JP5516701B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  In general, a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a configuration in which a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out to a player when a gaming ball launched into the gaming area wins a winning opening. For example, when a winning of a game ball into a winning opening is detected, the main control device outputs a signal indicating that the game ball is paid out to the payout control device, and the payout control device outputs a payout motor based on the signal. The game ball is paid out by driving. The game balls paid out in this way are counted by the detection switch, and when the count value reaches a value to be paid out, the game balls are paid out (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-14661 A

  However, if game balls are not normally detected by the detection switch, or if the payout motor is not driven normally, the number of game balls to be paid out excessively or actually paid out May not reach the number of game balls to be paid out. For this reason, there is a concern that fraud such as intentionally malfunctioning a detection switch or a payout motor may be performed for the purpose of illegally acquiring game balls or illegally reducing game balls to be paid out. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress fraud related to payout of a game ball.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A main controller that performs various controls based on input of various detection signals;
A payout control device that performs control related to payout of game balls based on a signal output from the main control device;
A payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game balls based on a signal output from the payout control device;
The payout means is
A ball passage where game balls can flow down,
A stop member capable of stopping the flow of the game ball in the ball passage;
Drive means capable of displacing the stop member;
A payout detecting means for detecting the passage of the game ball;
The payout means comprises a device relay board for relaying the electrical connection between the payout detection means and the drive means and the payout control device,
The payout control device drives and controls the drive means based on signals from the main control device and the payout detection means, so that a predetermined number of game balls stopped by the stop member are downstream of the stop member. And a predetermined number of game balls are paid out,
A signal line for inputting a signal from the payout detection means output from the relay board for the device to the payout control device, and a signal for controlling the drive means output from the payout control device. And a signal line for inputting to the relay board for the device is connected to the relay board for the device by one common connector,
Cover means detachably attached to the payout means by a fixing means;
A base member that isolates the cover area covered by the cover means and the ball passage;
And a restricting means for restricting removal of the stop member from the ball passage side,
By the cover means, drive means, drive wiring for electrically connecting the drive means and the device relay board, and detection wiring for electrically connecting the payout detection means and the device relay board. And the connector part connected to the detection wiring in the payout detection means and the relay board for the device are covered,
When the cover means is separated from the payout means, a predetermined mark is formed on at least one of the payout means and the cover means,
A part of the wall portion constituting the ball passage is constituted by a lid member that is detachably attached to the payout means,
Before the restricting means is assembled to the payout means, the restraining member is assembled to the payout means from the ball path side,
Since the cover means is attached to the payout means by the fixing means, the restricting means cannot be removed from the payout means ,
The cover means includes a first cover member and a second cover member,
The first cover member is attached to the payout means by attachment means,
The second cover member is attached to the payout means by the fixing means, and the attachment means is disposed in the cover region covered by the first cover member and the second cover member. Yes.

  According to the present invention, fraud related to payout of game balls can be suppressed.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one Embodiment. It is a perspective view of a pachinko machine. It is a right view of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame and a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows an electric structure. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the reception interruption process of a payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process of a payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the command determination process of a payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the payment confirmation process of a payment control apparatus. It is a perspective view of a dispensing device. It is a front view of the dispensing device with the lid member removed. It is a left view of a dispensing device. It is a bottom view of a dispensing device. It is a perspective view of the dispensing device with the lid member removed. It is a disassembled perspective view when it sees from the back side which shows a payout apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view when it sees from the front side which shows a payout apparatus. It is a schematic cross section of the dispensing device in another embodiment. It is a rear view of the payout apparatus in another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a right side view. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are opened. However, in FIG. 4, for the sake of convenience, a nail and an accessory arranged on the surface of the game board 30, a glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, and the like are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outline of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. ing. The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by, for example, a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw.

  The outer frame 11 is provided with an upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 on the left side thereof. The upper and lower hinges 81 and 82 support the upper and lower portions of the inner frame 12 so as to be rotatable, thereby supporting the inner frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. Furthermore, a resin curtain decoration 85 is attached to the lower part of the outer frame 11.

  The opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set up and down on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 as described above, and the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with the opening / closing axis serving as an axis. Yes. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a blue resin base 38 whose outer shape is rectangular, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed at the center of the resin base 38.

  A front frame set 14 as a front door is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. As with the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 can be opened forward with an opening / closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

  The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 in the closed state. A substantially elliptical window 101 is formed at the center of the front frame set 14. Thereby, the game board 30 (game area) attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 can be visually recognized from the outside through the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed configuration of the game board 30 will be described later.

  On the front side of the front frame set 14, a lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray is provided at the center of the lower portion thereof, so that game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. In addition, on the front side of the lower plate 15, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 15 is provided.

  A game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as a handle) 18 projecting toward the front side is provided on the right side of the lower plate 15, and an ashtray 26 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. The handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and an operation amount detection means (not shown) for detecting the operation amount of the operation unit of the handle 18.

  An upper plate 19 is provided above the lower plate 15. The upper plate 19 is a ball tray that temporarily stores the game balls and guides them toward a game ball launching device (hereinafter simply referred to as launching device) 70 while aligning them in a row. The game ball overflowing from the upper plate 19 is guided to the lower plate 15.

  The upper plate 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122. As a result, when the ball lending button 121 is operated in a game hall or the like with a bill or a card inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, according to the operation. Rental balls are supplied to the upper plate 19. On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. However, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are not necessary for a pachinko machine in which game balls are directly lending to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, so-called cash machine.

  In addition, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the front surface of the front frame set 14. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of big hit or predetermined reach. For example, an annular illumination part 102 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided at the periphery of the window part 101, and an LED or the like is provided at the center of the annular illumination part 102 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10. There is provided a central illumination unit 103 incorporating the light emitting means. In the pachinko machine 10, the central illumination unit 103 functions as a jackpot lamp, and lights and blinks when the jackpot is informed that the jackpot is being hit. Further, an error display lamp 104 that is turned on at the time of a predetermined error is provided on the left and right sides of the central illumination unit 103. A speaker SP is provided adjacent to each error display lamp 104, and a speaker cover 24 is attached to the front side of the speaker SP.

  A glass unit 137 is attached to the back side of the front frame set 14. The glass unit 137 is not a pair of front and rear rectangular glass plates that are attached to the front and back of the glass unit 137, but is attached in a round shape as a whole and assembled.

  Next, the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) will be described. As described above, the game board 30 is attached to the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) on the rear side of the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached in a state in which the peripheral edge thereof is in contact with the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Therefore, a substantially central portion of the front surface portion of the game board 30 is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

  Further, a bulging portion 40 bulging rearward is formed at a lower portion of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), that is, a position below the window hole 39 (game board 30). A launching device 70 is attached to the front right side of the bulging portion 40. In the present embodiment, a solenoid-type firing device is adopted as the firing device 70. Further, the bulging portion 40 is provided with a discharge ball passage 71 that is connected to a discharge port 16 of the lower plate 15 from a payout mechanism portion 352 described later. Further, there is a predetermined gap between the firing rail 70a of the launching device 70 and a rail 50 (outer rail constituting portion 52) described later, and a foul ball passage 72 is formed below this gap. As a result, if the game ball launched from the launching device 70 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 described later and returns to the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball passes through the foul ball passage 72 and the discharge ball passage 71. It is discharged to the lower plate 15 via A harness cover 74 is provided below the discharge ball passage 71. Thereby, a harness (not shown) for connecting the relay substrate 75 and the launching device 70 is gathered.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, a first opportunity corresponding port (operating port) 33, a second opportunity corresponding port 34, a variable display unit 35, and the like in a through hole formed by router processing. The game board 30 is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, and the first opportunity corresponding opening 33, the upper plate 19 (or the A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the lower plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and a game ball that has not won a prize in various winning units (general winning port 31, variable winning device 32, first opportunity corresponding port 33) It is discharged outside the gaming area through 36. In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game balls, and various members such as windmills (servants).

  The variable display device unit 35 includes a normal symbol display device 41 that variably displays with the passage of the second opportunity corresponding port 34 as a trigger, a special display device 43 that variably displays with a winning at the first opportunity corresponding port 33 as a trigger, A decorative symbol display device 42 is provided as a variable display device that performs variable display in accordance with the variable display by the special display device 43.

  The normal symbol display device 41 includes a plurality of light emitting means (LEDs), and each time the game ball passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34, the lighting display mode is switched and displayed (variable display), and the variable display is specified. When the lighting mode is stopped for several seconds, the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is activated (opened) for a predetermined time. The display contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by a main control device 261 described later. In addition, when a game ball newly passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34 during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display device 41, the fluctuation display of the normal symbol for that time is the fluctuation display being performed at that time. It is the structure performed after the end of. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44. Yes.

  The special display device 43 is composed of a plurality of light emitting units provided on the side of the normal symbol display device 41, and the combination of the light emitting units that are turned on each time the game ball passes through the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is switched ( Display fluctuating). And whether it is a big hit or not is definitely displayed by the combination of the light emitting sections that are lit when the variable display is stopped. The display content of the special display device 43 is also directly controlled by the main control device 261. Further, when a game ball is newly won in the first opportunity corresponding port 33 during the variable display of the special display device 43, the corresponding variable display is performed after the end of the variable display at that time. It has a configuration. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 46. Yes. In addition, when a new game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33 during the big hit state, the corresponding change display is also suspended.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and display contents are controlled by a sub-control device 262 described later. That is, in the decorative symbol display device 42, auxiliary display contents are determined by the sub-control device 262 based on a command from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the result displayed on the special display device 43, The display is performed by a display control device 45 described later. On the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, three symbol rows of upper, middle and lower are displayed. Each symbol sequence is composed of a plurality of symbols, and these symbols are scrolled and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 so as to be scrolled for each symbol sequence, and then the upper symbol sequence → the lower symbol sequence → the middle symbol sequence. Stops are displayed in order. The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a center frame 47 so as to surround the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is in an open state in which a game ball is likely to win in the case of a big hit (occurrence of a special game state). Specifically, the passage of a predetermined time or a predetermined number of winnings is defined as one round, and the large winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of rounds).

  Further, the game board 30 is provided with a rail 50 for guiding the game ball launched from the launching device 70 to the upper part of the game board 30. As a result, the game balls launched in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 18 are guided through the rails 50 into the game area formed on the game board surface. The rail 50 includes an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 (the upper left portion in FIG. 5). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the rail 50 to the upper part of the game board 30 returns to the rail 50 again.

  In the present embodiment, the outer rail component 52 is interrupted at the upper right portion of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 is interrupted at the lower right portion of the game board 30. For this reason, the game area is defined by the inner peripheral surface of the rail 50 and the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, the parallel part of the inner and outer rail components 51 and 52 is excluded.

  Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Various types of control boards are arranged on the pachinko machine 10 on the back side (actually on the back side of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30) so that they are arranged vertically and partially and overlapped in front and back. Furthermore, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into two mounting bases to form two control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30. Yes. In this case, the main board and the sub-control board are mounted on one mounting base to form a unit, and the dispensing control board, launch control board, and power supply board are mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit is referred to as “first control board unit 201”, and the latter unit is referred to as “second control board unit 202”. In addition, since the dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack, the unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203”. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

  The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured to be detachable without using a tool or the like in units, and further, a support shaft is provided in part. The inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30 can be opened and closed.

  First, the back configuration of the game board 30 will be described. As described above, the variable display device unit 35 is disposed in the center of the game board 30 with respect to the through hole formed by router processing. A resin frame cover 213 that covers the center frame 47 from behind is provided to the variable display device unit 35 so as to protrude rearward. Further, a decorative symbol display device 42 as a liquid crystal display device and a display control device 45 are detachably attached to the rear end of the frame cover 213 in a state where they are overlapped in the front-rear direction. In the frame cover 213, an LED control board for driving LEDs and the like built in the center frame 47 are disposed.

