JPH04218188A - Pinball machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To give wonderful fun to a player and further prevent a prize winning ball from being choked along with a storing system by storing the prize winning balls in a variable prize winning ball device and releasing the stored prize winning balls at a time. CONSTITUTION:A ball winning a prize in a prize winning region 43 is conducted to the rear surface of a mounting plate 31 to be stored in an arranging path 37 provided below. The arranging path 37 is formed in the rear surface near an upper inlet with a hole 372 through which the ball can pass. When the predetermined number of balls to be stored enter the hole 372, the balls are conducted to the rear surface. A detecting switch for detecting the ball is provided at the terminal end of the path. The arranging path 37 is provided on the rear surface with a stored prize winning ball ejecting mechanism 38 composed of a L-shaped slide lever 383 secured fixedly to a plunger 382 of a solenoid 381 and slidably supported by a support member 384. When a prize winning ball detecting switch is operated to energize a solenoid 381, the slider lever 383 is slid upward to open an outlet 371 and eject at a time the prize winning balls stored in the arranging path 37.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a pinball game machine typified by a pachinko game machine, etc., and more specifically, it changes between a first state that is advantageous for the player and a second state that is disadvantageous for the player. The present invention relates to a pinball game machine in which a variable winning ball device is provided, and the variable winning ball device is drive-controlled to the first state when the gaming state becomes a predetermined specific gaming state.

0002

[Prior Art] In this type of pinball game machine, one that has been generally known is, for example, a variable winning ball device based on a game state becoming a predetermined specific game state. The variable winning ball device is driven and controlled to a first state advantageous to the player, and a predetermined amount of game value is awarded each time a ball hits the variable winning ball device. Once the variable winning ball device is in the first state, if a repeat continuation condition is established so that the first state can be repeated and continued again, the variable winning ball device is once driven to the second state. configured to repeatedly and continuously control the controlled variable winning ball device to the first state again,
By repeating the first state of the variable prize winning ball device, the player can enjoy the real thrill of the game repeatedly. However, in this type of conventional pinball game machine, each time a ball hit in the variable winning ball device wins a prize, the player is given a gaming value equivalent to that one winning. From the player's point of view, the game value provided is fragmented and increases slowly, so there is a drawback that the player cannot enjoy the real thrill of the game when a specific game state occurs.

0003

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, winning winning balls are stored in the variable winning ball device that is in the first state, and the stored winning balls are released at once. It is conceivable to configure the system so that a large gaming value based on the many released winning balls is awarded all at once. By configuring a storage-type pinball game machine in which winning balls are stored in this way, it is possible to allocate a large amount of gaming value at once based on the released winning balls, and the great thrill associated with the occurrence of a specific gaming state can be enhanced. It becomes possible to let the player enjoy the game.

However, when the repetition continuation condition is satisfied and the first state of the variable winning ball device is repeatedly and continuously controlled, more balls hit into the variable winning ball device and many winning balls are stored. If a large amount of stored balls are released all at once, there is a new possibility that too many balls will be released and flow down at once, causing a jam of winning balls. This results in some drawbacks.

The present invention was devised in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide large gaming value at once by adopting a storage method of storing winning balls in a variable winning ball device. make it possible, and
To provide a pinball game machine which can prevent clogging of winning balls as much as possible due to adoption of a storage method.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a variable winning ball device that can freely change between a first state that is advantageous for the player and a second state that is disadvantageous for the player, and a game state that is predetermined. a specific gaming state detecting means for detecting that a specific gaming state has been entered; and after driving and controlling the variable winning ball device to the first state based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detecting means, When a repetition continuation condition determined to allow the variable winning ball device to repeat and continue the first state of the variable winning ball device is satisfied, the variable winning ball device that is once drive-controlled to the second state is satisfied. a drive control means for repeatedly and continuously controlling the variable winning ball device to the first state again; and storing winning balls received in the variable winning ball device that is drive-controlled to the first state by the drive control means. and winning balls stored by the storage means before the variable winning ball device is switched to the first state again due to repeated and continuous control of the first state by the drive control means. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a releasing means for releasing the winning balls, and a gaming value giving means for giving a gaming value based on the winning balls released by the releasing means.

[0007]

[Operation] According to the present invention, when the gaming state reaches a predetermined specific gaming state, the variable winning ball device is driven and controlled to the first state that is advantageous to the player, and then the first state that is disadvantageous to the player. The drive is controlled to state 2. Then, if the repeat continuation condition is established, the variable winning ball device, which has once been drive-controlled to the second state, is repeatedly and continuously controlled to the first state again. The winning balls received in the variable winning ball device whose drive is controlled to be in the first state are stored by the action of the storage means. Then, before the variable winning ball device is switched to the first state again due to the repeated continuous control, the winning balls stored by the storage means are released, and the gaming value based on the released winning balls is increased. The game value is given by the function of the game value giving means.

