JPH11285565A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a variable display device passible to be enlarged without damaging the interest of a game. SOLUTION: The variable display device 5 is provided with LCD 52 having a liquid crystal display screen 50 at a front surface end, the screen 50 is arranged in a deep position, a prismatic light shielding cover 54 is horizontally arranged, the cover 54 is extended from the edge side of the screen 50 and connected to the rear part of a center special game 6 so as to divide a gap 53, the front side part of the game 6 is projected forward from a through-hole 25, its center part is inside the hole 25, its rear part is projected backward from the hole 25 and a protecting cover 55 to be fixed to a rear mechanism board 30 so as to be freely attachable/detachable in order to protect and fix LCD 52 is disposed. When a Japanese pinball game machine 1 is viewed from a side surface, the rear end part of the center special game 6 and the edge part of the screen 50 exist on a straight line in the viewing direction through the hole 25.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball-and-ball game machine, and more particularly to a variable display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional variable display device of a ball game machine has a video display (for example,
(4 to 6 inch size liquid crystal display panel), and the screen position of the display body is flush with the surface of the game panel, or close to the back of the game panel or behind the center role.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In order to further enhance the appeal of the game of such a ball game machine, the screen of the image display body provided in the above-mentioned conventional ball game machine is enlarged to improve the visibility and the density of the image. It is possible to plan. However, since the dimensions of the game board and the game area are generally determined, the game board and the game area cannot be freely enlarged in accordance with the screen size. Therefore, as the size of the screen of the variable display device increases, the area of the game area occupied by the screen increases, and the area of a portion where game members such as game nails and windmills can be arranged decreases accordingly. As a result, it may be difficult to complicate the flow-down mode of the game ball, and the interest may be easily impaired.

It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to increase the size of a variable display device without impairing the interest of a game.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a game board having a through hole near the center, and a game board having the through hole. A variable display device set to a surface area larger than the opening area of the variable display device, wherein the variable display device is penetrated so that a portion of the variable display device hidden by an edge of the through hole can be visually recognized through the through hole. And a central device spaced rearward from the installation hole. When the variable display device is separated behind the through hole, a gap is formed behind the through hole. Due to the presence of this gap, the field of view reaches far and widens, and the depth further increases. Further, the size of the variable display device can be increased while suppressing an increase in the size of the through hole of the game board and securing an area where game members such as game nails and windmills can be arranged. . In addition, a powerful display and game can be performed on a large screen, and the interest of the game is improved.

As one mode of separating the variable display device from the rear of the through hole, when the ball game machine is viewed from a distance (for example, about 5 m or more away), both side edges and a lower edge of the variable display device are provided. Is preferably hidden by the edge of the through hole to form an offset region. In other words, when the ball game machine is viewed from the front with the player's standard eye position during the game, the player can see all the surface side portions of the variable display device, that is, the through hole. Preferably, the edge substantially coincides with the edge of the variable display device. However, it is not limited to this,
Various aspects are possible. Note that the angle of the surface of the variable display device includes both vertical and inclined states. In general, the surface and the opening of the through hole often form a vertical plane (parallel to each other).

[0007] The central device referred to here is LCD, LE.
Examples of the accessory such as a variable display device including a D, a CRT, a rotating drum, a sorting device (crew), a winning device, and the like. Further, the outer peripheral shape includes various shapes such as a horizontally long shape, a vertically long shape, a square shape, a round shape, an oval shape, and an elliptical shape. For example,
The central device is of various types such as a single video display member (for example, a liquid crystal display unit) having a video display screen, and a combination of a video display member and a game ball distribution member (for example, a center accessory having a stage). Is mentioned. Various shapes such as a square, a triangle, and a circle can be adopted as the shape of the through hole.

The variable display device is a video display device (L
CD, etc.), and the image display screen is preferably, but not limited to, a square shape or a round shape. Arrangement is possible in any state. Preferably, the variable display device is entirely a video display device,
Not all of them need to be video display devices, and they may be a combination including an accessory. In order to enhance the interest of the game, it is preferable to arrange a game ball distribution member adapted to the liquid crystal display screen around the liquid crystal display screen. The game ball distribution member can be exemplified by one having a cylindrical structure capable of guiding the game ball and allowing the game ball to flow down from the top to the bottom, but is not limited to this, and a passage capable of guiding the game ball is formed. Any member may be used. In addition, this game ball distribution member is preferably a frame, but the frame need not be continuous, and may be divided instead of being integrated. The game ball distribution member provided in the through hole has a frame shape, a non-frame shape, or various shapes such as a square, an oval, and a round shape. Further, the image display device and the game ball distribution member have various shapes. Can be combined.

[0009] In claim 1, a variable display device having a surface area larger than the opening area of the through hole is required. The size whose surface area is commonly used (4-6
Variable display device which is about inches)
There is a large central device whose game area on the left and right sides of the central device is restricted. Illustratively, about 12
An image display member having an inch image display screen is provided with a 10-inch center accessory (for example, Japanese Patent Application No.
A center member having an outer dimension adapted to a 10-inch screen as shown in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 18146) is attached, and an 8-inch center member is provided on a video display member having a 10-inch video display screen. Attached, an image display member having an 8-inch image display screen with a 6-inch center role attached, an image display member alone with a 12-inch liquid crystal screen, a 10-inch liquid crystal screen And a single video display member having an 8-inch liquid crystal screen. Corresponding to this, the penetration hole is also for 10 inches,
Various sizes such as those for 8 inches and 6 inches can be adopted. The surface area of the variable display device corresponds to the surface area of the variable display device if the display surface is flat such as an LCD, for example. When there are many irregularities as in a matrix variable display device, the projected area of the display area corresponds to the surface area of the variable display device. That is, the surface area of the variable display device is determined by the size of the display area.