  A back frame set (not shown) is attached to the back surface of the game board 30 so as to surround the variable display device unit 35. This back frame set is a thin resin molded product provided so as to stick to the back surface of the game board 30 and includes a ball collection mechanism for collecting game balls won in various winning openings. Further, a discharge passage board 217 is attached to the inner frame 12 at a position below the back frame set (game board 30), and a discharge chute 218 for discharging discharge balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is attached to the discharge passage board 217. Is formed. Accordingly, all the game balls won in the general winning opening 31 and the like are gathered through the ball collection mechanism of the back frame set, and further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute 218 of the discharge passage board 217. Similarly, the out port 36 leads to the discharge chute 218, and the game balls that have not won any prize winning port are also discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute 218.

  In addition, on the back surface of the game board 30, a winning detection mechanism (detection switch) and the like for detecting the passage of gaming balls such as various winning holes are provided. The detection results detected by the winning detection mechanism are taken into a main board (main control device 261), which will be described later, and a payout command (the number of game balls paid out) corresponding to the winning situation is paid out from the main board. Sent to the control board. Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the output of the payout control board. In the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the payout of the game ball is electrically detected for each of the various winning openings, and the payout is immediately performed.

  The first control board unit 201 includes a main control device 261 and a sub control device 262. The main control device 261 includes a CPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port for communicating with various devices, and a random number used in various lotteries. A main board including a generator, a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc., and this main board is housed in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. Yes. The substrate box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing unit, and when the substrate box 263 is opened, a predetermined trace is left in the sealing unit. As a result, it is possible to easily find out that the board box 263 has been illegally opened.

  The sub-control device 262 includes a CPU that controls various effects according to instructions from the main control device 261 (main board), a ROM that stores various programs, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, It has a sub-control board that includes a port for communicating with the device, a random number generator used for various lotteries, a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc. The substrate is also housed in a substrate box corresponding to the sub control substrate.

  The second control board unit 202 includes a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a power supply device 313, and a card unit connection board 314. The payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, and the power supply device 313 are equipped with a control board including a central control CPU, ROM, RAM, various ports and the like as is well known. The payout of prize balls and rental balls is controlled by the substrate. In addition, the launch control board of the launch control apparatus 312 controls the launch apparatus and the like according to the operation of the handle 18 by the player, and the power supply board of the power supply apparatus 313 generates a predetermined power supply voltage required for various control apparatuses and the like. Is output.

  The payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, and the power supply device 313 are also housed in the corresponding substrate boxes 315, 316, and 317. However, the launch control device 312 (substrate box 316) is disposed behind the power supply device 313 (substrate box 317). Further, the substrate box 315 in which the dispensing control device 311 is accommodated is provided with a sealing unit in the same manner as the main control device 261 described above, so that a trace of opening the substrate box 315 remains.

  The payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball clogged in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to a normal state).

  The power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that even if a power failure occurs, the pachinko machine 10 retains the state at the time of the power failure and can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure when returning from the power failure (power recovery). it can. Therefore, when the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, at the end of the game hall), the state before the power is turned off is stored, and when returning to the initial state when the power is turned on, the power is turned on while holding down the RAM erase switch 323. .

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. The back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a resin-formed back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352 are integrated.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and has a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display device unit 35. However, in the present embodiment, a part of the sub-control device 262 and the main control device 261 is also enclosed.

  The payout mechanism 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided above the protective cover portion 354, and game balls supplied from island facilities of the game arcade are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, a case rail 357 is formed vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. It is connected. In addition, a payout device 358 as a payout means is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and as many game balls as the number corresponding to the occurrence of award balls or rental balls are appropriately paid out. Then, the game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 and the like. In addition, a vibrator 360 that adds vibration to the tank rail 356 is attached to the tank rail 356. If a ball clog occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven to eliminate the ball clogging. Is planned.

  The payout mechanism 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power from the outside. Yes. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, an AC 24V main power supply via a voltage converter, and the power switch 382a is switched on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 382a.

  In this embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 and the back pack unit 203 are locked to the inner frame 12. These locking mechanisms are embodied by a single locking device 600 and are attached along the right side of the inner frame 12 (left side in FIG. 6). The locking device 600 includes a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1 and the like) exposed on the front surface side of the front frame set 14, and a key is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 700 and rotated to one side. The inner frame 12 can be unlocked, and the front frame set 14 and the back pack unit 203 can be unlocked by rotating to the other side. The locking mechanism of the back pack unit 203 may be omitted.

  In this embodiment, the payout device 358 has a feature. Here, the payout device 358 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15 is a perspective view of the dispensing device 358 when viewed from the rear left side, FIG. 16 is a front view of the dispensing device 358 with the lid member 444 removed, and FIG. 17 is a left side view of the dispensing device 358. FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the dispensing device 358. 19 is a perspective view of the dispensing device 358 with the lid member 444 removed, FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing device 358 as viewed from the back side, and FIG. 21 is viewed from the front side. FIG.

  The payout device 358 is for paying out a required number of game balls supplied to the tank 355 from the outside of the pachinko machine 10 to the upper plate 19 (the lower plate 15 when the upper plate 19 is full). Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, the payout device 358 includes a ball passage 401 that constitutes a part of a guide passage for guiding a game ball from the tank 355 to the upper plate 19 or the lower plate 15, and The sprocket 402 is disposed in the ball passage 401 and configured to be able to stop the flow of game balls, and can be rotated to flow the game balls one by one downstream. ing. Further, as shown in FIG. 20 and the like, the payout control device 311 controls the driving, and a payout motor 403 as a driving means for rotating the sprocket 402 by driving, and a game ball paid out as the payout motor 403 is driven. And a payout detection switch 404 as a payout detecting means for detecting the above.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the ball passage 401 has an introduction portion 411 for introducing the game ball that has passed through the tank 355, the tank rail 356, and the case rail 357 (see FIG. 6) into the inside of the payout device 358. Located on the downstream side of the part 411, a feed part 412 on which the sprocket 402 is disposed, and a discharge path (not shown) that is located on the downstream side of the feed part 412 and leads to the upper plate 19 or the lower plate 15 as a ball receiving tray. It is comprised from the derivation | leading-out part 413 which connects. In this embodiment, the tank rail 356 and the case rail 357 have two guide passages (two paths) through which game balls flow down in one row. Corresponding to this, there are also two guide passages in the introduction section 411, and the game ball is guided to the sprocket 402 by two paths (see FIG. 19 and the like). Further, as will be described in detail later, the game balls located in the respective guide passages of the introduction unit 411 are alternately transferred to the deriving unit 413 one by one as the sprocket 402 rotates. The game ball sent to the derivation unit 413 flows down the derivation unit 413 and a discharge path (not shown) by its own weight and is paid out to the upper plate 19 or the lower plate 15. In the present embodiment, the guide passage is combined into one in the derivation unit 413.

  The payout motor 403 is constituted by a stepping motor having four excitation phases, and constitutes driving means for applying a driving force for rotating the sprocket 402. A pulse signal output from the payout control device 311 is input to the payout motor 403, and a built-in rotor rotates by a predetermined angle according to the input signal. The rotation torque of the rotor is output as rotation of the output shaft 403b through a gear (not shown) in the motor case 403a (see FIGS. 20 and 21), and the sprocket 402 attached to the output shaft 403b rotates. .

  As shown in FIGS. 20, 21, etc., the sprocket 402 includes a pair of rotating plates 421 a and 421 b, a connecting shaft 422 that connects the center portions of the pair of rotating plates 421 a and 421 b, and a connecting shaft 422. A transmission portion 423 that is formed by extending one end portion and is attached to the output shaft 403b of the dispensing motor 403 is provided. For convenience of explanation, the rotary plate on the side away from the payout motor 403 is referred to as a first rotary plate 421a, and the rotary plate on the payout motor 403 side is referred to as a second rotary plate 421b.

  The transmission portion 423 has a shaft hole having a substantially D-shaped cross section, and the tip portion of the output shaft 403b of the payout motor 403 has a shape that matches the shape of the shaft hole of the transmission portion 423. For this reason, the shaft hole of the transmission part 423 and the output shaft 403 b are more reliably engaged, and the rotational torque of the payout motor 403 is transmitted to the sprocket 402.

  The pair of rotating plates 421a and 421b are arranged corresponding to the downstream portions of the respective guide passages of the introduction portion 411, and receive and stop the game balls flowing into the respective guide passages of the introduction portion 411 (the game balls And has a function of transporting the game ball received by rotating to the outlet unit 413 on the downstream side.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 20, etc., the rotating plates 421a and 421b are substantially arc-shaped portions of the outer peripheral portion of the circular plate-like body that face each other with respect to the center of the plate-like body. It has a point-symmetric shape that is notched in (substantially S-shaped). Therefore, the rotating plates 421a and 421b include a pair of transfer recesses 425 that are recessed toward the center of the rotating plates 421a and 421b along the outer periphery, and a general outer periphery 426 that is a portion between the pair of transfer recesses 425. Is formed.

  In the present embodiment, a wall portion (an intermediate portion 462 of a passage block 442, a guide rib 456 of a base plate 441, a guide rib 497 of a lid member 444) and a general outer peripheral portion 426 that constitute a feed portion 412 of the ball passage 401 are described. There is no space where the game ball can flow down between them, while there is enough space between the wall portion constituting the feed portion 412 and the transfer recess 425 to allow one game ball to be positioned. It is secured. The game balls are accommodated in the transfer recesses 425 of the rotary plates 421a and 421b, and the sprocket 402 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. Sent out. In this embodiment, after the predetermined game ball is accommodated in the transfer recess 425, the sprocket 402 is rotated about 90 degrees, so that the predetermined game ball is pulled out of the transfer recess 425 by its own weight and flows down the lead-out portion 413. Will be. As described above, it is possible to configure a mechanism capable of stopping the flow of the game ball in the middle of the guide passage leading to the upper plate 19 (lower plate 15) and discharging the game ball as required.

  The pair of rotating plates 421a and 421b have substantially the same shape, but their longitudinal directions (positions where the transfer recesses 425 are formed) are shifted by 90 degrees around the connecting shaft 422. As described above, when the first rotating plate 421a and the second rotating plate 421b are shifted by 90 degrees, the game balls are sent to the lead-out unit 413 one by one. That is, two game balls are not supplied to the lead-out part 413 having only one guide passage at the same time, and the occurrence of clogging of the balls can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 20 and the like, the payout detection switch 404 has a switch opening 404a large enough to allow game balls to pass one by one, and magnetically interacts with the game ball passing through the switch opening 404a. It consists of a proximity sensor that detects the game ball by action. As shown in FIG. 16, the payout detection switch 404 is disposed in the derivation unit 413. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the guide passage is integrated into one in the derivation unit 413, all game balls paid out by one payout detection switch 404 can be detected. The payout detection switch 404 is not necessarily a proximity sensor, and another sensor such as a photo sensor may be employed.

  As shown in FIGS. 20, 21, etc., the payout device 358 includes a device relay board 406 that relays the electrical connection between the payout detection switch 404 and the payout motor 403 and the payout control device 311. More specifically, the payout detection switch 404 and the device relay board 406 are electrically connected by a detection harness 431, and the payout motor 403 and the device relay board 406 are electrically connected by a drive harness 432. . Further, in this embodiment, the device relay board 406 is electrically connected to the payout control device 311 by the control harness 433 (in practice, between the device relay board 406 and the payout control device 311). Dispensing relay board 381 is interposed). That is, a signal line for inputting a signal from the payout detection switch 404 output from the device relay board 406 to the payout control device 311 and a signal for controlling the payout motor 403 output from the payout control device 311. Signal wires for inputting to the device relay board 406 are combined into one as a control harness 433 and connected to the device relay board 406 by one connector.

