JPH0549728A - Pinball machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a pinball machine capable of playing stably through a game device for a long period by preventing a passage ball detector built in a passage port device for operating the game device from an adverse effect caused by hit balls. CONSTITUTION:Passage port devices 20a, 20b incorporating passage ball detectors 40a, 40b for operating a game device are constructed to have ball passing holes 41 of the passage ball detectors 40a, 40b adjacent to the front of a mounting base plate 21 and a cover section 35 covering the upper end opening edge of the ball passing hole 41 and formed in the front upper part of the mounting base plate 21. Thus, high balls dropping in a game region do not collide with the opening edge of the ball passing holes 41 of the passage ball detectors 40a, 40b to prevent the passage ball detectors 40a, 40b from breakage or from degradation so that the game by the game device can by enjoyed stably for a long period.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a passage opening device having a passage ball detector for detecting passage of a hitting ball, and a game device which operates based on a detection signal of the passage ball detector. It relates to a ball game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a hitting ball falling in a game area passes through a passage opening device and a built-in passage ball detector is turned on, a game apparatus provided in the game area, for example, a variable display device. There have been a number of ball game machines on the market that are configured so that the variable winning ball device can operate. In the passage opening device of such a ball game machine, the ball passage hole of the passage ball detector that detects a hit ball is attached to the attachment board of the passage opening device so as to face the game area, and the front surface of the attachment board is ,
The decorative frame that covers the outer circumference of the passing ball detector was provided in a protruding manner.

[0003]

By the way, in the above-mentioned ball game machine, if the game machine such as the variable display device and the variable winning ball device does not operate at a certain frequency, the player's interest can be attracted. It cannot be done. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the winning rate of hitting balls to the passage opening device, but in the above-described conventional passage opening device, the decorative frame merely covers the outer periphery of the passage ball detector and falls in the game area. It is necessary to replace the passing ball detector intricately, because the hitting ball directly collides with the opening edge of the ball passing hole of the passing ball detector to damage the passing ball detector or accelerate its deterioration. There was a problem. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent an adverse effect due to a ball hitting a passing ball detector incorporated in a passage opening device for operating a gaming device and thereby prevent a gaming device. An object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of stably playing a game for a long time.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a passage opening device having a passage ball detector for detecting passage of a hitting ball, and a detection signal of the passage ball detector. In a ball-and-ball game machine equipped with a game device that operates based on, the passage opening device has the passing ball detector on the mounting board so that the ball passing hole of the passing ball detector faces the front of the mounting board. On the other hand, it is detachably mounted, and a covering portion for covering the upper end opening edge of the ball passage hole is formed on the upper front part of the mounting substrate when mounted.

[0005]

When a ball hitting the game area passes through the ball passing hole of the passing ball detector mounted on the passing port device, a detection signal is derived from the passing ball detector by the passage, and based on the detection signal. The gaming device is activated. Then, when the hitting ball passes through the passing port device, since the opening edge of the ball passing hole of the passing ball detector is covered by the covering portion, the hitting ball falling in the game area is the passing ball detector. It does not collide with the opening edge and prevents the passing ball detector from being damaged or prematurely deteriorating the passing ball detector. Therefore, the game by the gaming machine can be stably performed for a long period of time. You can enjoy.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the passage device 20a according to the embodiment,
A pachinko game machine as an example of a ball game machine to which 20b is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 1 of the pachinko gaming machine. In the figure, on a game board 1 of a pachinko gaming machine, a guide rail 2 is formed in a substantially circular shape.
Are planted, and the area surrounded by the guide rails 2 constitutes a game area 3 in which a hit ball falls. Gaming area 3
A variable winning ball device 50 is arranged substantially in the center, and a starting winning device 4 made of an electric accessory is arranged below the variable winning ball device 50. As will be described later in detail, the variable winning ball device 50 includes dot LEDs 55a and 55b as variable display devices, a pair of ball receiving members 64a and 64b, and the ball receiving members 64a and 64.
Winning space 5 in which the winning balls accepted by b fall
7 and the lower ball rolling plate 7 that constitutes the bottom surface of the winning space 57
5 has a plurality of winning areas 59, 61a and 61b including a specific winning opening 59 to which the winning balls guided in 5 are guided, and when a ball hits the starting winning device 4 or a jackpot gaming state described later. In this case, the ball receiving members 64a and 64b open and close in the left-right direction so that the ball can be easily received. The variable winning ball device 50 will be described later in detail.

On the left and right sides of the starting winning device 4, passage opening devices 20a and 20b, which form the essential part of the present embodiment, are arranged, and when a ball hits the passage opening devices 20a and 20b,
When the two dot LEDs 55a and 55b as variable display devices provided in the variable winning ball device 50 are variably displayed, and the display result is a predetermined display result, the starting winning device 4 made of the electric accessory. Performs the opening operation twice for a predetermined time. In order to perform such an operation, the passage opening devices 20a, 20b have passing ball detectors 40a, 40b built therein, and the starting winning device 4 has a starting solenoid for opening and driving the starting winning ball detector 5. 6 and 6 are attached. The passage port devices 20a and 20b will be described in detail later.