When a general medium-sized or small-sized variable display device is employed, the game area on the left, right, and above the central device can be enlarged. In addition, various modes can be realized, such as disposing a plurality of central devices of a general size above the entrance, and disposing a plurality of variable display devices.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, a pachinko machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is a fever machine or a model called a first type. As shown in FIG. 1, this pachinko machine 1
Game board 2 (see the portion shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1)
Is detachably mounted. A guide rail 3 (see FIG. 2) for guiding a shot hit is set on the game board 2 in a substantially arc shape, and an area defined by the guide rail 3 is a game area 4 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Reference). The game area 4 is an area defined by the first rail member 3a, the second rail member 3b, the return rubber 3c, and the decorative member 3d (see FIG. 2). A game ball is guided to the game area 4 through a gap between the first rail member 3a and the second rail member 3b located on the left half surface of the game area 4. Decorative member 3d
A return rubber 3c (see FIG. 2) is attached (incorporated) to the left front portion of the game ball so that when the launching force of the game ball is too strong, the game ball is reflected to the center of the game area 4. Has become. The mode of setting the game area 4 may have various other structures, but the description is omitted. In addition, near the lowermost point of the second rail member 3b, an out port 1 is provided.
4 (see FIG. 2), and the second rail member 3b
Backflow prevention devices 3e, 3f
Is provided. At the left end of the pachinko machine 1, a prepaid card unit 24 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, a central device 7 including a variable display device 5 (which may be called a special symbol display device because it displays a special symbol) and a center accessory 6 is located near the center of the game area 4. It is arranged in. Variable display device 5
Has a 12-inch liquid crystal display screen 50 (see the dotted line in FIG. 2). The surface area of the liquid crystal display screen 50 is set to be larger than the opening area of the through hole 25 (see FIG. 4) and the large opening 60. The center accessory 6 has a large opening 60 formed in a square shape (see FIG. 7). The size of the large opening 60 is approximately 10 inches.
1 (see a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3). Here, the central device 7 includes the center accessory 6, but may not always be necessary.

In addition, a start entrance 8 that can be opened and closed (expanded / reduced) is provided in a central portion below the central device 7, and an attacker 9 provided with an opening / closing plate 9b is provided below the opening.
When a game ball is received in the starting entrance 8, the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 50 starts to fluctuate, and when this is stopped in a specific display mode, for example, the same three-digit number of 777, a special symbol is displayed. The game state is established, and the attacker 9 is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) or a predetermined time (about 30 seconds), and is configured to receive approximately 10 game balls every time the attacker 9 is opened. The entrances 10 to 13 are collectively provided on the left and right sides of the attacker 9, and constitute the entrance opening group N together with the starting entrance 8 and the attacker 9. The area where the entrance group N can be arranged is lower than the lower end of the center item 6, and the height (maximum vertical dimension) L of the game area 4 is set.
(See FIG. 2).
Is 27% higher). Further, in the present embodiment, although the central device 7 is configured to include the center accessory 6, the present invention can also be implemented in a mode in which the center accessory 6 is not included. Further, the starting ball entrance 8, the attacker 9, and the ball entrances 10 to 13 are respectively provided with ball entry detecting sensors 8a to 13a.
a (see FIG. 2) is provided, and is turned on (or off) when a game ball enters. Here, each of the entrances 8 to 13 constituting the entrance opening group N is used as a trigger for award ball payout. In addition, the attacker 9 allows the ball to enter only when the ball is released. An out port 14 for receiving an out ball is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 2. Further, a pair of windmills 15,
16 are provided, and a number of obstacle nails 17 are arranged around the center accessory 6 as shown in the figure.

Returning to FIG. 1, a glass frame 18 covering the front surface of the game board 2 is provided on a front frame 19 so as to be freely opened and closed. Immediately below the game board 2, an upper tray 20 that can be opened and closed by a hinge (not shown) and a lower tray 21 that cannot be opened and closed are located. I have. On the lower left side of the upper tray 20, a speaker 22 for generating a sound effect according to the game state is provided. Further, a firing handle 23 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 21,
This allows the game balls supplied from the upper tray 20 to be transferred to the game area 4
Is connected to a game ball launching device (not shown) that repels the game ball.

The variable display device 5 having a large liquid crystal display screen 50 of 12 inches and the center role 6 are mounted on the above-mentioned game board 2, but a screen of a normal size such as a screen of 4 to 6 inches is used. As compared with the case where the game device is adopted, the area of the game region 4 which is left around the central device 7 in the game region 4 is reduced. That is, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the central device 7 is set to have such a large size that the outer dimensions restrict the arrangement of the entrances to the center role left and right ball passing areas J of the gaming area 4 on the left and right sides. The width of the center role left and right ball passing area J, which is the width of the left and right game areas 4 on the center role 6, is about W1 = 33 mm (hereinafter referred to as the center role left and right ball passing area width W1). The height H1 of the guiding gutter ball receiving area of the game area 4 above the object 6 is about 70 mm. For example, if it is assumed that the entrances are arranged on the left and right sides of the central device 7, for example, in the vicinity of the center object left and right sphere passing area J, usually, the entrance of a single item has a width of the ball receiving portion of about 20 mm and includes the mounting base. The full width of the entrance is about 40 mm, which makes it difficult to install the entrance. Therefore, the entrance to the game board 2
Even if it is mounted from the back side of the game board 2 and only the ball receiving portion of the entrance is projected on the front side of the game board 2, the width of the ball receiving portion is about 20 mm, so the remaining space is about 13 mm,
After all, here, it is possible to arrange the obstacle nails and the entrances, but it is difficult to let the game balls flow down.

