JPH041637B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pinball game machine, and more particularly to a pinball game machine that generates sound effects in connection with the firing of pachinko balls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Pinball game machines that play games by shooting pachinko balls onto a game board, such as pachinko game machines and metal game machines, are widely used. These pinball game machines are equipped with a ball hitting mechanism for hitting pachinko balls and ejecting them onto the game board. Pachinko balls fired by the ball hitting mechanism fall along the game board surface. At this time, the pachinko balls will hit a safe hole provided on the game board, a variable winning ball device, etc. with a certain probability. Accordingly, for example, from the prize ball payout opening in the lower part of the gaming machine,
A certain number of prize balls (pachinko balls) will be paid out.

By the way, the variable winning ball device provided on the game board is generally a device that can change the falling pachinko balls into a state where it is easy to win with a high probability of winning. When the variable winning ball device is in a state where it is easy to win, the player becomes excited and his ball hitting action is filled with enthusiasm.

In such a case, if the hitting sound (or firing sound) is generated in response to the hitting of a pachinko ball, the atmosphere of the game will be livened up, the player's motivation will be stimulated, and the game machine will be able to play more interestingly. It will be.

Purpose of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a pinball game machine that generates a hitting sound every time a pachinko ball is hit when the variable winning ball device is in a predetermined winning state. .

Structure of the Invention To put it simply, the present invention includes a means for detecting that a pachinko ball has been fired, a means for detecting that a variable winning ball device has entered a predetermined winning state, and a combination of these two detecting means. This pinball game machine includes means for generating a pachinko ball firing sound in response to an output.

Effects of the Invention Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to create a gaming machine that enlivens the atmosphere of the game, arouses the interest of the players, and makes the game more enjoyable.

The above-mentioned features and effects of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention. In the structure, a front frame 2 is attached to a pachinko game machine 1 so as to be openable and closable. A game board 3 is detachably attached to the front frame 2. This game board 3 includes safe holes 4a to 4c as winning areas and specific winning areas 5a to 5.
c. Variable display device 100 whose display changes when a pachinko ball enters a specific winning area (hole); variable winning where the difficulty level of the winning state changes in response to the display state of the variable display device 100; A ball device (so-called electric ball device) 200, a plurality of ball devices (commonly known as tulips) 6a, 6b, and an out ball inlet 7 are provided.

In addition, below the front frame 2, a prize ball payout opening 8,
A ball waiting gutter 9, a ball handle 301, a surplus prize ball payout opening 10, and a prize ball tray 11 are provided.

The batted ball waiting gutter 9 temporarily stores the prize balls paid out from the prize ball payout port 8 and the pachinko balls borrowed by the player from a ball rental machine, and transfers the stored balls one by one to the batted ball supply mechanism (Fig. 7). (see).

When the ball-hitting handle 301 is rotated, it outputs a ball-hitting command to hit the pachinko balls supplied from the ball supply mechanism, and also determines the strength of the ball at that time. To be more specific, the batting handle 30
0, the batting command switch is pressed in response to its rotation. As a result, a ball hitting command signal is output, and a motor, which will be described later, starts rotating. Further, the ball hitting strength of the ball hitting mechanism changes depending on the degree of rotation of the ball hitting handle 301. This mechanism and its operation will be detailed later.

As another example, the ball-hitting handle 301 may have only the function of adjusting the ball-hitting strength by its rotation, and a switch for issuing a ball-hitting command may be provided on or near the outer periphery of the ball-hitting handle 300.

In addition, in the figure, numeral 24 is a display stop button of the variable display device 100, 25 is a fiber lamp, and 103
is a speaker. These descriptions will be made in conjunction with the description of FIG. 9, which will be described later.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show the pachinko game machine 1.
FIG. In particular, FIG. 2A shows the back side of the game board 3 described above. Moreover, FIG. 2B shows the structure of the mechanism plate 12 that is further mounted on the structure shown in FIG. 2A.

First, explanation will be given mainly with reference to FIG. 2A.
Paths 13 and 14 are provided on the back surface of the game board 3, corresponding to the safe holes 4a to 4c, for guiding the winning balls that have entered these safe holes to the game balls 6a and 6b. On the back side where the specific winning areas 5a to 5c are located, detection switches 50a to 50c are provided corresponding to the respective areas. These detection switches 50a to 50c detect the specific winning area 5a.
It is detected that a pachinko ball has won in ~5c, and the output thereof is given to the variable display device 100.

Furthermore, paths 15 and 16 are provided on the back surface of the game board 3 corresponding to a position slightly above the position of the out ball entrance 7 on the front surface. This path 15,1
6 are safe holes 4a to 4c and specific winning areas 5a to 4c.
5c, the winning balls that have been won into either the Yakumono 6a, 6b or the variable winning ball device 200 are guided to the winning ball processing device 17.

