling the advance / retreat operation of the holder 51. However, the medal passage restriction members 52, 53 and the holder 51 are driven independently. Since it is driven by the motors 60 and 58A, it is not limited to the interlocking configuration, and each may operate independently.

  Further, the controller 91 calculates the advance / retreat operation time of the medal passage restriction members 52, 53 based on the detection result by the holder advance / retreat position detection device 400, and the advance / retreat operation of the medal passage restriction members 52, 53 based on the calculation result. It is configured to stop at a predetermined advance / retreat position.

  For example, when the holder drive mechanism 58 (drive motor 58A) is driven, the holder 51 is retracted to the accommodation position that is farthest from the medal insertion position. Suppose that it is detected. It is assumed that it takes 4 seconds from this detection to the next detection. In this case, the controller 91 refers to the built-in timer, and if the rotation operation of the drive motor 58A is stopped approximately 2 seconds after the optical sensor 402 detects the notch 401A, the controller 91 is closest to the medal insertion position. The advance / retreat operation of the holder 51 stops. Thereby, the advance / retreat operation of the medal passage restricting members 52, 53 can be stopped at the position closest to the player, so that the medal M can be easily inserted into the medal passage ports 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage ports 53A, 53A,. Become.

  Here, the rotation operation of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 may be stopped. As a result, the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 stop moving forward and backward and rotate at the position closest to the player, so that the medal M is placed in the medal passage ports 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage ports 53A, 53A,. It becomes easier to throw in.

  Further, if the rotation operation of the drive motor 58A is stopped about 1 second or about 3 seconds after the optical sensor 402 detects the notch 401A, the holder 51 is placed at an intermediate position between the medal insertion position and the anti-medal insertion position. The advance / retreat operation is stopped.

  The operation stop time of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is determined according to the difference between the medal passage rate α and the set medal passage rate β. In this case, the longer the difference between the medal passage rate α and the set medal passage rate β, the longer the operation stop time of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is set. On the other hand, the smaller the difference between the medal passing rate α and the set medal passing rate β, the shorter the operation stop time is set.

The measurement of the holder advance / retreat operation time by the controller 91 is executed every time.
In the present embodiment, the holder advance / retreat operation time (estimated operation time) previously measured (saved) by an optical sensor described later is stored in the RAM 92B, and the average of this estimated operation time and the newly measured holder advance / retreat operation time is stored. The time is calculated every time the holder 51 reciprocates, and is recorded and updated in the RAM 92B as a new estimated operation time, and the stop position of the holder 51 is controlled based on the new estimated operation time.

  The medal passage detection device 93 detects the medal M that has passed through the medal passage openings 52A,... Of the medal passage restriction member 52 and the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,. It is configured to output.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the holder advance / retreat position detection device 400 includes a disc 401 having a notch 401A as a detection target and an optical sensor (position detection sensor) 402 for detecting the notch 401A. And disposed between the drive motor 58A and the crank arm 58B. The rotation position of the drive motor 58A (motor shaft 58a) is detected by detecting the notch 401A by the optical sensor 402, and the advance / retreat position of the holder 51 is detected based on the detection result. This detection signal is output to the controller 91. The optical sensor 402 is formed such that the detection cycle from the first detection to the second detection of the notch 401 </ b> A coincides with one reciprocation cycle of the holder 51.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12C, the medal insertion detection device 500 includes a lever 501 and a switch sensor 502, and is disposed on the medal counter mounting portion 121 via a mounting bracket 503. The medal M inserted into the medal slot 124 is detected.

  The lever 501 has a roller 504 facing the medal passage 120 and is pivotally supported by the second bracket 503B of the mounting bracket 503 via a pivot pin 506. Then, the micro switch 502 is turned on by pressing in one direction and the micro switch 502 is turned off by releasing pressure in another direction. The lever 501 is given a return habit by a roller 504. The roller 504 is rotatably held at the end of the lever 501 opposite to the switch via a pivot pin 505. The medal M that rolls in the medal passage 120 is rotated by receiving a pressing force and is transmitted to the lever 501 as turning power.

