JP2005342423A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine wherein a fed game ball is used for shooting, which can be played in a case that the prescribed number of balls to be shot is larger than the prescribed number of balls to be fed. <P>SOLUTION: The pachinko game machine comprises a game start means 128a for starting a unit game on the condition that the number of balls fed from an upper tray 7 reaches the prescribed number of game balls to be fed, a shooting means 15 for shooting the prescribed number of game balls to be shot to a game region 24, which number is larger than the prescribed number of game balls to be fed by a specified number per unit game, a put-out means 57 for putting out prize balls based on establishment of a specified prize winning combination formed by prize winning caused by the game ball shot in the game region 24, a shooting standby passage 81 for holding the prescribed number of game balls to be fed from the upper tray 7 at the start of the unit game ahead of the shooting means 15 in a standby state, and a deficient shooting ball replenishment control means 128c for putting out a specified number of game balls from the put-out means 57 to the shooting standby passage 81 side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is based on the fact that a predetermined winning combination is established in relation to the action of the launched game ball, such as an arrange ball machine, by launching game balls into the game area by the prescribed number of shots per unit game. The present invention relates to a ball game machine configured to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to the winning combination.

  Among the ball game machines, for example, in an arrangement ball machine, game balls are fired into the game area at a prescribed number of shots per unit game, for example, 16 pieces, and these fired game balls are arranged at the bottom of the game area. The number of game balls corresponding to the winning combination is paid out by the payout means based on the fact that a predetermined winning combination is established, for example, by winning a predetermined plurality of winning openings among the plurality of winning openings. It is configured as follows.

  Among these types of arrange ball machines, game balls that are used as game media are used as game balls for launch as they are and are collected on the island side after use. A game ball circulation type is common (see Patent Document 1).

  In this game ball circulation type arrange ball machine, the game balls stored in the upper plate are fired while being supplied one by one to the launching means side through the ball feeding means, and a prescribed number of shots per unit game, for example, 16 On the condition that the game ball is fired, the firing operation is stopped until the start condition of the next unit game is satisfied. Further, for example, when a foul ball that has not reached the game area is detected among a prescribed number of game balls that have been fired, a firing operation is additionally performed by the number of the foul balls.

In addition, as an arrangement ball machine using a game ball as a game medium, for example, a predetermined number of game balls for launching are enclosed in the game machine and used repeatedly, and are introduced by the player every time a unit game is started. A game ball enclosed type in which the game ball is directly collected on the island side is also conceivable.
JP 2003-205074 A

  Among the conventional arrangement ball machines that use game balls as game media, the game ball circulation type is configured so that the game balls that have been thrown in are placed one by one, as described above, and are sequentially fired. Therefore, for example, a prescribed number of game balls that a player needs to throw in to establish a unit game, and a regulation that is the number of game balls that need to be fired into the game area per unit game. There is a problem that cannot be handled when the number of fires is different.

  Even if the specified number of shots is different from the specified number of shots, if the specified number of shots is greater than the specified number of shots, out of the game balls with the specified number of shots, only the specified number of shots will be fired. However, since the rest can be collected separately, it can be handled relatively easily, but conversely, it cannot be easily handled when the specified number of launches is greater than the specified number of shots.

  On the other hand, with a game ball-enclosed arrangement ball machine, even if the specified number of shots and the specified number of shots are different, it can be handled without any problem. Since it cannot be circulated by the game ball circulation device and it is necessary to perform cleaning or the like individually, there is a problem that requires a lot of labor and time for maintenance work and the like.

  In view of such a conventional problem, the present invention is configured to use a thrown game ball for launch, and can deal with a case where the prescribed launch number is larger than the prescribed throw number. The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention includes a game start unit 128a for starting a unit game on condition that a predetermined number of game balls are inserted from the game ball storage unit 7, and a predetermined number of shots larger than the predetermined input number per unit game. The winning means 15 for launching a number of game balls to the game area 24 and the winning combination based on the fact that a predetermined winning combination is established by winning of the game balls launched into the game area 24 by the launching means 15 In a ball game machine provided with a payout means 57 for paying out a corresponding number of game balls, the predetermined number of game balls thrown from the game ball storage means 7 at the start of a unit game are stored in the launch means 15. A launch standby passage 81 for waiting in front, and a short launch ball replenishment control means 128c for delivering the predetermined number of game balls from the payout means 57 to the launch standby passage 81 side. It is those with a.

  According to the ball game machine of the present invention, since a specified number of game balls exceeding the specified number of shots can be thrown into the launch standby passage 81, the inserted game ball is used for launching, It is also possible to deal with cases where the specified number of launches is greater than the specified number of inputs.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 13 illustrate a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied as an arrangement ball machine. In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes an outer frame, and 2 a front frame, which are pivotally attached to the front side of the outer frame 1 via a pair of upper and lower hinges 3. Reference numeral 4 denotes a glass door, and 5 denotes a front plate, which are arranged vertically corresponding to the window holes 6 of the front frame 2 and are pivotally supported by the front frame 2 so as to be opened and closed.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes an upper plate (game ball storage means) for storing a game ball for launch, which is attached to the front side of the front plate 5 and is covered with an upper plate cover 8. Further, 9 is a lower tray for storing surplus balls and the like, and 10 is an ashtray. These are arranged on the lower side of the front plate 5 on the front side of the front frame 2 and are covered with a lower plate cover 11. A game board 12 is detachably attached to the game board mounting frame 13 on the back side of the front frame 2 so as to correspond to the window hole 6 of the front frame 2, and is attached to the front frame 2 on the lower side of the window hole 6. It is supported from below by a support plate 14 mounted on the back side.

  A firing handle 16 for operating the firing means 15 is provided on one side of the lower plate 9 and on the front side of the front frame 2. The launching means 15 includes a firing rail 17 disposed on the rear side of the front plate 5 and mounted on the front side of the support plate 14, a striking rod 19 operated by a predetermined firing driving means such as a motor, and the like. When the firing handle 16 is operated, the hitting rod 19 is actuated by the firing driving means, and the game balls supplied one by one on the firing rail 17 by the ball feeding means 20 mounted on the back side of the front plate 5 are played. Fired toward the board 12 side.

