JPH01195879A - Variable winning ball device for 'pachinko' (pinball) machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make improvements in attractive features by opening or closing a prize-winning area with motion of an on-off plate installed at the front side of the winning area, and making a driving ball vary according to a first winnable state and a second unwinnable state alternately. CONSTITUTION:A variable winning ball device 30 opens or closes a prize- winning area 32 by opening or closing an on-off plate 33 doubling as a ball receiving member with an on-off mechanism 35, thereby making a driving ball vary according to a first winnable state and second unwinnable state alternately. Aside from this winning area 32, there are provided with safe holes 36a, 36b as a pair of prize-winning ports in both directions, even at usual time when the variable winning ball device 30 will not come to the first state, the driven ball is made winnable, and that since it is set up at both sides, there is no hindrance against prize-winning into the winning area 32 in the first state. So, the variable winning ball device will fully achieve its original purpose and attractive features are thus improvable.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a variable winning ball device used in a pinball game machine, such as a pachinko game machine, in which a game is played by bouncing balls. .

[Prior Art] Conventionally, when a predetermined specific game state is reached, a variable winning ball device changes to a first state in which a hit ball is likely to win a prize, and if a hit ball wins during that period, a predetermined gaming value is awarded. There was a pinball game machine. By providing a variable prize winning ball device, the aim was to attract the attention and interest of players and improve their enjoyment.

However, the variable winning ball device used in this type of conventional pinball game machine changes to the first state only when a specific game state occurs, so the player is not normally interested in the variable winning ball device. As far as normal times are concerned, there is a problem in that the original purpose of the variable prize winning ball device, which is to attract the attention and interest of players and improve their enjoyment, has not been achieved. As a result, there is a drawback that, under normal circumstances, the space occupied by the variable winning ball device on the game board is completely wasted.

Therefore, in an attempt to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks by integrally providing a variable winning ball device with a winning hole that allows winning even in normal times, the applicant proposed a variable winning ball device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-14022. created the device.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the conventional variable winning ball device, the winning opening is provided above within the width range of the opening/closing plate of the variable winning ball device, so even if there is no problem in normal times, When the variable winning ball device changes to the first state when a specific game state occurs, the winning hole becomes an obstacle, and the balls are not guided smoothly into the variable winning ball device, causing the variable winning ball to enter the variable winning ball device. A new problem has arisen in that the original purpose of the device is not fully achieved. ” In view of the above circumstances, the present invention is capable of attracting the attention of players even when the variable winning ball device is not in the first state, and moreover, when it has changed to the first state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a variable winning ball device for a pinball game machine that can fully achieve the original purpose of the variable winning ball device.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A variable winning ball device for a pinball game machine according to the present invention includes a mounting board that is attached to a game board of a pinball game machine, and a winning area formed approximately in the center of the mounting board. and an opening/closing plate provided on the front side of the winning area so as to be freely openable and closable, and a pair of winning openings provided on the left and right sides of the winning area and protruding from the front side of the mounting board. Features.

[Function] According to the present invention, the winning area is opened or closed by opening and closing the opening/closing plate, and changes into a first state where it is easy to win a winning ball and a second state where it is difficult to win a winning ball.

Since the winning hole is provided separately from the winning area, even in normal times when the variable winning ball device is not in the first state, it is possible to win the winning ball with the ball, which attracts the attention of the player. can be collected.

In addition, since the winning openings are arranged on the left and right sides of the entered prize area, when the variable winning ball device is in the first state, the winning openings become an obstacle for the ball to enter the entered winning area. The inconvenience of being prevented from winning a prize does not occur.

Embodiments of the invention C] Next, specific embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the configuration, the game board 1 of the pachinko game machine 10
On the top, there are safe holes 2a to 2d, which are examples of winning areas, winning areas 3a=3bs, which are an example of special prize areas, which are determined so that a variable display device 500 (described later) can be changed by the winning lid, and a plurality of Yakumono (commonly known as tulips) 4a. , 4bs and an out ball population of 5 are formed.

Further, a variable winning ball device (described later in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, or FIG. 48 to M40) is arranged in the lower part of the game board 1. A display window is formed approximately in the center of the game board 1, and a variable display device 500 is disposed in this display window. This variable display device 500 includes a decorative frame 5011; a segment display 50.2, which is an example of an electrically variable display, and a rotating drum mechanism (shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later) 50, which is an example of a variable display member. formed and composed. Then, the variable display device 500 starts variable display of the segment display 502 and the rotating drum mechanism 50 in accordance with the winning lid in the winning winning areas 3a and 3b,
The variable display is stopped after a certain period of time from the player's stop command or the start of the variable display. When the combination of the display state of the segment display 502 and the display state of the rotary drum mechanism 50 at this time becomes a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 30 enters a specific game state determined to be able to be driven to open. It is determined that Further, the variable display device 500 may be constantly rotating, and may stop immediately or stop after a certain period of time has elapsed from the winning of a pachinko ball based on the winning of a pachinko ball in the winning areas 3a, 3b. It may also be stopped by a player's stop operation. In addition, as another example of the specific game state for driving the variable winning ball device 30 to open, a special prize area is formed whose nails are adjusted so that it is relatively difficult to win, and the special prize area is adjusted based on the winning balls in the special prize area. may be detected.