[0008] In other words, by adopting a storage method in which winning prize balls are stored in a variable winning ball device, a large amount of gaming value is given at once, and the player can enjoy the real thrill of the game that occurs when a specific gaming state occurs. In addition, by repeatedly and continuously controlling the first state of the variable winning ball device, it is possible to repeatedly let the player experience the real thrill of the game that accompanies the occurrence of a specific gaming state. Since the winning balls stored by the means are released before the variable winning ball device is switched to the first state again in accordance with the repeated and continuous control, the winning balls stored by the storage means in accordance with the repeated and continuous control are released. It is possible to prevent the number of winning balls from becoming too large, and the ball clogging when releasing the stored winning balls is reduced as much as possible.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine which is an embodiment of the pinball game machine according to the present invention. In the configuration, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a front frame 11 that can be opened and closed,
A game board 1 is mounted on a front frame 11. On game board 1,
Safe holes 2a, 2b, a winning area 3a where conditions are set for variable display of a variable display device 50 (described later) depending on winning balls.
~3c, multiple yakumono (commonly known as tulips) 4a, 4
b, and an out ball inlet 5 are formed. These safe holes 2a, 2b, winning areas 3a to 3c and Yakumono 4a,
Reference numeral 4b denotes a winning hole, which is an example of a winning area, and is determined to guide winning balls to the back side of the game board 1 and release prize balls by the winning balls guided to the back side. Note that the winning area is not limited to the winning hole, but may be a passing area through which balls can pass. In that case, a passing ball detection switch is provided to detect balls that have passed through the passing area, and the output of the switch is used to issue a command to release a prize ball.

Further, a variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is arranged approximately in the center of the game board 1. The variable winning ball/variable display device 30 includes a variable winning ball device 40 and a variable display device 50 shown in FIGS.
It is configured by being integrally attached to the. The variable display device 50 is
Rotating drum display mechanism 50A as an example of a mechanically variable display member
and a segment display 5 as an example of an electrically variable display member.
It is configured including 0B. Then, the variable display device 50 starts variable display on the rotary drum display mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B according to the winning balls in the winning areas 3a to 3c, and for a certain period of time from the player's stop command operation or the start of the variable display. Later, stop the variable display. When the combination of the display state of the rotary drum display mechanism 50A and the display state of the segment display 50B at this time becomes a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 40 enters a specific game state determined to be able to be driven to open. It is determined that what has happened. In addition, as another example of the specific game state for driving the variable winning ball device 40 to open, a winning area is formed in a place where it is relatively difficult to win (for example, inside the variable winning ball device 40), and the winning area is A specific gaming state may be detected based on winning balls.

[0012] Also, in the lower part of the variable winning balls/variable display device 30, an alignment path 37 which is an example of a winning ball number display means is provided.
is provided. This alignment path 37 is the variable winning ball device 4
The balls that have won to 0 are arranged and stored, and the stored winning balls can be seen through from the front of the game board 1. Details of this alignment path 37 are shown in FIG.
This will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In addition, instead of the alignment path 37, as another example of the winning ball number display means,
A numerical information display 6 may be provided at the upper corner of the game board 1. In this case, a detection switch is provided to detect winning balls without storing winning balls in the variable winning ball device 40, a counter is provided to count the output of the detection switch, and the counted value of the counter is displayed on the numerical information display 6. It may be configured so that it is displayed electrically. Details of this case are shown in Figure 9 below.
It will be described in

A prize ball discharge port 12, a batted ball waiting gutter 13, a batted ball handle 14, a surplus prize ball discharge port 15, and a ball tray 16 are provided below the front frame 11. Here, the batted ball waiting gutter 13 is used as a storage tray for temporarily storing the prize balls released from the prize ball discharge port 12 and the balls borrowed by the player from the ball rental machine, and also serves as a storage tray for arranging the stored balls into one. It functions to supply each ball to a batted ball supply mechanism (not shown). The ball hitting handle 14 is used to adjust the strength of the ball by rotating it. In addition, if necessary, on the front frame 11 near the ball hitting handle 14 or on the outer periphery of the ball hitting handle 14,
A batting command switch 14s is provided.

Further, the front frame 11 is provided with a stop command switch 17. The stop command switch 17 is used to command the variable display of the variable display device 50 to stop by operation by the player.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In the figure, winning areas 3a, 3b, 3c
Paths 211 and 212 are formed on the back surface of the game board 1 on which the winning balls passing through the winning area are guided downward. Below the path 211, there is a winning area 3a or 3b.
A winning ball detector 22a is provided for detecting winning balls. A winning ball detector 22b is provided below the path 212 to detect winning balls entering the winning area 3c. In addition, if necessary, the winning balls detected by the winning ball detectors 22a and 22b are brought to the upper positions of the Yakumono 4a and 4b, and are used to open the ball receiving pieces of the Yakumono 4a and 4b. . The outputs of the winning ball detectors 22a and 22b are:
Rotating drum display mechanism 50A and segment display 50
B is used as a detection output indicating a state in which display driving is possible. Then, the game board 1 is located slightly above the out ball entrance 5.
A path 213 is provided on the back surface of the . The path 213 includes safe holes 2a and 2b, winning areas 3a to 3c, and Yakumono 4a.
, 4b or the variable winning ball device 40 is guided to the winning ball processing device 23. The winning ball processing device 23 drops the winning balls guided through the path 213 one by one. The balls dropped one by one by the winning ball processing device 23 actuate an operating member connected to a conventionally known prize ball discharging mechanism to release a fixed number of prize balls for each winning ball. This prize ball discharging mechanism constitutes a gaming value imparting means that imparts a gaming value based on the winning balls released by the releasing means described later.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30.

