JPS63283665A - Variable display apparatus of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a variable display device used in a gaming machine typified by a pachinko gaming machine, etc. The present invention relates to a variable display device for a gaming machine having a plurality of rotating drums.

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

Variable display devices for gaming machines of this kind that have been generally known include, for example, a solenoid, a plunger operated by the solenoid, one end of which is locked to the plunger, and the other end of which is locked to the plunger. Some devices are equipped with a rotation stopping means that includes a locking lever that engages with a ratchet gear that rotates integrally with the rotating drum to stop the rotating drum that corresponds to the ratchet gear.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the variable display device of this type of conventional gaming machine, in order to arrange a plurality of rotating drums in a narrow space of the gaming machine, it is necessary to downsize the rotating drum. be. For this reason, it is necessary to take various measures for miniaturization, such as narrowing the distance between the rotating drums, and as a result, it is not possible to secure an engagement type between the ratchet gear and the locking lever with sufficient margin, and the solenoid During assembly, the locking lever may be misaligned due to positional errors, which may adversely affect the stopping of the rotating drum, preventing normal stop control and hindering the game. Ta.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a variable display device for a game machine that can accurately control the stop of a rotating drum by preventing errors in the position of the solenoid during assembly. shall be.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A variable display device for a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a rotating drum that displays a plurality of types of identification information on its outer periphery and has a through hole bored in its side surface that corresponds to the identification information; a drum shaft that rotatably supports a plurality of the rotating drums so as to allow individual stops while transmitting rotational force; a rotational drive mechanism that rotationally drives the drum shaft; A stop including rotation stopping means for independently stopping the rotation, a light projector provided on the side of the rotating drum and projecting light, and a light receiver receiving the light projected from the projector through the through hole. The rotation stop means includes a position detection means and a frame body that integrally holds these, and the rotation stop means includes a solenoid, a plunger operated by the solenoid, one end of which is locked to the plunger, and the other end of which is locked to the rotating drum. and a locking lever that stops a rotating drum corresponding to the ratchet gear by engaging with the ratchet gear that rotates integrally with the frame, and the frame body is provided with a positioning guide member that positions the solenoid. It is characterized by the presence of

[Operation] When the end of the locking lever operated by the plunger engages with the ratchet gear, the rotating drum corresponding to the ratchet gear is stopped.

Then, the solenoid for operating the locking lever is assembled to the frame in an accurately positioned state by the function of the positioning guide member, and the solenoid is assembled to prevent positional errors during assembly. Can be prevented.

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

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

4b, and out ball population 5 are formed.

A variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is arranged approximately in the center of the game board 1. This variable winning ball/variable display device 30
is constructed by integrally mounting a variable winning ball device 40 and a variable display device 50 shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B, which will be described later, on a front frame member 31. In this way, since the variable 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. 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 displays the winning areas 3a to 3a.
The variable display of the rotary drum mechanism 5OA and the segment display 50B is started in response to the winning of 3C, and the variable display is stopped after a certain period of time from the player's stop command or the start of the variable display. When the combination of the display state of the rotating drum mechanism 5OA 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 able to be 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 where the nails are adjusted so that it is relatively difficult to win, and the winning area 2b is made more difficult to win. The winning ball detector 100 may detect the winning ball to determine that a specific gaming state has been entered. That is, the entered prize ball detector 100 may constitute a specific game state detection means for detecting that a predetermined game state has been reached in a pachinko game. Also,
The entered prize area 2b is also configured as a specific area, and the entered prize ball detector 100 detects pachinko balls that have passed through a specific area where the variable winning ball device is allowed to continue in the first state. It may also be configured to serve as a ball detection means.

Below the front frame 11 of the pachinko machine 10, a prize ball payout port 12, a batted ball standby gutter 13, a batted ball handle 14, a surplus prize ball payout port 15, and a prize ball tray 16 are arranged. The ball hitting handle 14 adjusts the strength of the ball hit by rotating the handle 14, and a ball hitting command switch is provided on the outer periphery of the handle 14, if necessary. In addition, the batting command switch is
It may be a switch provided on the front frame 11 near the ball-hitting handle, or a switch in which a cam is fixed to the shaft of the ball-hitting handle 14 and the switching operation is performed by suppressing the cam.

