JP2004298342A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of increasing room for intervention of a player's game-playing skill in the shooting of game balls into a game field. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is structured so that an angle adjusting motor is driven according to the operation of an angle increasing switch or an angle reducing switch to change the guiding angle of a shooting rail 508 to guide balls to be shot and change the shooting angle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine having a launching device for launching a game ball, and playing a game ball fired from the launching device into a gaming area. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally known game machines of this type include, for example, a launching device for launching a game ball such as a pachinko ball, and a game ball launched from the launching device is driven into a game area. There was a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine in which a game was played.
[0003]
As such a gaming machine, in order to adjust the hitting point position of the hitting hammer with respect to the pachinko ball as a game ball at the firing position, by moving a rail as a guide member for guiding the shot pachinko ball up and down. In some cases, the position of the tip of the hammer was adjusted vertically. (Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-95988 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, the arrival point of the launched game ball on the game area can be scattered based on the adjustment of the hitting point position of the hitting hammer. Is constant. For this reason, in the conventional gaming machine, the angle of the trajectory of the game ball on the game area becomes constant, and there is little room for the player's game technology to intervene in the game ball being driven into the game area.
[0006]
The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of increasing a room where a player's game technology can intervene in driving a game ball into a game area. is there.
[0007]
Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems and Their Effects
(1) A launching device (launching device 500, 500a, 500b) for launching a game ball (pachinko ball) is provided, and a game ball fired from the launching device is driven into a gaming area (gaming area 207) to play a game. A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 2) to be performed,
A guide member (a launch rail 508, a launch rail member 64, a guide member) for guiding the launched game ball to the game area, the guide member being capable of changing a ball guiding angle for guiding the game ball to the game area. 41)
A ball guiding angle operating means (an angle increasing switch 11 and an angle decreasing switch 12) by which a player can perform an operation for adjusting the ball guiding angle of the guide member; An angle varying means (a launch / lift control microcomputer 291, an angle variable motor drive circuit 293d, and an angle variable motor 14) for changing the ball guiding angle of the guide member accordingly.
[0008]
According to such a configuration, the ball guiding angle of the guide member is changed according to the operation of the player for adjusting the ball guiding angle. For this reason, it becomes possible to adjust the angle of the trajectory of the game ball guided to the game area according to the operation of the player, so that the player's game technology can intervene with respect to the driving of the game ball into the game area. Room can be increased.
[0009]
(2) The launching device is a means for operating to launch the game ball, and includes launch operation means (ball hitting handle 205) capable of adjusting the launch intensity of the game ball by operation;
The ball guiding angle operating means is provided near the position where the firing operating means is provided (see FIG. 1).
[0010]
According to such a configuration, since the guidance angle operation means is provided in the vicinity of the position where the firing operation means is provided, the player who performs the firing operation can easily adjust the ball guidance angle of the guide member. .
[0011]
(3) Informing means (inducing angle informing units 21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) for informing the ball guiding angle of the guide member is provided on the front side of the gaming machine.
[0012]
According to such a configuration, the ball guidance angle of the guide member is notified on the front side of the gaming machine, so that the player can easily recognize the ball guidance angle of the guide member, and the ball guidance angle can be adjusted. Operation can be facilitated.
[0013]
(4) The launching device further includes a resilient member (hitting member 61b) for repelling a game ball at a resilient angle having a predetermined correspondence relationship (parallel) with the ball guiding angle of the guide member, and Is provided in an upper portion of the game board (game board 206) provided with (see FIG. 2),
The angle varying means is configured to maintain the predetermined correspondence between the ball guiding angle of the guide member and the popping angle of the resilient member. The firing angle of the firing member is changed (see FIG. 10).
[0014]
According to such a configuration, since the launching device is provided in the upper portion of the game board provided with the game area, the ball guiding process of the ball by the guide member is shorter than in the case where the launching device is provided in the lower portion of the game board. Therefore, friction between the game ball and the guide member is less likely to occur. Furthermore, since the ball guide angle of the guide member and the spring angle of the spring member maintain a predetermined correspondence relationship, the spring angle of the spring member is changed according to the change of the ball guide angle of the guide member. The game ball can be fired at a certain angle. In addition, by making it difficult to generate friction and enabling the game balls to be fired at a certain angle, the game balls can be fired more stably.
[0015]
(5) A reference angle return means (S4) for returning the ball guiding angle of the guide member to a predetermined reference angle when a predetermined angle return condition is satisfied.
[0016]
According to such a configuration, when the predetermined angle return condition is satisfied, the ball guiding angle of the guide member is returned to the reference angle, so that the ball guiding angle of the guide member can be easily returned to the reference angle. it can.
[0017]
(6) The angle return condition by the reference angle return means is when a predetermined game ending condition (when the hitting operation has not been performed for a predetermined time) or when the power of the gaming machine is turned on. It is established when it is done (S2Y).
[0018]
According to such a configuration, when it is determined that the game ending condition is satisfied, or when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, the angle return condition of the guidance angle by the guide member is satisfied. When the player plays a new game, the ball guiding angle becomes the reference angle, so that the player playing the new game can play the game without feeling uncomfortable.
[0019]
(7) further comprising an angle resetting operation means (angle reset switch 13) capable of allowing a player to perform a resetting operation for returning the ball guiding angle of the guide member to the reference angle,
The angle return condition by the reference angle return means is satisfied when the return operation is performed by the angle return operation means (S3Y).
[0020]
According to such a configuration, when the return operation is performed by the angle return operation means, the angle return condition of the ball guiding angle of the guide member is satisfied, so that the ball guiding angle is set to the reference angle as desired by the player. Can be made easier.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and has a launching device that launches a game ball, and a game ball that is launched from the launching device. Any gaming machine that is driven into the gaming area to play a game is targeted.
[0022]
First embodiment
First, the respective configurations of the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 provided corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the pachinko gaming machine 2 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the lifting device and the launching device provided in the pachinko gaming machine 2.
[0023]
Referring to FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 2 as an example of a gaming machine includes a game unit (not shown) together with a card unit 3 which is a gaming device arranged one-to-one at a side position of the pachinko gaming machine 2. It is used in parallel on the front and rear sides of the machine installation island.
[0024]
Inside the game machine installation island where the pachinko game machines 2 and the card units 3 are juxtaposed, a supply gutter (not shown) for supplying a game ball, which is a pachinko ball, to each pachinko game machine 2, and each pachinko game machine 2, a variety of structures including a lifting device (not shown) for collecting discharged game balls and feeding them to a supply gutter are provided.
[0025]
In the card unit 3, various structures such as a card insertion slot 314 into which a prepaid card, which is a game recording medium in which a game value such as the number of times a ball can be lent, are recorded. Things are provided.
[0026]
The pachinko gaming machine 2 operates in response to a request for predetermined power supply power. The pachinko gaming machine 2 includes a front door frame 200 as a gaming machine frame, a glass door frame 202 pivotally supported on the front side of the front door frame 200 so as to be openable and closable, and a glass plate provided in the center, and a front door. A base frame 201 formed in a square frame shape that pivotally supports the frame 200 so that it can be opened and closed.
[0027]
On the lower front surface of the glass door frame 202, a hit ball supply tray 203 as a hit ball storage section for storing the lent ball and the paid prize ball is provided integrally. An operation unit 14 is provided at a predetermined location on the upper surface of the hit ball supply tray 203.
[0028]
The operation unit 14 is operated by the player to borrow a game ball in accordance with a deduction from a game value (for example, frequency) read from a prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 314 of the card unit 3. Various operation means and display means including various operation means such as a lending switch to be provided and a display means such as a frequency display section for displaying the magnitude of a game value (for example, frequency) read from the prepaid card are provided. ing.
[0029]
Referring to FIG. 2, below the hitting ball supply tray 203 on the front surface of the front door frame 202, there is a surplus ball receiving tray 204 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 203, and a hitting ball operation handle 205 for firing a hitting ball. Is provided. At a predetermined position on the front side of the front door frame 200, a cylinder lock 241 for opening the glass door frame 202 including the hit ball supply tray 203 is provided.
