JPS63283664A - Variable display apparatus of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a variable display device used in gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, and more specifically, a variable display device that displays multiple types of identification information on the outer periphery. a rotating drum;
A drum shaft that is loosely fitted in a state where rotational force can be transmitted by a predetermined frictional force, a rotation drive mechanism that rotationally drives the drum shaft, and a rotation of the rotating drum is stopped against the frictional force with the drum shaft. The present invention relates to a variable display device for a gaming machine, which is equipped with a rotation stop means.

[Prior Art] In a gaming machine using this type of variable display device, if the display result when the rotating drum is stopped shows a predetermined display, a specific gaming state is entered and a predetermined gaming value is given to the player. The game was controlled so as to increase the interest of the game.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the conventional variable display device of this type of gaming machine, in order to downsize the device, a light projector and a light receiver are disposed facing each other on both sides of the rotating drum. The rotating drum is provided with a through hole, and the output light beam is detected by a light receiver when the output light beam projected from the light emitter matches the through hole of the rotary drum, whereby a specific gaming state occurs. A conceivable method is to optically detect the output beam by matching the output light beam with a through hole provided in the rotating drum.

However, light has the property of diverging in all directions, and the light emitted from the light projector may diverge while passing through the light emitted from the rotating drum and be received by a light receiver other than the light receiver that should originally receive the light. There is a risk that the receiver may make a false detection. If this erroneous detection causes a phenomenon in which the player is not given gaming value even though a specific gaming state has occurred, it may cause trouble between players and employees at the gaming parlor. It becomes.

On the other hand, if gaming value is awarded even though the specific gaming state has not been established, an unreasonable amount of gaming value will be awarded, which will be unfavorable in terms of management of the gaming parlor. Therefore, malfunctions of the projector and receiver must be avoided at all costs in the variable display device of this type of gaming machine.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention prevents erroneous detection of the light receiver caused by the light emitted from the light emitter being diverged while passing through the transparent hole of the rotating drum, and erroneously judges the display result. The object of the present invention is to provide a variable display device that can be used without any problems.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A variable display device for a gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding to the identification information perforated in the side surface of the rotary drum, stop position detection means including a plurality of light projectors that project light; and a light receiver that receives the light projected from the light projectors through the through hole; and a frame that integrally holds the stop position detection means, the rotating drum has a recess formed by an outer periphery and a side surface thereof, and a light is emitted at a position corresponding to the through hole in the recess. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a light guide member that prevents the divergence of light and gives directionality to the light.

[Function] The light emitted from the light projector in the stop position detection means is
When the light passes through the through hole of the rotating drum, the light guide member prevents the light from diverging and gives it directionality, so that the light is received only by a predetermined light receiver.

[Embodiments of the Invention] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the configuration, the game board 1 of the pachinko game machine 10
On the top, there are a passing area consisting of winning areas such as safe holes 2a to 2C, winning areas 3a to 3c consisting of winning holes defined so that a variable display device 50, which will be described later, can be changed depending on winning balls, which are an example of passing balls. Multiple Yakumono (commonly known as tulips) 4a.

4b, and out ball population 5 are formed.

A variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is arranged approximately in the center of the game board 1. This variable winning ball/variable display device 30
is constructed by integrally mounting a variable winning ball device 40 and a variable display device 50 shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B, which will be described later, on a front frame member 31. In this way, since the variable winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 are integrally configured, both devices can be integrally attached at the same time when attached to the game board 1, making the installation easy and reducing the number of parts. It has the advantage of being easy to manage. The variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum mechanism 50A, which is an example of a mechanically variable display member, and a segment display 50B, which is an example of an electrically variable display. The variable display device 50 then displays the winning area 3a.
- The variable display of the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B is started in accordance with the winning balls in ~3C, and after a certain period of time from the player's stop command or the start of the variable display,
Stop variable display. Rotating drum mechanism 50A at this time
When the combination of the display state of and the display state of the segment display 50B becomes a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 40
It is determined that the game is in a specific gaming state in which it is possible to open the game. In addition, as another example of the specific game state for driving the variable winning ball device 40 to open, a winning area 2b is formed whose nails are adjusted so that it is relatively difficult to win a winning ball, and a winning ball is placed in the winning area 2b. The winning ball detector 100 may detect the winning ball to determine that a specific gaming state has been entered. That is, the entered prize ball detector 100 may constitute a specific game state detection means for detecting that a predetermined game state has been reached in a pachinko game. In addition, the entered prize area 2b is configured to also serve as a specific area, and the entered prize ball detector 100 is used as a specific area for detecting pachinko balls that have passed through the specific area that is allowed to continue the variable winning ball device in the first state. It may also be configured to serve as the area passing ball detection means.

Below the front frame 11 of the pachinko machine 10, a prize ball payout port 12, a batted ball standby gutter 13, a batted ball handle 14, a surplus prize ball payout port 15, and a prize ball tray 16 are arranged. The ball-hitting handle 14 adjusts the strength of the ball by rotating, and if necessary, a ball-hitting command switch is provided on its outer periphery. It may be a switch provided on the frame 11, or a switch that has a cam fixed to the shaft of the ball-hitting handle 14 and is switched by pressing the cam.