The winning ball processing device 17 intermittently drops the winning balls guided by the paths 15 and 16 one by one. Then, when the winning balls dropped by the winning ball processing device 17 pass through the meandering path 18, the weight of the winning balls actuates an operating lever 20 connected to a prize ball dispensing mechanism 19 (FIG. 2B). let As a result, the prize ball payout mechanism 19 performs one prize ball payout operation for each prize ball. Note that an electric type may also be used as the prize ball payout mechanism 19. In this case, the winning ball detection switch (not shown) is closed in conjunction with the rotation of the winning ball processor 17 to drop the winning balls one by one.
will be established. Then, the prize ball payout mechanism 19 may be electrically driven by the output of the winning ball detection switch to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls.

An electric ball hitting mechanism 300 is provided on the back side corresponding to the mounting position of the ball hitting handle 301. This electric ball hitting mechanism 300 includes a motor 302
The ball hitting cam 303 is rotated by the rotational force of the ball hitting cam 303, and the ball hitting rod 304 is moved by the rotation of the ball hitting cam 303.
It involves hitting a ball. In response to this hit, it is detected that the pachinko ball has been fired onto the game board 3. The details of this ball hitting mechanism and operation, as well as the detection of a shot ball related thereto, will be described later.

Next, referring mainly to FIG. 2B, the mechanism plate 1
A prize ball tank 21 is attached to the upper part of 2. Replenishment balls are supplied to the prize ball tank 21 from a supply gutter (not shown). Prize ball tank 21
The aforementioned prize ball payout mechanism 19 is provided below. Prize ball payout mechanism 19 and prize ball tank 2
1, an alignment path 22 is arranged at an angle. The alignment path 22 lines up the balls stored in the prize ball tank 21 in a plurality of rows and supplies them to the prize ball payout mechanism 19. Prize ball payout mechanism 1
A merging gutter 23 is provided below 9. The merging gutter 23 includes a gutter 23a that guides prize balls paid out from the prize ball payout mechanism 19 to the prize ball payout port 8, a gutter 23b that guides surplus prize balls to the surplus prize ball payout port 10, and a gutter that guides out balls downward. 23c is integrally molded. In addition, in the figure,
Arrows A to E are arrows indicating the flow of pachinko balls.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the electric ball hitting mechanism 300. Further, FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operating state of the ball hitting mechanism 300 shown in FIG. 3. In particular, FIG. 4A shows a state in which the ball-hitting operation is stopped, and FIG. 4B shows a state on the verge of hitting a ball.

The electric ball hitting mechanism 300 shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B includes a shot ball detection means 400, which is one of the characteristic components of this embodiment. Therefore, the configuration and operation of this electric ball hitting mechanism 300 will be explained in detail, and in connection therewith, the fired ball detection means 400 will be explained.

A fan-shaped gear 305 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) is provided on the back side of the front frame 2 corresponding to the ball-hitting handle 301, which is rotated by the rotation of the ball-hitting handle 301. A ball start switch 350 is provided in association with the sector gear 305. This ball hitting start switch is turned on by rotation of the fan gear 305. Further, the sector gear 305 meshes with a gear 306, and the gear 306 further engages with a gear 307. A fan-shaped wire winding member 309 to which one end of a wire 308 is connected is fixed to this gear 307 .

The wire 308 is passed through a pulley 310 to a tension adjustment plate member 340 having a through hole in the longitudinal direction.
is engaged with the appropriate through hole of. The other end of the plate member 340 is connected to one end of the ball hitting spring 311. Further, the other end of the ball hitting spring 311 is attached to approximately the center of the ball hitting rod 304 in the longitudinal direction. Note that a wire receiving member and batting rod stopper 312 is provided between the wire winding member 309 and the pulley 310 to prevent the wire 308 from being bent.

The ball hitting rod 304 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 313. A hammer 314 for hitting pachinko balls is provided at the tip 304a (upper side in FIG. 4A) of the ball hitting rod 304. This hammer 314
The machine includes a spring-like member to improve the repulsion of the pachinko balls. Launch rail 315
The pachinko balls guided to the hammer 314 are hit by the hammer 314 and are ejected to the game board 3 (FIG. 1). Also, the rear end of the batting rod 304 (lower side in FIG. 4A) 3
A shielding plate 401 is fixed to 04b. This shielding plate 401 is used for detecting shot balls, as will be described later.

A lever 317 that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the ball hitting rod 304 is fixed to a portion of the ball hitting rod 304 that is pivotally supported by the support shaft 313 . In other words, the batting rod 304 and this lever 317
and rotate together, and their relative positions do not change. Further, an engagement pin 318 is provided at the tip of the lever 317. This engagement pin 31
8, a ball hitting cam 303 (the illustration shows three blade-shaped cams provided at 120° intervals) rotated by a motor 302 first comes into contact with the ball hitting cam 303 (the illustration shows three blade-shaped cams arranged at 120° intervals). Then, as the ball hitting cam 303 further rotates, the engaging pin 318 is pushed by one of the ball hitting cams 303, and the lever 317 on which the engaging pin 318 is provided and the lever 317 that is in a fixed relationship with the lever are hit. The ball rod 304 is rotated by a certain angle in the x1 direction about the support shaft 313. If the ball hitting cam 303 rotates further, the cam 303 will engage the engagement pin 318.
deviate from Accordingly, the ball hitting rod 304 is pulled by the tension of the ball hitting spring 311 and instantaneously moves to the fourth A.
Return to the state shown in the figure. Thereby, the launch rail 31
The pachinko ball that was guided to the end of 5 hit the hammer 31
The ball is hit by 4.