[0030]
A game board 206 is removably attached to the front door frame 200 in an opening 200c formed substantially at the center. On the front surface 206a side of the game board 206, a game area 207 into which a game ball is hit when playing a game is provided. In the game area 207, although not shown, as a structure used for the game, a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information composed of symbols such as numbers, a start winning area, and a variable winning area A structure such as a ball device is arranged. Further, below the game area 207, an out port 226 for receiving a game ball that has not won any of the winning areas is provided.
[0031]
A launching device 500 for launching a game ball toward a game area 207 formed on the front surface 206a of the game board 206 is mounted at an upper left position on the front surface 200a of the front door frame 200 toward the game board 206. Have been. Below the firing device 500 on the rear surface 200b side of the front door frame 200, a lifting unit 400 (lifting device) for supplying game balls to the firing device 500 is attached.
[0032]
At the lower part of the hitting ball supply tray 203 in the glass door frame 202, the game balls stored in the hitting ball supply tray 203 are aligned and supplied to the flow path 415 connected to the lower unit 401 of the lifting unit 400 (lifting device). There is provided a guide inclined gutter 283 provided so as to perform the following operations. The lower unit 401 serves as a lifting ball supply unit that supplies game balls into the lifting path configuring the lifting unit 400.
[0033]
The game balls stored in the hitting ball supply tray 203 flow out of the guiding inclined gutter inlet (not shown), flow down the guiding inclined gutter 283, pass through a predetermined flow path including the connection flow path 415, and rise. It is supplied to a lower unit 401 provided below the transport unit 400. The game balls supplied to the lower unit 401 are lifted upward by the lifting unit 400 and supplied to the launching device 500. The game balls supplied to the launching device 500 are launched by the launching device 500 into a game area 207 formed on the front surface 206a of the gaming board 206.
[0034]
A foul ball for launching a foul ball that has been launched by the launching device 500 but has not reached the game area 207 due to a weak launching moment, at a lateral position of the lifting path constituting the lifting unit 400. A channel 295 is provided. At the lower end of the foul ball flow path 295, a foul ball outlet 288 is provided which is connected to a prize ball passage (not shown) for paying out a prize ball to the hit ball supply tray 203 or the surplus ball tray 204. The foul ball is returned to the hit ball supply tray 203 or the surplus ball tray 204 through the foul ball channel 295, the foul ball outlet 288, and the prize ball passage.
[0035]
On the rear side of the game board 206 of the pachinko gaming machine 2, a mechanism plate 236 as a back mechanism plate rotatably supported by the front door frame 200 is provided. The mechanism plate 236 is provided with various control boards as described later. Further, a ball tank 238 for storing game balls supplied to the pachinko game machine 2 from the supply gutter of the game machine installation island is provided above the mechanism plate 236. The game balls stored in the ball tank 238 are paid out from a ball payout device 297 provided on the mechanism plate 236 in accordance with establishment of a predetermined payout condition such as occurrence of a prize.
[0036]
On the inner side of the mechanism plate 236, a winning ball guiding path 276 for guiding a winning ball and an out ball path 277 for guiding an out ball are formed. Above the winning ball guiding passage 276 is a winning ball falling entrance 278, which is collected and released by a winning ball guiding cover (not shown) formed so as to cover the rear surface 206b of the game board 206. The ball is received, and the winning ball received is guided by the winning ball guiding passage 276 toward one side, and is guided from the communication port 279 formed in the mechanism plate 236 to the rear side of the mechanism plate 236, Furthermore, the communication port 279 is guided to a merging passage (not shown) that communicates with a downstream portion of the ball emptying passage (not shown).
[0037]
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, at a position upstream of the connection flow path 415, which is the closest position to the lower unit 401, as a standby ball that stops at a portion where game balls pass, such as the guide inclined gutter 283 and the hit ball supply tray 203. A standby ball returning unit 420 is provided as a withdrawal means for causing the game balls to flow down to the surplus ball tray 204. With respect to such a game ball serving as a standby ball, a return operation button 296 (see FIG. 1) provided at a lower left position of the hit ball supply tray 203 which is a position corresponding to the standby ball return unit 420 is pressed. By doing so, return (extraction) is performed.
[0038]
Here, in FIG. 3, in order to clarify the configuration, in addition to a longitudinal sectional view of the entire launching device 500, an enlarged longitudinal sectional view 3 a near the foul ball outlet 107 and a partially broken enlarged plane of the lower unit 401. FIG. 3b is shown.
[0039]
In the waiting ball returning portion 420, an opening for letting game balls flow into a waiting ball returning gutter 242 formed below the waiting ball returning portion 420 is formed. In the waiting ball returning section 420, the game ball is returned by flowing into the waiting ball returning gutter 242 in response to the opening described above being opened by a slide plate (not shown) that slides by pressing the operation button 296. Is done.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 1, near the hitting operation handle 205 on the lower front surface of the glass door frame 202, as an operating means operated by the player, an operation for increasing the firing angle of the game ball by the firing device 500 is performed. A firing angle increasing switch 11 for performing the operation, a firing angle decreasing switch 12 for performing an operation of decreasing the firing angle of the game ball by the firing device 500, and a firing angle of the game ball by the firing device 500 to a predetermined reference angle. An angle reset switch 13 for performing a reset (initialization) operation is provided. Here, the launch angle of the game ball by the launch device 500 is the angle at which the play ball is launched from the launch device 500 to the game area 207, and refers to the angle with respect to the horizontal plane. As described above, the firing device 500 is a variable firing angle type firing device that allows a player to adjust the firing angle of a game ball.
[0041]
For example, each time the player presses the firing angle increasing switch 11 once, control is performed to increase the firing angle by a predetermined angle (for example, 5 degrees). Further, for example, each time the player presses the firing angle reduction switch 12 once, control is performed to reduce the firing angle by a predetermined angle (for example, 5 degrees). Further, for example, when the player presses the angle reset switch 13 once, control for returning the firing angle to the reference angle is performed.
[0042]
Each of the firing angle increasing switch 11, the firing angle decreasing switch 12, and the angle reset switch 13 is provided near the hitting operation handle 205. Therefore, the player can operate each switch with his / her hand operating the hitting operation handle 205 while operating the hitting operation handle 205, thereby adjusting the firing angle of the game ball without interrupting the hitting operation. It becomes possible.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 1, an angle notifying unit 21 for notifying the player of the launch angle of the game ball by the launching device 500 by display is provided at an upper left portion of the glass door frame 202 when viewed from the front. ing. The angle notifying unit 21 includes a seven-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) configured to display a two-digit numerical value, and displays a numerical value indicating a firing angle.
[0044]
Next, the lifting unit 400 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The lifting unit 400 as a lifting device mainly includes a lifting path unit 406 and a lower unit 401.
[0045]
The lifting path unit 406 includes a lifting screw 403 serving as a lifting member for lifting the game balls one by one in a separated state, and a transparent resin (acrylic) housing the lifting screw 403 therein. (Resin). The lifting screw 403 has a spiral projection 403a formed around a rod-shaped shaft 403b extending vertically in the pachinko gaming machine 2. Such a lifting screw 403 is formed of, for example, a conductive polypropylene resin which is a conductive material having low friction and excellent antistatic ability.
[0046]
The lower unit 401 is provided below the unloading route unit 406. In the lower unit 401, a lifting motor 410 for driving the lifting screw 403, a ball supply sprocket 413 constituting a lifting ball supply device for supplying game balls into the lifting path, and a game ball for the ball supply sprocket 413. A connection channel 415 for guiding is included.
[0047]
The lower unit 401 includes a base plate 401a fixed to an upper surface of a lifting unit mounting base projecting rearward from a predetermined lower portion on the rear surface of the front door frame 200, and a cover body ( (Not shown) mainly constitutes the outer shape. A lifting motor 410 as a lifting device drive source for driving the lifting screw 403 and the ball supply sprocket 413 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 401a.
