JPH0440033B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a variable winning ball device installed in the playing area of a pinball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a variable winning ball device that is installed in the playing area of a pinball game machine such as a pachinko game machine. The present invention relates to a variable winning ball device for a pinball game machine, which is provided with an opening/closing plate that can rotate in an opening direction and a closing direction with respect to a winning opening.

[Prior Art] Among the pinball game machines using this type of variable prize winning ball device, one that has been generally known in the past is one described in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 55-47593. With this conventional system, while the opening/closing plate is rotating in the opening direction with respect to the winning opening, a relatively large number of balls can be hit into prizes, and a large amount of gaming value can be given to the player. controlled as
It was designed to increase the interest of the game.

The variable winning ball device of this kind of pinball game machine has a rotating shaft inserted through a predetermined support member for supporting the opening/closing plate and the lower part of the opening/closing plate,
The opening/closing plate was rotatably supported by the support member by the rotation shaft.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the case of such a conventional variable prize winning ball device, the lower part of the opening/closing plate and the part through which the rotating shaft of the support member is inserted are aligned. The rotating shaft must be inserted through the opening/closing plate, making the operation of assembling the opening/closing plate complicated and difficult.

The present invention was devised in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a variable winning ball device in which the opening/closing plate of the variable winning ball device can be rotatably attached with a simple operation. .

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention is a variable winning ball device provided in a game area where balls are hit, which comprises: a winning opening into which the hitting ball can win; and an opening direction with respect to the winning opening. an opening/closing plate that is rotatable in the closing direction; an electric drive source that drives the opening/closing plate; and an actuating member that transmits the driving force of the electric drive source to the opening/closing plate to operate the opening/closing plate; A pair of rotation support shafts formed integrally with the opening/closing plate and provided below the opening/closing plate on the left and right sides, a fitting groove for fitting and supporting the rotation support shaft, and a fitting groove in the fitting groove. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a closing member that closes the entrance side of the fitting groove in a state in which the rotation support shaft is fitted to prevent the rotation support shaft from coming off from the fitting groove.

[Function] According to the present invention, a pair of pivot shafts for rotatably supporting the opening/closing plate are integrally formed with the opening/closing plate, and are provided below the opening/closing plate in pairs on the left and right sides. On the other hand, a fitting groove is provided for fitting and supporting the rotational support shaft, and after the rotational support shaft is fitted and supported in the fitting groove, a closing member is placed at the entrance of the fitting groove. The side is closed to prevent the rotation support shaft from separating from its fitting groove. Thereby, the opening/closing plate is rotatably supported.

In other words, since the pivot shaft is integrally formed with the opening/closing plate, there is no need for the complicated work of inserting the pivot shaft while aligning the opening/closing plate and its support member. This can be accomplished by a simple installation process of fitting into the matching groove and closing it with a closing member.

[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, on the game board 1 of the pachinko game machine 10, there is a passing area consisting of winning areas such as safe holes 2a to 2c, and a variable display device 50 to be described later can be changed depending on winning balls, which are an example of passing balls. Winning area 3a consisting of determined winning openings
3c, multiple accessories (commonly known as tulips) 4a, 4
b, and an out ball inlet 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 shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B, which will be described later.
The variable prize winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 shown in the figure are integrally attached to the front frame member 31. In this way, since the variable prize winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 are integrally configured, both devices can be installed integrally and simultaneously at the time of installation on the game board 1, which facilitates the installation and also facilitates parts management. It has the advantage of being easy to carry out. 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. Then, the variable display device 50 starts the variable display of the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B according to the winning balls in the winning areas 3a to 3c, and after a certain period of time from the player's stop command or the start of the variable display. , stop variable display. When the combination of the display state of the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the display state of the segment display 50B at this time becomes a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 40 enters a specific game state determined to be capable of being driven to open. It is determined that. 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. Winning ball detector 1
00 may be detected 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 provided. The ball hitting handle 14 is used to adjust the strength of the ball hit by rotating the handle 14, and a ball hitting designation switch is provided on the outer periphery of the handle 14, if necessary. Note that the batting command switch may be a switch provided on the front frame 11 near the batting handle, or a switch that has a cam fixed to the shaft of the batting handle 14 and performs a switching operation by the pressure of this cam. .

