JPH02167187A - Pin ball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make a game player free from troubles over a game with the effectiveness of the game by drive-controlling a value application controlling means based on the conduction of the output of a game continuance detecting means a specified time after the output of a hitting completion detecting means is introduced, and by initializing an information storage means. CONSTITUTION:When the value of a ball hitting counter 184 comes to '16', then one game is completed. Then, at a time point when a specified time T1 is up, a handle switch is operated, and a ball hitting motor 91, a ball hitting rod working state detecting switch 96, and a ball feeding solenoid 110 are worked, and when the signal of a first feed ball detecting switch 117 on the following game is detected, then all informations except th score informations of the previous game, for example, the value of the ball hitting counter 184 and the lighting state of display lamps 25a-25p are initialized, and the following game is prepared for. Besides, for a score obtained by the first game A, a paying-out motor 160 is driven at the same time as the following game B is started, and prize winning balls according to the score are payed out.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] This invention is a game system in which balls are fired onto a game board for a certain period of time (a period in which a predetermined number of balls are fired, or a period in which a certain period of time has elapsed). The present invention relates to a pinball game machine that provides a predetermined value based on a game result achieved by hitting balls fired for at least a certain period of time.

[Conventional technology] Conventionally, a game is played by firing balls onto a game board for a certain period of time.
As a pinball game machine that gives a predetermined value based on the game result established by balls fired for at least a certain period of time, a predetermined number (for example, 16) of balls are hit onto the game board, and the game board is played. There was a system in which a predetermined prize ball was paid out when the combinations entered into the passage ports arranged horizontally in a row at the bottom of the area became a predetermined combination. In this type of pinball game machine,
When a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since the start and end of a predetermined number of balls is detected, a predetermined prize ball corresponding to the score is paid out, and information related to the game result is forcibly displayed. The memory device was configured to initialize the storage means stored therein.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the above-described conventional pinball game machine, when a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed after the end of firing of a predetermined number of balls is detected, a point is scored. At the same time as paying out a predetermined prize ball, the memory +,q means that stores information related to game results is forcibly initialized. If a ball jam occurs and a predetermined period of time elapses before the ball jam is cleared even though the player has interrupted the game, the information storage means such as score information is forcibly stored. There was a problem in that the game was initialized and the validity of the game caused trouble with the players.

This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an fj:tube gaming machine that prevents players from having trouble with the effectiveness of the game.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the pinball game machine according to the present invention has the following features: an information storage means for storing information related to game results; Add value.

a value imparting control means for controlling the means; a firing end detecting means for detecting the end of firing balls for a certain period; a game continuation detecting means for detecting that the game is continued; and an output of the firing end detecting means. gaming state initialization means for driving and controlling the value adding control means and initializing the information storage means based on the fact that the output of the game continuation detection means has been derived after a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of the value; It is composed of the following.

[Function] When the ball firing operation for a certain period of time is completed, an output is derived from the firing completion detection means, and after a predetermined time has elapsed after the output is derived, it is detected that the player continues playing the game. If there is an output from the game continuation detecting means, the game state initializing means operates to drive and control the value adding control means and initialize the information storage means. On the other hand, if the output from the firing end detection means is derived and there is no output from the game continuation detection means after a predetermined time has elapsed after the output is derived, the game state initialization means does not operate. Therefore, the value imparting control means is not driven and controlled, and the information storage means is also not initialized. That is, if a ball jam occurs during a game and the player does not continue playing, the value imparting control means will not be driven and controlled, and the information storage means will not be initialized.

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13, the overall structure of the pinball game machine according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a front view of the pinball game machine. In the figure, a frame-shaped front frame 2 of a pinball game machine 1 is surrounded by a door holding frame 3, and the door holding frame 3 includes a glass door having glass plates 5a and 5b (see Fig. 11). 4 and a front door 6 are pivotally supported on one side and attached so as to be openable and closable. Behind the glass door 4, the game board 14 is mounted on the game board holding frame 56 (see FIG. 12) on the back side of the front frame 2 with game board mounts 57a to 57c (
However, 57e is provided in a detachable manner by means (not shown). Further, on the surface of the front door 6, a batted ball supply tray 7 is fixed that stores the ejected prize balls and supplies them one by one to the firing position of the batted ball. A prize ball dispensing port 8 is provided on the upstream side of the batted ball supply tray 7, through which prize balls dispensed from a prize ball dispensing device 132 (to be described later) are discharged, and in the lower internal space of the prize ball dispensing port 8, A speaker 9 is built in to generate sound effects related to the game. Further, the front door 6 is also provided with a start switch 10 for starting a game in the pinball game machine 1. Once the start switch 10 is pressed by the first player after the power is turned on, there is no need to press it thereafter unless the power is turned off. During the game, it functions as a settlement switch for settling the scores for each game. In this pinball game machine 1, the score of the previous game is automatically settled at the same time as the game ends and the next game starts. Therefore, the start switch 10 is used as a settlement switch only when the user wants to settle the previous game without proceeding to the next game. It should be noted that the start switch 10 may not be provided and the game can be started immediately after the power is turned on. Further, on the back side of the front door 6, a batted ball supply device 97 is fixed that supplies the batted balls guided from the batted ball supply tray 7 to a firing position 122, which will be described later.The batted ball supply device 97 will be described in detail later. do.

At the lower part of the front frame 2, there is an operation handle 11 that constitutes a part of the batted ball firing device 81, and a surplus ball receiving tray 12 for storing prize balls that cannot be stored in the batted ball supply tray 7.
is provided. A surplus ball discharge port 13 is provided on the rear surface of the surplus ball receiving tray 12, and balls flowing out from a surplus ball passage 75 and a return ball path 129, which will be described later, are discharged to the surplus ball receiving tray 12. Further, inside the operating handle 11, a handle switch (including a touch switch) is provided for rotationally driving a ball hitting motor 91, which will be described later, although not shown.

Structure of Game Board On the surface of the game board 14, which is removably attached to the game board holding frame 56 using game board mounts 57a to 57c, there is a guide rail for guiding balls guided from a firing rail 121, which will be described later. 15 are planted in an almost circular shape. The area surrounded by the guide rail 15 constitutes a gaming area 16. A variable display device 17 having a plurality of rotating drums 18a to 18c is provided approximately in the center of the gaming area 16, and a variable winning ball device 23 having a pair of movable members 33a and 33b is provided below the variable display device 17. It is being The movable members 33a and 33b of the variable winning ball device 23 are arranged so that the combination of the rotating drums f8a to 18c of the variable display device 17 is in a predetermined display state (for example, when the numbers "7" are aligned in the horizontal direction). It is set to enter a specific gaming state and remain open for a predetermined period of time. When a prize is won in the specific winning hole 38 provided in the movable members 33a and 33b, the above-mentioned open state is repeated again at the start of the next game, and the specific winning hole 38
This can be repeated up to 10 times each time winning pressure occurs. The structure of the variable winning ball device 23 will be detailed later.

The variable display device 17 also includes a starting prize opening 22 which will be described later.
a, 22b is provided with a winning number display LED 19 for storing the number of winning balls up to a maximum of 4 and displaying the stored number, and a continuation number display 20 for displaying the number of times the open state is repeated. ing. Further, in the upper center of the variable display device 17, a double prize opening 21 is provided for doubling the points obtained when the game is completed. Also,
When a hit ball enters the double winning hole 21, the passing hole 2 will be described later.
The display lamp 25a corresponding to 4a is turned on.

In addition, on both left and right sides of the variable display device 17, a starting prize opening 22a that allows rotation of the rotating drums 18a to 18c,
22b is provided. This starting prize opening 22a, 22
When a hit ball wins in the starting winning hole 22a on the left side of the illustration in b, the display lamp 25b corresponding to the passing hole 24b lights up, and when a hitting ball wins in the starting winning hole 22b on the right side in the drawing, it corresponds to the passing hole 240. The display lamp 25o is turned on.

At the bottom of the game area 16, there are a plurality of (16 in the embodiment)
Passing holes 24a to 24p are provided in a row in the horizontal direction, and a decorative plate 26 covering the front surface of the winning holes 24a to 24p includes
Display lamps 25a~ corresponding to each winning opening 24a~24p
25p is provided. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, numbers "1 to 16" are attached to the prize openings 24a to 24p. However, the balls hit multiple winning slots 24a-24p.
When passing one of the above, the corresponding indicator lamp 2
5a to 25p are lit, and the indicator lamps 25a to 25p are lit.
When four lights are lit in a row, the score is 1 point. However, the central passage ports 25g to 25j (corresponding to 7 to 10) are 4
When the lights are lit in succession, the score is 3 points. Further, when five or more lights are lit in a row, one point is added for each one lit. The display lamps 25a to 25p may be turned on or blinked as a demonstration during the time when the power is turned on or after a reset output (described later) is derived until the start switch 10 is pressed. Further, detailed structures of the passage ports 24a to 24p will be described in detail later.

