JPH0410351B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a winning ball device for a pinball game machine.

[Prior Art] Generally, a pachinko machine is known as an example of a pinball game machine in which games are played using game balls. Conventional pachinko machines have been designed to increase the interest of the pachinko game by disposing a ball called a chulip and various other winning ball devices on the game board.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, pachinko machines equipped with novel winning ball devices are more popular among players. Therefore, in the pachinko machine industry, there is a demand for the development of a new winning ball device. Similarly, for other pinball game machines, if the winning ball device is new, the game content will be richer and it will be possible to create new game content, so it is possible to satisfy such demands. A new winning ball device is desired.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a winning ball device for a pinball game machine that is novel, rich in variety, easy to attract players' interest, and that can improve the operation rate of the pinball game machine. It is to provide.

[Means for Solving the Problems] To put it simply, the present invention provides a winning ball device in which a winning space including a first winning area and a second winning area is formed, in which a rotating member rotates and it is easy to win a winning ball. In this state, the game balls are guided into the winning space by a ball receiving member, and the guided game balls are transferred to a first winning area or a second winning area with a different function by a ball sorting member provided in the winning space. In this system, a prize can be selectively won in any of the winning areas.

[Operation] When the rotating member rotates, game balls are caught by the ball receiving member with a relatively high probability and guided into the winning space. The guided game ball does not simply enter a winning area, but selectively enters either a first winning area or a second winning area provided within the winning space. Which winning area will be won can be distributed by the ball distribution member regardless of the player's intention, and by adjusting the ball distribution member, the game balls can be placed in the first winning area. The winning ratio of game balls that enter the second winning area can be set within a predetermined range. Since the first winning area and the second winning area are each given different functions, it is possible to provide a desired service to the player.

[Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the following explanation, a pachinko machine will be described as an example of a pinball game machine, but this invention is not limited to pachinko machines, but can also be applied to other pinball game machines, such as coin game machines and smart ball games. It should be made clear in advance that the present invention can also be applied to a winning ball device of a pinball game machine such as a machine.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine equipped with a winning ball device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure,
The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a front frame 11 that can be opened and closed, and a game board 12 that is detachably attached to the front frame 11. In the game area 12a surrounded by the guide rail 13 of the game board 12, there are safe holes 14a, 14b.
and Yakumono (so-called Chulip) 15
a, 15b and passage areas 16a to 16c are formed. These passing areas 16a to 16c are areas defined so that when a passing ball (or a winning ball is also acceptable) hits, a winning ball device 30, which will be described later, can be started. In addition, approximately in the center of the game board 12,
A winning ball device 30, which is a feature of this embodiment, is attached.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the back structure of the pachinko machine 10. In the figure, paths 211 to 214 are provided on the back surface of the game board 12. Route 211, 21
2 is the upper prize opening 38 (3rd A) of the winning ball device 30.
This is to guide the balls that have won into the winning holes (see Figures 4 to 4) and the balls that have won into the safe holes 14a and 14b, respectively, downward. The path 213 guides the winning ball downward to a second winning area 31b, which will be described later. The route 214 is a first winning area 31a which will be described later.
It guides the winning ball downward. Detection switches 22a to 22c for detecting passing balls are provided on the back surfaces of the passing areas 16a to 16c.
In addition, in relation to the route 214, the first winning area 3
A detection switch 23 is provided for detecting the winning ball 1a.

3A and 3B are front views of a winning ball device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3C is a rear view thereof. In particular, FIG. 3A shows the ball receiver in a closed state, and FIG. 3B shows the ball receiver in an open state.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the winning ball device 30.

Next, the detailed configuration of the winning ball device 30 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3A to 4. The winning ball device 30 includes a mounting board 31. A first winning area 31a is formed on the mounting board 31, and a second winning area 31b is formed at a slightly lower position than the first winning area 31a. Further, a cylindrical portion 311 is formed at a position slightly below the approximately central portion of the mounting board 31 . A winning mode display board 32 is attached to the innermost position of the cylindrical portion 311.
This winning mode display board 32 is constructed by mounting a display board 322 on the back surface of a mounting plate 321. The display substrate 322 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes 32a to 3.
2d is attached. These light emitting diodes 32
a to 32d are used as a number display section for displaying the number of times the opening/closing blades 34a, 34b, which will be described later, can be opened/closed. A hole is formed in a part of this mounting plate 321, and this hole is the first winning area 31a.
used as.