  In addition, a launch board case 22 that houses the launch control board 21 is detachably mounted at a predetermined position on the back side of the front frame 2, for example, near the back side of the launch handle 16. Note that the firing handle 16 is provided with a contact detection switch (not shown) for detecting the grip of the player.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a guide rail 23 for guiding a game ball fired by the launching means 15 is annularly mounted on the front surface of the game board 12, and in the game area 24 inside the guide rail 23. The prize-winning means 25 is arranged at the lower part thereof, and the symbol display means 26, the specific prize-winning means 27, the score increasing means 28, the starting means 29, the operating means 30 and 31, and the normal prize-winning means 32 are disposed above the prize-winning means 25. , 33 and the like are arranged. In addition, a large number of game nails (not shown) are provided between the winning opening means 25 and each game component.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the winning opening means 25 is formed in a winning case 34 that is detachably attached to the opening 12 a of the game board 12 from the back side, and is formed in a horizontal line on the winning case 34. A plurality of, for example, 16 winning holes 35 for guiding the game balls won from the front side to the back side of the game board 12, and a plurality of, for example, 16 winning detection switches for detecting the game balls won in each of the winning holes 35 36, and a game ball falling along the game board 12 wins a winning slot 35, and the winning detection switch 36 detects the game ball.

  The winning opening means 25 is covered from the front side by a winning opening cover 37 attached to the game board 12, and a plurality of, for example, 16 display units corresponding to the winning openings 35 are provided on the winning opening cover 37. A winning display means 39 having 38 is provided. The winning display means 39 is configured such that when a game ball wins any one of the winning openings 35, the display unit 38 corresponding thereto emits light and displays the winning by others. Each display unit 38 displays a number in order from one end side corresponding to each winning opening 35.

  During the unit game, for example, when the winning combination is established with a predetermined combination of the display units 38 in the winning display state, such as when four consecutive display units 38 are in a light emitting state, the combination A predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the upper plate 7 as prize balls according to the difficulty level.

  Note that the winning display means 39 is arranged in a predetermined position (for example, four each) in the center of the game area 24 above the winning opening means 25 in combination with a predetermined number (for example, four each). Embodiments are arbitrary.

  The symbol display means 26 can variably display one or a plurality of, for example, three game symbols 26a to 26c, and is also used by a liquid crystal display means 40 for notifying the player of various game information and the like. Yes.

  Each of the game symbols 26a to 26c varies for a predetermined time on condition that the starting means 29 detects a game ball, and stops in a specific mode such as “7, 7, 7” or other non-specific mode. It has become. It should be noted that symbols such as numeric symbols and character symbols are appropriately used for the game symbols 26a to 26c.

  The specific winning means 27 includes an opening / closing body 27a that opens for a predetermined period after the game symbols 26a to 26c after the change of the symbol display means 26 are stopped and fixed in a specific manner, and a plurality of (for example, three) insides are provided. It is divided into passages, one of which (for example, the center) is the specific area 41. When the game ball passes through the specific area 41, the operation means 30 and 31 become effective. The specific winning means 27 is provided with a passage detection switch 42 for detecting that a winning game ball has passed through the specific area 41.

  The score increasing means 28 is for increasing the score when the game ball is won, and includes an opening / closing claw 28a that is opened for a predetermined period on condition that the game ball wins the operating means 30, 31 in the valid state. When the game ball wins the score increasing means 28, the score acquired in the game is increased (for example, doubled).

  The specific winning means 27, the score increasing means 28, the normal winning means 32, 33, and the like, when a game ball wins a game ball, wins a game ball to one or a plurality of winning holes 35 corresponding thereto. They are treated equally. For example, the specific winning means 27 corresponds to the eleventh and fourteenth of the winning opening 35, the score increasing means 28 corresponds to the 11th to thirteenth and fifteenth, respectively, and when the game ball wins, the corresponding winning opening 35 In the same way as the game ball has won, the display unit 38 corresponding to the winning opening 35 displays the winning. The specific winning means 27, the score increasing means 28, the starting means 29, the operating means 30, 31, and the normal winning means 32, 33 guide the winning game balls to the back side of the game board 12, as in the winning opening means 25. It is supposed to be.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a back cover 44 is mounted on the back side of the game board 12 to cover game parts such as the symbol display means 26 from the back side. On the back side of the back cover 44, a main board case 46 for housing the main control board 45, a lamp board case 48 for housing the lamp control board 47, and a voice board case 50 for housing the voice control board 49 are detachable. It is installed. A ball collecting cover (not shown) is integrally provided at the lower part of the back cover 44, and the game ball guided to the back side of the game board 12 after winning the winning means 25 or the like is the ball collecting cover. After being collected in one place, it is collected on the island side through a predetermined discharge passage.

  The game board mounting frame 13 has a gate shape, is fixed to the back side of the front frame 2 along the window hole 6 of the front frame 2, and corresponds to the back side of the front plate 5 between the lower ends of the game board mounting frame 13. Thus, the support plate 14 is fixed to the back side of the front frame 2. A back mechanism plate 51 is pivotally attached to the game board mounting frame 13 by a pair of upper and lower hinges 52 so that the game board 12 is pressed and fixed from the back side. 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the back mechanism plate 51 is formed with an opening 54 into which the back cover 44 is fitted at the center thereof, and a game ball tank 55 and a tank rail 56 are arranged on the upper side of the opening 54. Dispensing means 57 is provided on one side, and a passage unit 58 and an installation portion 59 are provided on the lower side.

  A payout board case 61 that houses the payout control board 60 and a power supply board case 63 that houses the power supply board 62 are detachably attached to the installation portion 59 from the back side.

  The game ball tank 55 is for storing game balls replenished from the island-side ball replenishing device, and the game balls are supplied from the game ball tank 55 through the tank rail 56 to the payout means 57 side. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the payout means 57 includes, for example, a payout case 71 disposed in the vertical direction on the back mechanism plate 51, a rotating body 72 rotatably supported in the payout case 71, A payout motor 73 that drives the body 72, a payout side discharge path 74 and a launch ball replenishment side discharge path 75 that are connected to the downstream side of the payout case 71, and a flow-out direction of the game ball that is drawn from the payout case 71 side Payout switching means 76 for switching to either the discharge side 74 for the discharge side and the discharge path 75 for the discharge side of the discharge ball, a discharge side detection switch 74a for detecting a game ball passing through the discharge side discharge path 74, And a launch ball replenishment side detection switch 75a for detecting a game ball passing through the road 75 side, which is supplied into the payout case 71 from the tank rail 56 side. Feeding downstream tricks sphere by rotation of the rotating body 72 is adapted to pay out in any of the payout-side discharge passage 74 and the shot ball refill side discharge passage 75.

  The payout switching means 76 closes the payout side discharge path 75 side and closes the payout side discharge position 74 and the payout side discharge path 74 side so as to communicate the payout case 71 side and the payout side discharge path 74 side. A swinging claw 77 swingable between a discharge ball replenishment side switching position for communicating the discharge case 71 side and the shot ball replenishment side discharge path 75 side, and an electromagnetic solenoid for swinging and driving the swinging claw 77 And a switching drive means (not shown).