Further, a variable display start/stop command switch 17 is provided on the front frame 11 as required. This variable display start/stop command switch 17 includes a start command switch 17s and a stop command switch 17.
Contains e. This start command switch 17s includes a rotating drum mechanism 50A and a segment display 50B.
This is used to select whether to start displaying both in a variable manner at the player's will after entering a game state in which the display can be driven. The stop command switch 17e is connected to the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50.
It is used to command to stop the variable display of B. Preferably, when a plurality of display rows of the rotating drum mechanism are provided, the stop command switch 17
By repeatedly pressing e, each row of drums included in the rotary drum mechanism 50A is commanded to stop one after another. For example, the rotating drum mechanism 50
If the display column A consists of three drums, pressing the stop command switch 17e once will stop the left drum, and pressing the stop command switch 17e a second time will stop the center drum. , the third press stops the right drum. In this case, the variable display on the segment display 50B is stopped when all rows of drums are stopped or after a fixed time delay.

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, the entry prize areas 3a, 3b, 3
On the back side of the game board 1 where c is formed, there is a path 211 for guiding the winning balls that have passed through the winning area downward.
212 is formed. A winning ball detector 22 is provided below the path 211 to detect winning balls entering the winning area 3a or 3b. A winning ball detector 23 is provided below the path 212 to detect winning balls entering 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 Yakumonos 4a and 4b. The outputs of the winning ball detectors 22 and 23 are transmitted to the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50.
B is used as a detection output indicating a state in which display driving is possible. Then, the out ball entrance 5 on the back side of the game board 1
A path 213 is provided at a slightly upper position. This path 213 includes safe holes 2a and 2c, a safe hole 2b which is an example of a passage area, and a winning area 3a.
~3c, the winning balls are sent to either the Yakumono 4a, 4b or the variable winning ball device 40 to the winning ball processor 2.
This leads to 4. This winning ball processing device 24 is
The winning balls guided through the path 213 are dropped one by one. 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 ball.

3A and 3B are illustrative views of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30, particularly FIG. 3A shows a perspective view thereof, and FIG. 3B shows a longitudinal sectional view thereof.

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. 5C shows an exploded perspective view thereof, FIG. 5D shows a detailed perspective view of one drum, and FIG. 5E shows a detailed cross-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 includes a variable winning ball device 40 and a variable display device 50 on the mounting plate 31.
It is constructed by integrally attaching. 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. Further, the mounting plate 31 is provided with display windows 33a, 33b, and 33c for displaying identification information drawn on the drums in each row, which will be described later. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular notch 34 is formed at the upper portion of the mounting plate 31 . Notch 34
A frame member 35 for mounting 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 machine. This frame member 3
5 has an inverted V-shaped ball receiving plate 351 formed on its upper part, and a guide 353 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 at hitting the ball, it is possible to prevent the player from losing interest in winning, especially when the variable winning ball device is closed. ,
The fun of the game can be improved. Collision surfaces 800a and 800b are formed at both left and right end portions of the frame member 35, which change the falling locus of the pachinko balls when they collide. These collision surfaces 800a, 800b are, for example, as shown in FIG.
It is configured such that the left and right end portions of b are located substantially above the lateral edge portions of the winning opening 32. With this configuration, when a pachinko ball collides with these collision surfaces 800a, 800b, it bounces back and forth in the left and right direction, and most of the bounced pachinko balls do not enter the winning opening 32, while this collision surface 800a , 800b, the pachinko balls that have not collided with the collision surfaces 800a, 800b still have a chance of winning in the winning opening 32.
This has the advantage of changing the falling locus of the pachinko balls, making it impossible to predict where the pachinko balls will land in the winning opening 32, and improving the fun of the game. In addition, when the pachinko balls falling from above collide with this frame member 35, the falling momentum of the pachinko balls is reduced, and the impact force when the pachinko balls fall and collide with the opening/closing plate 42 etc. located below is reduced. It also has the advantage of reducing the This frame member 35 constitutes an obstacle member having a collision surface that changes the falling trajectory of the hit ball when the ball collides with it. 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. A segment display 50B is mounted on the back side of this display window 356. 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 located directly above the variable display device 50, which is the focus of the player's attention, and
Since it protrudes somewhat forward, it is closer to the player's eyes, which has the advantage of making it easier for the player to visually grasp the displayed information. Furthermore, since the segment display device 50B is provided in the space formed by the frame member 35 forming the obstacle member, the space can be used effectively, and
The frame member 35 can prevent pachinko balls from directly colliding with the segment display 50B and causing it to malfunction. 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.
Further, a plurality of obstruction nails 36 are installed in the mounting plate 31 at the upper position of the opening 32. Furthermore, at a position slightly above the opening 32 on the front surface of the mounting plate 31,
A guide member 37 is attached. This guide member 3
7 forms guide plates 371 along the vertical direction at a plurality of locations in the lateral direction, and serves to cause 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 reducing the falling force, the pachinko balls are dropped 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 as an example of a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. The opening/closing plate 42 is closed to make it impossible to receive balls.

