JP6380570B2 - Game equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming facility in which gaming machines such as pachinko machines are arranged.

  One type of gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and if a game ball enters a predetermined entry means provided in the game area, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a big hit state is generated, and the winning result If this is obtained, a big hit state advantageous to the player occurs. When the big hit state occurs, the player can acquire many game balls (prize balls).

  The paid-out game balls are stored in a ball tray provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine. When the ball tray is full, the game balls stored in the ball tray are transferred to a storage box called “dollar box” prepared by the game store.

  In this way, the dollar box containing the game balls is piled up near the seat of the player who is playing for reasons such as the atmosphere in which the player has acquired a lot of game balls, the business purpose that creates a so-called ballistic feeling. Put on. Then, after the game is over, the player counts the acquired game balls with a predetermined ball counter and exchanges them for prizes corresponding to the number of balls.

  Conventionally, the ball counter is provided at a position away from the gaming machine, such as an island facility or a prize exchange counter. When the game is finished, the player himself or a shop clerk removes the dollar box from the ball counter. Had to be transported to. Each of the dollar boxes containing the game balls is very heavy, and it takes a lot of labor to transport many of these to the ball counter.

  On the other hand, in recent years, the troublesome work of transporting the dollar box to the ball counter is omitted, and the game balls acquired by the player can be counted on the spot individually for each game machine. Amusement stores where ball counters are installed can also be found (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-240632 A

  However, in the island facilities, improvement in convenience related to processing of the game balls acquired by the player has been demanded.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and its purpose is to provide a gaming facility capable of improving convenience related to processing of a game ball acquired by a player. There is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming facility according to the present invention includes:
A predetermined support member, and a main body portion that is supported so as to be openable and closable about a vertical axis on one of the left and right sides of the support member; and a launching unit that launches a game ball in the main body portion; A predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on a game area in which the played game balls are guided, a ball entry means arranged in the game area, and a game ball entering the ball entry means and dispensing means, and a game machine having a storage means capable of storing a payout is gaming balls from the dispensing means,
A collection mechanism capable of collecting the game balls acquired by the player;
A gaming facility comprising a supply mechanism capable of supplying the gaming balls collected by the collecting mechanism to the gaming machine again,
The recovery mechanism is
A plurality of recovery passages opened at a back side position of the gaming machine ;
And sorting means for distributing game balls guided the storing means or found on the plurality of collecting passages,
Detection means capable of detecting each game ball discharged from the plurality of collection passages;
Counting means for counting the collected game balls based on the detection result of the detecting means ,
The summary is that the plurality of recovery passages are provided so as to be located closer to the rotation axis side of the main body than the center position in the left-right direction of the main body .

  According to the gaming equipment of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to improve convenience related to processing of the game balls acquired by the player.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view which shows structures, such as an inner frame and a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame, the back pack unit, etc. FIG. (A) is a plane schematic diagram which shows the upper plate etc. in the normal time, (b) is a plane schematic diagram which shows the upper plate etc. at the time of game ball collection | recovery. (A) is the AA line partial cross section schematic diagram of FIG. 1 which shows the upper plate etc. in normal time, (b) is the AA line partial cross section schematic diagram of FIG. 1 which shows the upper plate etc. at the time of game ball collection | recovery. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a pachinko machine.

  As described above, there is a pachinko machine as a kind of gaming machine. In a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and if a game ball enters a predetermined entry means provided in the game area, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a big hit state is generated, and the winning result If this is obtained, a big hit state advantageous to the player occurs. When the big hit state occurs, the player can acquire many game balls (prize balls).

  The paid-out game balls are stored in a ball tray provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine. When the ball tray is full, the game balls stored in the ball tray are transferred to a storage box called “dollar box” prepared by the game store.

  In this way, the dollar box containing the game balls is piled up near the seat of the player who is playing for reasons such as the atmosphere in which the player has acquired a lot of game balls, the business purpose that creates a so-called ballistic feeling. Put on. Then, after the game is over, the player counts the acquired game balls with a predetermined ball counter and exchanges them for prizes corresponding to the number of balls.

  Conventionally, the ball counter is provided at a position away from the gaming machine, such as an island facility or a prize exchange counter. When the game is finished, the player himself or a shop clerk removes the dollar box from the ball counter. Had to be transported to. Each of the dollar boxes containing the game balls is very heavy, and it takes a lot of labor to transport many of these to the ball counter.

  On the other hand, in recent years, the troublesome work of transporting the dollar box to the ball counter is omitted, and the game balls acquired by the player can be counted on the spot individually for each game machine. Amusement stores where ball counters are installed can also be found (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in order to install an individual counter for the existing island facilities, it takes a great deal of time, time, and introduction costs to install the individual counter.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and its purpose is a gaming machine or game capable of improving convenience related to processing of a game ball acquired by a player. It is to provide facilities.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are opened. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame 12, the game board 30, and the like. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12, the back pack unit 203, and the like are opened. However, in FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience, nails and accessories placed on the surface of the game board 30, a glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, and the like are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that constitutes an outline of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported at one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. .

  As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the outer frame 11 has an upper side frame constituting portion 11a and a lower side frame constituting portion 11b made of a wooden plate material, and the left side frame constituting portion 11c and the right side frame constituting portion 11d are made of aluminum alloy. Each of the frame components 11a to 11d is assembled in a rectangular frame shape as a whole by a detachable fastener such as a screw.

  An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left side frame constituting portion 11c (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower hinges 81 and 82 support the upper and lower portions of the inner frame 12 so that the inner frame 12 can be rotated. As a result, the inner frame 12 can be opened and closed. And the inner frame 12 etc. are accommodated in the space part formed inside the outer frame 11.