In addition, if necessary, the front frame 11 may include variable display start and
A stop command switch 17 is provided. The variable display start/stop command switch 17 includes a start command switch 17s and a stop command switch 17e. This start command switch 17s is used to select to start variable display of both the rotary drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B at the player's will after the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B are in a game state in which display can be driven. The stop command switch 17e is used to command the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the variable display of the segment display 50B to stop. Preferably, when a plurality of display rows of rotating drum mechanisms are provided, by repeatedly pressing the stop command switch 17e, the drums in each row included in the rotating drum mechanism 50A are commanded to stop in sequence. . For example, rotating drum mechanism 5OA
If the display row consists of three drums, pressing the stop command switch 17e once will stop the left drum, the second pressing will stop the center drum, and the third pressing will stop the left drum. to stop the right drum. In this case, when the drums in all rows are stopped or after a certain period of time, the segment indicator 50B
Stop the variable display of.

It should be noted that if the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B are to be variably displayed immediately in response to the winning balls entering the winning areas 3a to 3c, the start command switch 17s is not required. Further, a plurality of stop command switches 17e may be provided corresponding to the number of rows of drums included in the rotating drum mechanism 50A.

Furthermore, if the player does not operate the stop command switch 17e, the variable display device may be stopped after a certain period of time has elapsed, or the variable display device may be stopped only after a certain period of time has elapsed without providing the stop command switch 17e. You can do it like this.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the back structure of the pachinko machine 10. In the figure, on the back side of the game board 1 where the winning areas 3a, 3b, and 3C are formed, paths 211 and 212 are formed for guiding the winning balls that have passed through the winning areas downward. Route 2
A winning ball detector 22 is provided below 11 to detect winning balls entering the winning area 3a or 3b. Route 2
A winning ball detector 23 is provided below 12 to detect winnings in the winning area 3C. In addition, if necessary, the winning balls detected by the winning ball detectors 22 and 23 are guided to the upper positions of the Yakumonos 4a and 4b, and are used to open the beak-shaped parts of the Yakumono 4a and 4b. The outputs of the winning ball detectors 22 and 23 are used as detection outputs for the state in which the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B can be driven for display. A path 213 is provided on the back side of the game board 1 at a position slightly above the out ball population 5.

This path 213 passes through the safe holes 2a and 2c, the safe hole 2b which is an example of a passing area, the winning areas 38 to 3 C%, and the winning ball processing device that passes the winning balls to any of the winning balls 4a and 4b or the variable winning ball device 40. 24. This winning ball processing device 24 drops winning balls one by one onto the winning balls guided through the path 213. The balls dropped one by one by the prize ball processor 24 are processed by a conventionally known prize ball payout mechanism (not shown).
An operating member connected to the button is operated to pay out a fixed number of prize balls for each winning prize.

Figures 3A and 3B are illustrative views of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30, particularly Figure 38 shows its perspective view, and Figure 3B shows its longitudinal sectional view.

4A and 4B show detailed views of the variable prize winning ball device, in particular, FIG. 4A shows an exploded perspective view thereof, and FIG. 4B shows a view from the back side of the mounting plate 31 as a mounting board.

5A to 5E are illustrative views showing details of the variable display device 50, in particular, FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the variable display device 50 as seen from the front side, FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the internal structure, and FIG. 5
FIG. 5C shows a sectioned perspective view thereof, FIG. 5D shows a detailed perspective view of one drum, and FIG. 5E shows a detailed sectional view of the light guide member of the rotating drum.

Next, the configuration of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3A to 5E.

First, the details of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30 will be described.

The variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is constructed by integrally mounting the variable winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 on a mounting plate 31. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the mounting plate 31 has a rectangular opening in which the variable winning ball device 40 is formed in association with the variable winning ball device 40 and serves as the winning opening of the variable winning ball device 40, which is an example of a specific area. 32 is drilled. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the specific area and the variable winning ball device are used together, but the specific area and the variable winning ball device may also be provided separately. The mounting plate 31 also includes a display window 33a for displaying identification information drawn on each row of drums, which will be described later.
33b and 33c are drilled. Furthermore, a rectangular notch 34 is formed at the upper portion of the mounting plate 31 . A frame member 35 for displaying a segment display 50B, which is an example of an electrically variable display, and for guiding pachinko balls is mounted on the front surface of the notch 34. This frame member 35 has an upside-down ball receiving plate 351 formed on its upper part, and
A guide 353 is formed that guides the balls received by the ball receiving plate 351 to the back side through a hole that becomes the winning area 3a. In this way, since the winning area 3a is provided in the area where the player aims by hitting the ball, it is possible to prevent the player's interest in winning from waning, especially when the variable winning ball device is developed. The fun of the game can be improved. When the pachinko balls falling from above collide with this frame member 35, the falling force of the pachinko balls can be reduced, and the opening/closing plate 42 located below
The frame member 35 constitutes an obstacle member that changes the falling path of the pachinko balls. In addition, if the pachinko ball collides with this obstacle member and the falling path changes, the falling path of the pachinko ball will change at the top of the variable winning ball device, which is the focus of the player's attention. The direction of the game changes fluidly, which can improve the fun of the game.