[0016] For this reason, a game ball that has deviated from the entrance can only flow down almost immediately below, and it is difficult to give a sufficient change to the behavior of the game ball to enhance the interest. Furthermore, since the total number of entrances is specified by the game rules and it is necessary to maintain the total number of entrances equal to or greater than the specified number, the number of entrances can be easily reduced with the increase in the size of the central unit 7. Can not. Therefore, in order to make the central device 7 larger than the current state without reducing the total number of entrances, it is essential to solve the problem of the arrangement of entrances. For this reason, the entrance holes are not set in the left and right ball passing areas J of the center role, and the entrance port groups N are arranged collectively in the area as described above. Also,
According to the current game rules, the total number of entrances (total number of winnings)
Is 5 in the normal game state where the movable character does not operate.
The number of starting ports must be at least one third (rounded down to the nearest whole number). In the present embodiment, the total number of ball openings (total number of winning ports) is five and the number of starting ports is one, which satisfies this rule. If the total number of entrance ports (the total number of winning ports) is larger than that, it may be necessary to appropriately change the arrangement of the entrance ports.

Although it is possible to install a ball entrance in the game area 4 above the central device 7, a gutter (see FIG. 1) for guiding game balls entering the ball entrance downward on the back side of the game board 2. Omitted)
Must be arranged so as to avoid the LCD 52 (see FIG. 4) on the back of the central device 7, and although installation is possible, it may not be preferable in terms of structure. Therefore, in the present embodiment, although it is possible to arrange the entrance to the game area 4 above the central device 7, there is a possibility that the entrance of the game ball may flow down. There is no mouth.

The central device 7 is preferably arranged as high as possible above the game area 4 in order to ensure the degree of freedom of arrangement of the entrance and attacker below the game area 4. If the player 7 is further arranged above, the effective space below the game area 4 is expanded, but a relationship is established in which the entrance cannot be arranged above. Therefore, a design considering such a relationship is desirable.

In the present embodiment, in consideration of various conditions, the central device 7 is approximately 25% (1/4) or more, preferably approximately 30% or more, particularly preferably approximately 47% or more, of the surface area of the game area 4. % Or more. The entrance groups N are collectively arranged in a region below the center of the game region, avoiding the central device 7. That is, the height of the area where the entrance group N is arranged is the height from the lowermost part of the game area 4 to the lower end of the center accessory 6, and the left and right sides of the arranged area are up to full. In addition, the stage 68 of the center accessory 6
(See FIGS. 7 to 10) A ball entrance may be additionally provided.

The above-described variable display device 5 includes a liquid crystal display screen 5
The aspect ratio of 0 is about 7:10. The outer peripheral shape of the center role object 6 is a horizontally long substantially oval shape or a substantially elliptical shape (an aspect ratio which is a ratio of a maximum height to a maximum width is approximately 1.1 to 1.7, preferably approximately 1.3 to 1.
7, particularly preferably approximately 1.3 to 1.4). The outer dimensions of the variable display device 5 may be appropriately changed depending on the distribution conditions of the game balls, which will be described later in a second embodiment. Further, the liquid crystal display screen 50 is used to display other displays such as a large CRT, LED, and the like.
Alternatively, the variable display device 5 can be replaced with a rotary drum, or in some cases, the variable display device 5 can be replaced with a large accessory (for example, a clune or the like) indicating the state of the flow of the game balls and the state of distribution to the player.