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

It should be noted that if the rotating drum mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B are to be variably displayed immediately in response to winnings in 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. b FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the back structure of the pachinko machine 10. In the figure, on the back side of the game board 1 where the winning areas 3a, 3b, and 3C are formed, paths 211 and 212 are formed to guide the winnings that have passed through the winning areas downward.

A winning ball detector 22 is provided below the path 211 to detect winnings in the winning area 3a or 3b.

A winning ball detector 23 is provided below the path 212 to detect winnings in the winning area 3C. In addition, if necessary, the winning ball detected by the winning ball detector 22.23 is guided to the upper position of the Yakumono 4a, 4b, and
It is used to open the beak-like part of 4b. The outputs of the winning ball detectors 22 and 23 are used as detection outputs for the state in which the rotating drum mechanism 5OA and the segment display 50B can be driven for display. A path 213 is provided on the back side of the game board 1 at a position slightly above the outage entrance 5. This path 213 includes a safe hole 2a, a safe hole 2b which is an example of a 2C% passage area, and winning areas 3a to 3c.
- This is to guide the winning ball to either the winning ball device 4a, 4b or the variable winning ball device 40 to the winning processing unit 24. This prize processing device 24 causes the winning prizes guided through the path 213 to fall one by one. The balls dropped one by one by the prize processing device 24 are processed by a conventionally well-known prize ball payout mechanism (
(not shown) is operated to pay out a fixed number of prize balls for each winning prize.

Figures 3A and 3B are illustrative views of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30, particularly Figure 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.

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

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

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

The variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is constructed by integrally mounting the variable winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 on a mounting plate 31. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the mounting plate 31 has a rectangular opening in which the variable winning ball device 40 is formed in association with the variable winning ball device 40 and serves as the winning opening of the variable winning ball device 40, which is an example of a specific area. 32 is drilled. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the specific area and the variable winning ball device are used together, but the specific area and the variable winning ball device may also be provided separately. The mounting plate 31 also includes a display window 33a for displaying identification information drawn on each row of drums, which will be described later.
33b and 33c are drilled. Furthermore, a rectangular notch 34 is formed at the upper portion of the mounting plate 31 . A frame member 35 is attached to the front surface of the notch 34, on which a segment display 50B, which is an example of an electrically variable display, is attached and for guiding pachinko balls. This frame member 35 has an inverted V-shaped ball receiving plate 351 formed on its upper part, and
A guide 353 is formed that guides the balls received by the ball receiving plate 351 to the back side through a hole that becomes the winning area 3a. In this way, since the winning area 3a is provided in the area where the player aims at hitting the ball, the player's interest in winning can be prevented from fading (especially when the variable winning ball device is closed). By colliding with this frame member 35, the pachinko balls falling from above can reduce the falling force of the pachinko balls, and the opening/closing plate 4 located below can reduce the falling force of the pachinko balls.
This can reduce the impact force when a pachinko ball falls and collides with a second place, and this frame member 35 constitutes an obstacle member that changes the falling path of the pachinko balls. Also,
If a pachinko ball collides with this obstacle member and its falling path changes, the falling path of the pachinko ball will change at the top of the variable winning ball device, which is the focus of the player's attention, and the winning destination of the ball will be affected. changes fluidly, which can improve the fun of the game. Further, in this embodiment, the variable winning ball device is integrally provided with the obstacle member, but the variable winning ball device and the obstacle member may be configured separately.