Further, in this embodiment, the variable winning ball device is integrally provided with the obstacle member, but the variable winning ball device and the obstacle member may be configured separately.

Ball passing regions 354 and 355 for allowing balls to pass are formed in a laterally extending portion of the frame member 35. A display window 356 is provided in the front surface of the frame member 35 for viewing the segment display 50B. This display window 356
A segment display 50B is attached to the back side of the screen. This segment display 50B is used as an example of the determination of the display device in this embodiment, but it can also be used to determine the number of pachinko balls that have won in the variable winning ball device 40 and whether the variable winning ball device 50 is in the first state. Information related to the game, such as the number of changes, may be displayed. This segment display 50B is
It is located directly above the variable display device 50, which is the focus of the player's attention, and protrudes somewhat forward, so that it is close to the player's eyes, and the displayed information is visually captured by the player. It also has the advantage of being easier. Furthermore, since the segment display device 50B is provided in the space formed by the frame member 35 that constitutes the obstacle member, the space can be used effectively, and the frame member 35 allows pachinko balls to be directly connected to the segment. Collision with the display device 50B and breakdown can be prevented.

From this point of view, the frame member 35 is configured to also function as a protection member that protects the segment display 50B, which is an example of an electrically variable display, from being hit by a ball. In addition, the mounting plate 31 includes
A plurality of obstacle nails 36 are installed at the upper part of the opening 32. Further, a guide member 37 is mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 31 at a position slightly above the opening 32. This guide member 37 forms guide plates 371 along the vertical direction at a plurality of locations in the lateral direction, and functions to allow the pachinko balls to fall while being guided in the vertical direction. The falling pachinko balls collide with the obstacle nail 36 and the guide member 37, and after once reducing the falling force, the pachinko balls are dropped onto the opening/closing plate 42, and the pachinko ball is pushed onto the opening/closing plate 42, which is an example of a movable member. An obstacle member is configured to weaken the impact force of the falling ball.

The variable winning ball device 40 opens the opening/closing plate 42 to the front to receive balls as an example of a first state that is advantageous to the player, and opens the opening/closing plate 42 to the front as an example of a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. It closes and makes it impossible to accept balls. Next, details of the variable winning ball device 40 will be described. A variable winning ball device 40 is provided in relation to the opening 32.

This frame member 41 has four walls approximately equal to the size of the opening 32 in the depth direction, and cutouts 411 and 412 are formed in both side wall portions.

An opening/closing plate 42 is rotatably mounted on this frame member 41. That is, side walls 421 and 422 having a substantially triangular shape are formed on both sides of the opening/closing plate 420. These side walls 421, 42
2 is formed with a pivot shaft consisting of cylindrical protrusions 423 and 424. The protrusions 423 and 424 have stepped portions 7
50 is formed, and the outer diameter of this stepped portion 750 is configured to be larger than the inner diameter of the fitting groove formed by the notches 411 and 412. Since the frame member 41 and the mounting plate 31 are integrally assembled with the tip portions of the protruding portions 423 and 424 than the stepped portions 750 engaged with the notches 411 and 412 of the frame member 41, the opening/closing plate 42 can be opened and closed at the front of the frame member 41. Note that since the stepped portion 750 is formed, when the opening/closing plate 42 is opened/closed, the side wall 421 of the opening/closing plate 42 is
．． 422 does not directly rub against the inner wall of the frame member 41, and the frictional force is absorbed by direct contact between the stepped portion 750 and the notches 411, 412, so the frictional force accompanying opening and closing of the opening/closing plate 42 can be reduced. The effect is that there is no problem in operation even after long-term use. Also,
The fitting groove formed by the notches 411 and 412 is connected to the mounting plate 31.
It may be formed on the side.

A guide wall 43 for guiding winning balls downward is fixed to the back surface of the frame member 41. The bottom surface of the guide wall 43 is formed in an inclined shape. At the end of this bottom surface, there is a variable winning ball device 40.
A passing ball detector 45 that detects balls that have entered the winning hole 44.
is installed. Furthermore, a protrusion 425 having a screw hole is formed on the side wall 422 of the opening/closing plate 42 .

One end of a rod 461 included in the opening/closing drive mechanism 46 is screwed onto the protrusion 425 . The opening/closing drive mechanism 46 is
It includes a solenoid 462, which is an example of an electric drive source, and a part of a T-shaped lever 464 is connected to a plunger 463 of the solenoid 462.

The center of this T-shaped lever 464 is rotatably supported by the mounting plate 31. The other end of the rod 461 is engaged with one end of the T-shaped lever 46-4. The other end of the short side of the T-shaped lever 464 is tension-biased by a spring 465.

As a result, when the solenoid 462 is electrically deenergized, the lower end of the T-shaped lever 464 is tensilely biased by the spring 465, and the tip of the long side is pulled down, thereby closing the opening/closing plate 42. make it happen Conversely, when the solenoid 462 is energized, one end of the short side of the T-shaped lever 464 is rotated by the suction of the plunger 463, and the tip of the long side is pulled upward. As a result, the rod 461 is pulled upward, and
The opening/closing plate 42 is opened by pulling up the protrusion 425 of the opening/closing plate. Said T-shaped lever 464.
The rod 461 and the spring 465 constitute an actuation member that transmits the driving force of the electric drive source to the movable member to move the movable member.