Furthermore, a status display is provided at a position where the game board 1 is located (for example, a position near the variable winning ball device 30) to indicate that the variable winning ball device 30 is opened and is in an advantageous state for the player. A light emitting diode 6 as an example of means is provided. Further, at the upper corner of the game board 1, a segment display 7, which is an example of numerical information display means, is provided. This segment display 7 indicates a state in which the variable winning ball device is in a state where it is easy to win when the number of times that the variable winning ball device can be put in a state where it is easy to win when a specific gaming state is reached is limited in advance. It is used to display the number of times the player has won a prize, or the remaining number of times that can make it easier to win. In addition, the segment display 7 shows the number of digits of the limit number of times that can be made easy to win (1 digit if it is 9 times or less,
If it is 99 times or less, a 2-digit number is used. Note that the limit number of times may be displayed using the segment display 502, which also serves as an electrically variable display. Furthermore, instead of using the segment display 502, a number of light sources corresponding to the number of times, such as light emitting diodes, may be arranged on the game board for display.

Below the front frame 11 of the pachinko machine 10, a prize ball payout port 12, a batted ball standby gutter 13, a batted ball handle 14, a surplus prize ball payout port 15, and a prize ball tray 16 are arranged. The ball hitting handle 14 adjusts the strength of the ball hit by rotating the handle 14, and a ball hitting command switch is provided on the outer periphery of the handle 14, if necessary. The batting command switch is located on the front frame 11 or the batting handle 14 near the batting handle.
A cam may be fixed to the shaft of the switch, and the switch may be pressed by the cam.

Further, if necessary, a speaker 17 is fixed to the back side of the front frame 11, and a stop command switch 18 is fixed to the front frame 11.
is provided. This speaker 17 is used to inform the player of a specific game state with sound. The placement position of this speaker is not limited to the front frame 11, but also a part of the curtain plate (for example, 17').
You may select the part shown in ). The stop command switch 18 is used to command the rotating drums (51a to 51c shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later) to stop by the player's operation.

Although the illustration shows a case in which one stop command switch 18 is provided, a plurality of switches (for example, 18 as shown in FIG. 6) are provided corresponding to each row of rotating drums.
Three switches a, 18b, and 18c) may be provided.

2A and 2B are illustrative views of the back structure of the pachinko machine 10, and especially FIG. 2A shows the back of the game board 1,
FIG. 2B shows a mechanism plate attached to the back side of the front frame 1 so as to be openable and closable. Next, with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B,
The back structure of the pachinko machine 10 will be specifically explained.

Paths 211 and 212 are formed on the back surface of the game board 1 where the safe holes 2a to 2d are formed, for guiding winning balls into the safe holes to the Yakumono 4a and 4b. Further, on the back surfaces of the winning areas 3a and 3b, detection switches 22a and 22 for detecting conditions under which the variable display device 500 can be driven are provided.
b is provided.

Paths 213 and 214 are provided on the back side of the game board 1 at a position slightly above the out ball population 5. The paths 213 and 214 are connected to the safe holes 2 a to 2 d.
s Prize area 3a, 3b s Yakumono 4a.

4b and the variable winning ball device 30 are guided to the winning ball processor 23.

The winning ball processor 23 processes the winning balls guided through the path 213 one by one and causes them to fall downward, and uses the weight of the fallen winning balls to trigger an operation connected to the prize ball payout mechanism 26 shown in FIG. 2B. A member is operated to pay out a prize ball once with one winning ball. In addition, as another method, a winning ball detection switch (not shown) is closed in conjunction with the rotation of the winning ball processor 23.

The output of this winning ball detection switch may be given to the prize ball payout mechanism as a prize ball payout command signal, thereby paying out the prize balls.

A front frame 11 corresponding to the arrangement position of the ball hitting handle 14
An electric ball hitting mechanism 24 is provided on the back side of the ball. A well-known type of electric ball hitting mechanism 24 is used. Note that in order to hit the ball, a conventionally well-known manual ball hitting mechanism may be used instead of the electric ball hitting mechanism 24.

A prize ball tank 25 is fixed to the upper part of the mechanism plate 20. This prize ball tank 25 is supplied with supply balls from a supply gutter (not shown). A prize ball payout mechanism 26 is formed below the prize ball tank 25. This prize ball payout mechanism 2
Between the prize ball tank 25 and the prize ball tank 25, there is a prize ball payout mechanism 2 for arranging the balls stored in the prize ball tank 25 in multiple rows.
An alignment path 27 is provided for feeding 6. Below the prize ball payout mechanism 26, the prize balls are stored in the prize ball tank 1.
A confluence path 28 is formed by integrally molding a gutter 281 leading to the surplus prize balls to the surplus prize ball payout port 15, a gutter 282 guiding the surplus prize balls to the surplus prize ball dispensing port 15, and a gutter 283 guiding the out balls downward.

3A and 3B are illustrative views of the variable winning ball device 30, in particular, FIG. 3A shows a perspective view thereof, and FIG. 3B shows a structure in which the variable winning ball device 30 can be repeatedly opened and closed by the passage of balls. It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a specific winning area 32a as an example of a specific area defined in FIG.

This variable winning ball device 30 accepts balls by opening the opening/closing plate to the front as an example of a first state that is advantageous to the player, and opens the opening/closing plate to the front as an example of a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. It closes to allow balls to be received. In addition, as another example of the second state, it may be a state in which it is difficult for balls to enter, such as a so-called chiny lip.

Next, a more specific configuration of the variable winning ball device 30 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3A. A through hole is formed in the center of the decorative frame 31 as a mounting board, which becomes a winning area 32 in which a ball can be won. A ball receiving member (opening/closing plate) 33 is provided on the front side of this through hole so as to be freely openable on the front side. The lower side of the opening/closing plate 33 is supported by a shaft 332, and a U-shaped protrusion 331 is formed on the back surface on the right side (right side in the figure). This protrusion 331 is provided with a through hole.