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

From this point of view, the frame member 35 is configured to also serve as a protection member that protects the segment display $50B, which is an example of the electrically variable display, from being hit by a ball. In addition, the mounting plate 31 includes
A plurality of obstacle nails 36 are installed at the upper part of the opening 32. Further, a guide member 37 is mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 31 at a position slightly above the opening 32. This guide member 37 forms guide plates 371 along the vertical direction at a plurality of locations in the lateral direction, and functions to allow the pachinko balls to fall while being guided in the vertical direction. The falling pachinko balls collide with the obstacle nail 36 and the guide member 37, and after the falling force is temporarily reduced, 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 opens the opening/closing plate 42 to the front as an example of a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. It closes and makes it impossible to accept balls. Next, details of the variable winning ball device 40 will be described. A variable winning ball device 40 is provided in relation to the opening 32.

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

An opening/closing plate 42 is rotatably mounted on this frame member 41. That is, on both sides of the opening/closing plate 42, triangular sides q421 and 422 are formed. These side walls 421, 42
2 is formed with a pivot shaft consisting of cylindrical protrusions 423 and 424. The protrusions 423 and 424 have stepped portions 7
50 is formed, and the outer diameter of this stepped portion 750 is configured to be larger than the inner diameter of the fitting groove formed by the notches 411 and 412. Since the frame member 41 and the mounting plate 31 are integrally assembled with the tip portions of the protrusions 423 and 424 than the stepped portions 750 engaged with the notches 411 and 412 of the frame member 41, the opening/closing plate 42 can be opened and closed at the front of the frame member 41. In addition, since the stepped portion 750 is formed, when the opening/closing plate 42 is opened/closed, the side g421
, 422 do not directly rub against the inner wall of the frame member 41, and the frictional force is absorbed by direct contact between the stepped portion 750 and the cutout portions 411, 412, so that the frictional force accompanying opening and closing of the opening/closing plate 42 can be reduced. The effect is that there is no problem in operation even after long-term use. Also,
The fitting groove consisting of the notches 411 and 412 is inserted into the mounting plate 31.
It may be formed on the side.

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

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

The center of this T-shaped lever 464 is rotatably supported by the mounting plate 31. Then, the other end of the rod 461 is engaged with one end of the T-shaped lever 464. T-shaped lever 4
The other end of the short side of 64 is tension-biased by a spring 465. As a result, when the solenoid 462 is electrically deenergized, the lower end of the T-shaped lever 464 is tensilely biased by the spring 465, and the tip of the long side is pulled down, thereby closing the opening/closing plate 42. make it happen Conversely, when the solenoid 462 is energized, the T-shaped lever 4
One end of the short side of 64 is rotated by the suction of plunger 463, and the tip of the long side is pulled upward. As a result, the rod 461 is pulled upward, and the projection 425 of the opening/closing plate is pulled upward, thereby opening the opening/closing plate 42. Said T-shaped lever 464. The rod 461 and the spring 465 constitute an actuation member that transmits the driving force of the electric drive source to the movable member to move the movable member.

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

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

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

A disk-shaped wall surface 511 is formed on one side of each of the drums 51a, 51b, and 51c in each row. Wall surface 51
1 is formed with a hole 512 through which a drum shaft 53 (described later) is inserted. Then, each row of drums 51a,
Ratchet gears 52a, 52b, and 52c having the number of teeth corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery are fixed to the wall surface 511 of each of the ratchet wheels 51b and 51C.

The wall surface 511 of the drums 51a to 51c in each row is provided with a transparent material at each of two concentric identification information forming positions with different radii in order to optically detect the identification information displayed in the corresponding display window. A portion with holes 513 and/or 514 and a portion without holes are 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, depending on the combination of presence/absence of both through holes 513 and 514, 4
type identification information can be detected. Note that by increasing the number (n) of circumferences in which through-holes are formed and have different radii, 21 types of identification information can be detected.