In addition, in the game area 3, a normal winning hole 7
a, 7b, tulip type winning openings 9a, 9b, lamp-equipped wind turbines 11a, 11b, wind turbines (no reference numeral), and the like are provided. The winning openings 7a and 7b are variable winning ball devices 50.
Shoulder lamps 8a, 8b are arranged on the left and right sides of the
The tulip type winning openings 9a, 9b are arranged on the lower side of the variable winning ball device 50, and the sleeve lamps 10a, 10b are built therein. Furthermore, game area 3
Side lamps 12a and 12b are also disposed at both ends of the center of the. These shoulder lamps 8a, 8b and sleeve lamps 10
The a and 10b and the side lamps 12a and 12b are for turning on or blinking at the time of winning the passage opening, at the time of starting winning, at the time of a big hit game state, etc. to notify the player to that effect. As a lamp having the same function, a rail decoration lamp 1 provided along the outer circumference of the guide rail 2
4 and the game effect lamp 15 (only the reference numeral is shown in FIG. 9) provided on the front upper portion of the pachinko gaming machine. Further, at the lowermost part of the game area 3, there is formed any of the above winning openings, or an out opening 13 for taking in the hit balls which have not been won in the variable winning ball device 50.

As described above, the game board 1 is provided with various game devices including the variable winning ball device 50, and the speaker 16 (shown in FIG. 9) which produces a sound effect according to the game state of these game devices. Only the code is shown) is provided on the pachinko machine. Further, two glass plates (not shown) are arranged on the front surface of the game board 1.

Next, the structure of the passage opening devices 20a and 20b, which constitute the main part of this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the passage opening devices 20a and 20b, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the passage opening devices 20a and 20b as viewed from the back side. In the figure, the passage device 20
a, 20b (two passage port devices have exactly the same structure, so one passage port device is shown) are the game board 1
Has a mounting board 21 mounted on the surface thereof, and a mounting frame 23 is formed so as to penetrate the mounting board 21 back and forth along both side surfaces of a rectangular through opening 22 formed in the center of the mounting board 21. ing. The mounting frame 23 is formed such that the upper surface, the front surface of the bottom surface, and the rear side surface are open, and a pressing protrusion 24 is provided on the upper part of the front wall of the mounting frame 23. Are formed. The pressing projection 24 and the locking claw 25a are for detachably fixing passing ball detectors 40a, 40b, which will be described later, at a predetermined position.

The mounting board 21 has a positioning protrusion 2
6a, 26b, engaging holes 27a, 27b, mounting holes 28a,
28b and locking holes 29a, 29b (29a is not shown) are formed. Positioning protrusions 26a, 26b
Are provided so as to project rearward on the upper left and right sides of the back surface of the mounting board 21, and are positioned at accurate positions when the passage opening devices 20a and 20b are mounted on the front surface of the game board 1. The engagement holes 27a and 27b are used for positioning when the decorative cover member 30 described below is attached to the mounting substrate 21, and the positioning protrusions 31a and 31b formed on the decorative cover member 30 are inserted therein. is there. Further, the mounting holes 28a and 28b are used for the passage port devices 20a and 23b.
It is a hole for inserting a screw (not shown) for fixing b to the surface of the game board 1. Furthermore, the locking holes 29a, 29b
Is for mounting the decorative cover member 30 on the mounting substrate 21 when the locking pieces 32a, 32b formed on the side portion of the mounting frame 23 and formed on the decorative cover member 30 are inserted. is there. A seal sticking concave portion 37 is formed on the front surface of the mounting board 21 so as to surround the mounting frame 23. By attaching a decorative seal (not shown) to the seal sticking concave portion 37, a front surface of the mounting board 21 is formed. Is decorated.

A decorative cover member 30 is detachably attached to the front surface of the above-mentioned attachment substrate 21. That is, the positioning protrusion 31 formed on the rear side of the decorative cover member 30.
a, 31b are inserted into the engaging holes 27a, 27b, and then the engaging pieces 32a, 32b projecting rearward of the decorative cover member 30 are pushed inward with fingers to enter the engaging holes 29a, 29b. By inserting and releasing the finger, the locking claws formed at the tips of the locking pieces 32a, 32b engage with the edges of the locking holes 29a, 29b, and the decorative cover member 30 can be mounted on the mounting substrate 21. .. When removing,
On the contrary, the locking pieces 32a and 32b can be easily carried out by pushing them inward with fingers and pulling them out.

By the way, the decorative cover member 30 is formed with an entrance opening 33 and an exit opening 34 at the top and bottom thereof so that the hit balls pass therethrough. A cover portion 35 is provided so as to project inward from the front and both side surfaces of the upper inlet opening 33. When the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b, which will be described below, are attached to the covering portion 35, the passing ball detector 40 is provided.
The upper end opening edge of the ball passage hole 41 formed in front of a and 40b is covered. Therefore, when the hitting ball falling in the game area 3 passes through the passage opening devices 20a, 20b, it collides with the covering portion 35 and the passing ball detectors 40a, 40b.
It does not collide with the opening edge of the ball passing hole 41.

A passing ball detector 40 having a ball passing hole 41 through which a hitting ball can pass from the rear of the mounting substrate 21 to which the decorative cover member 30 is mounted as described above.
a and 40b are attached. That is, the passing ball detectors 40a, 40b are inserted between the mounting frames 23, the upper ends of the passing ball detectors 40a, 40b are brought into contact with the pressing protrusions 24, and the passing ball detectors 40a, 40b are inserted.
The passing ball detectors 40a and 40b can be mounted by engaging the lower portion of the rear end of 0b and the locking claw 25a of the locking piece 25. On the other hand, when removing the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b, the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b can be easily removed by pulling the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b backward while the locking piece 25 is pushed down.