Next, details of the variable winning ball device 40 will be described. A variable prize 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 has notches 411 and 412 on both side wall portions.
It forms. This frame member 41 includes an opening/closing plate 4
2 is rotatably mounted. That is, the opening/closing plate 4
Approximately triangular side walls 421, 422 on both sides of 2
is formed. As shown in the figure, rotation support shafts consisting of cylindrical protrusions 423 and 424 are integrally formed on the side walls 421 and 422. This protrusion 42
3, 424 is formed with an end 750, and the outer diameter of this end 750 is larger than the inner diameter of the fitting groove formed by the notches 411, 412.
The frame member 41, an example of the closing member, and the mounting plate 31 are integrally assembled with the tip portions of the projections 423, 424 than the end portions 750 engaged with the notches 411, 412 of the frame member 41. Therefore, the opening/closing plate 42 can be opened and closed in front of the frame member 41. In addition, since the end portion 750 is formed, when the opening plate 42 is opened and closed, the side walls 421, 4
22 does not directly rub against the inner wall of the frame member 41, and the frictional force is absorbed through direct contact between the end portion 750 and the notches 411, 412, so the frictional force accompanying opening and closing of the opening/closing plate 42 can be reduced. This results in the effect that there is no problem in operation even after long-term use. In addition, the cutout portions 411, 4
12 fitting grooves may be formed on the mounting plate 31 side. A guide wall 43 for guiding winning balls downward is fixed to the back surface of the frame member 41. guide wall 4
The bottom surface of No. 3 is formed in an inclined shape. At the end of this bottom surface, a passing ball detector 45 for detecting a winning ball into the winning opening 44 of the variable winning ball device 40 is attached.
Furthermore, a protrusion 425 having a screw hole is formed on the side wall 422 of the opening/closing plate 42 .

Note that the protrusions 423 and 424 are attached to the side walls 421 and 4.
22 may have a metal shaft insert-molded therein.