  The right side frame constituting portion 11d is formed with an extending wall portion 83 that protrudes from the vicinity of the rear end portion in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12 from the back side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84 and 85 to which the locking member of the locking device 600 is locked are provided on the front surface side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, a pressing portion 86 that abuts on an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later is provided on the lower receiving portion 85 so as to protrude toward the inner side of the outer frame 11.

  Furthermore, a resin curtain decoration 87 is attached to the lower frame constituting portion 11b. A rib 88 projecting upward is integrally formed at the back of the upper surface of the curtain decoration 87. This makes it difficult to form a gap with the inner frame 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set up and down on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, so that the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with the opening / closing axis serving as an axis. It has become. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 whose outer shape is rectangular, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed at the center of the resin base 38.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, a lower plate 15 is provided at the lower center of the front side of the front frame set 14, and the game ball B discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower plate 15. ing. Further, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging the game ball B from the lower plate 15 is provided on the front side of the lower plate 15.

  On the right side of the lower plate 15, a game ball B launch handle (hereinafter simply referred to as a handle) 18 protruding toward the front side is provided. The handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and an operation amount detection means (not shown) for detecting the operation amount of the operation unit of the handle 18.

  An upper plate 19 is provided above the lower plate 15. The upper plate 19 is disposed at a position above the lower plate 15 so as to be surrounded by an overhanging portion 20 provided to overhang the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

  The upper plate 19 temporarily stores game balls B to be paid out from a payout mechanism 352 as payout means described later, and game ball launching apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a launching apparatus) as launching means described later while being aligned in a row. It is a ball tray (storage means) having a function of guiding to 70.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the upper plate 19 is formed in a substantially box shape that is long in the left-right direction and opened upward, and can store the game ball B therein.

  A discharge port 19 b is formed at the left end of the back wall portion 19 a of the upper plate 19. The game ball B paid out from the payout mechanism portion 352 is discharged to the upper plate 19 through the discharge port 19b.

  In this embodiment, the center part of the overhang | projection part 20 is comprised so that a slide in the front-back direction is possible. More specifically, the overhang portion 20 includes support portions 20a and 20b located on the left and right sides of the overhang portion 20 and a lead-out portion 20c provided between the support portions 20a and 20b. Then, a slide mechanism 21 (see FIG. 8) is provided between the left and right side portions of the drawer portion 20c and the inner side surfaces of the left and right support portions 20a and 20b opposite to each other. It can slide along the direction.

  In addition, a lock mechanism 22 (see FIG. 9) that locks the slide mechanism 21 so as not to be displaceable is provided inside the right support portion 20b. The lock mechanism 22 in the present embodiment is an electronic mechanism that can be locked and unlocked by remote control operation of an electronic key held by a store clerk or the like of a game shop. This prevents the player from opening and closing the drawer 20c freely during normal times. The lock mechanism 22 constitutes prohibiting means in this embodiment. Further, the lock mechanism 22 is electrically connected to a count control device 310 to be described later, and outputs a signal to that effect to the count control device 310 when the lock mechanism 22 is unlocked.

  In addition, a slide switch 23 that detects opening and closing of the drawer 20c is provided inside the right support 20b. The slide switch 23 is turned on when the drawer 20 is pulled forward to the maximum extent. The slide switch 23 is electrically connected to a count control device 310, which will be described later, and outputs a signal to that effect to the count control device 310 when turned on.

  The drawer portion 20 c is substantially U-shaped in plan view (see FIG. 7 and the like), and the inner surface thereof constitutes a part of the upper plate 19.

  A rectifying member 24 is provided inside the drawing portion 20c. By providing the rectifying member 24, in a normal state, as shown in FIG. 7A, a rectifying unit having a relatively narrow front-rear width leading to the launching device 70 is provided in the right rear side portion (downstream side portion) of the upper plate 19. 19d is formed. The rectifying unit 19d has a function of guiding the game balls B to the launching device 70 while aligning them in a line. On the other hand, the left-right part (upstream part) of the upper plate 19 from the substantially central part in the left-right direction has a relatively wide front-rear width and a space for storing more game balls B is secured.

  The bottom portion 19c of the upper plate 19 is configured by a flat plate-like member (hereinafter referred to as a bottom plate portion 19c) having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Projections (not shown) are formed at the left and right ends of the rear edge of the bottom plate portion 19c, and the projections are pivotally supported on the inner surfaces of the left and right support portions 20a and 20b. As a result, the bottom plate portion 19c is rotatable about its own rear edge as a rotation axis.

  Further, protrusions (not shown) are formed at both left and right end portions of the front edge portion of the bottom plate portion 19c, and the protrusions are engaged with guide groove portions 26 formed on both left and right inner surfaces of the drawer portion 20c. (See FIG. 8). Thereby, the bottom plate part 19c rotates when the front edge part moves up and down according to the slide operation of the drawer | drawing-out part 20c.

  Normally, the bottom plate portion 19c is inclined downward from the left side to the right side, and the game ball B is guided to the rectifying unit 19d and thus to the launching device 70 by its own weight.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the drawer portion 20c is slid forward (left side in FIG. 8), the bottom plate portion 19c is inclined downward from the rear side toward the front side.

  An inclined wall portion 20d that is inclined downward as it goes rearward is provided inside the lower portion of the lead portion 20c.

  An inflow passage 27 through which a large amount of game balls B can pass from the left and right sides of the lower plate 15 to the back side of the lower plate 15 is formed in the lower part of the front frame set 14 (below the drawer 20c). More specifically, a hollow space formed between the front wall 14a and the back wall 14b of the front frame set 14, or between the back wall 15a of the lower plate 15 and the back wall 14b of the front frame set 14, It is used as an inflow passage 27.

