JP6347625B2 - Gaming machines and game frames - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine and a gaming frame, and more particularly to a gaming machine and a gaming frame that play a game using enclosed gaming media.

  As a gaming machine, a game machine such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and the game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, thereby giving a score. There is a machine. Furthermore, a variable display device is provided that can variably display identification information (also referred to as “variation”) when a game medium wins in a predetermined winning area (start condition is established), and the variable display device displays variable information. When the display result is a specific display result (big hit symbol), there is a configuration that can be controlled to a specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player.

  A plurality of game balls (game media) are enclosed in the encapsulated pachinko gaming machine. The enclosed pachinko gaming machine provides a game using a game ball by circulating the enclosed game ball. The game ball enclosed in this way is not discharged to the outside of the gaming machine during normal times. However, it is necessary to discharge the game ball to the outside of the gaming machine at the time of maintenance or replacement of the gaming machine. Therefore, it is necessary to provide means for discharging the enclosed game ball to the outside in the enclosed pachinko gaming machine. Patent Document 1 discloses a sealed pachinko gaming machine that can change the interval between a launch rail in the vicinity of a hitting ball launching device and a hitting ball stopper. This enclosed pachinko gaming machine can discharge the gaming ball to the outside of the gaming machine by making the interval between the launch rail and the hitting ball stopper larger than the size of the gaming ball.

JP 2013-55977 A

  In the encapsulated pachinko gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when a player is playing a game, a game medium (game ball) may be discharged to the outside of the gaming machine. As described above, if the game medium is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine during the game, there is a possibility that it may be disadvantageous to the player, such as being able to play a game during the game.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine and a gaming frame that can discharge an enclosed gaming medium to the outside of the gaming machine only when the player cannot play the game.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present application is:
A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) that plays a game using a game medium enclosed inside in exchange for the deduction of the points,
A pachinko gaming machine 1 including a circulation path (for example, a polishing device 23, a ball lifting device 25, and a launching device 14) for collecting the game media used in the game and circulating it again to a position where it can be used for the game. A route configured to go around the inside and return to the original position), and
Discharge means capable of discharging the Yu technique medium to the outside (for example, ball ejecting operation switch 90, a ball vent passage 76),
A game board holding frame (for example, the main body frame 100) for holding a game board (for example, the game board 2) in which a game using a game medium is performed;
A transparent member holding frame (for example, the upper front frame 3A) for holding a transparent member (for example, the transparent cover 11) provided on the front side of the game board;
Operating means that can be operated when the game board holding frame is opened (the ball switch 19 and the power switch 21a);
The game board holding frame is opened, the transparent member holding frame is attached to the game board holding frame, and the power is turned on while the operating means is operated. According to the conditions, a dischargeable state transition means (payout control unit 171) for shifting to a state in which the game medium can be discharged to the outside by the discharge means
It is characterized by providing.
In the gaming machine (1) above,
Comprising launching means (e.g. launching device 14) for launching game media into the gaming area;
The discharging means is configured to discharge the path of the game medium launched by the launching means to the circulation path (for example, the circulation path 91) and the discharge path (for example, the ball removal path 76) to discharge the game machine to the outside. Switching means (for example, a ball removal operation switch 90) for switching between
It is characterized by that.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can discharge the enclosed gaming medium to the outside of the gaming machine only when the player is in a state where it cannot play.

(2) In order to achieve the above object, the game frame according to the present application is:
A game frame (for example, the main body frame 100) of a gaming machine that plays a game using a game medium enclosed inside in exchange for a deduction of holding points,
Flow path Yu technique medium flows (e.g., the path of the polishing apparatus 23, game balls, including game ball detection device 27),
Discharge means capable of discharging the Yu technique medium to the outside (for example, ball ejecting operation switch 90, a ball vent passage 76),
A game board holding frame (for example, frame 100a) for holding a game board (for example, game board 2) on which a game using a game medium is performed;
A transparent member holding frame (for example, the upper front frame 3A) for holding a transparent member (for example, the transparent cover 11) provided on the front side of the game board;
Operation means (for example, operable when there is no holding point, the game board holding frame is opened, the transparent member holding frame is attached to the game board holding frame, and the game board holding frame is opened) , A dischargeable state transition means for shifting the game medium to a state where the game medium can be discharged to the outside by the discharge means on the condition that the power is turned on in a state where the doffing switch 19 and the power switch 21a) are operated. Payout control unit 171),
It is characterized by providing.
In the game frame (2) above,
The discharging means is configured to circulate the path of the game medium launched by the launching means (for example, the circulation path 91) for circulating the gaming machine and the discharging path (for example, for discharging to the outside of the gaming machine). Switching means (for example, a ball removal operation switch 90) that switches between the ball removal path 76),
It is characterized by that.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a game frame that can discharge the enclosed game medium to the outside of the gaming machine only when the player cannot play the game.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
A game board holding frame (for example, the main body frame 100) for holding a game board (for example, the game board 2) in which a game using a game medium is performed;
A transparent member holding frame (for example, the upper front frame 3A) for holding a transparent member (for example, the transparent cover 11) provided on the front side of the game board;
Operation means operable when the game board holding frame is opened (for example, a ball switch 19 and a power switch 21A);
There is no game medium that can be used for a game, the game board holding frame is opened, the transparent member holding frame is mounted on the game board holding frame, and the operation means is operated. On the condition that the game medium is discharged, it is further provided with dischargeable state transition means (for example, a payout control unit 171) for shifting to a state where the game medium can be discharged to the outside.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the player from accidentally discharging the game medium to the outside.

(4) In the gaming machine of (3) above,
While the game medium can be discharged to the outside, communication with the outside is restricted.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an abnormality in communication with the outside while the game medium can be ejected to the outside, and to prevent an illegal act.

(5) In any of the above gaming machines (1), (3), and (4),
Launching means (e.g. launching device 14) for launching game media into the gaming area;
A path of the game medium launched by the launching means is circulated in the gaming machine (for example, the circulation path 91) and a discharge path (for example, a ball draining path 76) for discharging to the outside of the gaming machine. Switching means (for example, a ball removal operation switch 90).

  According to such a configuration, since the game medium in the gaming machine can be discharged to the outside using the launching means, the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be suppressed.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which looked at the main body frame of the game machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention from the front. The perspective view which looked at the main body frame of the game machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention from back. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the main body frame of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention from back. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the main body frame of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention from back. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view of the game ball detection apparatus of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is the figure seen from back, (b) is the figure seen from the front. The exploded perspective view which looked at the game ball detection device of the gaming machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention from the front. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the game ball detection apparatus of the game machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention from back. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a game ball is adsorbed and blocked by a game ball detection device of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a view seen from the rear, and (b) is a front view. Figure seen from. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view of the grinding | polishing apparatus of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is the figure seen from the front, (b) is the figure seen from back. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the polish device of the game machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention from the front. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the polisher of the game machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention from back. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the polisher of the game machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention from back. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the ball feeding apparatus of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention from back. The front view which shows the launch device of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which showed the state with which the game medium was filled in the ball | bowl channel | path of the launch device of the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the launching device which showed the entrance of the game ball by omitting a part of the launching device shown in FIG. The perspective view which looked at the launch device of the game machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention from back. The block diagram which shows the control circuit used for the card unit of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a pachinko game machine. The flowchart which shows the ball movement control mode process of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the ball movement control process of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a flowchart showing details of the ball replenishment process shown in FIG. 22, (b) is a flowchart showing details of the normal ball circulation process shown in FIG. 22, and (c) shows details of the ball feeding process shown in FIG. The flowchart shown. The flowchart which shows the detail of the abnormality detection process shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the detail of the abnormality detection process which showed the continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the detail of the ball removal process shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. A pachinko gaming machine (game machine) 1 includes a main body frame 100, an upper front frame 3A pivotally supported on the left side of the main body frame 100 and detachably supported, and a lower side of the upper front frame 3A. Then, a lower front frame 3B that is pivotally supported in a vertically rotatable manner and detachably supported on one side of the main body frame 100, and a display unit 50 that is disposed in front of the lower front frame 3B are provided. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the upper front frame 3A, the lower front frame 3B, and the display unit 50 constitute the front of the gaming machine 1.

  The upper front frame 3 </ b> A and the lower front frame 3 </ b> B are separated from each other, and the upper front frame 3 </ b> A has bearings 31 a and 31 b attached on one side of the upper and lower sides being pivotally supported by hinges (not shown) of the main body frame 100. Thus, it is attached to the main body frame 100 so as to be rotatable. A game board (gauge board) 2 constituting a game board surface is detachably attached to the upper front frame 3A. The game board 2 is formed with a game area surrounded by guide rails and having a substantially circular outer edge. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is launched and driven.

  A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at predetermined positions of the game board 2 (on the lower right edge of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, 7-segment or dot matrix LEDs (light emitting diodes) and the like. Special symbols (also referred to as “special graphics”), which are a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information) that can be displayed, are variably displayed (variable display). For example, each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B variably displays a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are limited to those composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. However, for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which the combination of the LED to be turned on and the LED to be turned off in the 7-segment LED may be set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols.

  A plurality of special symbols are assigned symbol numbers corresponding thereto. As an example, symbol numbers “0” to “9” are assigned to numbers indicating “0” to “9”, and symbol numbers “10” are assigned to symbols indicating “−”. Just do it. Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as "second special symbol". .

  Both the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are formed, for example, in a square shape. Note that the type of the first special figure and the type of the second special figure may be the same (for example, a number indicating “0” to “9” and a symbol indicating “−”), and the type may be different. May be different. Further, each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) indicating, for example, “00” to “99”. .

  An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. In the display area of the image display device 5, the first special symbol variable display by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol variable display by the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game respectively correspond to the variable display. For example, in a decorative symbol display area serving as a plurality of variable display units such as three, decorative symbols that are a plurality of types of identification information (decorative identification information) that can be identified are variably displayed. This variable display of decorative designs is also included in the variable display game.

  As an example, “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged in the display area of the image display device 5. And in response to the start of one of the changes in the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game, In the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, the variation of decorative symbols (for example, vertical scroll display) is started. Thereafter, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special symbol game, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the image display device 5 are displayed. Then, the finalized decorative symbol (final stop symbol) that is the variable display result of the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed.

  As described above, in the display area of the image display device 5, a special game using the first special graphic in the first special symbol display device 4A or a special graphic using the second special graphic in the second special symbol display device 4B is used. In synchronism with the figure game, variable display of a plurality of types of decorative symbols that can be identified is performed, and a definite decorative symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “derivation”). In addition, for example, deriving and displaying various display symbols such as a special symbol and a decorative symbol means that identification information such as a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as a complete stop display or a final stop display) and the variable display is ended. . On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the decorative pattern until the fixed decorative pattern that is the variable display result is derived and displayed, the variation speed of the decorative pattern becomes “0”, The symbol may be displayed in a stationary state, for example, in a display state that causes slight shaking or expansion / contraction. Such a display state is also called a temporary stop display, and although the display result in the variable display is not displayed deterministically, the player can recognize that the variation of the decorative pattern due to the scroll display or the update display is not progressing. It becomes. The temporary stop display may include displaying the decorative symbols completely stopped for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without causing slight shaking or expansion / contraction.

  The decorative symbols variably displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R include, for example, eight types of symbols (alphanumeric characters “1” to “8” or Chinese characters). It may be any combination of numbers, English letters, eight character images related to a predetermined motif, a combination of numbers, letters, symbols, and character images. Character images may be, for example, people, animals, other objects, or , A decorative image showing a symbol such as a character or other arbitrary figure). A corresponding symbol number is assigned to each of the decorative symbols. For example, symbol numbers “1” to “8” are assigned to alphanumeric characters indicating “1” to “8”, respectively. Note that the number of decorative symbols is not limited to eight, and may be any number as long as an appropriate number of combinations such as a jackpot combination or a combination that is lost can be configured (for example, seven types or nine types).

  After the decorative symbol variable display is started, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are displayed until the fixed decorative symbol that is the variable display result is derived and displayed. In FIG. 5, for example, scroll display is performed such that the symbol number sequentially flows from the top to the bottom from the smallest to the largest, and when the decorative symbol having the largest symbol number (for example, “8”) is displayed, The decorative symbol having the smallest symbol number (for example, “1”) is displayed. Alternatively, in at least one of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, the “left” decorative symbol display area 5L), the symbols are scrolled from the largest symbol number to the smallest symbol symbol. When the decorative design having the smallest number is displayed, the decorative design having the largest design number may be displayed.