A pin 341 fixed to the tip of the lever 34 is inserted into the through hole. The other end of the lever 34 is supported by a fulcrum 342. An opening/closing mechanism 35 for driving the opening/closing plate 33 to open or close is provided at an upper position of the lever 34 . Opening/closing mechanism 35
includes a solenoid 351, one end of a rod 353 is connected to a plunger 352 of the solenoid 351, and the rod 35
The other end of the lever 34 is connected to the center of the lever 34.

The entry award area 32 may include a plurality of areas 32a,
It is divided into 32b and 32c. This winning area 32b, 3
The ball that has won into 2c is guided directly to the back side and passes through the route 21.
3 to the winning ball processor 23. Winning area 33
is a specific winning area defined so that the opening/closing plate 33 of the variable winning ball device 30 can be repeatedly opened/closed in accordance with the passage of balls. Decorative frames 31 on both sides sandwiching this winning area 32
Safe holes 36a and 36b, which are examples of winning holes, are formed in the holes. The safe holes 36a, 36b are formed so as to protrude from the surface of the decorative frame 31 to the front side so that they can always receive balls falling along the game board 1, and the balls that have fallen are returned to the back side as winning balls. lead The light emitting diode 6 is provided in the center of the decorative frame 31 to notify that the opening/closing plate 33 is in an open/closed state, that is, a state in which winning is easy and advantageous to the player.

Briefly explaining the operation of the variable winning ball device 30 of this embodiment, when the solenoid 351 is energized and the plunger 352 is pulled up, the opening/closing plate 33 is opened as shown in FIG. 3A. When the solenoid 351 is deenergized, the plunger 352 is pushed downward, so the lever 34 rotates downward and the opening/closing plate 33 is closed.

Next, with reference to Figure 3B, the specific area (specific winning area) 3
The details of 2a will be explained. As mentioned above, the specific area 32 receives the ball when the opening/closing plate 33 is opened to the front side,
This is a winning area where the opening/closing plate 33 is opened again if a hit ball wins while the opening/closing plate 33 is open.

Therefore, it is necessary to detect the winning ball in this specific area 32a by some kind of detection means. Commonly known means of detecting a ball include a microswitch, a capacitive detector that detects the capacitance that changes as the ball passes, an inductive detector that detects the inductance that changes as the ball passes, or a photoelectric detector. Sensors etc. are used. However, since there is a desire to use the game board 1 as effectively as possible, it is necessary to arrange the variable winning ball device 30 as far below the game board 1 as possible. In this case, if a conventionally known ball detection switch is provided in connection with the path through which the balls pass, the installation space becomes large, and the variable winning ball device 30 is placed as close as possible to the out ball population 5 below the game board 1. It cannot be placed in any part. Therefore, in this embodiment, the winning ball in the specific area 32a is detected by the following configuration. That is, a path 37 that is inclined diagonally downward is formed on the back side of the specific region 32a. A portion of this path 37 on the back side (right side in the figure) is cut out. A ball detection member 38 is rotatably attached to the cutout portion of the path 37. This ball detection member 38 is selected to have a shape that is a combination of two F-shaped pieces 381 and 382, and the combined portion thereof is supported by a shaft 383. In the ball detecting member 38, one piece of the F-shaped member 381 is inserted into the path 37, as shown by the solid line in the drawing. In this state, when the ball enters the specific area 32a and passes through the path 37, the F-shaped member 381 is pressed counterclockwise. This state is shown by a dashed line. The ball detection member 38 is a ball.
A photocoupler 39, which is an example of means for detecting a ball passing through a specific area, is provided at the upper position of the F-shaped piece 382 in the state where it is most pushed together by the passage of the ball.

This photocoupler 39 includes a light emitting part and a light receiving part, and the amount of light received by the light receiving part differs depending on whether the F-shaped piece 382 is closest or not, and detects a passing ball based on the change in the amount of received light. be.

The ball detection member 38 is made of a resin material, and the F-shaped piece 382 facing the photocoupler 39 is made of an aluminum plate, a stainless steel plate, or an iron plate with a glossy surface in order to improve the reflection of light from the light emitting part. A reflective plate 384 that has been plated is attached. Further, as another method of detecting a passing ball, a reed switch may be used in place of the photocoupler 39, and a permanent magnet may be used in place of the reflection plate 384.

Figures 4 and 4C are illustrative views showing other examples of the ball receiving member (opening/closing plate) part of the variable winning ball device, especially the fourth
Fig. 4A shows a perspective view as seen from the front, Fig. 4B shows a view as seen from the back, and Fig. 4C shows a longitudinal sectional view showing the opening/closing plate in an open state. In the configuration, the variable winning ball device 40 of this embodiment has three rectangular through holes formed at certain intervals in the vertical direction of the decorative frame 41, and each through hole is connected to the winning area 42.
a.

42b and 42c. These winning areas 42a, 42b
, 42C has an opening/closing plate 43 which is an example of a ball receiving member.
a, 43b, and 43c are each mounted so as to be openable and closable.

The winning area 42a is a specific area that is conditioned in the same way as the specific area 32a. More specifically, a frame member 44 is formed on the back side of the decorative frame 41. This frame member 44 has a U-shape when viewed from above and is formed long in the vertical direction, with a partition plate 44 provided only on the back side of the specific area 42a.
1, and the back side portions of the winning areas 42b and 42C are formed in a continuous manner, and the specific area 42a is characterized by the lower part thereof.
The frame member 44 on the back side is provided with a through hole 442 for guiding the balls that have passed through the specific area 42a to the back side. Through hole 44
2, a detection switch 46 is an example of a specific area passing ball detection means for detecting a ball that has entered the specific area.
is provided.