  On the other hand, a counting unit 28 is provided at the lower part of the rear wall 14 b of the front frame set 14. The inflow passage 27 communicates with the counting unit 28, and the inner surface thereof is inclined so that the game ball B can be guided toward the counting unit 28.

  The counting unit 28 is for counting the game balls B acquired by the player. The counting unit 28 is provided with a plurality of counting lanes 28b partitioned by a partitioning portion 28a. Each counting lane 28b has a width that allows the game balls B to roll in a line.

  In the vicinity of the exit 28c of each counting lane 28b, a ball detection sensor 28d is provided as a ball detection means capable of detecting the passage of the game ball B. In the present embodiment, a transmissive photosensor is employed as the sphere detection sensor 28d.

  The inclined wall portion 20d, the inflow passage 27, the counting unit 28, and the discharge passage 38a of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) described later constitute a recovery passage in the present embodiment.

  A ball removal switch 20 e is provided on the right side of the overhang 20. By pushing the ball removal switch 20e, the game ball B in the upper plate 19 is discharged to the lower plate 15 through a predetermined ball removal passage.

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

  In addition, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the front surface of the front frame set 14. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of big hit or predetermined reach. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In addition, error display lamps 104 that are turned on when a predetermined error occurs are provided on both sides of the annular illumination portion 102. In addition, a large number of small through holes are formed in the annular illumination portion 102 above the error display lamps 104 corresponding to the speakers SP (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14. .

  A glass unit 137 is attached to the back side of the front frame set 14. The glass unit 137 is not attached to a pair of conventional front and rear rectangular glass plates separately in front and rear pairs, but is formed into a round shape as a whole and attached after being assembled.

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

  In addition, in the lower part of the front surface of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), that is, in the lower position of the window hole 39 (game board 30), the launching device 70 and launching to guide the game ball B immediately after being launched from the launching device 70 A rail 61 is attached. In the present embodiment, a solenoid-type firing device is adopted as the firing device 70.

  A plurality of discharge passages 38a formed corresponding to the outlets 28c of the counting lanes 28b of the counting unit 28 are formed in the lower part of the front surface of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Each discharge passage 38 penetrates in the front-rear direction so that the game ball B discharged from each outlet 28 c of the counting unit 28 can be discharged to the back side of the pachinko machine 10.

  Further, on the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), there is provided an auxiliary guiding portion 38b for smoothly guiding the game ball B discharged from the discharge passage 38a to the ball collecting mechanism of the island facility. .

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, a first opportunity corresponding unit (operating port) 33, a second opportunity corresponding port 34, a variable display device unit 35, etc. in through holes formed by router processing. The game board 30 is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. As is well known, when a game ball B enters (wins) various winning ports such as the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, etc., it is detected by various detection switches described later, and the upper plate 19 (or A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the lower plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and the game balls B that have not won the various winning ports such as the general winning port 31 are discharged out of the game area through the out port 36. The Further, the game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails for distributing and adjusting the falling direction of the game ball B as appropriate, and various members (acts) such as a windmill.

  The first opportunity corresponding unit 33 includes an upper winning opening 33a and a lower winning opening 33b, and a pair of opening / closing members 33c corresponding to the lower winning opening 33b. Thereby, the upper winning opening 33a is in an open state in which the game ball B can always enter, whereas the lower winning opening 33b is opened and closed by the opening / closing member 33c according to establishment of a predetermined condition. The game ball B is switched between a closed state in which the game ball B cannot enter and an open state in which the game ball B can enter. For example, in the lower winning opening 33b, when the opening / closing member 33c is in the open state in the normal mode and a specified time (for example, 0.2 seconds) has elapsed, or when a specified number (for example, 1) of game balls B has been entered. It will be closed. This opening / closing process is performed only once in the normal mode. Instead of the above configuration, the lower winning opening 33b may be switched between a closed state in which the game ball B is difficult to enter and an open state in which the game ball B is easier to enter than the closed state.

  The variable display device unit 35 receives a prize for the normal symbol display device 41 that variably displays with the passage of the second opportunity corresponding port 34 as a trigger, and the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (upper winning port 33a or lower winning port 33b). A special display device 43 that performs variable display as a trigger and a decorative symbol display device 42 that performs variable display in accordance with the variable display by the special display device 43 are provided.

  The normal symbol display device 41 is configured so that “O” or “X” can be lit and displayed as a normal symbol. When the game ball B passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34, for example, the normal symbol is changed to “O” → Switching display (fluctuation display) is performed at high speed such as “×” → “◯” →. When the change display is stopped for a few seconds with the “◯” symbol (winning symbol), the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is activated for a predetermined time. The display contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by a main control device 261 described later.

  In addition, when the game ball B newly passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34 during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display device 41, the corresponding fluctuation display ends the fluctuation display being performed at that time. The configuration is performed later. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44. Yes.

  The special display device 43 is provided on the right side of the normal symbol display device 41, and is composed of three-color light emitting diodes (three-color LEDs) having red, green, and blue emission colors. Then, each time the game ball B wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, a color change display (variable display) is performed, and whether or not it is a big hit is determined by the lighting mode (lighting color) when the variable display is stopped. Is displayed.

  More specifically, when the game ball B wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, the special display device 43 displays the three-color LED at a high speed such as red → green → blue → red →. Display), and when a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined and displayed in one of the colors. High-speed color change display means, for example, that red, green, and blue are displayed in order every 4 msec. In the case of winning the big hit lottery, at this time, it is determined and displayed in red or green (for example, stopped for several seconds), and a special gaming state occurs. In particular, red is a display indicating that the game mode after the jackpot is a high probability mode, and green is a display indicating that the game mode after the jackpot is a time reduction mode. The display content of the special display device 43 is also directly controlled by the main control device 261.

