JP4978312B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a structure of a movable member included in the gaming machine.

In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a movable member that can drop from a reference position is often provided for the purpose of obtaining an effect. As a method of controlling the movement of the movable member, there is a method of controlling the movable member using a power source such as a motor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-25546 A (FIG. 3, 17th paragraph)

  When the reference position of the movable member is above the position after the movement, a force for moving downward by gravity is continuously applied to the movable member at the reference position. Generally, the power source has a certain amount of fixing force even when the power source is not in operation, but if the weight of the movable member is large, the movable member may fall downward from the reference position. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing the movable member from falling downward from the reference position even when the weight of the movable member is large. There is.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a starting port into which a game ball can enter, a movable member that can fall downward from a reference position, and the movable member that is positioned at the reference position from below. A stopper member that supports and prevents the movable member from dropping downward; a first drive means that retracts the stopper member from below the movable member; and a second drive means that moves the movable member upward. And movable member control means for controlling the first driving means and the second driving means to produce an effect using the movable member. The movable member control means controls the second drive means when a specific fluctuation pattern is selected from the plurality of fluctuation patterns, and moves the movable member up and down above the reference position. A second process for controlling the first drive means, retreating the stopper member from below the movable member while the first process is being performed, and controlling the second drive means, After the second process is performed, a third process is performed in which the movable member is moved downward from the reference position.

  According to this gaming machine, even when the weight of the movable member is large, the movable member can be prevented from falling downward from the reference position. Further, since the first driving unit is controlled while the first process is being performed, the stopper can be reliably retracted when the movable member is moved downward. The first process includes both the case where the movable member is reciprocated up and down and the case where the movable member is reciprocated multiple times. In the case of one reciprocation, the stopper member is retracted while the movable member is moving upward, and thereafter, the operation of returning the movable member to the reference position and the operation of moving downward are continuously performed.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. In the pachinko machines shown in these drawings, a front frame 2 is mounted on the front end surface of a rectangular cylindrical outer frame 1 whose front and rear surfaces are open so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis on the left side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a rectangular window frame 5 is mounted on the front surface of the front frame 2 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis of the left side portion, and on the inner peripheral surface of the window frame 5 A transparent glass window 5a is fixed. A frame-shaped mechanism board is fixed to the rear surface of the front frame 2. A game board 100, which will be described later, is detachably mounted on the mechanism board. The game board 100 is covered from the front by a glass window 5a.

  A plurality of lamp covers 6 are fixed to a portion of the window frame 5 located on the outer peripheral portion of the glass window 5 a, and a plurality of LEDs 6 a are arranged behind each lamp cover 6. Each of these LEDs 6a is fixed to the window frame 5, and each lamp cover 6 is illuminated based on the fact that the rear LED 6a emits light.

  Further, a horizontally long rectangular lower plate 3 is fixed to the lower end portion of the front surface of the front frame 2, and a lower plate 3 a having an open upper surface is fixed to the front surface of the lower plate 3. Further, an upper plate 4 positioned above the lower plate 3 is attached to the front surface of the front frame 2, and an upper plate 4 a having an open upper surface is fixed to the front surface of the upper plate 4. A speaker 7 for outputting game sound is fixed to the right end of the rear surface of the upper plate 4.

  A handle base 8 is fixed to the right end portion of the front surface of the lower plate 3, and a firing handle 9 is mounted on the handle base 8 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis extending in the front-rear direction. A firing motor 9a is fixed behind the firing handle 9 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a hitting ball 9b is connected to the rotation shaft of the firing motor 9a. The firing motor 9a is a driving source for the hitting ball 9b. When the driving motor 9a is driven to drive the hitting ball 9b, the game ball in the upper plate 4a is played from the upper plate 4a on the game board 100. Played into the area.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a main board case 200a is fixed to the back of the pachinko machine. In the main board case 200a, a main control board (big hit judging means) described later is housed. Note that the display control board 210 and the movable member control board 220 shown in FIG. 8 are also housed in a case (not shown) fixed to the back surface of the pachinko machine.

  3 and 4 are schematic front views of the game board 100. FIG. The game board 100 has a game area in which a game ball can roll. A decoration frame 101 as an accessory is provided in the approximate center of the game area. A symbol display device 20 is disposed inside the decorative frame body 101. The symbol display device 20 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, but may be another display device.