In addition, in the illustration, as an example of a variable winning ball device, the ball is placed in a state where it is easy to win a prize as a state that is advantageous (or profitable) for the player, and a state where the ball is easy to win is a state that is disadvantageous (or disadvantageous) for the player.
Although the state shown here is one that can be freely changed to a state in which no balls are won, it goes without saying that various other variable winning ball devices may be used. For example, another example of a variable winning ball device is a so-called tulip, which has a beak-shaped portion that is advantageous to the player and makes it easier to win the ball, which is disadvantageous to the player. As another example of the state, the beak-shaped portion may be closed to make it difficult to win a ball.

In addition, in this embodiment, the winning hole 44 of the variable winning ball device 40
Although the entire pachinko ball is configured in a specific area and all winning pachinko balls are detected as balls passing through the specific area, not only the specific area but also a normal winning area is formed within the winning opening 44. It may be configured such that only pachinko balls that have passed through a specific area formed in a part of the area are detected as balls that have passed through the specific area.

Next, details of the variable display device 50 will be described. The variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum mechanism 50A and a segment display 50B.
It includes a rotating drum group 51 consisting of three rows of rotating drums 51a, 51b, and 51c in the illustration. In the above embodiment, the variable display device has three rotary drums 51a, 51b, and 51c, but it may have one, two, or four or more. On the outer periphery of each row of rotating drums (hereinafter referred to as drums) 51a, 51b, and 51c, identification information such as pictures, symbols, and numbers (alphabet in the illustration) is drawn at fixed angles in the rotation direction. The identification information of the drums 51a, 51b, 51C in each row is arranged so as to be visible to the player from the display windows 33a, 33b, 33c. The display windows 33a, 33b, 33c are respectively provided with cover members 31a, 31b, 31c for displaying the identification information in an enlarged manner, as shown in FIG. 3B. Drums 51a, 51b in each row.

A disk-shaped wall surface 511 is provided on one side of each of the walls 51c.
is formed. A hole 512 is formed in the center of the wall surface 511, into which a drum shaft 53, which will be described later, is inserted. and,
Drums 51a, 51b in each row.

A ratchet gear 5 having a number of teeth corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery is provided on each wall surface 511 of 51c.
3a, 52b, and 52c are fixed.

The wall surface 511 of the drums 51a to 51c in each row is provided with a transparent material at each of two concentric identification information forming positions with different radii in order to optically detect the identification information displayed in the corresponding display window. Hole 513.

A portion with holes and/or 514 and a portion without holes are formed. For example, there are five through holes on the inner circumference.
It is possible to identify two types (2 bits) by the part with and without the hole 13, and there is a through hole 514 on the outer circumference.
Two types of identification are possible by providing or not providing a hole. Therefore, four types of identification information can be detected by combining the presence/absence of both feed holes 513 and 514. Note that by increasing the number (n) of circumferences in which through-holes are formed and have different radii, 2'' types of identification information can be detected.

By the way, the wall surface 511 is configured as follows in order to eliminate the leakage of the light beam for detecting the presence or absence of a through hole and to ensure that the through hole can be detected. That is, each of the rotating drums 51a, 51b, 51C in each row is
Cylindrical light guide members 515 and 516 are provided at each angle corresponding to each identification information on the circumference in which through holes 513 and 514 are to be bored.
By forming a light beam, the light beam can be given directionality and light leakage can be minimized, so that identification information can be reliably detected.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 5E, the light guide members 515 and 516 are configured such that the inner diameter of the through hole on the receiver side is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole on the side of the projector 591, 591', thereby reducing the divergence of the light beam. We are trying to make it even more preventable. Furthermore, a light emitting diode, for example, can also be used as the light source of the light projectors 591, 591'. In addition, if the light guide members 515 and 516 are provided on the back surface of the wall surface 511 and holes are made in the portions of the wall surface corresponding to the guide members according to the identification information drawn on the outer circumference of the drum, it is possible to It has the advantage of being able to freely change the type and arrangement of identification information drawn on the screen.

Drums 51 a, 5 l b, 51 in each row
Each of the drum shafts c is loosely fitted around the drum shaft 53 and is individually rotatably supported by its frictional force. Such a configuration has a coil spring 5 around the center hole 512 of each row of drums.
31 and the drums may be mounted on the drum shaft 53 so that the springs are sandwiched from both sides of the drums in each row. The drum shaft 53 has side plates 541 of the box 54 on both sides.
, 542. A gear 551 included in the rotational drive mechanism 55 is fixed to one end of the drum shaft 53. The gear 551 is meshed with a speed change gear 552. Side plate 54
1 is equipped with a drum drive motor 553. The motor 553 is a geared motor, and its driving gear is meshed with the gear 552, and its rotational force is transmitted to the gear 552,
551 to the drum shaft 53. box 5
The back plate 543 of No. 4 has drums 51a, 51b in each row,
Solenoids 56a, 56b, 5, which are an example of an electric drive source for individually rotating or stopping each of 51c.
6c is fixed. Plunger 5 of these solenoids
7a, 57b, and 57c are locking levers 58a, respectively.
It is connected to one end of 58b and 58c with a pin. Approximately central portions of the locking levers 58a, 58b, and 58c are supported by a shaft 581. The locking levers 58a, 58b, 58c are the fifth
As shown in Figure C, since the cross section of the shaft support portion is formed in a U-shape, the shaft 58 can be connected at two points with a certain width.
The ratchet gears 52a, 52 do not rattle from side to side, and the pawls 582 do not wobble from side to side.
This also reduces the possibility of poor engagement with parts b and 52c. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, as long as the contact surface between the shaft support portion and the shaft is increased as much as possible. Side plates 541 and 54 are provided on both sides of the shaft 581.
Fixed to 2.