  In the display area of the image display device 5, a start winning storage display area 5H is arranged. In the start winning memory display area 5H, a hold memory display for displaying the variable display hold number corresponding to the special figure game (special figure hold memory number) is specified. Here, the variable display suspension corresponding to the special game is that the game ball passes through the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. Generated based on the start winning by entering (entering). That is, the start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing a variable display game such as a special figure game or a variable display of decorative symbols has been established, but a variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. When the start condition that allows the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Done.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, together with the start winning memory display area 5H, the first hold for displaying the number of special figure hold memories identifiable on the lower part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. A display 25A and a second hold display 25B are provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. The number of first special figure hold memory is the number of memory in which the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is suspended. The second special figure hold memory number is the number of memories in which the execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is suspended. The variable display hold memory number obtained by adding the first special figure hold memory number and the second special figure hold memory number is also referred to as a total hold memory number. When simply referring to the “number of special figure hold memory”, it usually refers to a concept including any of the first special figure hold memory number, the second special figure hold memory number, and the total hold memory number. It may refer to a concept that includes the first special figure reserved memory number and the second special figure reserved memory number but excludes the total reserved memory number).

  Below the game area on the game board 2, an ordinary winning ball device 6A and an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The normal winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting area (first starting area) that is always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. The normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is an electric tulip-type accessory (ordinary electric accessory) having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed into a normal open state that is a vertical position and an expanded open state that is a tilt position by a solenoid (not shown). And a second start winning opening is formed in the start area (second start area).

  As an example, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening. It is normally open. On the other hand, in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the game ball passes through the second start winning opening (entrance) by tilting control in which the movable blade piece is tilted when the solenoid for the ordinary electric accessory is in the on state. ) Easy to expand. In the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, although the game ball can enter the second start winning opening even in the normal open state, there is a possibility that the game ball may enter more than in the expanded open state. You may comprise so that it may become low. Alternatively, the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B may be configured such that the game ball does not enter the second starting winning opening in the normally open state, for example, by closing the second starting winning opening. In this way, the second start winning port as the second start area is in an expanded open state in which game balls easily pass (enter) and in a normally open state in which game balls are difficult to pass (enter) or cannot pass (enter). To change.

  A game ball that has passed (entered) a first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A and a second starting winning opening formed in the ordinary variable winning ball apparatus 6B is, for example, a first start opening switch (not shown) 2 Detected by starter switch. Based on the detection of the game ball by the first start switch, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the first special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”). ") If the following, the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”). ]) If the following, the second starting condition is satisfied. The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch are: The number may be the same or different.

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a large winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid (not shown) for the large winning opening door, and the big winning as a specific region that changes between an open state and a closed state by the large winning opening door. Forming a mouth.

  As an example, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid for the big prize opening door is in the off state, the big winning opening door closes the big winning opening and the game ball can pass (enter) the big winning opening. To lose. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid for the special prize opening door is in the ON state, the special prize opening door opens the big winning prize opening, and the game ball passes (enters) the big winning prize opening. Make it easy to do. In this way, the special winning opening as a specific area changes into an open state in which a game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enters) and is disadvantageous to the player To do. Instead of the closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) through the big prize opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially opened state where the game ball hardly passes (enters) through the big prize port may be provided.

  A game ball that has passed (entered) through the big prize opening is detected by, for example, a count switch (not shown). Based on the detection of the game ball by the count switch, a predetermined number (for example, 15) prize balls are counted. In this way, when the game ball passes (enters) through the large winning opening opened in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, the gaming ball passes through other winning openings such as the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening, for example. More prize balls are counted than when passing (entering). Therefore, if the special prize winning ball device 7 is in the open state, the game ball can enter the special prize winning opening, which is a first state advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the special prize winning device 7 is closed in the special variable prize winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult for the player to get a prize ball by passing (entering) the gaming ball into the special prize winning port. This is a disadvantageous second state.

  A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like, like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbols. Is displayed (variably displayed) in a variable manner. Such variable display of normal symbols is called a general game (also referred to as “normal game”).

  Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The usual figure hold indicator 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of ordinary figure holds as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passage gate 26.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a number of obstacle nails. In addition, as a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the large winning opening, for example, a single or plural general winning openings that are always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. May be. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be counted as a prize ball based on detection of a game ball that has entered one of the general prize opening by a predetermined general prize ball switch. . At the lowermost part of the game area, there is provided an out port 8 through which game balls that have not entered any winning port are taken.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the upper front frame 3A. A decorative LED may be arranged around each structure (for example, the normal winning ball device 6A, the normal variable winning ball device 6B, the special variable winning ball device 7, etc.) in the game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is an enclosed pachinko gaming machine in which a game ball (pachinko ball) as an example of a game medium is enclosed. An encapsulated pachinko gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine that uses a game ball enclosed inside in exchange for a deduction of a player's points. A non-magnetic game ball is enclosed in a sealed pachinko gaming machine in order to prevent fraud using a magnet. When the player operates the batting operation handle 37, the firing solenoid 41 (FIGS. 16 to 18) included in the launching device 14 (FIG. 2) is driven to bring the game balls into the game area of the game board 2 one by one. It is configured so that it can be played and played. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the hitting operation handle 37, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the hitting operation handle 37. The contact is detected by the touch sensor, and the firing solenoid 41 (FIGS. 16 to 18) is driven. In this state, the momentum of the hitting ball is adjusted according to the amount of the turning operation of the hitting operation handle 37 by the player, and the gaming ball is launched into the gaming area.

  The game balls that have been thrown into the game area are won at any of the winning openings or are collected at the out opening 8 without winning. The game balls won in the winning opening and the game balls collected in the out slot 8 are returned to the launch position 14 through the circulation path in the pachinko gaming machine 1 again. Then, when the player operates the hitting operation handle 37, the game ball at the hitting position is again shot into the game area.

  On the side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (hereinafter also abbreviated as “P”), card units 10 (hereinafter also abbreviated as “CU”) are installed in a one-to-one correspondence. This card unit 10 is issued to a visitor card having a prepaid function, which is a game recording medium issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or to a member player who has registered as a member in the game hall. A pachinko game that accepts a membership card, which is a game recording medium, and uses a game value (for example, a card balance, the number of possessed balls, or the number of stored balls) owned by the player specified by the record information of the card. The machine 1 has a function for allowing an encapsulated ball, which is an example of a game medium, to be shot and fired. The visitor card and membership card are composed of IC cards.

  The card unit 10 that has received these cards has a function of converting the game value (for example, the card balance, the number of possessed balls, or the number of accumulated balls) owned by the player specified by the record information of the card into “game ball data”. Have The pachinko gaming machine 1 is capable of a ball game equivalent to the number of balls specified by the data of game balls.

  On the front side of the card unit 10, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a card insertion / discharge port 309 for inserting member cards and visitor cards, and the like are provided. The member card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309 is received by a card reader / writer (not shown), and information recorded on the card is read.

  Here, the “storing ball” is a game medium deposited in a game hall, and is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed in the game hall.

  “Number of possessed balls” is the number of balls that the player possesses as a result of the player playing the game with the gaming machine on the card, and the number of balls that have not yet been deposited in the game hall That is. Generally, the number of balls that the player has acquired on the day of the game hall is called “mochidama”, and the number of balls that the player has acquired before the previous day and that has been deposited in the amusement hall is “save ball”. Say.

  The “game ball” is data on the number of balls that can be fired by the gaming machine. This data is generated in exchange for withdrawing the balance of the prepaid card, the holding ball, or the storage ball.

Note that the number of possessed balls may be managed by a management device for managing the number of possessed balls set in the game hall. In short, the difference between “sold balls” and “mochidama” is the number of balls that have been deposited in the amusement hall as a result of a storage operation for depositing in the amusement hall, or is still deposited in the amusement hall. It is a point whether it is the number of balls of the stage which is not.

  In this embodiment, the stored ball data is not recorded directly on the member card, but is stored in association with the member card number in a hall server installed in a game hall such as a hall management computer, and the corresponding stored ball is stored based on the member card number. It is configured to be searchable. On the other hand, Mochitama records directly on the card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be stored in the hall server in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, Mochitama is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball may be stored in the hall server in association with the card number. When storing in the hall server in association with the card number, data that can specify the time stored in the hall server may be written in the card (member card, visitor card) and discharged. Also, the prepaid balance is directly written on a card (member card, visitor card) and discharged.

  In addition, the timing of storing the holding ball in the card (member card, visitor card) or the hall server is stored at regular intervals, for example, stored in real time every time the counting button is operated and the counting process is performed. Or, when returning a card, it is memorized in a lump.

  The banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 is taken in by a currency discriminator (not shown), and its authenticity and banknote type are identified.

  A plurality of operation switch groups 38 are formed on the lower front frame 3B. The operation switch group 38 includes, for example, a ball lending button (also referred to as a lending button) and a return button. The ball lending button is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the balance recorded on the inserted card and using it for a game by the pachinko gaming machine 1. The return button is operated when the player finishes the game, and the number of game balls determined at the end of the game on the inserted card (the number of balls at the time of card insertion-the number of conversions to game balls + counting operation) It is an operation button for memorizing and discharging the counted number of holding balls). The ball lending button and the return button may be provided on the card unit 10.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the vertical and horizontal directions when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front (front to be described later) are used as they are in the following description, and the side on which the player is located is forward of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The following explanation will be given assuming that the opposite side is the rear. In addition, as shown in the figure, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured such that each constituent member overlaps in the front-rear direction.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a vertically long rectangular outer frame 60 in the vertical direction. The outer frame 60 includes an upper plate 61 and a lower plate 62 made of a wooden plate material, and left and right side plates 63 and 64 made of a steel plate material. The upper plate 61 and the left and right side plates 63 and 64, and the lower plate 62 and the left and right side plates 63 and 64 are connected by a mounting bracket 65. Thereby, the outer frame 60 is formed in a square shape. The left and right side plates 63 and 64 are not limited to steel materials, and can be made of a metal material such as an aluminum material or a stainless material. A shaft hole 65 a is formed in the mounting bracket 65 provided at the upper left portion of the outer frame 60. A mounting pin (not shown) provided in the lower left portion of the outer frame 60 is formed with a shaft pin (not shown) protruding upward.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a main body frame 100 that is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60. The main body frame 100 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and has a rectangular shape like the outer frame 60 described above. The main body frame 100 holds the game board 2. Further, as will be described later, various driving means such as the launching device 14 are attached to the main body frame 100. A connecting piece 101 having a shaft pin 101a facing downward is attached to the upper left part of the main body frame 100 so as to protrude forward. Further, a connecting piece 102 having a shaft pin 102a protruding upward and a shaft hole (not shown) formed on the lower surface is attached to the lower left portion of the main body frame 100 so as to protrude forward.

  The shaft pin 101a formed on the connecting piece 101 of the main body frame 100 is inserted into the shaft hole 65a formed on the mounting bracket 65 of the outer frame 60, and is not shown provided on the lower left portion of the outer frame 60. The main body frame 100 is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60 by inserting the shaft pin through a shaft hole (not shown) formed in the connecting piece 102.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 also includes an upper front frame 3A that is rotatably supported by the main body frame 100. The upper front frame 3 </ b> A is formed with a see-through window 3 </ b> C that is an opening corresponding to a game area formed on the game board 2. A transparent cover 11 that covers the see-through window 3C from the rear is attached to the upper front frame 3A by known fixing means (for example, screwing). The transparent cover 11 is made of, for example, a glass body. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the game area of the game board 2 through the transparent cover 11 attached to the see-through window 3C. The transparent cover 11 attached in this way forms a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball between the game board 2. Thereby, the game ball launched by the launching device 14 flows down the game area. The transparent cover 11 provided on the transparent window 3C is not limited to a glass body, and other transparent synthetic resins such as an acrylic resin and a polycarbonate resin may be used.

  A shaft hole (not shown) is formed in the lower surface of the connecting piece 103 of the main body frame 100. Further, a shaft pin 104 a protruding upward is formed on the upper surface of the connecting piece 104 of the main body frame 100. The upper front frame 3A is pivotally supported by these shaft holes (not shown) and a shaft pin 104a, and is rotatably supported by the main body frame 100.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a lower front frame 3B below the upper front frame 3A. A holding point display unit 35 and an operation unit 36 are provided on the upper front side of the lower front frame 3B, and a hitting operation handle 37 for launching a game ball is provided on the right side of the lower front frame 3B. ing. The holding point display unit 35 is composed of 7 segments, a dot matrix LED, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the like, and displays the player's points. In addition, the operation unit 36 is provided with one or more of various switches (payment switch, interruption switch, ball lending switch, automatic ball lending switch, replay switch, card data switch, call switch), for example. ing. The hitting operation handle 37 is connected to a hitting ball launching device (not shown), and when the player operates the handle ring of the hitting operation handle 37, the game ball is launched into the game area.