  The micro switch 502 is attached to the second bracket 503B. The detection signal is output to the controller 91 when the medal M is detected by turning on the switch.

  The mounting bracket 503 has a first bracket 503A and a second bracket 503B. The first bracket 503A is fixed to the medal chute 12A. The second bracket 503B is attached to the first bracket 503A so as to be movable (adjustable). Thereby, the attachment position of the 2nd bracket 503B with respect to 1st bracket 503A is adjusted according to the size (outside diameter) of medal M.

  On the other hand, the memory 92 includes a ROM 92A that stores various programs such as a lottery program executed by the controller 91 and various databases, and a RAM 92B that temporarily stores various data used by the program executed by the controller 91. It is connected to the.

(Configuration of medal insertion device 12)
As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the medal insertion device 12 includes a medal chute 12A having a medal passage 120 and a medal insertion portion 12B having a medal insertion slot 124, and the main body 2 (see FIG. 1). It is held rotatably via the support member 12C.

  The medal chute 12A is provided with a medal counter mounting portion 121 for mounting the medal insertion detecting device 500 described above. The medal passage 120 is formed by combining a plurality of metal plates made of stainless steel or the like, and is configured to roll the medal M into the field portion 3a (guide).

  The medal insertion portion 12B is formed by assembling a synthetic resin bulge-shaped portion 122 and a synthetic resin back portion 123 together with a screw (not shown), is disposed outside the main body 2, and is attached to the medal chute 12A. It is attached. The medal slot 124 is formed with an opening size larger than the thickness of the medal M as shown in FIG. A member having an inclined surface 125 is integrally formed in the medal insertion slot 124 (bulging shape portion) so as to smoothly guide the medal M into the medal passage 120. Note that the member forming the inclined surface 125 may be made of a material different from the bulging shape portion 122 as long as there is no problem in inserting and assembling the medal M.

  In such a medal insertion device 12, the medal M inserted into the medal chute 12A from the medal insertion port 124 rolls along the medal path 120 of the medal chute 12A and is inserted into the field portion 3a. In this case, since the opening size of the medal insertion slot 124 is a relatively large opening size, a plurality of medals M can be continuously inserted into the medal insertion slot 124 as shown in FIG. As a result, the medal M is continuously inserted from the medal chute 12A into the field portion 3a.

(Operation of medal gaming machine 1)
When the medal M passes through the medal passage openings 52A, 52A,... Of the medal passage restriction member 52 or the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,. Is output to the controller 91. Upon receiving this detection signal, the controller 91 executes the lottery program in the ROM 92A. Next, the controller 91 generates a random number for the lottery. Based on the random number for the lottery, “winning (big hit, medium win, small win)” as the winning combination and the occurrence probability of this “winning” The “winning” is determined in the light of the winning probability table describing the corresponding relationship. In this lottery, “winning” may not be determined, and “going out” of “winning” may be determined. Then, the controller 91 outputs an image display command signal to the display 54 based on the determination information.

  Further, when the controller 91 determines “winning (big hit, medium win, small win)”, a control signal corresponding to the “winning” is output to the medal supply unit 20 and the game execution unit 50.

  For example, when the controller 91 determines “big hit”, a control signal is output from the controller 91 to the first medal supply device 22 and the medal supply path changing device 25. In this case, when the first medal supply device 22 receives a control signal from the controller 91, the medal receiving / fixing box 28 is opened by raising the lid 28 </ b> B by driving the fixed box opening / closing mechanism 29, and accordingly, the medal receiving / fixing box 28. The medal M inside falls to the medal receiving plate 31 and is received from the medal receiving plate 31 in the common cylinder 43. When the medal supply path changing device 25 receives a control signal from the controller 91, the medal supply rod 30 (guidance rods 44 to 46) in a predetermined station is rotated by the rotation of the common cylinder 43 driven by a drive mechanism (not shown). Communicate. For this reason, the medal M in the common cylinder 43 is supplied to the game surface 3A from the medal supply ports 100B and 100C through the medal supply rod 30 to the partition member 100.