Triangular protruding pieces 431, 432 are provided on both sides of the back surface of each of the opening/closing plates 43a, 43b, and 43c.
is formed. A shaft is formed on each of the projection pieces 431 and 432 on both sides of each of the opening and closing plates 43a to 43c, and is pivotally supported by the side wall of the frame member 44. A rod 434 is fixed to the tip of the shaft of the projection piece 431 on one side of each opening/closing plate. An opening/closing mechanism 45 for driving the opening/closing plates 43a to 43c to open or close is provided in association with the rod 434 of each of the opening/closing plates 43a to 43c. This opening/closing mechanism 45 includes each opening/closing plate 43a to 4.
A sliding plate 454 is provided which is connected to the rod 434 of 3c and is slidable on the side wall of the frame member 44, and a pin formed on this sliding plate 454 is connected to a rod 453 connected to the plunger 452 of the solenoid 451. It consists of

When the solenoid 451 is electrically energized, the sliding plate 454 is pulled upward, and the rod 434 linked to the sliding plate 454 is thereby rotated to move the opening/closing plates 43a to 43c to the front. Open to the side. on the other hand,
When the solenoid 451 is deenergized, the plunger 452 is pushed out and pushes the sliding plate 454 downward, thereby closing the opening/closing plates 43a to 43c. Note that the safe holes 36g and 36b are not shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed perspective view of a rotating drum display mechanism of an example of a variable display device. In the configuration, a rotating drum mechanism 50
The rotating drum group 51 included in the system is composed of, for example, a plurality of rows of rotating drums 51a, 51b, and 51C, and on the outer periphery of each row of drums, identification information such as pictures, symbols, numbers, etc. (in the illustration, bells, stars, etc.) is provided. , yotsuto, etc.) are drawn on it.

The identification information of each row of drums 51a, 51b, and 51c is arranged so as to be visible to the player through a display window formed in a part of the decorative frame 501.

The drums 51 a, 5 l b, 51 in each row
On each side of c, there is a ratchet gear 52a having teeth/number corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery.

52b and 52c (only 52c is shown in the figure) are fixed. Then, each row of drums 51a, 51b, 51c
Each of the drum shafts 53 is loosely fitted onto the drum shaft 53 and is configured to be individually rotatable by its frictional force. Both sides of the drum shaft 53 are supported by the side surfaces of the box 54, and a gear 551 included in the rotational force transmission mechanism 55 is fixed to the blade end of the drum shaft 53. This gear 551 is meshed and coupled with a transmission gear 552. Further, a drum drive motor 56 is attached to the side surface of the box 54. This motor 56 is a gear mode motor, and its driving gear is coupled to a gear 552, and its rotational force is transmitted to the drum shaft 53 via the gears 552 and 551 to rotationally drive the rotating drum group 51. Further, on the rear side of the box 54, each row of drums 5
1a, 51b.

Solenoids 57a, 57b, and 57c for individually controlling rotation or stopping of each of 51c are fixed.

Solenoid shafts 58a, 58b, 5 of these solenoids
8c are pinch-connected to one ends of locking levers 59a, 59b, and 59c, respectively. These locking levers 59a, 59
The substantially central portions of b and 59c are pivotally supported by a lever shaft 59,
Both ends of the lever shaft 59 are fixed to both sides of the box 54. Claw-like portions 59a', 59b', 59C/ (only 59C' is shown in the figure) are formed at the tips of the locking levers 59a, 59b, 59c corresponding to the drums 51a, 51b, 51c in each row. The claw-like portions 59a', 59b', and 59c' engage with the corresponding ratchet gears 52a, 52b, and 52C, respectively, to stop the drums in each row and maintain the locked state.

The condition for assigning the value is the combination of the picture pattern or identification information of each column displayed on the rotating drum display mechanism 50 and the display state of the numerical information displayed on the segment display 502. Accordingly, the maximum value is set to be given, and the value smaller than the maximum value is determined only by the combination of identification information displayed on the display parts of the rotating drums 51a to 51c (for example, the number of Yakumono produced is variable).
All you have to do is decide.

Note that in the above embodiment, as an example of the variable display device 500, the segment display device 502 and the rotating drum display mechanism 5 are used as an example of the variable display device 500.
0 is shown as an integrated structure, but the rotary drum display mechanism 50 alone may be used. Further, although a segment display 502 is shown as an example of an electrically variable display, the following structure may be used instead. For example, another electrically variable display is constructed by arranging display parts such as a plurality of light emitting diodes in a circle. In this case, the condition for assigning the value is that the display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c are in a predetermined combination (for example, a combination of pictures of all yachts), and a predetermined display part of the plurality of display parts is lit. When displayed, the maximum value is given, and the rotating drum 51a
Even if the combination of ~51c reaches a predetermined state, the maximum value is not given (that is, a value less than the maximum value is given) when the other display parts are lit.

FIG. 6 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

In the configuration, the game control circuit 60 includes a rotary drum drive control circuit 61 for driving and controlling the rotary drum display mechanism 50, a display drive control circuit 62 for variably displaying the segment display 502, and a specific game state detection means. 63
, a predetermined value provision state detection means 64, a notification circuit 65 for notifying that the predetermined value provision state is in effect, and a fixed time opening driving circuit 70 (described later in FIG. 7). This fixed time opening drive circuit 70 operates the winning ball device 3 based on the combination of display states of the variable display device 500.
It has the function of driving and controlling 0. The predetermined value imparting state detection means 64 and the fixed time opening drive circuit 70 constitute a drive control means.