  In the lower front frame 3B, a display unit 50 is arranged on an arrangement surface 39 that is a space avoiding the holding point display unit 35 and the hitting ball operating handle 37. The disposition surface 39 for disposing the display unit 50 in the lower front frame 3B is formed so as to be retracted (offset) rearward from the rotation axis R of the lower front frame 3B. The arrangement surface 39 is provided with a locking portion (locking member) 39a for locking the display unit 50 to the lower front frame 3B. In addition, the latching | locking part 39a is not limited to what is provided in 2 sets side by side, for example, you may provide only one.

  In the lower front frame 3B, a shaft pin 105 facing upward is inserted into a shaft hole (not shown) formed in the lower surface of the connection piece 104 of the main body frame 100, and the shaft pin 102a of the connection piece 102 of the main body frame 100 is inserted. The main body frame 100 is rotatably supported by being inserted into a shaft hole (not shown).

  The display unit 50 is attached to the card unit 10 via the arm 51 and is arranged on the arrangement surface 39 of the lower front frame 3B. The arm 51 has a plurality of rotating shafts (joints) and can freely move the display unit 50. Therefore, the display unit 50 can be easily arranged on the arrangement surface 39. The display unit 50 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays various display screens to the player.

  Next, various devices for circulating game balls in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main body frame of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main body frame of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 100 holds the game board 2 and has a launching device 14 at the upper left. The game ball is launched from the launch port 14a of the launching device 14 toward the game board 2, and the game ball that has not entered any winning opening flows down from the out port 8 toward the rear of the game board 2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a main control board 16 and a payout control board 17 are provided behind the main body frame 100. The main control board 16 is provided behind the game board 2 and controls the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The payout control board 17 is provided on a back cover 18 that covers the rear surface of the game board 2. On the payout control board 17, a ball removal switch 19 is provided for discharging the game ball to the outside during maintenance or the like. Details of the beading process using the beading switch 19 will be described later. The back cover 18 has four legs 18 a, and each of the four legs 18 a is bolted to the main body frame 100. Thereby, the back cover 18 provided with the payout control board 17 is attached to the main body frame 100 in a state of covering a part of the rear surface of the main body frame 100.

  5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the main body frame of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear. On the rear surface of the main body frame 100, a power supply device 21, a game ball detection device 27, a polishing device 23, and a lifting device 25 are further arranged. A power switch 21 a of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided on the right side of the power supply device 21. The four legs 18a of the back cover 18 have a sufficient height so that the power switch 21a can be operated even when the back cover 18 is attached to the rear of the main body frame 100.

  As will be described later, the game ball detection device 27 is a device that guides the game ball that has entered the out port 8 or the winning port to the polishing device 23, and constitutes a part of the circulation path. As will be described later, the polishing apparatus 23 has a conveying screw 72 (FIGS. 13 and 14) that constitutes a part of the circulation path. The polishing device 23 transports the game ball toward the ball lifting device 25 with the transport screw 72 (FIGS. 13 and 14) and polishes the game ball. The ball lifting device 25 is a device that transports (lifts) the game balls to the upper side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and constitutes a part of the circulation path. In addition, the launching device 14 that is disposed at the upper part of the main body frame 100 and launches the game ball toward the game area of the game board 2 also constitutes a part of the circulation path. Thus, the game ball circulation path in the present embodiment basically includes the game ball detection device 27, the polishing device 23, the ball lifting device 25, and the launch device 14, and goes around the pachinko gaming machine 1. Thus, the route is configured to return to the original position (for example, the firing position of the launching device 14). In addition to the above members, the game area of the game board 2 may be considered as a circulation path. The main body frame 100 may be, for example, a generic name for all of the members illustrated in FIG. 5, or may be, for example, the game board 2, the power supply device 21, and the ball lifting device 25 from those illustrated in FIG. It may be a collective term for things other than. Alternatively, the main body frame 100 includes, for example, a frame body 100a, a flow path through which game balls flow, a magnet body 114 and a polishing inlet sensor 701 (FIG. 12) provided on the flow path, a payout control board 17, and a power source. The apparatus 21 may be included.

  Next, the path through which the game ball circulates in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described while explaining details of each device constituting the circulation path. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the game ball launched toward the game area of the game board 2 enters the winning port or the out port 8 (FIG. 6) and flows down to the game ball detection device 27. To do. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game ball detection device, where (a) is a view seen from the front, and (b) is a view seen from the rear.

  The game ball detection device 27 includes a detection device main body 29, a protective cover 68 attached to the rear surface of the detection device main body 29, and a presser plate 69 attached to the front surface. In the upper part of the detection device main body 29, an out ball receiving portion 66 that receives a game ball that has entered the out port 8 (FIG. 6) and a winning ball receiving portion 67 that receives a game ball that has entered the winning port are formed. .

  FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming ball detection device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, and FIG. 9 is a rear view of the gaming ball detection device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view. As shown in FIG. 8, the detection device main body 29 is formed with a vertical path 120 directed downward, which is a flow path following the first inclined path 115, and a flow path following the vertical path 120. A certain second ramp 116 is formed. The presser plate 69 is attached to the front surface of the detection device main body 29 in order to define the sides of the first inclined path 115, the vertical path 120, and the second inclined path 116. The presser plate 69 is formed with a flow-down path 69 a that is a flow path following the second inclined path 116. In addition, the detection device main body 29 is formed with a flow-down path 117 that guides the game ball to the rear, which is a flow path following the flow-down path 69a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, a third inclined path 121 that is a flow path following the flow-down path 117 is formed on the front surface of the detection device main body 29. In addition, in the terminal part 122 of the 3rd inclined path 121, in order to form the flow path bent at right angles toward the discharge port 119 in the back, the wall body which the game ball which flowed down collides is formed.

  The protective cover 68 is provided on the rear surface of the detection device main body 29, covers a changeover switch 113 described later, and demarcates the side of the third ramp 121. The protective cover 68 is provided with a discharge port 119 for discharging the game ball from the game ball detection device 27. In this way, the game ball that has entered from the out port 8 (FIG. 6) is received by the out ball receiving unit 66, and the first ramp 115, the vertical path 120, the second ramp 116, the flow down path 69a, and the flow down path 117. Then, it flows down in the order of the third ramp 121 and is discharged from the outlet 119 to the outside of the game ball detector 27. The vertical path 120 is provided with an out ball detection sensor 88 that detects a game ball that has entered the out port 8 (FIG. 6). The out sphere detection sensor 88 is a switch that detects both a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material. For example, the out sphere detection sensor 88 includes a photo sensor and a micro switch. When the out-ball detection sensor 88 detects a game ball made of a magnetic material or a non-magnetic material, the detection signal is input to the payout control unit 171.

  On the other hand, the game ball that has entered the winning opening flows down on a ramp (not shown). Then, the ramps merge with the second ramp 116 at the junction 118 shown in FIG. 8 while changing the direction. The flow of winning balls downstream from the junction 118 is the same as the flow of game balls that have entered the out port 8 (FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 9, the game ball detection device 27 includes a winning ball detection sensor 110 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the winning opening. The winning ball detection sensor 110 is provided upstream of the junction (FIG. 8). The winning ball detection sensor 110 is a switch that detects both a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material. For example, the winning ball detection sensor 110 includes a photo sensor and a micro switch. When the winning ball detection sensor 110 detects a game ball made of a magnetic material or a non-magnetic material, the detection signal is input to the payout control unit 171.

  The game ball detection device 27 includes an adsorbing unit that adsorbs the magnetic material mixed in the circulation path in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and closes the flow path of the game ball with the adsorbed magnetic material. As shown in FIG. 9, a changeover switch 113 that can rotate around a rotation shaft 112 is provided on the rear surface of the game ball detection device 27. The changeover switch 113 includes an operation lever 113a and a magnet body holding portion 113b. The magnet body holding portion 113b holds a magnet body 114 made of a rectangular parallelepiped permanent magnet. When the changeover switch 113 is viewed from the rear, it is covered with the protective cover 68. However, a space is provided in which a finger can be inserted from above the protective cover 68 to rotate the changeover switch 113. Yes.

  9 is a state in which the magnet body holding portion 113b is in contact with the stopper 123, and a state in which the gap between the magnet body 114 to be held and the game medium flowing down is sufficiently secured. It is in. Therefore, the magnetic body that flows down is not attracted to the magnet body 114. That is, it can be said that the attachment state of the change-over switch 113 shown in FIG. 9 is a state in which it is impossible to attract the flowing game medium.

  From the state of the changeover switch 113 shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 10A, a finger is put on the operation lever 113 a so that the magnet body 114 faces downward, and the changeover switch 113 is set around the rotation shaft 112. Rotate. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a magnetic body is attracted and blocked by the game ball detection device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, and (a) is a view as seen from the rear. b) is a view from the front.

  In the state shown in FIG. 10A, the magnet body 114 is arranged at a position adjacent to the third ramp 121 and is closer to the game medium flowing down than in the case shown in FIG. The magnet body 114 is adjacent to the terminal end 122 of the third ramp 121. The game ball flowing down the third ramp 121 once hits the wall formed at the terminal end 122 and then discharged from the discharge port 119 while changing the flow direction to the right. Thus, since the game ball collides with the wall of the terminal end portion 112, the flow velocity of the game ball becomes slow at the terminal end portion 122 of the third ramp 121. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10A, the game ball 12 a made of mixed magnetic material is attracted to the magnet body 114. The game ball 12a made of the magnetic material thus adsorbed blocks the flow path (circulation path) of the game ball. Therefore, the subsequent non-magnetic game balls 12 are blocked and connected upstream as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b).

  Generally, about 50 game balls are enclosed in a sealed pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 10 shows a state in which, for example, all 50 game media 12 enclosed are connected upstream. As shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, even if all of the enclosed game balls are blocked and connected upstream, the game ball detection device 27 A sufficiently long flow path is secured inside the game ball detection device 27 so as to be accommodated in the inside. Note that the game ball detection device 27 does not have a drive source for transporting the game ball 12. Therefore, even when the game ball 12a made of a magnetic material is blocked and the subsequent game ball 12 is connected upstream, the game ball does not come into contact with the drive source.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the magnetic switch 114 is rotated so that the magnet body 114 is positioned close to the flow path (circulation path), so that a non-magnetic game ball is provided. A game ball 12 a made of a magnetic material mixed in 12 is attracted to the magnet body 114. Thereby, circulation of the game ball in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped.

  The game ball discharged from the game ball detection device 27 enters the polishing device 23 located below the game ball detection device 27. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a polishing apparatus for a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view seen from the front, and (b) is a view seen from the rear. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming machine polishing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front. The polishing apparatus 23 mainly includes a polishing motor 71, a conveying screw 72, a polishing cassette 73, and a cassette motor 74. The polishing motor 71 is a motor for driving the polishing apparatus (conveying screw 72) 23 to convey game balls in the polishing apparatus 23, and is disposed behind the conveying screw 72 and the like. As described above, the transport screw 72 transports the game ball to be polished while circulating.

  The polishing cassette 73 is a cassette in which polishing members are stored. In FIG. 11A, the polishing member is disposed on the rear side of the polishing cassette 73 and is not shown, but polishes the surface of the game ball. The polishing member has, for example, a buff main body and a surface mesh portion that covers the surface of the buff main body. The buff main body is a band-shaped member formed of a porous member such as a sponge, but is not limited to a sponge, and takes in, for example, dirt removed from the surface of the ball by polishing the surface of the ball. Any material that can be used can be used. A surface mesh part is arrange | positioned so that a mesh-like net | network may cover the outer surface of a buff main-body part, for example. That is, since the surface mesh portion has a large number of holes, for example, dirt removed from the surface of the ball by polishing the surface of the ball can be taken into the buff main body through the surface mesh portion.

  In addition, the buff main body part does not necessarily need to be covered with the surface mesh part, and may be configured to have only the buff main body part, for example. Also in this case, as an example, a buff main body portion made of a paper-like member may be used.

  The cassette motor 74 is a motor that moves a polishing member connected thereto, for example, so as to circulate in the polishing cassette 73 by rotation of a motor gear (not shown) provided on the cassette motor 74. More specifically, when the cassette motor 74 is driven by the above-described payout control board 17, the motor gear rotates and the polishing member moves.