  In addition, when the game ball B newly wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 during the variation display of the special display device 43, the corresponding variation display is performed after the end of the variation display performed at that time. It is the composition that is called. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 46. Yes. Further, when the game ball B newly wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 during the big hit state, the change display for that amount is also suspended.

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

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which the game ball B cannot win, and is in an open state in which the game ball B can win in the case of a big hit (occurrence of a special game state). Specifically, the passage of a specified time (for example, 29 seconds) or a specified number (for example, 10) of winnings is regarded as one round (special prize state), and the large winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeated a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of rounds). Opened.

  The game board 30 includes an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52, and a rail 50 that guides the game ball B launched from the launch device 70 to the upper part of the game board 30 is attached. As a result, the game ball B launched in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 18 is guided through the launch rail 61 and the rail 50 into a game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 (the upper left portion in FIG. 4). This prevents a situation in which the game ball B once guided from the rail 50 to the game area returns to the rail 50 again.

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

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the front frame set 14, a ball passage 71 is provided below the window portion 101 so as to connect to a discharge port 16 of the lower plate 15 from a payout mechanism portion 352 described later. In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined interval between the firing rail 61 provided on the inner frame 12 and the rail unit 50 (outer rail constituting portion 52), and the rear side of the front frame set 14 has dropped from the gap. A foul ball passage 72 for guiding the game ball B to the lower plate 15 is formed. Accordingly, if the game ball B launched from the launching device 70 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns to the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball passes through the foul ball passage 72 and the lower plate 15 To be discharged.

  3 and 4 is a payout passage for guiding a game ball B paid out by a payout mechanism portion 352, which will be described later, to the front of the inner frame 12, and a ball passage 75 leading to the upper plate 19; , It communicates with the ball passage 71 leading to the lower plate 15. A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the shutter 68 protrudes forward by an urging force of a spring or the like so that the outlet of the payout passage 67 is almost closed. ing. Further, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end portion on the entrance side of the ball passage 75 and the ball passage 71.

  Next, the back configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Various control boards are arranged on the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 so as to be lined up and down, left and right, and are partially overlapped in the front and back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying the game ball B ) Or a protective cover made of resin. The dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally sometimes referred to as a back pack. Therefore, this unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203”.

  First, the back configuration of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, on the back side of the variable display device unit 35 (see FIG. 4) arranged corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30, a resin frame cover that covers the center frame 47 from the back side. 213 is provided to protrude rearward. Further, on the back side of the frame cover 213, a decorative symbol display device 42, a display control device 45, and a sub control device 262, which are liquid crystal display devices facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, can be attached and detached in a state where they are stacked in front and back. Is attached.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is housed in a housing box 42 a in which an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative symbol display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 is formed, and the rear surface of the frame cover 213. It is fixed on the side. The display control device 45 is accommodated in the substrate box 45a and fixed to the back side of the decorative symbol display device 42 (accommodation box 42a). The sub-control device 262 is accommodated in the substrate box 262a and fixed to the back side of the display control device 45 (substrate box 45a). In the frame cover 213, an LED control board for driving LEDs and the like built in the center frame 47 is disposed. The storage box 42a and the substrate boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be visually recognized.

  Under the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, and the like from behind. The back frame set 215 is provided with a ball collection basket (not shown) for collecting the game balls B won in various winning openings. The game ball B collected by the ball collection basket is guided to a discharge passage portion 217 described later, and discharged from the discharge chute 218 of the discharge passage portion 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

  In the present embodiment, the back frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main controller 261. More specifically, the board mounting unit 701 on which the main controller 261 is mounted is pivotally supported with respect to the back frame set 215 and can be opened rearward.

  The main controller 261 is accommodated in a substrate box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box 263 includes a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The board | substrate box 263 connected with the sealing member becomes a structure which cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left. As a result, it is possible to easily find out that the board box 263 has been illegally opened.

  In addition, the game board 30 corresponds to various winning ports such as a general winning port 31 as a winning means, and detects a game ball B that has entered the various winning holes (entrance detecting means). ) Is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a winning opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31, and a count switch 223 is provided in the variable winning device 32. The first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is provided with first opportunity corresponding unit switches 224a and 224b corresponding to the upper winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b, respectively. Further, a second opportunity corresponding port switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the second opportunity corresponding port 34.

  Although not shown, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board surface relay board that is electrically connected to the prize opening switch 221, the count switch 223, and the second opportunity corresponding port switch 225 via a cable connector. It has been. The first board surface relay board relays the prize opening switch 221 and the like and the main control device 261 as control means, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 through a cable connector.

  On the other hand, the first opportunity corresponding switches 224a and 224b that detect the entry into the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (the upper winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b) are directly connected via the connector cable without passing through the relay board. It is connected to the control device 261.

The detection results detected by the various entrance detection switches are taken into the main controller 261. Then, a payout command (the number of game balls B to be paid out) corresponding to the winning situation at each time is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of games are played based on the output signal from the payout control device 311. Dispensing of the ball B is performed (except when it is detected by the second opportunity corresponding port switch 225).
In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the back of the game board 30 is provided with a large winning opening solenoid that opens the large winning opening in the variable winning apparatus 32, and a pair of opening / closing members is provided in the first opportunity corresponding unit 33. A lower winning opening solenoid that opens and closes 33c is provided. The back frame set 215 is also provided with a second board surface relay board (not shown) that relays between the solenoid and the main controller 261.

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a back pack 351 formed of resin and a payout mechanism portion 352 of the game ball B are integrated. Further, the back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the left side portion (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened rearward with an open / close axis extending along the vertical direction as an axis. ing. In addition, an external relay terminal plate 240 serving as external output means is provided on the upper left portion of the back pack unit 203 (upper right portion in FIG. 5).