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 includes a solenoid 462 that is an example of an electric drive source, and the plunger 4 of the solenoid 462
A part of the T-shaped lever 464 is connected to 63.
This T-shaped lever 464 has its center centered on the mounting plate 3.
1 is rotatably supported. Then, the other end of the rod 461 is engaged with one end of the T-shaped lever 464. The other end of the short side of the T-shaped lever 464 is the spring 46.
5 and tensile biased. 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 opening/closing the lever. The plate 42 is closed. 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 solenoid 461 is pulled upward, and the protrusion 425 of the opening/closing plate is pulled upward, thereby opening the opening/closing plate 42. The T-shaped lever 464, the rod 461, and the spring 465 constitute an operating 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,
This refers to a state where the ball is likely to win a prize as a state that is advantageous (or profitable) to the player, and a state that does not allow the ball to win a prize as a state that is disadvantageous (or disadvantageous) to the player. It goes without saying that various other variable winning ball devices may also be used. For example, as another example of a variable winning ball device, there is a so-called chulip, which has a beak-shaped portion that is advantageous to the player and makes it easier to win the ball. Another example of a situation that is disadvantageous to the player may be one in which the beak is closed, making it difficult for the player to win a prize. In addition, in this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 4
Although the entire winning hole 44 of 0 is configured as a specific area and all the winning pachinko balls are detected as balls passing through the specific area, it is possible to form not only a specific area but also a normal winning area in the winning hole 44. , it may be configured such that only pachinko balls that have passed through a specific area formed in a part of the winning hole 44 are detected as specific area passing balls.

Next, details of the variable display device 50 will be described. Variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum mechanism 50A and a segment display 50B. Note that the rotating drum mechanism 50A includes a rotating drum group 51 including a plurality of rows (three rows in the figure) of rotating drums 51a, 51b, and 51c. Further, 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 (alphabetic in the illustration) is drawn at fixed angles in the rotation direction. Then, each row of drums 51a, 51
b, 51c is displayed on the display window 33.
They are arranged so as to be visible to the player from a, 33b, and 33c. These display windows 33a, 33b, 33
As shown in FIG. 3B, cover members 31a and 31c respectively display enlarged identification information.
b, 31c are provided. Drums 51 in each row
On one side of each of a, 51b, and 51c,
A disk-shaped wall surface 511 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. Then, each row of drums 5
Ratchet gears 52a, 52b, 52 having the number of teeth corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery are provided on the wall surface 511 of each of the gears 1a, 51b, 51c.
c is fixed.

Wall surfaces 511 of the drums 51a to 51c in each row
In order to optically detect the identification information displayed on the corresponding display window, there is a portion in which through holes 513 and/or 514 are bored at each of two concentric identification information forming positions with different radii. The part that is not drilled is formed. For example, two types (2 bits) can be identified depending on the part with and without the through hole 513 on the inner circumference,
Two types of identification are possible by providing or not providing a through hole 514 on the outer circumference. Therefore, four types of identification information can be detected depending on the combination of presence/absence of both through holes 513 and 514. Note that by increasing the number (n) of circumferences in which through-holes are formed with different radii, 2 ⁿ types of identification information can be detected.

By the way, the wall surface 511 has through holes 513 and 514.
However, more preferably, in order to eliminate leakage of the light beam for detecting the presence or absence of a through hole and to be able to reliably detect the through hole, the following structure is adopted. That is, each row of rotating drums 51a, 51b, 51c has a through hole 5.
A cylindrical light guide member 515,
If 516 is formed, the light beam can be given directionality and light leakage can be minimized, so that identification information can be detected reliably. Note that the light guide member 515,
516 is a light projector 59 as shown in FIG. 5E.
The inner diameter of the through hole on the light receiver side is configured to be smaller than the inside diameter of the through hole on the 1,591' side, so that divergence of the light beam can be further prevented. Furthermore, a light emitting diode, for example, can also be used as the light source of the light projectors 591, 591'. Also, wall surface 5
If light guide members 515 and 516 are provided on the back surface of the drum 11, and holes are made in appropriate portions of the wall surface corresponding to the guide members according to identification information drawn on the outer periphery of the drum, the outer periphery of the drum It has the advantage of being able to freely change the type and arrangement of identification information drawn on the screen.