  The passage unit 58 is paid out from a payout guide passage 79 that guides the game ball paid out from the payout side discharge path 74 on the payout means 57 side to the upper plate 7 side, and from a shot ball supply side discharge path 75 on the payout means 57 side. A launch ball replenishment guide passage 82 that guides the released game ball to the launch standby passage 81 side through a launch ball refill passage 80 to be described later, and an overflow that guides surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate 7 to the lower plate 9 side. And a guide passage (not shown).

  The support plate 14 is made of synthetic resin, and although it was fired by the game board support portion 83 (see FIG. 6) for supporting the game board 12 from below and the launching means 15, the game area 24 could not be reached. A foul ball guide passage 84 (see FIG. 1) for guiding the foul ball to the island side is integrally provided, and a launch rail 17 is mounted on the front side thereof. The foul ball guide passage 84 is provided on the downstream side of the firing rail 17 and is provided with a foul ball detection switch (foul ball detection means) 85 for detecting a foul ball that has fallen into the inside. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a launch detection switch 86 that detects the launch of a game ball due to the strike of the strike rod 19 is arranged near the launch rail 17 according to the presence or absence of a game ball on the launch rail 17. .

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the front plate 5 includes an upper platen base plate 87 made of, for example, a sheet metal, and the ball feeding means 20, the rail cover member 88 and the like are mounted on the back side thereof, and the upper plate on the front side. 7, a launch standby passage 81, a launch ball replenishment passage 80, a ball removal passage 89, a recovery passage 90, and an upper plate cover 8 that covers these from the front side are mounted.

  The upper plate 7 has a storage portion 92 for storing game balls paid out from the payout port 91 through the payout guide passage 79 of the passage unit 58 from the payout means 57, and the game balls in the storage portion 92 are aligned in a line. Alignment sections 93 are provided on the left and right sides for guiding to the downstream standby standby passage 81.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage portion 92 has a shape that greatly protrudes forward from the front plate 5, and the protrusion amount gradually decreases as the distance from the storage portion 92 in the left-right direction is smoothly connected to the alignment portion 93. doing. Further, the bottom wall 94 of the upper plate 7 is provided with a slight inclination so as to be gradually lowered from the storage portion 92 side toward the alignment portion 93 side. The game ball naturally moves to the passage 81 side.

  The alignment unit 93 is formed to have a length that allows at least a predetermined number of game balls that need to be inserted to start a unit game, for example, 15 game balls to be aligned in a line, and in the vicinity of the upstream end thereof. Is provided with a specified number storage detection switch (specified number storage detection means) 95 for detecting the specified number of game balls, for example, the fifteenth game ball from the top (downstream side) in the alignment section 93. If the detection state of the game balls by the specified number storage detection switch 95 continues for a predetermined time, it can be determined that at least the specified number (15) of game balls are aligned on the alignment portion 93.

  Further, in the vicinity of the upstream end portion of the alignment portion 93, for example, an alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a is disposed below the bottom wall 94. This alignment portion inflow prevention means (inflow prevention means) 95a operates upstream of the specified number of game balls by operating in a state where storage of the specified number of game balls is detected by the specified number storage detection switch 95. Is configured to include an electromagnetic solenoid or the like provided with a blocking member 95b capable of moving back and forth toward the alignment portion 93. For example, during operation, the blocking member 95b is a bottom bottom. From the lower side of the wall 94, it enters into the alignment portion 93 and enters an inflow prevention state in which the inflow of game balls from the storage portion 92 side to the alignment portion 93 side is prevented, and the blocking member 95b is retracted from the alignment portion 93 when not in operation. Thus, the inflow allowed state is configured to permit the inflow of game balls from the storage unit 92 side to the alignment unit 93 side.

  The launch standby passage 81 is arranged between the ball feeding means 20 on the launching means 15 side and the alignment portion 93 on the upper dish 7 side, and the game balls flowing in from the upper dish 7 side are, for example, in a line before the firing means 15. For example, it is arranged on the lower side of the alignment portion 93 in an inclined shape opposite to the alignment portion 93, and its upstream end side is the downstream end side of the alignment portion 93. For example, on the lower side, the downstream end side is connected to the front side of the ball feeding means 20, respectively. The launch standby passage 81 is formed, for example, to have a length that allows at least a prescribed number of game balls required for establishment of a unit game to wait on the upstream side of the ball feeding means 20.

  Here, the prescribed number of shots is set to a value larger than the prescribed number of shots. In this embodiment, the number of prescribed shots is 16 and the number of prescribed shots is 15. In addition, the launch standby passage 81 may not be one in which game balls are arranged in a line.

  In the vicinity of the insertion communication port 96 where the aligning portion 93 and the firing standby passage 81 communicate vertically, a firing ball insertion restricting means for switching allowance / blocking of the inflow of game balls from the alignment portion 93 side to the firing standby passage 81 side. 97 and a take-in ball detection switch 98 that detects a game ball that is arranged in the vicinity of the downstream side of the launch ball insertion restricting means 97 and that flows into the launch standby passage 81 side from the alignment section 93 side.

  The firing ball charging restriction means 97 includes an opening / closing member 99 that can open and close the charging communication port 96, and an electromagnetic solenoid that switches the opening / closing member 99 between a charging blocking position for closing the charging communication port 96 and a charging permission position for opening. The charging restriction driving means 100 is provided. The closing restriction driving means 100 is detachably fixed to the front side of the upper platen base plate 87 with the driving shaft 100a directed in a substantially horizontal direction at the side of the closing communication port 96, and the opening / closing member 99 is inserted. With respect to the communication port 96, it is made to move in and out substantially horizontally.

  For example, a launch ball refilling passage 80 is connected to the firing standby passage 81 on the upstream end side thereof. The firing ball replenishment passage 80 is connected to the downstream end side of the firing ball replenishment guide passage 82 on the passage unit 58 side in a state where the front plate 5 is closed. The game balls paid out from the side discharge path 75 are guided to the launch standby path 81 side.

  A ball removal passage 89 is connected to the downstream end side of the alignment portion 93 in the vicinity of the upstream side of the launch ball insertion restriction means 97 via a ball removal port 101, and further, a ball removal opening / closing operation for opening and closing this ball removal port 101. Means 102 are provided. The ball removal passage 89 has a downstream end connected to the lower plate 9 side, and guides the game balls in the upper plate 7 to the lower plate 9 side when the ball removal port 101 is opened. . The ball outlet 101 is provided, for example, in the side wall portion 93a on the front side of the alignment portion 93, and the upper surface side of the opening / closing member 99 faces forward so as to guide the upstream game ball to the ball outlet 101 side. It is formed in an inclined shape.