Locking levers 58a, 58b, 5 corresponding to drums in each row
A claw-like portion 582 is formed at the tip of each of the portions 8c. These locking levers 58a, 58b.

The claw-like portion 582 of 58c corresponds to the drum 51a.

Ratchet gear 52a formed on 51b and 51c
, 52b, and 52c to stop the drums in each row and maintain the locked state. Said solenoids 56a, 56b, 56C, plunge +57a, 5
7b, 57c, locking levers 58a, 58b, 58c,
Ratchet gears 52a, 52b, 52c and shaft 581
This constitutes a rotation stopping means for independently stopping the rotating drums 51a, 51b, and 51c. This rotation stop means includes the side plates 541, 542 and the back plate 5.
43, and the side plates 541 and 542, the back plate 543, and the upper and lower plates constitute a frame body that integrally holds the rotation stop means. The heat is lowered by the lower holding part 718
Since the lower holding portion 718 is not in direct contact with the frame, deformation of the frame due to heat can be prevented. The solenoid 56a is provided on the inner surface of the back plate 543 of the frame.

Positioning guide member 70 for positioning 56b and 56c
8 are provided, and solenoids 55a, 56b.

The width direction dimension of the side surface portion 714 of the holding member 712 holding the coil 710 of 56c is adjusted to the width direction of the guide member 708 so that it is inserted between the guide members 708 and positioned.
It is made within the positioning width of 08. Note that the upper and lower ends of the holding member 712 are formed by an upper holding part 716 and a lower holding part 718 that extend to sandwich the coil 710.
It is composed of. Further, the positioning guide member 7
The holding member 712 positioned at position 08 is fixed by screws to a fixing plate 720 that sandwiches the frame body, and in this fixed state, the heat of the solenoids 56a, 56b, and 56c is radiated through the screws and the fixing plate 720, and As shown in Figure 3B, a heat dissipation space 7 is provided between the lower holding part 718 and the bottom surface of the frame.
22 is formed.

By the way, the drums 51a, 51b, 51C in each row will not rotate in the normal rotation direction (counterclockwise) if the corresponding ratchet gear and the claw-like part of the locking lever are engaged, but in a pachinko Machine vibration may cause it to rotate in the opposite direction. In this case, if the type of identification information displayed on the drums in each row changes to a state advantageous to the player, the detection output of the stop position of the drums in each row will differ from the actual display.
It may cause trouble. Therefore, in this embodiment, until the variable display on the segment display 50B is stopped and a predetermined value is assigned, the motor 553 is continuously rotated to urge the drums in each row counterclockwise. I'll keep it. At this time, the engagement of the ratchet gear and the claw-shaped portions is effective against rotation in the counterclockwise direction, so the drums in each row do not rotate at all, and the identification displayed at that time The information will not be changed even by vibrations of the pachinko machine.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the number of engaging surfaces A corresponding to the number of identification information on the outer periphery of the drum 51a is radially formed on the outer periphery of the ratchet gear. A reinforcing surface B, which is substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface A, is formed at the outer tip of the engaging surface A. Then, between the reinforcing surface B and the base of the next engaging surface, the tip of the locking lever 58a, that is, the claw-like portion 5
A sliding contact guiding surface C is formed to guide the sliding contact 82.

With these engaging surface A, reinforcing surface B and sliding contact guiding surface C,
A claw is configured to be removably engaged with the claw-like portions 582 of the locking levers 58a to 58c.

Since the pawl formed on the outer periphery of the ratchet gear has the above-mentioned structure, the rotating drum can be reliably stopped by the reliable connection between the engagement surface A and the tip of the locking lever 58a. Furthermore, since the reinforcing surface B formed at the outer tip of the engagement surface A is formed by a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the engagement surface A, the tip of the locking lever 58a during stop control is connected to the ratchet gear. When the locking lever 58 comes into contact with the claw of
The tip of the ratchet gear a comes into contact with the reinforcing surface B, and the surface contact by the reinforcing surface B can prevent the tip of the pawl of the ratchet gear from wearing out. Furthermore, during stop control, due to the sliding contact guide surface C, the tip of the locking lever 58a can be brought into sliding contact and smoothly guided to the base of the engaging surface, so that one end of the locking lever 58a can be smoothly guided to the base of the engaging surface. It is possible to prevent rebound caused by collision with the outer periphery of the gear. As described above, the rotating drum can be stopped reliably, and the reliability of the stopping function does not deteriorate even after long-term use.