On both the left and right sides of the first winning area 31a, inclined guideways 33a and 3 are provided with an interval that allows balls to pass through.
3b is fixed to the mounting board 31. Inclined taxiway 3
Opening/closing wing pieces 34a, 34b, which are examples of rotating members, are rotatably provided at the upper end portions of the wings 3a, 33b, respectively. The opening/closing wings 34a, 34b are constructed by forming a cover 343 on the front surface of a hook-shaped portion formed by the ball guiding piece 341 and the ball receiving piece 342. The lower end of the ball guide piece 341 is attached to the mounting board 3
It is pivotally supported by pins 312 and 313 formed in 1. An engagement pin 344 is formed approximately at the center of the ball guiding piece 341 in the vertical direction. The engagement pins 344 of the opening/closing wings 34a, 34b are connected to the mounting board 3.
1 through guide holes 314 and 315, respectively. The opening/closing wing 34a and the inclined taxiway 33a, the opening/closing wing 34b and the inclined taxiway 3
3b constitute left and right ball bearing members, respectively.

When the opening/closing wing pieces 34a, 34b are closed, the cover 3
Guides 35a and 35b are formed on the mounting board 31 at positions that are hidden at 43 and exposed when the opening and closing wings 35a and 35b are opened. Guide 35a, 3
An arcuate guide 35c is formed at the upper peripheral edge of the cylindrical portion 311, slightly below the cylindrical portion 5b. The guides 35a, 35b are the opening/closing wing pieces 34a, 34b.
When opened, it functions to guide the ball received by the ball receiving piece 342 to the guide 35c.

First winning area 31a and second winning area 3
A front decorative plate 36 is attached to the front surface of 1b.
This front plate 36 is attached to the inclined guideways 33a, 33
b and a plate-like member 361 that covers the front part of the second winning area 31b. This plate-like member 361 is integrally formed with a ball receiving protrusion 36a located on the front side of the first winning area 31a. The ball receiving protrusion 36a consists of an inclined passage 362 for guiding the ball in the depth direction, and obstruction walls 363 formed on both sides of the inclined passage 362. This obstacle wall 363
allows some of the balls guided by the inclined guideways 33a and 33b to jump over them and enter the first winning area 31a, and prevents the remaining balls from entering the first winning area. act as a hindrance. That is, the obstacle wall 363 and the inclined guideway 33a or 33
Passages 37a and 37b are formed between the terminal end portion of b and the balls that hit the outside of the obstacle wall 363 are guided downward to the second winning area 31b via the passages 37a and 37b.

Here, the balls guided through the opening/closing wing pieces 34a, 34b and the inclined guideways 33a, 33b enter the winning area 31a, or are guided downward via the passages 37a, 37b without entering the winning area 31a, and are guided downward through the passages 37a, 37b to the second Whether the player is guided to the winning area 31b is determined by the following factors. In other words, a ball that rolls at a high speed along the inclined guideways 33a, 33b, or a ball that bounces off the inclined guideways 33a, 33b without rolling along them has a relatively high probability of being Win a prize in the No. 1 winning area 31a. On the contrary, the slow balls rolling along the inclined guide paths 33a and 33b hit the obstacle wall 363 and are guided downward and enter the winning area 31b.

As described above, in the above embodiment, the guide 35
c, a ball sorting member is constituted by the inclined guideways 33a and 33b and the obstacle wall 363,
The pachinko balls that won in the winning space were distributed to the first winning area 31a or the second winning area 31b. Such a ball sorting member is not limited to the one described above, and can be modified in various ways. For example, the following modifications can be considered.

Guide 35c is not provided, guides 35a and 3
The pachinko balls guided by 5b are allowed to fall straight downward within the winning space. Then, instead of the guide 35c, a plurality of obstacle nails are planted on the winning mode display board 32 so that the falling path of the falling pachinko balls is distributed in various directions, and the path of the falling pachinko balls is divided into various directions, so that the winning area 31a or the second winning area Pachinko balls may be selectively entered into the winning area 31b. In that case, the obstacle nail may be an obstacle nail made of a resin member that is integrally formed with the winning mode display board 32 by injection molding or the like, or a metal obstacle nail fixed to the winning mode display board 32. It may be an obstacle nail. Alternatively, a protrusion of a desired shape may be provided on the winning mode display board 32, and the falling pachinko balls may be sorted by the protrusion.

Furthermore, instead of the fixed ball sorting member as described above, a movable ball sorting member may be used. For example, in the part of the winning mode display board 32, the display board 32
Instead, a disk whose front shape is circular and whose depth is approximately equal to the diameter of the pachinko balls is arranged, and a plurality of depressions capable of receiving pachinko balls are provided on the circumference of the disk to receive the pachinko balls. The pachinko balls may be guided to different winning areas by the depressions, and the disk may always rotate at a constant speed. Furthermore, the guides 35a, 3
A movable ball sorting member that can swing vertically, horizontally, diagonally, etc. may be provided between 5b and the winning area.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first winning area 31
Although the above example has been described in which the winning area a and the second winning area 31b are arranged vertically, the first winning area and the second winning area may be arranged side by side in a horizontal line.