[0048]
A fitting portion is formed on the upper surface of the cover to be fitted with the lower end of the lifting channel case 402, and the lower end of the fitted lifting channel case 402 is fitted inside the fitting portion. An opening communicating with the opening is formed. In addition, a disc-shaped ball supply sprocket 413 is provided inside the cover body for supplying game balls flowing down flow paths such as the guide inclined gutter 283 and the connection flow path 415 to the inside of the lifting path. . The ball supply sprocket 413 is provided so as to be coaxially supported by a passive gear 412 that meshes with a drive gear 411 driven by a lifting motor 410 that drives a lifting screw 403. On the outer periphery of the ball supply sprocket 413, a substantially semicircular ball housing portion 414 for housing one game ball is provided.
[0049]
Although not shown, in order to reduce the ball pressure supplied to the ball supply sprocket 413 and the ball pressure supplied to the standby ball return unit 420, a direction different from the flowing direction of the game ball in the guide inclined gutter 283. In addition to the provision of a crank channel for reducing the ball pressure by guiding the game ball to the channel of the game ball, a standby ball return portion 420 having an opening at a position downstream of the crank channel is provided. . In this embodiment, the game balls after the ball pressure is alleviated are supplied to the standby ball return unit 420, so that the game balls flow down well below the standby ball return unit 420. The game ball whose ball pressure is relieved by such a crank channel is further relieved in the connection channel 415 formed so as to be bent in a substantially inverted S-shape in a top view by a part of the cover body. After that, it is supplied to the ball supply sprocket 413 so as to go around the inside of the lower unit 401. Such a crank channel extends from the front surface 206a side of the game board 206 to the rear surface 206b side.
[0050]
The game balls supplied to the ball supply sprockets 413 are taken into the ball storage units 414 one by one when the ball storage unit 414 is turned to the inflow direction of the game balls by the rotation of the ball supply sprocket 413. It is. Then, one game ball taken into the ball housing portion 414 moves in the rotation direction with the rotation of the ball supply sprocket 413, and the ball supply sprocket 413 rotates 90 degrees as shown in FIG. At a position into the ball passage 404. As will be described later, the ball passage portion 404 is a portion constituting a lifting path of the game ball, and inside the lifting path case 402, one game ball is formed along a portion in which the lifting screw 403 is accommodated. It is provided as a passage that can pass through.
[0051]
In supplying the game ball by the ball supply sprocket 413, the ball supply sprocket 413 and the lifting screw are driven by the passive gear 412 and the driving gear 411 so that the game ball does not collide with the spiral projecting portion 403a of the lifting screw 403. At the same time when the game balls are supplied into the ball passage portion 404, the lower end of the spiral projecting portion 403a of the lifting screw 403 and the supplied game balls are simultaneously operated (linked) with the game balls 403. Are operated (linked) in synchronization with each other. By such a synchronized operation, the game balls flow upward from the inside of the ball housing section 414 in a state where they are separated from each other without contacting the subsequent game balls, and then flow out, and are supplied. It is possible to quickly start the lifting of the ball.
[0052]
The passive gear 412 and the drive gear 411 have a gear ratio such that the lifting ball is lifted to a substantially intermediate position in the lifting path by the lifting screw 403 rotated coaxially with the drive gear 411. The gear ratio is such that the passive gear 412 makes one rotation at the number of rotations (approximately 4.5 rotations in the present embodiment). Thereby, each time a game ball is pumped to the intermediate position in the delivery path, that is, each time a game ball already pumped to the intermediate position is supplied to the launching device 500, one game ball is played. It is supplied to the lifting screw 403 so that only two balls at the maximum exist in the lifting path at the same time. The lifting motor 410 for driving the passive gear 412 and the driving gear 411 is drive-controlled (operationally controlled) by the launching / lifting control microcomputer 291 (see FIG. 6), so that the firing device 500 receives The lifting and supply of the game balls by the lifting unit 400 is executed in conjunction with the launch of the game balls.
[0053]
As described above, the ball supply sprocket 413 constitutes a lifting ball supply device that separates and supplies the game balls stored in the hitting ball storage plate 203 to the lifting unit 400 one by one. The ball supply sprocket 413 is provided so as to rotate together with a passive gear 412 that meshes with a driving gear 411 that rotates by driving a lifting motor 410 for rotating the lifting screw 403. The gear ratio between the passive gear 412 and the drive gear 411 for operating such a ball supply sprocket 413 is such that the lifting ball is lifted by the lifting screw 403 to a substantially intermediate position in the lifting path. The passive gear 412 is set to make one revolution at the number of rotations.
[0054]
According to such a configuration, when the driving of the lifting motor 410 is stopped, the ball supply is performed such that the number of game balls simultaneously present in the cover body constituting the outer shape of the lifting ball supply device is one or less. A sprocket 413 is configured. For this reason, for example, when the lifting motor 410 breaks down due to some factor or when the driving of the lifting motor 410 is stopped due to the necessity of maintenance, such as for cleaning the inside of the cover, a large number of game balls are provided in the cover. Does not remain and it is not difficult to remove them, and in such a configuration, workability during maintenance is effectively improved.
[0055]
Next, the delivery path unit 406 will be described. The lifting path case 402 is formed in a cylindrical shape having upper and lower ends opened, and a ball passage section 404 through which the supplied game balls are lifted, and a screw housing section 405 into which the lifting screw 403 is inserted. Are formed inside. Further, the outer periphery of the spiral projecting portion 403a of the lifting screw 403 is rotatably supported so as to be exposed to the ball passage portion 404 so as to be in sliding contact with the gaming ball to be lifted. As a result, the inside of the ball passage 404 is lifted upward.
[0056]
A lid member (not shown) for rotatably supporting the upper end of the shaft 403b of the lifting screw 403 is attached to the upper end of the lifting path case 402. At a substantially central portion of the lower surface of the lid member, a cylindrical shaft support having an internal thread formed on the inner surface is formed downward. A bearing (not shown) fixed to the upper end of the shaft 403b of the lifting screw 403 is press-fitted into the shaft support portion, and the upper end of the shaft 403b of the lifting screw 403 is rotatably supported by a lid member. It has become. As described above, the lifting path case 402 and the lifting screw 403 are integrated via the lid member 434. For this reason, a lifting path unit 406 is configured by the integrated lifting path case 402 and the lifting screw 403.
[0057]
An outlet (not shown) for allowing the game balls lifted upward by the lifting screw 403 to flow out of the lifting case 402 is provided at a predetermined location on the front side of the ball passage portion 404 in the lifting path case 402. Is formed. A launching ball guide path (not shown) for guiding game balls extends from the launching device 500 disposed forward from the outlet. A communication port (not shown) is formed in the front door frame 200 at a location corresponding to the launching ball inlet 103 formed in the rear plate of the outer case 510 of the launching device 500, and is located on the downstream side of the launching ball guide path. The end is connected to the communication port. As described above, the game balls lifted to the upper portion of the lifting case 402 flow out of the outlet and then flow naturally through the launch ball guide path, and pass through the communication port and the launch ball inlet 103 to be fired. It is supplied to the device 500.
[0058]
On the inner side of the lifting case 402, a foul ball channel member 2950 constituting the above-described foul ball channel 295 is provided. The foul ball flow path member 2950 extends downward from the lower end of the foul ball outlet 107 formed at a predetermined portion of the bottom plate of the outer case 510 of the firing device 500. A first crank portion 108a bent rearward is formed in the middle of the foul ball channel member 2950. The flow path of the foul ball flow path 295 extends from the front surface 200a side to the rear surface 200b side of the front door frame 200 through the through hole 109 formed in the front door frame 200. At a position behind the rear surface 206a of the game board 206 attached to the front door frame 200, a second crank portion 108b bent downward is formed. A rear foul ball channel 295a disposed on the rear surface 200b side of the front door frame 200 extends downward from the second crank portion 108b.
[0059]
An inclined rib 113 is provided at a corner of the first crank portion 108a. The inclined ribs 113 allow the game balls to flow smoothly without staying in the first crank portion 108a.