Further, the shaft 581 supporting the locking levers 58a to 58c is disposed outwardly by a distance L from a tangent line passing through the contact portion between the pawls of the ratchet gears 52a to 52c and the pawl-like portion 582 of the locking lever. It is configured to be set up. Therefore, when the locking lever is disengaged, the lever tip is rotated in the direction of rotation of the rotating drum, that is, toward the front of the engagement surface, so that the locking lever can be removed from the ratchet gear with a relatively small force. It has the advantage of being able to

Through holes 513 on both sides of the three rows of drums 51a to 51c.
At positions corresponding to 514, photoelectric sensors 59a and 59b are provided to detect the combination of identification information displayed when the vehicle is stopped. Photoelectric sensors 59a, 59
b are the emitter 3591.591' and the receiver 59, respectively.
2.592'. This floodlight 591.591'
and the light receivers 592 and 592' constitute a stop position detection means for detecting the stop position of the rotating drum.

This stop position detection means and the rotational drive mechanism are also integrally held by the side plates 541, 542 and the back plate 543 that constitute the frame.

The condition under which the variable winning ball device can be brought into the first state and further maintained in the first state depending on the number of balls passing to a specific area in that state is that the rotating drum display mechanism 50
The determination is made based on the combination of the identification information of the drums in each row displayed as A and the display state of the identification information displayed on the segment display 50B. Further, even in cases other than the conditions for imparting a predetermined value, other values may be imparted (for example, the development of yakumono) by a combination of identification information displayed on the drums in each row. In the figure, 700 is a light directing tube that accommodates the projectors 591, 591' and gives directivity to the output beams from the projectors 591, 591', and is provided on the rotating drum side of the frame. In the assembled state, there is provided a housing tube 702 in which the light receivers 592 and 592' are housed. Due to the function of the light directing tube 700, the projector 59
The output light beam emitted from 1.591' is transmitted to the receiver 592.
, 592' side is provided with directivity,
Since light does not leak unexpectedly to other directions, there is an advantage that erroneous detection in which the light receiver receives light from other directions unexpectedly is less likely to occur. Furthermore, the light receiver 59
2,592' is provided in the storage tube 702, unnecessary light does not enter from the side, and the projector 59
1. Receives only regular light emitted from 591',
Accurate and reliable detection becomes possible.

In the above embodiment, as an example of the variable display device 50, a case is shown in which the rotating drum display mechanism 5OA and the segment display device 50B are integrally configured, but the rotating drum display mechanism 50A alone may be used.

In addition, as another example of an electrically variable display device, display parts such as a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged in a ring shape, each light emitting diode is sequentially driven to display, and when the display drive is stopped, the display is A predetermined value may be given by a combination of the light emitting diode and the display state of the rotary drum display mechanism. Note that the rotating drum display mechanism 50A may be configured as an electrically variable display such as a digital display.

FIG. 6 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

In the configuration, the game control circuit 60 includes a rotary drum drive control circuit 61 for driving and controlling the rotary drum display mechanism 50A, a display drive control circuit 62 for variably displaying the segment display 50B, and a specific game state detection circuit. 6
3. Passing ball detector 45 as an example of specific area passing ball detection means
, specific area passing ball counting means 64, and a drive control circuit 65 for driving the variable winning ball device 40 to open and close.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the operation of this embodiment will be explained together with the specific circuit configuration of FIG. 6. The player puts the pachinko balls borrowed from the ball rental machine into the batting ball waiting gutter 13, rotates the batting ball/one handle 14 to adjust the strength of the batting ball, and then presses the batting switch. In response, a ball hitting motor (not shown) is rotated and a ball hitting rod (not shown) is rotated intermittently to drive balls into the game board 1 one by one. In this way, when a player is playing a ball hitting game, the ball is hit into the safe holes 2a, 2c or the Yakumono 4.
When a prize is won in either a or 4b, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out for each winning ball in the same manner as in conventional pachinko machines.

On the other hand, when the hit ball lands in any of the winning areas 3a to 3C, the winning ball detector 22 or 23 derives the output and outputs the output.
Add/subtract power via R gate 610.

It is given to the counter 611. Accordingly, the addition/subtraction counter 611
increments its count by 1. Addition/subtraction counter 611
The count value is given to the comparator circuit 612. This comparison circuit 612 receives the count value ((
nl) is larger than 0 (n 1 < 0), but the comparison operation is not performed unless a comparison command signal is given. This comparison command signal is derived from the AND gate 613 when the motor drive circuit 614 is not rotating the motor 553 and when the start command switch 17g is pressed.

In response, the comparison circuit 612 adds and subtracts the counter 611
When the count value is 1 or more, a variable display drive command signal is derived and given to the monostable multi 615.

In addition, if you want to variably display immediately when a winning ball is detected without using the start command switch 17s, the winning ball detector 22
Alternatively, the output of 23 becomes a variable display drive command signal.

The monostable multi 615 derives a pulse output for a certain period of time in response to a variable display command signal, and outputs a pulse output for a certain period of time in response to a variable display command signal.
4 and the solenoid drive circuit 616 as a drive command signal. Furthermore, the monostable multi 615 provides its output pulse as a reset signal to the ring counter 617 and as a subtraction command signal to the addition/subtraction counter 611.

