JPH11347205A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko game machine capable of securing the degree of freedom in designing a game device below a variable display device even when the variable display device is enlarged. SOLUTION: Shot balls received by ball guide members 42a and 42b protruded at both lower side sections of the display face of a variable display device 3 are guided toward nearly the center of a game region and are again discharged on a game board above start winning holes. Even a variable display device 30 is enlarged, the degree of freedom in designing the layout of a game device below the variable display device 30 can be secured. The vertical distance Lq between obstruction members 41a and 41b and the ball guide members 42a and 42b is set two times the diameter of the shot balls or above, shot balls can easily enter between the obstruction members 41a and 41b and the ball guide members 42a and 42b, more chance of start winning is given to a player, and the interest of a game can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball game machine provided with a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information when a ball is hit into a starting winning opening.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a variable display device of a ball-and-ball game machine (for example, a pachinko game machine) provided with a variable display member for variably displaying a plurality of identification information, conventionally, a variable display member is displayed on a display surface. In order to avoid a direct hit of a hit ball, an obstacle projection is formed above the display surface so as to protrude forward from the game board surface. For this reason, the hit ball crossed the front of the display surface of the variable display device very little. However, in recent years, the size of the variable display device of a ball game machine has increased, and the area ratio of the variable display device to the surface of the game board has been increasing.

[0003]

For this reason, as the size of the variable display device increases, the area of the area where the hit ball falls is reduced, and particularly, the layout design of the winning opening and the like in the game area below the variable display device is reduced. There are many restrictions, and there is a problem that only a design with a small degree of freedom can be performed. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of securing a degree of freedom in designing a game device and the like below the variable display device even if the size of the variable display device is increased. Is to provide.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information in accordance with a winning of a hit ball into a starting winning opening. In a ball-and-ball game machine provided, a cover portion for preventing a ball from entering the display surface of the variable display device is provided so as to protrude forward of a game area on a game board surface, and on both lower sides of the display surface. A guiding portion that guides the hit ball intruding around the covering portion toward a center line parallel to the vertical direction of the game area is provided in a projecting manner, and a guiding portion in a vertical direction between the covering portion and the guiding portion is provided. The distance is set to be at least twice the diameter of the hit ball. The hit ball received by the guiding portion is guided toward substantially the center of the game area and is released again to the game board surface above the starting winning opening, so that even if the variable display device becomes large, The degree of freedom of design such as arrangement can be ensured. According to this configuration,
The vertical distance between the covering portion and the guiding portion is set to be at least twice the diameter of the hit ball. For this reason, it is possible to make it easier for the ball to enter from between the covering portion and the guiding portion, and by giving the player more chances of starting a prize, the interest of the game can be improved.

[0005] In the invention of claim 2, the guide portion has a first inclined bottom surface inclined downward from the end toward the center, and the guide surface is continuous with the first inclined bottom surface and extends from the display surface to the game board surface. And a second inclined bottom surface that is inclined downward toward. With this configuration, the hit ball received by the guiding portions on both the left and right sides is not discharged to the game board surface as it is, but is guided rightward or leftward on the second inclined bottom surface, and is then placed on the game board surface. Can be discharged.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the display surface of the variable display device is formed behind the game area. With this configuration,
The guiding distance of the ball in the guiding portion can be increased, and the visual interest can be improved by making the ball more playable.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a configuration of a game board 1 of a pachinko game machine as an example of a ball game machine according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a game board 1
FIG. In the figure, on the surface of a game board 1, a guide rail 2 for guiding a shot hit is planted in a substantially circular shape, and an area defined by the guide rail 2 constitutes a game area 3. I have. A variable display device 30 having a plurality of (three) rotating bodies 91 as a rotating body is disposed substantially at the upper center of the game area 3. The variable display device 30 constitutes a main part of the present embodiment, and its detailed configuration will be described later in detail.

Below the variable display device 30, start winning ports 4a and 4b are provided to allow the reel body 91 to rotate. The winning balls that have won the start winning ports 4a and 4b are guided to the back of the game board 1 and detected by the starting winning ball detector 5. The rotation of the variable display device 30 based on winning in the start winning openings 4a and 4b is stored a predetermined number of times (for example, four times), and the fact is displayed by a start winning storage display 56 provided in the variable display device 30. It is supposed to be.

A winning area 7 is provided below the variable display device 30.
Is provided. The variable winning prize ball device 6 has a mounting board mounted on the gaming board 1, and a rectangular winning area 7 is opened on the mounting board. The winning area 7 is closed by an opening / closing plate 8 which pivotally supports the lower end on both sides and can be opened and closed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting board. The opening / closing plate 8 is controlled to be opened / closed by a solenoid 9 for the opening / closing plate.
A hit ball falling on the surface of the game board 1 is received and guided to the winning area 7 to be a winning ball. Further, the inside of the winning area 7 is divided into two, a specific winning opening is set on the right side, and a normal winning opening is set on the left side. The specific winning opening is provided with a specific ball detector 10 and a winning ball detector 11 for detecting a hit ball which has won a normal winning opening. The number of hit balls detected by the specific ball detector 10 and the winning ball detector 11 is determined by a winning number indicator 12 provided below the winning area 7.
Will be displayed. In addition, on the left and right of the winning number display 12,
V display LED 1 for notifying that the continuation right has been established when the specific ball detector 10 is turned on by winning the specific winning opening.
3 are provided. Further, normal winning ports 14a and 14b are integrally formed on the left and right portions of the mounting board of the variable winning ball apparatus 6.