4 and 5 show details of the variable winning ball device 40, particularly FIG. 4 shows details of the variable winning ball device 40 seen from the back side of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30, and FIG. 5 shows the details of the variable winning ball device 40. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the winning area part of the winning ball device 40.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing details of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, variable winning balls and
The configuration of the variable display device 30 will be explained. The variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is constructed by integrally mounting the variable winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 on a mounting plate 31. More specifically, the mounting plate 31 has an opening 32 formed therein. The opening 32 is selected to be a rectangular hole so that it becomes a winning area when the opening/closing plate 41 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened. Further, the mounting plate 31 is provided with display windows 33a, 33b, and 33c for displaying identification information drawn on the rotating drum included in the rotating drum display mechanism 50A. Further, a frame member 34 is attached to an upper position of the mounting plate 31. A segment display 50B is attached to the frame member 34, and an inverted eight-shaped ball receiving plate 341 is formed on the upper part of the segment display 50B. The balls received by the ball receiving plate 341 are guided to the back side through a hole that becomes the winning area 3a. Passage areas 342 and 343 for allowing balls to pass are formed in a laterally extending portion of the frame member 35. Furthermore, a plurality of obstruction nails 35 are installed in the mounting plate 31 at the upper position of the opening 32.

A guide member 36 is installed between the obstruction nail 36 and the opening 32. The guide member 36 forms guide plates along the vertical direction at a plurality of locations in the lateral direction, and functions to guide the ball in the vertical direction and cause it to fall.

The variable prize winning ball device 40 opens the opening/closing plate 41 to the front to accept balls as a first state which is advantageous to the player, and opens the opening/closing plate 41 to the front as an example of a second state which is disadvantageous to the player. This closes the ball and makes it impossible to accept balls. More specifically, a variable winning ball device 40 is provided in relation to the opening 32. The variable prize winning ball device 40 has an opening/closing plate 41 rotatably attached to the front surface of the frame member 42 (that is, the portion related to the opening 32). That is, triangular side walls 411, 4 are provided on both sides of the opening/closing plate 41.
12 is formed. The side walls 411 and 412 are rotatably directed to the side portion of the frame member 42 by a shaft 414. Frame member 4
Paths 421 and 422 are formed below 2. The back side of the frame member 42 is covered with a cover 423. When the opening/closing plate 41 is opened, the opening 32 becomes a winning area 43 where balls can be won. The winning area 43 is laterally divided into a plurality of winning areas 43a to 43c as necessary. The winning area 43a is opened and closed again as needed by a winning ball while the opening and closing board 41 is being opened in a specific game state.
1 is opened to put the variable winning ball device 40 in a state where it is easy to win a prize. For that purpose, winning area 4
The winning ball 3a is guided to the back side and detected by a detection switch 44a provided below. Winning area 43a~
The balls that have won into 43c are guided downward via paths 421 and 422, respectively. The first state of the variable winning ball device 40 may be one in which the opening/closing plate 41 is opened and closed repeatedly, and the second state is a state in which no balls are won at all, but instead of a state in which no balls are won. It may be difficult.

An alignment path 37 is provided below the paths 421 and 422. This alignment path 37 has a width that is slightly larger than the diameter of one ball, and a length that is approximately similar to the length of a predetermined number of balls lined up that was allowed during the opening period of the variable winning ball device 40. Selected by On the front surface of the alignment path 37, a slot slightly smaller than the diameter of one ball is formed along the alignment direction, so that the winning balls stored in the alignment path 37 can be seen through from the front of the game board 1. do. This alignment path 37 constitutes a storage means capable of storing winning balls received in the variable winning ball device, which is drive-controlled to the first state by a drive control means to be described later. An outlet 371 is formed below the alignment path 37 . Further, an exit (a hole through which the ball can pass) 372 is formed on the back surface near the upper entrance of the alignment path 37. This outlet 372 is configured to release the ball when a certain number (for example, the 10th ball) enters the alignment path 37 when the number of balls that is one less than a certain number is stored in the alignment path 37. Lead to the back side. A path 373 is formed on the back side of the outlet 372. A detection switch 44b for detecting a certain number of winning balls is provided at the end of the path 373. In addition, this detection switch 44b and winning area 43a are as follows:
There is a detection switch 44 on the upper side of the ball flow lower than the winning area 43a.
The positional relationship may be such that b is placed.