  Incidentally, the detection harness 431 includes two insertion side connectors 431a and 431b connected to the payout detection switch 404 and the receiving side connectors 435 and 437 of the apparatus relay board 406, and two signal lines. The driving harness 432 includes two insertion-side connectors 432a and 432b connected to the payout motor 403 and the receiving-side connectors 436 and 438 of the apparatus relay board 406, and four signal lines. The harness 433 includes two insertion-side connectors 433a and 433b connected to the receiving-side connector (not shown) of the payout control device 311 and the receiving-side connector 439 of the device relay board 406, and six signal lines. Is. The signal lines are all the same color.

  In the present embodiment, the detection harness 431 and the receiving side connectors 435 and 437 constitute detection electrical connection means, and the driving harness 432 and the receiving side connectors 436 and 438 constitute driving electrical connection means. . Further, a harness (control harness) that electrically connects the payout control device 311 and the payout relay board 381, a payout relay board 381, and a harness that electrically connects the payout relay board 381 and the device relay board 406. (Control harness 433), device relay board 406, detection harness 431, and drive harness 432 constitute an electrical connection means. Further, the receiving side connector 435 of the payout detection switch 404 constitutes a detection connecting portion, and the insertion side connector 431a of the detecting harness 431 connected to the receiving side connector 435 constitutes a connection terminal portion of the electrical connecting means. To do. In addition, the receiving-side connector 436 of the payout motor 403 constitutes a driving connection portion, and the insertion-side connector 432a of the driving harness 432 connected to the receiving-side connector 436 constitutes a connection terminal portion of the electrical connection means. To do. Further, the plug-in side connector 433a connected to the device relay board 406 in the control harness 433 constitutes a common connector.

  Next, the configuration of the main body of the dispensing device 358 that configures the ball passage 401 and attaches the dispensing motor 403, the dispensing detection switch 404, and the like will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 19, 20, etc., the payout device 358 includes a base plate 441 (base member) to which the payout motor 403 is fixed on the back side, and a right side of the ball passage 401 fixed to the front side of the base plate 441. A passage block 442 constituting the wall portion, a cover panel 443 which is fixed to the left side of the base plate 441 and constituting the left wall portion of the ball passage 401, and the ball passage fixed to the front side of the passage block 442 and the cover panel 443 And a lid member 444 constituting the front wall portion of 401.

  As shown in FIG. 20 and the like, the base plate 441 has a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction, and is made of a black conductive polycarbonate resin. A shaft hole 451 through which the output shaft 403b of the payout motor 403 is inserted is formed in a substantially central portion of the base plate 441. A pair of motor mounting holes 452a are provided at symmetrical positions around the shaft hole 451, and are aligned with the motor holes 452b of the motor case 403a to which the payout motor 403 is mounted, and are fixed by screws. Thereby, the payout motor 403 is attached to the back side of the base plate 441. The motor mounting hole 452a is configured as a bottomed boss hole that opens to the back side of the base plate 441. From the front side of the base plate 441, a screw screwed into the motor hole 452b and the motor mounting hole 452a. It is impossible to touch

  The base plate 441 is formed in a lower right portion when viewed from the back side (the side in FIG. 20) and protrudes rearward from the back side of the base plate 441, and has a substantially frame shape that fits the front side portion of the device relay board 406. A locking portion 453 is provided. Further, an insertion hole 454 that penetrates forward and backward and allows the payout detection switch 404 to be inserted is formed in a lower left portion when the base plate 441 is viewed from the back side. In the present embodiment, the part of the payout detection switch 404 in which the switch opening 404a is provided is arranged in the lead-out part 413 as described above, but the connector part in which the receiving connector 435 is provided has an insertion hole 454. It will be located in the back side of base board 441. In addition, the lower edge portion of the insertion hole 454 is provided with a hook-like positioning projection 455 extending rearward and having its tip end turned upward. The front end portion of the positioning protrusion 455 is configured to be able to come into contact with the rear end portion of the payout detection switch 404 inserted through the insertion hole 454, and restricts the backward movement of the payout detection switch 404.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 21, a guide rib 456 that constitutes the rear wall portion of the feed portion 412 and the lead-out portion 413 of the ball passage 401 protrudes from the front surface of the base plate 441. The guide rib 456 has a projecting length that gradually increases toward the downstream side of the ball passage 401, and has a function of guiding the game ball sent out from the second rotating plate 421 b to the center side of the lead-out portion 413. However, the guide rib 456 is formed with a gap portion 456a through which the payout detection switch 404 is inserted at a portion corresponding to the insertion hole 454 (see FIG. 21). In addition, a cylindrical tilt prevention portion 458 surrounding the shaft hole 451 is provided on the front surface of the base plate 441, and the transmission portion 423 of the sprocket 402 connected to the output shaft 403b of the payout motor 403 is provided in the tilt prevention portion 458. Is inserted.

  The passage block 442 includes an upper portion 461 constituting the right wall portion of the introduction portion 411 of the ball passage 401, an intermediate portion 462 constituting the right wall portion of the feeding portion 412, and a lower portion 463 constituting the right wall portion of the outlet portion 413. And is made of a black conductive polycarbonate resin. As shown in FIG. 20, screw fixing portions 464 having block retaining holes 464a are provided at the rear edge portions of the upper portion 461 and the lower portion 463, and are aligned with the screw holes 464b formed in the base plate 441. The passage block 442 is attached to the base plate 441 by screwing from the back side of the base plate 441. In addition, when the passage block 442 is attached, the convex portion 466a protruding rearward from the upper portion 461 of the passage block 442 is engaged with the engagement hole 466b formed in the base plate 441, and the lower portion 463 of the passage block 442 is The base plate 441 and the passage block 442 are positioned by engaging with a U-shaped support protrusion 467 (see FIG. 21) formed in the lower right portion of the front surface of the base plate 441. Since the screw fixing portion 464 is in close contact with the front surface of the base plate 441 when the passage block 442 is attached, it is impossible to contact the screw screwed to the screw fixing portion 464 from the ball passage 401 side. The

  In order to form two guide passages in the introduction portion 411, a partition plate 468 is provided that extends from the left surface of the upper portion 461 and bisects the introduction portion 411 in the front-rear direction. Further, a guide recess 469 (see FIGS. 16 and 20) recessed to the right is formed in the lower portion 463, and the right side portion of the payout detection switch 404 is inserted and supported inside the guide recess 469.

  As shown in FIGS. 15, 17, 20, etc., the cover panel 443 is basically configured as a single plate-like body. However, from a functional viewpoint, the cover panel 443 is positioned in front of the base plate 441. 401 is divided into a passage corresponding portion 471 constituting the left wall portion and a cover corresponding portion 472 extending from the rear end portion of the passage corresponding portion 471 to the rear side of the dispensing motor 403 fixed to the back side of the base plate 441. be able to. Hereinafter, the cover panel 443 will be described. For convenience, the cover corresponding portion 472 will be described first, and the passage corresponding portion 471 will be described later. Since the cover panel 443 is made of a transparent polycarbonate resin, the inside of the ball passage 401, the payout motor 403, and the like can be viewed from the left side surface of the payout device 358 via the cover panel 443.

  The cover-corresponding portion 472 includes a flat panel body 473 whose vertical direction is the left-right direction, and a frame extending from the upper and rear edges (left side in FIG. 17) to the right side (back side in FIG. 17) of the panel body 473. A portion 474 and a step forming portion 475 provided at the lower edge of the panel main body 473. The step forming portion 475 includes an extending portion 475a extending rightward from the lower edge portion of the panel body 473, and a lower plate-like portion 475b extending downward from the tip of the extending portion 475a. The step forming portion 475 is provided not only in the cover corresponding portion 472 but also in the passage corresponding portion 471.

  A boundary rib 477 extending rightward from the panel body 473 is provided along a boundary portion between the cover corresponding portion 472 and the passage corresponding portion 471. When attaching the base plate 441 and the cover panel 443, the rear surface of the boundary rib 477 is brought into contact with the front surface of the base plate 441, and the left side portion of the base plate 441 is placed on the upper edge of the panel body 473 in the frame portion 474. It fits between the corresponding site | part and the extension part 475a of the level | step difference formation part 475, and is contact | abutted with the right surface of the panel main body 473 (refer FIG. 17).

  Further, a slit portion 478a into which the base convex portion 478b can be inserted is formed at a position corresponding to the base convex portion 478b protruding from the left side portion of the base plate 441. The panel body 473 is provided with an opening 479a below the slit 478a, extends forward from the rear edge of the opening 479a, and the front end is folded back to the right (the payout motor 403 side). A base presser portion 479b is provided. In addition, the boundary rib 477 is formed with a fitting convex portion 480a (see FIG. 20) projecting rearward below the base pressing portion 479b.

  Then, when the base plate 441 and the cover panel 443 are attached, the front end portion of the base pressing portion 479b is brought into contact with the rear surface of the boundary rib 477 and the front surface of the base plate 441 as described above. The fitting convex portion 480a is fitted into a locking hole 480b (see FIG. 21) formed in the base plate 441 while being in contact with and supported by the back surface. Thereby, the positioning of the base plate 441 and the cover panel 443 is surely performed, and the possibility that both of them are displaced is prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a boss 481 protruding rightward is provided on the upper portion of the cover corresponding part 472. In the state where the cover panel 443 and the base plate 441 are positioned as described above, the tip of the boss 481 substantially abuts on the mounting piece 482 protruding from the back surface of the base plate 441 and the boss 481. The boss hole 481a matches the panel retaining hole 482a formed in the mounting piece 482. The cover panel 443 is attached to the base plate 441 by screwing the panel retaining holes 482a and the boss holes 481a from the right side. In the present embodiment, screws for attaching the cover panel 443 to the base plate 441 constitute the attaching means.

  In addition, the panel main body 473 is provided with a support collar 483 extending from the lower part of the rear edge toward the right side and having the front end folded back to the front. Then, when the cover panel 443 is attached to the base plate 441 and the front side portion of the relay board for device 406 is fitted into the locking portion 453 of the base plate 441, the right side surface of the lower plate portion 475b of the step forming portion 475 is formed. The back surface of device relay board 406 (the surface on which receiving connectors 437, 438, and 439 are not provided) abuts, and the front end of support collar 483 locks the rear end of device relay board 406. Will be. Further, the lower plate-like portion 475b is provided with a retaining protrusion 484 that protrudes to the right at a position that substantially contacts the lower surface of the device relay board 406. Due to the presence of the retaining protrusion 484, the downward movement of the device relay board 406 is restricted.

  The passage corresponding part 471 includes an upper plate-like part 485 that forms the left wall part of the introduction part 411, and a lower plate-like part 486 that covers the left side of the sprocket 402 and the lead-out part 413 provided in the feed part 412. ing. The upper plate-like portion 485 extends forward from the tip end portion (right end portion) of the boundary rib 477, and the lower plate-like portion 486 extends forward from the front edge portion of the panel body 473 of the cover corresponding portion 472. The passage corresponding portion 471 includes a connecting plate portion 487 (see FIGS. 15 and 17) that connects the upper plate-like portion 485 and the lower plate-like portion 486, an upper plate-like portion 485, a connecting plate portion 487, and a lower plate-like portion 486. A front plate portion 488 (see FIG. 21) covering the front of the plate-like portion 486 and a pedestal portion 489 (see FIGS. 16 and 21) protruding rightward from the lower plate-like portion 486 are provided.