[0060]
Game balls that have been launched from the launching device 500 but have not reached the game area 207 flow out of the foul ball outlet 107 formed in the bottom plate of the outer case 510 into the foul ball flow path 295 and flow down. Collected as a sphere. The foul ball thus collected is then returned to the hit ball supply tray 203 or the surplus ball tray 204 from the foul ball outlet 288 formed at the lower end of the foul ball channel 295 through the prize ball passage described above. You.
[0061]
Next, the configuration of the launching device 500 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the launching device 500 showing an operating state of the launching device 500 related to launching a game ball.
[0062]
Inside the outer case 510 of the launching device 500, there are provided a ball lift arm 502 and a launch arm 503 pivotally supported by a common swing shaft 513. The firing arm 503 is a resilient member for repelling a game ball at the firing position.
[0063]
One end of each of the ball lift arm 502 and the firing arm 503 is coaxially fixed to a cam shaft 501c that is rotationally driven by a firing motor 511 that is a cam drive motor fixed to the upper back surface of the firing device 500. It comes into sliding contact with the lift cam 501a and the firing cam 501b. Thus, the ball lift arm 502 and the firing arm 503 individually swing with the rotation of the lift cam 501a and the firing cam 501b. The firing arm 503 is provided below the firing device 500 with a firing spring stretched so as to be substantially parallel to a firing rail 508 that is inclined and circumscribes the swinging arc of the lift arm 502 and the firing arm 503. 504 energized. The firing rail 508 is a member for guiding (guiding) the game ball hit by the firing arm 503 toward the game area 207. Further, the ball lift arm 502 is urged by a lift spring 506 stretched so as to be substantially orthogonal to the firing spring 504.
[0064]
The other end of the firing spring 504 which is not on the side of connection with the firing arm 503 is connected to a slide piece 505 which is slidable in the direction in which the firing spring 504 extends. The slide piece 505 is slid by a firing intensity adjustment motor 512 fixed to the back side of the firing device 500, whereby the urging force of the firing arm 503 is adjusted, and the firing intensity of a game ball launched by the firing arm 503 is reduced. It can be adjusted (adjusted). Such adjustment of the firing intensity is performed by controlling the operation of the firing intensity adjusting motor 512 by the firing / lifting control microcomputer 291 based on the operation of the hit ball operation handle 205.
[0065]
Further, a foul ball passage valve 507 is provided at an inclined lower end position of the firing rail 508. The foul ball passage valve 507 is for opening and closing the foul ball outlet 107 communicating with the foul ball flow path 295 as the lift arm 502 swings by slidingly contacting the lower end of the ball lift arm 502. is there. The foul ball passage valve 507 is constantly urged by a spring (not shown) so as to be in an open state in which the foul ball outlet 107 is not closed.
[0066]
In the firing operation of the firing device 500, first, as shown in FIG. 4A, the rotation of the cam 501 causes both the ball lift arm 502 and the firing arm 503 to move the lift spring 506 and the firing spring 504. Against the urging force of the launching device 500, and in this state, the drive motor 410 of the lifting unit 400 is driven, and the lifted game sphere is released. It flows down in the guideway 102 and is supplied into the launching device 500 from the launching ball inlet 103.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 4B, the game ball supplied to the launching device 500 first becomes a launching plane when only the ball lift arm 502 starts swinging by the rotation of the lift cam 501a. The ball lift arm 502 guides a predetermined launch position on the launch rail 508 on the same plane as the swing plane of the launch arm 503. During this guidance, the foul ball passage valve 507 is brought into sliding contact with the lower end of the ball lift arm 502 as the ball lift arm 502 swings, so that the foul ball outlet 107 is closed.
[0068]
In addition, the shape of the lift cam 501a is such that the outer diameter of the lift cam 502a is greatly increased so that the moving speed of the swinging lower end of the ball lift arm 502 is increased in a region far from the firing position, and the ball lift is increased near the firing position. The outer diameter of the game ball is slightly increased so that the guiding speed of the game ball guided by the lower moving speed of the swinging lower end of the arm 502 becomes lower.
[0069]
As described above, the game ball guided to the predetermined firing position on the firing rail 508 exerts a force against the firing spring 504 as the firing cam 501b rotates, as shown in FIG. Is released, the firing arm 503 is guided (guided) on the firing rail 508 in response to the firing arm 503 swinging in the direction of the arrow in the drawing by the momentum proportional to the urging force of the firing spring 504, It is launched into the game area 207 through the launch path 509.
[0070]
When the game ball is fired, the momentum of the fire is weak, and the game ball that has not reached the game area 207 flows down on the firing rail 508 in an inclined downward direction. In such a case, with the rotation of the cam 501 after firing, both the ball lift arm 502 and the firing arm 503 start swinging against both springs 504 and 506, thereby The foul ball passage valve 507, which has been slidingly contacting the lower end of the ball lift arm 502 to block the foul ball outlet 107 of the foul ball flow path 295, is brought up by a spring (not shown) with the release of the sliding contact. By returning, the foul ball outlet 107 is opened, and the foul ball flowing down on the firing rail 508 flows into the foul ball channel 295, and the foul ball outlet formed at the lower end of the foul ball channel 295. At 288, the ball is returned to the hit ball supply tray 203 or the surplus ball tray 204 through the prize ball passage.
[0071]
Next, a configuration for adjusting the firing angle of the game ball in the firing device 500 will be described. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a configuration for adjusting a firing angle of a game ball in the firing device 500. In FIG. 5, the relationship between the launching device 500 and the game board 206 and the game area 207 is shown in a front view of the gaming board 206, and the main part of the launching device 500 in the blowout shown in the upper part of the figure. Is shown in an enlarged view.
[0072]
The launching device 500 is configured to be able to change the launch angle of the game ball by adjusting the tilt angle of the launch rail 508 with respect to the horizontal plane. Here, the inclination angle of the launch rail 508 is the guide angle of the game ball that is launched from the launch device 500, in other words, the launch angle of the game ball that is launched from the launch device 500.
[0073]
At the lower end of the firing rail 508 (near the firing position), an angle adjusting shaft 520 serving as an axis for swinging the firing rail 508 is provided to adjust the firing angle. The firing rail 508 operates in such a manner that its tip portion swings upward and downward about the angle adjusting shaft 520 as a central axis, thereby enabling angle adjustment for changing the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane. Thus, the firing angle can be adjusted by adjusting the inclination angle of the firing rail 508. In FIG. 5, for example, the firing rail 508 in a state where the firing angle is 45 degrees is indicated by a solid line, and the firing rail 508 in a state where the firing angle is 60 degrees is indicated by a broken line. In this embodiment, a firing angle of 45 degrees is used as the reference angle.
[0074]
The angle adjusting shaft 520 is driven by an angle variable motor 14 provided near the angle adjusting shaft 520. The variable angle motor 14 is constituted by, for example, a stepping motor whose rotation angle can be easily adjusted. The angle adjustment shaft 520 and the angle variable motor 14 are linked and connected via a plurality of gears, and the angle adjustment shaft 520 is rotated as the angle variable motor 14 rotates.
[0075]
The tilt angle of the firing rail 508 is changed by a predetermined angle by rotating the angle adjusting shaft 520 by driving the angle variable motor 14 in accordance with the operation of the above-described firing angle increasing switch 11 and firing angle decreasing switch 12. (Change). The tilt angle of the firing rail 508 can be changed (changed) to the reference angle at a time by rotating the angle adjusting shaft 520 by driving the angle variable motor 14 in response to the operation of the angle reset switch 13. is there.
[0076]
Next, the configuration of a circuit that controls the operations of the lifting unit 400 and the launching device 500 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit that controls operations of the lifting unit 400 and the launching apparatus 500.
[0077]
In the pachinko gaming machine 2, circuits for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 2 are provided on a plurality of control boards such as a game control board provided with a game control microcomputer. One such control board includes a launch and lift control board 290 provided with a launch and lift control microcomputer 291 that controls the lifting unit 400 and the launch device 500.
[0078]
The launching / lifting control microcomputer 291 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 91b as a storage unit for storing a control program and the like relating to the launch of the game ball and the lifting of the game ball, and a storage unit used as a work memory. This is a control microcomputer including a RAM (Random Access Memory) 91c and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91a that performs a control operation relating to launching of game balls and lifting of game balls in accordance with a control program stored in a ROM 91b.