Note that numbers corresponding to the number of balls arranged sequentially from the bottom may be drawn on the back cover of the arrangement path 37. In order to be able to see through the balls stored in the alignment path 37, instead of the slots, small holes may be bored at intervals equal to the diameter of the balls. In yet another modification, the width of the slot formed on the front surface of the alignment path 37 may be selected to be approximately equal to or greater than the diameter of the ball, and a transparent cover may be formed in front of it.

[0024] On the back side of the alignment path 37, a winning ball storage and release mechanism 38 is provided in relation to the arrangement path 37. The winning ball storage and release mechanism 38 is constructed by fixing a sliding lever 383 to a plunger 382 of a solenoid 381 and slidably supporting the sliding lever 383 with a support portion 384. Sliding lever 3
The tip of 83 is bent into an L shape and faces the outlet 371 below the alignment path 37 . And solenoid 38
1 is energized, the sliding lever 383 is slid upward to open the outlet 371 and release the winning balls stored in the alignment path 37. When the solenoid 381 is deenergized, the sliding lever 383 is slid downward to close the outlet 371.
is closed, and winning balls are stored in the alignment path 37. This state is shown in FIG.

[0025] In connection with the opening/closing plate 41, an opening/closing drive mechanism 45 is provided. The opening/closing drive mechanism 45 includes a solenoid 4
It is constructed by connecting a part of a T-shaped lever 453 to a plunger 452 of 51. The lever 453 is rotatably supported at its center by a pin 454 fixed to the mounting plate 31. One end of the rod 455 is engaged with one end of the lever 453 . The other end of the rod 455 is connected to a pin 413 formed on the side wall of the opening/closing plate 41 . The other end of the short side of the lever 453 is tension-biased by a spring 456. by this,
When the solenoid 451 is electrically de-energized, the lower end of the lever 453 is pulled by the spring 456 and the tip of the long side is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the figure.
The opening/closing plate 1 is closed. On the contrary, solenoid 45
When 1 is energized, the lever 453 rotates clockwise in the figure and pulls up the rod 455 to open the opening/closing plate 41 to the front.

[0026] In the illustration, as an example of a variable winning ball device, there is a variable winning ball device that can be changed into a state in which it is easy to win a ball as a state that is advantageous to the player, and a state in which it is not possible to win a ball as a state that is disadvantageous to the player. However, it goes without saying that various other variable winning ball devices may be used. For example, as another example of a variable winning ball device, like the so-called tulip, a pair of ball receiving pieces are opened on the left and right to make it easier for the player to win the ball, which is advantageous to the player. As a disadvantageous state, the ball receiving piece may be closed to make it difficult to win a ball. Further, as still another example of the variable winning ball device, an opening/closing plate that can be opened and closed is provided on the front of the game board 1,
A ball entrance for receiving one ball may be formed at the top of the opening/closing board, and the opening/closing board may be closed during normal gaming conditions, and may be configured to open based on a certain gaming state. .

Next, details of the variable display device 50 will be described. Variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum display mechanism 50A and a segment display 50B. Rotating drum display mechanism 5
0A is configured as shown in FIG. That is, the rotating drum group 51 includes multiple rows of rotating drums 51a, 51b, 5
Contains 1c. Identification information such as a picture pattern, a symbol, or a number (for example, a picture pattern such as a bell, a star, a yacht, or a symbol such as a number or an alphabet) is drawn on the outer periphery of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row. Rotating drum 5 in each row
A ratchet gear 5 having a number of teeth corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery is provided on each side surface of 1a to 51c.
2a to 52c (only 52c is shown in the figure) are fixed. Each of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row is loosely fitted onto the drum shaft 53 and supported so as to be individually rotatable by the frictional force thereof. The drum shaft 53 is pivotally supported on both sides of the box 54. A gear 551 included in the rotational force transmission mechanism 55 is fixed to one end of the drum shaft 53. The gear 551 is meshed with a transmission gear 552. A motor 56 for driving the rotating drum is mounted on the side of the box 54. A geared motor is used as the motor 56, and its driving gear is coupled to the gear 552. The rotational force of the motor 56 is transmitted through the gears 552 and 55.
1 to the drum shaft 53, and the rotary drum group 51
drive the rotation. Further, on the rear back surface of the box 54, a solenoid 57a is provided for individually rotating or stopping each of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row.
~57c is fixed. These solenoids 57a-5
The plungers 571 of 7c each have a locking lever 58a.
It is connected to one end of ~58c with a pin. Approximately central portions of these locking levers 58a to 58c are supported by a shaft 581. Both sides of the shaft 581 are fixed to both sides of the box 54. At the tip of each of the locking levers 58a to 58c,
A claw-like portion 582 is formed. Each locking lever 58a to 58
c The claw-like portion 582 is connected to the corresponding ratchet gear 52a.
52c to stop the rotating drums in each row and maintain the locked state.

[0028]The specific game state in which the variable winning ball device 40 can be kept in the first state for a relatively long period of time is determined by identifying the picture pattern of each row displayed on the rotary drum display mechanism 50A. It is determined by the combination of the information combination state and the display state of the numerical information displayed on the segment display 50B.