  The ball opening / closing means 102 includes, for example, an opening / closing member 103 that can slide between an open state in which the ball opening 101 is opened and a closed state in which the ball opening 101 is closed, and a spring member 104 that biases the opening / closing member 103 to the closed state. An operation lever 105 that is slidably provided on the upper plate cover 8 and that opens and closes the opening / closing member 103, an interlocking member 106 that interlocks the operation lever 105 and the opening / closing member 103, and the opening / closing member 103 are opened. A ball removal operation detection switch 107 for detecting this, and by operating the operation lever 105 in the opening direction, the opening / closing member 103 moves to the open state against the spring member 104 and the ball removal port 101 is opened. The opening operation is detected by a ball removal operation detection switch 107. In the present embodiment, the operation lever 105, the interlocking member 106, and the opening / closing member 103 are integrally formed.

  A recovery passage 90 is connected to the downstream end side of the firing standby passage 81 in the vicinity of the upstream side of the ball feeding means 20 via a recovery port 108, and the recovery port 108 is opened and closed in the vicinity thereof. A recovery port opening / closing means 109 and a recovery ball detection switch 110 that is disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the recovery port opening / closing means 109 and detects a game ball flowing from the launch standby passage 81 side to the recovery passage 90 side are provided. . The collection passage 90 is connected at its downstream end side to a discharge passage (not shown) to the island side, and when the collection port 108 is opened, the game balls in the launch standby passage 81 are guided to the island side. It has become. The recovery port 108 is provided, for example, in the bottom wall portion 81a on the lower side of the firing standby passage 81.

  The recovery port opening / closing means 109 is an opening / closing member 111 capable of opening / closing the recovery port 108 and a recovery port opening / closing drive comprising an electromagnetic solenoid or the like for switching the open / close member 111 between an open state for opening the recovery port 108 and a closed state for closing the recovery port 108. Means 112, and the opening / closing member 103 is operated to the opening side of the ball outlet 101 between the end of the unit game and the start of the next unit game, and the ball removal operation detection switch 107 detects it. The recovery port 108 is operated to open.

  Further, when the collection port 108 is opened by the collection port opening / closing means 109 and game balls on the side of the standby waiting passage 81 flow into the collection passage 90 side through the collection port 108, those game balls are detected by the collection ball detection switch 110. The number of game balls detected by the recovery ball detection switch 110 is paid out from the payout means 57 to the upper plate 7 side.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control system of the arrange ball machine. As shown in FIG. 9, the control system of this embodiment includes a main control board 45, a payout control board 60, a launch control board 21, a display control board 121, a lamp control board 47, a sound control board 49, and the like. The display control board 121 is mounted in a state of being stored in a board case, for example, on the back side of the liquid crystal display means 40 or the like.

  The main control board 45 mainly constitutes main control means for controlling the game operation on the game board 12 side. The random number generation means 123 and the game state determination means 124 constituted by electronic parts such as CPU, ROM, RAM and the like. , A special game state generating means 125, a winning processing means 126, a settlement processing means 127, a game updating means 128, a return control means 129, a control command transmitting means 130, and the like.

  The random number generation means 123 repeatedly generates a predetermined random number. The gaming state determination means 124 is for selecting and determining either a specific gaming state advantageous to the player or an unfavorable non-specific gaming state based on the extracted random number value from the random number generation means 123. Then, the generated random number value of the random number generating means 123 is extracted on condition that the starting means 29 detects the game ball, and it is determined that the specific gaming state is set when the extracted random number value is the specific game determination random value. It is like that.

  When the game state determination unit 124 determines that the game state is the specific game state, after the game symbols 26a to 26c after the change of the symbol display unit 26 are stopped in a specific mode such as “7/7/7”, the specific winning unit 27 is opened / closed. The body 27a is opened for a predetermined period.

  The special game state generating means 125 is a special game that is advantageous to the player on condition that the game ball won in the specific prize winning means 27 passes the specific area 41 and the passage detection switch 42 detects the passage of the game ball. The game state is generated, and then the special game state is continued until the result of the maximum predetermined number of games (for example, a plurality of games such as 14 games) is obtained. Note that when the game ball won in the specific winning means 27 passes through the specific area 41 again, the operation of the special gaming state generating means 125 ends at that time.

  During the special game state, the operating means 30 and 31 are enabled. When a game ball wins the operating means 30 and 31, the opening / closing claw 28a of the score increasing means 28 is opened for a predetermined period, and the game increasing ball 28 is given a game ball. The score obtained in the game is increased (for example, doubled) on condition that the player wins.

  The winning processing means 126, when a game ball wins each winning opening 35 etc. of the winning opening means 25, based on a winning signal from the winning detection switch 36 etc., a predetermined winning display corresponding to the winning opening 35 etc. A winning process for causing the display unit 38 of the means 39 to emit light is performed.

  The checkout processing means 127 is for giving a score according to the winning combination for each unit game, and more than the number (for example, four) of game balls necessary for establishment of the winning combination is won in any winning opening 35. A function for determining whether the winning combination is successful, a function for assigning a score according to the difficulty level when the winning combination is established, and a game ball winning in the score increasing means 28 during the occurrence of a special gaming state And a function for increasing (for example, doubling) the score in the game. The maximum score per unit game is 10 points.

  The game update unit 128 is for performing a unit game update process, and includes a game start unit 128a, a game end unit 128b, a short-fire ball replenishment control unit 128c, and the like.

  The game start means 128a is for starting the next unit game when the start condition of the unit game is satisfied, and includes a capture control means 131. The take-in control means 131 performs a take-in process of a specified number (15 in this case) of game balls from the upper plate 7 side at the start of the unit game, and is based on a detection signal from the specified number storage detection switch 95. When it is determined that a predetermined number (15) or more of game balls are stored on the alignment portion 93 of the upper plate 7, the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a is operated from the inflow permission state to the inflow prevention state. In addition, while preventing the inflow of gaming balls behind the specified number of throws (15th) in the aligning portion 93 to the aligning portion 93 side, the take-in ball detection switch 98 allows the specified number of games (15) to be played. Until the ball is detected, the closing restriction driving means 100 is operated to open the closing communication port 96. As a result, the prescribed number (15) of game balls in the alignment portion 93 flows into the launch standby passage 81 through the input communication port 96.

  When a predetermined number (15) of game balls are detected by the take-in ball detection switch 98, the operation of the insertion restriction drive means 100 is stopped, the insertion communication port 96 is closed, and the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a. Is stopped and the inflow of the game balls in the storage portion 92 into the alignment portion 93 is allowed. It should be noted that the insertion restriction drive means 100 cannot operate during the unit game.

  Further, the game start means 128a has, for example, a predetermined number of games (15 pieces) required for starting a unit game under the control of the take-in control means 131 when a predetermined pause time has elapsed since the previous unit game ended. When a predetermined unit game start condition is satisfied, such as that a ball has been taken into the firing standby passage 81 side, or the firing handle 16 has been operated by a player, the unit game is permitted to launch by the launching means 15 Is supposed to start.