At this time, the stopper 319 and the wire receiving member/ball rod stopper 312 are attached to the rear end 304b of the ball hitting rod 304 so that the ball hitting rod 304 pulled by the ball hitting spring 311 stops at a predetermined position.
and in association with the tip 304a.

The strength of the tension of the ball hitting spring 311, in other words, the strength of pulling the ball hitting rod 304 is determined by
It is determined by the degree of tension. The wire winding amount of this wire winding member 309 is determined by the gear 30
As described above, it depends on the amount of rotation of the ball hitting handle 301 transmitted through the handles 5, 306, and 307. Therefore, if you want to hit the pachinko ball harder and shoot it farther, you just need to increase the amount of rotation of the ball hitting handle 301. Ball hitting spring 31
This is because the tension of the ball 1 increases, and the instantaneous force of the ball hitting rod 304 increases.

Through the above explanation, the ball hitting operation of the electric ball hitting mechanism 300 has been explained in detail. Next, the configuration and operation of the shot ball detection means included in the ball hitting mechanism 300, which is one of the features of this embodiment, will be explained.

A ball detecting means 400 including a photoelectric sensor 402 is provided in association with the rear end 304b of the ball rod. The photoelectric sensor 402 includes a light projecting section 402a and a light receiving section 402b (see FIG. 3).
When the light receiving section 402b receives the light emitted from the light receiving section 402a, conduction is established.

Now, let us consider the case where the ball hitting cam 303 is not engaged with the engagement pin 318, that is, the state shown in FIG. 4A. In this case, the ball hitting rod 304 is pulled by the ball hitting spring 311, and the rear end 304b of the ball hitting rod 304b is pulled by the ball hitting spring 311.
is stopped in contact with the stopper 319. At this time, the shielding plate 401 attached to the rear end 304b of the batting rod is positioned between the light projecting part 402a and the light receiving part 402b of the photoelectric sensor 402 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, at this time, the photoelectric sensor 402 is in an off state (non-conducting state) because light from the light projecting section 402a to the light receiving section 402b is blocked by the shielding plate 401.

Next, the ball hitting cam 303 engages with the engagement pin 318 and pushes down the engagement pin 318, and the lever 317
Also, consider a state in which the batting rod 304 is rotated (the state shown in FIG. 4B). At this time, the rear end 30 of the batting rod
The shielding plate 401 attached to the photoelectric sensor 4b moves in the direction of arrow x2 (FIG. 4B), and there is no obstacle between the light projecting section 402a and the light receiving section 402b of the photoelectric sensor 402. Therefore, the photoelectric sensor 402 is turned on, and therefore, the shot ball detection means 400 derives a shot ball detection output.

As described above, by providing the shot ball detection means 400 in connection with the ball hitting rod 304 of the electric ball hitting mechanism 300, it is possible to detect the hitting (launch) of a pachinko ball. In addition, the fired ball detection means 40
The detection output of 0 is given to the audio circuit via a delay circuit (FIG. 16), which will be described later, in order to match the timing with the actual ball batting operation.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams showing other examples of the shot ball detection means. Figure 5 shows the shot ball detection means 4.
10, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the electric ball hitting mechanism 300 including the shot ball detection means 410.

Ball detection means 41 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6
0 is characterized in that the shielding plate 411 is located at the rear end 30 of the batting rod.
4b. That is,
A shielding plate 411 having an inverted L shape is rotatably supported by a housing 412 of the shot ball detection means 410. More specifically, the fired ball detection means 410 has a housing 412, and an upper projection 417 of the housing 412 is provided with a shaft 413. This axis 4
A corner portion 411c of the shielding plate 411 is rotatably attached to 13. The shielding plate 411 has a plate-shaped portion extending vertically downward and horizontally to the left around the corner portion 411c. A plate-shaped portion 411a extending horizontally downward is normally located within the housing 412,
From the light emitter 418a of the photoelectric sensor 418 to the light receiver 4
It blocks the light irradiated to 18b. Further, a notch 414 is formed in one side of the housing 412, and a plate-shaped portion 411a extending downward from the shielding plate 411 can come in and out from within the housing 412 through this notch. An engagement pin 415 is provided at the tip of a horizontally extending plate-like portion 411b of the shielding plate 411. This engagement pin 415 is connected to the rear end 30 of the ball hitting rod.
4b. Therefore, as the ball hitting rod 304 moves, the shielding plate 411 is also rotated about the shaft 413. Accordingly, the photoelectric sensor 418 is turned on and off. Note that a return spring 416 is installed between the engagement pin 415 provided on the shield plate 411 and the housing 412 for returning the shield plate 411 to the state shown in FIG.

Note that the configuration and operation of the ball hitting mechanism 300 are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B. Therefore, the same parts are given the same numbers and the explanation here will be omitted.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing still another embodiment of the shot ball detection means. In particular, this shot ball detection means is based on the operation of the ball supply member,
This is a shot ball detection means for detecting shot balls.