[0079]
On the launch / lift control board 290, in addition to the launch / lift control microcomputer 291, an input circuit 292, a lift motor drive circuit 293a, a launch motor drive circuit 293b, a launch intensity adjustment motor drive circuit 293c, and a variable angle motor drive are provided. Various circuits including a circuit 293d and a variable angle motor drive circuit 293d are provided.
[0080]
The input circuit 292 receives input signals from various switches and sensors, such as the touch sensor 15, the rotary encoder 17, the angle increase switch 11, the angle decrease switch 12, and the angle reset switch 13, and performs predetermined signal processing on the received input signals. And gives it to the launch / lift control microcomputer 291.
[0081]
The touch sensor 15 is provided on the hit ball operation handle 205, detects whether a player's hand is touching the hit ball operation handle 205, and outputs a detection signal. The rotary encoder 17 is provided on the hit ball operation handle 205 and outputs a pulse signal according to the operation amount of the hit ball operation handle 205. On the basis of this pulse signal, the launch / lift control microcomputer 291 detects the rotation angle of the hit ball operation handle 205. Each of the angle increase switch 11, the angle decrease switch 12, and the angle reset switch 13 outputs an operation signal of the switch.
[0082]
On the basis of the input signal given in this way, the launching / lifting control microcomputer 291 controls the launching of a game ball from the hitting ball launching device 500, the control for adjusting the intensity of launching a game ball from the hitting ball launching device 500, Control for supplying a lifting ball to the hitting ball firing device 500 by intermittently lifting a game ball by the lifting unit 400 in conjunction with the firing of the device 500, control for adjusting the firing angle of the game ball, and an angle notification unit At 21, various controls such as control for displaying the launch angle of the game ball are executed.
[0083]
The lifting motor drive circuit 293a receives a control signal from the launching / lifting control microcomputer 291 and drives the lifting motor 410. The launching motor drive circuit 293b receives the control signal from the launching / lifting control microcomputer 291 and drives the launching motor 511. The emission intensity adjustment motor drive circuit 293c receives a control signal from the emission and control microcomputer 291 and drives the emission intensity adjustment motor 512. The variable angle motor drive circuit 293d receives the control signal from the launch / lift control microcomputer 291 and drives the variable angle motor 14. The LED drive circuit 293e receives a control signal from the launch / lift control microcomputer 291 and causes the LED of the angle notifying unit 21 to emit light so that the angle notifying unit 21 displays the firing angle of the game ball.
[0084]
When the hit ball operation handle 205 is operated, the launching / lifting control microcomputer 291 controls the launching motor 511 so that the game ball is launched, and the game ball is lifted in conjunction with the launch of the game ball. Motor 410 is controlled as described above. Then, the launch intensity adjusting motor 512 is controlled so that the game ball is launched with the launch intensity adjusted according to the operation amount of the hit ball operating handle 205 (the intensity is adjusted by the urging force of the launch spring 504).
[0085]
When the firing angle increasing switch 11 is operated, the firing / lifting control microcomputer 291 controls the angle variable motor 14 so that the firing angle increases by a predetermined angle each time the firing angle increasing switch 11 is operated. Further, when the firing angle reduction switch 12 is operated, the launching / lifting control microcomputer 291 controls the angle variable motor 14 so that the firing angle is reduced by a predetermined angle each time the firing angle reduction switch 12 is operated. . Further, when the angle reset switch 13 is operated, the launching / lifting control microcomputer 291 controls the angle variable motor 14 so that the launch angle becomes the reference angle.
[0086]
In the pachinko gaming machine 2, as described above, the firing angle of the game ball by the firing device 500 can be adjusted, but the firing angle is returned to the reference angle when a predetermined reference angle return condition is satisfied. . A reference angle return process executed by the launch / lift control microcomputer 291 to return such a launch angle to the reference angle will be described. The launching / lifting control microcomputer 291 executes a main process for control execution and a timer interrupt process, and calls and executes various control subroutine programs by these processes to perform various controls. The reference angle return processing described below is one of the control subroutine programs.
[0087]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the reference angle return processing. Referring to FIG. 7, first, in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1, it is determined whether or not the power supplied for operating the pachinko gaming machine 2 has been turned on. If it is determined in S1 that the power is turned on, it means that the reference angle return condition has been satisfied. In S4, a process for returning the firing rail 508 to the reference angle is performed. Specifically, in S4, the angle variable motor 14 is controlled so that the firing angle becomes the reference angle. After S4, the reference angle return processing ends, and the routine returns. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1 that the power is not being turned on, the process proceeds to S2, and based on the signal from the touch sensor 15 and the signal from the rotary encoder 17 described above, for a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes). It is determined whether or not there has been no firing operation with the hit ball operation handle 205 for a long time. That is, in S2, it is determined whether or not the game ending condition is satisfied based on the fact that there is no firing operation for a predetermined period.
[0088]
If it is determined in S2 that the firing operation has not been performed, it means that the reference angle return condition has been satisfied, and a process for returning the firing rail 508 to the reference angle is performed in S4. On the other hand, when it is determined in S2 that the firing operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S3, and it is determined whether or not the angle reset switch 13 has been operated.
[0089]
If it is determined in S3 that the operation has been performed, it is determined that the reference angle return condition has been satisfied. In S4, a process for returning the firing rail 508 to the reference angle is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that no operation has been performed, the reference angle return processing ends.
[0090]
As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 2, when it is determined that the power is turned on, when it is determined that there is no firing operation for a predetermined period, and when it is determined that the angle reset switch 13 is operated. In any one of the states, the reference angle return condition is satisfied, and the firing angle of the game ball by the firing device 500 is returned to the reference angle.
[0091]
Next, the trajectory of a game ball fired from the launching device 500 having an adjustable launch angle according to the present embodiment will be described in comparison with the trajectory of a game ball launched from a conventional type launch device whose launch angle cannot be adjusted. I do.
[0092]
FIG. 8 compares the trajectory of a game ball fired from the launching device 500 with an adjustable launch angle according to the present embodiment with the trajectory of a game ball launched from a conventional type launching device whose launch angle cannot be adjusted. FIG. In FIG. 8, (a) shows a two-dimensional graph of the trajectory of a game ball fired from a conventional type launch device whose launch angle cannot be adjusted, and (b) a launch device 500 whose launch angle can be adjusted. The trajectory of a game ball fired from is shown by a two-dimensional graph. In each of the graphs of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the vertical axis indicates the distance in the height direction from the ball exit in the launching device 500, and the horizontal axis indicates the horizontal distance from the ball exit in the launching device 500. The distance in the direction is shown.
[0093]
As shown in FIG. 8A, a game ball fired from a firing device having a constant firing angle α reaches a distant place as the firing intensity becomes higher, such that the playing ball reaches a distant place in accordance with the firing intensity. Although the arrival points are different, the falling angles of the game balls at the same arrival point are the same. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), a game ball fired from the firing device 500 according to the present embodiment in which the firing angle is adjustable can be freely adjusted in the firing angle by the game ball. The falling angles of the game balls reaching the same arrival point (for example, a nail provided in the game area 207) A can be made different.
[0094]
Next, main effects obtained by this embodiment will be described.
As described above, in accordance with the operation of the player using the angle increase switch 11 and the angle decrease switch 12 to adjust the ball guidance angle, the guidance angle of the game ball by the launch rail 508, that is, the launch angle is changed. Can be For this reason, it becomes possible to adjust the angle of the trajectory of the game ball guided to the game area 207 according to the operation of the player. For example, it is possible to increase the room for the player's game technology to intervene in the driving of the game ball into the game area 207, for example, by allowing the player to reach the game area.
[0095]
Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the angle increase switch 11 and the angle decrease switch 12 are provided near the position where the hit ball operation handle 205 is provided, so that the player who performs the firing operation can easily play the game ball by the firing rail 508. , That is, the firing angle can be easily adjusted.