[0010] The variable winning ball device 6 configured as described above operates as follows. That is, when a hit ball wins one of the start winning holes 4a and 4b and the start winning ball detector 5 is turned on, the reel body 91 of the variable display device 30 starts to rotate, and for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). ), The reels 91 are sequentially stopped from the left reel unit 91, and the specific game state is established when the combination of the identification information at the time of stopping all the reel units 91 is in a predetermined display mode. In this specific game state, the opening and closing plate 8 of the variable winning ball device 6 is set to be opened for a predetermined period (for example, until 20 seconds elapse or until ten winning balls are generated). While the game is being played, the ball hitting the surface of the game board 1 is received. When the player wins the specific winning opening provided in the winning area 7, the above-described open state is repeated again, and the open state can be repeated up to 16 times each time a winning ball is generated in the specific winning opening. I have.

Further, windmill lamps 15a and 15b are provided on the left and right sides of the variable display device 30 on the surface of the game board 1, and the passage openings 16a and 16b and the passage openings 16a and 16b are provided on the lower side. Continuous normal winning openings 17a, 17b
Are provided. The passing holes 16a and 16b are simply for passing a ball falling in the game area 3, and guide the passing ball to the lower winning ports 17a and 17b. Winner 1
7a and 17b swing the received ball to the left and right, and then guide the ball to the back of the game board 1 from the ball entrances 18a and 18b to obtain a winning ball. The windmill lamp 15
The lamps a and 15b are lit or blinked in the specific game state or at the time of starting prize to notify the user of such a situation. Side lamps 19a and 19b are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 3 as having similar functions. Is provided.

A backflow prevention device 20 is attached to the upper end of the inner guide rail 2 at the entrance of the game area 3 so as to prevent the ball hitting the game area 3 from flowing back. Further, at the lowermost part of the surface of the game board 1, there is provided an out port 21 through which a hit ball which has not won any of the above-mentioned winning areas is guided to the rear of the game board 1. Also,
Ball guiding members 42a and 42b of the variable display device 30, which will be described later.
Windmills 22a and 22 that guide the ball falling down the game area 3
b, the guide nails 23 are arranged on the left and right sides of the variable display device 30. Further, the front surface of the game board 1 is covered with glass plates 24a and 24b (see FIG. 4) as is well known.

Next, the configuration of the variable display device 30 constituting a main part of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The variable display device 30 is divided into a mounting board 31 mounted on the front surface of the game board 1 and a drive device section 70 including a rotating drum device 90 mounted on the back surface of the game board 1. Therefore, first, the configuration of the mounting board 31 mounted on the surface of the game board 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a front view of the mounting board 31, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line aa of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable display device 30, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting substrate 31, FIG. 6 is a front view of a drum transparent cover 62 mounted on the mounting substrate 31,
FIG. 7 is a sectional view and a partially enlarged view of the drum transparent cover 62.

The mounting substrate 31 has a rectangular window opening 32.
The obstacle protruding pieces 33 are protrudingly provided on the left and right of the upper part of the window opening 32. A normal winning opening 35 is formed at the center of the obstacle projecting piece 33, and the front decorative plate 3 is provided in front of the winning opening 35.
6 and the transparent lens 37 overlap. The front decorative plate 36 and the transparent lens 37 are provided with a window 36a and a lens portion 37a, respectively.
A number-of-openings indicator 39 for displaying the number of continuations of the open / close plate 8 of the variable winning prize ball device 6 faces 7a. The opening number display 39 is provided on the LED board 38 and screwed from behind the mounting board 31 with screws. In addition,
A decorative LED 40 is also provided on the LED board 38, and the decorative LED 40 also faces the window 36a and the lens portion 37a. As described above, the number of opening times indicator 39 and the decorative LED 4 that generate heat are provided below the obstacle protruding piece 33.
Since 0 is provided, a heat radiating hole 34 is formed substantially at the center of the obstacle projection 33.

Obstacle members 41a and 41b are screwed into the upper even corner of the window opening 32 of the mounting board 31 with screws, and the ball guiding members 42a and 42b are also screwed on the lower even corner of the window opening 32.
42b is screwed with a screw. Obstacle members 41a, 4
1b is provided on the mounting substrate 31 so as to prevent a ball falling along the obstacle area 33 and the game area 3 from directly colliding with a drum transparent cover 62 as a display surface described later. The guide members 42a and 42b receive a part of the ball falling down the game area 3 and once guided to the rear first inclined bottom surfaces 47a and 47b and then guided to the side, and the second inclined portion of the transparent lamp cover 52 described later. It is provided on the mounting board 31 so as to drop forward from the bottom surface 54. This will be described in detail below. The window opening 32 is provided with a drum transparent cover 62 formed as described later in detail. The size of the transparent drum cover 62 is selected so that three pieces of identification information (design) drawn on the surface of the three reel bodies 91 can be seen. Note that the drum transparent cover 62 may be formed in a lens shape so that the identification information looks larger.

Here, the above-mentioned ball guiding members 42a, 42
The configuration and operation of b will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, a and b have inclined upper surfaces 43a and 43b formed in a concave shape on the upper surface. In the present embodiment, the inclined upper surfaces 43a and 43b are inclined downward toward the center of the mounting board 31 and are inclined downward toward the drum transparent cover 62 as a display surface. The interior of the ball guiding members 42a and 42b is formed in a hollow shape and has decorative LEDs 58a and 58b described later.
Radiating holes 45a and 45b for releasing heat generated from the outside
(See FIG. 3) is formed at the base thereof, and positioning bosses 44a and 44b (see FIG. 5; however, 44a is not shown) for securing an absolute mounting position with respect to the mounting board 31 project to the outside rear surface. Has been established. The ball guide members 42a and 42b configured as described above are fixed by screws screwed from the back surface of the mounting substrate 31 so as to cover the transmission holes 46a and 46b formed on the lower left and right sides of the mounting substrate 31. Note that the inclined upper surfaces 43a and 43b may be inclined downward at least toward the drum transparent cover 62.