  The game board 100 is provided with a start port 102. The start port 102 is provided with a sensor (not shown) that detects that a game ball has entered the start port 102. When the sensor detects that the game ball has entered the start port 102, a detection signal is output to the main control board 200. Then, the main control board 200 transmits a variation pattern signal that determines an effect pattern to the display control board 210. When receiving the variation pattern signal, the display control board 210 causes the symbol display device 20 to start the variation display of the three symbols. The display control board 210 stops the two symbols in the symbol display device 20 when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display. Depending on the combination of these two symbols, it is informed whether it is in the reach state or completely off. When a predetermined time further elapses, the display control board 210 stops the remaining one symbol. Thereby, the player is notified of the big hit state or the unreached state.

  When the jackpot state is notified, an effect using the movable member 30 described later is performed, and then the main control board 200 starts the jackpot game. In the jackpot game, the player is given a more advantageous state than usual. Specifically, by opening the door of the grand prize opening 104, winning of the game ball to the big prize opening 104 is permitted, and the player does not have a normal gaming state, that is, a big hit. More prize balls can be obtained than prize balls that can be obtained in the game state. The door of the big winning opening 104 is opened until a predetermined number of game balls are won or until a predetermined time elapses.

  Whether the reach state, complete disengagement, big hit state, or reach disengaged state is determined by performing a lottery process after the sensor detects that the main control board 200 has entered the starting port 102. . The main control board 200 changes the type of the variation pattern signal depending on whether the state is a reach state, a complete disengagement, a big hit state, or an out-of-reach state. The sub-control board 210 determines which state described above is displayed on the symbol display device 20 according to the type of the fluctuation pattern signal.

  In addition, another game ball may enter the start opening 102 while the symbol display is being performed on the symbol display device 20. The incoming ball in this case is counted as a holding ball. In the case where the number of the holding balls is counted, the operation described above is repeated again when the reach is lost.

  The decorative frame body 101 is provided with a movable member 30 for production. The movable member 30 has, for example, a substantially golf club shape, and rotates about a portion opposite to the portion corresponding to the golf club head as a fulcrum. This fulcrum portion is located on the back side of the decorative object 101 a provided on the decorative frame body 101. As shown in FIG. 3, the reference position of the movable member 30 is a position that overlaps the upper frame of the decorative frame body 101, and is positioned above the symbol display device 20. When the movable member 30 is at the reference position, the movable member 30 is almost horizontal and is supported from below by a stopper described later.

  When the movable member 30 rotates and falls downward, the stopper is removed, and then the movable member 30 falls. At this time, a portion corresponding to the head of the golf club passes through the front of the symbol display device 20. The rotated movable member 30 is substantially parallel to the horizontal frame of the decorative frame body 101 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the movable member 30 returns to a reference position using a motor described later as a power source, and is then supported by a stopper.

  The timing at which the movable member 30 falls is preferably controlled in accordance with the display timing of the video displayed on the symbol display device 20.

  5, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective view, a front view, and a side view of the movable member 30 and its drive mechanism, respectively. FIG. 7A shows a state in which the first stopper member 50 of the drive mechanism supports the movable member 30 from below, and FIG. 7B shows that the movable member 30 rotates upward, and The state which the 1st stopper member 50 has retracted from the position which supports the movable member 30 is shown.

  The movable member 30 rotates about the rotation shaft 32. The rotating shaft 32 is provided on a part of the movable member 30 opposite to the part corresponding to the head. A plate-like rotating member 34 is attached to the rotating shaft 32 concentrically with the rotating shaft 32. The lower part of the outer peripheral portion of the rotating member 34 has an arc shape, and teeth that mesh with the gear 36 are provided on the arc portion. The gear 36 is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 38 concentrically with the rotation shaft. The motor 38 corresponds to the second drive means and controls the rotation operation of the movable member 30. The operation of the motor 38 is controlled by the movable member control board 220 shown in FIG.

  The movable member 30 is provided with a convex portion 42 located above the main body of the movable member 30. In the front view shown in FIG. 6, when the rotation shaft 32 is the center, the convex portion 42 extends in a direction different from the main body of the movable member 30. While the movable member 30 is positioned at the reference position, the convex portion 42 is supported from below by the first stopper member 50.

  The first stopper member 50 has a support surface 51 that supports the convex portion 42 on the front side (right side in FIG. 7) of the upper end surface. A rotating shaft 50 a is inserted through the lower end portion of the first stopper member 50. The rotating shaft 50a is disposed in a direction orthogonal to the rotating shaft 32 of the movable member 30, but is fixed so as not to move back and forth. One end side of the shaft 53 is inserted into the upper end portion of the first stopper member 50. The other end side of the shaft 53 is inserted into the moving member 54. The moving member 54 is moved back and forth by a solenoid 60 corresponding to the first driving means.