More preferably, an upper prize opening 38 is formed in the upper part of the mounting board 31. This upper winning hole 38 has a ball receiving piece 382 formed on the front surface of the winning hole 381, and a cover 383 formed on the front surface thereof.

Next, details of the drive mechanism 40 for driving the opening and closing blades 34a and 34b to open and close will be described. Drive mechanism 40 includes a solenoid 41. Solenoid 41
An engaging member 43 is fixed to the plunger 42 . Engagement holes 43a, 4 are provided on both sides of the engagement member 43.
3b is drilled. The solenoid 41 is attached to a solenoid mounting plate 44 and attached to the back surface of the mounting board 31. The mounting board 31 is inserted into the engagement hole 43a.
One end of a link 45a rotatably supported on the back surface of the link 45a is engaged. A long hole is formed at the other end of the link 45a, and this long hole is connected to the pin 34 of the opening/closing wing piece 34a.
4. The mounting board 3 is inserted into the engagement hole 43b.
One end of a link 45b rotatably supported is formed on the back surface of 1. A long hole is formed at the other end of the link 45b, and this long hole is connected to the pin 3 of the opening/closing wing piece 34b.
44. And links 45a and 45
b are urged to be pulled inward by a spring 46.

Next, the operation of the winning ball device 30 of this embodiment will be explained. Normally, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the opening/closing wings 34a, 34b are closed, the ball does not win in either of the winning areas 31a, 31b. Then, predetermined game conditions (for example, the passage area 16
The solenoid 41 is energized when a condition is reached to open the opening/closing blades 34a, 34b based on the presence of balls that have passed through a to 16c. In response, the plunger 42 is attracted, so the engagement member 43 is pulled down, and the links 45a, 45b rotate outward accordingly. As the links 45a and 45b rotate, the opening and closing wing pieces 34
Since the pins 344 of a and 34b are rotated outward, the opening and closing blades 34a and 34b are opened. This situation is shown in Figure 3B. In this state, the ball falling from the upper part
4a, 34b, and guide 35 via guides 35a, 35b.
c, the ball is guided to the winning area 31a through the inclined guide paths 33a, 33b (or the ball guiding pieces 341, 33a, 33b), or the ball is guided to the winning area 31b.
be led to. In this case, different values may be given to balls that have won in the winning area 31a and balls that have won in the winning area 31b. Also,
Depending on the winning ball that enters the winning area 31a, the opening/closing wing piece 3
4a and 34b may be closed once and then opened again.

If the winning ball device is configured as in this embodiment,
When the opening/closing wings 34a, 34b are opened, the movement of the ball can be changed, and the opening/closing wings 34
Since it is impossible to predict where the ball guided by points a and 34b will land, there is an advantage that it can attract the attention of the player until the ball enters the prize winning area 31a or 31b, thereby increasing the fun of the game. Further, if the value given to the winning areas 31a and 31b is different, the value given will differ depending on where the ball falls, which has the advantage of further increasing player's interest.

Next, game control of an example of a pachinko machine to which the winning ball device 30 of this embodiment is applied will be explained.

FIG. 5 is a detailed diagram of a drive circuit for driving and controlling the winning ball device 30 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, when the ball passes through any of the passing areas 16a to 16c, the opening and closing wings 34a and 34b can be opened for a relatively short fixed period of time (for example, 2 to 3 seconds), and during the opening and closing, the wings 34a and 34b can be opened. When a hit ball enters the first winning area 31a, a certain period of time (for example,
The opening/closing wings 34a, 34b are intermittently opened/closed a certain number of times (for example, 18 times) at a time (0.4 seconds), and if the ball enters the winning area 31a again during the opening/closing drive, the opening/closing wings 34a, 34b are opened/closed intermittently a certain number of times. The motion can be continued or repeated a certain number of times (for example, eight times).

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the specific circuit configuration and operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 will be described. When the ball passes through any of the passing regions 16a to 16c, the detection switches 22a to 22c corresponding to the passing region in which the ball has passed are closed, and a high level signal is given to the timer 51. In response, the timer 51 provides a drive command signal to the driver 52 for a certain period of time (2 to 3 seconds). In response, driver 52 energizes solenoid 41 for a certain period of time.