The ball guiding member 4 mounted as described above
First inclined bottom surfaces 47a and 47b are formed on the lower back surface of the window opening 32 of the mounting board 31 so as to be downwardly inclined toward the center so as to be continuous with the inclined upper surfaces 43a and 43b of 2a and 42b. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a step having a small interval L5 between the inclined upper surfaces 43a and 43b and the first inclined bottom surfaces 47a and 47b. First inclined bottom surface 4
7a, 47b, engaging grooves 48a, 4
8b (48b is not shown) is formed.
The start prize storage display 56 is attached to the portions a and 48b. Specifically, the LED substrate 5
5 is covered with a front lens cover 59 and a holder 60 at the front thereof, and positioning bosses 61a and 61b projecting from both ends of the holder 60 are connected to the front lens cover 59 and the LED. The whole thereof is housed in the transparent lamp cover 52 by penetrating into the positioning hole of the substrate 55 and is integrated therewith.
The engaging protrusions 53a and 53b projecting from the left and right of the LED are inserted into the engaging grooves 48a and 48b and attached.
By screwing both ends of the substrate 55, the front lens cover 59 and the holder 60 to the back surface of the mounting substrate 31 with screws,
It is attached. The upper surface of the transparent lamp cover 52 attached in this manner is the first inclined bottom surface 47.
a and 47b constitute a second inclined bottom surface 54 which is continuous. The second inclined bottom surface 54 is inclined downward from the transparent drum cover 62 as a display surface toward the front surface of the mounting board 31, that is, toward the front surface of the game board 1.

The LED board 55 has decorative LEDs 57a, 57b for illuminating the ball guiding members 42a, 42b.
Are provided at both ends thereof, and wirings 58a and 58b are connected. As shown in FIG. 3, the wirings 58 a and 58 b are formed by lateral peripheral frames 49 a and 49 b protruding rearward along the side opening edge of the window opening 32 of the mounting substrate 31 and the left and right ends of the rear surface of the mounting substrate 31. Bosses 50a, 50 projecting from
b and the wiring routing portions 51a, 51b
To be processed.

As described above, the obstacle 41 is attached to the mounting board 31.
a, 41b, the ball guiding members 42a, 42b, the transparent lamp cover 52, and the transparent drum cover 62, the first inclined bottom surface 47a in relation to the mounting substrate 31 and the transparent drum cover 62 as a display surface. , 4
7b, side peripheral frames 49a, 49b and transparent lamp cover 5
2. The drum transparent cover 62 is located rearward by the width dimension of 2, so that the first inclined bottom surfaces 47a and 47b and the second inclined bottom surface 54 constitute a lower bottom surface in front of the drum transparent cover 62 as a display surface. It is. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, obstacle members 41a and 41b and ball guiding members 42a,
Since the vertical interval L1 of the ball 42b is at least twice the diameter of the ball, the large number of balls P falling in the game area 3
In cooperation with the action of the guide nails 2a, 22b and the guide nail 23, the guide can be easily guided forward of the drum transparent cover 62 as a display surface. In addition, since the relationship between the outside dimension L2 between the obstacle members 41a and 41b and the outside dimension L3 between the ball guiding members 42a and 42b is L2 <L3, many hit balls P falling from the game area 3 from this point as well. Drum transparent cover 6 as display surface
2 makes it easy to guide forward. Further, as described above, the inclined upper surfaces 43a, 43b and the first inclined bottom surfaces 47a, 47
b, the inclined upper surfaces 43a, 43b
The hit ball that has moved to the first inclined surfaces 47a and 47b from the back does not flow backward. Further, by adjusting the size of the inner dimension L4 of the ball guiding members 42a and 42b, the ball guiding members 4a and 42b are adjusted.
It is possible to set the discharge position of the hit ball guided by being received by the 2a and 42b to a desired position to some extent.

However, since the configuration on the front side of the variable display device 30 according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, as shown in FIGS.
b, a transparent drum cover 6 as a display surface
Many balls P entering the front of 2 obliquely are received by the ball guide members 42a and 42b. Ball guiding member 42
The hit ball P received by the a, 42b is once inclined upside 4
3a, 43b guides toward the drum transparent cover 62, which is behind the game board 1, and then the first inclined bottom surface 4
It is guided toward the center of the variable display device 30 by 7a and 47b, and is emitted to one game board by the second inclined bottom surface 54. The discharge position in this case varies depending on the flow velocity flowing down the inclined upper surfaces 43a, 43b and the first inclined bottom surfaces 47a, 47b, but the falling position falls at least within the range of the inside dimension L4 below the game area 3. . That is,
In the present embodiment, the hit ball P received by the ball guide members 42a and 42b protruding from the lower portion of the variable display device 30 is used as the inclined upper surface 43 of the ball guide members 42a and 42b.
The variable display device 30 is released from the central portion of the variable display device 30 to the game area 3 again by the first inclined bottom surfaces 47a and 47b and the second inclined bottom surface 54 of the lower bottom surface in front of the transparent cover 62a and 43b. Even if the size is increased, it is possible to secure the degree of freedom in designing the arrangement of the game device below the size. In particular, in the case of this embodiment,
Since the start winning holes 4a and 4b for starting the variable display operation of the variable display device 30 are provided below the variable display device 30, it is possible to guide the ball to the lower center of the game area 3 as described above. is important. This applies to any game having any game content.