  When the controller 91 determines “medium hit”, the controller 91 outputs a control signal to the second medal supply device (not shown), the holder driving mechanism 58, and the rotation driving mechanism 59. In this case, when the second medal supply device receives a control signal from the controller 91, the medal accommodating / moving box (not shown) is opened by the driving of the moving box opening / closing mechanism (not shown), and accordingly, the medal accommodating moving box. The medal M is supplied on the game surface 3A. At the same time, when the holder drive mechanism 58 and the rotary drive mechanism 59 receive a control signal from the controller 91, the holder 51 advances to the medal insertion side of the partition member 100 by the drive of the holder drive mechanism 58, stops at this advance position, By stopping the rotation drive mechanism 59, the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 stop rotating. Therefore, the player can easily insert the medal M into the medal passage openings 52a, 52a,... Of the medal passage restriction member 52 and the medal passage openings 53a, 53a,.

  When the controller 91 determines “small hit”, a control signal is output from the controller 91 to a second medal supply device (not shown). In this case, when the second medal supply device receives a control signal from the controller 91, the medal accommodating moving box (not shown) is opened by driving the moving box opening / closing mechanism (not shown) as in the case of “medium hit”. Accordingly, the medal M in the medal accommodation moving box is supplied on the game surface 3A.

  In order to acquire the medal M by the player, after the medal M on the game surface 3A is pushed out to the medal payout hole 3B by the holder 51, it drops downward from the medal payout hole 3B and is returned to the medal payout opening 8. Is achieved.

  On the other hand, the display 54 that has received the image display command signal drives the display screen into three reel display areas, and continuously moves the images to these reel display areas over a predetermined time, and then displays a stop image. In this case, if the “winning” is determined by the controller 91, the combination symbol related to “winning” is displayed on the display screen of the display 54 based on the image display command. If the controller 91 determines “displaced”, a combination of symbols not corresponding to “win” is displayed on the display screen of the display 54 based on the image display command. Thereby, the player looks at the display screen of the display 54, and the medal M is the medal passage opening 52A, 52A,... Of the medal passage restriction members 52, 52,. , 53A,..., The lottery result can be known.

[Assist operation of medal gaming machine 1]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart shown for explaining the assist function of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a timing chart shown for explaining the assist operation of the medal gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an assist operation of the medal gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart and a timing chart.

  When a player inserts a coin into a coin slot (not shown), a detection signal is output from the detection sensor in the coin slot to the controller 91, and the controller 91 receives the detection signal to play the game of the medal gaming machine 1. Start (S1). In this case, when the controller 91 receives the detection signal from the detection sensor, the game medal M is paid out into the medal payout opening 8.

  When the player inserts the medal M into the medal insertion slot 124 (S2), the medal M passes the medal insertion detection device 500 and the switch sensor 501 is turned on, and then dropped onto the game surface 3A. . In this case, a detection signal is output from the medal insertion detection device 500 to the controller 91, and the controller 91 that has received this detection signal calculates the number of signals (the number of medals M inserted into the medal insertion slot 124) (S3). .

  The controller 91 waits for a detection signal (medal passage) from the medal passage detection device 93 (S4). In this case, the medal M rolls on the game surface 3A and passes through the medal passage openings 52A, 52A,... Of the medal passage restriction member 52 or the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,. YES), a detection signal is output from the medal passage detection device 93 to the controller 91 as a chucker prize (S5). Receiving this detection signal, the controller 91 calculates the chucker winning rate of the medal M by dividing the count number of the chucker winning by the number of inserted medal M (S6). In step S4, if the medal M does not pass through the medal passage openings 52A, 52A,... Of the medal passage restriction member 52 or the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,. Return to.

  The controller 91 determines the calculated chucker winning rate (S7). Here, when the difference from the calculated chucker winning rate is within a predetermined range based on the comparison with the winning rate set in advance and stored in the RAM 92B, the assist operation is not performed (S8). . If the calculated chucker winning rate is higher than the preset winning rate, the reciprocating operation of the holder 51 is increased to increase the difficulty of the game (S9). If the calculated chucker winning rate is lower than the preset winning rate, the reciprocating operation of the holder 51 is slowed down as shown in FIG. 14 to reduce the difficulty of the game (S10). The adjustment of the game difficulty level is not limited to the reciprocating operation of the holder 51 described above, and may be performed with respect to the rotation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53. Also, as shown in FIG. You may perform based on the interlocking of the passage control members 52 and 53.