First, the structure of the mechanism shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B will be explained. The terminal end of the ball waiting gutter 9 (FIG. 1) provided at the lower front of the pachinko game machine 1 is connected to the entrance 321 of the ball supply gutter 320. At the terminal end of the ball supply gutter 320, an outlet 322 is formed slightly above the side surface so that balls can be transferred from the side surface to the firing rail 315. Further, a small hole 323 is formed at the bottom of the terminal end of the ball supply gutter 320. A ball supply member 324 is attached below this small hole 323 so as to be swingable about a fulcrum 325 .

A permanent magnet 421 that also serves as a weight is fixed to one end (the right side in the figure) of the ball supply member 324. This permanent magnet 421 is used for detecting shot balls, as will be described later.

The other side of the ball supply member 324 (in the figure, the fulcrum 325
A cone upper piece 326 that protrudes upward is formed in a portion located directly below the small hole 323 in the middle of the left side of the cover. Further, a long hole 327 is formed at the other end of the ball supply member 324 (on the left side in the figure). A protrusion 329 formed on the short side of the L-shaped engagement lever 328 is inserted into the elongated hole 327 and engaged. The long side of the engagement lever 328 engages with a pin 330 fixed to the ball hitting rod 304. As a result, the ball supply member 324 swings in conjunction with the rotation of the ball hitting rod 304.

Furthermore, when the ball supply member 324 is rotated most clockwise (in the state shown in FIG. 7A), the magnetic sensor is placed in a state close to the permanent magnet 421 fixed to one end of the ball supply member 324. 422 are arranged. The permanent magnet 421 and the magnetic sensor 422 constitute a shot ball detection means 420. That is, the magnetic sensor 422 is connected to the permanent magnet 4
21 is in the close state as shown in FIG. 7A, for example, it is in the off state. However, the seventh
As shown in Figure B, when the permanent magnet 421 is separated from the magnetic sensor 422 by a certain distance or more, the magnetic sensor 4
22 turns on. This magnetic sensor 422
Based on whether the pachinko ball is turned on or off, the shot ball detection means outputs a pachinko ball shot detection output.

Next, a description will be given of the operation of the ball hitting mechanism shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, as well as the detection operation of the shot ball detection means 420. As the ball hitting cam 303 rotates, the ball hitting rod 304 rotates from the state shown in FIG. 7A to the state shown in FIG. 7B. In conjunction with this, the pin 330 fixed to the ball hitting rod 304 pushes the engagement lever 328 counterclockwise. Furthermore, the engagement lever 328 is pushed counterclockwise.
rotates the ball supply member 324 counterclockwise (from the state shown in FIG. 7A to the state shown in FIG. 7B). As a result, the permanent magnet 421 fixed to one tip of the ball supply member 324 moves away from the magnetic sensor 422, and the output of the magnetic sensor 422 is turned on. At this time, the ball pushing upper piece 326 of the ball supply member 324 is retracted downward from the small hole 323, and the next pachinko ball to be hit rolls into the terminal end of the ball supply gutter 320. Further, the ball hitting rod 304 is in a state of being rotated against the force of the ball hitting spring 311.

The ball hitting cam 303 further rotates, and the ball hitting cam 3
03 is disengaged from the engagement pin 318, the ball hitting rod 304 is pulled by the tension of the ball hitting spring 311 and instantaneously rotates counterclockwise. That is, the 7th B
The state shown in the figure instantaneously returns to the state shown in FIG. 7A. As a result, the hammer 314 at the tip of the ball hitting rod 304
, hits the pachinko balls that were being supplied to the launch rail 315. The hit pachinko balls are launched onto the game board surface via the launch rail 315 and a guide rail (see FIG. 1) provided to guide the balls from the end of the launch rail 315 to the game board 3.

Simultaneously with the ball hitting operation of the ball hitting rod 304, the ball supply member 322 also rotates clockwise (from the state shown in FIG. 7B to the state shown in FIG. 7A). Accordingly, the upper part of the ball press 3
26 protrudes from the small hole 323, and the pachinko balls that are on the small hole 323 are ejected from the exit 322 to the launch rail 3.
Move to 15.

Further, the permanent magnet 421 fixed to one end of the ball supply member 324 returns to the state shown in FIG. 7A, and the magnetic sensor 422 also switches from on to off.

Therefore, by utilizing the on/off state of the magnetic sensor 422, it is possible to detect the hitting (launch) of a pachinko ball.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining still another embodiment of the shot ball detection means. A feature of this embodiment is that, in conjunction with the firing rail 315, the proximity sensor 4
31 is provided. This will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG.

The starting end (right side in the figure) of the firing rail 315 is bent into a letter shape so that the pachinko ball can be placed in a waiting state for hitting. Furthermore, the tip 30 of the batting rod is attached to the bent part.
A hole 332 is formed into which a hammer 314 attached to 4a can be inserted. The launch rail 315 is
It slopes upward from its starting end to its terminal end, and its terminal end is bent downward. Following the end of the launch rail 315, the pachinko balls are placed on the game board 3.
(FIG. 1) A guide rail 331 is provided.