  In such a configuration, when a current flows through the solenoid 60, the moving member 54 moves rearward (left side in FIG. 7), and as a result, as shown in FIG. The upper end portion of the stopper member 50 rotates rearward, and the support surface 51 is retracted from below the convex portion 42. Since a coil spring (not shown) is inserted between the solenoid 60 and the moving member 54, when the energization to the solenoid 60 is completed, the moving member 54 returns to the front due to the repulsive force of the coil spring. As a result, the upper end portion of the first stopper member 50 rotates around the rotation shaft 50a, and the support surface 51 returns to the lower side of the convex portion 42 as shown in FIG. Whether or not the solenoid 60 is energized is controlled by the movable member control board 220 shown in FIG.

  The upper part of the front surface 52 of the first stopper member 50 is inclined so as to protrude forward (right side in FIG. 7) as it approaches the upper end. For this reason, when the movable member 30 is rotated from below, the first stopper member 50 gradually moves backward as the upper portion of the front surface 52 is pushed by the convex portion 42. And if the convex part 42 moves upwards from the support surface 51 of the 1st stopper member 50, the 1st stopper member 50 will reset below the convex part 42 with the repulsive force of an above-described coil spring. Therefore, when the movable member 30 is returned to the reference position, it is not necessary to energize the solenoid 60. When the front surface 52 is not inclined, it is necessary to energize the solenoid 60 when the movable member 30 is returned to the reference position and to retract the first stopper member 50.

  Note that a second stopper member 70 is provided above the support surface 51 of the first stopper member 50. The second stopper member 70 is provided to limit the range in which the movable member 30 can move upward from the reference position. That is, the movable member 30 can rotate upward (clockwise in FIG. 6) to a position where the convex portion 42 contacts the second stopper member 70. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there is a gap between the convex portion 42 and the second stopper member 70 in a state where the lower surface of the convex portion 42 is supported by the support surface 51. In addition, in both figures of FIG. 7, illustration of the 2nd stopper member 70 is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of a control board included in the gaming machine. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the gaming machine has a main control board 200, a display control board 210, and a movable member control board 220 on the back side of the game board 10. In the present embodiment, the control unit of the present invention is configured by these three control boards. The main control board 200 is provided with a CPU 202, a ROM 204, a RAM 206, and an input / output port (I / O port) 208, and the display control board 210 is provided with a CPU 212, a ROM 214, a RAM 216, and an input / output port 218. It has been. The movable member control board 220 is provided with a CPU 222, a ROM 224, a RAM 226, and an input / output port 228 corresponding to a control unit. The input / output ports 218 and 228 are connected to the input / output port 208, respectively.

  The CPU 202 controls the gaming state of the gaming machine based on the control method and other technical information stored in the ROM 204 and RAM 206. For example, the CPU 202 performs a lottery to determine one of a reach state, a complete miss, a big hit state, and a reach miss state. Then, the CPU 202 outputs a variation pattern signal to the CPUs 212 and 222 based on the lottery result. The variation pattern signal output by the CPU 202 varies depending on the lottery result.

  The ROM 214 or RAM 216 holds a plurality of display pattern data in association with different variation pattern signals. When the CPU 212 receives the variation pattern signal from the CPU 202, the CPU 212 reads display pattern data corresponding to the received variation pattern signal from the ROM 214 or RAM 216, and an image displayed by the symbol display device 20 according to the read display pattern data and its display timing. To control.

  The ROM 224 or the RAM 226 holds a plurality of sequence data in association with different variation pattern signals. When the CPU 222 receives the variation pattern signal from the CPU 202, the CPU 222 reads sequence data corresponding to the type of the received variation pattern signal from the ROM 224 or RAM 226, and according to the read sequence data, the energization timing to the solenoid 60 and the operation of the motor 38 and its Control timing.