Incidentally, the wall surface 511 may be simply provided with through holes 513 and 514, but it is more preferable to make the through holes 513 and 514 in order to eliminate leakage of the light beam for detecting the presence or absence of the through holes and to ensure that the through holes can be detected. It is structured as follows. That is, each of the rotating drums 51a, 51b, 51c in each row has a cylindrical light guide member 515 at each angle corresponding to each identification information on the circumference in which the through holes 51B, 514 are to be bored.
By forming the angle 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 members 515 and 516 are
As shown in the figure, the inner diameter of the through-hole on the receiver side is made smaller than the inside diameter of the through-hole on the light projector side, so that divergence of the light beam can be further prevented. Also,
For example, a light emitting diode can also be used as the light source of the light projector 591, 591'. In addition, the wall surface 511
If the light guide members 515 and 516 are bored on the back side of the drum and the part of the wall surface corresponding to the guide member is bored according to the identification information drawn on the outer periphery of the drum, the identification information drawn on the outer periphery of the drum can be made. It has the advantage of being able to freely change the type and arrangement of information.

Each of the drums 51a, 51b, and 51c in each row is loosely fitted around a drum shaft 53, and is individually rotatably supported by its frictional force. Such a configuration can be achieved by inserting a coil spring 531 around the center hole 512 of each row of drums and mounting the drums on the drum shaft 53 so that the springs are sandwiched between both sides of each row of drums. 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. The gear 551 is meshed with a speed change gear 552. A drum drive motor 553 is attached to the side plate 541. 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 53 via the gears 552 and 551. Back plate 543 of box 54
Solenoids 56a, 56b, and 56c, which are an example of an electric drive source, are fixed to the drums 56a, 56b, and 56c for individually rotating or stopping the drums 51a, 51b, and 51c in each row. These solenoids plunge +57a, 57b,
57c are locking levers 58a, 58b, and 58c, respectively.
It is connected to one end of the body with a pin. Locking levers 58a, 58b
, 58c are pivotally supported by a shaft 581. As shown in FIG. 5C, the locking levers 158a, 58b, and 58c have a U-shaped cross section at the shaft portion, so that they can be attached to the shaft 581 at two points with a certain width. Pivotally supported,
Since the pawl portion 582 is reliably supported, the pawl portion 582 does not wobble from side to side, and is less likely to engage poorly with the ratchet gears 52a, 52b, and 52c. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, as long as the contact surface between the shaft support portion and the shaft is increased as much as possible. Both sides of the shaft 581 are fixed to side plates 541 and 542.

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

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

Ratchet gear 52a formed on 51b and 51c
, 52b, and 52c to stop the drums in each row and maintain the locked state. Said solenoids 56a, 56b, 56C, plunge + 57a
, 57 b + 57 c, locking lever 58
a, 58b, 58c, ratchet gears 52a, 52b,
52c and the shaft 581, the rotating drums 51a, 51
Rotation stopping means is configured to stop the rotations b and 51c independently. This rotation stopping means is the side plate 54.
The solenoid Even if the heat generated in 56a to 56C is transferred to the lower holding part 718, the lower holding part 718
Since it is not in direct contact with the frame, deformation of the frame due to heat can be prevented. The solenoid 56a is provided on the inner surface of the back plate 543 of the frame.

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

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

By the way, each row of drums 51a, 5lb,
51C 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 if it rotates in the opposite direction due to vibrations of the pachinko machine. There is. In this case, if the type of identification information displayed on the drums in each row changes to a state advantageous to the player, the detection output of the stop position of the drums in each row may differ from the actual display, which may cause trouble. . Therefore, in this embodiment, until the variable display on the segment display 50B is stopped and a predetermined value is assigned, the motor 553 is continuously rotated to urge the drums in each row counterclockwise. I'll keep it. At this time, for counterclockwise rotation,
Since the engagement between the ratchet gear and the pawl-shaped portion works effectively, the drums in each row do not rotate at all, and the identification information displayed at that time does not change even due to vibrations of the pachinko machine.

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

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

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

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

Through holes 513 on both sides of the three rows of drums 51a to 51c.
At positions corresponding to 514, photoelectric sensors 59a and 59b are provided to detect the combination of identification information displayed when the vehicle is stopped. Photoelectric sensors 59a, 59
b are the emitter 591, 591' and the receiver 59, respectively.
2.592'. This floodlight 591, 591'
and the light receivers 592 and 592' constitute a stop position detection means for detecting the stop position of the rotating drum.