Furthermore, the game area 16 is provided with game effect lamps 27a and 27b that light up or blink to notify the player when the specific game state is reached. Frame lamps 28a and 28b are also provided on the upper part of the front frame 2 to provide the same effect as the game effect lamps 27a and 27b. Further, outside the game area 16, on the upper right side of the game board 14, there is provided a score display 29 for displaying the above-mentioned points, and on the upper left side of the game board 14, there is a discharge ball detection screen, which will be described later. There are provided a prize ball payout lamp 31 that is turned on when a switch 164 is activated, and a ball-out lamp 30 that is turned on when an activation switch 65a, which will be described later, is activated. The maximum score displayed on the score display 29 is limited to 10 points, but since the score display 29 is composed of one digital display, when displaying the 10 points, r A 4 is now displayed. Of course, in this case, the score display 29 may be composed of two digital displays. In addition, the score display 29 flashes the score established in the previous game at the start of the game, and subtracts the score display every time a prize ball is paid out, and when it reaches "0", If a score has been scored in the game, the score is displayed by lighting, and the scores obtained in each game are distinguished by the display mode. In this case, one digital display that emits two colors may be used to distinguish between the two. Further, a display device for displaying points generated during the progress of the game and a display device for displaying points to be paid out may be provided separately.

Here, the detailed structure of the variable winning ball device 23 will be explained with reference to FIG. 10. The variable winning ball device 23 has a mounting board 32 that is attached to the game board 14. A pair of movable members 33a on the left and right sides of the center,
33b is the support! It is rotatably supported around the 1III34a34b. The movable members 33a and 33b are driven by a solenoid 42 so as to be openable and closable. Movable member 33a
, 33b are formed with stoppers 35a, 35b, and the stoppers 35a, 35b protrude below both left and right ends of the mounting board 32. A regulating wall 36a.

36b, and the soil filling guide plate 37 protruding laterally from the center of the mounting board 32, and the movable member 33a.

The rotation range of 33b is restricted. The soil-packed guide plate 37 guides the balls that are placed in the receiver towards the rear when the movable members 33a and 33b are open, and a special prize opening 38 is formed in the center, and a regular prize opening is formed on the left and right of it. Mouths 39a, 39b
is formed. A specific winning ball detection switch 40 is provided at the downstream end of the specific winning hole 38, and the normal winning hole 39a
, 39b, there is a normal winning ball detection switch 41a.
.

41b is provided. However, the movable part 33a,
When the hit ball that was stopped by 33b enters the special winning hole 38 and turns on the specific winning ball detection switch 40,
As described above, at the start of the next game, the movable members 33a and 33b are opened again for a predetermined period, and the passage port 24, which is relatively difficult to pass through among the plurality of passage ports 24a to 24p, is opened again for a predetermined period of time.
Display lamps 25d, 25g, 25j2 corresponding to d, 24g, 24j, 24n (corresponding to 4, 7, 10, 13)
5n lights up. In addition, when the hit ball enters the normal winning hole 39a on the left side of the figure and turns on the normal winning ball detection switch 41a, the plurality of passing holes 24a to 2
Of the 4p, passage ports 24b, 24d, and 2 are relatively difficult to pass through.
Display lamps 25b, 25d, 25g, and 25j corresponding to 4g and 24j (corresponding to 24.7.10) are turned on. Furthermore, the ball is in the normal winning hole 3 on the right side of the illustration.
9b and turn on the normal winning ball detection switch 41b, the passage holes 24g, 24j 24n, 24o (7
, 10, 13, 15))
g, 25j, 25n25o are lit. In this way, the specific winning hole 38 and the normal winning hole 39a,
When a ball hits 39b, indicator lamps 25a to 25p corresponding to passing ports 24a to 24p, which are relatively difficult to pass through, are lit up one or two spaces apart, so the passing ports 24a are lit up while the display lamps 25a to 25p are not lit. A high score can be easily achieved by the ball passing through ~24p, and in particular, high scores can be obtained for up to 10 consecutive games by the ball passing through the specific winning hole 38. You can win a large amount of prizes. Note that in this embodiment, points are awarded based on blind matching of the passage holes through which the hit ball has passed, but points may be awarded based on the passage of the batted ball through a specific passage hole. , you may immediately pay out the prize balls.

Next, the detailed structure of the passage ports 24a to 24p will be explained with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of one passage port 24a, but the other passage port 24b
~24p has the same structure, so its explanation will be omitted.

A falling part 43a is formed at the rear end of the passage port 24a, and an operating member 44a pivotally supported by a support shaft 45 faces below the falling part 43a. The actuating member 44a is formed into a disc shape, a weight 46a is embedded in the lower part of the actuating member 44a, and a falling part 43a is provided at the rear of the upper part of the actuating member 44a.
A mounting portion 47a is formed to catch and stop balls falling from the ball. Further, a light shielding plate 48a is provided protruding from the actuating member 44a between the weight 46a and the mounting portion 47a.

Further, below the operating member 44a, a passing ball detection switch 49a of a light emitting/receiving type that is normally ON is arranged. Therefore, when the ball enters the passage hole 24a, falls downward from the falling part 43a, and rides on the placement part 47a, the actuating member 44a rotates against the biasing force of the weight 46a.

When the operating member 44a rotates, the light shielding plate 48a
changes the passing ball detection switch 49a from ON to OFF, and detects that there is a passing ball. As a result, the corresponding display lamps 25a to 25p are lit. Note that since the passing ball detection switch 49a is of a light emitting/receiving type, it may detect light from the indicator lamp 25a and cause a malfunction, so the indicator lamp 25a is covered with a cylindrical cover. Also, the support! Tq1145 is provided in common to all the actuating members 44a to 44p.

By the way, on the back side of the game board 14, as shown in FIG. 12, a winning collection cover 50 is attached. This winning collection cover integrated 50 has a guiding path that leads the double winning opening 21 and the starting winning openings 22a and 22b to a ball collecting gutter 166, which will be described later, and a double detection switch 53 and a starting winning hole in the middle of the guiding path. Winning ball detection switches 54a, 54
b are provided respectively. Further, an opening is provided in the center of the prize collecting cover body 50 so that a drum drive mechanism 51 for rotationally driving the rotary drums 18a to 18c of the variable display device 17 protrudes. Note that a drive motor 52 for rotating the rotating drums 18a to 18c is attached to the side of the drum drive mechanism 51.

Furthermore, a relay terminal board 55 is provided on the back side of the winning collection cover unit 50 to temporarily connect the wiring of the various switches and indicator lamps, etc. From this relay terminal board 55, a control circuit board 80, which will be described later, is installed. The control circuit 131 is connected to the control circuit 131.

Structure of Mechanism Plate Next, the structure of the mechanism plate 58 arranged on the back side of the pinball game machine 1 will be explained with reference to FIG.
The overall outline of 8 will be explained below.

The mechanism board 58 is provided with various mechanisms for discharging a predetermined number (for example, 16) of prize balls corresponding to the score established at the time the one game is completed. The mechanism plate 58 is made up of a roughly rectangular mechanism plate main body 59 molded from synthetic resin and various mechanisms assembled thereto, and one side of the mechanism plate main body 59 is attached to the game board holding frame 56. It is supported so that it can be opened and closed freely. Further, on the back surface of the mechanism plate main body 59, mechanism plate mounts 60a to 60c are provided that lock the mechanism plate 58 in a closed state. Furthermore, a ball collection gutter 166, which will be described later, is formed in the lower front surface of the mechanism plate main body 59. This ball collection gutter 16
The configuration of No. 6 will be described in detail later.

On the rear side of the mechanism plate main body 59, various mechanisms are provided for dispensing prize balls to the player, which are supplied from a supply mechanism (not shown) of the pinball game machine installation stand. These mechanisms will be explained below. On the upper part of the mechanism plate main body 59,
A prize ball tank 61 is fixed. This prize ball tank 61 is supplied with a large amount of prize balls from the above-described replenishment mechanism.