  Here, the transport screw 72 of FIG. 12 is installed in an inclined manner so that the downstream side of the game ball transported thereby is provided above the upstream side. Since the polishing member is installed almost horizontally, the conveying screw 72 is installed obliquely, so that the polishing member (surface mesh portion) is soiled by a game ball that is polished while flowing along the conveying screw 72. Covers almost the entire width in the vertical direction of FIG. For this reason, it is possible to perform polishing using a wider range of the surface mesh portion with high efficiency. If the conveying screw 72 flows along the horizontal direction in the same manner as the polishing member (surface mesh portion), the game ball is also polished while flowing in the horizontal direction, so the polishing member (surface mesh portion) is in the vertical direction of FIG. Only a part of the surface mesh is soiled, and a part of the region is replaced without being soiled at all, and the utilization efficiency of the surface mesh portion is lowered. However, the transport screw 72 may be installed horizontally with respect to the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The structure of the polishing member (surface mesh portion), in particular, the movement of the place where polishing is performed or the switching of the surface where polishing is performed may be performed little by little at all times. However, the movement or switching may be performed at a time, for example, after a certain period of time or after a certain number of polishings.

  FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming machine polishing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear. In FIG. 13, the transport screw 72 is shown separated from the case 23a of the polishing apparatus 23 so that the path of the game ball can be recognized.

  The game ball discharged from the game ball detection device 27 enters the polishing device 23 from the game ball entrance 702 and enters the polishing start end portion 78 of the transport screw 72. Here, when a game ball enters the polishing start end 78 of the transport screw 72 in a state where the polishing cassette 73 is set to face the front surface of the transport screw 72, the game ball is in contact with the polishing start end 78 and the polishing cassette. 73 so as to be sandwiched between the polishing members in 73. The game ball that has entered the polishing apparatus 23 in this manner is detected by the polishing entrance sensor 701, and the polishing motor 71 starts to be driven on condition that a first full detection sensor 75 described later does not detect the full state of the ball. . The polishing inlet sensor 701 is a switch that detects both a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material. For example, the polishing inlet sensor 701 includes a photo sensor and a micro switch. The driving of the polishing motor 71 is controlled by the dispensing control board 17 described above. When the polishing motor 71 is driven, the motor gear provided in the polishing motor 71 rotates, so that the conveying screw 72 fixed to the gear connected to the motor gear starts to rotate. In particular, when an abrasive member that is constantly moved or the like is used, the abrasive member may start to be driven as described above.

  The surface of the game ball that comes into contact with the rotation of the transport screw 72 is polished while being transported toward the polishing end end 79 which is the other end of the transport screw 72 (the other end relative to the polishing start end 78). Polishing is performed by the member to remove the dirt on the surface.

  A first fullness detection sensor 75 is disposed in the vicinity of the polishing device 23 (here, the polishing end portion 79). The first fullness detection sensor 75 is a sensor at the entrance of the ball feeding device as shown in FIG. 15, for example. The first fullness detection sensor 75 is a sensor that detects that the game ball is full, and the first fullness detection sensor 75 detects that the game ball has started to be thrown into the ball lifting device 25 by the start of the game. It also functions as a sensor. That is, the first fullness detection sensor 75 detects that a game ball has started to enter the area of the first fullness detection sensor 75, and the second fullness detection sensor 40 described later does not detect the full state of the game ball. On the condition that the driving of the ball lifting device 25 is started, it is detected that the game ball is full, the drive of the polishing motor 71 is stopped, and no more game balls are sent to the downstream side of the polishing device 23. It also has a function to make it state.

  In other words, until the first full detection sensor 75 detects that the game ball is full after the polishing motor 71 starts driving (while it is not detected), the polishing motor 71 and the polishing screw 72 are driven. The game ball moves from the polishing start end portion 78 toward the polishing end portion 79. Stop means for stopping the driving of the polishing motor 71 when the first full detection sensor 75 detects that the game ball is full is provided. Further, when the first fullness detection sensor 75 detects the insertion of the game ball, the lifting motor 93 of the ball lifting device 25 constituting the circulation path starts to drive, and the circulation path causes the game ball to move toward the ball lifting device 25. It can be transferred to

The combined use of the functions of the first fullness detection sensor 75 is merely an example, and separate sensors may be provided according to the respective functions.

  The ball removal path 76 is an outlet for discharging game balls arranged inside the circulation path, for example, during maintenance to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Therefore, after the pachinko gaming machine 1 is set to the maintenance mode (a state where balls can be removed), an operation for discharging the game balls from the ball removal path 76 is performed.

  The ball removal operation switch 90 switches the flow of the game ball between a circulation path 91 for guiding the game ball to the ball lifting device 25 or a ball removal path 76 for discharging the game ball to the outside. Switch. The doffing operation switch 90 includes a doffing lever 90a and a switching piece 90b attached to the doffing lever 90a. The switching piece 90b can also be rotated about the rotation axis R by hooking the ball removal lever 90a with a finger and rotating it about the rotation axis R.

  The beading operation switch 90 shown in FIG. 13 is in a state in which the switching piece 90b is in contact with the stopper 124b to open the circulation path 91 and block the beading path 76. Therefore, the game ball conveyed to the polishing end 79 by the conveying screw 72 is guided to the ball lifting device 25 through the circulation path 91.

  From the state of the ball removal operation switch 90 shown in FIG. 13, the ball removal lever 90a is hooked with a finger to rotate clockwise. Then, the switching piece 90b rotates together with the ball removal lever 90a and comes into contact with the stopper 124a as shown in FIG. This state can be said to be a state in which the switching piece 90b blocks the circulation path 91 and opens the ball removal path 76. Thereby, the game ball conveyed to the polishing end portion 79 by the conveying screw 72 passes through the ball removal path 76 and is discharged to the outside of the polishing apparatus 23.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the flow path of the game balls that flow down is the circulation path 91 that leads to the circulation path of the game balls, or the discharge path 76 that is discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 It is possible to select whether to switch by operating the ball removal operation switch 90.

  The game ball that has passed through the circulation path 91 of the polishing device 23 enters the ball lifting device 25 on the right side of the polishing device 23. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the ball lifting device of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear. The ball lifting device 25 mainly has a lifting ball inlet 92, a lifting motor 93, a lifting screw 94, a lifting device cover 95, and a lifting ball outlet 96. The game balls that have entered the ball lifting device 25 from the lifting ball inlet 92 are installed so as to be sandwiched between the lifting screw 94 and the lifting cover 95. When the sensor senses, the lifting motor 93 and the lifting screw 94 start to be driven in the same manner as the polishing motor 71, the conveying screw 72, and the cassette motor 74 described above. Then, the game ball that comes into contact with the lifting screw 94 is transferred upward along the lifting screw 94 and goes out of the ball lifting device 25 from the lifting ball outlet 96.

  16 to 19 show the configuration of only the launching device in more detail, and the configuration of the launching device will be described with reference to these drawings. The launcher 14 includes a foul ball detection switch 33, a launch solenoid 41, a hitting hammer 42, a launch position 43, a ball passage 44, a launch ball inlet 46, a ball feed solenoid 47, a link 48, and a fulcrum 49. And has mainly. A second fullness detection sensor 40 is provided in the vicinity (back side) of the launching device 14. The second fullness detection sensor 40 is filled with a game ball arranged in a part of the circulation path (especially the downstream side of the ball lifting device 25 where the second fullness detection sensor 40 is arranged in FIGS. 17 to 19). The second fullness detection sensor 40 also functions as a sensor for detecting that a game ball has started to be thrown into the launching device 14 at the start of the game. That is, the second fullness detection sensor 40 detects that a game ball has started to enter the area of the second fullness detection sensor 40 and starts to drive the firing device 14 (ball feed solenoid 47), and the game ball is full. This function is also used to stop the driving of the lifting motor 93 and prevent further gaming balls from being sent to the downstream side of the ball lifting device 25.

  In other words, until the second fullness detection sensor 40 detects that the game ball is full in the ball lifting device 25 after the lift motor 93 starts driving (while it is not detected), The game ball moves upward through the ball lifting device 25 by driving the lifting motor 93.

  The combined use of the functions of the second fullness detection sensor 40 is merely an example, and separate sensors may be provided according to the respective functions.

  Further, the drive control of the polishing motor 71 and the lifting motor 93 is performed in each case regardless of whether or not a ball is detected by a ball movement upstream sensor (polishing inlet sensor 701, first full sensor 75). You may control to start a drive, when the sensor of a downstream side (the 1st fullness sensor 75, the 2nd fullness sensor 40) stops detecting a full state of a ball.

  When the second fullness detection sensor 40 detects that the game ball is full, the driving of the lifting motor 93 is stopped, and no more gaming balls are sent to the moving downstream side of the ball lifting device 25 It becomes. That is, there is provided stop means for stopping the driving of the lifting motor 93 when the second fullness detection sensor 40 detects that the game ball is full. Further, when the second fullness detection sensor 40 detects the insertion of the game ball, the circulation path is in a state where the game ball can be transferred toward the launching device 14.

  The launch position 43 corresponds to an exit exiting the launching device 14 for launching a game ball with respect to the launch ball entrance 46. The ball passage 44 is a game ball passage that passes through the inside of the launching device 14 from the launch ball entrance 46 to the launch position 43.

  The ball feed solenoid 47 is a solenoid for transporting the game ball in the ball passage 44 toward the launch position 43. In addition, the link 48 and the fulcrum 49 are members having the same function as, for example, the transport screw 72 in the polishing apparatus 23 that controls the transport of the game ball in the ball passage 44. Specifically, when the ball feed solenoid 47 starts to be driven by the payout control board 17, the link 48 is attracted to the ball feed solenoid 47 by excitation of the ball feed solenoid (solenoid coil) 47. As a result, the link 48 rotates around the fulcrum 49. In the state where the link 48 is not attracted by the solenoid 47, as shown in FIG. 17, the flow of the subsequent game ball is stopped, but when the link 48 is attracted by the ball feed solenoid 47, the link 48 moves upward. The game ball swings and the flow of the game ball is allowed, and only one game ball is conveyed toward the downstream side of the ball passage 44. The link 48 is configured such that when a part in contact with the game ball is sucked, one upstream game ball enters the part, and the game is performed one by one by repeating excitation and de-excitation of the solenoid 47. Operates to send out a ball.

  A launch ball detection switch 99 is provided slightly upstream of the link 48. When one game ball is sent out by the swing of the link 48, the shot ball detection switch 99 is momentarily in a non-detection state, and the detection signal is input to the payout control unit 171 and it is determined that one ball has been shot. To do.

  The launch solenoid 41 is a solenoid that is driven to launch a game ball from the launch position 43 toward the game area of the game board 2. The hitting hammer 42 is a hammer that hits a game ball in order to fire the game ball. The hitting hammer 42 has a rotating shaft 51 and a coil suction portion 52, and is an arm-shaped member. The arm moves with the rotating shaft 51 as a center to apply a striking force to the game ball. Fire towards the game zone. Specifically, when the firing solenoid 41 (solenoid coil) is excited, the hitting hammer 42 is attracted to the excitation region in the solenoid coil by the coil suction portion 52 formed on the arm around the rotation shaft 51. Or a reciprocating motion such as returning to the original position by a restoring force of a spring (not shown) due to the excitation release of the solenoid coil occurs, and the game ball is fired using this reciprocating motion. Note that the strength of the game ball is adjusted by a variable resistor whose resistance value changes depending on the amount of rotation of the hitting operation handle 37.

  The foul ball detection switch 33 is provided in the course of the ball passage 44 and is a switch that detects a state in which game balls are accumulated in the ball passage 44 and are stagnant. When the foul ball detection switch 33 detects that the game ball in the course of the ball path 44 is not fired and is stagnating, the feeding operation in which the game ball is conveyed toward the downstream of the movement of the ball path 44 is performed. The operation is stopped and the operation of launching a game ball from the launch position 43 to the game area is performed exclusively. Specifically, for example, while the game ball firing operation is repeated three times (three game balls are launched from the launch position 43), the excitation of the ball feed solenoid 47 is stopped and the ball path 44 of the game ball is stopped. The flow is prevented by the link 48, and only the ball is discharged (fired) from the ball passage 44 only. In this way, the game balls existing in the ball passage 44 are suppressed from being in an excess state.

  Here, the hitting operation of the hitting hammer 42 and the transporting operation of the game ball to the launching position 43 of the ball feeding solenoid 47 are performed independently by time control. That is, the operation in which the hitting hammer 42 launches the game ball and the operation in which the ball feed solenoid 47 transports the game ball toward the launch position 43 are controlled so as to have the same speed (one in 0.6 seconds). ing.

  For example, if the foul ball detection switch 33 is on a trajectory (a launch trajectory) in a game area of a game ball fired at the launch position 43 (including the vicinity of the launch position 43), the foul ball detection switch 33 is fired. The game ball or the hitting hammer 42 may be damaged by the impact. However, as in the present embodiment, the foul ball detection switch 33 is provided at a location (ball passage 44) different from the launch trajectory of the game ball launched at the launch position 43. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of breakage due to the game ball hit.