Further, inside the ball passing hole 41 formed in front of the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b, an actuator 42 pressed by a passing hitting ball faces, and rear ends of the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b. The terminal fittings 43a and 43b to which the wiring is connected project from the. Further, in the middle of the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b, the notch groove 4 is provided except for the upper surface.
4 are formed. In this embodiment, the notch groove 44
However, for example, the passing piece detectors 40a and 40b may be fixed by forming the engaging piece 25 short and engaging the engaging claw 25a with the cutout groove 44. good.

The passage device 20 having the above-mentioned structure
When the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b are attached to the a and 20b, as shown in FIG.
The inlet opening 3 is larger than the dimension L1 of the ball passing hole 41 of a and 40b.
Since the dimension L2 of the covering portion 35 of No. 3 is smaller, the hitting balls passing through the passing port devices 20a and 20b directly pass through the ball passing hole 41.
Of the passing ball detectors 20a and 20b for a long period of time without causing damage to the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b or accelerating deterioration thereof. Can be maintained.

In the above embodiment, the covering portion 35 covers the front and both sides of the ball passing hole 41. However, since the front portion is also covered by the pressing protrusion 24, the front portion is covered. The covering portion 35 may not be formed. Further, it is not necessary to form the covering portion 35 over the entire length of the opening edge of the ball passing hole 41. For example, the covering portion that covers only the central portion of the opening edge on the front side and both sides of the ball passing hole 41 is dotted. It may be formed in the above. Further, the portion of the mounting frame 23 that projects forward from the mounting substrate 21 may be omitted. Further, although the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b having the actuator 42 are shown, the proximity switch having the ball passing hole 41 may be used.

Next, the above-mentioned passage port devices 20a, 20b
A variable winning ball device 50 including variable display devices 55a and 55b as a game device that operates based on passage of a hit ball to the ball will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the overall structure of the variable winning ball device 50 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. The other drawings will be described by citing them as needed. The variable winning ball device 50,
It has a mounting board 51 mounted on the surface of the game board 1. A vertically long and deep prize space 57 is formed in the approximate center of the mounting substrate 51.
An upside-down "U" -shaped upper frame 52 is provided so as to project along the upper edge of the. The upper side of the upper frame 52 is formed as a guide portion so as to guide a hit ball, and the hit ball received by the guide portion wins a normal winning opening 53 formed on the mounting substrate 51. There is. An upper decorative plate 54 is attached to the front surface of the upper frame 52, and the upper decorative plate 54 is attached.
The dot LEDs 55a and 55b as variable display devices face the above. A plurality of (four) passage memory display LEDs 56 are provided on both sides of the dot LEDs 55a and 55b. The passage memory display LED 56 is used for displaying the passage openings 20a, 20a while the variable display is being performed or the starting winning device 4 is open.
It notifies that the number of passing balls that have passed 0b is stored up to 4, and reserves the right to variably display the dot LEDs 55a and 55b.

By the way, the dot L as a variable display device
The EDs 55a and 55b variably display numerical values of 0 to 7 as a symbol when there is passing memory, and after a predetermined time (about 6 seconds) has elapsed, the left dot LED 55a first stops, and then the right dot LED 55b stops. Then, when the display result at the time of stop is a predetermined specific display result, that is, in the present embodiment, an odd-numbered doublet, it is determined to be a win, and the start winning device 4 opens and closes twice. In addition, dot LE
The variable display control of D55a and 55b will be described in detail later.

Further, the dot LEDs 55a and 55b include
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, it is possible to display a message according to each gaming state. For example,
As shown in FIG. 7A, when the power is turned on, "Ninja
Kagemaru Sanjo! "A game start possible state is displayed, and as shown in (B) and (C), a display such as" Dron Delon "or" 2 Degozar "is displayed at the time of winning the start.
As shown in (D), when an abnormality occurs, the display "E1""E2""E4""E5""E6" corresponding to the abnormality is displayed, or (E) to (H) in FIG. As shown in, "V omigot" is displayed before the start of the first opening / closing cycle of the big hit game state (detailed later), and "V" and the number of times of opening are alternately displayed before the start of the normal opening / closing cycle. However, before the start of the final opening / closing cycle, "Last dego monkey" is displayed, and the number of winning balls accepted by the variable winning ball device 50 during the opening / closing cycle is set at the same time as the winning number display LED 83 or the winning number. Display LED83
Instead of "1" to "10" can be displayed.

Further, downward "U" -shaped lower frames 58 are provided so as to project along both side edges and lower edges of the winning space 57. The inside of the lower frame 58 is divided into three, a specific winning opening 59 including a specific winning ball detector 60 is formed in the center thereof, and normal winning openings 61a, 61 are provided on the left and right sides of the specific winning opening 59.
b is formed. When a ball hits the specific winning opening 59 and the specific winning ball detector 60 is actuated, a big hit game state is established, and ball receiving members 64a, 64 will be described in detail later.
By opening and closing b, a gaming state in which a large number of winning balls are generated is set. In addition, the specific winning opening 59 and the normal winning opening 61a,
For the winning balls that have won the prize 61b, the winning ball detector 63 (shown in FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the game board 1 is operated, and the winning number display LED 83, which will be described later, displays the winning number. Furthermore, the specific winning opening 59 and the normal winning opening 6
A lower decorative plate 62 is fixed to the front surfaces of 1a and 61b,
The decorative effect of the lower part of the variable winning ball device 50 is enhanced.