Each of the drums 51a, 51b, and 51c in each row is loosely fitted around a drum shaft 53, and individually rotatably supported by the frictional force thereof. In such a configuration, a coil spring 531 is inserted around the center hole 512 of each row of drums, and the drum is mounted on the drum shaft 5 by sandwiching the spring from both sides of each row of drums.
It should be installed on 3. The drum shaft 53 is pivotally supported on both sides by side plates 541 and 542 of the box 54. A gear 551 included in the rotational drive mechanism 55 is fixed to one end of the drum shaft 53. gear 5
51 is meshed with a speed change gear 552. Side plate 5
41 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 drum shaft 5 via the gears 552 and 551.
3. The back plate 543 of the box 54 has solenoids 56a, 56b, 5, which are an example of an electric drive source for individually rotating or stopping the drums 51a, 51b, 51c in each row.
6c is fixed. Plungers 57a, 57b, and 57c of these solenoids are connected to one ends of locking levers 58a, 58b, and 58c, respectively, by pins. Approximately central portions of the locking levers 58a, 58b, and 58c are supported by a shaft 581. As shown in FIG. 5C, the locking levers 58a, 58b, and 58c have a U-shaped cross section at the shaft portion, so that the locking levers 58a, 58b, and 58c are connected to the shaft 581 at two points with a constant width.
The claw-shaped portion 58
2 ratchets gear 5 without rattling from side to side.
Poor engagement with 2a, 52b, and 52c is also less likely to occur. 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. axis 58
1 is fixed to side plates 541 and 542 on both sides.
Locking levers 58a, 58 corresponding to drums in each row
A claw-like portion 582 is provided at the tip of each of b and 58c.
is formed. These locking levers 58a, 58b,
The claw-like portion 582 of 58c is attached to the corresponding drum 51.
It engages with the ratchet gears 52a, 52b, and 52c formed on the drums 52a, 51b, and 51c, respectively, to stop the drums in each row and maintain the locked state. The solenoids 56a, 56b,
56c, plungers 57a, 57b, 57c, locking levers 58a, 58b, 58c, ratchet gears 52a, 52b, 52c, and shaft 581 constitute rotation stopping means for independently stopping the rotating drums 51a, 51b, 51c. There is. This rotation stop means includes the side plates 541 and 5.
The solenoid 56
Even if the heat generated in a to 56c is transmitted to the lower holding part 718, since the lower holding part 718 is not in direct contact with the frame, deformation of the frame due to heat can be prevented. A positioning guide member 708 for positioning the solenoids 56a, 56b, and 56c is provided on the inner surface of the back plate 543 of the frame body, and a side surface portion 714 of the holding member 712 that holds the coils 710 of the solenoids 56a, 56b, and 56c, In order to be inserted between the guide members 708 and positioned, the widthwise dimension thereof is made within the positioning width of the guide members 708. In addition,
Both upper and lower ends of the holding member 712 are configured with an upper holding part 716 and a lower holding part 718 that extend so as to sandwich the coil 710 therebetween. Further, the holding member 712 positioned on the positioning guide member 708 is fixed by screws to a fixing plate 720 sandwiching the frame, and in this fixed state, the solenoid 56a,
The heat from 56b and 56c is radiated through the screws and the fixing plate 720, and as shown in FIG. 3B, a heat radiating space 722 is formed between the lower holding part 718 and the bottom of the frame.

By the way, the drums 51a, 51b, 51 in each row
c 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 will rotate in the opposite direction due to the vibrations of the pachinko machine. There are cases where 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 detected output of the stop position of the drums in each row will differ from the actual display, causing trouble. Therefore, in this embodiment, the motor 5
53 is continuously rotated to urge the drums in each row counterclockwise. At this time, since the engagement between the ratchet gear and the claw-like part works effectively against rotation in the counterclockwise direction, the drums in each row do not rotate at all, and the identification displayed at that time The information is not changed even by vibrations of the pachinko machine.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a number of engaging surfaces A corresponding to the number of identification information on the outer periphery of the drum 51a are 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 D of the next engaging surface, the tip of the locking lever 58a, that is, the claw-shaped portion 58
A sliding contact guiding surface C is formed for slidingly contacting and guiding 2. The engaging surface A, the replenishing surface B, and the sliding guide surface C constitute a pawl with which the pawl-shaped portions 582 of the locking levers 58a to 58c are removably engaged.