Accordingly, the ring counter 617 is reset (i.e., O
) to be done. At the same time, the addition/subtraction counter 611 subtracts 1 from its count value. The motor drive circuit 614 instructs the motor 553 to rotate. Also, based on the count value of the ring counter 617 being 0, the solenoid drive circuit 616 controls the solenoids 56a, 56b, and 5 of each column.
6c is energized.

As a result, the ratchet gears 52a to 52c fixed to the drums 51a to 51c in each row and the locking levers 58a to
The engagement state of the claw-shaped portion 58c is released. Therefore, the drums 51a to 51C in each row are rotationally driven by the rotational force of the motor 553.

At the same time, the output of the monostable multi 615 causes the flip-flop 621 included in the display driving circuit 62 to be set. In response, AND gate 622 provides the output pulse of clock oscillator 623 to ring counter 624 . Accordingly, the ring counter 624 cyclically counts numerical information from 0 to 9 and sends the counted value to the decoder 625.
give to The decoder 625 cyclically changes the numerical information displayed on the segment display 50B based on the count value of the ring counter 624.

As described above, in a state where the drums 51a to 51c are rotationally driven and the segment display 50B is variably displayed, the player can determine that the combination of display states of the drums 51a to 51c in each row gives a predetermined value. The stop command switch 17e is pressed so that the stop command switch 17e is in a state where the For example, when the stop command switch 17e is pressed once, the count value of the ring counter 617 becomes one. In response, solenoid drive circuit 616 deenergizes solenoid 56a and continues to energize solenoids 56b and 56c.

Therefore, only the drum 51a is stopped.

Similarly, when the player presses the stop command switch 17e at the timing when he wants to stop the drum 51b,
Ring counter 617 makes its count value 2. In response, solenoid drive circuit 616 deenergizes solenoid 56b. Therefore, when the stop command switch 17e is pressed twice, the drums 51a and 51b are stopped and only the drum 51c remains rotationally driven. Furthermore, when the player presses the stop command switch 17e, the count value of the ring counter 617 becomes three. In response, solenoid drive circuit 616 deenergizes solenoid 56C. In this way, each time the stop command switch 17e is pressed, the drums 51a, 5 of each row corresponding to the number of times the stop command switch 17e is pressed.
1b and 51c are sequentially stopped.

Furthermore, when the stop command switch 17e is pressed, the count value of the ring counter 617 becomes four.

In response, monostable multi 618 derives a pulse for a fixed period of time, causing flip-flop 621 to be reset. Therefore, AND gate 622 is disabled and stops deriving clock pulses.

Therefore, the ring counter 624 holds the immediately preceding count value, and provides the immediately preceding count value to the decoder 625 for display on the segment display 50B. At the same time, the drum display state determination circuit 6 includes the output pulse of the monostable multi 618 as a determination command signal in the specific game state detection circuit 63.
31 and a combination display state determination circuit 632. This display state determination circuit 631 includes a photoelectric sensor 5 that detects the through holes 513 of the drums 51a to 51c in each row.
The outputs of the light receiver 592 of the photoelectric sensor 9a and the light receiver 592' of the photoelectric sensor 59b that detects the through hole 514 are given.

Therefore, in response to the determination command signal, the display state determination circuit 631 uses the identification information of the drums 51a to 51c in each row displayed in the display windows 33a to 33c based on the outputs of the light receiving parts of the photoelectric sensors 59a and 59b. The combination is determined and the determination result is provided to the combination display state determination circuit 632. This combination display state determination circuit 632 is supplied with the output of the ring counter 624. Therefore, the combination display state determination circuit 632 determines whether the combination of identification information displayed on the drums 51a to 51c in each column is a predetermined combination and the numerical information displayed on the segment display 50B is a predetermined combination. Based on the numerical information, it is determined whether or not the variable winning ball device 40 has entered a specific gaming state in which it can be changed to the first state. If it is determined that the specific game state is present, the combination display state determination circuit 632 derives a high level output and provides it to the timer 652 via the OR gate 651. In response, the timer 652 energizes the solenoid 462 for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) to open the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40.

Further, the output of the combination display state determination circuit 632 is given to a timer 643 included in the specific area passing ball counting means 64. This timer 643 derives a high level for the same fixed period of time as the timer 652 and supplies it to the AND gate 641. Therefore, the AND gate 641 is activated during the period when the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened for the first time after entering the specific game state as described above. At this time, when a ball enters the winning hole 44, the output of the passing ball detector 45 is given as an addition input to an addition/subtraction counter 642 via an AND gate 641. Accordingly, the addition/subtraction counter 642 cumulatively counts the winning balls during the opening period of the opening/closing plate 42. Then, when the timer 652 times up, the solenoid 462 is deenergized.

Note that this is not limited to the period in which the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened for the first time after determining the specific game state, but when the opening/closing plate 42 is opened again in correlation with the number of balls won into the winning opening 44. In this case, the output of the timer 652 may be applied to the AND gate 641 instead of the timer 643.