By the way, in the prior art, it is common sense that the liquid crystal display screen is brought close to the game board 2 so as to be flush with the game area 4. Therefore, the opening area of the through hole must be considerably increased, and the liquid crystal display screen must be mounted in close proximity. Therefore, as a result of an increase in the game area occupied by the liquid crystal display screen, the installation of game members such as windmills and nails is severely restricted, and the inconvenience of hindering the function as a ball game machine occurs. Therefore, the feature of this embodiment is that
As shown in FIG. 3, the position of the player's eyes is far away from the pachinko machine 1, for example, 5 m or more.
When viewed from the front, as shown by a hatched portion M (hereinafter referred to as a hidden area M), the left, right, and lower edge portions of the liquid crystal display screen 50 overlap with the game board 2 and are hidden by the shadow of the game board 2. That is. That is, as shown in FIGS.
The liquid crystal display screen 50 is separated (retracted) behind the game board 2 via a gap 53, and the center C1 of the liquid crystal display screen 50 is shifted downward from the center C2 of the large opening 60. As a result, an area corresponding to the above-described hidden area M, which would not be used if a 12-inch liquid crystal display screen is employed in the related art, can be utilized as the game area 4. Then, the position (A = 300 mm, B = 200 mm) shown in FIG. 4 is set as the position of an eye during the game of a general player (hereinafter, referred to as a standard position S), and when viewing the pachinko machine 1 therefrom, All parts of the liquid crystal display screen 50 can be seen. The field of view is set so as to slightly look down on the liquid crystal display screen 50. The angle α of the visual field (in the vertical direction) viewed from the side of the pachinko machine 1 is approximately 21 degrees, and the angle β of the visual field (in the horizontal direction) viewed from the plane is approximately 28 degrees.
These are just examples. Note that the player has a height difference in sitting height and a difference or change in the game posture, and the eye position of the player is not necessarily at the standard position S,
It is considered that the positions of the eyes of the player are distributed in the vicinity of the standard position S, and since the standard position S is a position where the entire screen can be visually recognized, no problem is expected. Note that the standard position S of the eyes of the player is determined based on the surface of the glass surface 26 described later and the upper end surface of the body frame 27 described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1, the center C1 of the liquid crystal display screen 50 is located at the center position 6
3 is deviated downward with respect to the center C2 of the large opening portion 60 (usually also the center of the through hole 25), and E is in the vertical direction (FIG. 3).
5 and FIG. 5) (E = about 20 mm). This takes into account the position of the player's eyes. D indicates the offset amount (D = about 100 mm) in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 5) of the center accessory 6. FIG.
As shown in the figure, the standard position S is deviated above the center role 6 from the center C2 and is substantially at the same height as the upper edge of the LCD 52, so that when the player views the pachinko machine 1 from a distance from the front. The lower part of the field of view through the large opening 60 of the center item 6 enters below the large opening 60 of the center item 6. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, a 10-inch liquid crystal display screen 51 (2
(Indicated by a dashed line) and 1
When compared with the case where the 2-inch liquid crystal display screen 50 (shown by a dotted line) is attached, the vertical offset amount (F = about 40 mm) and the horizontal offset amount (G = about 22 mm) are provided between the two edges. Occurs.

The variable display device 5 is a device having a normal liquid crystal display screen of 4 to 6 inches and is scaled up to have a large screen. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the variable display device 5 has the opening surface of the through-hole 25 and the surface of the liquid crystal display screen 50 arranged vertically, that is, parallel to each other. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when viewed from the right side of the pachinko machine 1, the liquid crystal display screen 50 is disposed at a position deeper than before, and has a depth. Although space is required for the space located farther than before, it can be overcome by various measures. The variable display device 5 includes a liquid crystal display device 52 (hereinafter, LCD) having a liquid crystal display screen 50 at the front end.
52), and a rectangular tubular light-shielding cover 54 is horizontally provided, which extends from the edge of the liquid crystal display screen 50, is connected to the rear part of the center role 6, and is bridged therebetween to form a gap 53. Is partitioned. The front portion of the center part 6 projects forward from the through hole 25, the central portion is inside the through hole 25, and the rear portion projects rearward from the through hole 25. Protective cover 5 that can be detachably fixed to back mechanism panel 30 (see FIG. 4) to protect and fix LCD 52
5 is provided. A transparent plate 56 is provided on the front of the light shielding cover 54.
The game ball can be prevented from flowing into the light-shielding cover 54 while the visibility of the liquid crystal display screen 50 is ensured.

When the pachinko machine 1 is viewed from the side, the rear edge of the center part 6 and the liquid crystal display screen, as shown in the field of view indicated by the two-dot chain line viewed from the standard position S, look through the through hole 25. There are 50 edges in a straight line. When the pachinko machine 1 is viewed from the front at the standard position S, the edges of the light shielding cover 54 and the edges of the liquid crystal display screen 50 match. That is, in FIG. 5, the height of the upper edge of the through-hole 25 or the center role 6 is substantially the same as the height of the upper edge of the liquid crystal display screen 50, and is lower than that of the lower edge of the through-hole 25 or the center role 6. The lower edge of the liquid crystal display screen 50 is arranged on the lower side, and further, as shown in FIG. 6, the side edge of the liquid crystal display screen 50 is arranged outside the side edges of the through-hole 25 and the center accessory 6. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the player looks at the pachinko machine 1 from the standard position S, the pachinko machine 1 is aligned with the edge of the field of view so as not to disturb the field of view, that is, in line with the line of sight. As described above, the upper surface 54a of the light-shielding cover 54 is substantially horizontal, the height is substantially the same as the upper edge of the through hole 25, and the lower surface 54b is inclined downward toward the lower edge of the LCD 52. As shown in FIG.
54d is expanded outward toward both left and right edges of the liquid crystal display screen 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, two glass sheets 26a and 26b (double glass) are mounted on the glass frame 18, and the front surface of the glass sheet 26a is exposed. In addition, a tank rail 28 is provided on the upper portion of the back surface of the main body frame 27,
Although the control device 29 can be seen on the lower side, the description of the structure of the back surface is generally in accordance with the related art, and therefore the description is omitted. Since the center role item 6 is set to be large, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a device such as a collecting gutter (not shown) for collecting winning balls is integrated with the back mechanism panel 30, for example. However, detailed description of this is also omitted.