  The insufficiently fired ball replenishment control means 128c replenishes the launch standby passage 81 into which the specified number of game balls (15) have been inserted, with a shortage (1) of game balls for the specified number of games (16). Thus, for example, after the unit game is started by the game starting means 128a, a short-fire ball replenishment command is transmitted to the payout control board 60 side via the control command transmitting means 130 at a predetermined timing.

  When the short shot ball replenishment command is transmitted, the payout motor 73 of the payout means 57 is controlled by the payout control board 60 with the swinging claw 77 of the payout switching means 76 set to the shot ball replenishment side switching position. In operation, a shortage (one) of game balls for the specified number of shots relative to the specified number of shots is paid out to the shot ball supplement side discharge path 75 side. As a result, the number of game balls thrown into the firing standby passage 81 together with the prescribed number (15) of game balls thrown from the alignment unit 93 before the start of the unit game is the prescribed number of shots (16). Become.

  The game ending means 128b is for ending the game when a unit game ending condition is satisfied, and that a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined number of game balls (16) have been released, The fact that all winnings (16 balls) of the game balls have been detected, the game symbols 26a to 26c have been changed, the payout of the prize balls has been completed, the lower plate full error, the ball shortage error, etc. When a predetermined unit game end condition such as a predetermined error has not occurred, the unit game is ended.

  Further, the game end means 128b is effective each time a firing detection signal is output from the firing detection switch 86, for example, based on the firing detection signal from the firing detection switch 86 and the foul ball detection signal from the foul ball detection switch 85. 1 is added to the number of shots, and every time a foul ball detection signal is output from the foul ball detection switch 85, by subtracting 1 from the effective number of shots, the effective number of shots shot in the game area 24 is counted, Based on the fact that the effective number of shots reaches the prescribed number of shots (16), the launching by the launching means 15 is terminated prior to the game end process. The foul sphere detected by the foul sphere detection switch 85 is collected on the island side via the foul sphere guide passage 84.

  Here, in the game end means 128b, additional shot ball replenishment control means 132 for paying out game balls from the payout means 57 to the firing standby passage 81 side by the number of foul balls detected by the foul ball detection switch 85. Each time a foul ball detection signal is output from the foul ball detection switch 85, an additional fire ball replenishment command is transmitted to the payout control board 60 side via the control command transmission means 130. .

  When the additional shot ball refill command is transmitted, the payout motor 73 of the payout means 57 is set under the control of the payout control board 60 with the swinging claw 77 of the payout switching means 76 set to the shot ball refill side switching position. In operation, one game ball is paid out to the discharge ball supplement side discharge path 75 side. As a result, the game balls collected on the island side as foul balls are replenished to the launch standby passage 81 side, so even if a foul ball is generated, it is fired until the effective number of shots reaches the specified number of shots (16) It can be performed.

  The return control means 129 performs control related to the return of the game ball in the launch standby passage 81, and includes a recovery port opening / closing control means 133 and a return payout control means 134. The collection port opening / closing control means 133 performs opening / closing control of the collection port 108 by driving the collection port opening / closing drive means 112, and the opening / closing member 103 of the ball removal opening / closing means 102 based on a detection signal from the ball removal operation detection switch 107. Is determined to be in the open state, the collection port opening / closing drive means 112 is operated on the condition that it is during a non-game period after the end of the unit game and until the next unit game is started. The collection port 108 is opened.

  The return payout control means 134 is used for paying out from the payout means 57 the same number of game balls collected on the island side from the launch standby passage 81 via the collection passage 90. When the collection port 108 is opened by the control of the game ball and the game ball in the firing standby passage 81 flows down to the collection passage 90 side through the collection port 108, the detection is based on the detection signal from the collection ball detection switch 110. The payout control command corresponding to the number is sent to the payout control board 60 side via the control command sending means 130.

  When the payout control command is transmitted, the payout control board 60 controls the payout motor 57 of the payout means 57 in a state where the swinging claw 77 of the payout changeover means 76 is set at the payout side switching position, and the collected balls The number of game balls detected by the detection switch 110 is paid out to the payout side discharge path 74 side. As a result, the game balls collected from the launch standby passage 81 to the island side via the recovery passage 90 are paid out to the upper plate 7 side from the payout means 57. As a result, the game balls in the launch standby passage 81 are It is equivalent to being returned to the lower plate 9 or the like as it is.

  In the present embodiment, the game balls are replenished to the firing standby passage 81 by the insufficient firing ball replenishment control means 128c after the start of the unit game. 15) or more game balls will not be returned.

  The control command transmitting means 130 is for transmitting a control command to the sub-control boards 60, 47, 49, 121, etc. by one-way communication. A function of transmitting a control command, a function of transmitting a winning display control command to the display control board 121 based on a winning process of the winning processing means 126, and a payout of a winning ball to the payout control board 60 based on a score of the settlement processing means 127 A function of transmitting a control command, a function of transmitting a return ball payout control command to the payout control board 60 based on the control of the return payout control means 134, and a payout control board 60 based on the control of the insufficient firing ball replenishment control means 128c. Based on the function of transmitting a short launch ball refill command and the control of the additional fire ball refill control means 132 Based on the function of transmitting an additional shot ball replenishment command to the payout control board 60 and the unit game start / end control of the game update means 128, a fire permission / stop command is sent to the fire control board 21 side via the payout control board 60. A function, a function for transmitting a lamp display control command to the lamp control board 47 side based on a gaming state such as occurrence of a special gaming state, a voice on the voice control board 49 side based on a gaming state such as occurrence of a special gaming state, etc. It has a function of transmitting a control command.

  The payout control board 60 performs payout control by the payout means 57, and starts / stops the supply of power to the fire control board 21 when a fire permission / stop command is issued from the main control board 45 and fire control. A function for starting / stopping signal output, a payout switching means 76 to a payout side switching position based on a lending ball payout signal from a ball lending unit (not shown), and thereby a payout case 71 side and a payout side discharge path 74 side When the payout control command is issued from the main control board 45, the payout switching means is operated by operating the payout motor 73 in a state of communicating with the upper plate 7 side. The state where the payout case 71 side and the payout side discharge path 74 side are made to communicate with each other by operating 76 to the payout side switching position When there is a function of operating a feeding motor 73 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls to the upper plate 7 side, a short shot ball refill command, and an additional fire ball refill command from the main control board 45, a pay-out switching means 76 is provided. By operating to the firing ball replenishment side switching position, the delivery motor 73 is operated in a state where the payout case 71 side and the firing ball replenishment side discharge path 75 are in communication with each other, and a predetermined number of game balls are moved to the firing standby passage 81 side. It has a function to make it pay out.