[0096]
Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the firing angle is notified on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 2 by the guidance angle notifying unit 21, so that the player can easily recognize the firing angle and adjust the firing angle. Operation can be facilitated.
[0097]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, since the launching device 500 is provided in the upper portion of the game board 206 in which the game area 207 is provided, the firing rail is compared with the case where the launching device 500 is provided in the lower portion of the gaming board 206. Since the ball guiding process by the ball 508 can be shortened, friction between the game ball and the launch rail 508 can be made less likely to occur.
[0098]
Further, as shown in S1 to S4 of FIG. 7, when the predetermined reference angle angle return condition is satisfied, the firing rail 508 ball guidance angle, that is, the firing angle is returned to the reference angle, so that the firing angle is reduced. It can be easily returned to the reference angle.
[0099]
The reference angle return condition is satisfied when it is determined that the power of the pachinko gaming machine 2 is turned on in S1 of FIG. 7 and when it is determined that the game ending condition is satisfied in S2 of FIG. The firing angle automatically returns to the reference angle, so when the player plays a new game, the firing angle becomes the reference angle, so that the player playing the new game does not feel uncomfortable, Can be performed.
[0100]
Further, as shown in S3 and S4 in FIG. 7, when the operation of resetting (initializing) the firing angle to the reference angle by the angle reset switch 13 is performed, the condition for returning the firing angle to the reference angle is satisfied. The firing angle can be easily set to the reference angle as desired by the user.
[0101]
Second embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, another installation example of the angle notifying unit 21 shown in the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0102]
FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating another example of installation of the angle notification unit 21 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 9, each of (a) to (d) shows an angle notification unit in a different installation mode.
[0103]
FIG. 9A shows a case where the angle notification unit 21a is provided at a position within a predetermined range near (near) the position where the hit ball operation handle 205 is provided. Specifically, the angle notifying unit 21a in this example displays the firing angle numerically using a 7-segment LED similar to the angle notifying unit 21 shown in the first embodiment. In this case, it is desirable that the predetermined range in which the angle notification unit 21a is provided is a range in which the player can visually recognize the game ball when the player sees the vicinity of the hitting operation handle 205. In other words, the predetermined range in which the angle notification unit 21a is provided is a range in which each of the firing angle increase switch 11, the firing angle decrease switch 12, and the angle reset switch 13 can be visually recognized when viewed by the player. Is desirable. In such an angle notifying unit 21a, the numerical value changes according to a change in the firing angle, as shown in the example in which the display changes between "45" degrees and "60" degrees in the figure.
[0104]
FIG. 9B shows a liquid crystal display (LCD) at the installation location of the angle notification unit 21 shown in the first embodiment or at the installation location of the angle notification unit 21a shown in FIG. The case where the angle notifying unit 21b is provided is shown. Specifically, the angle notification unit 21b in this example displays an image of an arrow mark indicating the firing direction at an angle similar to the firing angle and an image indicating the firing angle by a numerical value, side by side. By displaying the image of the arrow mark indicating the firing direction at the same angle as the firing angle, the player can easily grasp the firing angle with a visual image. In such an angle notifying unit 21b, as shown in the example in which the display changes between 45 degrees and 60 degrees in the figure, the angle and numerical value of the arrow mark change according to the change of the firing angle, respectively. .
[0105]
FIG. 9C shows the position of the angle notifying unit 21 shown in the first embodiment or the position of the angle notifying unit 21a shown in FIG. 3 shows a case where an angle notifying unit 21c composed of a dot matrix display for displaying an image as shown in FIG. Specifically, the angle notifying unit 21c in this example displays an image as shown in FIG. 9B on a dot matrix display. In such an angle notifying unit 21c, as shown in the example in which the display changes between 45 degrees and 60 degrees in the figure, the angle and numerical value of the arrow mark change according to the change of the firing angle, respectively. .
[0106]
FIG. 9D shows a plurality (in this example, at the installation location of the angle notification unit 21 shown in the first embodiment or at the installation location of the angle notification unit 21a shown in FIG. 9A). A case is shown in which an angle notifying unit 21d including nine (9) LEDs 211 is provided. Specifically, in the angle notification unit 21d in this example, the firing angle is indicated by the number of times that the LED 211 emits (lights). The LEDs 211 are arranged side by side at regular intervals on an arc, and as shown in the figure as “30 °”, “45 °”, “70 °”, A frequency display as a guide indicating how many times the firing angle is is shown corresponding to the predetermined LED 211. Thereby, the player can grasp the firing angle by the image based on the number of light emission of the LEDs 211, and also can grasp the accurate firing angle by looking at the correspondence between the light emitting LED 211 and the frequency display. . The display of the firing angle based on the number of light emitted by the LEDs 211 (including the display of the frequency) may be performed by displaying a similar image on an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device.
[0107]
Next, main effects obtained by the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same technical effect as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained for the configuration based on the technical idea common to the first embodiment, and the following effect can be obtained. be able to. Since the firing angle is notified on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 2 by one of the guidance angle notification units 21a to 21d as shown in FIG. 9, the player can easily recognize the firing angle, and the firing angle The operation for the adjustment can be simplified.
[0108]
Third embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the guide angle of the launch rail and the launch angle of the resilient member maintain a predetermined correspondence relationship (a fixed relationship), and the resilient member is changed with the change of the guide angle of the launch rail. An example in which the angle of resilience is changed will be described. In the third embodiment, portions different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described. The launching device according to the third embodiment differs from the launching device according to the first embodiment in the structure related to the launch rail and the resilient member.
[0109]
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a structure related to a firing rail and a resilient member inside a firing device 500a according to the third embodiment.
[0110]
The inside of the launching device 500a is provided at the same position as the launching device 500 shown in the first embodiment. A firing case 60 provided with a firing rail member 64 and a firing solenoid device 61 is provided in the firing device 500a. The firing case 60 has an opening at an upper portion, and a firing rail member 64 is provided so as to project obliquely upward from the opening. The firing rail member 64 is a member for guiding (guiding) the game ball fired by the firing solenoid device 61 toward the game area 207, and a rail portion 641 for guiding the game ball to fire. A game ball holding portion 642 for holding the game ball at the firing position at the lower end of the firing rail member 64 is a member integrally formed.
[0111]
The firing solenoid device 61 includes a solenoid main body 61a, a striking member 61b, and a firing spring 61c. A solenoid coil (not shown) is incorporated in the solenoid main body 61a, and a rod-shaped striking member 61b is inserted at one end thereof so as to be able to enter and exit so as to pass through the inside of the solenoid coil. The striking member 61b is urged by a firing spring 61c provided on one end side of the solenoid main body 61a in a direction of coming out of the solenoid main body 61a. When the solenoid coil is de-energized, the urging force causes Protrudes up to a predetermined length. When the solenoid coil is excited, the striking member 61b is drawn into the solenoid main body 61a against the urging force of the firing spring 61c by electromagnetic induction. In such a firing solenoid device 61, a game ball is hit by striking a game ball when the striking member 61b is projected from a state where the striking member 61b is retracted into the striking member 61b. The firing strength at the time of launching the game ball by the firing solenoid device 61 is adjusted by adjusting the urging force of the firing spring 61c.
[0112]
The game ball holding portion 642 has an opening 640 through which the rod-shaped hitting member 63 is inserted. Above the opening of the firing case 60, a firing sphere inflow port 103 is provided. Then, game balls flow into the firing case 60 from the firing ball inlet 103 through the opening of the firing case 60. In the game ball holding section 642, the flowing game ball is held on the opening 640 as a firing position. The striking member 61b of the firing solenoid device 61 is provided at a position where the striking member 61b can hit the game ball through the opening 640 when projecting for firing the game ball. When hitting a game ball, the hitting member 61b hits the game ball in parallel with the guiding direction of the game ball on the firing rail member 64. A game ball hit by such a hit is fired toward the game area 27 over the firing rail member 64.