Incidentally, the drum transparent cover 62 attached so as to face the window opening 32 of the attachment board 31 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a predetermined symbol is printed on the front side by transfer. In the case of the present embodiment, as the symbol by the transfer layer 63, transparent symbol portions 64a to 64c (high transparency) which can see through the plurality of reel bodies 91.
And a decorative design portion 65 excluding the transparent design portions 64a to 64c.
(Low transparency), 3 formed on each reel body 91
And a winning line symbol portion (no symbol) for displaying a winning line per combination of two symbols. Further, the transfer layer 63
As shown in FIG. 7 (B), the mold comprises a release protective layer 66, a design layer 67, and an adhesive layer 68, and the adhesive layer 68 is adhered to the surface of the drum transparent cover 62 to obtain a predetermined design. Can be In addition, the drum transparent cover 62 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7 (A), the central portion has a shape bulging forward with respect to the peripheral portion, but the rising portion of the bulging portion has a radius curvature 62a having an appropriate curvature.
Is given. By performing such a process, it is possible to obtain a beautiful transfer pattern in which the transfer sheet is not broken or wrinkled due to the tear of the transfer sheet during the transfer process by in-mold molding. By forming the above-described transfer layer 63 over substantially the entire area of the surface of the drum transparent cover 62, the drum transparent cover 62 is protected from the impact of a hit ball,
An effect that dirt and scratches are hardly formed can be obtained.

Next, the configuration of the drive unit 70, which is one component of the variable display device 30, will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 8, the drive unit 70 includes a drum device housing 71 and a rotating drum device 90. Therefore, first, the drum device housing 71 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the drive unit 70 as viewed from the front, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drive unit 70 as viewed from the back.

In the figure, a drum device housing 71 for housing a rotary drum device 90 is formed in a box shape with an open front, and three rotary drum devices 9 are opened from an opening 72 at the front.
0 can be inserted and supported. Specifically, a plurality of guide grooves 73 are formed above and below the drum device housing 71 so as to correspond to the respective rotating drum devices 90. The guide groove 73 is formed by a pair of guide protrusions 74. The width of the guide protrusion 74 is, as shown in FIG.
7 are formed such that L6> L7, and are formed in a tapered shape (as viewed from the side) toward the rear end.
A positioning concave portion 75 is formed at the front edge of each guide groove 73, and a positioning convex portion 132, which will be described later, formed above and below the front end of the fixed plate 131 of the rotary drum device 90 engages with the positioning concave portion 75.

Further, a fastening piece 77 and a locking piece 76 are provided above and below the opening of the drum device housing 71. The fastening piece 77 and the locking piece 76 are both formed by bending a metal plate piece extending from the rear end of the drum device housing 71 along the upper surface thereof, and as shown in FIG. It corresponds to an attachment piece 80 and a hook receiving portion 79 formed on a frame-shaped attachment plate 78 fixed to the back surface of the game board 1. That is, the attachment plate 78 is fixed to the back surface of the game board 1 by screwing screws into a plurality of mounting holes 81 formed at both end edges thereof, and the hook of the fixed attachment plate 78 is fixed. The locking piece 76 is inserted into the receiving portion 79, and then the fastening piece 77 and the mounting piece 80 are brought into contact with each other and screwed with a screw.
A drum device housing 71 having a built-in rotary drum device 90 can be attached to the back surface of the game board 1. The mounting substrate 31 is also mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 78. Therefore, a positioning hole 82 for positioning with the mounting substrate 31 is formed in the center of the mounting plate 78 in the left and right center. Have been.

On the other hand, on the back of the drum device housing 71,
A printed wiring board 83 is attached. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, one side of the printed wiring board 83 is locked at the upper and lower sides by a pressing member 84, and the center of the other side is a fastening screw 8
It is attached by fixing at 5. On the printed wiring board 83, a connector 86 corresponding to each rotating drum device 90 is erected on the front side, and a board connection connector 87 for connecting to a control board (not shown) is erected on the rear side. ing. Connector 86
, Which constitutes a second connection terminal, to which a connector 139 described later is connected. Further, an operation hole 88 for inserting a driver when screwing into a mounting hole 134 of a fixing plate 131 described later is formed below the connector 86 of the printed wiring board 83. Note that the printed wiring board 83 is attached at a position inside the rear end edge of the drum device housing 71 so that the printed wiring board 83 is protected.

In order to support and fix the rotary drum device 90 to the drum device housing 71 configured as described above, the fixing plate 131 on which the reel body 91 of the rotary drum device 90 and the stepping motor 170 are provided is guided by the guide groove 73. And push it back along. At this time, since the width L6 of the guide groove 73 is large and the vertical interval is larger than the height of the rear edge of the fixed plate 131, the fixed plate 131 can be smoothly inserted into the guide groove 73 at an early stage, Due to the tapered shape of the guide groove 73, the subsequent pushing operation is also performed smoothly. When the fixing plate 131 is pushed all the way in, the connector 13 provided on the rotating drum device 90 side
9 (first connection terminal) is naturally connected to the connector 86 laid on the printed wiring board 83. Thereby, the stepping motor 170 provided in the rotary drum device 90 is provided.
And the work of electrical connection to the irradiation device 155 is completed.
That is, in the present embodiment, the fixing plate 131 to which the reel body 91 and the stepping motor 170 are fixed is provided with:
A connector 139 to which the wiring from the stepping motor 170 and the irradiation device 155 is connected is provided. On the other hand, a connector 86 is provided to the drum device housing 71 which supports and fixes the fixing plate 131 and houses the reel body 91. Since the connector 139 and the connector 86 are connected only by supporting and fixing the fixing plate 131 to the storage body 71, there is no need to perform a special wiring connection operation, and the wiring is not damaged.

Next, the rotary drum device 90 housed in the drum device housing 71 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 10 to 17. The rotating drum device 90 includes:
As shown in FIG. 8, the reel body 91 and the reel body 91
And a drive unit 130 for rotating the drive. Thus, first, the configuration of the reel body 91 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a side front view of the reel body 91, and FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the reel body 91.