  The launch control board 21 constitutes launch control means for performing launch control of the launch means 15 based on the power supply and launch control signal supplied from the payout control board 60, and the launch control signal is output from the payout control board 60. The operation of the launching unit 15 is started on the condition that it is detected based on a signal from a contact detection switch or the like of the launching handle 16 that the player has performed the launching operation of the game ball. The operation of the firing means 15 is terminated on the condition that the output of the firing control signal is stopped.

  The display control board 121 performs display control of the winning display means 39, the symbol display means 26, and the like, and includes a winning display control means 135, a symbol display control means 136, and the like.

  The winning display control means 135 is for controlling the display of the winning display means 39 based on the winning display control command from the main control board 45, and the game ball wins at any of the winning openings 35 etc. When there is a control command, the display unit 38 corresponding to the winning award 35 or the like is caused to emit light.

  The symbol display control means 136 is for performing fluctuation control of the game symbols 26a to 26c of the symbol display means 26 in accordance with the determination result of the gaming state determination means 124. The game symbol 26a is detected by detecting the game ball by the starting means 29. -26c is started and stopped in a specific mode such as "7, 7, 7" when the determination result of the game state determination means 124 is a specific game determination, and in a non-specific mode when a non-specific game determination is made It is like that.

  When there is a lamp display control command from the main control board 45, the lamp control board 47 displays a display lamp 137 arranged on the front side of the gaming machine body 1 such as the front frame 2 and the gaming board 12 in a predetermined pattern. It is designed to emit light. The voice control board 49 outputs a predetermined voice from the voice output means 138 such as a speaker when a voice control command is received from the main control board 45.

  Next, the operation of the arrangement ball machine having the above configuration will be described. When a player performs a predetermined lending operation at the start of a game, a lending ball payout signal is output from a not-shown ball lending unit side to a payout control board 60 side. On the payout control board 60 side, based on the lending ball payout signal, the payout switching means 76 of the payout means 57 is operated to the payout side switching position so that the payout case 71 side and the payout side discharge path 74 side communicate with each other. Further, the feeding motor 73 is operated to pay out a predetermined number of game balls to the upper plate 7.

  The game balls paid out into the upper plate 7 from the payout means 57 side through the payout port 91 pass through the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a which is inoperative and inflow-allowed state, and is then transferred from the storage portion 92 to the alignment portion. Sequentially flows down to the 93 side, and the leading (most downstream) game balls are aligned in a line on the upstream side in a state of being restricted by the opening / closing member 99 of the launch ball insertion restricting means 97 (FIG. 11A). .

  When a predetermined number (15) or more of game balls are stored in the upper plate 7, among the game balls arranged in the alignment unit 93, the fifteenth game ball from the head is the specified number storage detection switch. 95 is detected (FIG. 11B).

  At the start of the unit game, the capture control means 131 first executes a capture control process as shown in FIG. That is, first, it is determined whether or not a unit game is in progress (S1). If it is not in a unit game (S1: No), a predetermined number (15 It is determined whether or not the above game balls are stored (S2).

  If it is determined that more than the specified number of game balls have been stored (S2: Yes), the alignment unit inflow prevention means 95a is operated from the inflow permission state to the inflow prevention state, so that The flow of game balls behind the specified number of throws (the fifteenth) is prevented from flowing into the alignment portion 93 side (S3a), and the throwing restriction driving means 100 of the launching ball throwing restriction means 97 is operated to enter the throwing communication port. 96 is opened (S3b). As a result, the input (15) game balls aligned in the alignment portion 93 sequentially flow into the launch standby passage 81 through the input communication port 96. At this time, the game ball that has passed through the input communication port 96 is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 98 (FIG. 11C).

  After that, when the number of game balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 98 reaches a predetermined throw-in number (15) (S4: Yes), the throw-in restriction drive means 100 of the launch ball throw-in restriction means 97 is stopped and thrown in. The communication port 96 is closed (S5a), and the operation of the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a is stopped to return from the inflow prevention state to the inflow allowable state (S5b), and the game balls from the storage portion 92 side to the alignment portion 93 side Allow inflow. As a result, a predetermined number (15) of game balls wait in the launch standby passage 81, and the subsequent game balls are sequentially aligned in the alignment section 93 (FIG. 11 (d)).

  The taking-in control process (FIG. 10) of the taking-in control means 131 finishes taking in a predetermined number (15) of game balls into the firing standby passage 81 side, and the previous unit game is finished and When all other unit game start conditions such as the elapse of the pause time and the operation of the firing handle 16 by the player are satisfied, the game start means 128a starts the next unit game. In other words, the firing permission command of the launching means 15 is transmitted to the payout control board 60 via the control command transmitting means 130.

  When the unit game is started, the capture control means 131 causes the throwing ball insertion restriction means 97 to allow the game balls to flow from the upper plate 7 side to the firing standby passage 81 side until the unit game ends. Control to continue the blocked state.

  Also, when the unit game is started, at a predetermined timing such as immediately after that, undershooting ball replenishment control means 128c controls the undershooting ball refill command to the payout control board 60 side via control command transmission means 130. Sent. On the payout control board 60 side, when the short shot ball refill command is received, the payout switching means 76 of the payout means 57 is operated to the fireball refill side switching position so that the payout case 71 side and the fireball refill side discharge path 75 side are moved. Further, the feeding motor 73 is operated, and the shortage (1) of game balls corresponding to the specified number of shots (15) with respect to the specified number of shots (16) is paid out (FIG. 11 (e)). As a result, the number of game balls thrown into the firing standby passage 81 is set to the prescribed number of shots (16) together with the prescribed number (15) of game balls taken from the alignment unit 93 before the unit game is started. Become.

  The launch control board 21 is based on the condition that the output of the launch control signal is started from the payout control board 60 and that the player has performed the launch operation of the game ball based on the detection signal from the contact detection switch or the like. Then, the operation of the launching means 15 is started, whereby the game balls sequentially supplied from the ball feeding means 20 onto the firing rail 17 are sequentially driven into the game area 24 through the guide rail 23.

  When a game ball is launched by the launching means 15, the launch detection switch 86 detects the launch, and when a foul ball is generated, the foul ball detection switch 85 detects the foul ball. Based on these launch detection signals and foul ball detection signals, the game end means 128b counts the number of effective launches.

  Further, when a foul ball detection signal is output by the foul ball detection switch 85, an additional firing ball supplement command is transmitted to the payout control board 60 side via the control command transmission unit 130 under the control of the additional firing ball supplement control unit 132. Is done. On the payout control board 60 side, when an additional shot ball replenishment command is received, the payout switching means 76 of the payout means 57 is operated to the shot ball replenishment side switching position so that the payout case 71 side and the shot ball replenishment side discharge path 75 side are moved. The communication is made, and the feeding motor 73 is further operated to pay out one game ball. As a result, game balls are replenished to the firing standby passage 81 side from the payout means 57 through the firing ball replenishment passage 80 by the number of foul balls detected by the foul ball detection switch 85 (FIG. 12). Even if a foul ball is generated, it is possible to fire until the effective number of shots reaches the specified number of shots (16) without additional game balls from 7 side.