[0113]
In the firing case 60, a support member 60a that supports the entire firing case 60 is formed so as to protrude from the opening side. At the tip of the support member 60a, an angle adjusting shaft 60b serving as a center axis of the swing of the firing case 60 for adjusting the firing angle of the game ball is provided. When the firing case 60 swings about the angle adjustment shaft 60b as a center axis, the firing rail member 64 and the firing solenoid device 61 provided inside the firing case 60 simultaneously swing (swing by an arrow in the drawing). The direction is shown), and the guide angle of the firing rail member 64, that is, the firing angle of the game ball can be adjusted. In the case of this embodiment, since the firing solenoid device 61 operates with the firing rail member 64, even if the firing angle of the game ball changes, the guiding angle of the game ball by the firing rail member 64 and the hitting member 61b The angle at which the player hits (fires) the game ball (the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane) is kept constant (parallel). Thus, since the firing angle of the striking member 61b is changed in accordance with the change of the guide angle by the firing rail member 64, the game ball is stably fired at a constant angle.
[0114]
The angle adjustment shaft 60b is driven by the angle variable motor 14 provided near the angle adjustment shaft 60b. The angle adjusting shaft 60b and the variable angle motor 14 are linked and connected via a plurality of gears 14a and 14b, and are rotated according to the rotation of the variable angle motor 14. The gear 14a is coaxially mounted on a drive shaft (rotary shaft) of the angle variable motor 14, and the gear 14b is coaxially mounted on an angle adjustment shaft 60b. Since the gear 14a and the gear 14b are meshed with each other, the angle adjusting shaft 60b and the variable angle motor 14 are linked to each other.
[0115]
In FIG. 10, for example, firing case 60 in a state where the firing angle is 45 degrees is indicated by a solid line, and firing case 60 in a state where the firing angle is 60 degrees is illustrated by a broken line. . In this embodiment, a firing angle of 45 degrees is used as the reference angle.
[0116]
The firing angle in the case of this embodiment is controlled by the launch / lift control microcomputer 291 in response to an operation signal from the angle increase switch 11, the angle decrease switch 12, or the angle reset switch 13 as shown in FIG. The control signal is given to the variable angle motor drive circuit 293e, and the variable angle motor 14 is driven by the variable angle motor drive circuit 293e, thereby being changed (adjusted).
[0117]
In the case of such a third embodiment, the above-described firing motor drive circuit 293b and the firing motor 511 are not provided. Instead, the above-described firing solenoid device 61 is provided, and the firing solenoid device 61 is driven. Drive circuit (not shown) is provided. This drive circuit receives a control signal from the above-mentioned launching and lifting control microcomputer 291 and drives the launching solenoid device 61 so as to launch a game ball. Adjustment (adjustment) of the firing strength in the firing solenoid device 61 is performed by adjusting the biasing force of the firing spring 61c by driving the firing strength adjusting motor 512 in the same manner as the method described in the first embodiment. It is done by doing.
[0118]
Next, main effects obtained by the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the same technical effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained for the configuration based on the technical idea common to the above-described first embodiment, and the following effects can be obtained. be able to.
[0119]
As described above, according to the operation of the player using the angle increase switch 11 and the angle decrease switch 12 to adjust the ball guiding angle, the guiding angle of the game ball by the firing rail member 64, that is, the firing angle is adjusted. Is done. For this reason, it becomes possible to adjust the angle of the trajectory of the game ball guided to the game area 207 in accordance with the operation of the player. Increases room for intervention.
[0120]
Further, since the firing device 500a is provided in the upper portion of the game board 206 in which the game area 207 is provided, the ball guiding process by the firing rail member 64 can be performed in comparison with the case where the firing device 500a is provided in the lower portion of the game board 206. Since the length can be shortened, friction between the game ball and the launch rail member 64 can be reduced. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the guide angle by the firing rail member 64 and the pop-up angle by the striking member 61b maintain a predetermined correspondence relationship, that is, a relationship in which the guide angle and the pop-up angle are constant. Since the firing angle of the striking member 61b is changed in accordance with the change of the guide angle by the firing rail member 64, the game ball can be fired at a constant angle. In addition, by making it difficult to generate friction and enabling the game balls to be fired at a certain angle, the game balls can be fired more stably.
[0121]
Fourth embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a bullet initial member is provided at a lower portion of the game area device, and guides a game ball fired from a firing position of the game ball to an upper portion of the game area along a firing rail to the game area. An example in which a game ball fired from the end of the firing rail to the game area at the time of driving (ejecting) is guided to the game area at a firing angle set by a predetermined guiding member will be described. In the fourth embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. The launching device according to the fourth embodiment differs from the launching device according to the first embodiment mainly in the structure related to the launch rail, the resilient member, and the guide member.
[0122]
FIG. 11 is a front view showing the structure of the launching device of the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 11, the relationship between the launching device 500b, the game board 206, and the game area 207 is shown in a front view of the gaming board 206, and the main part of the launching device in the blowout shown in the upper part of the figure. The internal configuration is shown by an enlarged view.
[0123]
In the case of the fourth embodiment, the firing rail 42 is formed in an arc shape extending from the lower part of the game area 207 to the upper left along the left side of the game area 207, and the hammer member 43 as a resilient member is provided. Is provided at the end of the firing rail 42 at the lower part of the game area 207. In addition, guide members 41, 41 are provided for guiding (guiding) a game ball to be fired at a predetermined firing angle near the exit of the game ball on the firing rail 42. In the fourth embodiment, the hammer member 43, the firing rail 42, and the guide members 41, 41 are included as the firing device 500b.
[0124]
The hammer member 43 is driven by a firing motor (not shown). By such driving, the hammer member 43 strikes the game ball supplied and held at the firing position provided at the lower part of the game area 207. The structure for operating the hammer member 43 is basically the same as the firing arm 503 provided in the firing device 500 shown in the first embodiment. The firing rail 42 is constituted by two parallel rails. The game ball hit by the hammer member 43 at the firing position is guided upward along the firing rail 42, and is discharged obliquely right upward from the game ball exit 43 provided at the end of the firing rail 42. .
[0125]
In front of the game ball exit 43 on the game area 207, a pair of guide members 41, 41 for guiding a game ball exiting from the game ball exit 43 at a set firing angle and firing toward the game area 207. Are provided at predetermined intervals. The guide members 41, 41 are provided at positions such that game balls exiting from the game ball exit 43 can pass between the guide members 41, 41, that is, substantially on the respective extension lines of the two firing rails 42. .
[0126]
Each guide member 41 is, for example, a member whose width is smaller than the diameter of the game ball and whose length is longer than the diameter of the game ball. It is always in a state of maintaining a parallel relationship so that the game is guided toward the upper side of the game area 207 at an angle and fired into the game area 207.
[0127]
The guide members 41, 41 are provided in such a manner that their respective longitudinal directions are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. An angle adjusting shaft 41a is provided at a lower end of each guide member 41 (an end closer to the game ball exit 43). Each angle adjusting shaft 41a is an axis serving as a center for swinging the corresponding guiding member 41 in order to adjust the inclination angle of the corresponding guiding member 41 with respect to the horizontal plane, that is, the angle of launch of the game ball to the game area 207. It is.
[0128]
Each guide member 41 swings in such a manner that its tip (the end farthest from the game ball exit 43) faces upward and downward about the corresponding angle adjustment shaft 41a as a central axis, thereby forming a horizontal plane. Can be adjusted to change the inclination angle with respect to. Thus, the launch angle of the game ball can be adjusted by the guide members 41, 41. The two angle adjusting shafts 41a, 41a are linked and connected to one angle variable motor (not shown), and are driven by the angle variable motor in conjunction. When the guide members 41, 41 are driven by the angle variable motor for changing (adjusting) the firing angle, the guide members 41, 41 are always operated such that the inclination angles of the guide members 41, 41, that is, the firing angles are the same. Can be
[0129]
In FIG. 11, for example, guide members 41 and 41 in a state where the firing angle is 45 degrees are indicated by solid lines, and guide members 41 and 41 in a state where the firing angle is 60 degrees are indicated by broken lines. ing. In this embodiment, a firing angle of 45 degrees is used as the reference angle.