Since the pawl formed on the outer periphery of the ratchet gear has the above configuration, the engagement surface A and the locking lever 58
The rotating drum is reliably stopped by the reliable connection with the tip of a. 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 When contacting the pawl of the ratchet gear, the locking lever 58a
The tip of the reinforcing surface B comes into contact with the reinforcing surface B,
Surface contact by the reinforcing surface B can prevent wear of the claw tips of the ratchet gear. Furthermore, during stop control, the sliding contact guiding surface C causes the tip of the locking lever 58a to slide into contact with the base D of the engaging surface.
The locking lever can be guided smoothly until the end of the locking lever collides with the outer periphery of the ratchet gear, thereby preventing it from bouncing back. As described above, it is possible to reliably stop the rotating drum, 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 connected to the ratchet gears 52a to 52c.
52c and the locking lever's pawl-shaped portion 582. Therefore, when the locking lever is released, the locking lever can be removed from the ratchet gear with a relatively small force by rotating the lever tip in the direction of rotation of the rotating drum, that is, toward the front of the engagement surface. It has the advantage of being able to

Photoelectric sensors 59a and 59b are provided at positions corresponding to the through holes 513 and 514 on both sides of the three rows of drums 51a to 51c in order to detect the combination of identification information displayed when the drums are stopped. . The photoelectric sensors 59a, 59b each include a light emitter 591, 591' and a light receiver 592, 592'. These emitters 591, 591' and the receiver 5
92 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 also include the side plate 541 that constitutes the frame,
542 and a back plate 543.

The conditions 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 into a specific area in that state are as follows: each column displayed on the rotating drum display mechanism 50A The determination is made based on the combination of the identification information of the drum 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 the combination of identification information displayed on the drums in each row. In the figure, 700 is a floodlight 591,5
It is a light directing tube that houses the projector 91' and gives directionality to the output light beam from the projector 591, 591'.
It is provided on the rotating drum side of the frame. A housing tube 702 is provided in which the light receivers 592, 592' are housed in the assembled state. Due to the function of this light directing tube 700, the projectors 591, 5
The output light beam projected from 91' is transmitted to the light receivers 592,
Directivity is provided so that only the 592' side is irradiated, and the light does not leak unexpectedly to other directions, which causes erroneous detection where the light receiver unexpectedly receives light from other directions. This has the advantage that it is less likely to occur. Further, the receivers 592, 592' are connected to the storage cylinder 7.
02, unnecessary light does not enter from the side, and the projector 591, 59
Only the regular light projected from 1' is received, allowing accurate and reliable detection.

In the above embodiment, as an example of the variable display device 50, a case is shown in which the rotary drum display mechanism 50A and the segment display device 50B are integrally configured, but the rotary drum display mechanism 50A alone may be used. Other examples of electrically variable indicators include:
A display unit such as a plurality of light emitting diodes is arranged in a ring shape, each light emitting diode is sequentially driven to display, and when the display drive is stopped, the display state of the light emitting diodes and the rotating drum display mechanism is A predetermined value may be given by a combination of the following. Note that the rotating drum mechanism 50A
may be configured with 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. 63, a passing ball detector 45 which is an example of a specific area passing ball detecting means, a specific area passing ball detecting 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 ball waiting gutter 13, rotates the ball hitting handle 14 to adjust the strength of the ball, and then presses the ball hitting switch. Then, a ball hitting motor (not shown) is rotationally driven 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, if the ball lands in either the safe hole 2a, 2c or the Yakumono 4a, 4b, one ball will be awarded in the same way as in the conventionally known pachinko machine. A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out for each winning ball.