Between the upper frame 52 and the lower frame 58,
A pair of ball receiving members 64a and 64b are provided so as to be openable and closable in the left-right direction. The ball receiving members 64a, 64b are opened / closed solenoids 65a, 6 shown in FIG. 5 via a well-known link mechanism.
5b, the opening / closing solenoids 65a and 65b are turned on.
When set to N, the ball receiving members 64a and 64b are opened to form a large gap between the upper frame 52 and both ends of the upper frame 52 so that a ball can pass therethrough, which is a first state advantageous for the player. .. On the other hand, when the opening / closing solenoids 65a and 65b are turned off, the ball receiving members 64a and 64b are in an upright state, the tips thereof are opposed to both ends of the upper frame 52, and the ball is prevented from passing through. The second state is disadvantageous to the player. In the second state, which is disadvantageous to the player, the tips of the ball receiving members 64a and 64b and the upper frame 52 are provided.
It may include a state in which it is difficult to win a prize, in which an interval allowing one ball to pass is formed between the both ends.

More specifically, the opening / closing solenoids 53a, 53
The drive control of b will be described.
When a hit ball wins and the start winning ball detector 5 is turned on,
The open / close solenoids 65a and 65b are turned on twice at relatively short time intervals. Therefore, the ball receiving members 64a and 64b are opened and closed twice. Then, when the winning balls received during the opening / closing operation of the ball receiving members 64a, 64b enter the specific winning opening 59 and turn on the specific winning ball detector 60, the jackpot gaming state is established, and the opening / closing solenoids 65a, 65b are After all, the ON / OFF state is repeated at short time intervals. For this reason, the ball receiving members 64a and 64b are also configured to continuously repeat the opening / closing operation. Then, the number of such repetitions is set to a maximum of 18 times, and when 10 winning balls are generated during the operation of 18 times, the ON / OFF operation of the opening / closing solenoids 65a and 65b is also terminated at that time. (Hereinafter, such an opening / closing operation is referred to as an opening / closing cycle). Furthermore, when a winning ball is won again in the specific winning opening 59 in the middle of the opening / closing cycle, the continuation right is established and the opening / closing cycle is immediately interrupted, and after the lapse of the predetermined time interval time, the next opening / closing cycle is started. Transition. Then, the number of continuation of the opening / closing cycle is set to a maximum of 15 times on condition that the continuation right is established.

As described above, the variable winning ball device 50 of this embodiment has a structure in which a large amount of winning balls are generated in a short time when the big hit game state is reached, but the big hit game state is generated. In order to do so, the ball receiving members 64a, 64b
It is necessary to cause the winning balls guided to the above-mentioned winning prize to be won in the specific winning opening 59 of the plurality of winning regions described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the winning balls are the winning space 5
Finally, after passing through 7, the lower ball rolling plate 75 flows down to reach the plurality of winning openings 59, 61a, 61b. Therefore, the structure of the winning space 57 will be described below.

The winning balls received by the above-mentioned ball receiving members 64a and 64b reach the upper ball rolling plate 66 lying on the center of the winning space 57. The upper ball rolling plate 66 is inclined downward toward the rear so as to guide the winning balls received by the ball receiving members 64a and 64b to the rear, and the drop openings 68a and 6 formed at the left and right ends of the rear ends.
The prize balls are made to drop downward from 8b. As shown in FIG. 6, the drop openings 68a, 68b are provided with opening / closing guide members 67a, 67b that are opened / closed by an induction solenoid 73 (not shown; only symbols are shown in FIG. 9) during the opening / closing cycle of the big hit game state. When the opening / closing guide members 67a, 67b are opened, the winning openings 68a, 68b are closed and the winning balls flowing down the upper ball rolling plate 66 are guided to the rear passage 69, and then the rear passage 6
It falls downward from the reservoir inlet 70 formed at the center of the container 9. On the other hand, when the opening / closing guide members 67a and 67b are closed (hidden behind the decorative distribution member 76, which will be described later), the winning balls flowing down the upper ball rolling plate 66 have a falling opening 68.
It falls from a, 68b onto the lower ball rolling plate 75 below.

The prize balls that have entered from the reservoir entrance 70 are
It is designed to be discharged to the lower ball rolling plate 75 from a discharge opening 71 formed in the center of the rear wall of the winning space, but the discharge opening 71 is a predetermined condition from the start of the opening / closing cycle in the big hit game state. It is closed by the stopper plate 72 driven by the stopper solenoid 74 until the above condition is satisfied. Therefore, the winning balls that have entered through the reservoir inlet 70 are stored by the stopper plate 72 immediately before the outlet 71. However, only the first winning ball is stored, and the second and subsequent winning balls are
As shown in FIG. 5, it overflows from the overflow opening formed on the side and is processed as a winning ball. Of course, this overflowing winning ball is detected by the winning ball detector 63. In addition, you may make it store all the prize balls which entered from the storage part entrance 70.