To explain a more specific configuration, the rotating drum drive control circuit 61 includes special prize ball detection switches 22a and 22b.
1 stop command switches 18a to 1801, a rotating drum drive circuit 611, a motor 56, and solenoids 57a to 57c. The display drive control circuit 62 includes a flip-flop (
(hereinafter abbreviated as FF) 621, an AND gate 622, a clock oscillator 623, a ring counter 624, and a decoder 625. The specific game state detection means 63 includes sensors (for example, photoelectric sensors) 631 and 63 that detect the positions of the drums 51a to 51c in each row when they are stopped.
2. Display state determination circuit 633, combination setting section 634,
It includes a determination circuit 635 and an AND gate 636. The notification circuit 65 includes an FF 651, an 'IhJ% sound generation circuit 652, a speaker 17, and a display 19 that displays the maximum value provision state. The details of the predetermined value provision state detection means 64 will be explained later in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a detailed circuit diagram of the predetermined value provision state detection means 64 and the fixed time opening drive circuit 70. In the configuration, the fixed time opening driving circuit 70 includes timers 71 to 73 and an OR gate 74 for opening the variable winning ball device 30 for a relatively short period of time when the display state of the rotating drum is not in a state that allows the maximum value to be given. , a driver 75, and a repetitive opening/closing drive circuit 700 for a certain period of time. The predetermined value imparting yarn condition detection means 64 includes a counter 6, which is an example of a counting means.
41, a comparison circuit 642, a setter 643, and a decoder driver 644. This setting device 643 presets a limit number of times that the variable winning ball device 30 can be brought into a state where it is easy to win a prize depending on one specific game state. The setter 643 and the comparison circuit 642 constitute a constant number detection means.

Next, the specific operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The player puts the pachinko balls borrowed from the ball lending machine into the ball waiting gutter 13, rotates the ball hitting handle 14 to adjust the strength of the ball, and then presses the ball hitting switch.

Then, a ball hitting motor (not shown) is rotationally driven and a ball hitting rod (not shown) is intermittently rotated to drive one pachinko ball into the game board 1 one after another. In this way, when a player is playing a ball hitting game, if a ball hits one of the safe holes 2a to 2d or the Yakumono 4a, 4b, a predetermined number of balls will be awarded for each winning ball as described above. The payout of prize balls is controlled.

On the other hand, when a hit ball enters the prize entry area 3a or 3b, the special prize ball detection switch 22a or 22b derives a special prize ball detection output, gives a drive command signal to the rotating drum drive circuit 611, and sets the FF 621. In response to this, the rotating drum drive circuit 611
7a to 57c are biased and controlled to stop levers 59a to 59c.
By disengaging the corresponding ratchet gears 52a to 52c and rotating the motor 56, the drums 51a to 51c in each row are rotationally driven for variable display. The special prize ball detection means 22a, 22b,
Variable display start signal generating means is configured to generate a signal to start changing the display mode of the variable display device in response to the ball passing through a special prize area formed on the game board.

Simultaneously with the rotational driving of the drums 51a to 51c in each row,
The set output (high level signal) of the FF 621 is given as one input of the AND gate 622. A clock pulse from a clock oscillator 623 is always applied to the other input of this AND gate 622. Therefore, the AND gate 622 provides a clock pulse to the ring counter 624 in accordance with the set output of the FF 621.

The ring counter 624 cyclically counts the numerical values 0 to 9 that can be displayed on the one-digit segment display 502, and supplies the counted value to the decoder 625 and also to the determination circuit 635. The decoder 625 performs decoding based on the count value of the ring counter 624, and sequentially changes the number displayed on the segment display 502 based on the count value at a period corresponding to the frequency of the clock pulse.

In this manner, while the rotating drums 51a to 51c are rotationally driven and the segment display 502 is variably displayed, the player can
The stop command switches 18a to 18c are appropriately pressed so that the combination of display states c becomes the display state that gives the maximum value. For example, when the stop command switch 18a is pressed, the rotating drum drive circuit 611
a is deenergized to control the rotation drum 51a corresponding to the stop command switch 18a to stop. Similarly, when the stop command switch 18b (or 18c) is pressed, the rotating drum drive circuit 611 is activated by the solenoid 57b (or 57c).
is deenergized and the corresponding rotating drum 51b (or 51c
) is stopped and controlled.

Then, when all the stop command switches 18a to 18C are pressed to command the rotating drums 51a to 51c to stop, the rotating drum drive circuit 611 stops the rotational drive of the motor 56 and outputs a high signal indicating that all the drums have been stopped. Derive the level (rHJ') signal. The stop command switches 18a to 18c constitute a stop command signal generating means for generating a signal for commanding to stop the variable display of the variable display device. Note that this stop command signal generating means may be one that automatically generates the stop command signal after a certain period of time has elapsed, as described above. Said r
The HJ signal is applied to the display state determination circuit 633 as a determination command signal for the combination state of the identification information displayed on the drums in each row, and also resets the FF 621. Accordingly, the AND gate 622 stops deriving clock pulses from now on so that the count value of the ring counter 624 is not incremented and therefore the ring counter 624
A numerical value corresponding to the counted value is continuously displayed on the segment display 502.