Other examples of the specific game state include only the display state of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A, only the display state of the segment display 50B when a plurality of digits are provided, or only the display state of the segment display 50B provided on the game board 1. This may be based on any of the cases where a ball passes through a specific winning area.

FIG. 7 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In the configuration, the game control circuit 60 includes a variable display possible condition detection circuit 61 and a rotating drum drive control circuit 62.
, a display drive circuit 63, a specific game state detection circuit 64 which is an example of a specific game state detection means, a predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65, and a drive control circuit 70. Further, the game control circuit 60 includes a predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66 and a numerical information display drive circuit 67 as necessary.

Here, the variable display enable condition detection circuit 61 detects a condition that allows the variable display device 50 to display a variable display. The rotating drum drive control circuit 62 drives and controls the rotating drum display mechanism 50A based on variable display enable conditions. The display drive circuit 63 drives the segment display 50B to display based on variable display enable conditions. Based on the combination of the display state of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A and the display state of the segment display 50B, the specific game state detection circuit 64
It is detected that a predetermined specific gaming state has been entered. In addition, the specific gaming state detection circuit 64 preferably includes a function of detecting not only the specific gaming state but also other gaming states and a condition that allows the variable prize winning ball device 40 to be in the first state. The predetermined winning ball number detection circuit 65 detects that the number of winning balls that can be won in the variable winning ball device 40 in a specific game state is a predetermined number allowed in advance. This predetermined number of winning balls detecting circuit 65 constitutes winning number detecting means for detecting that the number of winning balls received in the variable winning ball device exceeds a certain number. Predetermined value provision state detection circuit 6
6 detects a state in which a predetermined value is given in a specific game state (for example, a state in which a relatively large number of prize balls set as the number of prize balls is given).

FIG. 8 is a detailed circuit diagram of the drive control circuit 70 and the predetermined winning ball number detection circuit 65. This drive control circuit 70 includes timers 711 to 714, an OR gate 72,
Driver 73, flip-flop 74, and gate 7
5, a timer 76, a differentiation circuit 77, and a driver 78. Here, the driver 73 drives the variable winning ball device 40 to the first state by energizing the solenoid 451 during the output period of the OR gate 72. The flip-flop 74 is set by the determination signal a0 and reset by the output of the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66. That is, the drive control circuit 70 of this embodiment repeats the variable winning ball device 40 during the period from when the determination signal j0 is received until it gives a predetermined value (that is, reaches the stoppage) to select the first ball that is easy to win. This is to ensure that a certain number of winning balls are produced at that time, and a predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65 detects that a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls have entered the alignment path 37. A case is shown in which a detection switch 44b for detection is used.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, specific operations when playing a game with the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The player puts the ball 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 14s. Electric power is supplied to the motor 241 in response to the depression of the ball hitting switch 14s. Accordingly, the motor 241 rotates and the ball hitting cam 2
By intermittently rotating the ball hitting hammer 243 at 42, balls are hit into the game board 1 one by one. When the player is playing a ball hitting game in this way, the ball is thrown from the safe hole 2a to
2c or any of the Yakumono 4a and 4b, the prize ball release mechanism is activated to control the release of a predetermined number of prize balls for each winning ball. On the other hand, the hit ball is in the winning area 3a
3c, the corresponding detection switches 22a and 22b will output a high level and the OR gate 61 will be activated.
1 to the drive circuit 621 and also to the timer 622. Furthermore, the output of the OR gate 611 causes a flip-flop 631 included in the display drive circuit 63 to be set. Accordingly, the drive circuit 621 drives the solenoid 5
7a to 57c to release the engagement between the pawls 582 of the locking levers 58a to 58c and the corresponding ratchet gears 52a to 52c, and to drive the motor 56 to rotate, the rotating drums of each row are 51a to 51c are rotationally driven to vary the display state of the rotating drum. At the same time, the set output of flip-flop 631 is given as one input of AND gate 632. The output clock pulse of the clock oscillator 633 is always applied to the AND gate 632 as the other input. Therefore, the AND gate 632 derives a clock pulse according to the set output of the flip-flop 631, and outputs the clock pulse from the ring counter 631.
Give to 34. The ring counter 634 cyclically counts the numerical values 0 to 9 that can be displayed on the segment display 50B according to the input of the clock pulse, and the counted value is sent to the decoder driver 635 and the specific game state detection circuit 64. is applied to the determination circuit 645 included in the. The decoder driver 635 decodes the count value of the ring counter 634, and based on the count value, the segment display 50
The numbers displayed by B are sequentially changed in synchronization with the period of the clock pulse. In this way, the rotary driver 5
1a to 51c are rotationally driven and the segment display 50
By variably displaying B, mechanically variable display and electrically variable display are performed simultaneously.