(Effect of Embodiment of Invention)
According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Since the operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is determined based on the medal passage rate (chucker winning rate) α, the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 are operated at a speed according to the game level of the player. Can be made. Thereby, the player can insert the medal M into the medal passage openings 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,... With the skill according to the game level. Satisfaction can be obtained, while on the other hand, the inexperienced gamers will not lose their excitement, and both skilled and unskilled players can enjoy the game together.

(2) The operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is determined based on the comparison determination result between the set medal passage rate β and the medal passage rate α. In this case, when the medal passage rate α is larger than the set passage rate β, the operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is set to a speed higher than the normal operation speed. Thereby, the operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 becomes higher than the normal operation speed, and it becomes difficult to insert the medal M into the medal passage openings 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,. On the other hand, when the medal passage rate α is smaller than the set passage rate β, the operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is set to a speed slower than the normal operation speed. As a result, the operation speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 becomes slower than the normal operation speed, and the medal M is easily inserted into the medal passage openings 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage openings 53A, 53A,.

(3) Since the advance / retreat operation of the medal passage restriction members 52, 53 can be stopped at a predetermined advance / retreat position using a single position detection sensor, the control system is not complicated and the cost is reduced. Can do. On the other hand, a stepping motor or the like may be provided for fine control.

(4) The medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 advance to the position closest to the player, and the advance / retreat speed is stopped at this position. Therefore, the medal passage ports 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage ports 53A, 53A,. It becomes easy to insert the medal M into

(5) Since the rotational speed of the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 is stopped, the medal M is easily inserted into the medal passage ports 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage ports 53A, 53A,. In this case, if the advance / retreat speed of the medal passage restriction members 52, 53 is also stopped at the position closest to the player, the medal M can be more easily inserted into the medal passage ports 52A, 52A,... And the medal passage ports 53A, 53A,. Become.

  In the above-described embodiment, the winning rate of the medal M in the individual field unit 3b is calculated. However, the controller 91 monitors the winning rate of all the field units 3b and assists the individual field unit 3b. In this case, the control patterns of the holder 51 and the medal passage restriction members 52 and 53 can be diversified, and the payout adjustment of the medal M can be arbitrarily performed. .