In this state, the ball is opened and closed by the opening and closing wing pieces 34a,
It is received by the ball receiving piece 342 of 34b, and the guide 3
5a, 35b, 35c and the inclined taxiway 33
When the winning ball enters the winning area 31a via the balls a and 33b, the detection switch 23 detects the winning ball. When the detection switch 23 detects a winning ball in the winning area 31a, it derives a high level and provides it as one input to the AND gate 53a. At this time, the AND gate 53a has a counter 56b.
The output (low level when not counting up) is inverted and given. Therefore, the AND gate 53a is connected to the detection switch 23a.
A high level is derived according to the output of the flip-flop 54, and is applied to the differentiating circuit 58 via the OR gate 57 and as a set input to the flip-flop 54. Differentiator circuit 58 derives a differential pulse to instantaneously reset flip-flop 54 and reset counter 56a. At this time, since the pulse applied to the set input terminal of the flip-flop 54 is longer than the pulse applied to the reset input terminal, a high level is derived from the output Q and applied to the AND gate 53b. The AND gate 53b derives the output pulse of the pulse generating circuit 55 (for example, a pulse with a high level and a low level of 0.4 seconds each), and outputs the output pulse from the driver 52.
and is applied to the counter 56a. driver 52
energizes the solenoid 41 intermittently in synchronization with the cycle of the output pulse of the pulse generating circuit 55 during the period when the pulse is input from the AND gate 53b. Therefore, the opening and closing blades 34a and 34b are driven to open and close at regular intervals.

At this time, the counter 56a
When the number of opening/closing operations of a and 34b is counted and a predetermined constant number (18) is counted, a high level count-up signal is derived and given to the differentiating circuit 58 via the OR gate 57, and the counter 56a
give to Differentiating circuit 58 differentiates the time-up signal to reset flip-flop 54 and the count value of counter 56a. The counter 56a counts the occurrence of the first opening/closing drive operation, but does not derive a count-up signal from its output terminal unless the counted value reaches a number corresponding to a certain number of repetitions (8). By the way, when the ball hits the winning area 31a during the 18th opening during the first opening/closing driving period, the detection switch 23 detects it again and gives a high level to the AND gate 53a. As a result, the second repeated opening/closing drive operation is started. Note that even if the intermittent opening/closing driving operation of the opening/closing wings 34a, 34b is within a certain number (18 times), when the ball hits the winning area 31a, the next repeated opening/closing driving operation starts.

In this way, if no prize is won in the winning area 31a during a number of repeated opening/closing driving operations, the next repeated opening/closing driving operation will not be performed. On the contrary, if the ball continues to enter the winning area 31a until the limited number of times of opening and closing (for example, 8 times) is repeated, the counter 56b counts up. The count-up signal of counter 56b disables AND gate 53a and is applied to OR gate 57. Therefore, flip-flop 54 is reset, disabling AND gate 53b, and stopping repeated opening and closing operations.

Note that the winning ball device 30 of this embodiment is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and can also perform various other types of control.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the present invention provides a winning ball device that forms a winning space including a first and second winning area, in which the rotating member rotates to become in a state where it is easy to win a prize. Therefore, the game ball is guided into the winning space by the ball receiving member, and the guided game ball is transferred to either the first winning area or the second winning area, which has a different function, using the ball distribution member provided in the winning space. Since the winnings are selectively made, it is possible to provide a new winning ball device in which the movement of the balls is rich in variation, easily attracting players' interest, and improving the fun of the pinball game.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine to which a winning ball device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. 3A and 3B are front views of a winning ball device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3C is a rear view thereof. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the winning ball device. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an example of a drive circuit for driving and controlling the winning ball device of this embodiment. In the figure, 10 is a pachinko machine, 30 is a winning ball device, 31 is a mounting board, 31a is a first winning area, 31b is a second winning area, 33a and 33b are inclined taxiways, and 34a and 34b are opening and closing wings. , 36a
40 is a drive mechanism, and 50 is a drive circuit.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A winning ball device disposed on a game board of a pinball game machine, comprising: a mounting board forming a winning space including a first winning area and a second winning area; the winning space; The rotating member constitutes a part of the mounting board and is rotatably provided on both the left and right sides of the mounting board. A ball receiving member for guiding the game balls to the first winning area or the second winning area, which is provided in the winning space and guided by the ball receiving member to the first winning area or the second winning area. A prize winning ball device for a pinball game machine, comprising: a ball sorting member that selectively distributes balls; and a driving means that drives the rotary member to a state where it is easy to win a prize based on predetermined conditions. 2. The ball receiving member includes an inclined portion formed at the end of the rotating member and an inclined guiding path that is fixedly formed on the mounting board and continues to the inclined portion when the rotating member rotates. Claim 1, including:
A winning ball device for a pinball game machine as described in 2. 3. The drive means includes: a first condition detection means for detecting that the gaming state of the pinball game machine has reached a first condition determined to enable the rotating member to rotate; A winning ball device for a pinball game machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a rotational drive means for driving said rotational member in response to an output of said condition detection means. 4. The driving means further includes a winning ball detecting means for detecting the winning game balls in the first winning area, and the rotating driving means detects the entered winning balls after outputting the first condition detecting means. 4. A winning ball device for a pinball game machine according to claim 3, further comprising means for driving said rotating member to rotate again in response to an output from the detecting means. 5. The winning ball device for a pinball game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the driving means includes means for intermittently driving the rotating member to open and close.