  In the ball circulation movement control (specifically, normal ball circulation processing in S17 described later) in the present embodiment, the moving speed of the game ball is higher toward the upstream of the game ball in the circulation path. Specifically, for example, in the case of the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above, the speed at which the game ball is transferred by the transfer screw 72 in the polishing device 23 is the fastest, and is transferred by the lifting screw 94 in the ball lifting device 25. Next to this, the speed conveyed in the ball passage 44 is the slowest.

  In this way, the game balls on the downstream side of the circulation path, in particular, the launch standby balls whose flow is restricted by the link 48, can be caught up with the succeeding upstream game balls. For example, when a situation occurs in which two game balls pass through the link 48 and are supplied to the launch position at the same time during the game, the number of waiting balls for launching is one less than normal, but the second fill immediately Since the fullness of the ball is no longer detected by the detection sensor 40 and the lifting motor 93 is operated to move the ball at a speed higher than the normal ball feeding speed and supply the ball to the link 48, the standby for firing is performed. The deficiency state of the ball is eliminated, and a proper number of fire standby balls can be maintained. In addition, if the first full detection sensor 40 does not detect the full state of the ball due to the ball being lifted at a speed faster than the normal ball feed speed, the polishing motor 71 is activated and the normal ball feed speed is exceeded. Since the balls are polished and sent out at a faster speed, the deficiency state of the balls at the entrance of the ball feeding device 25 is eliminated.

However, when the first full detection sensor 75 and the second full detection sensor 40 detect the full state of the game ball in order to prevent the game ball from being excessively filled on the downstream side of the circulation path, the stop means ( In S22 and S25), the adjacent device is stopped on the upstream side. If it does in this way, excessive filling of a game ball can be prevented.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the card unit 10 and the pachinko gaming machine 1. With reference to FIG. 20, the outline of the control circuit of the card unit 10 and the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

The card unit 10 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 323 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU and control data, and a RAM (RAM) functioning as a work area of the CPU. Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server (not shown) for security management, and the payout of the pachinko gaming machine 1 A security board 325 is provided for communication with the control board 17 while ensuring security. The card unit 10 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the pachinko gaming machine 1 side, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the card unit 10 side. These connection parts are constituted by connectors, for example.

The security board 325 on the CU side and the payout control board 17 on the P platform side are communicably connected via this connector and connection wiring. The security board 325 is provided with a communication control IC 325a for controlling communication between the security board 325 and the payout control board 17, and a security chip (SC) 325b for monitoring the security of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The SC 325b further includes a fraud detection unit 1325. The fraud detection unit 1325 performs fraud detection by monitoring the game ball addition request information notified from the CU control unit 323 to the P stand 1, and manages the key when fraud is detected. Notify server (not shown). Also, the setting value (constant) for fraud detection is notified from the key management server as board control information.

The above-described money discriminator identifies the authenticity and type of the bill, and the identification result signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the IR photosensitive unit receives infrared rays emitted from a remote controller owned by a game attendant, the received light signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The card reader / writer reads the recorded information of the inserted card, and the read information is input to the CU control unit 323. At the same time, the data to be written to the inserted card from the CU control unit 323 to the card reader / writer. When transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data to the inserted card.

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's possession balls when the player is playing. Data such as a balance or the number of game balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350 and converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is output to the display 312 and the display 312 displays the output display data. Further, when the player operates a touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button 38 a, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Note that the ball lending button 38 a is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 10, and may be configured to be provided in the P stand 1 and input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 38c, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the return button 38b, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a payout control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a launch solenoid 41 based on commands from the payout control board 17. A launch control board 31 for drive control and a variable display device 278 are provided.

As described above, the main control board 16 is provided on the game board 2. The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer as the main control unit 161. A microcomputer for gaming machine control includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a RAM (RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU). Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices. The main controller 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 provided on the game board 2. The game board 2 is further provided with a display control board (effect control board) for controlling the variable display device 278 and the like.

The payout control board 17 is provided on the main body frame 100. The payout control board 17 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer which is a payout control unit 171.

The payout control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU and control data, and a RAM (RAM) functioning as a work area of the CPU. Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

In addition, the payout control board 17 is provided with a ball removal switch 19. The ball removal switch 19 is a switch for discharging the enclosed pachinko gaming ball by maintenance of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like. Although details will be described later, the depression of the beading switch 19 is one condition for executing the beating process. When the ball removal process is executed and the firing operation is detected, a driving source (specifically, a polishing motor 71, a lifting motor) for discharging game balls that cannot be discharged by automatic flow down (in the pachinko gaming machine 1). The feed motor 93, the ball feed solenoid 47, and the firing solenoid 41) are automatically operated.

Further, with respect to the payout control board 17, a shot ball detection switch (not shown), a winning ball detection sensor 110, an out ball detection sensor 88, a polishing inlet sensor 701, a foul ball detection switch 33, a lifting motor 93, a polishing motor 71, The ball feed solenoid 47, the first fullness detection sensor 75, the second fullness detection sensor 40, the counting button 28, and the radio wave sensor 173 are provided in an electrically connected state. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting an illegal act of illegally transmitting radio waves.

A detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the payout control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the payout control board 17.

However, if an illegal radio wave is generated, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are fired. Such radio fraud is detected by the radio wave sensor 173. Here, there is a possibility that the firing ball detection switch may be a target of fraud by radio waves. In other words, when the actually fired balls are collected and detected by the firing ball detection switch, the number of the fired balls and the collected balls (out balls) is wrinkled, and an abnormality is detected and “launch / OUT” is detected. The fraud detection information “number of inconsistent balls” is transmitted from the P unit 1 to the CU 10. However, by sending unauthorized radio waves to the fired ball detection switch to make it undetectable, there is a problem that the fraud detection information of the “number of fired / OUT mismatched balls” is not transmitted from the P unit 1 to the CU 10. . In the present embodiment, since the radio wave sensor 173 also detects unauthorized radio waves transmitted to such a shot ball detection switch, the above-described inconvenience can be prevented.

Further, a shot ball detection switch 99 is provided slightly upstream from the ball feed solenoid 47 (see FIGS. 17 and 18), and each time one game ball is detected by the shot ball detection switch 99, The payout control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the number of game balls. Specifically, the subtraction ball number counter is updated by adding “1” and the number of game balls is updated by “1”.

 As another modified example of subtracting and updating the number of game balls by “1”, there is a method using a foul ball detection switch 33. Originally, the foul ball detection switch 33 detects the full foul ball when the foul ball is filled in the ball passage 44, as will be described later. In this case, the foul ball detection switch 33 outputs a continuous detection signal instead of an instantaneous pulse signal, and the payout control unit 171 that has received the continuous detection signal receives a foul ball in the ball passage 44. It is determined that the battery is full, and YES is determined in S31 of FIG. On the other hand, when the ball feed solenoid 47 is energized once, one game ball flows down the ball passage 44 and when the passing ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 33, an instantaneous pulse signal is detected as a foul ball detection. Output from the switch 33. The payout control unit 171 that has received the instantaneous pulse signal may control to update the subtraction ball number counter by “1” and update the number of game balls by “1”.

In this way, the foul ball detection switch 33 is configured to detect a game ball passing through the ball passage 44 in order to subtract the number of game balls and detect a foul ball filled with the ball passage 44 to detect both. It may be configured as a dual-purpose switch.

 From main control board 16 to payout control board 17, main control chip ID, winning opening information, round information, connection confirmation signal, winning detection signal, starting winning opening winning information, error information, number of symbols determined, jackpot information, manufacturer specific Jackpot information is sent.

 The main control chip ID (also referred to as main chip ID) is a chip ID recorded on the main control board 16 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on. Information. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (start winning opening, normal winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of payout balls when a game ball enters the winning opening). This is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on.

 The connection confirmation signal is a signal for confirming that the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 are connected, and a signal of a predetermined voltage is constantly supplied from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 is configured to control the operation on the condition that the payout control board 17 receives the predetermined voltage signal. The winning detection signal is a detection signal of a game ball won in a winning opening other than the starting winning opening. Upon receiving this detection signal, the payout control board 17 performs control to add the number of balls to be given to one winning ball to the number of game balls and the number of added balls. This will be described in detail later.

 The start winning award winning information is information indicating that a game ball has won either the starting winning opening 1 or the starting winning opening 2. The error information is information for notifying the payout control board 17 when an error occurs while the main control board 16 is performing game control.

 The symbol determination number of times is information on symbols determined as display results of the variable display device for winnings at each start winning opening.

 The jackpot information is information indicating that a jackpot has occurred. The breakdown includes common jackpot information indicating a jackpot common to each manufacturer and manufacturer-specific jackpot information indicating a manufacturer-specific jackpot. The common jackpot information is a jackpot commonly used by each gaming machine manufacturer, such as 15 round jackpots, and includes probability variation information when a probability change occurs with the jackpot. When the time-short state (control state for shortening the variable display time of the variable display device) occurs, the time-shortage information is included. The manufacturer-specific big hit is a big hit state that is adopted only by a certain gaming machine manufacturer, such as sudden probability change (surprise).

 A health check command and a winning ball number acceptance command are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the main control board 16. The health check command is a command for checking whether or not the main control board 16 is operating normally. The prize ball number acceptance command is a command indicating that the additional number of balls has been accepted.

The out ball collected from the out port 8 is detected by the out ball detection switch 88 (see FIG. 8), and an out ball detection signal is input to the payout control unit 171. Also, the winning balls collected from the winning opening are detected by the winning ball detection sensor 110, and a winning ball detection signal is input to the payout control unit 171. Further, the polishing entrance sensor 701 detects a game ball passing therethrough, and a game ball detection signal is input to the payout control unit 171.

  The security board 325 of the card unit 10 and the payout control board 17 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are electrically connected, and the security request from the security board 325 to the payout control board 17 will be described later. Various commands such as a start request, a communication end request, status information, a card insertion notification, a card return notification, and a communication test request are transmitted.

The recovery request is a command that requests the pachinko gaming machine 1 to notify the recovery information, as will be described later. The payout control board 17 receives the recovery request and notifies the card unit 10 of the recovery information of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The detailed recovery request is a command for requesting the pachinko gaming machine 1 to notify the recovery detailed information. The payout control board 17 receives the recovery detail request and notifies the card unit 10 of the recovery detailed information of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The communication start request is a command for requesting the pachinko gaming machine 1 to start communication. The payout control board 17 receives the communication start request and responds to the card unit 10 with the communication start. The communication end request is a command for requesting the pachinko gaming machine 1 to end communication. In response to the communication end request, the payout control board 17 responds to the card unit 10 with the communication end.

 The status information request is a command that requests the pachinko gaming machine 1 to notify the status information. The payout control board 17 receives the status information request and notifies the card unit 10 of the status information of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The card insertion notification is a command for notifying the pachinko gaming machine 1 that a card has been inserted. The payout control board 17 receives the card insertion notification and responds to the card unit 10 that the card has been inserted. The card return notification is a command for notifying the pachinko gaming machine 1 that the card has been returned. The payout control board 17 receives the card return notification and responds to the card unit 10 that the card has been returned. The communication test request is a command for notifying the pachinko gaming machine 1 of test data. The payout control board 17 receives the communication test request and returns test data to the card unit 10.

 Various responses such as a recovery response, a recovery detail response, a communication start response, a communication end response, a status information response, a card insertion response, a card return response, and a communication test response are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the security board 325.

 The main body frame 100 is provided with a firing control board 31 and a firing solenoid 41. The firing control board 31 emits a firing solenoid excitation output to drive the firing solenoid 41 when an input signal of a touch ring for detecting that the player is touching the hitting ball operating handle 37 is input.

 A firing control signal and a firing permission signal are output from the dispensing control board 17 to the firing control board 31. Upon receiving this, the firing control board 31 outputs a signal for exciting the firing solenoid 41. Thereby, it will be in the state by which a game ball is bullet-launched to a game area.

 The main body frame 100 is provided with a display unit 50. The display unit 50 receives display data from the display control unit 350 of the card unit 10 and displays a display screen. As described above, in the present embodiment, the display unit 50 on the P base side is configured to be controlled on the CU side. Instead, the display unit 50 is displayed on the P base side. A display control substrate for controlling may be provided. In this case, the display control board controls the display unit 50 based on a command from the payout control unit 171. Although not shown in FIG. 20, the detection signal of the out ball detection switch 88 and the detection signal of the firing ball detection switch 99 are input to the payout control unit 171.

  Next, a mode for discharging the game ball enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the outside during maintenance or the like will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the ball movement control mode process of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on, a transition is made to the “ball removal possible mode” for discharging the game balls to the outside on condition that all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied. These multiple conditions are the conditions shown in S1 to S4 in FIG. 21 when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on. If one of these conditions is not satisfied, the process shifts to the “drum removal mode”. Never do.