FIG. 10A and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a cylindrical symbol display surface 92 on which a plurality of pieces of identification information (symbols) are formed, and a center located substantially at the center of the width of the symbol display surface 92 from one end of the symbol display surface 92. And a reel frame 93 formed in a hexagonal diagonal line toward the shaft portion 94. A D-shaped fixing recess 95 having a “D” cross section is formed in the central shaft portion 94.
A stop hole 96 is formed at the center of the D-shaped fixing recess 95. An output shaft 188 of a stepping motor 170 described later is fitted into the D-shaped fixing concave portion 95 in a predetermined positional relationship. Also, a connection portion inside the reel frame 93 and the symbol display surface 92 and the reel frame 9
A reinforcing rib 97 is provided at an outer connecting portion between the third shaft 3 and the central shaft portion 94.
Are formed, and the rigidity of the symbol display surface 92 formed of a synthetic resin is increased. To increase the rigidity, the cross-sectional shape of the reel frame 93 itself is formed in an arc shape as shown in FIG. 10B, and the first bent portion 98 and the second bent portion 99 are formed as shown in FIG. With this, it is formed in a step shape,
Increases rigidity. Also, there are six reel frames 93.
One of the reel frames 93 near the symbol display surface 92 is provided with a reference hole 100 serving as a reference when a symbol is transferred to the symbol display surface 92 (the reference hole 100 is not limited to the reference hole 100, and other positioning such as a reference protrusion). When a symbol sticker is affixed to the symbol display surface 92 in place of the transfer symbol (for example, when used in a variable display device without a built-in light source), the reference sticker is used. Reference position 10
1 is formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the reel body. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line aa of FIG. 10A, FIG. 10C is an enlarged view of a portion b of FIG. 10A, and FIG. 5 (A) is a partial front view of the symbol display surface 92 viewed from the direction of arrow c. FIG.

By the way, the symbol display surface 9 of the reel body 91
As shown in FIG. 10 (C), the transfer layer 102 including the design layer 103 and the adhesive layer 104 has a predetermined design, for example, a hit design 105 and a release design 106 shown in FIG. 10 (D). Are formed. The hit symbol 105 and the off symbol 106 use a highly transparent pigment, and the margin 107 other than the hit symbol 105 and the off symbol 106 uses a pigment with a lower transmittance than that of the symbol layer 103. Constitute. In this embodiment, the boundary between the hit symbol 105 and the margin 107 and the departure symbol 106 and the margin 107 are used.
Is bordered by a metallic luster 108.
The metallic gloss portion 108 is formed by including the metallic gloss layer in the design layer 103. The overlapped portion 102a between the start and end of the transferred symbol is small as shown in FIG. 10D, and the overlap width is about 1 mm.

The design transferred as described above has heat resistance, so that the design does not peel off due to heat, so that a durable reel body 91 can be obtained. In addition, since a symbol can be formed on the symbol display surface 92 by using a transfer machine, the production of the reel body 91 can be facilitated, and the production process can be automated.

Next, the structure of the drive unit 130 to which the reel body 91 constructed as described above is attached is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
FIGS. 13 and 14 are a front view and a side view of the irradiation device 155, FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the stepping motor 170, and FIG. FIG. 17 is a cutaway front view, FIG.
3 is a sectional view of the stepping motor 170. FIG. Thus, the driving unit 130 includes a stepping motor 170 for rotating the reel unit 91, a fixing plate 131 for fixing the stepping motor 170, and the reel unit 91.
And an irradiating device 155 for irradiating light from the inner side surface of the device.

First, the configuration of the fixing plate 131 will be described with reference to FIG. A stepping motor 170 is fixed to the center of the fixed plate 131, and a printed wiring board 150 is fixed to cover the outer periphery of the stepping motor 170. This printed wiring board 150
A light source 157 described later of the irradiation device 155 is planted, a motor connector 152 to which a motor wire 181 described later is connected is also planted, and the motor wire 181 and the light source wire are assembled at the rear end. Connector 15
3 are planted. The connector 153 is connected to a connector 139 described later by a collective wiring 154.

At the top and bottom of the front end of the fixing plate 131, there are formed positioning projections 132 extending vertically, and at the rear end of the fixing plate 131, a mounting plate 134 having mounting holes 134 formed. Two faces 133 are protruded in the lateral direction. The mounting plate surface 133 is in contact with the rear surface of the drum device housing 71 and is screwed into the mounting hole 134 to fix the rotating drum device 90 to the drum device housing 71. Further, the upper end of the mounting plate surface 133 above the two mounting plate surfaces 133 is bent toward the front, and a locking hole 135 is formed at the center thereof. The engaging projection 138a of the wiring board 138 on which the connector 139 is implanted is inserted into the locking hole 135. Wiring board 1
The upper end of 38 is fixed to a mounting protrusion 136 formed on the upper end of the rear end of the fixing plate 131 by a substrate mounting bracket 137 which is fixed with screws. In this manner, the wiring board 138 firmly fastened by the locking hole 135 and the board mounting bracket 137.
The connector 139 supplies power to the stepping motor 170 and the irradiating device 155 via the collective wiring 154 and the printed wiring board 150. As described above, when the fixing plate 131 is pushed all the way in, Connector 13 provided on drum device 90 side
9 is naturally connected to the connector 86 erected on the printed wiring board 83 on the drum device housing 71 side, and the electrical connection to the stepping motor 170 and the irradiation device 155 provided on the rotating drum device 90 is completed. I do.