A proximity sensor 431 is provided above the terminal end of the firing rail 315, which is at least one pachinko ball distance away from the ball hitting position. More specifically, this proximity sensor 431 is a magnetic sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like. These proximity sensors 431 detect when a pachinko ball, which is a metal ball, comes close to each other.For example, a magnetic sensor detects the proximity of a pachinko ball by a change in the inductance of a coil, and a capacitance sensor, for example, detects the proximity of a pachinko ball by a change in capacitance. It detects proximity. Therefore, the hit pachinko ball is sent to the firing rail 315.
Since the pachinko ball moves along the path and passes by the proximity sensor 431, the firing of the pachinko ball can be detected.

In addition, in FIG. 8, a proximity sensor 431' may be provided in association with the guide rail 331, as indicated by a dotted line 431'.

Projection ball detection means 430, 43 output based on detection by these proximity sensors 431, 431'
The output signal of 0' is given to the audio circuit, which will be described later, in the same way as described above.

Note that instead of the proximity sensor 431, for example, a photoelectric sensor may be used. Moreover, a micro switch can also be used. In this case, the actuator of the micro switch may be switched by the fired pachinko balls.

The shot ball detection means, which is one of the constituent elements of the present invention, has been described in detail using various specific embodiments.

Next, the specific winning state detection means, which is another component of the present invention, will be described with reference to specific examples.

FIG. 9 shows a variable display device 100 provided on the game board 3 (FIG. 1) and the variable display device 100.
It is a block diagram of an electric circuit for controlling a variable winning ball device 200 whose winning state changes according to the combination display. First, this block diagram and the first
The general operation of the variable display device 100 and the variable winning ball device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

The pachinko balls fired onto the game board 3 fall along the surface of the game board 3. At this time, it is assumed that the pachinko ball has won a prize in the specific winning area 5a, for example. The winning of this pachinko ball is detected by a detection switch 50a provided on the back side of the game board 3. This detection switch 50a is the detection switch 50 shown in FIG.
corresponds to Therefore, the detection switch 50 is turned on momentarily, and a pulse signal is given to the winning storage circuit 101. The winning memory circuit 101 stores the number of input pulse signals input from the detection switch 50, and also stores the number of pulse signals input from the detection switch 50.
and gives a pulse signal to the sound generation circuit 103. Note that the input pulse from the detection switch 50 is stored in the winning memory circuit 101 so that the number of times the pachinko balls have entered the specific winning areas 5a to 5c (FIG. 1), that is, the number of times the detection switch 50 has been turned on, can be stored later. This is to compile the data and use it as data for adjusting the ball payout rate, etc.

The drum control circuit 102 to which the signal is given from the winning memory circuit 101 controls the rotating drum mechanism 1, which is a variable display member, based on the input signal.
A drive signal is output to 04. By this drive signal, each drum 111, 1 of the rotating drum mechanism 104
12 and 113 start rotating. Regarding this,
This will be explained in detail in the following explanation of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.

The drum control circuit 102 also provides a signal to the LED control circuit 105 in response to the input from the winning storage circuit 101. depending on,
The LED control circuit 105 changes the digital display on the LED display 106 (located in the center of the variable display device 100). this
Variable display is performed by the LED display 106 and the above-mentioned rotating drum mechanism 104.

On the other hand, the output from the winning storage circuit 101 is also given to the audio generation circuit 103. Sound generation circuit 1
In 03, in response to this input, for example, a sound effect signal is generated to notify that a pachinko ball has won a prize in the specific winning areas 5a to 5c, or a sound effect signal is generated to excite that the above-mentioned drum or display on the LED display 106 is changing. A signal is given to speaker 107. The speaker 107 generates the above sound effect based on this signal.

In response to when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the variable display, or when the stop button 24 (see FIG. 1) provided on the front of the pachinko game machine 1 is pressed, whichever comes first, Stop circuit 10
8 provides a stop signal to the drum control circuit 102. Accordingly, the drum control circuit 10
In step 2, a stop signal is output to the rotating drum mechanism 104 and the LED control circuit 105. This signal causes the drum of the rotary drum mechanism 104 to stop rotating. Further, the LED control circuit 105 gives a stop signal to the LED display 106, and the LED control circuit 105 sends a stop signal to the LED display 106.
The display number 6 (for example, which one from 0 to 9) is given to the determination circuit 109. Further, from the rotating drum mechanism 104, a determination circuit 109 determines what combination of displays of the stopped drums is displayed.
given to. Note that detection of this combination of drum displays will also be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

The determination circuit 109 determines the value of the combination of stopped displays based on the signals from the LED control circuit 105 and the rotating drum mechanism 104. That is, it is determined whether the combination of the stopped displays is a predetermined specific combination or not, and accordingly, a signal identifying the winning state is output. For example, if the combination of stopped displays is "7" for all of the drums 111, 112, 113 and the display on the LED display 106 is also "7", it is determined that it is a winning state that gives the maximum value. Then, a signal based on the signal is given to the variable winning ball device 200 to change the variable winning ball device to a winning state that gives the maximum value. More specifically, for example, the variable winning ball device 2
A signal is given to a solenoid for opening the opening/closing plate of the Atatsuka, which is an example of the 00. At the same time, a so-called fiber lamp is lit to notify the player of a specific winning state and to liven up the atmosphere of the game.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the determination circuit 109 determines a predetermined winning state, that is, a predetermined specific combination, it provides the output to an AND gate, which will be described later, and in this specific state, the pachinko ball is When the ball is hit from 300, a sound effect is generated.