[0130]
In this embodiment, the launch angles of the game balls guided by the guide members 41 are determined by operating the angle increase switch 11, the angle decrease switch 12, or the angle reset switch 13 as shown in FIG. A control signal is supplied from the launch / lift control microcomputer 291 to the angle variable motor drive circuit 293e in accordance with the signal, and the angle variable motor drive circuit 293e drives the above-described angle variable motor, thereby changing (adjusting). . Further, the emission intensity in the case of this embodiment is adjusted by performing the same control as in the case of the first embodiment.
[0131]
Next, main effects obtained by the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same technical effect as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained for the configuration based on the technical idea common to the first embodiment, and the following effect can be obtained. be able to.
[0132]
As described above, the guiding angle of the game ball by the guiding members 41, 41, that is, the firing angle is changed according to the operation of the player using the angle increasing switch 11 and the angle decreasing switch 12 to adjust the ball guiding angle. Adjusted. For this reason, it becomes possible to adjust the angle of the trajectory of the game ball guided to the game area 207 in accordance with the operation of the player. Increases room for intervention.
[0133]
Next, feature points of modified examples of the present invention will be listed.
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the ball supply sprocket 413 of the lifting ball supply device prevents a large number of game balls from remaining in the cover body 450 when the driving of the lifting motor 410 is stopped. For this reason, an example in which only one ball housing portion 414 is formed on the peripheral surface of the ball supply sprocket 413 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the ball supply sprocket 413 only needs to be configured so as to be able to separate from the subsequent game balls in the connection channel 415 one by one and supply the separated balls to the lifting screw 403. May be formed with a plurality of ball housing portions 414.
[0134]
(2) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the transport case 402 is made of a transparent resin (acrylic resin). The use of such a transparent resin is preferable because the state of the inside of the ball passage portion 404 and the inside of the screw accommodating portion 405 can be easily confirmed without being visually disassembled. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the transport path case 402 may be formed of an opaque resin, metal, or the like.
[0135]
(3) In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the spiral projection 403a of the lifting screw 403 is formed of a conductive polypropylene resin which is a conductive material having low friction and excellent antistatic ability. Was. By forming the spiral projecting portion 403a with a conductive material or an antistatic material having an antistatic function as described above, static electricity is generated by sliding the game ball and the lifting screw 403 in lifting the game ball. It is preferable to prevent the occurrence of the occurrence and to appropriately ground the lifting screw 403, so that even if the game ball is already charged, the charge of the game ball can be removed. . However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the lifting screw 403 may be formed of a metal having more excellent conductivity, or may be formed of a normal resin having no antistatic ability.
[0136]
(4) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which both the lifting screw 403 and the ball supply sprocket 413 are driven by the same driving source, the lifting motor 410. With such a configuration, the number of power sources can be reduced as compared with the case where an individual drive motor is provided, so that the cost can be reduced, and the synchronization (interlocking) of the lifting screw 403 and the ball supply sprocket 413 can be achieved. Is preferably set mechanically with a gear ratio or the like as described above, since control can be performed easily and reliably. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the lifting screw 403 and the sphere supply sprocket 413 may be configured to control individual power sources as individual drive motors.
[0137]
(5) In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the lifting unit 400 is attached so that the ball passage 404 faces the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lifting unit 400 may be attached so that the ball passage 404 faces the rear side of the pachinko gaming machine 2.
[0138]
(6) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the game ball guided to the firing position is held in the circular window at the outer peripheral end of the swing of the ball lift arm 502. Holding the game balls to be fired in this manner is preferable because the position accuracy of the game balls at the time of firing can be improved, and stable shooting of the game balls can be performed. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the game ball is not held in the circular window may be adopted.
[0139]
(7) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the guiding speed of the game ball is low near the firing position. It is preferable that the guiding speed of the game ball be low in the vicinity of the launch position as described above, since the blurring (vibration) of the game ball during the guidance can be reduced and a stable firing intensity can be obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the guiding speed of the game ball is not set to be low near the launch position may be adopted.
[0140]
(8) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the low-speed guidance of the game ball can be realized by the shape of the lift cam 501a. This makes it possible not only to achieve smooth low-speed guidance but also to repeat acceleration / deceleration of the rotation speed, as compared with a case where this low-speed guidance is realized by controlling the rotation speed of the firing motor 511 or the like. The avoidance is preferable because the wear of the firing motor 511 can be reduced. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and such low-speed guidance may be performed by controlling the rotation speed of the firing motor 511.
[0141]
(9) In the above-described third embodiment, by providing the firing rail member 64 and the striking member 61b in the movable firing case 60, the guide angle by the firing rail member 64 and the firing angle by the striking member 61b. The example in which the firing angle is changed in such a manner that the predetermined relationship (a constant relationship) is maintained between the two is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The following configuration is used to change the firing angle in such a manner that the guide angle of the firing rail member 64 and the firing angle of the striking member 61b maintain a predetermined correspondence relationship (a constant relationship). Such a configuration may be adopted. In other words, each of the firing rail member 64 and the striking member 61b is configured to be drivable by a separate drive shaft, and the firing angle of the firing rail member 64 and the bullet by the striking member 61b are controlled by the firing and lifting control microcomputer 291. A configuration may be adopted in which the guide angle by the firing rail member 64 and the snap angle by the striking member 61b are simultaneously controlled such that the firing angle maintains a constant relationship.
[0142]
(10) The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a lifting device and a launching device provided in the pachinko gaming machine.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the launching device showing an operating state of the launching device relating to launching of a game ball.
FIG. 5 is a front view for adjusting a launch angle of a game ball in the launch device.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit that controls operations of the lifting unit and the launching device.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a reference angle return process.
FIG. 8 shows a comparison between a trajectory of a game ball fired from a launch device having an adjustable launch angle according to the present embodiment and a trajectory of a game ball launched from a conventional type launch device whose launch angle cannot be adjusted. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating another example of installation of the angle notification unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a structure related to a firing rail and a resilient member inside a firing device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a front view showing a structure of a launching device of a pachinko gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
500 launcher, 207 game area, 2 pachinko machine, 508 launch rail, 64 launch rail member, 41 guide member, 11 angle increase switch, 12 angle decrease switch, 291 launch / lift control microcomputer, 293d angle variable motor drive circuit , 14 Angle variable motor, 205 Hitting operation handle, 21 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Guidance angle informing unit, 61b Hitting member, 206 Game board, 13 Angle reset switch.

Claims (7)

A game machine having a firing device for firing a game ball, wherein a game is played by hitting a game ball fired from the firing device into a game area,
A member for guiding the launched game ball to the game area, a guide member capable of changing a ball guide angle for guiding the game ball to the game area,
Ball guidance angle operation means by which a player can perform an operation for adjusting the ball guidance angle of the guide member;
A gaming machine, comprising: angle changing means for changing the ball guiding angle of the guide member in accordance with the operation of the ball guiding angle operating means. The launching device is a means for operating to launch the game ball, including a launch operation means capable of adjusting the launch intensity of the game ball by operation,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the ball guiding angle operation means is provided near a position where the firing operation means is provided. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a notifying unit for notifying the ball guiding angle of the guide member is provided on a front side of the gaming machine. The launching device further includes a resilient member for repelling a game ball at a resilient angle in a predetermined correspondence with the ball guiding angle of the guide member, and is provided at an upper portion of a game board provided with the game area. And
The angle varying means is configured to maintain the predetermined correspondence relationship between the ball guiding angle of the guide member and the resilient angle of the resilient member, and the ball guide angle is changed with the change of the ball guiding angle of the guide member. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the firing angle of the firing member is changed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reference angle return unit configured to return the ball guiding angle of the guide member to a predetermined reference angle when a predetermined angle return condition is satisfied. A gaming machine according to claim 1. The angle return condition by the reference angle return means is satisfied when a predetermined game end condition is satisfied or when the power of the gaming machine is turned on. A gaming machine according to claim 1. Angle return operation means capable of performing a return operation for returning the ball guidance angle of the guide member to the reference angle, which can be performed by a player, is further included.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the angle return condition by the reference angle return unit is satisfied when the return operation is performed by the angle return operation unit. 8.

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