The front view which shows the whole medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The side view which shows a part of medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The front view shown in order to demonstrate the medal supply apparatus of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The top view shown in order to demonstrate the medal supply apparatus of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view shown in order to demonstrate the fixed box opening / closing mechanism of the medal supply apparatus of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view shown in order to demonstrate the rotation drive mechanism of the rotation reflector of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The top view shown in order to demonstrate the game execution part of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing shown in order to demonstrate the holder drive mechanism and holder advance / retreat position detection apparatus of the medal game machine which concern on embodiment of this invention. The top view shown in order to demonstrate the rotational drive mechanism of the medal passage control member of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing shown in order to demonstrate the rotation drive mechanism of the medal passage control member of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram shown in order to demonstrate the control circuit of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the medal insertion to the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart shown in order to demonstrate the assist function of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The timing chart shown in order to demonstrate the assist operation | movement of the medal game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Medal game machine, 2 ... Main body, 2A ... Base part, 2B ... Main body part, 2b ... Field space, 3 game implementation mechanism, 3A ... Game surface, 3a ... Field part, 3B ... Medal payout hole, 3C, 3D ... medal recovery hole, 4 ... base member, 5 ... bottom plate, 6 ... base member, 7 ... lid member, 8 ... medal withdrawal port, 9 ... strut, 10 ... transparent plate, 11 ... ceiling plate, 11A ... through hole, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Medal insertion apparatus, 12A ... Medal chute, 12B ... Medal insertion part, 12C ... Support member, 20 ... Medal supply part, 21 ... Hopper, 22 ... First medal supply apparatus, 25 ... Medal supply path change apparatus, 26 ... 1st draw-up rod, 27 ... 2nd draw-up rod, 28 ... medal housing and fixing box, 28A ... bottom base, 28a ... 1st bottom surface, 29b ... 2nd bottom surface, 28B ... lid, 28c ... internal space, 29 ... fixed box Open / close mechanism, 29A ... drive motor, 29a ... 29B ... Crank arm, 29b ... Pin insertion hole, 29C ... Transmission link, 29D ... Holding link, 29c ... Pin, 30 ... Medal supply rod, 31 ... Medal receiving plate, 31A ... Receiving plate element, 32 ... Cylinder, 33 ... guide pipe, 34 ... medal counter, 35 ... first bracket, 36 ... second bracket, 37 ... connecting pin, 38 ... pivot pin, 39, 40 ... sensor, 43 ... common box, 44-46 ... guide rod , 50 ... Game execution unit, 51 ... Holder, 51A ... Long hole, 52 ... Medal passage restriction member, 52A ... Medal passage port, 52B ... Driven side gear, 53 ... Medal passage restriction member, 53A ... Medal passage port, 53B ... Drive side gear, 54, 55 ... display, 56 ... rotating reflector, 57 ... pulley, 58 ... holder drive mechanism, 58A ... drive motor, 58a ... motor shaft, 58B ... crank 58b ... pin, 59 ... rotation drive mechanism, 60 ... drive motor, 60A ... motor shaft, 61 drive side gear, 62 ... common gear, 63 ... transmission gear, 64 ... transmission gear train, 64A, 64B ... transmission gear 65 ... Illuminating device, 66 ... Rotation drive mechanism, 66A ... Drive motor, 66a ... Motor shaft, 66B ... Drive side pulley, 66C ... Drive side pulley, 66D ... Transmission belt, 67 ... Third bracket, 68 ... Rotation shaft, 69, 70 ... bearings, 80 ... medal recovery unit, 90 ... control unit, 91 ... controller, 92 ... memory, 92A ... ROM, 92B ... RAM, 93 ... medal passage detection device, 100 ... partition member, 100A ... first penetration Window, 100B, 100C ... medal supply port, 101 ... collection chute, 102 ... medal collection box, 120 ... medal passage, 121 ... medal counter mounting part , 122 ... bulging shape part, 123 ... back part, 124 ... medal slot, 125 ... inclined surface, M ... medal, 300 ... game table, 400 ... holder advance / retreat position detecting device, 401 ... disc, 401A ... notch part , 402: optical sensor, 402A: light emitting element, 402B: light receiving element, 500: medal insertion detection device, 501 ... lever, 502 ... switch sensor, 503 ... mounting bracket, 503A ... first bracket, 503B ... second bracket, 504 ... Roller, 505 ... Pivot pin, 506 ... Pivot pin

Claims (3)

A gaming table having a gaming surface capable of accumulating medals;
A medal insertion device having a medal insertion slot for inserting medals on the game surface;
A medal gaming machine comprising a medal passage restricting member that is operatively held above the gaming table and has a medal passage opening,
A controller for controlling the operation of the medal passage restricting member based on a medal passage rate indicating a ratio of the number of medals passed through the medal passage port with respect to the number of medals inserted into the medal insertion port;
The medal passage restriction member is composed of an operating body that reciprocates between a medal insertion position on the protruding side and a storage position on the backward side,
A position detection sensor for detecting an advance / retreat position of the medal passage restriction member;
The controller calculates an advance / retreat operation time of the medal passage restriction member based on a detection result by the position detection sensor, and controls an advance / retreat operation of the medal passage restriction member based on the calculation result,
The controller further compares and determines a preset set medal passage rate and the medal passage rate, and determines an operation of the medal passage restriction member based on the determination result. The medal gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the controller variably controls the advancing / retreating operation so that the medal can be easily inserted in a state where the medal passage restricting member is disposed at a position closest to the medal insertion position. The medal passage restriction member is composed of an operating body that can rotate in the game plane,
Medal game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said controller variably controls the rotational operation so easily turned the medal.