As described above, the rotating drums 51a to 5
1c and the segment display 50B, the player can control the rotating drum 51 of each row.
The stop command switch 17 is pressed so that the combination of display states a to 51c becomes a specific game state. Note that if the stop command switch 17 is not pressed within a certain period of time set by the timer 622 after starting the variable display,
A stop command is issued by the output of the timer 622. In response, the drive circuit 621 deenergizes the solenoids 57a-57c in a predetermined order (or in an irregular order) to sequentially stop the rotating drums 51a-51c. The drive circuit 621 then stops the rotation of the motor 56 after a short delay, and also derives a high-level signal indicating that all rotating drums have stopped. This high level signal resets the flip-flop 631 and is given to the display state determination circuit 643 as a determination command signal. In response, AND gate 632 stops deriving clock pulses. Therefore, the count value of the ring counter 634 is not incremented, and therefore, the number corresponding to the count value counted by the ring counter 634 is continuously displayed on the segment display 50B.

The display state determination circuit 643 determines the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums in each row based on the outputs provided from the sensors 641 and 642 in response to the determination command signal. By the way, as the sensors 641 and 642, for example, a photoelectric sensor having a light projecting section and a light receiving section is used. The light projecting part and the light receiving part of each sensor 641, 642 are provided facing each other on both axially outer sides of the rotating drums of all rows. And the rotating drums 51a to 51c
Although not shown in FIG. 6, there are a first circumference and a second circumference that correspond to the identification information displayed on each rotating drum and have different radii. A portion with a through hole and a portion without a through hole are provided at the upper position. As a result, four types of identification information can be identified by combining portions with and without holes. For example, the part where the through hole is drilled is logically “1”.
” and the part where the hole is not drilled is logic “0”, then four types of 2-bit codes “00”, “01”,
By "10" and "11", it is possible to detect the combination of identification information of the rotating drums in each row. Then, the display state determination circuit 643 determines the score based on the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c,
The drive control circuit 7 sends judgment signals j1 to j4 according to the scores.
0 and is applied to the determination circuit 645.

If the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c is a combination of a specific gaming state, that is, a combination determined to give the maximum value (
For example, if all symbols are A), the display state determination circuit 643 sends a determination signal j2 indicating that a value smaller than the maximum value should be assigned based on the combination at that time.
~ j4 is derived. Each determination signal j2-j4 is given to a corresponding timer 712-714. Each of the timers 712, 713, and 714 derives a high-level signal for a predetermined period of time t2, t3, and t4 in response to the input of the corresponding determination signal j2, j3, and j4, respectively. Here, the fixed time set by the timers 712 to 714 is selected such that t2≧t3≧t4,
For example, t2=10 seconds, t3=6 seconds, and t4=4 seconds. Note that the determination circuit 645 determines that the determination signal is other than j1 (
That is, if j2 to j4), the segment display 50
The display state of B is not determined at all.

For example, assuming that the display state determination circuit 643 derives the determination signal j2, the timer 7
12 derives a high level signal for a certain period of time t2. This high level signal is passed through the OR gate 72 to the driver 7.
given to 3. Accordingly, the driver 73 operates for a certain period of time t2.
energizes the solenoid 451 continuously. Therefore, the opening/closing plate 41 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened for a certain period of time t2, allowing the ball to win. At this time, when a ball enters the winning area 43a to 43c, the prize ball discharging mechanism releases a predetermined number of prize balls according to the winning ball.

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,
Display state determination circuit 643 derives determination signal j1 and provides it to determination circuit 645. The determination circuit 645 receives the determination signal j1
In response to this, it is determined whether the count value of the ring counter 634 is in a display state (for example, a state in which 7 is displayed) in which the maximum value set in the combination setting section 644 should be given. At this time, the determination circuit 645 determines whether the rotating drum 51a
Even if the combination of display states 51c to 51c gives the maximum value, unless the segment display 50B is displaying 7, the maximum value giving command signal j0 (high level) is not derived. In this case, according to the determination command signal j1,
The timer 711 starts counting a certain period of time t1 and outputs a high level signal during that period. Here, the fixed time t1 is the fixed time t2 set by the timer 712.
longer than , and to the extent that even if the number of balls that can be hit per unit time (i.e., batting speed) is taken into account, the fixed number of winning balls that are allowed during one opening period of the variable winning ball device 40 does not occur within t1. (for example, 20 seconds). The output of the timer 711 is sent to the driver 7 via the OR gate 72.
given to 3. Accordingly, the driver 73
51 to open the opening/closing plate 41. When the timer 71 measures a certain period of time t1, its output is set to a low level, so that the opening/closing plate 41 is closed.

Further, in accordance with the output of the OR gate 72, a differentiating circuit 77 derives a differentiated pulse and supplies it to a driver 78. In response, the driver 78 turns the solenoid 3 on for a certain period of time.
81 is energized to open the outlet 371 of the alignment path 37 and release the stored balls. These stored balls are used to release the prize balls.