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 an output and provides it to the addition/subtraction counter 611 via the OR gate 610. In response, addition/subtraction counter 611 increments its count by one. The count value of addition/subtraction counter 611 is given to comparison circuit 612 . This comparison circuit 612 includes an AND gate 61
In response to the comparison command signal given from 3,
It is determined whether the count value (n1) of the addition/subtraction counter 611 is greater than 0 (n1<0), but no comparison operation is 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 17s is pressed.
Accordingly, when the count value of the addition/subtraction counter 611 is 1 or more, the comparison circuit 612 derives a variable display drive command signal and supplies it to the monostable multi 615.
In addition, in the case where the variable display is performed immediately upon detecting a winning ball without using the start command switch 17s, the output of the winning ball detector 22 or 23 becomes the 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 drives the motor drive circuit 614 and the solenoid drive circuit 61.
6 as a drive command signal. Further, the monostable multi 615 provides its output pulse as a reset signal to a ring counter 617 and as a subtraction command signal to an addition/subtraction counter 611. Then, the ring counter 617 is reset (ie, to 0). At the same time, the addition/subtraction counter 61
1 subtracts the count value by 1. The motor drive circuit 614 instructs the motor 553 to rotate. Furthermore, the solenoid drive circuit 616 energizes the solenoids 56a, 56b, and 56c in each column based on the fact that the count value of the ring counter 617 is 0. As a result, each row of drums 51a to 51c
The engagement between the ratchet gears 52a to 52c fixed to the locking levers 58a to 58c is released. Therefore, each row of drums 51a~
51c is rotationally driven by the rotational force of a motor 553.

At the same time, the output of the monostable multiplier 615 causes a 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. The ring counter 624 cyclically counts numerical information from 0 to 9, and provides the counted value to the decoder 625. 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 see that the combination of display states of the drums 51a to 51c in each row is given a predetermined value. The stop command switch 17e is pressed so that it is in the state where it is. 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, at the timing when the player wants to stop the drum 51b, the stop command switch 17e is activated.
When pressed, the ring counter 617 sets its count value to 2. Accordingly, the solenoid drive circuit 61
6 deenergizes solenoid 56b. Therefore,
When the stop command switch 17e is pressed twice, the drums 51a and 51b are stopped and the drum 51c is stopped.
only 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, the solenoid drive circuit 616
Deactivate 6c. In this way, each time the stop command switch 17e is pressed one after another, the drums 51a, 51b, 51c in each row corresponding to the number of times the switch is pressed 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 the immediately preceding count value is sent to the decoder 625.
to be displayed on the segment display 50B.
At the same time, the output pulse of the monostable multi 618 is sent to the specific game state detection circuit 63 as a determination command signal.
is applied to a drum display state determination circuit 631 and a combination display state determination circuit 632 included in the. This display state determination circuit 631 is supplied with the outputs of the light receiver 592 of the photoelectric sensor 59a that detects the through holes 513 of the drums 51a to 51c in each row, and the light receiver 592' of the photoelectric sensor 59b that detects the through holes 514. It is being Therefore, the display state determination circuit 631 is activated by the photoelectric sensor 5 in response to the determination command signal.
Based on the outputs of the light receiving sections 9a and 59b, each row of drums 5 is displayed in the display windows 33a to 33c.
The combination of identification information 1a to 51c 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
is based on the fact that the combination of identification information displayed on the drums 51a to 51c in each row is a predetermined combination and the numerical information displayed on the segment display 50B is predetermined numerical information. 40 to the first state is determined. If it is determined that the specific gaming state is present, the combination display state determination circuit 632 derives a high level signal and the OR gate 6
51 to the timer 652. In response, timer 652 energizes solenoid 462 for a period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) to trigger variable winning ball device 40.
The opening/closing plate 42 is opened.

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 gaming 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 the addition/subtraction counter 642 via the AND gate 641. Accordingly, the addition/subtraction counter 642
The winning balls will be cumulatively counted during the opening period. 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, instead of the timer 643, the output of the timer 652 is connected to the AND gate 64.
Just give it to 1.