The display state determination circuit 633 determines the combination of identification information displayed on the drums in each row based on the outputs provided from the sensors 631 and 632 in response to the determination command signal. That is, the sensors 631 and 632 are, for example, photoelectric sensors having a light projecting part and a light receiving part, and are provided facing the outer sides of the drums 51a to 51c in the respective rows in the axial direction. A through hole is bored in each side surface of the drums 51a to 51c in each row at a position corresponding to the identification information displayed on each drum on the first circumference and the second circumference. Four types of identification are possible by combining parts without holes. For example, if the display part with through holes on the first and second circumferences is set to logic "1", and the part without through holes is set to logic "0", then four types of 2 Bit code r00J, r01J, riot, r
The combination of drum identification information displayed in the window of the decorative frame 501 can be detected by llJ. This display state determination circuit 633 determines the score based on the combination of identification information displayed on the rotary drums 51a to 51c based on the outputs of the sensors 631 and 632, and uses the score value as the opening drive circuit 70 for a certain period of time and determines the score. to circuit 635. if,
If the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row is not a combination determined to give maximum value (for example, an all-yacht figure), the display state determination circuit 633 selects the combination at that time. Based on the matching, one of the determination signals j2 to j4 indicating that a value smaller than the maximum value should be assigned is derived. Each judgment signal j2
~j4 are given to the corresponding timers 71-73. Each timer 71, 72, 73 receives a corresponding judgment signal j.
2. j3. A certain period of time t2゜t3.j4 that is predetermined according to the input. A high level signal is derived for only t4. The fixed times set by each of the timers 71 to 73 are selected to satisfy the relationship t2>t3>t4, and are selected to be, for example, t2-10 seconds, t3-6 seconds, and t-4 seconds.

Now, for example, the display state determination circuit 633 receives the determination signal j2.
When the timer 71 derives a high level signal for a certain period of time (t2), the timer 71 derives a high level signal and supplies it to the driver 75 via the OR gate 74. In response, the driver 75 continuously energizes the solenoid 351 (or 451) for a certain period of time. By this, the variable winning ball device 30 (
or 40) opening/closing plate 33 (or 43a to 43c)
is opened for a certain period of time (t2) to allow the hit ball to win. The drive control means may be one that opens the variable winning ball device only for a period required for a certain number of pachinko balls to win in the variable winning ball device in the first state; ) or until the fixed number of pachinko balls are won, whichever comes first, the variable winning ball device may be opened.

Next, a case will be described in which the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row is determined to give the maximum value. In this case, the display state determination circuit 633 derives the determination signal j1 and outputs the determination signal j1 to the OR gate 702.
and is applied to the determination circuit 635. The determination circuit 635 determines the display state of the rotary drums based on the determination signal j1 and information indicating the combination of the rotary drums in each row, which is the condition for giving the maximum value preset in the combination setting section 634. Determine that is the state that gives the maximum value.

Subsequently, the determination circuit 635 determines whether the count value of the ring counter 624 is in a display state (for example, a state in which 7 is displayed) that gives the maximum value set in the combination setting section 634, Even if the combination of display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c gives the maximum value, if the display state of the segment display 502 does not display "7", the maximum value provision command signal (i.e. rHJ
signals). In this case, the determination signal j1 is applied to the timer 701 via the OR gate 702. The fixed time (tl) set by this timer 701 is a fixed time t2. t3. A time much larger than t4 (for example, 30 seconds) is selected. Therefore, when only the combination of display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c reaches a predetermined state that can give the maximum value, the timer 701 drives the driver 75 for a relatively long fixed period of time (tl), and the solenoid 351 energize. For this reason, the variable winning ball device 30 is opened for a certain period of time (tl), and during that period, the probability of occurrence of winning balls is increased. However, in this case, since the determination circuit 635 does not derive the rHJ signal and therefore the AND gate 636 does not derive the rHJ signal, the flip-flop 703 remains reset, causing the variable winning ball device 30 to repeatedly open and open. Don't do anything.

However, the combination of the display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c becomes a predetermined state in which the maximum value can be given, and the display state of the segment display 502 is in a state where the numerical value "7" is displayed, which allows the maximum value to be given. Then, the judgment circuit 63
5 derives an rHJ signal indicating that the maximum value imparting condition is met.

This rHJ signal is applied as one input to AND gate 635 and causes FF 651 to be set. The AND gate 636 is supplied with the mismatch output (low level signal) of the comparator circuit 642 inverted into an rHJ signal. Therefore, AND gate 636 derives the rHJ signal to set FF 703. The set output of FF 703 is provided to AND gate 704 as the maximum value enable signal. In this case, the variable winning ball device 30
During opening, the opening and closing is repeated for a certain period of time (tl) every time a ball hits the specific area 32a. That is, the timer 701 inverts its output to a low level (hereinafter referred to as "L") signal when a certain period of time (tl-30 seconds) has elapsed since the determination signal j1 was applied. Accordingly, the driver 75
deenergizes the solenoid 351 and closes the variable winning ball device 30. The rLJ signal of timer 701 is inverted by inverter 705 and applied to delay circuits 706 and 707. This delay circuit 706 is set to a delay time corresponding to the opening time when the variable winning ball device 30 is driven to open in the maximum value granting state. Delay circuit 707
is set to a delay time slightly longer than the delay time of delay circuit 706. The rH of this delay circuit 706 is delayed by a certain period of time.
The J signal is provided as one input to AND gate 704. By the way, during the opening of the variable winning ball device 30, when a hit ball hits the special prize area 32a, the photocoupler 39 outputs an output to set the flip-flop 708. Therefore, the AND gate 704 is
The rHJ signal is derived and an operation command signal is given to the timer 701 via the OR gate 702. Depending on the timer 701
derives the rHJ signal again for a certain period of time (tl). In this way, in the state where the maximum value can be given, when a prize is won in the opened special prize area 32a of the variable winning ball device 30, - after closing the looking strange person prize ball device 30, the variable winning ball device is re-entered. 30 is extended for a certain period of time (tl) and the operation is repeated every time there is a winning ball in the special prize area 32a. Therefore, the player can advantageously win a large amount of prize balls.