Next, when a specific game state is reached, which is a feature of the present invention, a combination of the display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c is in a predetermined state (
For example, when all symbols A are displayed and the segment display 50B is displaying 7, the following operation is performed. That is, the determination circuit 645 derives a high level signal indicating that a specific gaming state has been established and supplies it to the AND gate 646. At this time, the AND gate 646 derives a high level determination signal j0 because the low level of the output of the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66 is inverted to a high level. This determination signal j0 causes the flip-flop 74 to be set. Therefore, when a specific gaming state is entered, the set output (high level signal) of the flip-flop 74 is given as one input of the AND gate 75. The output of the timer 76 (in this case, a low level signal) is inverted to a high level and applied to the other input of the AND gate 75. Therefore, AND gate 75 continuously derives a high level signal during the set output period of flip-flop 74 and supplies it to driver 73 via OR gate 72 . The driver 73 operates in the same manner as described above to open the OR gate 7.
By continuously energizing the solenoid 451 during the period when a high level signal is given from 2 to
will be opened. In this state, the balls hit into the winning areas 43a to 43c with a relatively high probability, and the balls hit the alignment path 37.
stored within. Then, when there is a certain number of winning balls allowed during one opening period of the variable winning ball device 40 after a specific gaming state, the winning balls go to the back side through the exit 372 at the upper part of the alignment path 37. and is guided to the detection switch 44b via the path 373. Accordingly, the detection switch 44b detects a certain number of winning balls and sets its output to a high level. In response, the timer 76 sets its output to a high level for a certain period of time, disabling the AND gate 75. Therefore, the driver 73
Close it once. At this time, the differentiating circuit 77 differentiates the output of the OR gate 72 and provides a differentiated pulse to the driver 78. In response, the driver 78 energizes the solenoid 381 for a shorter time than the fixed time set by the timer 76. Accordingly, solenoid 381
82 and pull up the sliding lever 383 to open the exit 372.
to open. Therefore, the winning balls that have been stored in the alignment path 37 are released to the path 213, and each winning ball is used to release a predetermined number of prize balls. In this way, if a predetermined number of winning balls enters the variable winning ball device 40 that is in the first state, the variable winning ball device 40 switches to the second state, and the predetermined number of winning balls Among the balls, one less winning ball is stored in the alignment path 37. In other words, not all of the winning balls that have won in the variable winning ball device 40 that is in the first state are stored in the alignment path 37, but some of the winning balls are stored in the alignment path 37. It is. The solenoid 381 may be energized based on the fact that a certain period of time has been counted by a timer or the like, or the energization of the solenoid 381 may be based on the detection output of the detection switch 44b or the measurement of the certain period of time, whichever is earlier. This may be done when the ball is won, or it may be carried out when the number of winning balls in the variable winning ball device 40 reaches a certain number that is smaller than the upper limit number of winning balls. a release means for releasing the winning balls stored by the storage means when the detection output of the winning number detection means is derived by the winning ball storage and release mechanism 38 including the differentiation circuit 77, the driver 78, and the solenoid 381; is configured.

[0041] Then, when the repetition continuation condition is established by the timer 76 counting a certain period of time after the detection switch 44b derives the detection output, the output of the timer 76 becomes low level, and the AND gate 75 is activated. . In response to this, the AND gate 75 again derives a high level signal and drives the opening/closing plate 41 to open in the same manner as described above. In this way, once the specific game state is entered, the first state of the variable winning ball device 40, which is advantageous for the player who is likely to win a prize, continues until a certain number of winning balls are generated. After a winning ball is generated, the variable winning ball device 40 is once driven to a second state in which it is difficult to win a prize or is disadvantageous to a player who does not win a prize, and then the drive is controlled again to a state in which it is easy to win a prize. As a result, the player can reliably generate a certain number of winning balls when the variable winning ball device 40 is in a state where it is easy to win, and the player can reliably generate a certain number of winning balls even if the winning probability varies from machine to machine due to nail adjustments, etc. The advantage is that you can get a certain number of winning balls.