It is also possible to provide a winning device, a ball entrance (not shown), and the like on the light-shielding cover 54. However, these winning devices and entrances (not shown) generally include driving parts (solenoids, motors, etc.), power transmission mechanisms (links, cams, etc .: not shown), or game ball detection switches. , It is easy to project behind the game board 2. Therefore,
This kind of prize device or a ball entrance (not shown) is provided with a light shielding cover 54.
In this case, it is desirable that the projection is designed so that the projected portion does not enter the visual field of the player and hinder the visual recognition of the screen. As a modified example, the variable display device 5 may be fixed to the game board 2 or the center accessory 6. The display of the LCD 52 and the display control device may be separated from each other to distribute the weight of the variable display device 5. Although the liquid crystal display screen 50 has been described using a display body having an aspect ratio of about 7:10, the screen size is not limited to this. For example, a so-called wide-size display body having an aspect ratio of about 9:16 may be used. It can be adopted as appropriate.

Next, the center accessory 6 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7, the center role item 6 is formed in a substantially square frame shape having a large opening portion 60 for making the liquid crystal display screen 50 visible, and having a width enough to allow a game ball to enter. And a mounting board 60a. The liquid crystal display screen 50 can be detachably attached to the back surface of the attachment substrate 60a with screws or the like. In addition, a guiding gutter ball receiving area K (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is formed on the uppermost surface of the center part 6, and is constituted by a portion having a length corresponding to the guiding gutter ball receiving area width W2. Things. A pair of warp gutter inlets 61a as a first ball receiving port are provided above the center accessory 6.
61b are arranged at intervals on the left and right, and
A pair of warp gutters 62a and 62b communicating with the first and second gutters 1a and 61b.
Is bent into an L-shape inside the center role 6 and extends horizontally outward, and further bent into an inverted L-shape and extends vertically downward,
It communicates with a pair of warp outlets 63a, 63b provided at both ends of the lower portion of the inner wall 60c (see FIG. 9) facing the large opening 60. That is, the warp gutters 62a, 62b extend along the periphery of the large opening 60 on the back side of the mounting board 60a and reach the warp gutter outlets 63a, 63b (see FIG. 10B). Starting passages 64a and 64b as second ball receiving openings are formed adjacent to the outer portions of the middle portions of the paths of the warp gutters 62a and 62b.
Passage sensors 65a and 65b are installed in the a and 64b so that the passage of the game ball B can be detected, and the passed game ball B passes through the passage gutters 66a and 66b communicating with the start passage openings 64a and 64b. It can be dropped (see FIG. 7). At the lower end portions on the left and right front surfaces of the center role object 6, ball guiding portions 67a and 67b having a curved surface forming an R (radius) for guiding the ball to the center are protruded symmetrically. On the inner bottom surface of the large opening 60, there is provided a stage 68 as a ball playing unit for receiving the game balls B discharged from the warp gutter outlets 63a and 63b. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Is set to approximately 50 mm in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 5). The width of the stage 68 in the front-rear direction is approximately 5
0 mm to 100 mm or more can be secured. This is because the conventional collecting board is eliminated, and the entrance ball group N is arranged below the game board 2, and there is little design restriction on the back side of the game board 2.

A pair of left and right ball guiding protrusions 68a extend in the longitudinal direction of the stage 68 in the deepest region on the stage 68. Thereby, the warp gutter outlet 63
The rolling path of the game ball B flowing down from a and 63b to the stage 68 is generally restricted. A ball guiding groove 69 for allowing the game ball B to flow down from the center of the stage 68 is formed. Note that the height, length, position, and the like of the stage 68 are not limited to those illustrated, and various modifications can be made. The game ball B falls with the course restricted by the ball guiding groove 69, but when falling from the ball guiding groove 69, the ball guiding groove 69 is stepped so that the ball easily enters the starting ball entry opening 8 below. And a slope. As a result, the player always has an expectation that the game ball B on the stage 68 will enter the starting ball entry opening 8, and can always enjoy a thrilling game. In this embodiment, the ball guiding groove 6 is used.
9 is one, but the number is not limited, and the shape is not limited as long as it guides the game ball. Further, a digital display 70 is installed at the center of the upper part of the large opening 60, and four holding lamps 71 are provided near the lower part thereof.
a to 71d are provided.