In addition, in FIG. 9, the basic clock circuit 10
1 is a circuit that outputs a basic clock signal to the stop circuit 108, the drum control circuit 102, and the determination circuit 109 for determining the variable display time and the open time of the variable winning ball device 200.

Next, the configuration and operation of the rotating drum mechanism 104 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the rotating drum mechanism 104. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10. Furthermore, FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 10.

The rotating drum mechanism 104 includes, for example, three drums 111, 112, 11, as shown in FIG.
Contains 3. The drum motor 114 provided at the right end in FIG.
It is for rotating and driving. Each drum 11
On the circumference of 1, 112, 113, the numbers ``7'', ``bell'', ``lemon'', and ``cherry'' are placed at equal intervals.
A mark like this is displayed.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show a drum 111,
Mechanisms for rotation and stopping of 112, 113 are shown. Each drum 111, 112, 113
is rotatably provided on the drum shaft 115. The drum shaft 115 is rotated by the rotation of the drum motor 114 being transmitted via the drive gear 116 and the transmission gear 117. Rotation is transmitted from the drum shaft 115 to each drum 111, 112, 113 using coil springs 118a, 118.
b, 118c. Therefore, when a certain load is applied to the drums 111, 112, 113, the drum shaft 11
Regardless of the rotation of drum 5, drums 111, 112,
The rotation of 113 is configured to be stopped.

For this stop, each drum 111, 112,
On one side of 113, there is a ratchet gear 119c shown in the center drum 113 in FIG.
The ratchet gears 119a and 119a, respectively,
119b and 119c are provided.

Now, to explain the drum 113, the locking lever 120c is connected to the ratchet gear 119c.
is rotatably supported by a locking lever shaft 121, and the locking lever 120c is connected to a plunger 123c of a drum solenoid 122c. As a result, the drum solenoid 122c
While the locking lever 120c is energized, the locking lever 120c is disengaged from the ratchet gear 119c, and the drum 113 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drum shaft 115. When the drum solenoid 122c is deenergized, the locking lever 120c is released. It meshes with the ratchet gear 119c and immediately stops the drum 113.

The other drums 111 and 112 have a similar configuration and include components corresponding to the reference numbers with a "c" appended above, and which include "a" or "a" in the reference number. b" in the drawing.

Signals for rotating the drum motor 114 and drum solenoids 122a, 122b, 1
Activation and deactivation signals for 22c are provided from the drum control circuit 102 (FIG. 9) described above.

Next, how the output from the rotating drum mechanism 104 shown in FIG. 9 is output to the determination circuit 109 will be explained in FIGS.
This will be explained with reference to FIGS. 13B, 13B, and 14.

Through holes 124, 125, 126 are formed in each drum 111, 112, 113, respectively. These through holes are located in each drum 111, 112,
In each side wall 127, 128, 129 of 113, it is distributed along two concentric circles. That is, the through holes 124, 125, 126 are formed by the through holes 124a, 125a, 126a on the outer circumference,
Through holes 124b, 125b, 1 on the inner circumference
26b. The positions of these through holes on the circumference are determined by the marks (drums 111, 11
2,113 mark) position and
The holes 124a, 125a, 126a on the outside and the hole 12 on the inside are selected according to the area shifted by 180 degrees, and in each area, depending on the type of mark, the outside through holes 124a, 125a, 126a and the inside through hole 12
4b, 125b, 126b, and only the outer through holes 124a, 125a, 126a, and the inner through holes 124b, 126b.
A case in which only the holes 25b and 126b are provided, and a case in which no through holes are provided are appropriately selected. These through holes are for each drum 111, 11
2,113 is used to detect the absolute position and relative position to other drums at which the drum is stopped. For this purpose, two sets of light emitters 130a, 130b and light receivers 131a, 13 are arranged corresponding to the positions of the through holes at the stop positions for each drum 111, 112, 113.
1b are arranged and fixed in the radial direction of the drum.

The light emitted by the light emitters 130a and 130b is
Assuming that when the light receivers 131a and 131b each receive light, there is an output from each light receiver 131a and 131b to the determination circuit 109 (FIG. 9).
Depending on the stopping position of each drum 111, 112, 113, the following combinations are possible. That is, there are cases in which there is an output from both light receivers 131a and 131b, a case where there is an output only from the light receiver 131a, a case where there is an output only from the light receiver 131b, and a case where there is no output from both the light receivers 131a and 131b. The determination circuit 109 determines the combination of drums 111, 112, and 113 based on the above output.

Returning to FIG. 9, the determination circuit 109 receives the output from the rotating drum mechanism 104 as described above and
This is the output from the LED control circuit 105.
It is assumed that a predetermined winning state, for example, a winning state that gives the maximum value, is determined based on the signal representing the display on the LED display 106. In this case, the determination circuit 109 determines that the attacher solenoid 2
01, the opening/closing plate 202 of the attacker 200, which is an example of the variable winning ball device shown in FIG.
Along with opening, the so-called fiber lamp 25
(Fig. 1) is turned on. Furthermore, the determination circuit 109
is the state that gives this maximum value, via the AND gate described below,
to the audio circuit (Figure 16).