  First, when the power switch 21a (FIG. 6) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is operated and the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls is 0 (S1). Here, the “number of game balls” refers to the number of balls that can be fired by the pachinko gaming machine 1, the number of balls generated by withdrawing the balance of the prepaid card, the stored ball (mob), and the result of playing the game. This is the number of balls owned by the player. That is, the number of balls that can be fired by the player operating the hitting operation handle 37 (FIG. 1). Further, the “number of game balls” may be expressed as “scoring points”, and a game ball is launched from the launching device 14 to the game area in exchange for the deduction of “score points”. In S1, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls (scoring points) is 0, but other conditions may be determined. For example, it may be determined in S1 whether a visitor card having a prepaid function or a membership card as a game recording medium is inserted in the card unit 10 (FIG. 1). If these cards are not inserted into the card unit 10 (FIG. 1), the control proceeds to S2. Further, it may be determined in S1 whether or not a player-owned game value (for example, a card balance, the number of possessed balls, or the number of stored balls) exists in the visitor card or the membership card. If it is determined that there is no game value owned by the player, the control proceeds to S2. Further, in S1, a plurality of determinations are performed as to whether or not the number of possession balls is 0, whether or not a visitor card or the like is inserted, and whether or not there is a game value in the visitor card or the like. May be.

  If the number of game balls (score) is 0 (S1: Yes), it is next determined whether or not there is an operation of the ball removal switch 19 (FIGS. 4 and 5) (S2). The ball removal switch 19 is provided on the payout control board 17 as shown in FIG. Therefore, in order to operate the ball removal switch 19, it is necessary to rotate the main body frame 100 so that the rear surface of the main body frame 100 can be touched in the same manner as the power switch 21a is operated. That is, when the main body frame 100 is opened with respect to the outer frame 60, the doffing switch 19 can be operated.

  If there is an operation of the ball removal switch 19 (S2: Yes), it is next determined whether or not the transparent cover 11 (FIG. 2) is in a state of closing the game board 2 (FIG. 2) (S3). The determination in S3 is performed by a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the main body frame 100 and the upper front frame 3A to which the transparent cover 11 is attached as shown in FIG. Here, the state in which the upper front frame 3A is closed with respect to the main body frame 100 means that the upper front frame 3A and the main body frame 100 are in close contact with each other. In such a state, the transparent cover 11 is in a state in which the game board 2 is closed, and a game ball flowing down on the game board 2 does not jump out. On the other hand, the state in which the upper front frame 3A is open with respect to the main body frame 100 refers to a state in which the upper front frame 3A is rotated from the closed state and separated from the main body frame 100. The sensor that detects the open / closed state of the upper front frame 3A and the main body frame 100 is a sensor that detects a detection piece provided on one of the main body frame 100 and the upper front frame 3A with a proximity sensor provided on the other. May be.

  If the transparent cover 11 is in a closed state (S3: Yes), it is next determined whether or not the main body frame 100 (FIG. 2) is in an open state (S4). The S4 determination is performed by a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the main body frame 100 and the outer frame 60 shown in FIG. Here, the state in which the main body frame 100 is closed with respect to the outer frame 60 means that the main body frame 100 and the outer frame 60 are in close contact with each other. On the other hand, the state in which the main body frame 100 is open with respect to the outer frame 60 means a state in which the main body frame 100 is rotated from the closed state and separated from the outer frame 60. The sensor that detects the open / closed state of the main body frame 100 and the outer frame 60 may be a sensor that detects a detection piece provided on one of the main body frame 100 and the outer frame 60 with a proximity sensor provided on the other. Good.

  If the main body frame 100 is in an open state (S4: Yes), the ball movement control mode flag is set to “2” (S5). On the other hand, if any one of S1 to S4 is determined as No, the ball movement control mode flag is set to “1” (S6).

  In this way, the ball movement control mode flag is set to “2” only when all of S1 to S4 are determined as Yes. When the ball movement control mode flag is set to “2” in this way, as will be described later, the mode shifts to a “ball removal possible mode” and the ball removal process is executed.

  In S1, when the number of game balls (score) = 0 is set as a condition for executing the ball removal process, if ball removal is permitted while the number of game balls is held, This is because there is a risk of being unable to play games. In this way, by allowing ball removal on condition that the number of game balls = 0, it is possible to prevent ball removal during the game.

  Moreover, in S2, it is for confirming the clear intention which intends to perform a ball removal process as a reason which makes the case where the ball removal operation button 19 is operated as conditions for performing a ball removal process. As a result, the ball removal process during the game can be prevented, and the problem that the game ball is discharged when performing maintenance that does not require the game ball to be discharged can be prevented.

  In S3, the reason why the transparent cover 11 is closed as a condition for executing the ball removal process is that the game ball launched from the launching device 14 has a gap between the transparent cover and the game board 2. This is to prevent jumping out from. Thereby, all the game balls can be discharged from the ball removal path 76.

  Further, in S4, the case where the main body frame 100 is opened is a condition for executing the ball removal process. The game is not played when the main body frame 100 is opened. This is because there is no unexpected disadvantage. Moreover, since the main body frame 100 is locked, the player cannot open the main body frame 100. Thereby, it can prevent that a player carries out beading.

  Next, a flow of a series of ball movement control processes when driving the pachinko gaming machine 1 having the above-described configuration will be described in detail. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the ball movement control process of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 22, first, it is determined whether the ball movement control mode flag is “1” (S7). As described above, when the ball movement control mode flag is “1”, the ball removal process is not executed.

  When the ball movement control mode flag is “1” (S7: Yes), the process in which the game ball moves (circulates) inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 (circulation path) is the ball replenishment process (S8). The circulation process (S9), the ball feeding process (S10), and the abnormality detection process (S11) are performed periodically. Here, the time required for performing one way from S7 to S11 is, for example, 2 msec.

  FIG. 23 (a) is a flowchart showing details of the ball replenishment process shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 23 (b) is a flowchart showing details of the normal ball circulation process shown in FIG. 22, and FIG. 23 (c) is shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a ball | bowl feeding process.

  As shown to Fig.23 (a), the presence or absence of the storage ball in a circulation path is discriminate | determined by S15. It is determined by detecting that no game ball is contained in any of the first fullness detection sensor 75 and the second fullness detection sensor 40, for example, that the storage ball is not in the circulation path (YES in S15). Can do.

  If a game ball is thrown into the circulation path from the out port 8 and the game ball is detected by the out ball detection sensor 88, NO is determined in S15, and the control proceeds to S16. In other words, from the state where the storage balls are not in the circulation path at all (YES in S15), it is recognized that the supply of the game balls in the circulation path has started by detecting the replenished game balls by the polishing inlet sensor 701. Then, the control proceeds to S17, and normal ball circulation processing is performed. The determination of YES in S16 is made when a game clerk throws in a game ball from the outlet 8 in order to replenish balls. On the other hand, if the out-ball detection sensor 88 does not detect a game ball (NO in S16), the subroutine program is immediately terminated without performing the normal ball circulation process.

  By the normal time ball circulation processing in S17, for example, the game balls thrown in from the out port 8 are circulated and conveyed through the circulation path and supplied to the front of the link 48.

 The description of FIG. 23A is a program applied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 having a specification in which the circulation of the game ball in the circulation path is started when the out ball detection sensor 88 detects the game ball. Even if the first fullness detection sensor 75 and the second fullness detection sensor 40 do not detect the game ball, as long as the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the polishing motor 71 and the lift motor When driving starts with 93, the steps S15 and S16 are not required.

In addition, when performing ball replenishment, you may make it throw in a ball | bowl from the winning opening provided in the game area instead of throwing in a ball | bowl from the above-mentioned out port 8, for example. In this case, the game ball thrown in by the winning ball detection sensor 110 may be detected.

  With reference to FIG.23 (b), it is discriminate | determined by S20 whether the 1st fullness detection sensor 75 is ON. As described above, the first fullness detection sensor 75 shown in FIG. 15 is a region where a game ball sent from the polishing device 23 toward the ball lifting device 25 bridges the polishing device 23 and the ball lifting device 25. Turns on when full in the vicinity (YES in S20). The fullness here occurs when the replenishment of game balls in the circulation device is advanced by the ball replenishment process shown in FIG. 23 (a) (S8 in FIG. 22). Specifically, instead of the instantaneous pulse signal output from the first full detection sensor 75 when the passage of the game ball is detected, the game ball stays at the detection position of the first full detection sensor 75 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). ) When the ball detection signal is continuously output, YES is determined in S15. The same applies to the determination of YES in S23 described later and the determination of YES in S31. As a result of determining YES in S20, the control proceeds to S22 and the polishing motor 71 stops. As a result, the transport of the game ball to the downstream side of the polishing apparatus 23 is stopped, and the game ball on the downstream side moves exclusively, so that the control is performed in a direction in which the filling of the game ball on the downstream side of the polishing apparatus 23 is eliminated. move on. However, if the first fullness detection sensor 75 has not yet detected the fullness of the game ball (NO in S20), the control proceeds to S21 and the polishing motor 71 is driven (the drive is continued).

 Next, in S23, it is determined whether or not the second full sensor 40 is ON. As described above, when the game ball sent from the ball lifting device 25 toward the launching device 14 is filled in the vicinity of the region that bridges the ball lifting device 25 and the launching device 14, the second fullness detection sensor 40 is filled. Is turned on (YES in S23). The fullness here occurs when the replenishment of game balls in the circulation device is advanced by the ball replenishment process shown in FIG. 23 (a) (S8 in FIG. 22 (a)). As a result, the control proceeds to S25 and the lifting motor 93 stops. As a result, the transport of the game ball to the downstream side of the ball lifting device 25 is stopped, and the game ball on the further downstream side moves exclusively, so that the fullness of the game ball on the downstream side of the ball lift device 25 is eliminated. Control proceeds in the direction. However, when the second fullness detection sensor 40 has not yet detected the fullness of the game ball (NO in S23), the control proceeds to S24 and the lifting motor 93 is driven (the drive is continued).

 If the game ball is filled in the circulation path by the subroutine program shown in FIG. 23B, the transport from the upstream side is temporarily stopped (by the stop means), and the downstream game ball is transferred further downstream. In particular, the cycle of sending out the game ball from the upstream side again is repeated when the fullness of the game ball on the downstream side is eliminated.

  In addition, after the normal ball circulation process of S17 in the above-described ball supply process, the ball feed solenoid 47 may be excited once to supply only one ball to the firing position. Then, the game ball is launched into the game area from the moment when the player operates the hitting operation handle 37.

  In addition, as described above, the moving speed of the game ball is faster on the upstream side in the circulation path than on the downstream side, so even if the number of game balls is temporarily insufficient in the downstream, the game area is always moved from the upstream to the game area. Since it is possible to ensure a state in which it can be launched, it is possible to eliminate a state where game balls are insufficient on the downstream side.

 The normal ball circulation process described above is performed in the normal circulation in which the player is hitting the ball in S9 in FIG. 22, and the balls are distributed in the circulation path when the ball is replenished in S17 in FIG. It is also used for processing for

  FIG. 23C is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for the ball feeding process shown in S10 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 23C, in the ball feeding process, first, in S30, it is determined whether or not a firing operation is detected. Specifically, this is a step of determining whether or not a game ball is fired from the launch position 43 to the game area.

 As described above, when a metal plate-shaped sensor called a touch sensor provided around the hitting operation handle 37 shown in FIG. 1 touches the player's hand, the pachinko gaming machine 1 detects the launch operation (in S30). YES), the control proceeds to S31, where it is determined whether or not the foul ball detection switch 33 (see FIG. 17) has detected a ball. Normally, the foul ball does not stagnate in the ball passage 44 (see FIG. 17), NO is determined in S31, and the ball feed solenoid 47 is driven and controlled in S32, and the ball is fired via the ball passage 44. Supplied to the position. The supplied game ball is launched into the game area by driving (exciting) the launch solenoid 41 in S33.

 On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not detect the firing operation without touching the player's hand in S30 (NO in S30), the subroutine program is terminated without driving the firing solenoid 41. In this case, the game ball is not transferred in the ball passage 44.

 In some cases, such as when the ball firing force is extremely weak, the ball is not fired for some reason and may remain at the ball firing position. When a predetermined number of the remaining foul balls are accumulated, the foul balls are placed in the ball passage 44. The foul ball that is stagnant is detected by the foul ball detection switch 33, and YES is determined in S31. Then, the driving of the ball feed solenoid 47 is stopped, and while a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are fired from the launch position 43, the operation of launching the game balls exclusively from the launch position 43 to the game area is performed. (S34). However, it may be time for a number of game balls other than three to be launched from the launch position 43. In this way, the control proceeds in a direction in which the fullness of game balls in the ball passage 44 is eliminated. After the above-described operation for launching a game ball from the launch position 43 to the game area is performed, the launch solenoid 41 is again controlled to be in a drivable state (S33).