  The display pattern data held in the ROM 214 or RAM 216 and the sequence data held in the ROM 224 or RAM 226 are set in advance so that the operation timing of the movable member 30 matches the display timing of the symbol display device 20.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing, in a chart format, sequence data read by the CPU 222 when the CPU 202 transmits the first fluctuation pattern signal to the CPUs 212 and 222. When the CPU 202 transmits the first variation pattern signal, the CPU 212 causes the symbol display device 20 to perform a display effect for t2 seconds (for example, 20 seconds).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 222 controls the motor 38 and controls the movable member 30 up and down in a region above the reference position for t1 seconds (for example, 4 seconds) after the CPU 212 starts the display effect. Then, the movable member 30 is stopped at the reference position. In the sequence data corresponding to the first variation pattern signal, the CPU 222 does not energize the solenoid 60 and keeps the first stopper member 50 positioned below the movable member 30.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating, in a chart format, sequence data read by the CPU 222 when the CPU 202 transmits the second variation pattern signal to the CPUs 212 and 222. When the CPU 202 transmits the second variation pattern signal, the CPU 212 performs a display effect for t3 seconds (for example, 22 seconds) longer than t2. Specifically, the display of the three symbols on the symbol display device 20 is started, and the three symbols are removed and temporarily stopped at the symbol t4 seconds (for example, after 17 seconds) from the start of the display effect. Then, after t3 seconds from the start of the display effect, the three symbols are removed and the actual stop is made at the symbols.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 222 is t4 seconds after the CPU 212 starts the display effect, that is, t5 seconds (for example, 20 seconds after the start of the display effect) after the CPU 212 comes off and temporarily stops the design. Then, the motor 38 is controlled to reciprocate the movable member 30 up and down a plurality of times in the region above the reference position, and then the movable member 30 is stopped at the reference position. In the sequence data corresponding to the first variation pattern signal, the CPU 222 does not energize the solenoid 60 and keeps the first stopper member 50 positioned below the movable member 30.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing, in a chart format, sequence data read out by the CPU 222 when the CPU 202 transmits the third variation pattern signal to the CPUs 212 and 222. When the CPU 202 transmits the third variation pattern signal, the CPU 212 performs a display effect for t6 seconds (for example, 25 seconds) longer than t3. Specifically, the display of three symbols on the symbol display device 20 is started, and three symbols are removed and temporarily stopped at the symbol t4 seconds after the start of the display effect. Then, after t5 seconds from the start of the display effect, a display is displayed in which the temporarily stopped symbols are flipped off, and then the three symbols are fully stopped at the jackpot symbol.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 222 starts t4 seconds after the CPU 212 starts the display effect (that is, when the CPU 212 comes off and temporarily stops the symbol) until t5 seconds (for example, 20 seconds from the start of the display effect). Until the latter), the motor 38 is controlled to reciprocate the movable member 30 up and down several times in the region above the reference position. In the meantime, that is, from when the movable member 30 starts to move above the reference position to when it finally returns to the reference position, the CPU 222, for example, moves the solenoid 60 to the solenoid 60 at a timing when the movable member 30 is positioned above the reference position. Energization is started, and the first stopper member 50 is retracted from below the movable member 30. The CPU 222 may start energization of the solenoid 60 when the movable member 30 is at the reference position, that is, at the timing when the movable member 30 is supported by the first stopper member 50. In this case, since the first stopper member 50 is in contact with the movable member 30 at the timing when the energization of the solenoid 60 is started, it is difficult to retreat due to the weight of the movable member 30, but the movable member 30 is then located above the reference position. Since it is released from the movable member 30 when it is moved to the position, it can be reliably retracted from below the movable member 30 at this timing.

  Then, the CPU 222 controls the motor 38 to move the movable member 30 downward from the reference position t5 seconds after the CPU 212 starts the display effect (that is, when the CPU 212 releases and the symbol is flipped off). Let This movement includes free fall. Then, the CPU 222 controls the motor 38 to return the movable member 30 to the reference position before the effect display on the symbol display device 20 ends. The CPU 222 ends energization of the solenoid 60 after dropping the movable member 30 below the reference position and before returning the movable member 30 to the reference position.

  When performing the above-described effects, if the movable member 30 starts to reciprocate up and down above the reference position after the three symbols are removed and temporarily stopped at the symbols, there is a possibility that the player will be in a big hit state. Can be expected. In addition, since the first stopper member 50 is removed while the movable member 30 is reciprocated in the region above the reference position, the movable member 30 is moved only for the purpose of retracting the first stopper member 50. There is no need to move it upward, and the player does not feel uncomfortable.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the movable member 30 is at the reference position, the convex portion 42 of the movable member 30 is supported from below by the first stopper member 50. For this reason, even if the motor 38 that is a power source of the movable member 30 is turned off, the movable member 30 can be stably kept in the reference position. For this reason, the movable member 30 can be enlarged. Further, since the first stopper member 50 is retracted from below the convex portion 42 while the movable member 30 is positioned above the reference position, the first stopper member 50 is reliably retracted from below the convex portion 42. be able to.