  The upper plate-like portion 485 is formed with a locking hole 490a (see FIGS. 17 and 21) for locking the locking projection 490b protruding from the tip (left side) of the partition plate 468 of the passage block 442. Has been. Further, as described above, a step forming portion 475 (see FIGS. 17 and 20) formed continuously from the lower edge of the panel body 473 is provided at the lower edge of the lower plate-like portion 486. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the distal end portion (right end portion) of the pedestal portion 489 is located between the pair of rotating plates 421 a and 421 b on the lower side of the connecting shaft 422 of the sprocket 402. In the present embodiment, the pedestal portion 489 (the right side portion of the pedestal portion 489) constitutes the left wall portion of the derivation portion 413 so that the game ball does not enter between the pair of rotating plates 421a and 421b. . A guide recess 492 that is recessed leftward is formed on the right side of the pedestal 489, and the left end of the payout detection switch 404 is inserted and supported inside the guide recess 492.

  Note that the second rotating plate 421b has a configuration in which at least a part thereof overlaps the pedestal 489 in the front-rear direction, which is also the extending direction of the connecting shaft 422 (output shaft 403b), at any stop angle. For this reason, in a state where the cover panel 443 is attached to the base plate 441, even if the sprocket 402 is pulled out forward, the second rotary plate 421b abuts on the pedestal portion 489 and cannot be removed.

  The lid member 444 is a plate-like member that is made of a black conductive polycarbonate resin and closes an opening between the front side portion of the passage block 442 and the front side portion of the cover panel 443. As shown in FIG. 20, the rear surface of the lid member 444 corresponds to a positioning convex portion or a step portion provided on the front side portion of the passage block 442 or the front plate portion 488 of the passage corresponding portion 471 of the cover panel 443. The recessed part and level | step-difference part which were made are formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the lid member 444 has a lid hole 494 a provided in a lower part 463 of the passage block 442, a front plate part 488 of the cover panel 443, and a boss part 494 extending forward from the base part 489. A lid fixing hole 496 is formed at a position corresponding to. The lid hole 494a and the lid fixing hole 496 are aligned and fixed by screws from the front, whereby the lid member 444 is attached to the dispensing device 358 (the passage block 442 and the cover panel 443).

  Since the cross hole of the screw for attaching the lid member 444 is sandwiched between the payout device 358 and the resin base 38 in the attached state of the payout device 358, the payout device 358 is removed from the inner frame 12. Unless this is the case, the lid member 444 cannot be removed.

  Further, on the back surface of the lid member 444, a guide rib 497 (see FIG. 20) that constitutes the front wall portion of the feed portion 412 and the lead-out portion 413 of the ball passage 401 is opposed to the guide rib 456 of the base plate 441. It is installed. The guide rib 497 gradually increases in length toward the downstream side of the ball passage 401, and the game ball sent out from the first rotating plate 421 a is guided to the center side of the lead-out portion 413 by the guide rib 497. Is done. Further, a U-shaped notch 497a is formed in the lower part of the guide rib 497, and the front end of the payout detection switch 404 is fitted and supported.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 20 and the like, the connecting shaft 422 of the sprocket 402 is formed with a shaft hole having a circular cross section, and a cylindrical shaft 498a is inserted into the shaft hole. Further, the front end portion of the shaft 498 a is inserted into and supported by a support recess 499 formed on the back side of the lid member 444. As a result, the rotation of the sprocket 402 is stabilized. Note that the diameter of the shaft 498 a is configured to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the shaft hole of the connecting shaft 422, and the shaft 498 a is freely rotatable when inserted into the shaft hole of the connecting shaft 422. The shaft 498a is not directly supported by the support recess 499, but is supported via a cylindrical bearing 498b fitted to the front end of the shaft 498a. Thereby, compared with the case where the support recessed part 499 supports the shaft 498a directly, the surrounding wall part of the support recessed part 499 becomes difficult to be shaved. Further, a washer 498c is interposed between the sprocket 402 and the bearing 498b, and the situation where the sprocket 402 and the bearing 498b are scraped and scraped is suppressed.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 20, the payout device 358 attaches the payout device 358 to the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) at the upper right portion of the base plate 441 and the step forming portion 475 of the cover panel 443. The mounting part 500 is provided. Then, it is fitted into the installation space provided below the case rail 357, and the mounting hole 500a formed in the mounting portion 500 is aligned with the hole on the inner frame 12 side and fixed with screws, so that the payout device 358 is installed inside. It is attached to the frame 12. Thereby, the guide passage from the tank 355 to the upper plate 19 or the lower plate 15 is communicated.

  In the present embodiment, a cover member 701 is provided to cover members such as the payout motor 403 provided on the back side of the base plate 441. In the present embodiment, the cover member is constituted by the cover member 701 and the cover panel 443 (cover corresponding portion 472). The cover panel 443 constitutes a first cover member, and the cover member 701 constitutes a second cover member.

  The cover member 701 includes a vertical plate portion 703 that faces the back surface of the base plate 441, an upper plate portion 704 that extends forward from the upper edge portion of the vertical plate portion 703, and a lower portion that extends forward from the lower edge portion of the vertical plate portion 703. It consists of a plate portion 705 and a right plate portion 706 extending forward from the right edge of the vertical plate portion 703, and has a box shape opening forward and leftward. The cover member 701 is made of a transparent synthetic resin (for example, polycarbonate), and members such as the dispensing motor 403 accommodated in the cover member 701 can be visually recognized from the outside.

  The vertical plate portion 703 includes a pair of upper and lower locking claws 711a protruding leftward from the left end edge (on the cover panel 443 side) (see FIG. 20). The locking claws 711a are respectively locked in a pair of upper and lower locking holes 711b formed in the rear end portion of the panel main body 473 of the cover panel 443 at the time of attachment. Further, when the cover member 701 is attached, the front end portion of the fastening portion 712b that protrudes rearward from the base plate 441 with respect to the fastening hole 712a provided in the right plate portion 706 and is folded back to the right is locked. Is done. Thus, the cover member 701 is positioned with respect to the cover panel 443 and the base plate 441 by locking the locking claw 711a in the locking hole 711b and locking the locking portion 712b in the locking hole 712a. . Since the cover panel 443 is provided with a support convex portion 713 that supports the front surface of the vertical plate portion 703 between the pair of locking holes 711b, the vertical plate portion 703 is pushed forward. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the locking claw 711a is damaged or a gap is formed between the vertical plate portion 703 and the cover panel 443.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20, the vertical plate portion 703 has a bottomed cover mounting hole portion 721 into which a screw can be inserted from the back side of the vertical plate portion 703, and a screw hole ( (Not shown) is formed. As described above, in a state where the cover member 701 is positioned with respect to the cover panel 443 and the base plate 441, the bottom surface of the cover mounting hole portion 721 protrudes backward from the base plate 441. The boss hole of the cover mounting boss 722 and the screw hole of the cover mounting hole 721 are matched with each other while being substantially in contact with the distal end portion of 722. Then, the cover member 701 is attached to the base plate 441 by inserting a screw into the cover attachment hole 721 from the back side of the vertical plate 703 and fixing the screw hole and the boss hole with screws.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the breaker screw 731 (fixing means) that can remove the cross hole 732 (tool engaging portion) that engages with the tip of the driver (tool) is used to attach the cover member 701. More specifically, the breaking screw 731 includes a screw main body 733 in which a screw thread (not shown) is formed, and a diameter-expanded portion 734 provided at one end of the screw main body 733. The enlarged diameter portion 734 is formed with a cross hole 732 at the tip portion and a reduced diameter portion (necked portion 735) at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the breaking screw 731. After the fracture screw 731 is screwed into the boss hole of the cover mounting boss 722 and the screw hole of the cover mounting hole 721, a force is further applied to the cross hole 732, so that the constricted portion 735 of the expanded diameter portion 734 is formed. And the tip portion 736 in which the cross hole 732 is formed is removed.

  In addition, the breaking screw 731 in the attached state is located inside the cover attaching hole 721 and is in a state of being immersed inside the cover region from the back surface of the vertical plate portion 703 of the cover member 701. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 734 of the breaking screw 731 and the inner diameter of the cover mounting hole 721 are substantially the same, and there is almost no gap between the enlarged diameter portion 734 and the inner peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting hole 721. The gap is gone.

  After the cover member 701 is attached, the left end edge of the cover member 701 and the tip end portion of the frame portion 474 of the cover panel 443 are abutted, and the front end edge of the cover member 701 and the peripheral edge portion of the base plate 441 are abutted. Thereby, there is almost no gap between the cover member 701, the cover panel 443, and the base plate 441. Therefore, it is difficult or impossible to contact each member housed in the area (cover area) on the back side of the base plate 441 and covered with the cover member 701 and the cover panel 443 (cover corresponding part 472). The However, as shown in FIG. 18, between the right side portion of the lower plate portion 705 of the cover member 701 and the cover panel 443, the payout control device 311 and the receiving side connector 439 of the device relay board 406 are arranged. A connection opening 741 for connecting the plug-in side connector 433b of the electrically connected control harness 433 is formed. The cover area accommodates the payout motor 403, the connector portion of the payout detection switch 404 (portion where the receiving side connector 435 is provided), the drive harness 432, the detection harness 431, and the device relay board 406. Yes. Further, screws (cross holes) for attaching the cover panel 443 to the base plate 441 and screws (cross holes) for attaching the passage block 442 to the base plate 441 are also accommodated in the cover region.

  In addition, the front surface of the vertical plate portion 703 is provided with a slip prevention convex portion (not shown) at a position where it can contact the upper side portion and the right surface of the device relay board 406. This prevents the situation where the device relay board 406 is inclined upward or rightward. Also, the cover member 701 has a plurality of heat radiating holes, all of which are small, and some operation is performed on each member disposed in the cover region via the holes. Is virtually impossible to do.

  As described above in detail, in this embodiment, the cover member 701 that covers the back side of the base plate 441 is attached to the payout device 358 by the breaking screw 731. In the breaking screw 731, after the breaking screw 731 is screwed into the boss hole of the cover attachment boss 722 and the screw hole of the cover attachment hole 721, the tip portion 736 in which the cross hole 732 is formed is removed from the breaking screw 731. Therefore, it is impossible to engage the screwdriver in the cross hole 732 and turn the breaking screw 731. Furthermore, since the breaking screw 731 is immersed from the back surface of the vertical plate portion 703 of the cover member 701 and there is almost no gap between the cover mounting hole 721 and the enlarged diameter portion 734 of the breaking screw 731, the breaking screw 731. It is also impossible to rotate the sheet with pliers or the like. Accordingly, since the breaking screw 731 cannot be removed, the cover member 701 is attached to the dispensing device 358 so as not to be removed.

  Furthermore, since the screw for attaching the cover panel 443 to the base plate 441 is accommodated in the cover region when the cover member 701 is attached, the cover panel 443 cannot be removed.

  Accordingly, detection is performed among the payout motor 403 housed in the cover region, the connector portion of the payout detection switch 404 (the portion where the receiving side connector 435 is provided), the detection harness 431, the drive harness 432, and the device relay board 406. The receiving side connectors 437 and 438 connected to the wiring harness 431 and the driving harness 432 can be made difficult or impossible to contact. As a result, fraudulent acts such as improperly acquiring game balls or illegally reducing game balls to be paid out by improperly contacting the various members and causing the payout device 358 to malfunction. Suppression can be achieved.