Further, the fixing plate 131 has a lamp escape opening 140 at the center of the front end thereof, a motor bearing escape opening 141 and a wiring escape opening 142 at the center thereof, and a connector escape opening 143 and a wiring escape opening 147 at an upper portion near the rear thereof. Has been established. The lamp escape opening 140 and the connector escape opening 143 are for letting out the light emitting source 157 and the pins projecting from the back surfaces of the connectors 152 and 153 implanted on the printed wiring board 150, and the motor bearing escape opening 141 is provided. This is for releasing the rear end portion of the rotation shaft 186 of the stepping motor 170, and the wiring escape opening 142
Is the wiring 18 derived from the stepping motor 170
1 to allow a part of the wiring escape opening 14 to escape.
Numeral 7 is for releasing the collective wiring 154. By the way, between the connector escape opening 143 and the wiring escape opening 147, a wiring routing portion 144 is inserted, and
The wire holding member 145 is inserted into the end of the wire escape opening 147. This means that the collective wiring 154 soldered to the connector 153 of the printed wiring board 150 and the back surface of the wiring board 138 passes through the back side of the wiring routing section 144, and then one end of the wiring pressing member 145 is inserted into the engagement hole 146. And screw the other end with screws to collective wiring 1
This is because the group wiring 154 does not hinder the rotation of the reel body 91 by pressing down the 54.
Above and below the lamp escape opening 140, a positioning hole 149 and a fixing hole 148 for positioning and fixing a reflection housing member 156 of the irradiation device 155 described below are formed. The fixed plate 131 is formed of a metal flat plate, and also has a function as a heat radiating plate that radiates heat generated by the stepping motor 170.

Next, the configuration of the irradiation device 155 will be described with reference to FIGS. Irradiation device 155
The interior is composed of a plurality of (three) reflective housing members 156 partitioned by a partition plate 162 and a light emitting source 157 supported by a holder 158 in each partitioned space. In the present embodiment, a small fluorescent discharge tube that can be turned on at a low voltage (20 V) is used as a light-emitting source, thereby generating a higher luminance than an LED with a smaller amount of heat generation than a miniature lamp. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the reflection housing member 156
A metal plate or white color is used to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting source 157, and as shown in FIG. 13, a heat radiating hole 159 for radiating the heat emitted from the light emitting source 157 to the outside as shown in FIG. Are formed. As described above, by setting the light emitting source 157 of the irradiation device 155 to have a high luminance and a low calorific value and forming the heat radiation hole 159, it is possible to reduce the adverse effect of heat on the transfer pattern of the reel body 91. A durable variable display device can be obtained from the meaning. As shown in FIG. 14, positioning protrusions 160 penetrating the printed wiring board 150 and the fixing plate 131, and mounting holes for fixing the reflecting housing member 156 to the fixing plate 131 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the reflection housing member 156. 161 are formed. For this reason, the printed wiring board 150 is provided with a positioning hole 163 and a fastening through-hole 164 (only the upper portion is shown but also formed in the lower portion).

Next, the structure of the stepping motor 170 to which the reel body 91 is fixed will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The stepping motor 170 is
A stator forming mounting plate 171, a central stator forming cylinder 179, and a stator forming cover plate 183 constituting a fixed side (hereinafter, referred to as a stator), and a rotor 185 constituting a rotating side (hereinafter, referred to as a rotor). It is configured. First, the configuration on the stator side will be described.
1, a bearing cylinder 172 having a bearing hole 173 formed in the center thereof is fixed, and a sensor mounting board 174 formed in a donut shape is disposed in the bearing cylinder 172. The sensor mounting board 174 is provided with a drum sensor 175 as a reference position detector, a sensitivity adjuster 176 for adjusting the sensitivity of the drum sensor 175, and a circuit for driving them. In the present embodiment, the drum sensor 175
It is constituted by a reflection type photo sensor, and derives an output signal by detecting reflected light. The sensor mounting board 174 of the drum sensor 175
The upper position is provided at a position corresponding to a point on the rotation trajectory of the detected portion 190 described later in detail. The sensor mounting board 174 is fixed to the stator forming mounting plate 171 by a screw, and the stator forming mounting plate 1
The wiring 181 is extended from the back surface of the wiring 71. Furthermore,
The stator forming mounting plate 171 has a large number (4 in the embodiment).
Five) needle-shaped stator cores 178a are formed in a circular shape so as to project inward. The stator forming mounting plate 17
Mounting pieces 177 for fixing the stepping motor 170 to the fixing plate 131 with screws (not shown) above and below the mounting plate 177.
a, 177b are formed.

The central stator forming cylinder 179 is formed in a tubular shape with an open front and rear, a center portion in the width direction is formed in a donut shape, and the stator core 178a extends in both front and rear directions from the center circumference. Of the same number of needle-shaped stator cores 178
b, 178c are protrudingly formed. Then, winding coils 180a, 180b are arranged on the outer periphery of the respective stator cores 178b, 178c. In the center stator forming cylinder 179, a wiring lead-out portion 182a that pulls out a wiring 181 extending from the winding coils 180a and 180b to the outside is provided.
182b (however, 182a is not shown) is formed. The central stator forming cylinder 179 is integrally fixed to the stator forming mounting plate 171 by inserting the stator forming mounting plate 171 into one open end surface thereof and poking it. The wiring 181 extending from the winding coils 180a and 180b and the wiring 181 extending from the sensor mounting board 174 are connected to the motor connector 152 of the printed wiring board 150 as motor wiring 181.

The stator forming cover plate 183 is formed with the same number of needle-shaped stator cores 178d as the stator cores 178a so as to protrude inward, and has an output shaft 188 at the center thereof.
An output shaft through hole 184 for penetrating through the hole is provided. The stator forming cover plate 183 is also used for the central stator forming cylinder 17.
9 is fixed to the central stator forming cylinder 179 by inserting it into the other open end face and poking it. As described above, the stator forming mounting plate 171 and the central stator forming cylinder 17
9 and the stator forming lid plate 183 are integrally assembled, the stator cores 178a and 178b,
8c and 178d are in a positional relationship such that they mesh with each other, and the four stator iron cores 178a to 178d are arranged in a phase-shifted manner so as to be at equal intervals.