A guide gutter 62 is provided below the prize ball tank 61 for arranging the prize balls. The guide gutter 62 is installed at an angle so that the prize balls are arranged in two rows and flow down naturally. Further, a ball sensing plate 63 is pivotally supported on the upstream bottom surface of the guide gutter 62 so as to be swingable. However,...
When the ball detection plate 63 is full of prize balls placed on it, the upper end of the ball detection plate 63 is pushed down against the force of a weight (not shown). When there is a shortage of prize balls on the ball sensing plate 63 and the ball is no longer 8B, the upper end of the ball sensing plate 63 springs up due to the biasing force of the nail.

When the ball sensing plate 63 flips up, an activation switch 65 disposed below it via the activation member 64
a, 65b are operated, the ball out lamp 30 is turned on to notify that fact, and the payout motor 1, which will be described later, is operated.
60 is stopped, a signal is sent to a management computer installed in the gaming hall, and the replenishment mechanism (not shown) is operated to replenish the prize ball tank 61 with a predetermined number (for example, 400 prize balls).

On the downstream side of the guide gutter 62, there are bent lines 66 formed in two rows.
This bent line 66 is attached so that the
The direction of the prize balls flowing down the guide gutter 62 is 18
It is there to reduce the earth pressure of the prize balls that are continuously flowing down. At the bending part of the bending line 66,
A ball extraction device 67 is provided, and when operated after closing, the prize balls stored in the prize ball tank 61 and the guide gutter 62 are discharged into the ball extraction passage 68 and guided out of the pinball game machine 1. It has become.

Furthermore, a deficiency detection plate 69 is swingably provided in a substantially downwardly inclined passageway portion downstream of the bent portion of the bent line 66 . When there is a prize ball within the bending line 66, this deficiency detection plate 69 maintains a state in which the upper end is pressed by the prize ball and the lower end is flipped outward, and conversely, there are no prize balls within the bending line 66. Then, the upper end rotates upward due to its own weight, and the lower end hangs down almost vertically. When the control member 1, which will be described later, is in such a hanging state,
37 rises, the engaging part 138a of the control member 137 engages with the engaging part 69a at the lower end and acts to hold the control member 137 in the raised position, and finally the prize balls are paid out. I'm trying to make it go away.

Further, at the downstream part of the bending line 66, a vertical part 7 having a substantially vertical shape is provided.
0 is formed, and a stepped portion is formed at the end thereof. This stepped portion acts to weaken the earth pressure so that a superstructure stopper 134 of a prize ball dispensing device 132, which will be described later, operates smoothly.

A prize ball payout device 132 is connected to the downstream side of the bending line 66. The prize ball dispensing device 132 receives a predetermined number of prize balls and pays out the predetermined number of prize balls in conjunction with the operation of the scoring ball processing device 145. Regarding the prize ball dispensing device 132 and the scoring ball processing device 145,
Prize balls paid out from a prize ball putting-out device 132, which will be described in detail later, are discharged into a prize ball putting-out passage 71. The prize ball payout passage 71 is provided with a bell 73 that makes a sound when the prize balls that have been paid out hit the street, and furthermore, a guidance amount lower 2 is provided at the lower end of the prize ball payout passage 71 below the bell 73. , this reading opening lower 2 communicates with the batted ball supply tray 7. Further, a communication gutter 74 for communicating with the surplus ball passage 75 is provided on one side of the inter-guidance lower 2, and the surplus prize balls are transferred to the surplus ball passage 7.
It is designed to lead to 5. The surplus ball passage 75 is connected at its lower end to a connection gutter 79 attached to the back surface of the front frame 2, and guides surplus prize balls to the surplus ball receiving tray 12. Further, a fullness sensing member 77 is provided on one side wall of the surplus ball passage 75 so as to be swingable about the upper end thereof. Thus, when the surplus ball passage 75 is filled with prize balls, the fullness sensing member 77 is pressed by the prize balls and swings. Further, a fullness detection switch 78 is provided at a position opposite to the fullness sensing member 77. Then, when the fullness sensing member 77 is swung, the fullness detection switch 78 is turned OFF, and the rotation of the later-described payout motor 160 of the score ball processing device 145 is stopped. Therefore, when the fullness sensing member 77 operates, prize balls are no longer dispensed. Furthermore, a bell 76 is provided in the surplus ball passage 75 to generate a sound when it collides with the prize balls.

Furthermore, a control board 80 is attached to the back surface of the mechanism board main body 59 to control the game content and the operation of the shot balls, which will be described later. This control board 80 includes a control circuit 131 (
(see Figure 1) is formed.

Hitting Ball Control Mechanism Next, the hitting ball control mechanism, which is a feature of this pinball game machine 1, will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The batted ball control mechanism includes a batted ball firing device 81, a batted ball supply device 97, and a firing rail mechanism 119.

Battered Ball Launching Device First, the configuration of the batted ball launching device 81 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 12. The ball firing device 81' is a driving device for firing a ball at a firing position 122 of a firing rail 121, and is operated by operating the operating handle 11. In FIG. 1, a ball launcher 81 is mounted on a rectangular mounting board 82, and a ball shaft 83 having a hammer tip 84 at its tip is attached to a spindle 83.
5 (on the rear surface side of the mounting board 82). The hammer tip part 84 faces the firing position 122, and strikes the ball waiting at the firing position 122.

Further, although not shown in the drawings, the support shaft 85 is provided with a coiled spring that applies an elastic force to the ball hitting rod 83, and one end of the coiled spring is connected to the support shaft 83.
It is locked to an arm portion 87 that rotates together with the III 85, and the other end of the coiled spring is locked to a rotating member 87a that rotates by a hitting force adjustment mechanism 94, which will be described later. Also, the batting rod 83
A light-shielding plate 86 is formed at the lower end of the ball-striking rod 83, and the light-shielding plate 86 turns a ball-striking rod operation state detection switch 96 (described later) from ON to OFF at the position where the ball-striking rod 83 is tilted, and turns OFF when the ball-striking rod 83 returns. Turn it on.

An arm portion 87 is fixed to the other end of the support shaft 85 (on the front side of the mounting board 82), and a contact roller 8 is attached to the tip of the arm portion 87.
8 is rotatably attached. This contact roller 8
8 is a ball hitting motor 9 fixed to the rear side of the mounting board 82
1, and as the ball hitting motor 91 rotates, the rotating cam 89 and the contact roller 88 are repeatedly engaged and disengaged, and the support! The Th1185 and the ball hitting rod 83 are rotated within a predetermined angle range against the biasing force of the coiled spring. Note that since the rotary cam 89 is attached to the motor shaft 90 protruding from an opening 92 provided in the mounting board 82,
Located on the front side of 2. Further, a tentacle detection circuit 93 is disposed on the rear surface of the ball hitting motor 91 as shown in FIG. 12, and a touch switch (
When the player touches the ball hitting motor 9 (not shown),
1 circuit is closed.

Further, the operation handle 1 is provided on the front side of the mounting board 82.
A zero-hitting ball adjuster 94 is provided to adjust the elastic force of the ball-hitting rod 83 by rotating the rotating member 87a by the ten-turning operation. This ball-hitting force adjustment section 94 is designed to allow fine adjustment of the ball-hitting force (resilient force) in the initial state (state in which the operating handle 11 is not rotated). is the batting rod 8
Contact rubbers 95a and 95b that restrict the rotational range of 3 are fixed in a vertically intersecting manner.

Further, on the rear surface side of the mounting board 82, a light emitting/receiving type batting rod operation state detection switch 96 is fixed to the light shielding plate 86 to be turned on and off.

This batting rod operation state detection switch 96 is normally in the ON state, and turns OFF when the batting rod 83 tilts and the light shielding plate 86 intervenes.
3 returns, it changes from OFF to ON, and when that change occurs, the ball feed solenoid 1 of the batted ball supply device 97, which will be described later.
The excitation signal is sent to 10.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2B, the batted ball supply device 9
The structure of No. 7 will be explained. In FIG. 1, the ball supply device 97 is collectively provided on a box frame-shaped mounting plate 98 fixed to the back surface of the front door 6. As shown in FIG. That is, at the terminal end of the batted ball 8 guiding path 99 that guides batted balls in a line to the batted ball supply tray 7, a side plate portion 100 is provided to face the side plate portion 100, and a feeding soil placement portion 101 is formed just in front of the side plate portion 100. There is. This feeding soil mounting section 101 is provided with an opening so that the balls can be stopped, and the ball feeding protrusion 107 of the ball feeding member 104 is inserted into this opening.
are starting to appear.