Here, the "state that gives maximum value" that I just mentioned
Let me clarify in detail what that is.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an attacker 200 that is an example of a variable winning ball device that is a means for giving this maximum value. This attacker 200 has two states: a first state where the opening/closing plate 202 opens to the front and is in a state where the ball can be received, which is advantageous for the player;
The game changes to a second state which is disadvantageous for the player who closes the ball and prevents the player from accepting the ball. The above-mentioned "state that gives maximum value" means a case where the opening/closing plate 202 is opened to the front for the longest time in response to a single signal, or a state in which the opening/closing plate 202 is opened to the front for the longest time in response to a single signal, for example. Say the most common case.

This will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 15.
First, the configuration of the variable winning ball device 200 will be explained.
A through hole is formed in the center of the decorative frame 203, which becomes a winning area 204 in which a ball can be won. An opening/closing plate 202 is attached to the front side of the through hole so that it can be opened and closed. A protrusion 205 protruding perpendicularly to the opening/closing plate 202 is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction (the right side in the figure) of the opening/closing plate 202 . A small hole 206 is formed in this protrusion. A pin 208 fixed to one end of a rod-shaped lever 207 is engaged with this small hole 206 . The other end of the lever 207 is rotatably supported by a shaft 209. Further, a solenoid 201 is connected to the upper center of the lever 207 via a rod 210 and a plunger 211.

The winning area 204 where you can win when the opening/closing board 202 is opened includes a plurality of areas 204a, 204a,
It is divided into 204b and 204c. and,
For example, when a pachinko ball wins in the center winning area 204a, the V pocket detector 2
12 (FIG. 9), and the output thereof may be provided to the determination circuit 109 to continue opening and closing the opening/closing plate 202 of the variable winning ball device 200.

The variable prize winning ball device 200 operates as follows. When there is an output from the determination circuit 109 (FIG. 9), the solenoid 201 is energized and the plunger 211 is pulled up. Accordingly, Rod 210
moves upward, the lever 207 rotates around the shaft 209, and the opening/closing plate 202 opens to the front. That is, the state shown in FIG. 15 is reached. In this way, the time during which the solenoid 201 is energized to open the opening/closing plate 202 varies depending on the time at which the signal from the determination circuit 109 is output. Therefore, when the determination circuit 109 determines the condition that provides the maximum value, for example, the solenoid 201 is energized for the longest time and the opening/closing plate 202 is also opened for the longest time.

When the solenoid 201 is deenergized, the plunger 211 is pushed downward, the lever 207 is rotated downward, and the opening/closing plate 202 is also closed.

In addition, in the center part of the decorative plate 203, the opening/closing plate 202
An actuator 213 of the microswitch may be provided at the portion that comes into contact when the switch is closed. When the opening/closing plate 202 is in contact with this actuator 213, that is, when the opening/closing plate 202 is closed, the microswitch provided with the actuator 213 is in the OFF state, and conversely, when the opening/closing plate 202 is opened, the actuator 213, a microswitch including the actuator may be turned on. In this way, the open state of the opening/closing plate 202, which is the specific winning state, can be detected by the output of the micro switch. Therefore, the output of this microswitch is transferred to the aforementioned judgment circuit 109.
can be used in place of the output given to the audio circuit (described later).

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the sound generating means, which is the remaining component that characterizes this embodiment, will be described.

FIG. 16 shows a shot ball detection means 400, a specific game state detection means 600 including a determination circuit 109,
5 is an electric circuit block diagram showing the relationship with sound generating means 500. FIG. Specific game state detection means 600
The specific game state detection signal detected by the (determination circuit 109) is passed through the AND gate 501 to the audio circuit 5.
Given to 02. Further, the shot ball detection signal detected by the shot ball detection means 400 described above is given to the audio circuit 502 via the delay circuit 440 and the AND gate 501 as required. therefore,
The audio circuit 502 is turned on only when the outputs of both the determination circuit 109 and the shot ball detection means 400 are received, and generates audio, in other words, a sound effect. More specifically, the opening/closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball device 200 of the pachinko game machine 1
When a player operates the ball hitting handle 301 (FIG. 1) and fires a pachinko ball in a specific winning state where 2 is open, the effect of notifying the firing state of the pachinko ball in response to the firing of the pachinko ball. Sound is generated.

In addition, the fired ball detection means 400 and the AND gate 5
The delay circuit 440 connected between 01 and 01 functions as follows. For example, the shot ball detection means 400, 410, 42 explained in FIGS. 3 to 7
At 0, the shot ball detection signal is output when the ball rod 304 is rotated in preparation for hitting a ball or when the ball supply member 324 is rotated. Therefore, from this state, the batting stick is 30
For example, it takes 0.1 seconds for the hammer 314 at the tip of No. 4 to hit the pachinko ball. Therefore, if the audio circuit 500 is directly turned on with the output of the shot ball detection means shown in FIGS. 3 to 7,
A slight time lag occurs between the actual firing of the pachinko balls and the sound effect output by the audio circuit 500. In order to correct this time difference, a delay circuit 440 is inserted as necessary.

