JPH0440036B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a pinball game machine typified by a pachinko game machine, etc., and more specifically, a pinball game machine that is equipped with a variable display device that can display a plurality of pieces of identification information. Regarding the pinball game machine.

[Prior Art] This type of pinball game machine has been generally known for some time, for example,
There was one described in Publication No. 108737. This conventional pinball game machine is controlled so that if the display result when the variable display device is stopped becomes predetermined specific identification information, it enters a specific game state and is able to award a predetermined game value to the player. The game was designed to increase the interest of the game.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] On the other hand, in conventional pinball game machines, the variable display device is attached to the game board in a state that bulges forward from the game board surface, so the space in which the ball falls is narrower. As a result, there is a space where the balls cannot fall, and the playing area cannot be used effectively.
This has the drawback that the originally required function of a pinball game machine, which is to enjoy the change in the falling state of the ball, is impaired.

The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to prevent as much as possible the disadvantage that the falling space for the hit ball is narrowed due to the provision of the variable display device.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A pinball game machine according to the present invention is a pinball game machine in which a game is played by hitting a ball into a game area, and which is provided in the game area and has a plurality of types of pinballs. A variable display device capable of variably displaying identification information; a cover member provided on the front side of the variable display device through which the identification information can be seen; and a falling space provided on the front side of the cover member into which a ball can fall. and a variable variable device that is provided at a position where the ball falling through the falling space can win a prize, and that can be changed between a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. a winning ball device; and a drive control means for driving and controlling the variable winning ball device to a first state when the display result of the stop of the variable display device becomes predetermined specific identification information. It is characterized by

[Function] According to the present invention, since the fall space into which the batted ball can fall is provided on the further front side of the cover member provided on the front surface of the variable display device, even if the variable display device is provided, the falling space is provided. The falling space on the front side allows the ball to fall. Furthermore, since the cover member is provided on the front surface of the variable display device, the variable display device can be protected from the balls falling in the falling space by the cover member. Further, when the display result when the variable display device is stopped becomes specific identification information, the variable winning ball device enters the first state that is advantageous to the player, and it becomes possible to generate many winning balls. Moreover, the ball falling through the falling space can win a prize in the variable winning ball device, and the player can be provided with a sense of expectation that the ball falling through the falling space may win in the variable winning ball device. .

[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 yakumono (commonly known as chulip) 4
a, 4b, 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 integrally installed at the same time when attached to the game board 1, which facilitates the installation and also facilitates parts management. It has the advantage of being easy to carry out. This variable display device 50
is configured to include 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. The display state of the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B at this time
When the combination with the display state becomes a predetermined state, it is determined that the variable winning ball device 40 has entered a specific gaming state determined to be able to be driven to open.
In addition, as another example of the specific game state for driving the variable winning ball device 40 to open, forming a winning area 2b whose nails are adjusted so that it is relatively difficult to win,
The winning ball detector 100 detects winning balls into the winning area 2b.
It may be determined that a specific gaming state has been entered by detecting this. 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 its rotation, and a ball hitting command switch is provided on the outer periphery of the handle 14, if necessary. 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 when the cam is pressed.

Further, if necessary, a variable display start/stop command switch 17 is provided on the front frame 11. This variable display start/stop command switch includes a start command switch 17s and a stop command switch 17e. This start command switch 17s is used to select to start variable display of both the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B at the player's will after the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B are in a game state in which display can be driven. . The stop command switch 17e is used to command the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the variable display of the segment display 50B to stop. In addition,
Preferably, when a plurality of display rows of rotating drum mechanisms are provided, by repeatedly pressing the stop command switch 17e, the drums in each row included in the rotating drum mechanism 50A are sequentially commanded to stop. . For example, if the display row of the rotating drum mechanism 50A is composed of three rows of drums, pressing the stop command switch 17e once stops the left drum, and pressing the stop command switch 17e a second time stops the left 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 Yakumono 4a and 4b, and are used to open the beak-shaped parts of the Yakumono 4a and 4b. The outputs of the winning ball detectors 22 and 23 are 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.