The game ball B entering the warp gutter entrances 61a, 61b passes through the warp gutters 62a, 62b, is discharged from the warp gutter outlets 63a, 63b, and flows out to the stage 68. Most of the game balls B pass through the ball guiding groove 69 and are discharged to the outside of the center accessory 6, and the starting entrance 8 and the entrance 10
To 13 (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, the game ball B that has entered the starting passage openings 64a and 64b is detected by the passage sensors 65a and 65b, and falls through the passage gutters 66a and 66b into the lower game area 4 (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the game balls B are passed through the passage sensors 65a and 65a.
When it is detected by 5b, the number on the digital display 70 (which is also sometimes called a normal symbol display device because it usually displays a symbol) is variably displayed, and the stopped number is a predetermined number (for example, 7). The opening of the blade member of the starting ball inlet 8 for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the center accessory 6 has a symmetrical shape and a integrally formed projection 72 which is a decorative member that also serves as a cover and projects forward from the game board 2.
It has. The protrusion 72 includes a left protrusion 72a, a center protrusion 72b, and a right protrusion 72c. The surface of the left protruding portion 72a and the right protruding portion 72c is decorated with a wavy decoration, and on the upper surface, the left protruding portion 72a is curved leftward and the right protruding portion 72c is curved rightward. Elongated ball guiding surfaces 73a, 73b each having a predetermined width narrow enough to allow a ball to pass therethrough are provided (see FIG. 8). The starting passages 64a and 64b, the passage sensors 65a and 65b, and the passage gutters 66a and 66b are provided inside the lower portions of the left protrusion 72a and the right protrusion 72c (see FIG. 7). The central protruding portion 72b has a partition 74 formed at the center in an upwardly convex arc shape, and the two warp gutter inlets 61a, 6 on both sides of the partition 74.
1b, which are separated. The partition 74 guides the game ball to the warp gutter entrances 61a and 61b. At the outer ends of the warp gutter entrances 61a and 61b, small inclined surfaces 61c and 61d (see FIG. 8) which are inclined inward and low are formed to facilitate guiding to the warp gutters 62a and 62b. The guide gutter ball receiving area width W2 represents a dimension obtained by adding the widths of the openings of the two warp gutter inlets 61a and 61b and the width of the partition 74. In the embodiment, the opening width of each of the warp gutter inlets 61a and 61b as viewed from a plane is 22 mm, the width of the partition 74 is 46 mm, and the width of the guide gutter ball receiving area W2.
Is set to 90 mm. In the case where two warp gutter inlets 61a and 61b are provided as in the present embodiment, it is considered that the minimum dimension of the guide gutter ball receiving region width W2 is 24 mm. This dimension value is the warp gutter entrance 61a, 61b
Are set to 11 mm (22 mm in total), the width of the partition 74 is set to 2 mm, and these are summed. In general, since a game ball is manufactured with a diameter of 11 mm and a positive / negative tolerance (for example, 0.05 mm), the opening width of the warp gutter inlets 61a and 61b is set to be slightly larger than 11 mm in consideration of the positive tolerance. . In addition, the width 2 mm of the partition 74 described above is equal to the width of both warp gutter entrances 61a,
This is the minimum thickness required for performing good resin molding when partitioning 61b with one resin plate.

The center object 6 shown in FIGS.
Is merely a preferable example, and can be appropriately changed within a range in which the possibility that the game ball enters the center role item 6 and enters the starting ball entrance 8 as a result is increased. is there. For example, as a modified example, two warp gutter inlets 61a and 61b may be combined into one inlet,
Three or more may be provided. Further, the positions can be changed as appropriate, such as shifting the positions to the left and right.

Further, a guide portion 75 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) composed of a plurality of obstacles (obstacle nails or the like) is arranged above the center accessory 6, and has a width equal to the width W2 of the guide gutter ball receiving area. The game balls that have fallen inside are warp gutter entrances 61a and 61b.
(See FIG. 7 to FIG. 9). The game balls that have entered the warp gutter entrances 61a and 61b flow down onto the stage 68 via the warp gutters 62a and 62b (see FIG. 7), and the starting ball entrance 8 (see FIG. 2).
, The possibility of entering the starting entrance 8 is increased. By the way, a conventional ball-and-ball game machine (not shown)
In the above, the player adjusts the firing force of the firing device (not shown) to fire the ball at a position where the game ball easily enters the starting ball entrance (not shown). (Not shown)
Even if the firing force is adjusted (fixed) so as to be constant, there is a possibility that the firing force will be contrary to the adjustment due to the variation in the firing force. Therefore, in some cases, a game ball (not shown) is fired at a position where it is extremely unlikely that the ball will enter the starting ball entrance (not shown) contrary to the intention of the player, and there is a possibility that the player will be disadvantaged. is there. In contrast, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment
In the above, if the game balls are launched into the game area 4 within the width of the relatively wide guiding gutter ball receiving area width W2, the game balls are collected at the warp gutter entrances 61a and 61b as described above.
It becomes easier for game balls to enter the warp gutter entrances 61a and 61b, and as a result, the possibility of entering the starting entrance 8 increases. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that the possibility that the variation in the firing force of the firing device (not shown), the skill of the player, and the like will affect the entry of the game ball into the starting entrance 8, which is extremely low.

The guide section 75 will be described with reference to FIGS. The guide portion 75 is composed of a plurality of obstacle nails. The central portion of the guide portion 75 is formed of an outflow regulating portion 76 composed of three nail groups arranged in a mountain shape, and the outflow regulating portion 76 is arranged so as to surround an upper portion of the guiding gutter ball receiving region K and has a triangular shape. A space is formed, and in the outflow regulating portion 76, introduction ports 77a and 77b (gap between nails) for introducing game balls into the guiding gutter ball receiving area K are formed. The guide portion 75 prevents the game ball from flowing down to the center item left and right ball passage area width W1, and increases the probability of being introduced into the warp gutter entrances 61a and 61b, thereby ensuring the interest of the game. Obstacle nails are also arranged symmetrically on both sides of the outflow restricting portion 76 in order to bring the game balls to the center so as to guide the game balls smoothly to the ball guiding surfaces 73a and 73b. These ball guiding surfaces 73
Due to the functions of a and 73b, there is a case where the probability that the game ball slides down here is reflected by the obstacle nail near the starting passages 64a and 64b and enters the starting passages 64a and 64b.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. The control device 29 controls the game and controls the operation of the pachinko machine 1. First, when the game balls B fired toward the game board 2 win the starting entrance 8, the attacker 9, and the entrances 10 to 13, a set number of the game balls B are paid out as prize balls. .