  In order to remove the cover member 701 and the cover panel 443, it is necessary to break the cover member 701, the cover panel 443, and the base plate 441. In this case, it is impossible to completely restore the original form, and a trace remains. Therefore, it is possible to grasp that the cover member 701 and the cover panel 443 have been illegally removed, thereby suppressing the act of illegally removing the cover member 701 and the cover panel 443 and illegally modifying the dispensing device 358. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, a signal line for inputting a signal from the payout detection switch 404 output from the device relay board 406 to the payout control device 311 and a payout motor 403 output from the payout control device 311 are controlled. A signal line for inputting a signal for input to the device relay board 406 is connected to the device relay board 406 by one common connector (plug-in side connector 433b of the control harness 433). For this reason, when the insertion-side connector 433b is disconnected, not only a signal sent from the payout detection switch 404 to the payout control device 311 but also a signal sent from the payout control device 311 to the payout motor 403 is cut off. That is, by pulling out the signal line of the payout detection switch 404 while the signal line of the payout motor 403 is connected, the payout motor 403 is driven indefinitely while avoiding the detection (counting) of the game ball by the payout detection switch 404. Thus, it is possible to suppress illegal acts such as having game balls paid out permanently.

  Further, regarding the signal line of the control harness 433 and the reception side connector 439 of the device relay base 406 connected to the insertion side connector 433b of the control harness 433, which corresponds to the payout detection switch 404. Or it is a pin contact, and it is difficult to distinguish which is a signal line or pin contact corresponding to the payout motor 403. Accordingly, even after the cover member 701 is attached, even if the control harness 433 is detachable from the apparatus relay board 406 through the connection opening 741, the apparatus relay board 406 and the dispensing control device 311. It is possible to suppress illegal acts such as interposing an illegal substrate between the two. Since the payout control device 311 and the main control device 261 are accommodated in the board boxes 263 and 315 that cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left, the payout control device 311 and the main control device 261 are illegal boards. It is possible to prevent the act of exchanging with the other. Accordingly, fraud countermeasures are applied from the payout device 358 to the payout control device 311 and thus to the main control device 261, so that fraudulent acts related to payout can be more reliably suppressed.

  In addition, simply connecting the control harness 433 to the device relay base 406 enables the payout control device 311 to be electrically connected to the payout detection switch 404 and the payout motor 403, thereby improving the connection workability. You can also plan.

  In this embodiment, the lid member 444 can be attached to and detached from the dispensing device 358 even after the cover member 701 is attached to the dispensing device 358. For this reason, the ball passage 401 can be opened, and the ball clogging in the ball passage 401 can be eliminated, or the sprocket 402 can be maintained.

  On the other hand, the cover area covered by the cover member 701 and the cover panel 443 is isolated from the ball passage 401 by the base plate 441. Therefore, even if the lid member 44 is opened, the cover area 44 is opened from the ball passage 401 side into the cover area. It is impossible to make contact. Therefore, it is possible to reliably achieve an effect of suppressing an illegal act related to the payout performed by illegally operating various members disposed in the cover area.

  In addition, since the breaking screw 731 is employed as a means for detachably attaching the cover member 701, when removing the cover member 701, there is a relatively conspicuous trace on the cover member 701, the cover panel 443, or the like. Easy to form. For this reason, it can be found relatively easily that the cover member 701 has been removed. In addition, a general screw is used to attach the cover member 701, and workability is improved as compared with the case where the cover mounting hole 721 is filled with an adhesive or the cross hole of the screw is covered with a cap. Improvement is achieved.

  Further, a member (cover means) that covers the back side of the base plate 441 is composed of two parts, a cover member 701 and a cover panel 443. Thereby, complication of the mold structure and the like can be prevented. Further, since the screws (including the cross holes) for attaching the cover panel 443 to the base plate 441 cannot be contacted by being arranged in the cover region, the cover is made to be impossible to remove. There is no need for the screw itself to have a complicated configuration like the breaking screw 731 for attaching the member 701. For this reason, a general screw can be employed, and workability can be improved and costs can be reduced. Furthermore, when the cover member 701 can be detached from the dispensing device 358 during recycling and disposal, the cover panel 443 fixed with ordinary screws can be removed relatively easily, so that the cover panel 443 can be removed. The separation workability can be improved as compared with the case where it is fixed with a breaking screw. The screws for attaching the passage block 442 to the base plate 441 are also arranged in the cover region and are configured so as not to be contacted from the spherical passage 401 side. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such as removing the passage block 442 and forming a path of the game ball that causes the game ball to flow downstream even if the sprocket 402 does not rotate.

  Since the cover member 701 and the sprocket 402 cannot be removed, the payout device 358 is replaced when the payout motor 403 or the sprocket 402 fails. In the present embodiment, since the dispensing device 358 is unitized and detachably attached to the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), the replacement operation can be performed relatively easily.

  In addition, since the cover member 701 is made of a transparent material, it is relatively easy to detect that the cover member 701 or the like has been opened due to destruction or that fraud has been performed inside the cover area. Can be found.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main controller 261 (main board) of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. Various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The RAM 503 is a stack area that stores the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501, the return address of a control program executed by the CPU 501, and a work area (work area) that stores various flags, counters, I / O values, and the like. ) And a backup area 503a.

  The RAM 503 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and is stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 503a. All data is backed up.

  In the backup area 503a, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. (Similarly) is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is turned off by normal processing (see FIG. 9), and on the contrary, returning of each value written to the backup area 503a includes turning on the power (including turning on the power due to power failure cancellation). The same processing is performed in the main processing (see FIG. 8). Note that a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 when a power failure occurs due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Due to the occurrence, the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) is immediately executed.

  Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub control device 262, a special display device 43, a normal symbol display device 41, and other switches (not shown) are connected to the input / output port 505. With this configuration, the special display device 43 and the normal symbol display device 41 described above are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

  The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) includes a CPU 551 that is an arithmetic unit, various control programs executed by the CPU 551, a ROM 552 that stores fixed value data, and various control programs that are stored in the ROM 552. In addition to a RAM 553 that is a memory for temporarily storing data, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are also provided. The RAM 553 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

  A CPU 551, ROM 552, and RAM 553 are connected to the input / output port 554 via a bus line 555 and a display control device 45 is connected. Further, the speaker SP, various illumination units, and lamps 102 to 104 are connected to the input / output port 554.

  The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on, for example, a command signal (for example, a variation pattern command) transmitted from the main control device 261 and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display the display control device. As described above, in the present embodiment, the special display device 43 controlled by the main control device 261 displays whether or not it is a big hit, and the decorative symbol display device 42 controlled by the sub control device 262. Then, display according to the display of the special display device 43 is performed.

  The payout control device 311 controls the payout motor 403 to perform payout control of prize balls and rental balls. The CPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 511, various flags and counters, A work area (work area) in which values such as I / O are stored, and a backup area 513a are provided.

  The RAM 513 is configured to hold (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a. Data is backed up. Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  The backup area 513a has a stack pointer, each register at the time of power off, each register, so that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off. This is an area for storing values such as I / O. The writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is turned off by the main process (see FIG. 11), and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. As with the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SK1 is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When input to the CPU 511, NMI interrupt processing as power failure processing is immediately executed.

  In the work area, a payout permission flag for which the payout control device 311 is set to allow the payout of prize balls, a command reception flag set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and the main control device 261 And a command buffer for storing a command transmitted from. The work area is provided with a payout number storage area for storing the number of game balls to be paid out.

  The payout permission flag is a flag for setting a prize ball payout permission, and is turned on when a specific command for permitting the payout of the prize ball is transmitted from the main control device 261 and received, and is initially set. It is turned off when it is restored before the process or power shutdown. In the present embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command for instructing the initial processing of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command for instructing payout of a prize ball, and the main controller 261 having been restored to power. There are three payout return commands to be transmitted in this case.

  The command reception flag is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. Similar to the payout permission flag, an initial setting process or power-off is performed. It is turned off when it is returned to the front, and it is turned off when the received command is determined by the command determination process (see FIG. 13) described later.

  The command buffer is configured by a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all storage areas, the ring buffer is at the start of the storage area. The return command is configured to be updated. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 through a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a firing control device 312, a payout motor 403, and a payout detection switch 404 are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively. In FIG. 7, the payout relay board 381 is not shown.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch device 70, and the launch device 70 is permitted to drive when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, a firing permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal is detected that the player is touching the handle 18, and a firing stop switch that stops firing is operated. On the condition that it is not done, the launching device 70 is driven, and the game ball is launched at an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the handle 18.

  The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42 in accordance with an instruction from the sub-control device 262. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. And. An input / output port 554 of the sub control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. In addition, a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, and an image controller 526 are connected to the input port 527. An output port 529 is connected to the VDP 526 via a bus line 531, and a decorative symbol display device 42 as a liquid crystal display device is connected to the output port 529.

  The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527 and analyzes the received command or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command to control the VDP 526 ( Specifically, internal command generation for VDP 526 is performed. Thereby, display control in the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed.

  The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and fixed value data. The work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. It is.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory that stores character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The VDP 526 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative symbol display device 42. Since the VDP 526 is an IC chip, it is also referred to as a “drawing chip”, and the substance of the VDP 526 can be said to be a microcomputer chip with a dedicated firmware for drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the respective timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc. to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display it.

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erase switch 323. And. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches and motors, + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. These + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. Note that operation power (+12 V power, +5 V power, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SK1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. Based on the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute a power failure process (NMI interrupt processing).

  The power supply unit 541 normally outputs an output of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the process at the time of a power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain the value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clears backup data in the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 in accordance with the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erase switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the respective RAMs 503 and 513 are cleared in the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. The

  Next, the flow of main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started upon reset when power is turned on.

  First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, for example, 1 is set in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the sub-side control device (sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable. Wait processing is performed for about 2 seconds. In the subsequent step S103, RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON), and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S113 to clear (erase) the backup data. To do. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, it is determined in the subsequent step S105 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if it is not set, no backup data is stored. In this case as well, the process proceeds to step S113. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S106, and in the subsequent step S107, whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. That is, the effectiveness of the backup is determined. If the RAM determination value calculated here does not match the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, the backed up data is destroyed, and the process also proceeds to step S113 in this case.

  In the process of step S113, an initialization command is transmitted in order to initialize the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311 and the like that are the sub-side control devices. Thereafter, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Note that the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Instead of the RAM determination value, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall starts business. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S114 or the like). That is, in step S114, the used area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S115, the initial value of the RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S112, and the routine proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step S104: NO), it is a condition that the information on occurrence of power interruption is set and that the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal. In addition, the process at the time of power recovery (process at the time of power failure recovery) is executed. That is, in step S108, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S109, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared. In step S110, a command for returning the control device on the sub side to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted, and in step S111, the used register is returned from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S112, and the routine proceeds to normal processing described later.

  Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As its outline, the processing of steps S201 to S210 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S211 and S212 is executed with the remaining time.

  First, in step S201, a control signal based on the setting contents of the special display device 43 and the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 updated in the previous process is transmitted to each device, and output data such as a command is transmitted to each sub-side. External output processing to be transmitted to the control device is executed.

  For example, when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol, a variation pattern command, a symbol command, or the like is transmitted to the sub-control device 262. That is, the variation pattern command and the symbol command are commands that are output to the sub-control device 262 in order to cause the decorative symbol display device 42 to perform a display effect in accordance with the display performed on the special display device 43. This corresponds to the command information in the form. Therefore, the function of this external output process constitutes the command information output means in this embodiment. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 that has input the variation pattern command, the symbol command, etc. determines the variation mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the various commands, and displays the variation mode on the decorative symbol display device 42. An instruction is issued to the display control device 45 so as to display (variable display).

  Further, the sub-control device 262 determines a stop symbol (combination of stop symbols) based on the symbol command, and displays it after the fluctuation time has elapsed. The symbol command is a command for causing the sub-control device 262 to determine a stop symbol, a combination of probability variation symbols, a normal symbol combination, a front / rear off symbol combination, a front / rear off symbol combination, a complete out symbol design combination. Five classifications are designated, which are the combinations. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these commands and stop symbols in a table. Then, the sub control device 262 displays a stop symbol corresponding to the symbol command.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 9, in step S202, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, like the other counters, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the upper limit values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). To do. Then, the update values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  In the subsequent step S203, the prize ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

  Thereafter, in step S205, a first display control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the special display device 43 is set as to what kind of control is performed in the special display device 43, and the jackpot determination and the decorative pattern variation pattern (effect pattern) in the decorative design display device 42 are performed. Settings are made. Details of the first display control process will be described later. The decorative pattern variation pattern (effect pattern) corresponds to a display effect effect mode in the present embodiment.