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

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

5A to 5E are illustrative views showing details of the variable display device 50, in particular, FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the variable display device 50 as seen from the front side, FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the internal structure, and FIG. 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 the variable display described above, 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. When the pachinko balls falling from above collide with this frame member 35, the falling force of the pachinko balls can be reduced, and the impact force when the pachinko balls fall and collide with the opening/closing plate 42 etc. located below can be reduced. This frame member 35 constitutes an obstacle member that changes the falling path of the pachinko balls. Additionally, if a pachinko ball collides with this obstacle member and the falling path changes, the falling path of the pachinko ball will change at the top of the variable winning ball device, which is the focus of players' attention, and the ball will win. The direction of the game changes fluidly, which can improve the fun of the game. Further, in this embodiment, the variable winning ball device is integrally provided with the obstacle member, but the variable winning ball device and the obstacle member may be configured separately. A ball passage area 35 for allowing balls to pass is provided in a laterally extending portion of the frame member 35.
4,355 are formed. This ball passing area 35
The pachinko balls that have passed through the holes 4,355 fall downward through the falling space formed on the front side of the cover member 31a shown in FIG. 3B. Furthermore, even if the balls do not pass through the ball passing areas 354 and 355, the pachinko balls that pass through the side portions on both sides of the frame member 35 enter the falling space on the front side of the cover member 31a and fall through the falling space. In some cases. 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
Variable display device 50 is attracting attention from players
Since it is located directly above the player and projects somewhat forward, it is close to the player's eyes, which has the advantage that the player can more easily grasp the displayed information visually. Furthermore, since the segment display device 50B is provided in the space formed by the frame member 35 that constitutes the obstacle member, the space can be used effectively, and the frame member 35 allows pachinko balls to be directly connected to the segment. Collision with the display device 50B and breakdown can be prevented. From this point of view, the frame member 35 is configured to also function as a protection member that protects the segment display 50B, which is an example of an electrically variable display, from being hit by a ball. In addition, the mounting plate 31
A plurality of obstruction nails 36 are installed at the upper part of the opening 32. Further, a guide member 37 is mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 31 at a position slightly above the opening 32. This guide member 37 forms guide plates 371 along the vertical direction at a plurality of locations in the lateral direction, and functions to 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. The opening 32
A variable prize winning ball device 40 is provided in conjunction with this. This frame member 41 has four walls approximately equal to the size of the opening 32 in the depth direction, and cutouts 411 and 412 are formed in both side wall portions. An opening/closing plate 42 is rotatably mounted on this frame member 41. That is, substantially triangular side walls 421 and 422 are formed on both sides of the opening/closing plate 42. The side walls 421 and 422 are provided with pivot shafts composed of cylindrical protrusions 423 and 424. A step 750 is formed on the projections 423 and 424, and the outer diameter of the step 750 is larger than the inner diameter of the fitting groove formed by the notches 411 and 412. Since the frame member 41 and the mounting plate 31 are integrally assembled with the tip portions of the protrusions 423 and 424 than the stepped portions 750 engaged with the notches 411 and 412 of the frame member 41, the opening and closing plate 42 can be opened and closed at the front of the frame member 41. Note that since the stepped portion 750 is formed,
When opening and closing the opening/closing plate 42, the side walls 421,
422 does not directly rub against the inner wall of the frame member 41, and the frictional force is absorbed through direct contact between the stepped portion 750 and the notches 411, 412, so the frictional force accompanying opening and closing of the opening/closing plate 42 can be reduced. The effect is that there is no problem in operation even after long-term use. In addition, the cutout portion 41
1,412 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. The bottom surface of the guide wall 43 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 .

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.
It is tensilely biased at 5. 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 short end of the T-shaped lever 464 is connected to the plunger 463.
is rotated by suction, and the tip of the long side is pulled upward. As a result, the rod 461 is pulled upward, and the protrusion 425 of the opening/closing plate
By pulling upward, the opening/closing plate 42 is opened. Said T-shaped lever 464, rod 4
61 and spring 465 constitute an actuation member that transmits the driving force of the electric drive source to the movable member to move the movable member.

In addition, in the illustration, as an example of a variable winning ball device,
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. As another example of a situation that is disadvantageous to the player, the beak may be closed to make it difficult for the ball to win.
In addition, in this embodiment, the entire winning hole 44 of the variable winning ball device 40 is configured in a specific area so that all winning pachinko balls are detected as balls passing through the specific area. It may be configured such that not only the area but also a normal winning area is formed, and only pachinko balls that have passed through a specific area formed in a part of the winning opening 44 are detected as specific area passing balls.