Next, when the variable winning ball device 30 is opened as the maximum value giving state which is a feature of this embodiment and the state is made easy to win, the operation will be explained when notifying the player of the state. In this case, the AND gate 761 turns on the transistor 762 during a certain period of the set output of the FF 703 and the output of the timer 701. In response, the light emitting diode 6 emits light to inform the player that the maximum value is given and the variable winning ball device 30 is in a state where it is easy to win. Therefore, the player watches the display and plays the ball hitting game so as to make the ball hit into the specific area 32a of the variable winning ball device 30 win.

By the way, when the ball hits the specific area 32a, the photocoupler 39 detects it and sets the FF 708. The set output of this FF 708 is differentiated by a differentiating circuit 709 and provided to a counter 641. counter 641
counts the number of times the variable winning ball device 30 is opened and closed in the maximum value imparting state. The count value of the counter 641 is given to a decoder driver 644 and displayed on the segment display 7.

Further, the count value of the - counter 641 is given to the comparison circuit 642. A limit number of times (for example, 15 times) preset by a setting device 643 is input to the comparison circuit 642 . Therefore, during the period when the set output of the FF 703 is given as a comparison command signal, the comparison circuit 642
The count value of the counter 641 and the limit number of times are compared. When the comparator circuit 642 detects that the count value has reached the limit number of times, it derives a -spread output and resets the FF 703 and the counter 641. Therefore, even if the ball hits the specific area 32a from now on,
Since the AND gate 704 is disabled in response to the reset of the FF 703, it is prohibited to repeatedly open the variable winning ball device 30. That is, the variable winning ball device 30 is repeatedly opened a limited number of times as long as there are winning balls in the specific area after reaching the maximum value imparting state.

Note that the output of the comparison circuit 642 may be used to issue a stop command. The counter 641 constitutes a game information totaling means that totals information representing a gaming state that occurs in connection with the drive control of the variable prize winning ball device by the drive control means. The game information totaling means includes a counting means for counting a number related to the number of times the drive control means sets the variable winning ball device in the first state. Further, this counting means includes an adding means that performs an adding operation each time the variable winning ball device enters the first state, and adds and counts the number of times the variable winning ball device enters the first state by the predetermined number of times.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the player can win a large amount of prize balls without much effort, so there is also the advantage that the player can work hard at the game and increase the interest of the game so as to meet the conditions for giving maximum value. In addition, when the variable winning ball device is in a state where it is easy to win a prize in the maximum value granting state, it is displayed with a light emitting diode, so the player can be informed of the state and it is useful for planning strategies for the game. There are also advantages.

Further, the variable winning ball device is controlled by the drive control means to
The segment display 7 may display information related to the number of prizes won as a result of the driving control.

In addition, if the number of times the variable winning ball device is repeatedly opened and closed is not determined in order to win a prize in a specific area when one specific game state is entered, the segment display 7
display is no longer necessary. The predetermined value provision state detection means 6
4 and a fixed time opening drive circuit 70, during the period when the variable winning ball device is in the first state, a relatively small game value is given by the winning of a ball to a winning area other than the specific winning area, A gaming value imparting means is configured that imparts a relatively large gaming value in response to a winning of a ball hit in the specific winning area.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing another example of the drive control means. This embodiment is different from FIG. 7 in that after one specific game state is entered, the number of times the variable winning ball device 30 is opened and closed is changed according to the number of winning balls in the specific area 32a, and the number of winning balls is limited to a limited number of times. If the limit is exceeded, opening and closing more than the limit is prohibited.

Specifically, the predetermined value imparting state detecting means 64' and the constant time repetitive opening/closing driving circuit 700' are constructed and operated as described below. That is, when the AND gate 636 derives the maximum value enable signal of the rHJ signal, the gate circuit 645 is opened at the same time as the FF 703 is set. Accordingly, the limit number of times set by the setter 643 is input to the subtraction circuit 646 via the gate circuit 645. Therefore, the subtraction circuit 646 sets the limit number of times and provides the count value (initially, the limit number of times) to the decoder 644 and the zero detection circuit 647. At this time, the decoder 644 displays the limited number of times on the segment display 7 as the remaining number of times. Further, the determination signal j1 is derived at the time of generation of the maximum value activation signal. The timer 701 is activated in response to this determination signal j1, and the variable winning ball device 30 is opened. In this state, when the ball hits the specific area 32a, the photo coupler 39 detects the winning spot. At this time, the zero detection circuit 647 detects that the count value of the subtraction circuit 646 is not zero, and uses its output as the rLJ signal. This rLJ signal is transmitted to the inverter 648
The signal is inverted at , and provided as one input to an AND gate 711 .

Therefore, the AND gate 711 derives the rHJ signal every time there is an output from the photocoupler 39, sets the FF 708, and gives a subtraction command to the subtraction circuit 646.
Furthermore, an addition command is given to the addition/subtraction circuit 649. The subtraction circuit 646 counts the calculated remaining number of times each time there is an output from the AND gate 711. The addition/subtraction circuit 649 counts the number of times that the switch can actually be opened and closed. The subtraction circuit 646 constitutes a game information totaling means for totalizing information representing a gaming state that occurs in connection with the drive control of the variable prize winning ball device by the drive control means. Further, the game information totaling means includes a counting means for counting a number related to the number of times the drive control means sets the variable prize winning ball device in the first state. The counting means also includes a subtracting means that subtracts the number of times the variable winning ball device enters the first state from the predetermined number of times by subtracting the number of times the variable winning ball device enters the first state.