A lower ball rolling plate 75 is arranged below the above-mentioned upper ball rolling plate 66. This lower ball rolling plate 7
5 constitutes the bottom surface of the prize space 57, and is provided so as to incline downward from the rear to the front of the prize space 57. The lower end of the lower ball rolling plate 75 faces the plurality of winning openings 59, 61a, 61b. Then, on the lower ball rolling plate 75, the flow path changing member 81 provided at the lower end of the decorative distribution member 76 described below.
a and 81b are provided to change the flow path of winning balls flowing down the lower ball rolling plate 75.

A decorative distribution member 76 is provided in the vertical direction at the center of the winning space 57. This decorative distribution member 76 is given a ninja design, and as shown in FIG. 5, it is rotated within a predetermined angle range by driving a drive motor 77 provided on the upper rear surface of the variable winning ball device 50. It is operated. Then, the detection plate 78 is fixed to the motor shaft of the drive motor 77, and the notch 79 in which the detection plate 78 is formed is detected by a stop position detector 80 (not shown in FIG. 9). The position of the decorative distribution member 76 facing the front is detected. The decorative distribution member 76 operates during the opening / closing cycle of the big hit game state, as will be described later.

A pair of flow path changing members 81a and 81b are fixed to the lower end of the above-mentioned decorative distribution member 76 with a predetermined space therebetween. The flow path changing members 81a and 81b are
The decorative distribution member 76 with the design of the ninja is provided with the design of the floats attached to the ninja's foot, and is arranged in the front-rear direction with respect to the lower ball rolling plate 75. Then,
When the decorative distribution member 76 faces the front, the flow path changing members 81a and 81b also face the front. Therefore,
The winning balls flowing down almost in the center of the lower ball rolling plate 75 are highly likely to be guided to the specific winning port 59 by being guided by the flow path changing members 81a and 81b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, if the flow path changing members 81a, 81b face the front only, the winning balls discharged from the discharge port 71 have a high probability of winning the specific winning hole 59 and the opening / closing cycle. The continuation right is established. On the other hand, when the decorative distribution member 76 is oriented in the left-right direction, the flow path changing members 81a, 81b are also oriented in the left-right direction, so that even a winning ball that flows down substantially in the center of the lower ball rolling plate 75. , Flow path changing members 81a, 81b
There is a high possibility that the player will be guided to the normal winning openings 61a and 61b by being guided to The winning balls that flow down the lower ball rolling plate 75 outside the flow path changing members 81a and 81b are highly likely to be guided to the normal winning openings 61a and 61b, as shown by the broken lines in FIG.

Although the main structure of the variable winning ball device 50 has been described above, in addition to the above-described structure, a display for displaying numerical values related to the game, a decorative LED for decorating the variable winning ball device 50 with light, and the like. A lamp and the like are also provided. Specifically, as a display, as shown in FIG. 4, on the left and right of the lower rear wall of the winning space 57, the number-of-opening display LED for displaying the number of times the opening / closing cycle is continued during the jackpot gaming state.
82 and a winning number display LED 83 for displaying the number of winning balls received during one opening / closing cycle. As decorative LEDs and lamps, as shown in FIG. 4, decorative LEDs 84a and 84b provided on both sides of the center of the mounting substrate 51 and accessory lamps 85 that illuminate the entire rear surface of the winning space 57 (FIG. 9). Is displayed only).

The structure of the game board 1 of the ball game machine including the variable winning ball device 50 has been described above, but these game devices are controlled by the game control circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing the game control circuit in a block configuration, which is controlled by a basic control circuit 90 including an MPU, ROM, RAM, and an input / output circuit. Then, the basic control circuit 90 outputs from the specific winning ball detector 60, the starting winning ball detector 5, the winning ball detector 63, the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b, and the stop position detector 80 via the detection circuit 91. Is input, and the address decode circuit 92 provides a chip select signal to the basic control circuit 90 and the detection circuit 91. Also, when the power is turned on, the initial reset circuit 9
3, a reset signal is given to the basic control circuit 90, and the regular reset circuit 94 sends the reset signal to the basic control circuit 90 every predetermined time.
A periodic reset signal is given to.

On the other hand, the basic control circuit 90 gives control signals to the following devices and circuits. That is, an audio signal is applied to the speaker 16 via the speaker control circuit 95, and a drive signal is applied to the drive motor 77 via the motor drive circuit 96. Also, via the LED control circuit 97, the winning number display LED 83, the number of times of opening display LED 82, the passing memory display LED 56, the dot LEDs 55a, 55b,
And a display control signal is given to the decoration LEDs 84a and 84b, and the windmill lamps 11a and 1b are supplied via the lamp control circuit 98.
A display control signal is sent to the 1b, the game effect lamp 15, the rail decoration lamp 14, the accessory lamp 85, the side lamps 12a and 12b, the shoulder lamps 8a and 8b, and the sleeve lamps 10a and 10b. The lamps surrounded by the same frame in the figure are driven and displayed in synchronization. Further, drive signals are given to the starting solenoid 6, the opening / closing solenoids 65a and 65b, the induction solenoid 73, and the stopper solenoid 74 via the solenoid drive circuit 99. Also,
From the basic control circuit 90, a drive signal is given to the big hit information output circuit 100 which outputs a big hit signal. Electric power having various voltages is supplied from the power supply circuit 101 to the above-described devices and circuits.

An example of the specific operation of the game control circuit described above will be described with reference to the time charts and explanatory diagrams shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 shows the passage device 20.
Dot LED 55 when a ball hits a, 20b
It is a time chart which shows variable display control of a and 55b (henceforth symbols 55a and 55b). FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of selecting a winning symbol that is determined when a ball is hit in the passage opening devices 20a and 20b.