  The external relay terminal board 240 is for relaying various information transmissions to the hall computer HC of the amusement store, and is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals. For convenience, no reference numeral is given, but for example, a terminal for outputting information on the current gaming state (such as a big hit state or a high probability state), the front frame set 14 detected by the opening detection switches 91 and 92 described later, A terminal for outputting information relating to the opening of the frame 12, a terminal for outputting information relating to various error states such as a ball entry error, a lower tray full tank error, a tank ball no error, a payout error, and the payout from the payout control device 311 A terminal for outputting information on the number of winning balls, a terminal for outputting count information counted by the count control device 310, and the like are provided.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in the present embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 covers the upper portion and the right portion (the left portion in FIG. 5) of the substrate mounting unit 701. Thereby, in the closed state of the back pack unit 203, the sealing member provided at the right part of the board box 263 and the terminal part (board side connector) provided along the upper edge part of the main controller 261 are covered. It will be.

  The payout mechanism 352 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided above the protective cover 354, and the game balls B supplied from the island facilities of the game store are sequentially replenished to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, a case rail 357 is formed vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. It is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls B are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. Then, the game ball B paid out from the payout device 358 is supplied to the upper plate 19 or the like.

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

  Below the back pack unit 203 (substrate mounting unit 701), there is provided a lower frame set 251 that is pivotally supported on the left side of the inner frame 12 (right side in FIG. 5) and can be opened rearward. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage portion 217 into which the game ball B collected by the above-described ball collection basket flows, and a game ball is disposed at the most downstream portion of the discharge passage portion 217. A discharge chute 218 for discharging B to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed. In other words, the game balls B that have won the respective winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 are gathered through the ball collecting basket of the back frame set 215 and further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute 218 of the discharge passage portion 217. The Similarly, the out port 36 leads to the discharge passage portion 217, and the game ball B that has not won any winning port is also discharged outside the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute 218. The game ball B discharged from the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute 218 is once collected by the ball collection mechanism of the island facility, and then circulated in the island facility through a ball polishing device or the like, and again the pachinko machine 10 Are sequentially supplied to the payout mechanism 352 (tank 355).

  In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured separately and can be opened and closed independently. However, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are integrally formed. It is also good to do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the count control device 310, the payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board 314 are stacked on the back side of the lower frame set 251. It is detachably attached.

  The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are accommodated in the substrate box 313a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251. Although the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices for convenience, they are actually configured by a single board (printed board).

  The counting control device 310 and the payout control device 311 are accommodated in the substrate box 311a and fixed to the back side of the substrate box 313a (the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313). The counting control device 310 and the payout control device 311 are accommodated in one substrate box 311a, but are constituted by separate substrates (printed substrates). The substrate box 311a in which the counting control device 310 and the payout control device 311 are accommodated is provided with a sealing member as a sealing means in the same manner as the substrate box 263 in which the main control device 261 is accommodated, and the substrate box 311a. An unopened trace of remains.

  The card unit connection board 314 is accommodated in the board box 314a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (the firing control device 312 and the power supply device 313).

  Each of the board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a is made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be visually recognized.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 includes a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1 and the like) exposed on the front surface side of the front frame set 14, and a key is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 700, and the inside is operated by rotating to one side. The frame 12 can be unlocked, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating to the other side. In the present embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

  In addition, as described above, the extending wall portion 83 that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the back side of the inner frame 12 is formed in the right side frame constituting portion 11d of the outer frame 11 (FIG. 5). reference). Thereby, it becomes difficult to make a wire etc. approach from the back side of outer frame 11, and to operate locking device 600 with the wire etc. As a result, the defense performance can be improved. Further, the extending wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the back side, and in the closed state of the inner frame 12, The back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 14 is provided on the lower right side of the front side of the inner frame 12 (on the right side of the launching device 70). As shown in FIG. 5, an inner frame opening detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided on the lower right side on the back side of the inner frame 12 (lower left in FIG. 5). Each of the front frame opening detection switch 91 and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 includes a detection unit that can move in and out of the switch main body, and the front frame opening detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward. The inner frame opening detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces rearward. When the detection unit is in a state of protruding from the switch main body, an ON signal is output to the main controller 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and is immersed in the switch main body, an OFF signal is output. It is configured to output to the main controller 261. That is, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the front frame opening detection switch 91 is turned off when the detection unit is pressed on the back surface of the front frame set 14, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection unit returns to the protruding state. Turns on. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the inner frame opening detection switch 92 is turned off by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed with the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11 and is detected when the inner frame 12 is opened. The part returns to the protruding state and is turned on.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main controller 261 (main board) of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. Various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated. However, the CPU, the ROM, and the RAM may not be integrated into one chip but may be configured as a chip for each function.

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

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

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

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

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub control device 262, a special display device 43, a normal symbol display device 41, an external relay terminal board 240, etc., which will be described later, are connected to the input / output port 505. With this configuration, the special display device 43 and the normal symbol display device 41 described above are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

  In addition, for convenience, illustration of various relay boards and the like is omitted, but the input / output port 505 includes a prize opening switch 221, a count switch 223, first opportunity corresponding unit switches 224a and 224b, a second opportunity corresponding opening switch 225, and the like. Various detection switches and various electrical components such as various substrates are connected. That is, the main controller 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal portions (board side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output port 505 is configured by these terminal portions.

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

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

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

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

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

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

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

  In the work area, a payout permission flag for which the payout control device 311 is set to allow the payout of prize balls, a command reception flag set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and the main control device 261 And a command buffer for storing a command transmitted from.

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

  The command reception flag is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. Similar to the payout permission flag, an initial setting process or power-off is performed. It is turned off when returning to the front and turned off when the received command is judged.

  The command buffer is configured by a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 through a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. To the input / output port 515, a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a launch control device 312, a payout device 358, an external relay terminal plate 240, and the like are connected.