When a game ball wins in the starting ball entrance 8, a lottery process is executed in the control device 29, and as a result,
A symbol indicating (hit or miss) is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 50. Here, when a win is displayed, a special game is executed. The special game in the pachinko machine 1 is the same as that of the known first-type pachinko machine, but will be briefly described.
When the game ball B is received in the starting entrance 8, the special symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 50 starts to change, and when this is stopped in a specific display mode, for example, the same three-digit number of 777. , The opening / closing plate 9b of the attacker 9 is opened a predetermined number of times, while the attacker 9 is not opened when stopped and displayed in a mode other than the specific display mode. Further, when the digital display 70 normally starts to change the symbol, and this is stopped and displayed in a predetermined display mode, for example, a numeral of 7, the wing member of the starting entrance 8 is kept for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). The blade member is opened (widened) and the probability of entering the starting entrance 8 is increased, and the blade member is closed with the lapse of a predetermined time. On the other hand, when the stop is displayed in a mode other than the predetermined display mode, the blade member does not open. The probability of entering the starting entrance 8 remains unchanged. It should be noted that instead of the starting entrance 8, this is replaced with a starting passage gate (not shown),
, The design of the liquid crystal display screen 50 can fluctuate and stop.

In the special game, first, the open / close plate 9b is turned down,
The attacker 9 is placed in a state where it is extremely easy to win. And about 30 seconds have passed since the attacker 9 was released,
If the winning ball to attacker 9 reaches 10 balls, opening and closing plate 9
b is closed to close the opening / closing plate 9b. At this time, one of the winning balls currently open is in the V region of the attacker 9 (not shown).
, The attacker 9 is opened again, and the closing operation is repeated as described above. In the case where none of the gaming balls B which have won the prize while opening the attacker 9 has passed through the V region (not shown), or the number of times the attacker 9 has been released has reached the prescribed number (16 in this embodiment). The attacker 9 is not reopened, and the special game is over.

After the jackpot, a predetermined number of time saving functions are added depending on the type of jackpot. That is, the special symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 50 is reduced in the fluctuating time, the ordinary symbol displayed on the digital display 70 is also reduced in the fluctuating time. 8 is extended, for example, 4 seconds.
The number of times saved can be set according to various general techniques, for example, the number of times saved is fixed, or
It may be changed according to the conditions.

Further, in the game board 2 of FIG. 2, the starting entrance 8 is provided below the stage 50, but this is merely an example, and the invention is not limited to this. Implementation is possible. In addition, since the operation of the center accessory 6 and the like has been described above, the description is omitted.

According to the first embodiment as described above, by separating the liquid crystal display screen 50 behind the through hole 25 and the large opening 60, the gap 5 is provided behind the through hole 25.
3, which results in a far and wide field of view and further depth. Also, the liquid crystal display screen 5
By displacing the center C1 of 0 below the center C2 of the large opening 60, a screen larger in size than the large opening 60 can be included in the field of view. Therefore, the liquid crystal display screen 5
The area occupied by the liquid crystal display screen 50 in the game area 4 is smaller than when the position of 0 is located behind the game board 2 and the center role 6. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the adoption of a large screen and the securing of a game area necessary for arranging game members. In addition, since the 12-inch liquid crystal display screen 50 is employed, the power of a large screen can be enjoyed, and the video content displayed on the screen can be enriched, thereby further improving the interest of the game. Further, since a large liquid crystal display screen can be mounted, it is easy to increase the number of pixels used for image display.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
3 will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the present embodiment is applied to a pachinko game machine (a general view and a partial view are omitted as appropriate because the whole view and the partial views are based on the above-described ones) as a first-type ball game machine. is there. In the present embodiment, the central device 7 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11) of the first embodiment is reduced in size, and accordingly, the offset amount, the size of the penetrating hole, the configuration of the game area 4 and the like are slightly changed. . Therefore, the basic configuration, operation and effect are the same as in the first embodiment,
Common parts are numbered in the 100s and will not be further described. The details are slightly different and will be described.

The pachinko machine 101 according to the second embodiment (FIG. 12)
And FIG. 13) is a liquid crystal display screen 1 having a 10-inch screen.
This is a case where the center role 106 that is compatible with the 50 and 8-inch screens is used. Since a 10-inch screen smaller than the 12-inch screen of the first embodiment was used, the central unit 107 was used.
Occupies a smaller area, and the space left, right, or above the central device 107 increases. A display unit of about 10 inches, which is larger than the size (4 to 6 inches) generally adopted, and the center role 106 of the embodiment is reduced to a size that can be adapted to a smaller 8-inch screen. It is. The width dimension of the center role left and right ball passage area width W1 ′ (the area in which the game ball can flow down) is calculated to be 20.75 mm when calculated based on the difference between the screen width dimensions in FIG. The width is increased by about 20 mm in each of the left and right directions from the width W1 of the center role left and right sphere passage area. Therefore, the width W1 ′ of the center role left and right sphere passing area of the central device 7 in the present embodiment is about 33 mm, and the size of the center role 106 is for 8 inches. It is about 53 mm (= 33 + 20).

In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment,
In the hidden area M ′, the left, right, and lower edges of the liquid crystal display screen 150 overlap with the game board 102 and are hidden by the shadow of the game board 102, and the standard position S ′ (A ′ = 300 mm, B ′ = 2)
00 mm), all parts of the liquid crystal display screen 150 can be seen through. Angle of view α 'from the side of pachinko machine 1
Is approximately 17 degrees, the angle β 'of the visual field viewed from the plane is also approximately 27 degrees, the offset amount D' = approximately 100 mm, the offset amount E '= approximately 11 mm, the vertical offset amount F' = approximately 45 mm, the horizontal offset amount. G ′ is changed to about 22 mm.