In FIG. 10, one of the passage port devices 2
When a ball hits 0a, 20b, the passing ball detector 40a or 40b is turned on, and the passing signal P1 is derived, first, one value is extracted from the random number 1 (first time). The random number 1 is a random number for determining whether or not it is a winning symbol, and at the time of deviation, the symbol 55 on the right side.
It is a random number for determining the symbol displayed on b, and 16 numerical values of "0 to 15" fluctuate every moment after the power is turned on. Then, after the passage signal P1 is derived, the symbol 55
After 0.008 seconds, which is the time when the fluctuations of a and 55b start, one value is again extracted from the random number 1 (second time), and one value is also extracted from the random number 2. The random number 2 is a random number for determining the symbol displayed on the symbols 55a and 55b at the time of a hit, and a random number for determining the symbol displayed on the symbol 55a on the left side at the time of deviation, After turning on the power, the eight numerical values "0 to 7" fluctuate every moment.

When the numerical value extracted from the first random number 1 at the time of passing through the gate is, for example, "2", it is determined to be a win, and at that time, two symbols 55 are drawn.
In order to determine the symbols displayed on a and 55b, FIG.
As shown in, the result of the lower 2 bits (binary number) of the value extracted by the random number 2 at the start of fluctuation is “0” in decimal number.
, The combination of the symbols displayed on the symbols 55a and 55b is "1.1", and similarly, when the result of the lower 2 bits is "1", it is "3, 3", and the result of the lower 2 bits Is "2/5", it is "5.5", and when the result of the lower 2 bits is "3", it is "7.7".

On the other hand, when the numerical value extracted from the first random number 1 is other than "2", it is determined to be out of order, and at that time, in order to determine the symbols displayed on the two symbols 55a and 55b, As shown in FIG. 11, the value extracted by the random number 2 at the start of fluctuation is left as it is in the symbol 55a.
On the other hand, the symbol displayed on the right symbol 55b is the random number 1 of the second time in the numerical value of the symbol before the change.
It is a binary addition of the numerical value represented by the lower 3 bits of the value extracted from. When the numerical value determined in this way matches the winning combination, the numerical value displayed on the left symbol 55b is added to the value of the symbol displayed on the right symbol 55a by "1" to remove it from the winning symbol. To display.

As described above, at the same time when the passing signal P1 is derived, it is determined whether or not the symbols displayed on the symbols 55a and 55b are hit, and when the symbols 55a and 55b start changing, they are displayed at the time of stop. The design is also determined. Then,
After the passage signal P1 is derived 0.008 seconds later, the pattern 55a,
In the case where the fluctuations of 55b are started at the same time, FIG.
As shown in, in the fluctuation display of the left symbol 55a, the fluctuation speed of the symbol is 0.0 during the basic time (6000 seconds).
It is set to 40 seconds. And after the elapse of the basic time,
When it coincides with the stop pattern (0.000 seconds to 0.280
Stops the variable display with (matches between seconds).

On the other hand, in the variable display of the right symbol 55b, when the stop symbol displayed on the left symbol 55a which stops first is not the winning symbol (when not in the reach state) and when it is the winning symbol (in the reach state) ) And are variably displayed in different modes. Therefore, first, the fluctuation display when not in the reach state will be described. As a basic time, the time until the fluctuation of the left symbol 55a that stops first is set, and the fluctuation speed is set to 0.040 seconds during the basic time. It has been changed and displayed. Then, after the basic time ends, after a minute time (0.400 seconds) has elapsed, the variable display is stopped when it coincides with the stop symbol (matches between 0.000 seconds and 0.280 seconds).

Next, the variation display in the reach state will be explained. Until the variation of the left symbol 55a that stops first stops, the variation speed is set to 0.040 seconds and the variation display is performed. After that time, the fluctuation speed is set to 0.160 seconds, which is the slow fluctuation speed, and 2
Variable display of symbols for the cycle (20 symbols) (hence,
3. 200 seconds elapse). Then, the basic time is until the variable display of the symbols for these two cycles is completed, and after the basic time has elapsed, the variable display is performed until it coincides with the stopped symbol. In this case, the stop time is from 0.000 seconds since it is the same as one of the seven stop symbols.
Any one of the time intervals of 0.160 seconds up to 1.120 seconds is selected.

As described above, the symbol 55 of the symbol display device
The game after a and 55b stopped the variable display is shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. FIG. 12 is a time chart showing the operation of the starting winning device 4 when the stop symbol is a win, and FIG. 13 is a symbol 55a in the case where the stop symbol is out and there is passing memory. It is a time chart which shows the change display mode of 55b. Therefore, with reference to FIG. 13, the case of disengagement will be described first. After the variable display of the two symbols 55a and 55b is stopped, a predetermined time (1
For confirmation at the time when (second) has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the combination of the stop symbols is a win. Then, after a minute time (0.008 to 0.012 seconds) has passed after it was determined to be off, the variable display of the symbols 55a and 55b is started again.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the case of hitting will be described. After the variable display of the two symbols 55a and 55b is stopped, a fixed time (1 second) is passed for confirmation, so the stopped symbol is checked. It is determined whether or not the combination is a winning combination. As a result, when it is determined that the player wins, the solenoid 6 (ordinary electric accessory; displayed as a second-class starting port) of the starting winning device 4 is opened twice. In this case, the first opening is performed for 2.800 seconds at the same time as the determination, and then the second opening is 2.8 with an interval of 5.000 seconds.
It is performed for 00 seconds. Then, after the second opening is completed, the pattern 55a, immediately even if there is a passing memory.
The variable display of 55b is not started, but after a minute time (0.008 to 0.012 seconds) has elapsed, the pattern 55
The variable display of a and 55b is started.