After a certain time delay required to drive the variable winning ball device 40 from the output of the monostable multi 618,
A delay circuit 619 derives the delayed pulse and supplies it to the motor drive circuit 614 as a stop command signal. In response, the motor drive circuit 614 stops rotating the motor 553. In this way, by rotating the motor 553 even after the drums 51a to 51c in each row are stopped, the drums 51a to 51c in each row are rotated.
a to 51c continue to be biased in the counterclockwise direction, and at this time, the ratchet gears of the drums in each row and the pawls of the locking levers remain engaged, so that vibrations of the pachinko machine etc. Therefore, there is no possibility that the drum will be reversed and become in a state where a certain value can be given, and there is an advantage that troubles between the player and the staff at the game parlor can be prevented from occurring.

A timer (or delay circuit) 653 derives a comparison command signal and provides it to a comparison circuit 654 after a fixed time delay from the time-up of the timer 652 . Accordingly, the comparison circuit 654 determines whether the count value (n2) of the addition/subtraction counter 642 is greater than 0,
If it is larger than 0, a pulse output is derived and given 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 comparison circuit 6
54 is differentiated by a differentiating circuit 655 and input 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 this count value. In other words, the combination of the identification information of the drums in each row and the segment display 50B
When the display state becomes a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 40 is first driven to open, and the number of winning balls entered into the winning hole 44 of the variable winning ball device 40 during that period is counted, and the winning ball device 40 is counted. Correlating with the size of the number of balls,
The opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly opened and closed. Therefore, for the player, when the player succeeds in bringing the display states of the drums 51a to 51c in each row and the display state of the segment display device 50B to predetermined states, the first opening period of the variable winning ball device 40 starts. Depending on the number of winning balls,
The number of openings of the variable winning ball device 40 can be extended, giving an opportunity to win more prize balls. Furthermore, the addition/subtraction counter 642 may have an upper limit on its count value.

In addition, the variable winning ball device 40 is a solenoid 4.
62, the fixed period is either the fixed period set by the timer 652, the period it takes for a predetermined number of balls to enter the variable winning ball device, or both of these periods. or until expiration, whichever comes first.

By the way, if the addition/subtraction counter 611 has a count value of 1 or more, the rotating drum display mechanism 50
A and segment display 50B can be driven for display. The operation in this case is performed by pressing the start command switch 17s, 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, 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, or when winning a prize that is relatively difficult to win. Although a case has been described in which a region is formed, a ball that has won a prize in the winning region is detected, and the variable winning ball device is changed to a state advantageous to the player, 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] Since the pivot shaft is integrally formed with the opening/closing plate, the present invention eliminates the troublesome work of inserting the pivot shaft while aligning the opening/closing plate and its supporting member. It is no longer necessary, and the opening/closing plate can be rotatably supported by the simple operation of fitting the rotation support shaft into the fitting groove and closing it with the closing member.
It has now been possible to provide a variable winning ball device in which the opening/closing plate can be easily assembled.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

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 structure of the back of the pachinko key. 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 winning ball device 50. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a game control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 10 is a pachinko game machine which is an example of a pinball game machine, 31 is a mounting plate as a mounting board, 32 is an opening as a prize opening, 42 is an opening/closing plate which is an example of a movable member, and 40 is a variable prize winning machine. A ball device, 35 is a frame member, 50, which is an example of an obstacle member and a protection member.
B is a segment display which is an example of an electric display, 3a is a prize opening, 800a, 800b are collision surfaces, 423, 424 are protrusions, and 411, 412 are notches that are an example of a fitting groove.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A variable winning ball device provided in a game area where balls are hit, which comprises: a winning opening into which the hitting balls can win; and a mechanism that rotates the winning opening in an opening direction and a closing direction. a movable opening/closing plate; an electric drive source for driving the opening/closing plate; an actuating member for transmitting the driving force of the electrical drive source to the opening/closing plate to operate the opening/closing plate; and integrally formed with the opening/closing plate. a pair of left and right rotation support shafts provided below the opening/closing plate; a fitting groove for fitting and supporting the rotation support shaft; and a fitting groove in which the rotation support shaft is fitted. A variable prize winning machine for a pinball game machine, comprising: a closing member that closes the entrance side of the fitting groove in a fitted state to prevent the rotation support shaft from coming off from the fitting groove. Ball device.