  The card unit connection board 314 includes a ball rental operation unit (a ball rental button 121 and a return button 122) on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10, and a card unit (a ball rental unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 at a game store or the like. Are electrically connected to each other, and receive a ball lending operation command from the player and output it to the card unit. In addition, in the cash machine in which the game ball B is lent directly from the ball lending device or the like to the upper plate 19 without using the card unit, the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erase switch 323. And.

  The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches and motors, + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. These + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. Note that operation power (+12 V power, +5 V power, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311. Similarly, operating power is supplied to various switches, motors and the like via a control device to which these are connected.

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

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

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

  The counting control device 310 has a function of counting game balls detected by the counting unit 28, and corresponds to the counting means in the present embodiment. As with other control devices, the count control device 310 includes a CPU that is an arithmetic device, a ROM that stores control programs executed by the CPU, fixed value data, and a RAM that is used as a work memory. ing.

  The counting control device 310 is electrically connected to the lock mechanism 22, the slide switch 23, the counting unit 28, the external relay terminal plate 240, and the like.

  Next, a procedure for counting the game balls B acquired by the player will be described.

  When the upper plate 19 is filled with the game balls B during the game due to the occurrence of a big hit or the like, the overflowed game balls B are guided to the lower plate 15 via the ball passage 71. Further, when the lower plate 15 is filled with the game balls B, the player operates the ball removal lever 25 to move the game balls to the dollar box (container box) DB placed on the shelf plate T below the lower plate 15. B is transferred (see FIG. 8A, etc.). Further, when the dollar box DB is filled with the game balls B, the dollar box DB is replaced with a new empty dollar box DB. The dollar box DB filled with the game balls B is piled up near the player's seat.

  Then, after the game is over, when the player wants to count his own balls, he first calls a store clerk at the game store. The store clerk unlocks the slide mechanism 21 by the lock mechanism 22 by remote control operation of the electronic key.

  Subsequently, the drawer 20c in the normal state shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A is pulled out to the front of the pachinko machine 10 as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B. As a result, the opening of the overhang portion 20 (upper plate 19) is enlarged more than usual, and the bottom plate portion 19c is inclined downward from the rear side toward the front side, and the inflow passage 27 inside the front frame set 14 is obtained. Is opened.

  In this state, the game ball B accommodated in the dollar box DB is poured into the front frame set 14 through the upper plate 19 serving as an introduction port. The game ball B poured into the front frame set 14 flows down along the inclination of the bottom plate portion 19c, the inclined wall portion 20d of the drawer portion 20c, and the inflow passage 27, and is guided to the counting unit 28.

  The game balls B guided to the counting unit 28 are distributed to the counting lanes 28b by the partitioning portions 28a, roll in a line along the counting lanes 28b, and are discharged from the outlet 28c. The game balls B passing through the outlet 28c are sequentially detected by the ball detection sensor 28d for each counting lane 28b. The sphere detection sensor 28d outputs the detection signal to the count control device 310.

  The counting control device 310 receives a detection signal from the counting unit 28 (sphere detection sensor 28d) on condition that an unlock signal is input from the lock mechanism 22 and an ON signal is input from the slide switch 23. Each time the detection signal input from the ball detection sensor 28d is detected, it is added to the value of the count counter set in a predetermined storage means.

  The game balls B counted by the counting unit 28 are discharged to the back side of the pachinko machine 10 via the discharge passage 38a and the auxiliary guide portion 38b of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), and to the ball collection mechanism of the island facility. Collected. The collected game balls B circulate in the island facility and are sequentially supplied again to the payout mechanism 352 (tank 355) of the pachinko machine 10.

  When the counting is completed, the counting control device 310 outputs the counting information to the hall computer HC via the external relay terminal board 240.

  The counting result of the game balls B is printed on a premium voucher or the like at a ticketing machine (not shown) according to an instruction from the hall computer HC, and the voucher is issued to the player. The player who has received the free gift voucher can exchange it for a desired free gift by presenting the voucher to the free gift exchange.

  When the counting of the game balls B is completed, the store clerk returns the drawer 20c to the original state, operates the lock mechanism 22 again, and sets the slide mechanism 21 to the locked state.

  As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, the game balls B acquired by the player are collected in the pachinko machine 10 and the number of the balls can be counted. The troublesome work of transporting to a ball counter away from 10 can be omitted, and the burden on the player and the game shop can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  In addition, by installing the recovery passage in the pachinko machine 10 itself rather than the shelf T of the island equipment, a large-scale construction for the existing island equipment is required for introduction to the amusement store like a conventional individual counter. There is no need to do so, and the increase in introduction costs can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a ball tray serving as an inlet to the counting machine on the shelf board T or the like in front of the pachinko machine 10, it is possible to secure a space for placing a dollar box DB, a player's belongings, etc. It is possible to suppress a decrease in convenience for players and amusement stores. As a result, for the amusement shop side, various sales forms can be selected, such as the ability to produce a ball appearance using the dollar box DB, as in the past, and the convenience in terms of sales is improved. Of course, as in the past, even if the ball feeling effect is performed and the dollar box is loaded, at the end of the game, the game ball B can be collected on the spot, so when collecting the game ball B as before, Does not require a great deal of effort.

  When the game balls B once stored in the dollar box DB are collected, a ball tray serving as an inlet to the counter is provided on the shelf plate T or the like in front of the pachinko machine 10 like a conventional individual counter. In the configuration, there is a possibility that the lower plate 15 or the like may interfere and it may be difficult to flow from the dollar box DB to the introduction port.

  On the other hand, the upper plate 19 having a function of guiding the game ball B to the launching device 70 is provided with its upper portion opened so that the game ball B can be easily supplied. Therefore, by using the upper plate 19 as an introduction port, the game ball B can be easily poured into the inflow passage 27 and the like, and the collection efficiency of the game ball B can be increased.