  However, in S32 and S33, the ball feed solenoid 47 and the firing solenoid 41 are controlled so as to be driven every 2 msec, which is the program cycle of FIG. 22, but by actual driving, for example, driving of the hitting hammer 42 The game ball is fired from the launch position 43 to the game area every about 600 msec, for example, but it may be a longer time period or a shorter time period. That is, when the firing solenoid 41 is driven as usual, game balls are launched from the launching device 14 to the game area at a rate of 100 times per minute. As described above, by the joint work of S32 and S33, the launching device 14 transports the game ball toward the launch position 43 and launches the game ball from the launch position 43. The driving of the firing solenoid 41 by S33 while the excitation of the ball feed solenoid 47 is stopped by S34 is performed, for example, every about 600 msec, but it may be a longer time period or a shorter time period. It may be.

 The timing for driving (exciting) the firing solenoid 41 in S31 may actually be provided with a predetermined time difference from the timing for driving (exciting) the ball feed solenoid 47 in S33. Specifically, after the ball feed solenoid 47 is driven to send the game ball, the firing solenoid 41 is driven (excited) with a delay by the time required for the game ball to reach the launch position 43.

 When the game ball is filled in the ball passage 44 by the subroutine program shown in FIG. 23 (c), the transport from the upstream side is temporarily stopped and the downstream game ball is fired. If the game ball is full, the cycle of sending the game ball from the upstream side is repeated.

As described above, the determination in S31 is determined as YES when the ball detection signal is output from the foul ball detection switch 33 continuously for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), but instead, Alternatively, control may be performed so that the ball is detected at a timing that avoids the timing at which the game ball sent by the excitation of the ball feed solenoid 47 passes the ball detection position of the foul ball detection switch 33.

 As a specific control method, for example, the time required for the game ball sent out along with the excitation of the ball feed solenoid 47 to flow down the ball passage 44 and reach the ball detection position of the foul ball detection switch 33 (arrival time) ) Is stored in the payout control unit 171 at the manufacturing stage of the P stand 1, and the timer time is started when the ball feed solenoid 47 is excited, and the time value of the timer is a value in the vicinity of the arrival time (for example, the arrival time). Control is performed so that the ball detection operation by the foul ball inspection switch 33 is performed when the time ± 0.1 seconds is not reached. When the time value of the timer is not a value in the vicinity of the arrival time (for example, arrival time ± 0.1 second), the ball detection operation is performed by the foul ball inspection switch 33, and the detection signal with a ball is a payout control. When input to the unit 171, the payout control unit 171 determines that a foul ball is present.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing details of the abnormality detection processing shown in FIG. 22, and FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing details of the abnormality detection processing, which is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. The upstream sensors described in FIGS. 24 and 25 are the out ball detection sensor 88 and the winning ball detection sensor 110 illustrated in FIG. 9. Further, the downstream sensor shown in FIG. 25 is a sensor located downstream of the upstream sensor, and is the polishing inlet sensor 701 shown in FIG. Note that the abnormality detection processing shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 is also executed by the payout control unit 171.

  First, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been fired (S40). A touch sensor is formed around the hitting operation handle 13. When the player touches the touch sensor, the pachinko gaming machine 1 detects the launch operation.

  When the launch of a game ball is detected (S40: Yes), an upstream sensor detection waiting timer is set (S41). The upstream sensor detection waiting timer value is a timer value from when the player operates the hitting ball operating handle 13 and the game ball is fired from the launching device 14 until reaching the upstream sensor. Since the time to reach the upstream sensor differs depending on the model of the pachinko gaming machine 1, different timer values that are determined to be abnormal in advance depending on the model are stored in the payout control unit 171 at the manufacturing stage of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the game ball The timer starts counting when triggered by the launch. For example, when the game ball takes a flow-down mode that takes the longest time, the time from when the game ball is fired until it reaches the upstream sensor is added to the upstream sensor detection waiting timer. It can be. When game balls are continuously being fired, a plurality of timers are stored in the payout control unit 171.

  When the upstream sensor detection waiting timer is set in S41, it is next determined whether or not the upstream sensor has detected a game ball (S42). Here, the upstream sensor refers to the out ball detection sensor 88 and the winning ball detection sensor 110 shown in FIG. 9, and the game ball fired from the launching device 14 passes through either sensor. It is.

  When the upstream sensor does not detect the game ball (S42: No), the upstream sensor detection waiting timer value is subtracted (S43). Here, if a plurality of upstream sensor detection wait timer values are set, all timer values are subtracted.

  Next, it is determined whether or not all the upstream sensor detection waiting timer values thus subtracted have become 0 (S44).

  If there is one with an upstream sensor detection waiting timer value of 0 (S44: Yes), a situation has occurred in which the upstream sensor does not detect the game ball fired from the launching device 14. Therefore, as a process at the time of abnormality, the payout control unit 171 displays that the clogging has occurred (between the launching device 14 and the upstream sensor) on the display unit 50, and a hall management computer (not shown) A notification signal indicating that clogging has occurred is transmitted to the hall server (S45). As described above, when the abnormality is detected by the upstream sensor and it is determined that the clogging has occurred, the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not necessarily stop the game. The store clerk of the game store may check the state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and take necessary measures such as eliminating clogging. On the other hand, when there is a high possibility of fraud, the game may be stopped. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a player's disadvantage caused by playing a game in a disadvantageous state, such as prevention of fraud or a game ball not being fired. It should be noted that there is no game ball in the pachinko gaming machine 1 for some reason, or when the upstream detection wait timer value becomes 0 due to an abnormality in the upstream sensor (S44: Yes). . Therefore, in the abnormal process in S44, a notification signal indicating that there is no game ball or that an abnormality has occurred in the upstream sensor may be transmitted together. In this case, the store clerk of the game store visually checks the state of the game board 2 or the like to check whether there is a clogged ball or operates the hitting operation handle 37 to check whether there is a game ball in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Can be confirmed. Further, the abnormality of the upstream sensor can be confirmed based on the confirmed presence or absence of the game ball.

  In S40, when the release of the game ball is not detected (S40: No), it is determined whether there is a set upstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S46). If there is an upstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S46: Yes), the control proceeds to S42. If there is no upstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S46: No), it is determined that no abnormality is detected in the upstream sensor, and the control proceeds to S49.

  If the upstream sensor detects a game ball (S42: Yes), the upstream sensor detection waiting timer value is reset (S47). If there are a plurality of upstream sensor detection waiting timer values, the upstream sensor detection waiting timer value closest to 0 is reset. The game balls launched from the launching device 14 are not detected by the upstream sensor in the order of launch, and the order of detection is different depending on the flow-down mode in the game area. In the normal state, all the game balls launched from the launching device 14 are detected by the upstream sensor. Therefore, here, the upstream sensor detection waiting timer value closest to 0 is reset.

  Subsequent to S47, in S48, it is determined whether or not the set upstream sensor detection waiting timer value exists. If there is an upstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S48: Yes), the control proceeds to S43. If there is no upstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S48: No), it is determined that no abnormality is detected in the upstream sensor, and the control proceeds to S49.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the upstream sensor has detected a game ball (S49). When the upstream sensor detects a game ball (S49: Yes), a downstream sensor detection waiting timer value is set (S50). The downstream sensor detection waiting timer value is a timer value from when the game ball passes the upstream sensor to when it reaches the downstream sensor. This timer value is stored in the payout control unit 171 at the manufacturing stage of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the timer starts to be triggered when it is detected by the upstream sensor. Since the time required for the flow from the upstream sensor to the downstream sensor is substantially constant, the downstream sensor detection waiting timer value is set to a value obtained by adding some time to the normal flow time.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the downstream sensor has detected a game ball (S51). Here, the downstream sensor is the polishing inlet sensor 701 shown in FIG. When the downstream sensor does not detect the game ball (S51: No), the downstream sensor detection waiting timer value is subtracted (S52). Here, if a plurality of downstream sensor detection waiting timer values are set, all timer values are subtracted.

  Subsequently, when there is a downstream sensor detection waiting timer value of 0 (S53: Yes), a situation is assumed in which the game ball that has passed the upstream sensor does not pass the downstream sensor. Such a situation is a situation in which a magnetic body is mixed in the game ball sealed in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the magnetic body is adsorbed by a magnet and the flow path is blocked as shown in FIG. is there. For this reason, there is a situation in which a non-magnetic game ball does not flow downstream and is not detected by the polishing inlet sensor 701 which is a downstream sensor. Subsequently, the control proceeds to S54 (processing at the time of abnormality). In addition, when there is a downstream sensor detection waiting timer value of 0 (S53: Yes), in addition to the above case, an abnormality may be assumed in the upstream sensor or the downstream sensor.

  In S54, as a process at the time of abnormality, the fact that the magnetic substance is mixed in the enclosed non-magnetic game ball is displayed on the display unit 50, and a ball management computer or hall server (not shown) A notification signal indicating that clogging has occurred is transmitted. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 stops the game and also stops the launch of the game ball in the launch device 14 (S54). Thereby, it is possible to prevent a player's disadvantage caused by playing a game in a disadvantageous state, such as prevention of fraud using a magnet or a game ball not being fired. Note that, as described above, a case where the timer value becomes 0 (S53: Yes) due to the occurrence of an abnormality in the upstream sensor or the downstream sensor is also assumed. For this reason, in the abnormality processing in S54, a notification signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the upstream sensor or the downstream sensor may be transmitted together. In this case, the store clerk of the game store opens the main body frame 100 and determines what abnormality has occurred by removing the protective cover 68 (FIG. 9) of the game ball detection device 27 (FIG. 9). Is possible. That is, if there is a magnetic body attracted to the magnet body 114 (FIG. 9), it can be determined that the magnetic body is mixed. On the other hand, when there is no magnetic body attracted to the magnet body 114 (FIG. 9), it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the upstream sensor or the downstream sensor.

  In S49, when a game ball is not detected by the upstream sensor (S49: No), it is determined whether there is a set downstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S55). If there is a downstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S55: Yes), the control proceeds to S51. If there is no downstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S55: No), it is determined that no abnormality is detected in the downstream sensor, and the subroutine program is terminated.

  If the downstream sensor detects a game ball (S51: Yes), the downstream sensor detection waiting timer value is reset (S56). Here, when there are a plurality of downstream sensor detection waiting timer values, the downstream sensor detection waiting timer value closest to 0 is reset.

  Subsequent to S56, in S57, it is determined whether the set downstream sensor detection waiting timer value exists. If there is a downstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S57: Yes), the control proceeds to S52. If there is no downstream sensor detection waiting timer value (S57: No), it is determined that no abnormality is detected in the downstream sensor, and the subroutine program is terminated.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the clogging of the game ball is detected by monitoring the elapsed time from when the launching device 14 launches the game ball until it is detected by the upstream sensor. can do. Also, by detecting the elapsed time from when the game ball is detected by the upstream sensor to when it is detected by the downstream sensor, the magnetic material mixed in the game ball made of the enclosed non-magnetic material is detected. Is possible.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing details of the ball removal process shown in FIG. In S7 shown in FIG. 22, when the ball movement control mode flag is not “1” (S7: No), the control is advanced to S12, and the ball removal process is executed. In the ball removal process, as shown in S60 of FIG. 26, it is determined whether or not a power-off is detected (S60). The ball removal process is a process that ends on condition that the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off.

  If power-off is not detected (S60: No), it is then determined whether or not a firing operation has been detected (S61). As described above, a touch sensor is formed around the hitting operation handle 13, and when the player touches the touch sensor, the pachinko gaming machine 1 detects a launch operation.

  When the firing operation is detected (S61: Yes), the polishing motor 71, the lifting motor 93, the ball feeding solenoid 47, and the firing solenoid 41 for transporting the game ball are driven (S62). Thereby, a game ball is conveyed along the circulation path in the pachinko game machine 1 mentioned above. Here, as shown in FIG. 14, by operating the ball removal operation switch 90 and bringing the switching piece 90b into contact with the stopper 124a, a flow path of a game ball leading to the ball removal path 76 is formed. As a result, the game ball transported to the polishing end end 79 by the transport screw 72 is discharged to the outside from the ball removal path 76. In addition, since all of the driving sources (specifically, the polishing motor 71, the lifting motor 93, the ball feeding solenoid 47, and the launching solenoid 41) for transporting the game ball are operating, they are enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine 1. It is possible to discharge all the game balls through the ball removal path 76.