A rectangular ball feeding opening 102 is provided in the mounting plate 98 on the upper part of the feeding soil placement section 101, and the ball feeding opening 1
The lower side of 02 constitutes a regulating portion 103. Regulation part 10
3 is to prevent the ball stopped at the sending ball @ lateral part 101 from falling to the firing rail 121 side. Therefore, in order to guide the ball stopped on the feeding soil placement part 101 to the firing rail 121 side, the ball must be lifted and made to jump over the regulation part 103. A ball feeding member 104 lifts the ball. The ball feeding member 104 is pivotably supported around a support @h105, and the arm portion 106 on the tip side thereof has a
A ball-feeding protrusion 107 is formed that is bent upward, and this ball-feeding protrusion 107 appears in and disappears from the soil-feeding portion 101. Moreover, the upper surface of the ball feeding protrusion 107 is
As shown in FIG. 2B, an inclined surface 108 is formed that slopes toward the firing rail side 121, so that when the ball is lifted, it easily rolls down from the ball feeding opening 102 toward the firing rail 121 side. On the other hand, a pair of engagement protrusions 109 are formed in the vertical direction at the other end of the ball feed member 104, and an engagement plate 113 fixed to the lower end of the plunger 111 of the ball feed solenoid 110 is attached to the engagement protrusions 109. It's about to get engaged.

A return spring 112 is provided on the plunger 111 of the ball feed solenoid 110 so that the plunger 111 is always urged upward. Therefore, when the ball feed solenoid 110 is not energized, the plunger 111 is held in the raised position by the biasing force of the return spring 112, and therefore, the ball feed protrusion 107 of the ball feed member 104 is placed on the soil to be sent. It is in a state where it is evacuated from the section 101. On the other hand, when the ball feed solenoid 110 is in the energized state, the plunger 111 descends against the biasing force of the return spring 112, so that the ball feed protrusion 1.7 of the ball feed member 104 moves the soil to be fed. Placement section 10
The ball that has entered the hole 1 and stopped is lifted and dropped from the ball feeding opening 102 to the firing rail 121 side.

By the way, the upper part of the feeding soil loading section 101 has an end support! l
A swinging member 114 is provided which is pivotally supported by 1II1115 and is swingably provided. An inclined surface portion 116 is formed at the other end of the swinging member 114, as shown in FIG. 2B. Therefore, the swinging member 114
When the ball that has been stopped at 1 is raised by the ball sending member 104, it moves upward, and the inclined surface portion 116 cooperates with the inclined surface ioa to cause the ball to fall toward the firing rail 121 side. Further, a ball feed detection switch 117 is arranged on the upper part of the swinging member 114, and this is the actuator 1.
The swinging motion of the swinging member 114 is detected via the swinging member 18 . That is, the number of balls sent to the firing rail 121 is detected.

Launch rail mechanism Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2B, launch rail mechanism 1
The structure of No. 19 will be explained. In the figure, the firing rail mechanism 119 is integrated and provided on a mounting board 120. That is, the metal launch rail 121 is attached to the mounting board 120 in an inclined manner. As shown in FIG. 2B, the base of the firing rail 121 has a VJ-shaped cross section, and a stopping opening 123 is formed at the firing position 122 at the downstream end, so that the ball faces the ball. There is.

Further, the hammer tip portion 84 of the ball batting rod 83 is provided in the stop opening 123.
are starting to appear. By the way, launch position 12
The ball waiting at position 2 is supported at two points at its lower part by the firing rail 121 having a "v"-shaped cross section, and at one point at its upper part by a superstructure stop member 124 that slopes backward. This provides the most stable three-point support for the ball. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2B, a ball detection switch 125 is arranged on the side of the firing position 122.
It is detected whether or not there is a ball hit on 22. This placed ball detection switch 125 is turned ON when there is a hit ball at the firing position 122, and turned OFF when there is no hit ball at the firing position.

On the other hand, a curved portion 126 is formed at the upstream end of the firing rail 121, and constitutes a side wall of a foul ball guiding path 127 formed between the firing rail 121 and the end of the guiding rail 15. A foul ball detection switch 128 is disposed at the downstream end of the foul ball guiding path 127, and prevents the launched ball from reaching the game area 16 of the game board 14 on the guiding rail 128.
It is designed to detect foul balls that return 5. The foul balls that have passed through the foul ball detection switch 128 are discharged from the return ball path 129 to the surplus ball receiving tray 12. A spilled soil filling guide member 130 is also connected to the return ball path 129, and the prize balls that have fallen from the guide amount lower 2 or the rear end of the prize ball dispensing port 8 when the front surface m6 is opened are packed with soil. Excess ball receiving tray 12 from surplus ball discharge port 13 via guiding member 130 and return ball path 129
It is designed to lead to. Note that the foul ball detection switch 128 is the same as the passing ball detection switches 49a to 49 described above.
Similarly to P, an actuating member actuated by the ball may be provided, and a foul ball may be detected by a switch that detects the actuation of the actuating member.

Above the operation of the batted ball control mechanism, the batted ball launcher 81, the batted ball supply device 97,
The operation of the ball-striking control mechanism consisting of the ball-striking rail mechanism 119 and the firing rail mechanism 119 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

First, when the hit ball enters the batted ball supply tray 7 that the player purchased, the batted ball reaches the batted ball guide path 99 from the batted ball supply tray 7, and the first hit ball is placed on the feeding soil placement section 101. situation(
(See Figure 1).

When the player rotates the operating handle 11 in such a state, the handle switch including a touch switch (not shown) turns ON/OFF, and the ball hitting motor 91 of the ball firing device 81 rotates. When the ball hitting motor 91 is rotated, the rotating cam 8
9 and the contact roller 88, the batting rod 83 is moved to the second A.
By tilting as shown in the figure, the light shielding plate 86 turns the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 from the ON state to the OFF state. At this time, the ball feed solenoid 110 of the batted ball supply device 97
As shown in Figure B, it is not yet excited. When the ball hitting motor 91 rotates further, the engagement between the rotating cam 89 and the contact roller 88 is released, and the ball hitting rod 83 rapidly returns to its original position as shown in FIG. 3A.

At this time, the ball-striking rod operating state detection switch 96 changes from OFF to ON, and by detecting this change, the ball feed solenoid 110 of the ball supply device 97 is energized. When the ball feeding solenoid 110 is energized, the ball feeding member 104 swings to lift the ball waiting in the feeding soil placement section 101 and send it out from the ball feeding opening 102 to the firing position 122 of the firing rail 121. . At this time, the swinging member 114 also swings, and the ball sending detection switch 117 is turned on (see FIG. 3B). When this sending ball detection switch 117 is turned on, a count up signal is derived and is added by "l" to the value of a shot ball counter 184, which will be described later. In addition,
The first movement of the ball rod 83 does not cause the ball to be fired. That is, the firing operation of a batted ball and the operation of supplying a batted ball are as follows: After the hammer tip portion 84 of the batting rod 83 ejects the batted ball at the firing position 122, the next batted ball is sent to the firing rail 121 by the batted ball supply device 97. Therefore, the first firing action in the game is a blank shot. The reason why the supplied hit ball was not configured to fire immediately is that if the configuration is configured to fire the hit ball that has just been supplied, the time that the hit ball is placed at the firing position J122 will increase. This is because the short < i may result in instability, and in that case, firing defects such as spotting may occur. In addition, if the type is such that the batted ball is supplied by performing the batted ball supply operation after the batted ball firing operation, the batted ball launching device 8 as in the embodiment is used.
Instead of using separate drive sources for the batted ball firing device 81 and the batted ball supply device 97, a single driving source may be used to drive both the batted ball firing device 81 and the batted ball supply device 97.

As the player continuously operates the operating handle 11 as described above, the ball hitting motor 91 rotates continuously,
To launch the ball and supply the ball in a smooth manner. By the way, when the fired balls return along the guide rail 15 without reaching the game area 16 of the game board 14, most of them are guided to the foul ball guide path 127 and are sent to the foul ball detection switch. Turn on 128. When this foul ball detection switch 128 is turned on, a countdown (number g is derived and the value of a shot ball counter 184, which will be described later), is subtracted by "1".

When the value of the above-mentioned shot ball counter 184 reaches "16", one game ends. And the shot ball counter 184
A predetermined period of time T starts from when the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 changes from OFF to ON after the value of becomes "16".
I (for example, 3 seconds), the operation of the ball feed solenoid 110 of the batted ball supply device 97 is stopped. At this point, the batting ball motor 91 of the batting ball launching device 81 is operated by the player using the operating handle 1.
As long as 1 is operated, the ball continues to rotate, causing the batting rod 83 to reciprocate. Moreover, this predetermined time T.