  Further, by collecting the game ball B using the upper plate 19, even if the game ball B remains in the upper plate 19 at the end of the game, the game ball B is purposely discharged to the lower plate 15. It can be collected without being transferred to the dollar box DB, which is convenient.

  Further, since the upper plate 19 (the overhang portion 20) is configured to be relatively wide so that a considerable amount of the game balls B can be stored, it is easy to ensure a large space inside. By using such a space, it is possible to provide an inflow passage 27 or the like that can smoothly collect the game balls B.

  Moreover, in the structure which arrange | positions the ball receiving tray used as the inlet to an individual counter in the shelf board T etc. which are located under the lower tray 15 like before, the game ball B is smoothly moved to the ball collection mechanism of the island facility. It is difficult to secure a height difference for guidance, and there is a concern that problems such as a decrease in counting speed, stagnation of game balls, and clogging of balls may occur. In this respect, in the present embodiment, since the game ball B is poured from the upper plate 19, a sufficient height difference can be secured, and even if the game ball B is guided by its own weight, The game ball B can be processed smoothly.

  In the present embodiment, the lower frame set 251 is provided with discharge passages (discharge passage portion 217 and discharge chute 218) for discharging the game ball B discharged from the game area to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. On the other hand, a collection passage (inclined wall portion 20d, inflow passage 27, discharge passage 38a, etc.) passing through the counting unit 28 is provided in the front frame set 14 and the inner frame 12. In this way, by providing the two passages in a separated state without joining, for example, the game ball B discharged from the game area is illegally introduced into the collection passage, and the counting result is larger than the actual number of balls. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, since the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a space below the lower plate 15, the pachinko machine 10 can be attached to an island facility in which an individual counter is already installed. The machine can be used as usual without wasting it.

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

  (A) In the above embodiment, the game ball B acquired by the player is temporarily transferred to the dollar box DB, and after the game is finished, the game ball B is artificially poured into the counting unit 28. For example, the lower plate 15 may be omitted, and the game ball B overflowing from the upper plate 19 may be guided directly to the counting unit 28.

  Further, the upper plate 19 may not be the starting point (introduction port) of the collecting passage, but the collecting passage may start from a different point. For example, there is provided a ball removal passage that can discharge the game balls B stored in the upper plate 19 to the outside of the upper plate 19 (the lower plate 15 or a dollar box DB in the configuration in which the lower plate 15 is omitted). In the configuration, the collection passage may start from the middle of the ball passage.

  (B) As a configuration that is switched when a predetermined operation means (ball removal switch 20e or the like) is operated and the game ball B in the upper plate 19 is discharged to the lower plate 15 or flows to the counting unit 28. Also good. Moreover, it is good also as a structure by which the operation which flows the game ball B in the top plate 19 to the counting unit 28 is prohibited at normal time.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the counting information of the game ball B is output to the hall computer HC. Not limited to this, the counting information is output via the card unit connection board 314 to the card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, and the gift voucher is issued via the card unit. It is also possible to receive a return of the extra ball. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which transmits counting information with respect to the portable terminal device which a salesclerk has, and receives the issuing of a gift voucher from the said salesclerk. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the issuance of a prize exchange volume, and the count information may be stored in a predetermined storage medium.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with the counting control device 310 as counting means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the counting unit 28 is not limited to the counter unit such as a card unit. A detection signal from the (ball detection sensor 28d) may be sent to count the game balls B in a card unit or the like.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the counting unit 28 that performs counting by the weight of the game ball B is illustrated. For example, a configuration in which the game ball B is forcibly processed and counted by a rotating body such as a sprocket may be employed.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the counting unit 28 is provided in the lower part of the front frame set 14, but the arrangement position of the counting unit 28 is not limited to this.

  For example, the height position of the counting unit 28 is discharged in order to prevent illegal acts such as introducing the gaming ball B discharged from the gaming area into the counting unit 28 and outputting a counting result larger than the actual number of balls. The position is preferably higher than the exit of the chute 218, and more preferably higher than the height position of the out port 36 of the game board 30.

  In addition, the counting unit 28 and the counting control device 310 may be omitted from the pachinko machine 10, and the pachinko machine 10 may be provided with only a collection passage for collecting the game balls B. In such a configuration, counting means for counting the game balls B is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10 in the island facility. In this case, in the ball collection mechanism of the island facility, the counting means for the out ball (game ball B) discharged through the discharge passage and the collection ball (game ball B) discharged through the collection passage It is preferable that the counting means is different.

  (G) You may implement as a pachinko machine of a different type from the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition to pachinko machines, various game machines such as an arrangement ball machine and a sparrow ball can be implemented.

  Hereinafter, the technical idea that is not described in the claims and that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described together with the effects thereof.

Means 1. A launching means for launching a game ball;
A game area where the launched game ball is guided,
Entry means arranged in the game area;
A gaming machine comprising a payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls based on the game balls entering the ball entry means,
A discharge passage capable of discharging the game ball guided to the gaming area to the back side of the gaming machine;
In addition to the discharge passage, a gaming machine comprising a collection passage that collects game balls acquired by a player and discharges the game ball to the back side of the gaming machine.

  According to the means 1, the game balls acquired by the player can be collected in the gaming machine. This eliminates the troublesome work of transporting the acquired game balls to a ball counter distant from the game machine, reducing the burden on the player and the game store, and improving convenience. Can do.

  In addition, it is necessary to carry out large-scale construction for existing island equipment when introducing it to a game store like a conventional individual counter by providing a collection passage in the gaming machine itself, not on the shelf board of the island equipment. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in the introduction cost.

  Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a ball tray or the like serving as an inlet to the counting machine on a shelf board in front of the gaming machine, and a space for placing dollar boxes or player's belongings can be secured. It is possible to suppress a decrease in convenience for an amusement store. As a result, for the game shop side, various business forms can be selected, such as the ability to produce a ball feeling using a dollar box as in the past, which improves convenience in terms of sales. Of course, as in the past, even if the ball feeling effect is performed and the dollar box is stacked, the game ball can be collected on the spot at the end of the game. Does not require labor.

  Note that as a gaming machine that reduces a burden related to the collection of the game balls, there is a so-called enclosed game machine that circulates the game balls in the game machine. However, in such a gaming machine, since a game ball is not paid out to the player, it is not possible to provide a ball feeling effect using a dollar box.

Mean 2. Storage means for storing game balls to be paid out and guiding them to the launching means;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is an inlet of the collection passage.

  When collecting game balls once stored in a dollar box, a configuration in which a ball tray serving as an inlet to the counter is provided on a shelf plate in front of the game machine, as in the case of a conventional individual counter, There is a possibility that it becomes difficult for the storage means or the like to get in the way and to flow the game ball from the dollar box to the introduction port.

  In this regard, the storage means having the function of guiding the game ball to the launching means is usually provided with its upper part opened so that the game ball can be easily supplied. For example, in a configuration in which a plurality of storage means are provided vertically, the storage means having the function is provided at the uppermost position.

  Therefore, by using the storage means having such a function as the introduction port, it becomes easy to flow the game ball into the collection passage, and the collection efficiency of the game ball can be increased.

  In addition, since the storage means is configured to be relatively wide so that a considerable amount of game balls can be stored, it is easy to ensure a large space inside. By utilizing such a space, it is possible to provide a relatively large collection passage that can smoothly collect the game balls.

  In addition, in a configuration in which a ball tray serving as an inlet to the counting machine is provided on a shelf or the like located at the same height as the lowest end of the gaming machine, the height for smoothly guiding the gaming ball to the ball collection mechanism of the island facility There is also concern that it will be difficult to ensure the difference. In this respect, according to the present means, the game ball can be poured from a higher position, and the game ball can be collected more smoothly.

Means 3. While having a ball extraction passage that can discharge the game balls stored in the storage means to the outside of the storage means,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein an operation means capable of opening and closing the ball removal passage and an operation means capable of opening and closing the recovery passage are provided integrally.

  According to the means 3, the number of parts can be reduced.

  Means 4. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, further comprising prohibiting means for prohibiting introduction of a game ball into the collecting passage.

  According to the above-mentioned means 4, the player is prohibited from using the collection passage without permission, and as a result, the ball detection means is erroneously operated to prevent illegal acts such as outputting more counting results than the actual number of balls. be able to.

Means 5. A ball detecting means capable of detecting a game ball collected by the collecting passage;
5. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, further comprising counting means for counting game balls based on a detection result of the ball detecting means.

  According to the above means 5, the gaming machine itself can count the game balls acquired by the player, so there is no need to perform construction work for newly installing the counting means on the existing island facilities, and the introduction cost is increased. Suppression can be achieved.

  Means 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, further comprising external output means capable of outputting information counted by the counting means to the outside.

  According to the means 6, by allowing the counting information to be output to the outside, it is not necessary for the gaming machine itself to have a function of issuing a prize exchange ticket or the like on which the acquired number is printed to the player. The structure can be simplified.

Mean 7 A substrate box containing the counting means;
The gaming machine according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising sealing means for sealing the substrate box.

  According to the above means 7, fraudulent acts on the counting means can be prevented.

  Means 8. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein the discharge passage and the collection passage are separated from each other.

  According to the means 8, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such that the game balls discharged from the game area are illegally introduced into the collection passage and a counting result larger than the actual number of balls is output.

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

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

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

  C. The gaming machine in each of the above means or each of the above ball game machines is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 12 ... Inner frame, 14 ... Front frame set, 15 ... Lower plate, 19 ... Upper plate, 19c ... Bottom plate part, 20 ... Overhang part, 20a, 20b ... Support part, 20c ... Drawer part, 20d DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Inclined wall part, 21 ... Slide mechanism, 22 ... Lock mechanism, 23 ... Slide switch, 27 ... Pour passage, 28 ... Counting unit, 28a ... Partition part, 28b ... Count lane, 28c ... Outlet, 28d ... Sphere detection sensor , 30 ... Game board, 38a ... Discharge passage, 38b ... Auxiliary guidance part, 70 ... Launching device, 240 ... External relay terminal plate, 310 ... Counting control device, 352 ... Dispensing mechanism part, B ... Game ball, DB ... Dollar box , T ... Shelves.

Claims (2)

A predetermined support member, and a main body portion that is supported so as to be openable and closable about a vertical axis on one of the left and right sides of the support member; and a launching unit that launches a game ball in the main body portion; A predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on a game area in which the played game balls are guided, a ball entry means arranged in the game area, and a game ball entering the ball entry means and dispensing means, and a game machine having a storage means capable of storing a payout is gaming balls from the dispensing means,
A collection mechanism capable of collecting the game balls acquired by the player;
A gaming facility comprising a supply mechanism capable of supplying the gaming balls collected by the collecting mechanism to the gaming machine again,
The recovery mechanism is
A plurality of recovery passages opened at a back side position of the gaming machine ;
And sorting means for distributing game balls guided the storing means or found on the plurality of collecting passages,
Detection means capable of detecting each game ball discharged from the plurality of collection passages;
Counting means for counting the collected game balls based on the detection result of the detecting means ,
The gaming facility, wherein the plurality of recovery passages are provided so as to be unevenly located closer to a rotation axis side of the main body than a central position in the left-right direction of the main body .   The gaming facility according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

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