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

The condition under which the variable winning ball device can be brought into the first state and further maintained in the first state depending on the number of balls passing to a specific area in that state is that the rotating drum display mechanism 50
The determination is made based on the combination of the identification information of the drums in each row displayed as A and the display state of the identification information displayed on the segment display 50B. Further, even in cases other than the conditions for imparting a predetermined value, other values may be imparted (for example, the development of yakumono) by a combination of identification information displayed on the drums in each row. In the figure, 700 is a light directing tube that accommodates the projectors 591, 591' and gives directivity to the output beams from the projectors 591, 591', and is provided on the rotating drum side of the frame. In the assembled state, the light receiver 592°592' is housed in a storage t? 1702 is provided. Due to the action of the light directing tube 700, the output light beam projected from the light projector 591, 591' is directed to the light receiver 5.
Since the directionality is such that the light is irradiated only on the 92.592' side, and the light does not accidentally leak in other directions, the receiver accidentally receives light from other directions, which is an erroneous detection. This has the advantage of being less likely to cause this. Furthermore, the receiver 5
92 and 592' are provided in the storage tube 702, unnecessary light does not enter from the side, and the projector 5
Receives only regular light emitted from 91.591',
Accurate and reliable detection becomes possible.

In the above embodiment, as an example of the variable display device 50, a case is shown in which the 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.

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

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

In the configuration, the game control circuit 60 includes a rotary drum drive control circuit 61 for driving and controlling the rotary drum display mechanism 50A, a display drive control circuit 62 for variably displaying the segment display 50B, and a specific game state detection circuit. 6
3. Passing ball detector 45 as an example of specific area passing ball detection means
, a specific area passing ball counting means 64, and a drive control circuit 65 for driving the edible 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 nodle 14 to adjust the strength of the ball, and then presses the ball hitting switch. In response, a ball hitting motor (not shown) is rotated and a ball hitting rod (not shown) is rotated intermittently to drive balls into the game board 1 one by one. In this way, when a player is playing a ball hitting game, the ball is hit into the safe holes 2a, 2c or the Yakumono 4.
When a prize is won in either a or 4b, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out for each winning ball in the same manner as in conventional pachinko machines.

On the other hand, when the hit ball lands in any of the winning areas 3a to 3C, the winning ball detector 22 or 23 derives the output and outputs the output.
It is applied to an addition/subtraction counter 611 via an R gate 610. In response, addition/subtraction counter 611 increments its count by one. The count value of the addition/subtraction counter 611 is the comparator circuit 6
given to 12. This comparison circuit 612, in response to being given a comparison command signal from an AND gate 613,
It is determined whether the count value (nl) of the addition/subtraction counter 611 is greater than 0 (nl<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.

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

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

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

In response, the ring counter 617 is reset (i.e. 0
) to be done. At the same time, the addition/subtraction counter 611 subtracts 1 from its count value. The motor drive circuit 614 instructs the motor 553 to rotate. Also, based on the fact that the count value of the ring counter 617 is O, the solenoid drive circuit 616 controls the solenoids 56a7, 56b, and 56b of each column.
56c is energized.