  In step S206, variable winning device control processing is executed. In this process, the control content of the variable winning device 32 is set as to what control is performed in the variable winning device 32. As a result, when the big win state (special game state) is reached, the opening / closing process of the big winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds. Details of the variable winning device control process will be described later. The special game state control means in this embodiment is configured by the function of the variable winning device control process.

  In step S207, the second display control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are set as to what kind of control is performed in the normal symbol display device 41. Details of the second display control process will be described later.

  In step S208, an opportunity handling unit control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the first opportunity handling unit 33 is set as to what control is performed in the first opportunity handling unit 33.

  After that, in step S209, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if the occurrence information of power interruption is not set in the backup area 503a, it is determined in step S210 whether or not the next normal processing execution timing has been reached, that is, a predetermined time from the start of the previous normal processing (in this embodiment, It is determined whether or not 4 msec) has elapsed. And if predetermined time has already passed, it will transfer to Step S201 and will repeat the processing after the above-mentioned Step S201.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed from the start of the previous normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process. Repeatedly execute (step S211, step S212).

  That is, in step S211, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment).

  In step S212, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the change values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S209 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next execution timing of the normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, it is possible to update the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) at random by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, and similarly change The type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be updated at random.

  Now, if the occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S209: YES), the power is cut off, so that the processing after step S213 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power interruption. Is called. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S213, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area in step S214, and the value of the stack pointer is saved in the backup area 503a in step S215. To remember. Thereafter, in step S216, a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to other control devices (such as the payout control device 311). In step S217, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Thereafter, RAM access is prohibited in step S218, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  Next, payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the reception interrupt process will be described first with reference to FIG. 10, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control device 311. The reception interrupt process is a process executed by interruption when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the payout control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, the other processing executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 is temporarily waited, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 in step S3001 is first stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, and the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in step S3002. Turns on the command reception flag and ends this reception interrupt processing. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referred to and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is stored in order to store the next received command in the next storage area. Is updated.

  In the present embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed by the interrupt process executed when the command is received. For example, as illustrated in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, it is confirmed whether or not a command is received. If a command is received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513. The command reception flag may be turned on, and if no command is received, the process may proceed to command determination processing. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received by confirming a port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals.

  Next, main processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main process of the payout control apparatus 311. This main process is started upon a reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S3101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value set in advance is set in the stack pointer, and an interrupt mode is set. In step S3103, the RAM access is permitted, and in step S3104, an external interrupt vector is set.

  Thereafter, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. If the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S3107, and in step S3108, whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. No, that is, the validity of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 513. It should be noted that it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly stored.

  If no power-off occurrence information is set in step S3106, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) in step S3108, the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 513 after step S3115. Transition.

  In step S3115, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3116, the initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S3117, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to permit interruption.

  On the other hand, on the condition that the power failure occurrence information is set in step S3106 and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal in step S3108, the process at the time of power recovery (at the time of power failure recovery) Process). That is, in step S3109, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, power-off occurrence information is cleared in step S3110, and a payout permission flag that permits payout of prize balls is cleared in step S3111. In step S3112, the CPU peripheral device is initialized. In step S3113, the used register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. In step S3114, an interrupt is permitted.

  After the interruption is permitted in step S3114, it is determined in the process of step S3122 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the information on occurrence of power supply interruption is set, the power supply is cut off. Therefore, the processing after step S3123 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power supply interruption. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S3123, and a command determination process described later is executed in the next step S3124. Thereafter, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area in step S3125, the stack pointer value is stored in the backup area 513a in step S3126, and the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3127 to calculate the backup area 513a. In step S3128, RAM access is prohibited, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and work area to be backed up in the RAM 513.

  Note that since the process of step S3122 confirms the occurrence information of the power-off after the process performed at the time of turning on the power, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 is smaller than that in the middle of each process. Less and can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the payout control device 311 can be reduced. .

  Next, timer interrupt processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and a determination process for the command is performed (step S3201). This command determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing command determination processing performed by the payout control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S3124 and S3201), first, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is turned on in step S3301. The command reception flag is turned on when a command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received in the above-described reception interrupt process (see FIG. 10).

  If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is OFF, a new command has not been received from the main control device 261, and thus this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is on, the received command is read from the RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processing in steps S3302 to S3312 can be skipped until a new command is received, so that the control of the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

  The type of command read from the RAM 513 is determined in the processing of step S3304 to step S3306. In step S3304, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a payout initialization command. In step S3305, it is determined whether or not it is a payout return command. In step S3306, a winning ball command or a rental ball is determined. Whether it is a command or not is determined.

  If the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a payout initialization command, it is determined in step S3307 whether or not the payout permission flag has already been turned on. If the payout permission flag has been turned off, the main power is turned on. Since the initialization of the RAM 513 is instructed from the control device 261, the work area (area) other than the stack area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0 in step S3308, and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set in step S3309. Thereafter, in step S3312, the payout permission flag is turned on, and the payout permission for the winning ball is set.

  As described above, the main controller 261 performs initialization processing of the RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 initializes processing of the RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command. Therefore, the timing at which the RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which the RAM 513 is initialized are substantially at the same time. Therefore, even if the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to a shift in the initialization timing, the RAM 513 is initialized, and control corresponding to the received command cannot be performed. The occurrence of adverse effects can be prevented. In addition, since the payout permission flag is turned on after the RAM 513 is initialized, it is possible to reliably set the payout allowance for prize balls.

  On the other hand, if the payout permission flag has already been turned on in step S3307, the command determination process is terminated without clearing the work area of the RAM 513 and the initialization process of the RAM 513. That is, the processing in step S3307 prohibits initialization of the RAM 513 with the payout permission flag set. The payout initialization command is a command that is transmitted only when the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on when the power is turned on. Therefore, the payout initialization command is not received in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on. It is conceivable that the payout control device 311 has recognized the payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the work area of the RAM 513 is cleared (step S3308) and the initial value setting of the RAM 513 (step S3309) is executed in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on, the payout is not made when a prize ball remains. Although an adverse effect occurs and causes a loss to the player, since the RAM 513 is prevented from being initialized while the payout permission flag is turned on, it is possible to prevent the player from being lost.

  Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power cut-off. In order to permit the payout of the prize ball, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3312. That is, when there is information on occurrence of power interruption and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power interruption, the payout of the prize ball is permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3312, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a prize ball command or a ball rental command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), in step S3310, the received number of payouts (the number of prize balls, the number of rental balls). ) Is added to the total number of payouts stored in the payout number storage area and stored. In step S3311, the payout confirmation flag is turned on and a payout confirmation timer is set.

  Thereafter, in order to permit the game ball to be paid out, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3312. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads the winning ball command and the lending command stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), and stores the payout number of game balls corresponding to the command in the payout number storage area. Add to total payout number and store. In the present embodiment, game balls are paid out corresponding to the number of winning balls (number of balls to be lent) based on the winning ball command (rental command) transmitted from the main controller 261. Command) is a payout instruction command for instructing payout of game balls. Further, when a winning ball command (rental ball command) is received, the payout permission is immediately set, so that it is possible to pay out the gaming ball at an early stage with respect to winning or gaming ball lending operation. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3312, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Note that the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is not a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), is not a payout return command (step S3305: NO), and is not a prize ball command or a lending command ( In step S3306: NO), the command determination process is terminated without turning on the payout permission flag.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When the command determination process ends, it is determined in step S3202 whether or not the payout permission flag is turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag is not turned on, this processing is ended as it is. That is, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being paid out before the command is transmitted from the main control device 261.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S3202, the launch permission is set for the launch control device 312 in step S3203, and the state return switch 321 is checked in step S3204, and the state return operation is determined to be started. Perform a return operation. With this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, for example, when the payout motor is clogged, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to the normal state). .

  Thereafter, in step S3205, setting of the lower plate full state or the lower plate full state is performed according to the change in the state of the lower plate 15. That is, when the lower pan 15 is detected based on the detection signal of the lower pan full switch, when the lower pan is full, the lower pan full state is set, and when the lower pan full is not reached , Set the lower pan full release state. In step S3206, setting of a tank ball absence state (out of ball state) or a tank ball absence release state (ball state) is executed in accordance with a change in the state of the tank ball. In other words, the tank ball no switch state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and the special setting for the absence of the tank ball and the setting for the no tank ball state are executed. Perform configuration.

  Thereafter, in step S3207, for example, the presence / absence of a state to be notified, such as an error state, is determined.

  Subsequently, a payout control process for prize balls and rental balls is executed. Specifically, a payout number setting process is performed in step S3208. In the payout number setting process, it is confirmed whether or not the signal of the payout detection switch 404 has been received. If it has been received, the game ball has been paid out, and accordingly, it is stored in the payout number storage area. Subtract from the total number of payouts. In step S3209, a motor control state acquisition process for setting the control content of the payout motor 403 based on the total payout number stored in the payout number storage area is performed. In step S3210, a motor drive process is performed. Of course, in the case of the total payout number stored in the payout number storage area, the payout motor 403 is stopped.

  In step S3211, the state return switch 321 is checked to execute the ball removal process by driving the payout motor 403 on the condition that the ball removal disabled state is not set and the ball removal operation is not started. In a succeeding step S3212, the control of the vibrator 360 (vibration motor control) is executed on condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the process returns to the beginning of the timer interrupt process.

  Next, payout confirmation processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This payout confirmation process is started periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  First, in step S3401, it is determined whether or not a payout confirmation flag (see step S3311 in FIG. 13) is turned on. If a negative determination is made here, the present process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made, the process advances to step S3402 to determine whether or not the payout detection switch 404 is detected.

  If a negative determination is made in step S3402, the process proceeds to step S3403, the payout confirmation timer is referred to, and after receiving a prize ball command or a lending command from the main control device 261 (after confirming reception of the command), a predetermined value is obtained. Determine whether the time has passed. If an affirmative determination is made here, an error process for stopping driving of the payout motor 403 is executed in step S3404, and then this process ends. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S3405, the payout confirmation timer is subtracted, and the present process is terminated.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S3402, that is, if the detection of the game ball by the payout detection switch 404 is confirmed, the payout confirmation flag is turned off in step S3406, and the payout confirmation timer is canceled (off) in step S3407. ) And the process is terminated.

  In this manner, the payout control device 311 stops the driving of the payout motor 403 when there is no detection by the payout detection switch 404 even if a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the reception of the prize ball command or the lending command, and the game ball Can be canceled. Therefore, the game ball is unfairly played by disconnecting the payout detection switch 404 and the payout control device 311 or removing the payout detection switch 404 so that the payout detection switch 404 does not detect the game ball. It is possible to suppress illegal acts such as paying out a ball. In the error processing in step S3404, notification or notification may be performed in accordance with the stop of driving of the dispensing motor 403.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the cover member 701 is detachably attached to the base plate 441 by the break screw 731. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to such a configuration. For example, the end portion of the cover member 701 and the cover panel 443 and the base plate 441 may be fixed by an adhesive or heat welding.