  Further, when the processing shown in the chart of FIG. 10 is not performed, the player can predict that the movable member 30 moves downward at the timing when the movable member 30 starts to move up and down above the reference position. However, in this embodiment, since both the process shown in the chart of FIG. 10 and the process shown in the chart of FIG. 11 are performed, even if the movable member 30 moves up and down above the reference position, The person cannot determine whether or not the movable member 30 moves downward. For this reason, it can be made difficult for the player to predict the movement of the movable member.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the control board of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration and operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment are the same as the gaming machine according to the first embodiment except for the configuration of the control board. Hereinafter, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The configuration of the control board in this embodiment is the same as that of the control board according to the first embodiment except that the input / output port 218 is connected to the input / output ports 208 and 228. In the present embodiment, the CPU 212 transmits the variation pattern signal received from the CPU 202 to the CPU 222.
Also according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 212 may transmit identification information of display pattern data corresponding to the variation pattern signal received from the CPU 202 to the CPU 222. In this case, the ROM 224 or the RAM 226 holds a plurality of sequence data in association with different identification information. The CPU 222 reads sequence data corresponding to the identification information received from the CPU 212 from the ROM 224 or the RAM 226, and controls the motor 38 and the solenoid 60 according to the read sequence data.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the control board of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The configuration and operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment are the same as the gaming machine according to the first embodiment except for the configuration of the control board. Hereinafter, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The configuration of the control board in this embodiment does not include the movable member control board 220, and the CPU 212 performs the control performed by the CPU 222 in the first embodiment, and the ROM 214 and the RAM 216 store various data stored in the ROM 224 and the RAM 226. The configuration of the control board according to the first embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the points held by. That is, in this embodiment, the main control board 200 and the display control board 210 constitute a control unit according to the present invention.
Also according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the movable member 30 has fallen from the reference position due to the rotational motion, but may fall from the reference position in the vertical direction and then return to the reference position in the vertical direction. In the charts shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the movable member 30 reciprocates a plurality of times above the reference position, but may be reciprocated once. In this case, in the processing shown in FIG. 11, the first stopper member 50 is retracted while the movable member 30 is moving upward, and thereafter, the movable member 30 returns to the reference position and moves downward. It is done continuously.

The front view of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. The rear view of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. 1 is a schematic front view of a game board 100. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a game board 100. FIG. The perspective view of the movable member 30 and its drive mechanism. The front view of the movable member 30 and its drive mechanism. (A), (B) is a side view of the movable member 30 and its drive mechanism. The block diagram for demonstrating an example of a structure of a control board. The figure which shows the 1st example of the sequence data which CPU222 reads. The figure which shows the 2nd example of the sequence data which CPU222 reads. The figure which shows the 3rd example of the sequence data which CPU222 reads. The block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the control board of the game machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the control board of the game machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game board, 30 ... Movable member, 38 ... Motor, 50 ... 1st stopper member, 60 ... Solenoid, 200 ... Main control board 200, 210 ... Display control board 210, 220 ... Movable member control board

Claims (2)

A game board having a game area in which a game ball can roll;
A start opening provided in the game area, into which the game ball can enter;
When the game ball enters the start opening, a game effect means for determining one variation pattern from a plurality of variation patterns and performing an effect according to the variation pattern;
A jackpot determining means for determining a jackpot when the game ball enters the start opening;
When the jackpot determining means determines that it is a jackpot, in the gaming machine that makes an advantageous state for the player after performing the effect in the game effect means,
The game effect means is
An accessory provided on the game board;
A movable member provided on the accessory and movable up and down from a reference position;
A stopper member that supports the movable member located at the reference position from below and prevents the movable member from falling downward;
First driving means for retracting the stopper member from below the movable member;
Second driving means for driving the movable member;
Movable member control means for controlling the first drive means and the second drive means to produce an effect using the movable member;
The movable member control means controls the second drive means when a specific fluctuation pattern is selected from the plurality of fluctuation patterns, and moves the movable member up and down above the reference position. A second process for controlling the first drive means, retreating the stopper member from below the movable member while the first process is being performed, and controlling the second drive means, A gaming machine that performs a third process of moving the movable member downward from the reference position after two processes are performed.   When a variation pattern other than the specific variation pattern is selected, the movable member control unit moves the movable member up and down above the reference position by controlling the second drive unit, and then The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a process of stopping the movable member at the reference position is performed.

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