If there is a signal from the foul ball detection switch 128, the value of the fired ball counter 184 will be set to "16" again.
After the value of the fired ball counter 184 reaches "16" again, a predetermined time TI (for example, 3 seconds), the operation of the ball feed solenoid 110 of the ball supply device 97 is stopped. In the above case, the ball driving motor 91 of the ball firing device 81 may be stopped at the same time as the ball feeding solenoid 110 within the predetermined time T.

Further, a characteristic feature of this embodiment is the action of the placed ball detection switch 125. That is, after the power is turned on, when the player presses the start switch 10, the firing position 12
When it is detected that the shot ball is placed on the shot ball counter 1, a count up signal is derived and the shot ball counter 1 is detected.
In addition, when it is detected that the ball is placed at the firing position 122 at a predetermined time T after the 16th shot is fired (in this case, the returning ball is a foul ball). When the ball jumps over the guidance path 127 and returns to the firing position 122), a countdown signal is derived and "1" is subtracted from the fired ball counter 184.

Then, when the ball is fired again by the continuously operating ball launcher 81, that is, when the ball lever operation state detection switch 96 changes from OFF to ON, a count-up signal is derived. At this point, the ball feeding solenoid 110 of the ball feeding device 97 is not operated.

The operation of the ball hitting control mechanism is generally as described above, but a specific example of the operation will be explained with reference to the time charts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

First, in FIG. 4, after the power is turned on, when the player presses the start switch 10 and the signal Pl is derived, the ball feed solenoid 110 of the batted ball supply device 97 is activated.
You can start the game. At this time, the placed ball detection switch 125 is ON, so a count-up signal is derived and the value of the fired ball counter 184 is "
1", the player presses the operating handle 1.
1 to operate the handle switch, the ball-striking motor 91 rotates, and as a result, the ball-striking rod operating state detection switch 96 repeatedly turns OFF and ON, and at the same time, the ball-striking rod 83 is rotated back and forth. Therefore, in this case, the first reciprocating rotation causes the ball already at the firing position 122 to be fired, but this is counted by the fired ball counter 184 as described above. As the ball-striking rod operation state detection switch 96 repeats 0FF-ON, the ball feed solenoid 110 also repeats energization and de-energization, and the ball feed detection switch 117 and the placed ball detection switch 125
also repeats 0N-OFF. Then, a count-up signal is derived by repeating the feeding ball detection switch 117, and the count-up signal derived by the first turning on becomes a value of "2" in the shot ball counter 184.

When a foul ball occurs during the firing of 16 balls and the foul ball detection switch 128 is turned on to issue a signal P2, a countdown signal is derived and "1" is decremented from the value of the fired ball counter 184. Subtract. Therefore, in order for the value of the shot ball counter 184 to become "16", "17" count-up signals are required. When the value of the fired ball counter 184 reaches "16", the operation of the ball feeding solenoid 110 is disabled, and immediately after that, the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 changes from OFF to ON for a predetermined period of time. T1 is measured. Then, when a foul ball occurs within the predetermined time T1 and the foul ball detection switch 128 is turned on to issue a signal P3, a countdown signal is derived and the value of the fired ball counter 184 is set to "15", and the ball is corrected again. The feed solenoid 110 is activated to send the ball to the firing position 122 and fire the ball. and,
Immediately after that, the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 is turned OFF.
A predetermined time T1 is measured by the change from F to ON.

When the predetermined time T1 expires, the next game is started, but at the same time, a timer for a minute time T2 is activated. The short time T2 is selected to be shorter than the time at which the ball fired from the firing position 122 reaches the foul ball detection switch 128 earliest. The signal P4 issued by the foul ball detection switch 128 within this minute time T2 is invalidated, and no countdown signal is derived. In other words, for some reason, the predetermined time T
A foul ball that did not pass through the foul ball detection switch 128 within 1 is a ball hit in the previous game.
Detecting this and counting down, the next game will be 1
Even if six balls are fired, the value of the fired ball counter 184 will show "15", and as a result, in the next game, "
This is because a game can be played with only 17" balls hit, and to prevent this, it is disabled. Note that even if the ball is invalidated, the ball is returned to the surplus ball tray 12 via the return ball path 129, so that no major damage will be caused to the player.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, if the hit ball that was fired earlier jumps over the foul ball guide path 127 and returns to the firing position 122 within the predetermined time T+, the detection signal of the placed ball detection switch 125 is activated. A countdown signal is derived based on this, and "1" is subtracted from the value of the shot ball counter 184. Thereafter, when the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 changes from OFF to ON, a count-up signal is derived and "1" is added to the value of the shot ball counter 184. Furthermore, measurement of the predetermined time T1 is started again from the time of the change. Note that even if the countdown signal is derived, the ball feed solenoid 110 does not operate, and therefore the ball feed detection switch 117 is not ON. Further, as described above, the reason why the count-up signal is derived by the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 is that the count-up signal is derived by detecting the fall of the ball detection switch 125. This is because there is a high possibility that the ball that has returned to the ball firing position 122 will move in the vertical direction at the firing position 122, which will cause chattering and make it impossible to accurately count the number of balls hit.

Furthermore, when the handle switch is operated at the end of the predetermined time T, the ball-striking motor 91, the ball-striking rod state detection switch 96, and the ball feed solenoid 110 are activated, and the ball-sending detection switch 117 is turned on. must memorize information for the next game, but must also retain information from the previous game, especially score information, and pay out prize balls according to the score. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the signal of the first sent ball detection switch 117 in the next game is detected, all information except the score information of the previous game, for example, the fired ball counter 1
The values of 84 and the lighting states of the display lamps 25a to 25p are initialized to prepare for the next game. Also, only the score information is initialized at the end of the payout of prize balls after being moved to another storage section. Incidentally, the payout operation of prize balls based on score information is controlled as shown in FIG. In other words, the points obtained in the first A game (
For example, in the case of 10 points), the payout motor 160 (described later) is driven at the same time as the next B game starts, and a prize ball corresponding to the score is paid out. In this case, under normal conditions, all the prize balls corresponding to the score of the previous A game are paid out during the time of the next B game, but if for some reason (for example, the prize balls If the payout operation is interrupted due to a blockage, a waiting time is taken after the end of the B game so as not to proceed to the next C game until the end of the payout operation of the prize balls of the A game. During this standby time, for example, the batted ball firing device 81 or the batted ball supply device 97 is disabled. Note that if the interruption time T4 exceeds a predetermined time, for example, T1, a special display such as "E J" is displayed on the score display 29, or a display lamp or speaker 9 is used to notify that fact. Bye.

Returning to FIG. 4, after the predetermined time T1 ends, the next game is played continuously, but in the middle of the next game (at the point when the 8th ball is fired), the player operates the Handle 1
If the operation of step 1 is stopped, the operation handle 11 is operated again within a relatively long fixed time T3 from the last turning on of the ball sending detection switch 117, and the ball sending detection switch 11 is operated again.
7 is not turned on, a reset output P5 is derived.

When the reset output P is derived, the fired ball counter 18
4. All of the display lamps 25a to 25p1, score information, etc. are initialized (reset) and reset to the same state as when the power is turned on.

Therefore, in order to start the game again, it is necessary to press the start switch 10 and issue the signal P6. Furthermore, when the signal P6 is issued, since the ninth hit ball has been placed at the firing position 122, a count-up signal is derived by turning on the placed ball detection switch 125. It is treated as a centerpiece.

Further, when the above-mentioned reset output is derived, the display lamps 25a to 25p, game effect lamps 27a, 27b, etc. may be turned on or blinked as a demonstration until the start switch 10 is suppressed. Furthermore, when a player interrupts a game of his/her own will, it may be possible to maintain the interrupted state of the game without deriving a reset output, and to be able to continue the next game from that state. .

Prize Ball Payout Mechanism The prize ball payout mechanism that pays out prize balls when a score is achieved in a game played under the control of the hit ball control mechanism described above will be described.

Structure of Prize Ball Payout Mechanism First, the structure of the prize ball payout device 132 and the score ball processing device 145 that constitute the prize ball payout mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.

The prize ball dispensing mechanism 132 includes a prize ball storage cylinder 133 that stores a predetermined number of prize balls in a vertical line, and a prize ball storage cylinder 133.
A superstructure stopper 134 and a substructure stopper 135 that open and close the upper and lower entrances and exits of the superstructure, and the superstructure stopper 134
and a control member 137 that alternately opens and closes the substructure stopper 135, and an actuation member 141 that moves the control member 137 up and down.