As described above, the display result of the symbols 55a and 55b is a win and the starting winning device 5 is opened. During the opening, a ball is won in the starting winning device 4 and the starting winning ball detector 5 is activated. The operation of the variable winning ball device 50 when turned on is shown in FIG.
4 is shown. In addition, since the special winning opening indicates the ball receiving members 64a and 64b in the drawing, the driving timing of the opening / closing solenoids 65a and 65b is shown in the drawing. In FIG. 14, the ball hitting the start winning device 4 wins the start signal S1.
After deriving, a fixed time (1.000 seconds)
When has passed, the special winning openings 64a and 64b are opened for 0.500 seconds twice at 0.500 second intervals. In addition, the time from when the start signal S1 is received until the special winning openings 64a and 64b are closed is a start acceptance prohibited period. During the start acceptance prohibition period, the ball hitting the start winning device 4 within that period is also invalidated as the start winning function.

In the illustrated time chart, it takes time for the prize balls flowing down the prize space 57 to reach the specific prize hole 59 even after the prize holes 64a and 64b are closed. It has been recognized that the accessory continuous operation device operation effective time of a fixed time (3.000 seconds) after closing of 64b is recognized. The continuous winning device effective period is 64
Since the winning balls that have won the prize just before closing a and 64b may win the specific winning opening 59, this is a grace time set in order to recognize the winning as valid.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the operation during the opening / closing cycle of the big hit game state will be described. FIG. 15 shows an operating state of a normal opening / closing cycle.
Indicates the operation of the opening / closing cycle of the final part. In addition, in the figure, the accessory continuously operating device indicates the specific winning ball detector 60,
Since the doll shows the decorative distribution member 76, the drive timing of the drive motor 77 is shown in the figure, and the temporary stop plate shows the stopper plate 72, so the drive timing of the stopper solenoid 74 is shown in the figure, Since the sword shows the opening / closing guide members 67a and 67b, the drive timing of the guide solenoid 73 is shown in the figure.

First, the operation in one opening / closing cycle will be described with reference to FIG. The accessory continuous operation device 60 is O
When N and the continuation signal Rn (1 ≦ n ≦ 15) is derived,
After a certain time (3.000 seconds) from the continuation signal Rn, the special winning openings 64a and 64b start opening / closing operations. Then, until the special winning openings 64a, 64b start opening / closing operations, the doll 76 faces once to the left from the position facing the front (normal position), and then returns to the normal position again. Stop. This operation is completed until the first opening / closing operation of the special winning openings 64a, 64b is started.

By the way, in the opening / closing cycle for opening / closing the special winning openings 64a, 64b, the opening time and the closing time are performed 18 times at intervals of 0.748 seconds. The stop plate 72 is turned on and the winning balls are ready to be stored immediately before the outlet 71. At the same time when the opening / closing operation is started, the swords 67a, 67b also repeat the opening / closing operation alternately with the special winning openings 64a, 64b. Therefore, the winning balls received in the large winning openings 64a, 64b and flowing down the upper ball rolling plate 66 fall from the falling openings 68a, 68b in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the swords 67a, 67b, or enter the rear passage 69. It is guided and falls from the storage inlet 70,
It becomes a stored ball or an overflow ball.

Further, the opening / closing operation in the opening / closing cycle is 9
When the second time is reached or when two winning balls are detected by the winning ball detector 63, the doll 76 starts reciprocating rotation in a predetermined cycle, and the operation continues until immediately after the opening / closing cycle ends. To be done. Therefore, the flow path of the winning balls flowing down the lower ball rolling plate 75 is changed by the flow path changing members 81a and 81b, and the specific winning opening 59 or the normal winning opening 61a,
It is led to either 61b. Further, when the number of winning prize balls has reached 7, or when the opening / closing operation has reached the final 18 times, the temporary stop plate 72 is turned off and the accumulated prize balls are discharged from the discharge port 71. The winning balls discharged from the discharging port 71 are guided by the flow path changing members 81a and 81b to be the specific winning holes 59 or the normal winning holes 61a and 61a.
It is led to either of b. In this case, the drop ports 68a, 6
The probability of being guided to the specific winning opening 59 is higher than that of the winning ball dropped from 8b, and there is a high possibility that it will be continued in the next opening / closing cycle.

When the closing condition of the opening / closing cycle is reached, the effective operating time of the accessory continuous operating device is set as described above, and the winning balls falling in the winning space 57 are guided to the specific winning opening 59 within that time. When it is done, it will shift to the next opening / closing cycle. However, in the final opening / closing cycle, the accessory effective operating device operation valid time is not set.