On the other hand, the rotor side is made of an iron rotor 185.
And a rotating shaft 186 protruding and fixed to the center of the rotor 185 in the front-rear direction. Rotating shaft 186
Penetrates through the bearing hole 173 of the bearing cylinder 172 and protrudes outside the stator forming mounting plate 171, and the fixed washer 192 is locked in the fixed groove 187 formed at the rear end thereof, so that the rotor 185 can rotate. I support it. A smooth washer 191 is interposed on the rotating shaft 186 to make the rotation of the rotor 185 smoother. Also,
The rotor 185 includes the stator core 1 provided in a circular shape.
It is formed so as to have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameters of 78a to 178d and to have a width slightly smaller than the width of the central stator forming cylinder 179. Further, inside the rotor 185, a detected portion 190 is provided so as to project toward the sensor mounting board 174. The detected portion 190 has a white color at its front end facing the drum sensor 175 so that it can be detected by the drum sensor 175. Also, the rotating shaft 1
An output shaft 18 having a cut surface 189
The output shaft 188 is fixed to the reel body 91.
The D-shaped fixing concave portion 95 is accurately fitted. The rotation shaft 186 and the output shaft 188 are attached to the rotor 185 as follows. In other words, in a state where all the components except the rotating shaft 186 and the output shaft 188 are assembled, the device is once excited to detect the reset position of the drum sensor 175 by the detected portion 190, and to hold the detected position. The rotating shaft 186 is driven with a jig in a state where the cut surface 189 faces a predetermined direction, and is locked by the fixed washer 192. Thereby, the drum sensor 1
A mounting error between the sensor mounting board 75 and the sensor mounting board 174 and a mounting error between the sensor mounting board 174 and the stator forming mounting plate 171 can be corrected, and the symbol can be stopped at an accurate position.

The stepping motor 170 configured as described above constitutes a so-called two-phase unipolar drive type stepping motor, and when a drive pulse is sent, “θ /
4 ”degrees (θ; tooth pitch of the stator core). That is, in the present embodiment, θ = 36
Since 0/45 = 8, the step is performed twice for each drive pulse. In the stepping motor 170 described above, the drum sensor 175 and the detected portion 19
0 is provided inside the stepping motor 170, that is, in the space formed by the stator forming mounting plate 171, the central stator forming cylinder 179, and the stator forming cover plate 183. It is possible to prevent a situation in which dust or the like is attached to cause a detection failure, and a stable detection operation can be ensured over a long period of time. Further, since the detected portion 190 is provided on the rotor 185 on the rotating side of the stepping motor 170, the detected portion 190 is compared with a conventional device in which the detected portion is provided on a rotating drum molded of a synthetic resin. As a result, the relative positional relationship between the detected section 190 and the drum sensor 175 is accurately maintained over a long period of time, and thus, a stable detection operation can be ensured over a long period of time.

The structure of the rotary drum device 90 has been described above. When the reel main body 91 is fixed to the drive section 130, the reel main body 91 completely connects the stepping motor 170 and the irradiation device 155 as shown in FIG. In this state, a plurality of rotating drum devices 90 are installed in parallel in the drum device housing 71 in that state,
The variable display device 30 composed of three rows can be configured.

The gaming operation of the gaming machine provided on the gaming board 1 such as the variable display device 30 and the variable winning ball device 6 described above is controlled by the control circuit shown in FIG.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a control circuit for controlling a game operation. Briefly describing this, MPU, RO
It is controlled by a basic circuit 200 including an M, a RAM, and an input / output circuit. Thus, the basic circuit 200 has the input circuit 2
The detection signals from the winning ball detector 11, the specific ball detector 10, the starting winning ball detector 5, and the plurality of drum sensors 175 are input via the CPU 04, and a chip select signal is sent from the address decode circuit 205 to the basic circuit 200. Given.
When the power is turned on, a reset signal is provided from the initial reset circuit 206 to the basic circuit 200, and a periodic reset signal is provided from the periodic reset circuit 207 to the basic circuit 200 at predetermined time intervals.

On the other hand, a control signal is supplied from the basic circuit 200 to the following devices and circuits. That is, the sound circuit 208
An audio signal is supplied to the speaker via the, and a drive signal is supplied from the basic circuit 200 to a jackpot information circuit 209 that outputs a jackpot information signal to the outside. Further, a drive signal is given to the plurality of drum motors 170 (stepping motors) via the motor circuit 201, and the segment L
Via the ED circuit 202, the number-of-openings display 39, the start storage display LED48, the winning number display 12, the V display LED1
3, and a display control signal is given to the decoration LED 40, and the drum lamp 15 is supplied through the lamp solenoid circuit 203.
7. Windmill lamps 15a, 15b and side lamp 19
a, 19b and other decorative lamps, and solenoid 9 for the opening and closing plate
The drive signal is sent to the. Note that power having various voltages is supplied from the power supply circuit 210 to the above-described devices and circuits.