Then, when the first opening is completed, the delay circuit 706 derives the rHJ signal. In response, AND gate 704 derives the rHJ signal and provides an activation command to timer 701 via OR gate 702 .

Therefore, the timer 701 operates and the variable winning ball device 30
is opened again for a certain period of time (tl).

At this time, the output of the AND gate 704 is
9 as a subtraction command input. In this way, the subtraction circuit 646 and the addition/subtraction circuit 649 are provided so that even if a large number of balls hit into the specific area 32a during one opening period, the subtraction circuit 646 calculates the This is to count the remaining number of times, and to have the addition/subtraction circuit 649 count the number of times that the variable winning ball device can actually be opened.

The above operation is repeated until the count value of subtraction circuit 646 becomes zero. When the count value of the subtraction circuit 646 becomes zero, the zero detection circuit 647 detects this and converts the output to rH.
Let it be the J signal. Therefore, AND gate 711 is disabled and does not apply the rHJ signal to addition/subtraction circuit 649 and subtraction circuit 646 even if there is an output from photocoupler 39 . However, since the L and FF 703 maintain the set state, the opening/closing operation of the variable winning ball device 30 is repeated as long as the count value of the addition/subtraction circuit 649 does not become zero.

When the variable winning ball device 30 is opened and closed a limited number of times,
The count value of the addition/subtraction circuit 649 becomes zero.

Accordingly, the zero detection circuit 64a detects it, derives an "H" signal, and provides it to the monostable multi-channel 64b. Accordingly, the monostable multi 64b derives the rHJ signal for a certain period of time and A
It is applied to the ND gate 64c. Since the AND gate 64c has previously been given the rHJ signal from the zero detection circuit 647, it derives the output of the monostable multi 64b and resets the FF 703. As a result, the AND gate 70
4 is disabled, and repeated opening of the variable winning ball device 30 is prohibited.

In this way, if a relatively large number of balls enter the special prize area when the variable winning ball device 30 starts to be opened, even if no winning balls enter the special prize area during the opening and closing of the round, the limit number of times can be set. It is ensured that only the variable prize winning ball device is opened.

As another example of displaying information related to the number of openings, the number of openings may be displayed as shown in FIG. 7 instead of displaying the remaining number of openings counted by the subtraction circuit 646 in this embodiment. . Furthermore, the remaining number of times may be displayed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 as well. In addition, control is performed to temporarily close the variable winning ball device once the output is derived from the output of the specific area passing ball detection means, and to open the variable winning ball device again to bring it into the first state. You may.

In addition, as another modification, the AND gate 636 is activated after the output and takes a relatively long time (for example, a little longer than the time obtained by multiplying the sum of tl and the delay time of the delay circuit 706 by the limit number of times). A timer 64d is provided to derive the output with a delay (time), an OR gate 64e is provided to derive either the output of the timer 64d or the output of the AND gate 64c, and the FF 703 is configured to be reset by the output of the OR gate 64e. Good too.

Further, the specific area 32a is not limited to the winning area of the variable winning ball device 30, but may be provided at any position on the game board 1.

[Effects of the Invention] The present invention having the above-mentioned configuration can attract the attention of players even in normal times when the variable winning ball device is not in the first state, and moreover, when the variable winning ball device is not in the first state, it is possible to attract the attention of players. When the variable winning ball device is in play, the original purpose of the variable winning ball device can be fully achieved because the winning of the hit ball into the winning area is not hindered. As a result, by being attached to the game board of a pinball game machine, the ball can always attract the attention of the player, attract their interest, and sufficiently improve their enjoyment, regardless of whether it is normal or when changing to the first state. It has now become possible to provide a variable winning ball device for a gaming machine.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrative views showing the back structure of the pachinko machine. FIGS. 3A and 3B are detailed views of an example of a variable winning ball device. Figures 48 to 4
Figure C is a detailed view showing another example of the ball receiving member (opening/closing plate) portion of the variable winning ball device. Figure 5 shows a variable winning ball device 500.
It is a detailed view of the rotating drum mechanism 50 included in the. FIG. 6 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a detailed circuit diagram of one embodiment of the drive control means. FIG. 8 is a detailed circuit diagram of another embodiment of the drive control means. In the figure, 10 is a pachinko machine, 2a to 2d are safe holes, 3a and 3b are winning areas, 4a and 4b are Yakumono, 30
and 40 is a variable winning ball device, 32 & + 42 a
is a specific winning area as an example of a specific area, 33 is an opening/closing board, 39
．． 46 is a special prize ball detector, 61 is a rotating drum drive control circuit, 62 is a display drive control circuit, 63 is a specific game state detection means, 64, 64' is a predetermined value giving state detection means, 70 is a fixed time opening drive circuit, 700 indicates a repetitive opening/closing drive circuit. Akira 7th

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A mounting board that is attached to the game board of a pinball game machine, a winning area formed approximately in the center of the mounting board, an opening/closing plate provided on the front side of the winning area so as to be openable and closable, and the above entry prize. A variable winning ball device for a pinball game machine, characterized in that a pair of winning holes are provided on the left and right sides of the area and projecting from the front side of the mounting board. (2) The variable winning ball device for a pinball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the winning winning area is divided into a plurality of areas, and a predetermined winning area is a specific area.