Next, the operation in the opening / closing cycle of the final part will be described with reference to FIG.
In the third opening / closing cycle, for example, the opening / closing operation is 1
8 times or when the number of winning balls reaches the specific winning opening 59 without reaching 7 and the continuation signal R14 is derived, the opening / closing cycle is immediately ended to the continuation signal Rn.
In the same manner as when the continuous signal R14 is derived,
The doll 76 performs a predetermined operation until the opening / closing cycle of the special winning openings 64a, 64b is started, and after the 14th opening / closing cycle of the special winning openings 64a, 64b is started, the same as above. Take action.

Then, in the 14th opening / closing cycle, for example, when the opening / closing operation reaches 18 times before the number of winning balls to the special winning openings 64a, 64b reaches 18, the temporary stop plate 72 is turned off. Then, the stored winning balls are discharged from the discharge port 71. Then, when the released winning balls are guided to the specific winning opening 59, the final continuation signal R15 is derived. In addition, when seven winning balls are won before the opening / closing operation 18 times, the storage is released, and the released winning balls are not guided to the specific winning opening 59, and the winning balls are eight in total. When the sword 67a, 6
7b is kept on, and the winning balls to be won later are guided from the rear passage 69 to the outlet 71, and the lower ball rolling plate 75
We try to keep the opening / closing cycle by letting the center of the flow down to the specific winning opening 59.

When the last-time continuation signal R15 is derived, after the continuation signal R15 is derived, the doll 76
Continues the operation in the left-right direction until the opening / closing cycle ends, and the temporary stop plate 72 and the swords 67a and 67b are not driven.

Although the structure and operation of the embodiment have been described above, according to this embodiment, the passing ball detectors 40a, 40b in which the hitting balls falling in the game area 3 are mounted on the passing port devices 20a, 20b. When passing through the ball passing hole 41, the passing signal P1 is derived from the passing ball detectors 40a and 40b by the passing, and the dot LEDs 55a and 55b as the game devices are operated based on the passing signal P1. Then, when the hitting ball passes through the passing port devices 20a, 20b, the upper end opening edge of the ball passing hole 41 of the passing ball detectors 40a, 40b is covered with the covering portion 35 formed on the decorative cover member 30.
Since it is covered by, the hitting ball falling in the game area 3 does not collide with the opening edge 41 of the passing ball detectors 40a, 40b, the passing ball detectors 40a, 40b are damaged, or the passing ball is detected. It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the containers 40a and 40b from prematurely.
You can enjoy the game with a and 55b stably over a long period of time. In particular, as in the present embodiment, in a ball game machine in which the game content includes a variable display device that derives a hit display result with a predetermined probability, the greater the number of times the variable display device fluctuates per unit time, the more the game. In order to attract the interest of the player, there is a tendency to inevitably increase the winning frequency of hitting balls to the passage opening device. As such passage devices of the ball game machine, the passage opening devices 20a and 20b of this embodiment are provided. The structure of
It is the best one.

In the above embodiment, as the passage opening devices 20a and 20b, the ones in which the hit balls pass and are discharged again to the game area 3 are shown.
It may be a passage opening device of a type that is taken in on the back surface of the game board 1 as a winning ball after passing through a and 40b. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the dot LEDs 55a and 55b constituting the variable display device are illustrated as the game devices operated by the passage opening devices 20a and 20b, but the game board 1
Any game device may be used as long as it is provided in. For example, a variable winning ball device or a movable decorative member may be used. Further, the game content in the ball game machine is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, a ball game machine having a fever type game content, or a ball game machine having an arrange type game content. It may be.

[0054]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the passage opening device having the passage ball detector for operating the game machine is installed, and the ball passage hole of the passage ball detector is the mounting board. Since the passing ball detector is detachably mounted on the mounting board so as to face the front side, and the covering portion that covers the upper opening edge of the ball passing hole when mounted is formed on the upper front part of the mounting board. The ball hitting the game area does not collide with the opening edge of the ball passing hole of the passing ball detector, preventing the passing ball detector from being damaged or the deterioration of the passing ball detector to be accelerated. However, for this reason, it is possible to stably enjoy the game by the game device over a long period of time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a passage opening device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the passage device as seen from the back side.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a game board of a ball game machine to which a passage opening device is applied.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a variable winning ball device including a game device operated based on a passage opening device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view in which a part of the variable winning ball device is broken away.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the internal structure of the variable winning ball device.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a message displayed on a variable display device as a game device.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a message displayed on a variable display device as a game device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a game control circuit for controlling a game operation.

FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the operation of the variable display device.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a winning symbol extraction method in the variable display device.

FIG. 12 is a time chart showing the operations of the starting winning device and the variable display device at the time of winning.

FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the operation of the variable display device at the time of disconnection.

FIG. 14 is a time chart showing an operation of the variable winning ball device at the time of starting winning.

FIG. 15 is a time chart showing an operation of a normal opening / closing cycle in a big hit game state.

FIG. 16 is a time chart showing the operation of the opening / closing cycle of the final part in the big hit game state.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20a, 20b Passage device 21 Mounting board 35 Covering parts 40a, 40b Passing ball detector 41 Ball passing hole 50 Variable winning ball device 55a, 55b Dot LED (game device)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A ball game machine provided with a passage opening device having a passage ball detector for detecting passage of a hit ball, and a game device which operates based on a detection signal of the passage ball detector, The passage opening device is detachably mounted on the mounting board so that the ball passing hole of the passing ball detector faces the front of the mounting board. A ball game machine characterized in that a covering portion for covering an upper end opening edge is formed in a front upper portion of the mounting substrate.