Next, details of the variable display device 50 will be described. The variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum mechanism 50A and a segment display 50B. 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 (alphabet 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 each have a number of teeth corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery on the wall surface 511 of each of the gears 1a, 51b, and 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.
Although it is possible to simply drill a through hole, it is more preferable to eliminate the leakage of the light beam for detecting the presence or absence of a through hole and to ensure that the through hole can be detected.
It is composed as follows. That is, each row of rotating drums 51a, 51b, 51c has a cylindrical light guide member 51 at each angle corresponding to each identification information on the circumference in which through holes 513, 514 are to be bored.
5 and 516, 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 51
5,516 is a floodlight 5 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 91, 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'. Furthermore, if the light guide members 515 and 516 are provided on the back surface of the wall surface 511 and the portions of the wall surface corresponding to the guide members are perforated according to the identification information drawn on the outer periphery of the drum, the drum It has the advantage of being able to freely change the type and arrangement of the identification information drawn on the outer periphery.

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 this configuration, a coil spring 531 is placed around the center hole 512 of each row of drums, and the spring is sandwiched between both sides of each row of drums so that the drums are attached to the drum shaft 5.
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. On the back plate 543 of the box 54, 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, are mounted.
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 have two points with a constant width that lock the shaft 581.
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 56a
Even if the heat generated in ~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, and
The widthwise dimension of the side surface portion 714 of the holding member 712 holding the coils 710 of a, 56b, and 56c is within the positioning width of the guide member 708 so as to be inserted between the guide members 708 and positioned. It is made with Note that the upper and lower ends of the holding member 712 are formed by an upper holding part 716 and a lower holding part 7 extending so as to sandwich the coil 710 therebetween.
It is composed of 18. Further, a 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 solenoids 56a and 56
b, 56c is radiated through the screws and the fixing plate 720, and as shown in FIG. 3B,
A heat radiation space 72 is provided between the lower holding portion 718 and the bottom surface of the frame body.
2 is formed.

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,
When the type of identification information displayed on the drums in each row changes to a state advantageous to the player, the detection output of the stop position of the drums in each row may differ from the actual display.
It may cause trouble. Therefore, in this embodiment, the motor 55 is
3 is continuously rotated to bias each row of drums 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 reinforcing surface B, and the sliding contact guiding surface C constitute a pawl that is removably engaged with the pawl-shaped portions 582 of the locking levers 58a to 58c.

Since the pawl formed on the outer periphery of the ratchet gear has the above configuration, the engaging surface A and the locking lever 5
The rotating drum is reliably stopped by the reliable connection with the tip of 8a. Further, the reinforcing surface B formed at the outer tip of the engaging surface A
Because it is formed by a plane that is almost orthogonal to
When the tip of the locking lever 58a contacts the pawl of the ratchet gear during stop control, the locking lever 58
The tip of the ratchet gear a comes into contact with the reinforcing surface B, and the surface contact by the reinforcing surface B can prevent the tip of the pawl of the ratchet gear from wearing out. Furthermore, during stop control, the sliding contact guiding surface C allows the tip of the locking lever 58a to be brought into sliding contact and smoothly guided to the base D of the engaging surface, so that one end of the locking lever latches. It is possible to prevent rebound caused by collision with the outer periphery of the gear. As described above, the rotating drum can be stopped reliably, and the reliability of the stopping function does not deteriorate even after long-term use.

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

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 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 light emitters 591, 591' and light receiver 59
2,592' 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 plates 541 and 54 forming the frame body
2 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 judgment 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 a combination of identification information displayed on the drums in each row. In the figure, 700 is a floodlight 59
1,591' and its floodlight 591,59
This is a light directing tube that imparts directivity to the output light beam from 1', and is provided on the rotating drum side of the frame. In the assembled state, the light receiver 592,
A storage cylinder 702 is provided in which 592' is stored. Due to the function of the light directing tube 700, the output light beams projected from the projectors 591, 591' are given directivity so that they are irradiated only to the receivers 592, 592', and the light is not accidentally directed in other directions. Since there is no leakage, there is an advantage that the cause of erroneous detection in which the light receiver unexpectedly receives light from another direction is less likely to occur. Furthermore, the light receivers 592, 592'
is provided in the storage tube 702, so unnecessary light does not enter from the side, and the projector 59
Only the regular light projected from 1,591' 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 display mechanism 5
0A may be configured as an electrically variable display, such as a digital display.