  Further, for example, a locking portion having a claw portion may be provided for the cover member 701 and the locking portion may be locked to the base plate 441. For example, as shown in FIG. 22 (A), an extension portion 804 extending from the vertical plate portion 703 of the cover member 701 toward the front base plate 441 and the tip portion of each extension portion 804 are extended. A pair of locking portions 801 having claw portions 805 protruding in a direction intersecting with the protruding portion 804 are provided. It is desirable that the claw portions 805 of the pair of locking portions 801 have the protruding directions opposite to each other. In addition, a pair of locked portions 811 including a protruding portion 814 extending backward from the back surface of the base plate 441 and a hook portion 815 for hooking the claw portion 805 are provided. Then, the cover member 701 may be attached to the base plate 441 (dispensing device 358) by locking the claw portion 805 of the locking portion 801 to the flange portion 815 of the locked portion 811. According to the above configuration, the locking portion 801 is disposed in the cover region (a portion that cannot be contacted from the side of the ball passage 401 or from the outside of the dispensing device 358). The locked state of 805 cannot be released. That is, the cover member 701 is detachably attached to the base plate 441 (dispensing device 358). Further, the cover member 701 can be attached to the base plate 441 (dispensing device 358) only by locking the locking portion 801 to the locked portion 811 (one-touch), and the workability of mounting the cover member 701 can be improved. Can be planned.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 22B, instead of the locked portion 801 extending rearward from the base plate 441, an opening 817 is formed in the base plate 441, and is integrally formed with the base plate 441. A box-like hidden box 818 that covers the front of the opening 817 is provided. Then, the cover member 701 may be attached to the base plate 441 (dispensing device 358) by locking the claw portion 805 of the locking portion 802 to the front surface of the base plate 441 through the opening 817. Even when this configuration is adopted, the same effects as the configuration shown in FIG.

  In addition, the latching | locking parts 801 and 802 are good also as being provided inside predetermined intervals rather than the outer-periphery edge part of the contact part contact | abutted with the base board 441 among the cover members 701 in an attachment state. In this case, the act of releasing the locking state of the locking portions 801 and 802 can be more reliably prevented. Further, various fixing methods such as a combination of screwing by the breaking screw 731 and locking by the locking portion 801 may be combined. Of course, the cover member may be fixed by a plurality of breaking screws 731. In FIGS. 22A and 22B, the configuration of the front side of the base plate 441 (such as the ball passage 401) and the internal configuration of the cover region are not shown.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the game balls are paid out one by one by the payout motor 403 and the sprocket 402. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the game balls should be paid out. It suffices if the configuration allows payout of the number of balls. For example, a shutter that can support a game ball in the ball passage 401 and a solenoid that slides the shutter may be provided, and a predetermined number of game balls may be paid out by opening and closing the ball passage 401.

  Even when a rotating member such as the sprocket 402 is employed, the shape (for example, the number of transfer recesses 425) and the number of the rotating plates 421a and 421b are not limited, and a predetermined number of game balls are provided. Any configuration can be used as long as it can be sent to the downstream side (derivation unit 413). For example, the game balls may be transferred from the tank 355 to the payout device 358 in four rows (four guide passages) and sent to the lead-out unit 413 one by one using four rotating plates.

  (C) Although the sprocket 402 is not removable in the above embodiment, the sprocket 402 may be removed by opening the lid member 444. In this case, the sprocket 402 can be replaced.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the payout detection switch 404 and the payout motor 403 are provided with the receiving side connectors 435 and 436, and the detection harness 431 and the drive harness 432 are connected to each other. The insertion side connector provided at the tip of the signal line extending from the payout detection switch 404 and the payout motor 403 without passing through the connector may be connected to the apparatus relay board 406. In particular, when this configuration is adopted for the payout detection switch 404, even if the cover member 444 is opened and the payout detection switch 404 can be pulled out toward the ball path 401, the payout detection switch 404 and the apparatus relay board 406 are connected. The connector portion to be exposed is not exposed to the ball passage 401 side. For this reason, it is possible to more reliably prevent an illegal act such as an unauthorized substrate being interposed between the payout detection switch 404 and the device relay substrate 406. Note that the device relay board 406 may be omitted, and for example, the detection harness 431 and the drive harness 432 may be directly connected to the payout relay board 381 or the payout control device 311.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the number of game balls to be paid out is stored in the payout number storage area, and the total payout number stored in the payout number storage area is subtracted with the detection of the payout detection switch 404. The payout is stopped when the number reaches “0”. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this structure. For example, a rotation detection switch that detects the rotation of the rotation plates 421a and 421b of the sprocket 402 and the payout motor 403 is provided, and depending on how much the rotation plates 421a and 421b and the payout motor 403 are rotated based on the detection of the rotation detection switch. The payout may be stopped. In this case, the rotation detection switch constitutes a payout detection means.

  (F) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, a plurality of heat radiation holes formed in the vertical plate portion 703 and the like of the cover member 701 are formed so as to surround the cover mounting hole portion 721 (breaking screw 731). In addition, the holes for heat dissipation are close to each other. For this reason, the portion between the holes for heat dissipation is broken with a nipper or the like, and the cover member 701 (most portion except the portion fixed to the base plate 441 by the breaking screw 731) is separated from the dispensing device 358. Can be made. Therefore, when the pachinko machine 10 is recycled or discarded, the pachinko machine 10 is easily separated and the workability is improved.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 23, the number of the heat radiating holes 851 surrounding the cover mounting hole 721 may be reduced as compared with the above-described embodiment, or the holes 851 may be made closer to each other. In this case, the separation workability can be further improved. As shown in FIG. 23, if the number of holes 851 surrounding the cover attachment hole 721 is reduced, the holes 851 need to be enlarged. However, simply enlarging the hole 851 may allow entry into the cover area from the hole 851. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the tool cannot be inserted (narrow width) in a portion excluding a portion through which the tool is inserted during the sorting operation (for example, in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the hole 851). In this case, it is possible to smoothly insert the tool into the hole portion 851 during the sorting operation, and to prevent a situation in which entry into the cover region through the hole portion 851 is permitted.

  (G) In the above embodiment, once the cover member 701 attached to the base plate 441 by the breaking screw 731 is removed, it cannot be attached again, but the cover member 701 is detached from the dispensing device 358. The cover member 701 may be configured to be attachable to the base plate 441 again even if the cover region is once opened as long as a predetermined trace remains when the cover region is opened (opened). . That is, even when such a configuration is adopted, it is possible to reliably grasp whether or not the cover member 701 has been illegally removed by confirming the presence or absence of a predetermined trace. Similarly, the act of removing the cover member 701 and tampering with the dispensing device 358 can be prevented.

As an example, the first sealing protrusion and the first sealing protrusion that protrude rightward from the front end portion of the right wall portion 706 of the cover member 701 in the above-described embodiment and have screw holes penetrating in the front-rear direction correspond to the first sealing protrusion. Then, a plurality of sealing portions each including a plurality of second sealing projections protruding rightward from the right side portion of the base plate 441 and having bottomed screw holes are provided. Then, a breaking screw is screwed into the screw hole of the first sealing projection and the screw hole of the second sealing projection of any of the plurality of sealing portions. (It is desirable that the contact with the peripheral edge of the enlarged diameter portion of the breaking screw is prevented.)
When the cover area is opened due to a failure of the housed member (dispensing motor 403 or the like), the sealing portion to which the breaking screw is screwed is cut out from the dispensing device 358. Thereafter, when the cover member 701 is attached again, the breaking screw is screwed into the screw hole of the first sealing projection and the screw hole of the second sealing projection of the other sealing portion. In this way, if a history of opening the cover area is left, it can be easily found that unauthorized opening has been performed.

  (H) You may implement as a different type of pachinko machine from the said embodiment. In addition to the pachinko machine, the present invention may be implemented as an arrangement ball machine, various game machines such as a sparrow ball, a game machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are integrated.

[Appendix]
The technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described below.

Means 1. A main controller that performs various controls based on input of various detection signals;
A payout control device that performs control related to payout of game balls based on a signal output from the main control device;
Payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game balls based on a signal output from the payout control device;
Cover means for covering at least a part of a member electrically connected to the payout control device among the members mounted on the payout means;
The payout means is
A ball passage where game balls can flow down,
A stop member capable of stopping the flow of the game ball in the ball passage;
Drive means capable of displacing the stop member;
A payout detecting means for detecting payout of game balls,
The payout control device drives and controls the drive means based on signals from the main control device and the payout detection means, so that a predetermined number of game balls stopped by the stop member are downstream of the stop member. And a predetermined number of game balls are paid out,
The cover means is detachably attached to the payout means, and when the cover means is detached from the payout means, a predetermined mark is present on at least one of the payout means and the cover means. A gaming machine characterized by being formed.

  According to the means 1, a cover means that covers at least a part of a member electrically connected to the payout control device among the members mounted on the payout means is detachably attached to the payout means. Yes. Accordingly, it is possible to make the member covered by the cover means difficult or impossible to contact. As a result, contact with members mounted on the payout means is attempted, and the payout means is tampered with to prevent illegal acts such as unjustly acquiring game balls or unjustly reducing payout game balls. Can be achieved. Further, in order to detach (remove) the cover means from the payout means, it is necessary to break a part of the cover means or the payout means. In this case, it is impossible to completely restore the original form, and a trace remains. Accordingly, it is possible to grasp that the cover means has been illegally removed, and as a result, it is possible to suppress acts such as illegally removing the cover means and illegally modifying the payout means.

  The payout control device and the main control device are preferably housed in a substrate box that cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left.

Mean 2. The drive means includes a drive connection portion to which a connection terminal portion of an electrical connection means electrically connected to the payout control device is detachably connected,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the cover means covers at least the drive connection portion and the connection terminal portion connected to the drive connection portion.

  According to the means 2, the drive connection part and the connection terminal part for electrically connecting the drive means and the electrical connection means are covered with the cover means. Therefore, for example, an illegal substrate (integrated circuit) is interposed between the drive means and the electrical connection means, and the number of game balls to be paid out by malfunctioning the drive means is larger than the number of balls to be paid out. Fraudulent acts such as increasing or decreasing (so-called “hanging”) can be suppressed.

  Examples of the drive connection portion include a receiving connector provided in the drive means body, and a plug-in connector provided at the tip of the signal line extending from the drive means body. The electrical connection means is for electrically connecting a predetermined electrical member (drive means in this means) and the dispensing control device, and is constituted by, for example, a harness (wire harness) and a relay board. It is also good to do. In addition, examples of the driving means include a motor and a solenoid, and examples of the stopping member include a rotating member that can send a predetermined number of game balls to the downstream side by rotating, and a ball passage. Examples thereof include a shutter that can appear and stop to prevent or allow a game ball to flow down.

Means 3. The payout detection means includes a detection connection portion to which a connection terminal portion of an electrical connection means electrically connected to the payout control device is detachably connected,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least the detection connecting portion and the connection terminal portion connected to the detection connecting portion are covered by the cover means.

  According to the means 3, the detection connection part and the connection terminal part for electrically connecting the payout detection means and the electrical connection means are covered by the cover means. Therefore, for example, an illegal board (integrated circuit) is interposed between the payout detection means and the electrical connection means, and the signal from the payout detection means is altered to a different signal. It is possible to suppress illegal acts such as increasing or decreasing the number of balls to be paid out.

  Examples of the payout detection means include a detection switch for detecting a game ball paid out from the payout means, and a sensor that can grasp how much the motor has rotated when the drive means is a motor.

Means 4. The payout means comprises a device relay board for relaying the electrical connection between the payout detection means and the drive means and the payout control device,
A signal line for inputting a signal from the payout detection means output from the relay board for the device to the payout control device, and a signal for controlling the drive means output from the payout control device. And a signal line for inputting to the relay board for the device is connected to the relay board for the device by one common connector,
An electrical connection means for detection for electrically connecting the payout detection means and the relay board for device by the cover means, and an electrical for drive for electrically connecting the drive means and the relay board for device. The gaming machine according to means 1, wherein the connecting means is covered.