The prize ball storage cylinders 133 are provided with two rows of cylinders overlapping in the front-rear direction, and a predetermined number (for example, eight prize balls) are stored in each cylinder. In addition, a stopper part 136 that enters into the prize ball storage tube 133 is protrudingly provided in front of the lower end of the substructure stopper 135 .

The control member 137 also includes an engagement recess 138 that engages with the rear end of the upper work stopper 134 to open and close the upper work stopper 134, and an engagement recess 138 that comes into contact with the upper end of the lower work stopper 135 to open and close the upper work stopper 134. A contact convex portion 139 for opening and closing, and a fitting portion 140 into which the tip of the actuating member 141 fits are formed. Further, the operating member 1
41 is pivotally supported at its rear end so that it can rotate freely, and an interlocking rod 142 that is connected to a scoring ball processing device 145 and moves up and down is fixed to the intermediate portion thereof.

In the prize ball dispensing device 132 configured as described above, when the interlocking rod 142 is raised by the operation of the scoring ball processing device 145, which will be described later, and the operating member 141 is rotated upward, the control member 137 is also raised. The superstructure stopper 134 closes the ball inlet, and the substructure stopper 135 becomes free. Therefore, the prize balls stored in the prize ball storage cylinder 133 press the stopper part 136 and rotate the substructure stopper 135, so that the stored prize balls are paid out to the prize ball dispensing passage 71. be done. On the other hand, interlocking rod 14
2 descends and rotates the actuating member 141 downward,
The control member 137 also descends, and the substructure stopper 135 abuts and is fixed with the abutment convex portion 139, and the superstructure stopper 1
34 opens the ball entrance by the engaging recess 138, prize balls flow in from the vertical portion 70 of the bent gutter 66 and are stored in the prize ball storage cylinder 133 in preparation for the next payout.

Note that the deficiency sensing plate 69 is located at the upper end of the control member 137.
An engaging portion 138a that engages with the engaging portion 69a is formed,
If the deficiency sensing plate 69 is activated when the control member 137 is raised, the engaging portions 69a and 138a engage with each other to hold the control member 137 in the raised state.

Therefore, unless the prize balls are replenished, the payout operation of the prize balls will be stopped.

Moreover, the above-described prize ball dispensing device 132 is attached to the mounting board 14.
3 and is removable by the fixing member 144, so in the event of a failure, etc.
The mounting board 143 may be removed from the mechanism plate main body 59, replaced, and fixed with the fixing member 144.

The scoring ball processing device 145 is provided so as to correspond to a ball collecting gutter 166, which will be described later. First, ball collection 11!1166
A score ball mounting portion 147 is formed at the end of the score ball guide path 146 connected to the score ball guide path 146 .

Openings are formed on the left and right sides of this scoring ball mounting portion 147,
One opening includes a stopper member 148 and a rotating member 1.
51 faces, and the extrusion member 155 faces the other opening. The stopper member 148 is rotatable about the support shaft. Further, a retaining portion 150 that engages with the rotating member 151 is formed at one end, and an abutting portion 149 facing the end of the scoring ball guide path 146 is formed at the other end. The rotating member 151 has a TJ-shape and is rotatable about a support shaft.

Further, an engaging convex portion 152 that engages with the engaging portion 150 is formed on the upper part of the spindle, a contact portion 153 that comes into contact with the scoring ball is formed on the lower part of the spindle, and a A connecting portion 154 is formed to be connected to the interlocking rod 142.

Further, the extrusion member 155 has an inverted ``1'' shape, and is rotatably provided within a predetermined angular range by having its lower end supported by a support shaft.
At the front end of the upper part of the
is formed, and a contact roller 157 is provided at the upper rear end.

A rotary cam 159 fixed to a dispensing motor 160 engages with this abutting roller 157, so that the rotation of the dispensing motor 160 causes the extrusion member 15 to
5 is adapted to rotate in the left and right direction. Note that a return spring 15 is installed slightly above the support shaft of the extrusion member 155.
8 is locked, and the extrusion member 155 is always on the score ball placement part 1.
47 and is biased in the opposite direction.

On one side of the score ball placement section 147, the extrusion member 15 is provided.
Score ball discharge passage 16 through which the score balls pushed out in step 5 are discharged.
1 is formed. A swinging member 162 constituting one side wall of the scoring ball discharge passage 161 is provided to be swingable about its upper end. An ejected ball detection switch 164 is arranged on one side of the swinging member 162, and an actuator 163 of the ejected ball detection switch 164 is connected to the swinging member 162.
2 is detected and a prize ball notification lamp 31 formed on the front surface of the game board 14 is turned on. In addition, the ejected ball detection switch 164 determines whether the score is subtracted from the established score by J? (It is also used as the LE number.) In addition, since the swinging member 162 may vibrate and cause chattering when the scoring ball falls, the signal within a minute time should be counted as one. It has become.

Furthermore, a data switch 165 is attached to the end of the score ball discharge passage 161. This data switch 165 is for sending a signal to a central control computer installed in the gaming hall, and is provided for creating business data for the pinball gaming machine 1. The scoring balls that have passed through the data switch 165 are
8 and is discharged outside the pinball game machine 1.

The operation of the score ball processing device 145 configured as above will be explained. First, the state of the prize ball dispensing device 132 is such that a part of the upper stopper is opened, a predetermined number of prize balls (16 balls) are stored in the prize ball storage cylinder 133, and a part of the stopper 136 of the lower ball stopper 135 is opened. Ball storage tube 1
33 is maintained. In this state, the score balls guided to the score ball guide path 146 are placed on the score ball placement section 147 while rotating the stopper member 148 in the counterclockwise direction shown in the figure. Then, the rotary cam 159, which is rotating according to the score information, comes into contact with the contact roller 157 of the pushing member 155 and rotates so as to push the pushing member 155 forward. As the push-out member 155 rotates, the score balls on the score-ball placement section 147 move in the extrusion direction;
It moves while being held between the pressing surface part 156 of No. 5 and the contact part 153 of the rotating member 151. Also, at this time, the engaging portion 150 of the stopper member 148 and the engaging convex portion 1 of the rotating member 151
Since the engagement with 52 has been disengaged, the rotating member 151 is
Rotate counterclockwise as shown. As the rotating member 151 rotates, the front end of the engaging convex portion 152 rotates the stopper member 148 clockwise, and the abutting portion 149 enters the end of the scoring ball guide path 146 so as to close it. Then, the next scoring ball is not placed on the scoring ball placement section 147.

At the same time, the interlocking rod 142 rotates the actuating member 141 upward. Then, the control member 137 rises, so that the rear end of the lower ball stopper 134 comes into contact with the lower part of the engagement recess 138 of the control member 137, and the front end of the lower ball stopper 134 enters the prize ball storage tube 133. The prize balls are locked so that they do not flow into the prize ball storage cylinder 133. In addition, since the abutment convex portion 139 of the control member 137 and the upper end of the lower ball stopper 135 are disengaged, the lower ball stopper 135 becomes free.
Therefore, the stopper part 136 is pressed and rotated by the earth pressure of the prize balls in the prize ball storage tube 133, and the prize ball storage tube 133 is rotated.
A predetermined number of prize balls stored therein are discharged into a prize ball payout passage 71.

When a predetermined number of prize balls are dispensed as described above, the score balls held between the rotating member 151 and the push-out member 155 are moved to the score-ball placement section 147 by the push-out member 155 further rotating. The balls come off from the ball and fall into the scoring ball discharge passage 161. Then, the rotating member 151 rotates clockwise and returns to its original state, so the interlocking rod 142 and the control member 137 descend accordingly, fixing the substructure stopper 135 again, and fixing the lower ball stopper. 134 is opened and the prize ball is guided into the prize ball storage cylinder 133. At this time, the stopper member 148 also returns to its original state by the rotation of the rotating member 151, so the next scoring ball waiting at the end of the scoring ball guide path 146 is allowed to flow down, and the scoring ball Placement part 1
47 and repeat the above operations.

Further, the score balls discharged into the score ball discharge passage 161 are discharged to the outside of the pinball game machine 1 by activating the discharge ball detection switch 164 and the data switch 165, joining the ball extraction passage 68.