[0042] After the specific game state, each time the variable winning ball device 40 opens the opening/closing plate 41 to become a state where it is easy to win, and a certain number of winning balls are guaranteed, the normal pachinko game is resumed. The number of hits is reached much faster than that. In this case, the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66 detects that the number of stops has been reached, and the flip-flop 74 is reset by its output. Therefore, the AND gate 75 does not derive a high level from now on, and therefore the variable winning ball device 4
The repeated opening drive operation of 0 is completed. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the number of winning balls that can be stored in the alignment path 37 is set to be a relatively small number (10 pieces), and the variable winning ball device 40 is set in a state where it is easy to win a prize until a certain number of winning balls is generated. , the case where the state is changed to a state in which it is difficult to win after that has been explained, but the number of winning balls that can be stored in the alignment path 37 is selected to be a relatively large number (for example, 50), and when the detection switch 44b detects a certain number of balls. based on flip flop 74
may be reset. Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, after the judgment signal j0 is received, the variable winning ball device 40 is activated every time there is a certain number of winning balls until the predetermined value imparting state detection circuit 66 detects that the number of winning balls has reached the limit. Although the case where the opening/closing operation is repeatedly and continuously performed has been described, other conditions may be selected as the repeating continuation conditions. For example, the detection switch 4 that detects winning balls in the entered prize area 43a
4a may be provided, and the flip-flop 74 may be reset by the output of the detection switch 44a. Further, the detection output of the detection switch 44a immediately energizes the solenoid 381, temporarily de-energizes the solenoid 451, and energizes the solenoid 451 until the storage ball is released.
It is also possible to energize the solenoid 81 and then energize the solenoid 451 again to repeatedly drive the opening and closing. Furthermore, the storage means may be disposed on the lower and upper side of the ball flow of the winning area 430 so that the balls stored by the storage means are released and the relative positional relationship is such that a prize can be won in the winning area 430. Furthermore, the gaming value based on the winning balls released by the releasing means may be provided in the form of points or the like.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment, a detection switch 44b is provided as a predetermined number of winning balls detecting means for detecting that a certain number of winning balls are present in the alignment path 37, and the number of winning balls in the winning area 43a is displayed. Although the case where the winning balls themselves are shown in order to win has been described, various other embodiments are possible.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the predetermined winning ball number detection circuit. In this embodiment, the detection switch 4
4b, a detection switch 651 for detecting a winning ball in the winning area 43 is provided. The output of the detection switch 651 is given as one input of an AND gate 652. The set output of the flip-flop 74 is applied to the other input of the AND gate 652 . The output of AND gate 654 is given to counter 653 as an addition command signal. This counter 653 counts the number of winning balls that have entered the winning area 43 when the variable winning ball device 40 is in a state where it is easy to win after a specific game state. The count value of the counter 653 is applied to a comparison circuit 654 and also to a numerical information display drive circuit 67 and displayed on the numerical information display 6. Comparison circuit 654 compares the constant number set in setting section 655 with the counted value of counter 653, and provides an operation command signal to timer 656 when the counted value reaches the constant number. The timer 656 responds to the coincidence output of the comparison circuit 654.
A high level signal is derived for a certain period of time to disable AND gate 75 and reset counter 653. Note that since the configuration of the drive control circuit 70 is the same as that in FIG. 8, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. The drive circuit 70 drives and controls the variable winning ball device to the first state based on the detection output of the specific game state detection means, and then drives it to the second state,
When a repeat continuation condition that is established so that the first state of the variable winning ball device can be repeated and continued again, the variable winning ball device, which has been drive-controlled to the above state, is changed to the first state again. A drive control means is configured to repeatedly and continuously control the state.

By the way, although the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 described above show a case in which a hardware circuit is used to achieve the operation of the present invention, the technical idea of the present invention is that a program is implemented using a microprocessor. This can also be done by processing. In that case, a person skilled in the art would easily be able to set a program to perform the operations of the circuits shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0046]

[Effects of the Invention] By adopting a storage method in which winning balls received in a variable winning ball device are stored, the present invention provides a large gaming value as much as possible at once when a specific gaming state occurs, thereby enhancing the real pleasure of the game. By repeatedly and continuously controlling the first state of the variable prize winning ball device, it is possible to let the player repeatedly enjoy the real thrill of the game that accompanies the occurrence of the specific game state. I can,
Moreover, by releasing the stored balls before the variable winning ball device is switched to the first state again due to the repeated continuous control, it is possible to minimize ball jamming when releasing the stored winning balls.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko game machine as an example of a pinball game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing the back structure of the pachinko game machine.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a variable winning ball/variable display device.

FIG. 4 is a back view for explaining the structure of the variable winning ball device.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the variable winning ball device.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the rotating drum display mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a detailed circuit diagram of a predetermined winning ball number detection circuit and a drive control circuit.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the predetermined winning ball number detection circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

2a to 2c are safe holes, 3a to 3c, 43a to 43c are winning areas, 6 is a numerical information display, 10 is a pachinko game machine, 30 is a variable winning ball/variable display device, 40 is a variable winning ball device, 50 is a Variable display device, 50A is a rotating drum display mechanism, 50B is a segment display, 60 is a game control circuit,
61 is a variable display possible condition detection circuit, 62 is a rotary drum drive control circuit, 63 is a display drive circuit, 64 is a specific game state detection circuit, 65 is a predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit, 66 is a predetermined value imparting state detection circuit, 67 is a numerical information display drive circuit, 7
0 indicates a drive control circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] [Claim 1] A variable winning ball device that can freely change between a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player, and a game state that has become a predetermined specific game state. a specific gaming state detecting means for detecting; and drive controlling the variable winning ball device to the first state and then controlling the variable winning ball device to the second state based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detecting means; When a repetition continuation condition that is established so that the first state of the winning ball device can be repeated and continued again, the variable winning ball device, which has been drive-controlled to the second state, is changed to the first state again. a storage means capable of storing winning balls received in the variable winning ball device which is drive-controlled to the first state by the drive control means; a release means for releasing the winning balls stored by the storage means before the variable winning ball device is switched again to the first state due to repeated and continuous control of the first state by the control means; A pinball game machine comprising a game value imparting means for imparting a gaming value based on winning balls released by a releasing means.