Variable winning ball device 40 from the output of the monostable multi 618
After a certain period of time required to drive the delay circuit 619
derives the delayed pulse and supplies it to the motor drive circuit 614 as a stop command signal. Accordingly, the motor drive circuit 61
4 stops the rotation of the motor 553. in this way,
Even after the drums 51a to 51c in each row are stopped, the motor 5
By rotating the drums 53, each row of drums 51
a to 51c continue to be biased counterclockwise,
At this time, the ratchet gears of the drums in each row and the pawls of the locking levers remain engaged, so that the drums will not be reversed due to vibrations from the pachinko machine, etc., and will not be able to add value. This has the advantage of preventing troubles between players and game hall attendants.

After a certain period of time delay from the time-up of the timer 652,
A timer (or delay circuit) 653 derives a comparison command signal and provides it to a comparison circuit 654. Accordingly, the comparison circuit 654
determines whether the count value (n2) of the addition/subtraction counter 642 is greater than 0, and if it is greater than 0, derives a pulse output and provides it to the timer 652 via the OR gate 651. In response to this, the timer 652 again energizes the solenoid 462 for a certain period of time to open the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40. At this time, the output of the comparison circuit 654 is differentiated by a differentiating circuit 655 and inputted as a subtraction command signal to the addition/subtraction counter 642. In response, addition/subtraction counter 642 subtracts one from its count. In this way, when the count value of the addition/subtraction counter 642 is 1 or more, the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly driven to open based on the count value. In other words, when the combination of the identification information of the drums in each row and the display state of the segment display 50B reach a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 40 is first driven to open, and the variable winning ball device 40 is driven to open during that period. The number of winning balls entered into the winning hole 44 of the ball device 40 is counted, and the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly opened and closed in correlation with the size of the number of winning balls. Therefore, for the player, when the player succeeds in changing the display state of the drums 51a to 51c in each row and the display state of the segment display 50B to a predetermined state, it is possible to win a prize during the initial operation period of the variable winning ball device 40. Depending on the number of balls played, the variable winning ball device 40
The number of openings can be extended, giving you the opportunity to win more prize balls. In addition, addition/subtraction counter 6
42 may set an upper limit to the count value.

The variable winning ball device 40 is opened for a certain period of time by the solenoid 462, and the certain period is a certain period set by the timer 652, or a predetermined number of balls hit into the winning ball device. It may be the period until the end of the rainy period or until the expiration of the rainy period, whichever comes first.

By the way, if the addition/subtraction counter 611 has a count value of 1 or more, the rotary drum display 50A and the segment display 50B can be driven to display again. The operation in this case is performed by suppressing the start command switch 17g, but since it is the same as the operation described above, the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as an example of a specific game state,
In cases where a variable display device 50 is provided and the variable winning ball device is changed to a state advantageous to the player based on the display state thereof, or a winning area where it is relatively difficult to win is formed, and balls that have entered the winning area are detected. Although the case where the variable prize winning ball device is changed to a state advantageous to the player has been described, various other specific game states are possible. Further, various other specific items may be provided and a specific game state may be set based on the state of the item.

[Effects of the Invention] In the present invention having the above configuration, the light emitted from the projector and passing through the through hole of the rotating drum is prevented from dispersing and given directionality by the function of the light guide member. Since the light is detected only by the designated light receiver, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection by the light receiver due to the divergence of the light emitted from the light emitter and passing through the through hole of the rotating drum, and the display results can be determined without error. It has now become possible to provide a variable display device.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing the back structure of the pachinko machine. FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrative views of the variable winning balls and variable display device. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are detailed views of the variable winning ball device 40. 5A to 5E are detailed views of the variable display device 50. FIG. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a game control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 51a, 51b, and 51c are rotating drums, 53 is a drum shaft, 55 is a rotational drive mechanism, and 56a. 56b, 56c are solenoids, 57a, 57b. 57c is a plunger, 58a, 58b, 58c are locking levers, 581 is a shaft, 52a, 52b, 52C are ratchet gears, 513.514 is a through hole, 591.591' is a projector, 592, 592' is a light receiver, 541 .542
is the side plate, 543 is the back plate, 795 is the recess, 515.5
16 is a light guide member. Figure 5B Figure 5E

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A rotating drum that displays multiple types of identification information on its outer periphery, a drum shaft that loosely fits the rotating drum in a state where rotational force can be transmitted by a predetermined frictional force, and a rotational drive that rotationally drives the drum shaft. A variable display device for a game machine, comprising a mechanism and a rotation stopping means for stopping the rotation of the rotating drum against a frictional force with the drum shaft, the variable display device having a rotation stopper for stopping the rotation of the rotating drum against the frictional force with the drum shaft, the display device having a variable display device on a side surface of the rotating drum that corresponds to the identification information. a plurality of transparent holes are bored therein, and a stop position includes a plurality of projectors provided on the side of the rotating drum and projects light, and a light receiver that receives the light projected from the projectors through the through holes. The rotating drum includes a detection means, and a frame body that integrally holds the rotating drum, a drum shaft, a rotational drive mechanism, a rotation stopping means, and a stop position detecting means, and the rotating drum has a recess formed by an outer periphery and a side surface thereof. What is claimed is: 1. A variable display device for a gaming machine, comprising: a light guide member that prevents light from dispersing and imparts directionality to the light at a position corresponding to the through hole in the recess. (2) The game according to claim 1, wherein the light guide member is constituted by a cylindrical body whose inner diameter on the receiver side is smaller than the inner diameter on the projector side. Machine variable display device.