By the way, the process of paying out the score balls is performed based on the score information stored in the score counter when the game is established.
Each time the signal from the ejected ball detection switch 164 is derived, "1" is subtracted from the value of the score counter, and when the value of the score counter reaches "0", a stop command is issued to the payout motor 160, and the prize ball is paid out. will be stopped.

Further, in this embodiment, the scoring balls supplied to the scoring ball processing device 145 are those hit into the passage ports 24a to 24p, the double winning hole 21, and the starting winning holes 22a and 22b. In conventional pinball game machines, the prize ball payout device is powered by an electric drive source (solenoid).
This is very different from the type that is driven according to score information. With this configuration, the mechanism plate used in a conventional regular pachinko game machine can be used as is with only slight modification. Now, to explain the scoring ball supply structure, a ball collection gutter 166 is formed in an inclined manner on the front side of the mechanism plate main body 59 so as to be connected to the scoring soil filling guide path 146. An overflow port 168 is formed on the upstream side of the ball collection gutter 166, and an overflow port passage 169 is connected to the overflow port 168.

The overflow ball discharge port 170, which is the downstream end of the overflow port passage 169, faces the earthen board passage 68, and therefore, the overflow port 1
The overflowing balls from 68 are directed to the outside of the pinball game machine 1.

By the way, a ball storage part 167 is formed on the ball collection gutter 166 to store a predetermined number of scoring balls, but the number of scoring balls to be stored in this ball storage part 167 is (2x (1 game) The highest score achieved by )+α) is set. For example, as shown in Figure 6, assuming that the score obtained in Game A is the highest (10 points),
A predetermined time T1 after the end of the A game, the B game starts, and at the same time, prize balls corresponding to the scores of the A game are paid out. At this time, if the prize balls corresponding to the first score are paid out but the scoring balls on the ball collection gutter 166 become jammed and the prize balls corresponding to the second and subsequent points are not paid out, the next B If the highest score is achieved in the game and the game ends, the unpaid score in game A (highest score - 1) and the score achieved in game B (highest score) are divided into the following: It is necessary to pay out the coins continuously, and in order to cope with this with a margin, the above settings are made. Conversely, since only the number of man-hours set as above is stored in the ball storage section 167, as shown in FIG. 6, if there is an interruption time T4,
A waiting time is taken until the prize balls of game A are paid out, so that the game does not proceed to the next game C.

The above-described prize ball payout mechanism operates as follows when the prize balls that should be replenished are not replenished.

That is, when the prize balls become insufficient in the prize ball tank 61, the ball detection plate 63 operates and the activation switches 65a, 6 are activated.
Turn on 5b. Then, the ball break lamp 30 is turned on. At the same time, the dispensing motor 160 is immediately stopped and a replenishment command signal is sent to the management computer. It would be good if the prize balls were replenished from the replenishment mechanism, but sometimes they are not replenished. In this case, when the aforementioned interruption time T4 exceeds the predetermined time T, "E" is displayed on the score display 29 to notify the player. however,
At this time, in the game being played at that time,
After the 16 balls are sent and fired by the ball supply device 97, the ball feed solenoid 110 of the ball supply device 97 is stopped. Further, when a ball jam occurs on the ball sensing plate 63, the deficiency sensing plate 69 located on the bending line 66 is activated to stop the operation of the prize ball dispensing device 132. In this case, as described above, the engaging portion 69a of the deficiency sensing plate 69 and the control member 1
37 and fixes the control member 137 and the interlocking rod 142 in the raised position, so that the abutment part 149 of the stopper member 148 closes the outlet of the scoring soil conduit passage 146. Therefore, even if the payout motor 160 is driven, the payout operation of the prize balls is stopped. When the stop time of the payout operation exceeds the predetermined time T, the score display 29 displays "E" and the game does not proceed to the next game until the payout of the prize balls is completed.

Further, when the surplus ball tray 12 is full of prize balls and the fullness detection switch 78 is activated, the payout motor 1
By stopping the drive of 60, the payout operation of the prize balls is stopped. In this case as well, when the stop time of the payout operation exceeds the predetermined time T1, the score display 29
"E" is displayed. Then, the game does not proceed to the next game until the surplus ball receiving tray 12 is no longer full and the fullness detection switch 78 is turned off until the payout of prize balls is completed. However, even in this case, in the game being played at that time, the ball feeding solenoid 110 of the hit ball supply device 97 is stopped after 16 hit balls are sent and fired by the hit ball supply device 97.

Furthermore, when the management computer determines that the pinball game machine has been discontinued (for example, when 3000 prize balls have been paid out), a replenishment command is not issued even if the operation switch 65b is set to ONL/. , the payout motor 160 of the score ball processing device 145 may be stopped immediately, or without stopping the payout motor 160,
A prize ball may be paid out that corresponds to the score established at that time. In any case, it is preferable that when the ball stops hitting, the ball supply device 97 supplies 16 balls and stops when they are fired.

Operation of the pinball game machine The configuration, ball hitting control mechanism, and prize ball payout mechanism of the pinball game machine 1 according to the embodiment have been explained above. The overall operation of the pinball game machine 1 will be explained.

FIG. 7 shows a control circuit 13 that controls the operation of the pinball game machine 1.
1. FIG. This control circuit 131 is constructed within the control circuit board 80 and includes a microcomputer 180 as a control center. The microcomputer 180 includes an MPU 181 that can execute control operations in a predetermined procedure, a ROM 182 that stores operation program data for the MPU 181, and a RAM 183 that can write and read necessary data. In the RAM 183, the ball sending detection switch 1 is stored.
17, or a shot ball counter 184 that counts up in response to a signal from the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 and counts down in response to a signal from the foul ball detection switch 128 or the placed ball detection switch 125. Furthermore, the microcomputer 180 receives the human power signal, provides input data to the MPU 181, and
It includes a human output interface 185 that receives output data from U181 and outputs it to the outside.

The human output interface 185 includes a ball batting rod operating state detection switch 96, a ball feed solenoid 110, a ball feed detection switch 117, a foul ball detection switch 128, a placed ball detection switch 125, and a start ball detection switch 125 included in the ball hitting control mechanism. Switch 10, passing ball detection switches 49a to 49p included in the game board 14, and variable display device 17
, the solenoid 42 of the variable display device 23, the score display 29, and the payout motor 1 included in the prize ball payout mechanism.
60 and an ejected ball detection switch 164 are connected to each other.

Note that the control circuit 131 described above is one control circuit 13
1 includes a circuit for controlling the game and a circuit for controlling the ball firing mechanism, but these may be constructed from separate control circuit boards. In this case, these control circuit boards may be housed in one board box or in separate board boxes.

Next, the specific operation of the pinball game machine 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the power is turned on and all states of the pinball game machine l are reset (step S1), and then a stop process is performed so that the ball feed solenoid 110 does not operate (
Step S2). This is done in the next step S3.
This process is because the game cannot be started unless the start switch 10 is pressed, and in the pinball game machine 1, the first player needs to press the start switch 10 at the start of the business day. When the start switch 10 is pressed, the placed ball detection switch 125 determines whether or not there is a hit ball at the firing position 122 (step S4). When the placed ball detection switch 125 is turned on, it means that there is a ball at the firing position 122, so "1" is added to the value of the fired ball counter 184 (step S
5). When the placed ball detection switch 125 is OFF,
The process skips step S5 and proceeds to the next step S6, where the stop processing of the ball feed solenoid 110 is canceled. Further, the start switch 10, which also serves as the payment switch, is disabled so that it does not operate even if it is pressed (step S7).

This allows the player to play the game by operating the operating handle 11.

Next, it is determined whether or not the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 has changed from OFF to ON (step S8).

This is to determine whether or not the player is operating the operating handle 10 to turn on a handle switch (not shown) and rotating the ball hitting motor 91, that is, whether or not he or she is playing a game. If it is determined that the ball feed solenoid 110 is ON (step S9), then it is determined whether the ball feed detection switch 117 is ON or not (step 510). If ONL, the fired ball counter 18
1 is added to the value of 4 (step 511). If it is determined in step S8 and step S10 that ONL is not present, the process advances to the next step S12.