FIG. 17 is a specific electrical circuit diagram of one embodiment of the audio circuit 502. In the figure, input terminal 51
1 is connected to the output side of the AND gate 501. When there is an input from the AND gate 501 to the terminal 511, the switching transistor 521 whose collector is supplied with DC power is turned on, and accordingly, the transistors 512 and 513 are also turned on. Thereby, capacitor 514, resistor 515, diodes 516, 517, 518 and resistor 51
The oscillation circuit section composed of 9 and 520 operates to obtain an audio output signal, which is output from the speaker 503.

Note that the capacitor 514 or resistor 515
By changing the capacity or value of speaker 5
You can change the tone of the voice generated from 03. Therefore, for example, by making the resistor 515 a variable resistor and changing the resistance value for each pachinko game machine, it is possible to change the tone of the sound generated depending on the machine type.

FIG. 18 shows a speaker 5 that outputs the audio signal generated by the audio circuit 502 as audio (sound effect).
03 is a diagram for explaining an example of the mounting position. In the figure, below the front frame 2 of the pachinko game machine 1, there is a prize ball tray 11 that receives surplus balls when the balls stored in the ball tray connected to the ball standby rod 9 (FIG. 1) overflow. is provided, and a surplus prize ball dispensing port 10 is provided in the part connected to the prize ball tray 11.
is formed. Paths 26 and 27 are connected to this surplus prize ball payout port 10, and pachinko balls are paid out from the surplus prize ball payout port 10 to the prize ball tray 11 via these paths 27 and 26. Speaker 503 is attached, for example, near the connection between paths 27 and 26. More specifically, the rear plate 28 of the path 27 has a sound hole 27.
A plurality of speakers 503 are mounted behind the sound hole 29 using a mounting member 30. If the speaker 503 is installed in such a location, the sound generated from the speaker 503 will be
The sound is transmitted to the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 via the sound hole 29, the path 26, and the surplus prize ball payout port 10,
The sound effect can be easily heard by the player.

Note that the mounting position of the speaker 503 is not limited to this, and may be mounted at the lowest part of the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example, as shown in FIG.

Further, this speaker 503 may also be used as the speaker 107 connected to the sound generation circuit 103 described in FIG. 9.

Further, instead of the speaker, audio output means such as a piezoelectric element may be used.

In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko gaming machine 1 was explained as an example. However, the object of this invention is
It should be pointed out that the present invention is not limited to pachinko gaming machines, but can also be applied to other pinball gaming machines such as so-called coin gaming machines.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B
The figure is a diagram for explaining the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, Figure 2A shows
FIG. 2B shows the back side of the game board 3.
2A shows the structure of a mechanism plate that is further mounted on the structure shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3 shows a shot ball detection means 40.
FIG. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the electric ball hitting mechanism shown in FIG. 3 and the fired ball detection means 400 that operates in conjunction with the electric ball hitting mechanism. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electric ball hitting mechanism including a shot ball detection means 410 according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the electric ball hitting mechanism and shot ball detection means 41 shown in FIG.
2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of 0. FIG. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are diagrams for explaining another embodiment of the shot ball detection means. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining still another embodiment of the shot ball detection means. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electric circuit for driving the variable display device and the variable winning ball device. FIG. 10 is a front view of a rotating drum mechanism of an example of a variable display device. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10. Figure 12 shows the first
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. Figures 13A and 13B are perspective views of the drum. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a mechanism for detecting a combination of displays when the rotation of the drum of the rotating drum mechanism shown in FIG. 10 is stopped. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the variable winning ball device 200. FIG. 16 shows the shot ball detection means 40.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical connection between 0, the determination circuit 109, and the audio circuit 500. 17th
The figure is a specific electrical circuit diagram of the audio circuit 500. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the mounting position of the speaker. In the figure, 1 is a pachinko game machine, 3 is a game board, 5a to 5c are specific winning areas, 50, 50a,
50b and 50c are detection switches, 100 is a variable display device, 109 is a determination circuit as an example of specific winning state detection means, 200 is a variable winning ball device, 30
0 is an electric ball hitting mechanism, 400, 410, 420,
430 is a shot ball detection means, and 431 is a proximity sensor.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A pinball game machine that includes a game board and a ball firing mechanism that fires pachinko balls, and plays a game by firing pachinko balls to the game board, wherein the pachinko balls are fired to the game board. a shot ball detection means for detecting that the pinball game machine has entered a predetermined specific game state; and both the shot ball detection means and the specific game state detection means. A pinball game machine, characterized in that it is provided with a sound generating means for generating a sound notifying the firing of the pachinko balls in response to the output when the output is generated. 2. The pinball game machine is provided with a variable winning ball device on the game board, and the predetermined gaming state is the maximum value at which the variable winning ball device is in the most advantageous state for the player. 2. The pinball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the pinball game machine is in a state in which the pinball game machine is in a state where the pinball game machine provides the following.