  A game ball that has been driven into the game area 24 by the launching means 15 wins a winning slot 35 of the winning slot means 25, or wins a normal winning means 32, 33, etc., to the back side of the game board 12. I will be guided.

  When the game ball wins the winning opening 35 or the like of the winning opening means 25, a winning display control command is transmitted from the control command transmitting means 130 to the display control board 121 side under the control of the winning processing means 126. Based on the winning display control means 135, the display unit 38 corresponding to the winning opening 35 is emitted.

  At the same time, the payment processing means 127 determines whether or not the winning combination is successful based on the winning process of the winning process means 126. For example, when a game ball wins in the first to fourth winning openings 35 on the left side of the winning openings 35 of the winning opening means 25, the first to fourth on the left side of the winning display means 39 correspondingly. The display unit 38 emits light and a winning combination is established. When the fourth game ball is won, the checkout processing means 127 determines whether a winning combination is established, and a score corresponding to the winning combination is awarded.

  On the other hand, when a score is given by the settlement processing means 127, a payout control command is sent from the control command sending means 130 to the payout control board 60 side. On the payout control board 60 side, when a payout control command is received, the payout switching means 76 of the payout means 57 is operated to the payout side switching position so that the payout case 71 side and the payout side discharge path 74 side communicate with each other. 73 is operated to pay out a prize ball corresponding to the score to the upper plate 7 side.

  When a game ball wins the starting means 29, the gaming state determination means 124 extracts the generated random number value of the random number generating means 123, determines whether or not to enter the specific gaming state based on the extracted random number value, and the determination Based on the result, the game symbols 26a to 26c of the symbol display means 26 start to change under the control of the symbol display control means 136. The gaming symbols 26a to 26c are based on the determination result of the gaming state determination means 124 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the change, and the determination result is a specific mode when the specific game determination is made, and the non-specific game determination is not performed. In order to be in a specific mode, the pattern display control unit 136 is controlled to change with a predetermined change pattern and stop.

  When the game symbols 26a to 26c are stopped and determined in a specific manner, the opening / closing body 27a of the specific winning means 27 is opened to guide the game ball falling from above into the operation port. When a game ball that has won the specific winning means 27 passes through the specific area 41, the passage detection switch 42 detects the passage of the game ball, and the special game state generating means 125 starts to operate for a predetermined number of games. As a result, a special gaming state occurs continuously.

  During the occurrence of the special game state, the operating means 30 and 31 are enabled. When a game ball wins the operating means 30 and 31, the score increasing means 28 is released for a predetermined period. When a game ball wins the score increasing means 28, the score processing means 127 increases the score obtained during the game, for example, twice.

  When the count value of the effective firing number based on the firing detection signal from the firing detection switch 86 and the foul ball detection signal from the foul ball detection switch 85 reaches the prescribed number of firings (16), the control is performed by the control of the game end means 128b. A command to stop firing is transmitted from the command transmission means 130 to the payout control board 60. On the payout control board 60 side, when a firing stop command is received, the supply of power to the firing control board 21 is stopped and the output of the firing control signal is stopped, and the firing control board 21 stops the operation of the launching means 15. .

  After that, a predetermined time has elapsed since the launch of the specified number of game balls has been completed, all winnings of the specified number of game balls have been detected, the change in the game symbols 26a to 26c has been completed, The game is ended by the game end means 128b when various conditions such as the completion of payout and the fact that a predetermined error has not occurred are satisfied.

  After the unit game ends, for example, when the player operates the operation lever 105 to move to another gaming machine, the opening / closing member 103 moves to the open side against the spring member 104 and the ball outlet 101 is opened. Thereby, the game ball on the upper plate 7 side is discharged to the lower plate 9 side through the ball discharge port 101 and the ball discharge passage 89 (FIG. 13).

  When the operation lever 105 is operated, an operation detection signal is output from the ball removal operation detection switch 107, whereby the return control means 129 performs a process of returning the game ball in the launch standby passage 81. That is, the recovery port opening / closing drive unit 112 is operated by the control of the recovery port opening / closing control unit 133 so that the recovery port 108 is opened by the opening / closing member 111, and the game balls in the firing standby passage 81 are moved from the recovery port 108 to the recovery passage 90 side. After flowing down and detected by the recovery ball detection switch 110, it is recovered on the island side (FIG. 13). Then, under the control of the return payout control means 134, a payout control command corresponding to the number detected by the collected ball detection switch 110 is transmitted to the payout control board 60 side via the control command transmission means 130.

  On the payout control board 60 side, when a payout control command is received, the payout switching means 76 of the payout means 57 is operated to the payout side switching position so that the payout case 71 side and the payout side discharge path 74 side communicate with each other. 73 is operated, and the number of game balls detected by the collected ball detection switch 110 is paid out to the upper plate 7 (FIG. 13). The game ball paid out to the upper plate 7 side is discharged to the lower plate 9 side through the open ball outlet 101 and the ball outlet passage 89.

  When the player operates the operation lever 105 during the unit game, the ball outlet 101 is opened and the game ball on the upper plate 7 side is discharged to the lower plate 9 side, but the return control means 129 The process of returning the game ball in the launch standby passage 81 is not performed. Therefore, the game balls paid out in the firing standby passage 81 by the control of the insufficiently fired ball supplement control means 128c after the start of the unit game are not returned by the control of the return control means 129.

  As described above, in the arrangement ball machine according to the present embodiment, the firing standby passage 81 for waiting the prescribed number of game balls thrown from the upper plate 7 at the start of the unit game in front of the launching means 15, and the prescribed launching A configuration in which the game balls that have been thrown in are used for launching because the game balls are provided with insufficient launch ball replenishment control means 128c that pays out the insufficient number of game balls to the launch standby passage 81 from the payout means 57. However, it is possible to cope with the case where the specified number of launches is larger than the specified number of inputs.

  A unit game is started by the game starting means 128a when a predetermined game start condition including waiting for a predetermined number of game balls waiting in the firing standby passage 81 is satisfied. Since the game balls are configured so as not to be returned, it is possible to achieve consistency with the fact that one of the unit game start conditions is the insertion of a prescribed number of game media necessary for the establishment of the unit game. It is possible to prevent a situation in which a game cannot be established due to a lack of game balls for launch.

  Further, after the unit game is started by the game starting means 128a, the insufficiently charged ball replenishment control means 128c delivers a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the shortage of the specified number of shots from the specified number of shots from the payout means 57 to the side of the standby standby passage 81 Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game balls exceeding the prescribed number of throws from being returned.