Further, as compared with the variable display device 5 of the first embodiment (the outline is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. 12 and 13), the variable display device 105 indicated by a solid line is reduced in size as a whole. Further, a space is formed below and behind the variable display device 105, and a space is formed on the left side when viewed from a plane. The upper surface of the protective cover 155 is the protective cover 55
And the right side. As in the first embodiment, as shown in the field of view indicated by the two-dot chain line viewed from the standard position S ′, the periphery of the field of view looking through the through-hole 125 is:
The edge of the liquid crystal display screen 150 exists. That is, the height of the upper edge of the through-hole 125 is substantially the same as the height of the upper edge of the liquid crystal display screen 150, and the lower edge of the liquid crystal display screen 150 is located below the lower edge of the through-hole 125. Further, the side edge of the liquid crystal display screen 150 is disposed outside the side edge of the through hole 125. In FIG. 11, an 8-inch liquid crystal display screen 151 is shown as a comparative example.
Is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the liquid crystal display screen 150 is indicated by a dotted line.

According to the above-described second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and although the screen size is slightly reduced, more room is provided in the game area, and game members such as obstacle nails are arranged. This has the effect of increasing the degree of freedom.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, it is obvious that the configuration of the present invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the technical idea of the present invention, and such modifications are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Belong to. For example, the shape, structure, combination with other members, and the like of the variable display devices 5 and 105 are not limited to the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can take various aspects. Center role 6,106
The same applies to. Also, the liquid crystal display screens 50 and 15
Although 0 is set vertically, it may be appropriately inclined in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, or the up-down direction. The number of screens is not limited to one, but may be two or more. Variable display device 5,
105 may be a combination of a liquid crystal display screen and a large accessory.
As a modification of the second embodiment, when an 8-inch screen smaller than a 10-inch screen is used and a center accessory for 6 inches is used, the area occupied by the central device is further reduced, and the central device is reduced. The room on the left, right, or upper part of the area further increases.

Further, the present invention relates to various types of ball game machines such as so-called wings, rights goods, models called so-called general electric machines, arrangement ball game machines, models having a time-saving function and a probability variation function. It can be applied to

[0047]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the size of the variable display device without impairing the interest of the game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a ball game machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board to which the variable display device of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board for showing dimensions of a liquid crystal display screen.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the ball game machine in which the vicinity of the center of the variable display device is broken in the vertical direction.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing the vicinity of a central portion of the variable display device in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the ball game machine in which the vicinity of the center of the variable display device is cut off in a lateral direction.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a center accessory of the central device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the center accessory and the guide section as viewed obliquely from above.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the center accessory and the guide section as viewed from a diagonally right side.

10 (a) is a partial view of the center role taken along the line XA-XA of FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 (b) is the XB-XB of FIG. 9;
It is a fragmentary view of a line section.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a game board of a ball game machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a right side view of the ball game machine in which the vicinity of the center of the variable display device of the ball game machine is broken in the vertical direction.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the ball game machine in which the vicinity of the central portion of the variable display device of the ball game machine is cut off in the lateral direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,101: ball and ball game machine 2, 102: game board 3: guide rail 4, 104: game area 5, 105: variable display device 50, 150: liquid crystal display screen 51, 151 ... Liquid crystal display screen 52, 152 ... LCD 53, 153 ... Air gap 54, 154 ... Light shielding cover 54a ... Upper surface 54b ... Lower surface 54c, 54d ... Both side surfaces 55 , 155 ... Protective cover 56, 156 ... Transparent plate 6, 106 ... Center object 60, 160 ... Large opening 68 ... Stage 69 ... Ball guide groove 74 ... Partition Part 75 ・ ・ ・ Guiding part 76 ・ ・ ・ Outflow regulating part 7,107 ・ ・ ・ Central device 8 ・ ・ ・ Starting entrance opening 8a ~ 13a ・ ・ ・ Ball detection sensor 9 ・ ・ ・ Attacker 10 ・ ・ ・ Enter Ball mouth 11 ・ ・ ・ Ball entrance 2 ... entrance 13 ... entrance 14 ... out 15, 16 ... windmill 17 ... obstacle nail 18, 118 ... glass frame 19, 119 ... front frame 20 , 120 ... Upper tray 21, 121 ... Lower tray 22 ... Speaker 23, 123 ... Launch handle 24 ... Prepaid card unit 25, 125 ... Through holes 26, 126 ... Glass surface 27, 127 ... Body frame 30, 130 ... Back mechanism board B ... Game ball N ... Ball entry group L ... Height of game area W1, W1 '... Center Width of the left and right sphere passing area W2, W2 '... Guide gutter ball receiving area width H1, H1' ... Guide gutter ball receiving area height C1, C1 '... Center C2, C2' ...・ Center D, D '... Offset amount E, E' ... Offset G, G '... Offset amount K ... Guide gutter ball reception area J ... Center role left and right ball passing area M, M' ... Hidden area S, S '... Standard position α, α' ... Angle β, β '... Angle

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A game board having a through hole near the center, a variable display device having a surface area larger than an opening area of the through hole, and the variable display hidden by an edge of the through hole. And a central device in which the variable display device is separated rearward from the through-hole so that a portion of the device can be visually recognized through the through-hole.