  According to the means 4, the signal line for inputting the signal from the payout detecting means output from the apparatus relay board to the payout control apparatus and the signal for controlling the driving means output from the payout control apparatus are provided. The signal line for inputting to the relay board for use is connected to the relay board for apparatus by one common connector. For this reason, when the common connector is disconnected, not only the signal sent from the payout detection means to the payout control apparatus, but also the signal sent from the payout control apparatus to the drive means is cut off. Further, regarding the signal line and the common connector for electrically connecting the relay board for apparatus and the dispensing control device, which is a signal line, pin contact or socket contact corresponding to the dispensing detection means, and which is the driving means. It is difficult to distinguish the corresponding signal line, pin contact or socket contact. With these configurations, it is possible to suppress illegal acts such as interposing an unauthorized substrate between the device relay substrate and the payout control device.

  Further, in the detection electrical connection means for connecting the payout detection means and the device relay board and the drive electrical connection means for connecting the drive means and the device relay board, signal lines corresponding to the payout detection means And the signal line corresponding to the driving means are independent without intermingling, and therefore it is easy to interpose an unauthorized substrate. On the other hand, in this means 4, the detection electrical connection means and the drive electrical connection means are covered by the cover means. Therefore, the number of game balls to be paid out by interposing an unauthorized board between the payout detection means and the device relay board or between the drive means and the device relay board, etc. It is possible to reliably suppress fraudulent acts such as increasing or decreasing the number.

  The detection electrical connection means (drive electrical connection means) includes a receiving side connector provided on the payout detection means (drive means) and the relay board for the device, and a pair connected to each receiving side connector. And a signal line that connects between the pair of insertion side connectors. Further, the payout detection means, the drive means, and the relay board for apparatus do not necessarily have to be provided with a connector. And a structure in which the payout detecting means and the device relay board are electrically connected by connecting the plug-in connector to the receiving connector of the device relay board. In addition, as a signal line for electrically connecting the device relay board and the device relay board, for example, a plurality of insulated signal wires are bundled and covered with a protective coating (cable), or insulated. Examples include a plurality of signal lines independently extending between connectors.

  Means 5. The gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the payout detection means is a payout detection switch for detecting a game ball to be paid out as the driving means is driven.

  According to the means 5, since the game balls to be paid out from the payout means are directly detected, the number of game balls to be paid out can be reliably grasped, and the payout control can be reliably performed.

  “The payout control device pays out a game ball when the detection signal from the payout detection switch is not confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving a signal to pay out from the main control device. It is also possible to stop the driving of the driving means). As described above, if the payout detection switch is not detected even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the receipt of the payout signal, “the drive means or the payout detection switch and the payout control device are electrically disconnected”, “drive means Or, there is a possibility that a trouble such as “the payout detection switch has failed”, “the payout detection switch has been removed”, or “ball clogging has occurred” has occurred. Among these problems, especially when the game ball is paid out but the detection of the payout detection switch is not normally performed (the detection signal is not input to the payout control device), the game ball is paid out permanently. There is a risk of being. Therefore, in this configuration, the payout is stopped to prevent such a problem. In addition, it is also possible to perform notification or notification in accordance with the stop of driving of the driving means.

Means 6. The payout means includes a base member that separates a cover area covered by the cover means and the ball passage,
A gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 5, wherein a part of the wall portion constituting the ball passage is constituted by a lid member that is detachably attached to the payout means.

  According to the means 6, since the lid member is detachable, the ball passage can be opened to eliminate clogging in the ball passage, or maintenance of the restraining member can be performed.

  On the other hand, since the cover area covered by the cover means is isolated from the ball passage by the base member, it is difficult or impossible to contact the cover area from the ball passage side even when the lid member is opened. Can do. Therefore, the function and effect of the means 1 are surely achieved.

  Mean 7 The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein the cover means is attached to the payout means by a fixing means so as not to be removed.

  The fixing means may be separate from the cover means, or may be provided integrally with the cover means.

Means 8. The fixing means is a screw having a tool engaging portion capable of engaging a tip portion of a tool at one end portion,
The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the tool engaging portion is removed from the screw after the cover means is attached.

  According to the means 8, after the screw is fastened, the tool engaging portion such as a cross hole or a clearance is removed from the screw, so that the screw cannot be removed. Therefore, the cover means can be securely attached to the payout means in a non-removable manner. In addition, for example, it is conceivable to attach the cover means to the dispensing device using an adhesive, but in this case, the cover means is illegally removed after being removed illegally and then attached again using the adhesive. There is concern that it will take time to discover this. On the other hand, in order to remove the cover means by attaching the cover means using a non-removable screw such as this means, a relatively conspicuous trace is formed on the cover means, the payout means, the fixing means, etc. I must. For this reason, it can be found relatively easily that the cover means has been removed. In addition, workability can be improved compared to the case where an adhesive is injected into the tool engaging portion or a cap is put on the tool engaging portion so that the tool engaging portion cannot be contacted. .

  The screw hole provided in the cover means corresponding to the screw is formed on the bottom surface of the bottomed hole provided in the cover means, and the screw is attached after the cover means is attached. It is good also as immersing inside the cover area | region rather than the surface of the said cover means, and the outer diameter of the said screw and the internal diameter of the said hole part being set substantially the same. In the case of adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the act of removing the screw by sandwiching and rotating the end portion of the screw with a pliers or the like.

Means 9. The payout means includes a base member that separates a cover area covered by the cover means and the ball passage,
The fixing means is integrally formed with the cover means, and extends from a portion of the cover means facing the base member toward the mounting direction of the cover means, and from a substantially distal end portion of the extension part. A locking part comprising a claw part protruding in a direction crossing the extension part,
The claw portion is locked to a locked portion provided on the base member, so that the cover means is attached to the base member in a contact state,
The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the locking portion locked to the engaged portion is disposed in the cover region.

  According to the means 9, the cover means can be attached to the base member (dispensing means) only by locking the locking part to the locked part (one touch), and the workability of attaching the cover means can be improved. Can do. Further, in order to remove the cover means, it is necessary to release the locking state of the claw portion. However, since the locking portion is disposed in the cover area, the locking portion cannot be operated. It has become. Therefore, the cover means can be securely attached to the payout means in a non-removable manner.

  It should be noted that “the locking portion may be provided on the inner side with a predetermined interval from the outer peripheral edge portion of the contact portion that contacts the base member of the cover means in the attached state”. In this case, the act of releasing the locking state of the locking portion can be prevented more reliably.

Means 10. The cover means includes a first cover member and a second cover member,
The first cover member is attached to the payout means by attachment means,
The second cover member is attached to the payout means by the fixing means, so that the attachment means is disposed in a cover region covered by the first cover member and the second cover member. A gaming machine according to any one of 7 to 9.

  According to the means 10, the cover means is composed of a plurality of parts. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the mold structure from becoming complicated. Further, since the attachment means is disposed in the cover area, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such as removing the attachment means and thus the first cover member to contact the inside of the cover area. Furthermore, the attachment means cannot be removed by attaching the second cover member even if the attachment means itself does not have a complicated configuration. For this reason, a relatively simple structure can be adopted as the attaching means, and workability can be improved and costs can be reduced. The first cover member and the second cover member do not have to be one each. For example, there are three first cover members (in this case, three attachment means) or two second cover members. (In this case, there are also two fixing means).

  Means 11. The gaming machine according to any one of means 7 to 10, wherein a plurality of holes are formed in the cover means so as to surround the fixing means.

  According to the means 11, the cover means (most of the parts excluding the part fixed to the paying means by the fixing means) is paid out by breaking the part between the holes with a tool (nipper or the like). It can be separated from the means. Therefore, when the gaming machine is recycled or discarded, it is easy to be separated and the workability is improved.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

  A. The game machine is a ball game machine. As a more detailed mode example, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (shot motor, etc.) for playing and launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, A ball ball game machine including a game area where a game ball is guided and each ball entry means (general prize opening, variable prize winning device, operation opening, etc.) arranged in the game area.

  B. The gaming machine is a bullet ball gaming machine having a gaming area extending in a substantially vertical direction. As a more detailed mode example, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (shot motor, etc.) for playing and launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, The game balls are guided and extended along a substantially vertical direction (for example, the game area is constituted by a game board surface), and each ball entry means (general winning mouth, And a ball game machine configured to be able to visually recognize the behavior of a game ball flowing down the game area.

  C. The gaming machine is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

  D. The gaming machine is a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused (particularly, a gaming machine of a slot machine specification that uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium). As a more detailed mode example, “a discriminating information string (a symbol string; specifically a rotating body such as a reel or a belt with a symbol) made up of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel Variable display means (specifically, a rotating unit such as a reel unit) that stops and displays the identification information sequence after the rotation of the starting information means. The identification information (symbol) starts to fluctuate and the identification information (symbol) fluctuates due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button). The game value is provided on the condition that the information is specific identification information, and a ball receiving tray (upper plate or the like) is further provided, taking-in means for taking the game ball from the ball receiving tray, and the ball receiving tray Payout means for paying out game balls Comprising a configuration and gaming machine "and the like as starting condition of the game is satisfied by the game ball is captured by the capturing means.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 11 ... Outer frame, 12 ... Inner frame, 14 ... Front frame set, 15 ... Lower plate, 19 ... Upper plate, 261 ... Main control device, 311 ... Discharge control device, 355 ... Tank, 358 ... Discharge Dispensing device as means, 381... Dispensing relay board, 401... Ball passage, 402... Sprocket as restraining member, 403... Discharging motor as driving means, 404. Substrate, 431 ... detection harness, 432 ... drive harness, 433 ... control harness, 441 ... base plate as base member, 443 ... cover means, cover panel constituting first cover member, 444 ... lid member, 701 ... Cover means, cover member constituting second cover member, 731 ... breaking screw constituting fixing means, 732 ... cross hole as tool engaging portion

Claims (1)

A main controller that performs various controls based on input of various detection signals;
A payout control device that performs control related to payout of game balls based on a signal output from the main control device;
A payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game balls based on a signal output from the payout control device;
The payout means is
A ball passage where game balls can flow down,
A stop member capable of stopping the flow of the game ball in the ball passage;
Drive means capable of displacing the stop member;
A payout detecting means for detecting the passage of the game ball;
The payout means comprises a device relay board for relaying the electrical connection between the payout detection means and the drive means and the payout control device,
The payout control device drives and controls the drive means based on signals from the main control device and the payout detection means, so that a predetermined number of game balls stopped by the stop member are downstream of the stop member. And a predetermined number of game balls are paid out,
A signal line for inputting a signal from the payout detection means output from the relay board for the device to the payout control device, and a signal for controlling the drive means output from the payout control device. And a signal line for inputting to the relay board for the device is connected to the relay board for the device by one common connector,
Cover means detachably attached to the payout means by a fixing means;
A base member that isolates the cover area covered by the cover means and the ball passage;
And a restricting means for restricting removal of the stop member from the ball passage side,
By the cover means, drive means, drive wiring for electrically connecting the drive means and the device relay board, and detection wiring for electrically connecting the payout detection means and the device relay board. And the connector part connected to the detection wiring in the payout detection means and the relay board for the device are covered,
When the cover means is separated from the payout means, a predetermined mark is formed on at least one of the payout means and the cover means,
A part of the wall portion constituting the ball passage is constituted by a lid member that is detachably attached to the payout means,
Before the restricting means is assembled to the payout means, the restraining member is assembled to the payout means from the ball path side,
Since the cover means is attached to the payout means by the fixing means, the restricting means cannot be removed from the payout means ,
The cover means includes a first cover member and a second cover member,
The first cover member is attached to the payout means by attachment means,
The second cover member is attached to the payout means by the fixing means, and the attachment means is disposed in the cover region covered by the first cover member and the second cover member. To play.

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