  In S62, when the driving source such as the polishing motor 71 is operated, the out ball detection sensor 88, the winning ball detection sensor 110, the first full detection sensor 75, the second full detection sensor 40, the polishing entrance sensor 701, etc. The sensors are not activated. Thereby, it can prevent that abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection process shown to S11, while operating a drive source. In the subroutine program of FIG. 23B, the polishing motor and the lifting motor are driven based on the detection results of the first fullness detection sensor 75 and the second fullness detection sensor 40, and the conveying speeds thereof are also varied. It was. On the other hand, when operating the drive source in S62, the game ball cannot be circulated based on the detection results of the sensors. For this reason, it is preferable that the conveying speeds of the polishing motor and the lifting motor are the same. If no firing operation is detected (S61: No), the ball removal process is terminated.

  When the power-off is detected (S60: Yes), it is determined whether or not the grinding motor, the lifting motor, the ball feeding solenoid, and the firing solenoid, which are game ball transport means, are being driven (S63). If there is (S63: Yes), the polishing motor 71, the lifting motor 93, the ball feeding solenoid 47, and the firing solenoid 41 are stopped (S64), and then the ball removal process is completed and not being driven (S63: No). ) And the bead removal process is finished as it is.

  Thus, the person who performs the ball removal work can set the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the “dashable mode” by setting the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a state satisfying the conditions from S1 to S4 in FIG. . At this time, the display unit 50 (FIG. 1) displays that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the “ball removal possible mode”. Thereby, the worker can confirm whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the “drum removal enabled mode”, and can easily determine whether or not the ball removal operation may be performed.

  Then, the ball removal operation switch 90 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the “ball removal possible mode” is rotated so that the flow path of the game ball is connected to the ball removal path 76. By operating the hitting ball operating handle 37 (FIG. 1) in this state, the game ball being transported to the circulation path by the drive source can be discharged from the ball removal path 76. When all the game balls in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are discharged, the power is turned off by the power switch 21a (FIG. 6). As a result, the “lens-out possible mode” of the pachinko gaming machine 1 ends.

  As a method for determining whether or not all the game balls in the pachinko gaming machine 1 have been discharged, for example, if the polishing entrance sensor 701 does not detect for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the display unit 50 (FIG. 1) is balled out. You may display that it completed. Alternatively, the worker himself confirms that no balls are discharged from the ball removal path 76, and operates the power switch 21a (FIG. 6) to turn off the power.

  The drive control by S62 in the ball removal process of FIG. 26 is the same drive control (drive control at the same speed) as in the normal game where the player is playing. However, this speed may be increased during the ball removal process. As described above, during the normal game operation, one ball is fired every 0.6 seconds, so that the circulating movement speed of the game ball in the circulation path cannot be increased beyond the firing speed. However, when a game is not being performed, such as in the maintenance mode, it is not constrained by the firing speed of one shot per 0.6 seconds. Therefore, the circulating movement speed of the game ball in the circulation path is controlled at a higher speed than in the normal game. The ball removal process may be performed at high speed. Specifically, during the ball removal process of FIG. 26, the driving speeds of the polishing motor 71, the lifting motor 93, the ball feeding solenoid 47, and the firing solenoid 41 in S62 are rotated at a higher speed than during a normal game operation. . Thereby, the efficiency of the ball removal process can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the card unit 10 and the pachinko gaming machine 1 are communicably connected via connection wiring, and transmit and receive various data stored in each. In the present embodiment, the fluctuation of the number of game balls is calculated on the P stand 1 side, and the current latest game ball number is stored and managed. The CU 10 side also calculates and stores the current number of game balls, and the number of game balls is based on information transmitted from the P stand 1 side. On the other hand, the CU 10 side manages and stores the number of balls (the number of cards), the number of balls, and the card balance (balance).

  On the other hand, when the power is turned on in a state where the conditions from S1 to S4 in FIG. 21 are satisfied, the pachinko gaming machine 1 that has entered the “ball removal possible mode” does not communicate with the card unit 10 at all. Thereby, fraud such as illegal data performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 being sent to the card unit can be prevented.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the magnet body 114 that adsorbs the magnetic body 12a flowing through the circulation path of the game ball and closes the circulation path with the adsorbed magnetic body 12a is provided. Yes. Therefore, the game balls 12 flowing down are blocked and connected upstream. Therefore, if a sensor capable of detecting only the flow of the game ball is provided downstream of the magnet body 114, the mixed magnetic body can be detected. Thus, since it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor for detecting the magnetic body 12a, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of detecting the magnetic body at a low manufacturing cost.

  Further, even if the magnetic body 12 a is blocked by the magnetic body 114 and the game ball 12 is connected upstream, the game ball detection device 27 has a sufficient length so that it can be accommodated in the game ball detection device 27. The flow path is secured. Note that the game ball detection device 27 does not have a drive source for transporting the game ball 12. Therefore, even if the game ball 12a made of a magnetic material is blocked and connected upstream, the game ball does not come into contact with the drive source, and the game ball is prevented from clogging at the drive source. Can do.

  Further, sensors (out ball detection sensor 88 and winning ball detection sensor 110) are provided not only downstream of the magnet body 114 but also upstream thereof. As a result, not only improper mixing of magnetic materials but also clogging of game balls can be detected, and abnormality of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be detected more finely.

  In addition, when a clogged ball generated in the circulation path is detected or a mixed magnetic material is detected, the game is stopped. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a player's disadvantage caused by playing a game in a disadvantageous state, such as prevention of fraud using a magnet or a game ball not being fired.

  Further, by rotating the changeover switch 113, the magnet body 114 can be switched between a position close to the flow path (circulation path) and a position away from the flow path (circulation path). Accordingly, the magnetic body 114 can be made to be able to attract or cannot be attracted appropriately, and the operation range of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be widened.

  Further, the place where the magnet body 114 attracts the magnetic body 12a is the place where the circulation path is bent at a right angle, and the game body is decelerated. Thereby, the magnetic body 12a can be adsorbed by the magnet body 114, and the flow path of the game ball can be blocked.

  In addition, since the number of game balls (points) = 0 is a condition for executing the ball removal process, ball removal is not allowed in the state where the number of game balls (points) is held, and the game It is possible to prevent the beading inside.

  In addition, since the case where the ball removal operation button 19 is operated is a condition for executing the ball removal process, the ball removal process during the game can be prevented and the game ball does not need to be discharged. When performing the maintenance, it is possible to prevent a problem that the game ball is discharged.

  In addition, since the case where the transparent cover 11 is closed is a condition for executing the ball removal process, it is assumed that the game ball launched from the launching device 14 jumps out of the gap between the transparent cover and the game board 2. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, since the case where the main body frame 100 is opened is set as a condition for executing the ball removal process, the ball removal process is not executed in a state where a game is being played. Therefore, no unexpected disadvantage is given to the player. Moreover, since the main body frame 100 is locked, the player cannot open the main body frame 100. Thereby, it can prevent that a player carries out beading.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 that has entered the “ball removal possible mode” does not communicate with the card unit 10 at all. Thereby, fraud such as illegal data performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 being sent to the card unit can be prevented.

  Further, by turning the ball removal operation switch 90, the switching piece 90b can block the circulation path 91 and open the ball removal path 76. The game ball transported to the polishing end portion 79 by the transport screw 72 passes through the ball removal path 76 and is discharged to the outside of the polishing apparatus 23. Thereby, since the game medium in a game machine can be discharged | emitted outside using the launcher 14, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko game machine 1 can be suppressed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. In the embodiment described above, the out ball detection sensor 88 and the winning ball detection sensor 110 that are upstream sensors are provided upstream of the magnet body 114, and the polishing entrance sensor 701 that is a downstream sensor is provided downstream of the magnet body 114, thereby providing a game ball However, the upstream sensor may be omitted and only the downstream sensor may be provided.

  For example, when only the downstream sensor is provided, the downstream sensor detection waiting timer is preferably set when the game ball is detected to be launched. In this case, the downstream sensor detection wait timer can be set based on the time taken from the time when the game ball is fired by the launching device 14 until it reaches the downstream sensor. When the downstream sensor detection waiting timer becomes 0, the abnormal process is executed in the same manner. In this case, either a clogged ball or a magnetic substance is mixed. It is not possible to specify whether it exists. However, the mixed magnetic body can be detected with a simpler configuration than the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 provided with the upstream sensor and the downstream sensor, the detection of the game ball by the upstream sensor may be turned off to operate only the downstream sensor.

  In addition, on the condition that the game ball is continuously fired by the launching device 14, the detection waiting timer of the upstream sensor and the downstream sensor is set on the condition that the previous game ball has been detected. Good. That is, an abnormality may be detected by monitoring an interval at which the upstream sensor and the downstream sensor detect the game ball. As described above, the time from when the game ball is fired from the launching device 14 until it is detected by the upstream sensor has a relatively large variation. Therefore, it is preferable to set an upstream sensor detection waiting timer based on the time when such variation is added to the interval at which the launching device 14 launches the game ball.

  In the above-described embodiment, the downstream sensor detection waiting timer is set when the upstream sensor detects a game ball. That is, the downstream sensor detects the abnormality on the premise that the upstream sensor detects a game ball. However, although the upstream sensor does not detect the game ball, the abnormality may be notified even when the downstream sensor detects the game ball. For example, when the downstream sensor detects a game ball, it may be confirmed immediately before that whether the upstream sensor has detected the same game ball. In this case, it is considered that an abnormality has occurred in one or both of the sensors, and that fact may be displayed on the display unit 50, or there is a clog in a hall management computer or hall server (not shown). A notification signal indicating that it has occurred may be transmitted.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the place where the magnet body 114 attracts the magnetic body is the place where the circulation path is bent at a right angle. However, as a method of reducing the flow speed of the game ball, Various other methods can be employed. For example, a projection may be provided on the bottom surface of the circulation path to slow down the game ball, or the circulation path may be meandered.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the ball removal operation switch 90 provided in the polishing apparatus 23 is manually switched between guiding the game ball to the discharge path 76 or the circulation path 91. It was. However, drive means for rotating the ball removal operation switch 90 may be provided separately. Then, by setting the conditions from S1 to S4 in FIG. 21 to satisfy the conditions, the pachinko gaming machine 1 automatically rotates the ball removal operation switch 90 when it shifts to the “ball removal possible mode” The game ball may be guided to the discharge path 76. In addition, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 shifts to the “drilling possible mode”, the display unit 50 displays a message to confirm whether or not to switch the doffing operation switch 90 to the operator. Further, confirmation may be obtained using the operation switch group 38.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the abnormality detection process is executed by the payout control unit 171 provided in the main body frame 100. However, for example, the launch control board 31 provided on the main body frame 100 may be executed, or the main control unit 161 provided on the game board 2 may be executed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 3A Upper front frame 3A Lower front frame 8 Out port 14 Launching device 10 Card unit 16 Main control board 17 Dispensing control board 19 Draw switch 21a Power switch 23 Polishing device 25 Lifting device 27 Game ball detection Device 50 Display unit 60 Outer frame 76 Ball removal path 88 Out ball detection sensor 90 Ball removal operation switch 91 Circulation path 100 Body frame 110 Winning ball detection sensor 113 Changeover switch 114 Magnet body
701 Polishing inlet sensor

Claims (4)

A gaming machine that plays a game using a game medium enclosed inside in exchange for a deduction of points,
A circulation path for collecting the game media used in the game and circulating it again to a position where it can be used for the game;
And a discharge means capable of discharging the Yu skills medium to the outside,
A game board holding frame for holding a game board on which a game using a game medium is performed;
A transparent member holding frame for holding a transparent member provided on the front side of the game board;
Operation means operable when the game board holding frame is opened;
The game board holding frame is opened, the transparent member holding frame is attached to the game board holding frame, and the power is turned on while the operating means is operated. According to the conditions, the dischargeable state transition means for shifting the game medium to a state where the game medium can be discharged to the outside by the discharge means,
A gaming machine comprising: A game frame for a gaming machine that uses a game medium enclosed inside in exchange for a deduction of points,
A flow path Yu technique medium flows,
And a discharge means capable of discharging the Yu skills medium to the outside,
A game board holding frame for holding a game board on which a game using a game medium is performed;
A transparent member holding frame for holding a transparent member provided on the front side of the game board;
There is no holding point, the game board holding frame is opened, the transparent member holding frame is attached to the game board holding frame, and an operation means operable when the game board holding frame is opened is operated. A dischargeable state transition means for transitioning the game medium to a state where the game medium can be discharged to the outside by the discharge means, on condition that the power is turned on in a state where
A game frame characterized by comprising:   Comprising launching means for launching game media into the game area;
  The discharge means includes a switching means for switching a path of the game medium launched by the launch means between the circulation path and a discharge path for discharging the game machine to the outside.
  The gaming machine according to claim 1.   The discharge means includes a switching means for switching a path of the game medium launched by the launch means between a circulation path for circulating the gaming machine and a discharge path for discharging the gaming machine to the outside.
  The game frame according to claim 2.

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