As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the obstacle members 41a and 41b serving as the cover for preventing the ball from entering the display surface of the variable display device 30 are provided with the game area on the surface of the game board 1. 3 and guides a ball that has invaded the lower sides of the display surface, avoiding the obstacles 41a and 41b, toward a center line parallel to the vertical direction of the game area 3. Ball guiding member 4 as a guiding portion to perform
2a and 42b are protruded, and a distance L1 between the obstacle members 41a and 41b and the ball guiding members 42a and 42b in the vertical direction is set to be twice or more the diameter of the ball. With such a configuration, the ball guiding member 4
The hit balls received by the balls 2a and 42b are guided toward substantially the center of the game area 3 and are discharged again to the surface of the game board 1 above the starting winning opening. It is possible to secure a degree of freedom in designing the arrangement of the gaming machines below. Further, according to this configuration, the vertical distance L1 between the obstacle members 41a and 41b and the ball guiding members 42a and 42b is set to be twice or more the diameter of the ball. For this reason, a ball can be easily entered from between the obstacle members 41a, 41b and the ball guiding members 42a, 42b, and by giving the player more chances of starting a prize, the interest of the game can be improved.

Further, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the guiding portion guides the ball guided from the ball guiding members 42a and 42b, and the first inclined bottom surface 47a which is inclined downward from the end toward the center. , 47b and the first inclined bottom surface 47a,
47b, and a second inclined bottom surface 54 inclined downward from the display surface toward the surface of the game board 1. With this configuration, the hit balls received by the ball guide members 42a and 42b on both the left and right sides are not directly discharged onto the game board 1 surface, but are guided rightward or leftward by the second inclined bottom surface 54. After that, it can be discharged onto the game board 1. In addition, since the display surface of the variable display device 30 is formed behind the game area 3, the guiding distance of the ball in the guiding unit can be increased, and the visual interest can be increased by playing the ball more. Can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the hit ball received by the ball guiding members 42a and 42b again
Because you can see the entire process until the game is released, you can play with confidence.

In the variable display device 30 described above, the drum-shaped reel body 91 is shown as a variable display member, but a variable member that rotates an endless belt or a disk-shaped rotary member may be used. LED and L
A variable display device having an electrically variable display member such as a CD may be used. In the embodiment described above, the first
Although the inclined bottom surfaces 47a and 47b and the second inclined bottom surface 54 are shown as being formed separately, they may be formed integrally. Furthermore, although a pachinko gaming machine has been described as a ball game machine to which the variable display device is applied, another ball game machine, for example, an arrangement type pachinko game machine or the like may be used.

[0048]

As is apparent from the above description, the first aspect of the present invention is provided with a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information in accordance with the winning of a ball in the starting winning opening. In the ball-and-ball game machine, a cover portion for preventing a ball from entering the display surface of the variable display device is provided so as to protrude forward from a game area on the surface of the game board, and the cover is provided on both lower sides of the display surface. A guiding portion that guides the hit ball intruding around the portion toward a center line parallel to a vertical direction of the game area is projected, and a vertical distance between the covering portion and the guiding portion is increased. It is characterized in that it is set at least twice the diameter of the hit ball. The hit ball received by the guiding portion is guided toward substantially the center of the game area and is released again to the game board surface above the starting winning opening, so that even if the variable display device becomes large, The degree of freedom of design such as arrangement can be ensured. Further, according to this configuration, the vertical distance between the covering portion and the guide portion is set to be twice or more the diameter of the hit ball. For this reason, it is possible to make it easy for a ball to enter from between the covering portion and the guiding portion, and by giving the player more chances of starting a prize, the interest of the game can be improved.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2, the guide portion has a first inclined bottom surface inclined downward from an end toward the center, and a continuous game surface from the display surface to the game board surface. And a second inclined bottom surface that is inclined downward toward. With this configuration, the hit ball received by the guiding portions on both the left and right sides is not discharged to the game board surface as it is, but is guided rightward or leftward on the second inclined bottom surface, and is then placed on the game board surface. Can be discharged.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the display surface of the variable display device is formed behind the game area. With this configuration,
The guiding distance of the ball in the guiding portion can be increased, and the visual interest can be improved by making the ball more playable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko game machine as an example of a ball game machine to which a variable display device according to an embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a mounting board constituting the variable display device.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line aa of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable display device.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting board.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a transparent drum cover included in the mounting board.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view and a partially enlarged sectional view of a drum transparent cover.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a drive device unit that constitutes the variable display device and includes a drum device housing and a rotating drum device, as viewed from the front.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drive unit as viewed from the back.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, a partial cross-sectional view, and a partial front view of a reel main body constituting the rotary drum device.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the reel body.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a driving unit included in the rotary drum device.

FIG. 13 is a front view of an irradiation device provided in the rotary drum device.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an irradiation device provided in the rotary drum device.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a stepping motor provided in the rotary drum device.

FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway front view of the stepping motor.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a stepping motor.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a control circuit for controlling a game operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming board 3 Gaming area 4a, 4b Starting winning opening 22a, 22b Windmill 23 Guide nail 30 Variable display device 31 Mounting board 33 Obstacle projecting piece 41a, 41b Obstacle member (covering part) 42a, 42b Ball guiding member (guiding part) 43a , 43b Inclined top surface 47a, 47b First inclined bottom surface 52 Transparent lamp cover 54 Second inclined bottom surface 62 Drum transparent cover (display surface) 70 Driving unit 71 Drum unit housing 90 Rotating drum unit 91 Reel body 130 Driving unit 170 Stepping motor

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A ball game machine having a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information in accordance with a winning of a hit ball at a starting winning opening, wherein a ball hits the display surface of the variable display device. A cover that protrudes from the game area on the surface of the game board is projected forward, and a ball that has invaded the lower side of the display surface while avoiding the cover is parallel to the vertical direction of the game area. A ball guide for projecting toward a center line, wherein a vertical distance between the cover and the guide is set to be at least twice the diameter of the ball. Machine. 2. The guide portion has a first inclined bottom surface inclined downward from an end toward the center, and a second inclined surface continuous with the first inclined bottom surface and inclined downward from the display surface toward the game board surface. The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising an inclined bottom surface. 3. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein a display surface of the variable display device is formed behind the game area.