Next, it is determined whether the fired ball is a foul ball or not based on whether the foul ball detection switch 128 is ON or not (step 512). If the foul ball detection switch 128 is ON, it is determined whether or not the timer T2 is in operation (step 313).
2 is determined not to be in operation, that is, one game has not ended, or even after the end, the predetermined time T has not elapsed, and the ball is determined to be a foul ball and fired. "1" is subtracted from the value of the counter 184 (step 314), and the process proceeds to the next step S15. Further, if it is determined in step S12 that no foul ball has occurred, or if it is determined in step 513 that timer T2 is operating, that is, it is determined that the foul ball has occurred after the predetermined time T has elapsed. If so, the fired ball counter 1 is set without performing the process of step S14.
It is determined whether the value of 84 is "16" (step 515). Here, the value of the fired ball counter 184 is "1".
6", it is determined that one game has not been completed, and the process returns to step S8, and the process proceeds to step S5.
8 to step s15 are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the fired ball counter 184 is "16", 1
Determines that the game has ended and activates timer T (
Step 516), the ball feed solenoid 110 is stopped and the batted ball supply device 97 is disabled (step 517).
).

Next, in steps 318 to S28, processing is performed when a foul ball occurs within the predetermined time T1. That is, it is determined whether or not timer T has timed up (step 318), and if timer T has timed up,
The game ends and the process advances to the next step S29. On the other hand, if the timer T1 has not timed up, it is determined whether the placed ball detection switch 125 is ONL (step 519), and if it is ONL, the timer T1 is stopped (step 520). ), the value of the fired ball counter 184 is subtracted by 1 (step 521), and then the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 is turned from OFF to ON.
It is determined whether or not the value has changed (step 522), and when it is confirmed that the value has changed, "1" is added to the value of the fired ball counter 184 (step 523), and the timer T is activated again (step 522). 524), returning to step 318. The processing in steps 320 to S24 is performed when the foul ball jumps over the foul ball guide path 127 and reaches the firing position 12.
2. In this case, the batted ball supply device 97 is not operated.

On the other hand, in step 519, the placed ball detection switch 125
If it is determined that the foul ball detection switch 128 is ON/OFF, it is determined whether or not the foul ball detection switch 128 is ON (step 525). ~ Return to S25. Further, when the foul ball detection switch 128 is turned on, "1" is subtracted from the value of the fired ball counter 184 (step 526), and the operation of the timer T is stopped (step 526).
Step 527), further cancels the stop processing of the ball feed solenoid 110 and activates the batted ball supply device 97 (Step 528), and then returns to step S8 and repeats the processing of steps 38 to 328. This step S25~
The process of S28 is a process when the foul ball returns to the surplus ball receiving tray 12 within the predetermined time T1. It is designed to operate.

In step 318, if it is determined that the timer T1 has timed up, it is determined that one game has ended, and as a result, the timer T2 is first activated (step 529), and the ball feed solenoid 110 is activated. The stop processing is canceled (step 530), and the payment switch 10 is activated (step 531), thereby making it possible to start the next game, as well as the following step 83.
In steps 2 to S47, prize balls are paid out.

That is, first, it is determined whether or not the placed ball detection switch 125 is turned on (step 532). If it is turned on, the ball is considered to be the first hit ball of the next game, so the next game is started. If it is determined that the score is correct, the process proceeds to step S36, which will be described later, and the score is determined. On the other hand, if it is determined that the placed ball detection switch 125 is ON or not, the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 is turned from OFF to ON.
It is determined whether or not the change has occurred (step 533).
ONI, if it is determined that the ball feed solenoid 1
10 is turned on (step 534), and then it is determined whether or not the ball sending detection switch 117 is turned on (step 535). ONL, if it is determined that the
Repeat step 5. On the other hand, the sending ball detection switch 117 is turned on.
If so, it is determined that the next game has started, and a command process for determining the score of the previous game is performed (step 3).
36). Then, it is determined whether or not there are points based on the score determination command (step 537), and if there are points, a payout command is issued to the prize ball payout mechanism according to the score, and the process of paying out prize balls is performed ( Step $38), after the command to pay out the prize balls is given, or if there are no points, the value of the fired ball counter 184 is cleared (step $38).
39), the passing position display lamps 25a to 25p are reset (step 540), and the fired ball counter 184 shows "
1'' has been added (step 541), the process returns to step S8 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

As described above, in this embodiment, the process of paying out the scores of the previous game and the initialization of the information stored in the storage unit are automatically performed when it is determined that the next game is being played. On the other hand, when the settlement switch 10 is pressed, the prize ball payout process is performed in steps 342 to S47.
is shown. That is, when it is determined in step S33 that the batting rod operation state detection switch 96 has not changed, that is, when the player interrupts the game, it is determined whether the payment switch 10 is ON. (step 542), and if it is not turned on, the process returns to step S32 and steps S32 to S42 are repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the payment switch 10 is ONL, a command process for determining the score of the previous game is performed (step 543). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a score based on the score determination command (step 544), and if there is a score, a payout command is issued to the prize ball payout mechanism according to the score, and the prize ball payout process is performed ( step 545)
. After a prize ball payout command is issued, or if there are no points, the value of the shot ball counter 184 is cleared (step 546), and the display lamps 25a to 25p of passing positions are cleared.
After being reset (step 547), the process returns to step S8 and the subsequent processes are repeated. In the case of this manual payment, the ball is not sent to the firing position 122, so
No power count up signal is sent to the fired ball counter 184.

As is clear from the above description of the operation, the pinball game machine 1 according to the embodiment allows the player to continue playing the game after a predetermined time T has elapsed after a predetermined number of balls are fired. When there is a signal from the sending ball detection switch 117 that detects the presence of a ball, a score payout process is performed, and the stored information from the previous game, for example, the display lamps 25a to 25
Since the lighting state of p and the value of the fired ball counter 184 are initialized, if a ball jam occurs during the game and the player interrupts the game after firing 16 balls, , neither the score payout process nor the memory information of the previous game is initialized. Therefore, since it is possible to carry out processing such as passing the balls that have jammed through the passage hole, it is possible for the player who has interrupted the game to continue playing the game by 1! Although the ball sending detection switch 117 is shown as a detecting means for detecting that the game continues, other detecting means such as a handle switch or a batting rod operation state detecting switch 96 may be used. Any detection means that detects that 8 lines have been added to is sufficient.

Further, in the above embodiment, the ball firing device is driven by the ball hitting motor 91, but it may be driven by a rotary solenoid driven by a pulse signal. In this case, the ball supply device may be operated based on the operation of the rotary solenoid, or the rotary solenoid may be driven based on the operation of the ball supply device that is driven by the operation of the operating handle. .

Furthermore, the structure of the pinball game machine may be applied to a card-type pinball game machine, and the game content is not limited to the embodiments. Any game content may be used as long as a predetermined value is paid out depending on the game result of the balls fired during a certain period of time.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above explanation, the pinball game machine according to the present invention allows the player to play the game after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the balls are fired for a certain period of time. When there is an output from the game continuation detection means that detects that the game continues, the game value payout process is performed and the memory information for the previous game is initialized. If a ball jam occurs during a game and the player interrupts the game, neither the game value payout process nor the stored information of the previous game will be initialized. Therefore, since the game can be effectively completed by disposing of the balls that have jammed, there is no problem between the player and the player who has interrupted the game.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the structure of the batted ball launcher and the batted ball supply device, FIGS. 2A to 3B are front views and sectional views showing the operating states of the batted ball launcher and the batted ball supply device, and FIG. 5 and 5 are time charts showing the operations of the ball firing device and the ball supply device, FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the payout operation of the prize ball payout mechanism, and FIG. 7 is the pinball game according to the embodiment. A block diagram of the control circuit that controls the operation of the machine,
8 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a front view of the pinball game machine according to the embodiment, and FIG.
The figure is a front view of the variable winning ball device, FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the structure of the passageway, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the back of the pinball game machine, and FIG. 13 is a prize ball payout mechanism. FIG. 1... Pinball game machine 14... Game board 25a to 25p... Display lamp 29... Score display 81... Hit ball launcher 97... Hit ball supply device 117.
- Feed ball detection switch (game continuation detection means) 132...Prize ball dispensing device 145...Score ball processing mechanism -Microcomputer -RAM (information storage means) -Shot ball counter (information storage means and shooting completion detection means) Patent Applicant Sankyo Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A pinball game machine in which a game is played by firing balls onto a game board for a certain period of time, and a predetermined value is given based on the game result established by at least the balls fired during the certain period of time. Information storage means for storing information related to the game results; Value-adding control means for controlling the value-adding means based on the stored information of the information storage means; and Detecting the end of firing of balls for the certain period of time. A game continuation detecting means detecting that the game is being continued; An output of the game continuation detecting means is derived after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the output of the firing end detecting means was derived. Based on this, a pinball game machine comprising a game state initializing means for driving and controlling the value imparting control means and initializing the information storage means.