FIG. 6 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In the configuration, the game control circuit 60 includes a rotary drum drive control circuit 61 for driving and controlling the rotary drum display mechanism 50A, a display drive control circuit 62 for variably displaying the segment display 50B, and a specific game state detection circuit. 63, a passing ball detector 45 which is an example of specific area passing ball detection means, specific area passing ball counting means 64, and a drive control circuit 65 for driving the variable winning ball device 40 to open and close.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the operation of this embodiment will be explained together with the specific circuit configuration of FIG. 6. The player puts the pachinko balls borrowed from the ball lending 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. In response, a ball-striking motor (not shown) is rotated and a ball-striking rod (not shown) is rotated intermittently to sequentially 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. In response, 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. Accordingly, ring counter 624 cyclically counts numerical information from 0 to 9 and provides the counted value to 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 determine that the combination of display states of the drums 51a to 51c in each row gives a predetermined value. The stop command switch 17e is pressed so that the stop command switch 17e is in the state where 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. Further, 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 successively pressed, 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 provided 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 determines, based on the outputs of the light receiving sections of the photoelectric sensors 59a and 59b, in response to the determination command signal.
The combination of identification information of the drums 51a to 51c in each row displayed on the display windows 33a to 33c is determined, and the determination result is transmitted to the combination display state determination circuit 6.
Give to 32. This combination display state determination circuit 6
32 is given the output of the ring counter 624. Therefore, the combination display state determination circuit 632 determines whether the combination of identification information displayed on the drums 51a to 51c in each column is a predetermined combination and the numerical information displayed on the segment display 50B is a predetermined combination. Based on the numerical information, it is determined whether or not the variable winning ball device 40 has entered a specific gaming state in which it can be changed to the first state.
If it is determined that the game is in a specific gaming state,
The combination display state determination circuit 632 derives a high level output and outputs it to the timer 6 via the OR gate 651.
Give to 52. In response, the timer 652 energizes the solenoid 462 for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) to open the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40.

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

Note that this is not limited to the period in which the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened for the first time after determining the specific game state, but when the opening/closing plate 42 is opened again in correlation with the number of balls won into the winning opening 44. In this case, 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, the drum does not turn over 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.

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 the count value. In other words, the combination of the identification information of each row of drums and the segment indicator 50
When the display state of B becomes a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 40 is first driven to open, 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 number of winning balls is counted. The opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly opened and closed in correlation with the size of the number of winning balls. Therefore, for the player, when the player succeeds in 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. In addition, the number of openings of the variable winning ball device 40 can be extended according to the number of winning balls in the
You will be given the 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 the expiry of the contract, whichever comes first.

By the way, if the addition/subtraction counter 611 has a count value of 1 or more, the rotating drum indicator 50A is displayed again.
And the segment display 50B can be driven to 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, the variable display device 50 is provided, and the variable winning ball device is changed to a state advantageous to the player based on the display state, 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. Furthermore, various other types of specific game objects may be provided and the game state may be set based on the state of the game object.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, since the ball can fall through the falling space formed on the front side of the variable display device when the variable display device is provided, the falling space for the ball to fall is narrow. This inconvenience can be prevented as much as possible, and the inconvenience that the originally required function of the pinball game machine, which is to enjoy the change in the falling state of the hit balls, is impaired can be prevented as much as possible. Moreover, since the cover member is provided, the variable display device can be protected from pachinko balls falling through the falling space by the cover member. Furthermore, when the display result of the variable display device becomes specific identification information, a hit ball falling through the falling space can win a prize in the variable winning ball device which becomes the first state. To provide a player with a sense of expectation that a ball may win a prize in a variable prize winning ball device, and to provide an interesting pinball game machine that truly effectively utilizes the falling space.

[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 back structure of the pachinko machine. FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrative views of the variable winning balls and variable display device. Fourth
Figures A and 4B are detailed views of the variable winning ball device 40. FIGS. 5A to 5E show the variable display device 5.
0 is a detailed diagram of 0. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a game control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a game board, 50 is a variable display device, 31
a is a cover member.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A pinball game machine in which a game is played by hitting balls into a game area, comprising: a variable display device provided in the game area and capable of variably displaying multiple types of identification information; a cover member provided on the front surface of the variable display device through which the identification information can be seen; a falling space provided on the front side of the cover member into which a ball can fall; and a ball falling through the falling space wins a prize. a variable winning ball device that is disposed at a possible position and that can change between a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player; A pinball game machine comprising: a drive control means for driving and controlling the variable winning ball device to a first state when a display result becomes predetermined specific identification information.