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

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

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

Therefore, only the drum 51a is stopped.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After a certain period of time delay from the time-up of the timer 652,
A timer (or delay circuit) 653 derives a comparison command signal and provides it to a comparison circuit 654. Accordingly, the comparison circuit 654
determines whether the count value (n2) of the addition/subtraction counter 642 is greater than 0, and if it is greater than 0, derives a pulse output and provides it to the timer 652 via the OR gate 651. In response to this, the timer 652 again energizes the solenoid 462 for a certain period of time to open the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40. At this time, the output of the comparison circuit 654 is differentiated by a differentiating circuit 655 and inputted as a subtraction command signal to the addition/subtraction counter 642. In response, addition/subtraction counter 642 subtracts one from its count. In this way, when the count value of the addition/subtraction counter 642 is 1 or more, the opening/closing plate 42 of the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly driven to open based on the count value. In other words, when the combination of the identification information of the drums in each row and the display state of the segment display 50B reach a predetermined state, the variable winning balls r
It40 is opened and driven, and during that period variable winning ball device 4
The number of winning balls entered into the winning hole 44 of 0 is counted, and in correlation with the size of the number of winning balls, the opening/closing plate 4 of the variable winning ball device 40 is counted.
Repeat step 2 to open and close. Therefore, for players,
When the display state of the drums 51a to 51c in each row and the display state of the segment display device 50B are successfully set to a predetermined state, the display state of the drums 51a to 51c in each row is set to a predetermined state, and according to the number of winning balls in the first opening period of the variable winning ball device 40, further , the number of openings of the variable winning ball device 40 can be extended, and an opportunity to win more prize balls is provided. Furthermore, the addition/subtraction counter 642 may have an upper limit on its count value.

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

By the way, if the addition/subtraction counter 611 has a count value of 1 or more, the rotary drum display 50A and the segment display 50B can be driven to display again. The operation in this case is performed by 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,
In cases where a variable display device 50 is provided and the variable winning ball device is changed to a state advantageous to the player based on the display state thereof, or a winning area where it is relatively difficult to win is formed, and balls that have entered the winning area are detected. Although the case where the variable prize winning ball device is changed to a state advantageous to the player has been described, various other specific game states are possible. Further, various other specific items may be provided and a specific game state may be set based on the state of the item.

[Effects of the Invention] The present invention having the above-mentioned configuration can prevent errors in assembling the solenoid due to the function of the positioning guide member. It has now become possible to provide a variable display device for a gaming machine that can accurately stop and control the rotating drum even if the rotating drum is downsized.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing the back structure of the pachinko machine. FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrative views of the variable winning balls and variable display device. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are detailed views of the variable winning ball device 40. 5A to 5E are detailed views of the variable display device 50. FIG. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a game control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 51a, 51b, 51c are rotating drums, 513.
514 is a through hole, 53 is a drum shaft, 55 is a rotational drive mechanism,
56a, 56b, 56c are solenoids, 57a, 57b
, 57c is a plunger, 58a, 58b, 58c are locking levers, 581 is a shaft, 541.542 is a side plate, 534
is the back plate, 591.591' is the perforator, 592,592
' is the photoreceiver, 52 a, 52 b, 52 c
is a ratchet gear, 708 is a positioning guide, 710.
is a coil, 712 is a holding member, 714 is a back part, 716
is an upper holding part, and 718 is a lower holding part. Figure 5B

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A rotating drum that displays multiple types of identification information on its outer periphery and that has holes corresponding to the identification information on its side, and a system that allows multiple pieces of the rotating drum to be individually controlled while transmitting rotational force. a drum shaft that is pivotally supported so as to permit stopping; a rotation drive mechanism that rotationally drives the drum shaft; a rotation stop means that independently stops the rotation of the rotary drum; The rotation stopping means includes a stop position detection means including a light projector that projects light, a light receiver that receives the light projected from the light projector through the through hole, and a frame that integrally holds these. comprises a solenoid, a plunger operated by the solenoid, and a rotating drum corresponding to the ratchet gear by engaging a ratchet gear whose one end is locked to the plunger and whose other end rotates integrally with the rotating drum. A variable display device for a gaming machine, comprising: a locking lever for stopping the solenoid; and the frame body is provided with a positioning guide member for positioning the solenoid. (2) The solenoid includes a coil and a holding member that holds the coil, and the holding member holds the coil at least at a side surface portion corresponding to the positioning guide member and at upper and lower portions of the side surface portion. Claims include an upper holding part and a lower holding part extending in a sandwiching manner, and the widthwise dimension of the side surface part is within the positioning width of the positioning guide member. A variable display device for a gaming machine according to item 1. (3) The locking lever is pivoted to a shaft for supporting the locking lever with a constant width in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. A variable display device for a gaming machine according to item 2.