  A foul ball detecting means 85 for detecting a foul ball that has not reached the game area 24, and paying out game balls from the payout means 57 to the firing standby passage 81 as many as the number of foul balls detected by the foul ball detecting means 85. Additional launch ball replenishment control means 132 is provided. Therefore, when a predetermined number of game media necessary for the establishment of the unit game is set as one of the unit game start conditions and the unit game is started, the unit game is It is possible that no additional game media can be inserted until the game is completed, and unified operation can be performed with other game machines such as an arrange ball machine using medals as game media.

  At the start of each unit game, the inflow of game balls from the upper plate 7 side to the firing standby passage 81 side is allowed based on the establishment of a predetermined capture start condition, and the prescribed throw is made from the upper plate 7 into the firing standby passage 81 In a state in which a number of game balls are taken in, a shot ball throwing-in restricting means 97 that blocks the inflow of game balls from the upper plate 7 side to the launch standby passage 81 side and continues the blocked state at least until the end of the unit game is provided. Since it is provided, the number of game balls thrown into the unit game can be limited to the prescribed throw-in number.

  There is provided a specified number storage detecting means 95 for detecting that at least a specified number of game balls are stored on the upper plate 7 side, and the shot ball insertion limiting means 97 is provided with a specified number storage detecting means 95 at the start of the unit game. Allows the inflow of the game balls from the game ball storage means 7 side to the launch standby passage 81 side on the condition that the storage of the prescribed input number of game balls is detected, and at the launch standby passage 81 side, Since it is configured to prevent the inflow of game balls, the unit game can be started after a specified number of game balls have been taken in reliably.

  By operating in a state where the storage of the specified number of game balls is detected by the specified number of storage detection means 95, the inflow of the game ball upstream of the specified input number of game balls to the launch standby passage 81 side is prevented. The inflow prevention means 95a is provided, and when the unit game is started, the inflow prevention means 95a is operated, and the inflow of game balls from the upper plate 7 side to the launch standby passage 81 side is caused by the launch ball insertion restriction means 97. Since it is configured to allow, it is possible to reliably limit the number of game balls that flow from the alignment portion 93 into the launch standby passage 81 to the specified number of throws.

  14 and 15 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention, and show an example in which the game ball in the launch standby passage 81 is directly returned to the lower plate 9 side.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a return passage 142 is connected to the downstream end side of the launch standby passage 81 in the vicinity of the upstream side of the ball feeding means 20 via the return port 141, and further in the vicinity thereof. Is provided with a return opening / closing means 143 for opening and closing the return opening 141.

  The return passage 142 is connected to a lower plate (an example of a predetermined storage means) 9 on the downstream end side thereof, and when the return port 141 is opened, the game balls in the firing standby passage 81 are guided to the lower plate 9 side. It is supposed to be. The return port 141 is provided, for example, in the bottom wall portion 81a on the lower side of the launch standby passage 81, similarly to the recovery port 108 in the first embodiment.

  The return port opening / closing means 143 is an opening / closing member 144 that can open and close the return port 141, and a return port opening / closing drive composed of an electromagnetic solenoid or the like that switches the open / close member 144 between an open state that opens the return port 141 and a closed state that closes the return port 141. Means 145, when the opening / closing member 103 is operated to the opening side of the ball outlet 101 between the end of the unit game and the start of the next unit game, and the ball removal operation detection switch 107 detects it. It operates so as to open the return port 141.

  Further, the control system of the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. That is, the return control unit 129 includes a return opening / closing control unit 146. The return port opening / closing control means 146 performs opening / closing control of the return port 141 by driving the return port opening / closing drive means 145, and is performed during the period until the next unit game is started after the unit game is finished, that is, the unit. When it is determined that the opening / closing member 103 of the ball removal opening / closing means 102 is in an open state based on a detection signal from the ball removal operation detection switch 107 at a time other than during the game, the return opening / closing drive means 145 is operated. The return port 141 is opened.

  As a result, when the player operates the operation lever 105 at a time other than during the unit game, the ball outlet 101 is opened, and the game ball on the upper plate 7 side is discharged to the lower plate 9 side through the ball discharge passage 89. At the same time, the return port 141 is opened and the game balls in the launch standby passage 81 are returned to the lower plate 9 side through the return passage 142.

  When the player operates the operation lever 105 during the unit game, the ball outlet 101 is opened and the game ball on the upper plate 7 side is discharged to the lower plate 9 side, but the return control means 129 The process of returning the game ball in the launch standby passage 81 is not performed.

  FIG. 16 illustrates the third embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example in which the specified number storage detection switch 95 and the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a are omitted in the first or second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the take-in control means 131 of the present embodiment starts the unit game on the condition that it is not in the unit game (S1: No), and the insertion restriction drive means 100 of the shot ball insertion restriction means 97 Is operated to open the input communication port 96 (S3b), and then the number of game balls that flow from the upper plate 7 side to the firing standby passage 81 side, that is, the number of game balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 98 is specified. When the number of throws (15) has been reached (S4: Yes), the throw restricting drive means 100 of the launch ball throw restricting means 97 is stopped and the throw communicating port 96 is closed (S5). Yes.

  By configuring as described above, for example, when the number of game balls in the upper plate 7 is less than the prescribed number of throws, the operating state of the throwing restriction drive means 100 must be maintained until the prescribed number of throws is reached. However, since the game balls in the upper plate 7 are sequentially taken into the launch standby passage 81 even in a state where the specified number of thrown has not been reached, the case of the first embodiment using the specified number storage detection switch 95 is used. In comparison, there is an advantage that the start timing of the next unit game can be advanced.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, it is not limited to each embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17A, the unit game is configured such that the insufficiently-launched ball 81 is replenished after the start of the unit game by the control of the insufficiently-launched ball supplement control means 128c. In the middle, by prohibiting the return of game balls in the launch standby passage 81, it is possible to prevent the return of game balls exceeding the number inserted by the player. For example, as shown in FIG. Even if it is a case where replenishment of the insufficiently fired ball to the firing standby passage 81 under the control of the insufficiently fired ball replenishment control means 128c is used as a condition for starting the unit game, By prohibiting the return of game balls in the launch standby passage 81 until the game is over, it is possible to prevent the return of game balls exceeding the number inserted by the player as in the embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17 (c), the supplementary short launching ball 81 is supplied to the firing standby passage 81 under the control of the short firing ball supplement control means 128c as a condition for starting the unit game and until the unit game is started. Even if it is possible to return the game balls in the launch standby passage 81, by setting the upper limit of the return number to the specified input number, there are more game balls than the player has input as in the embodiment. It can be prevented from being returned. However, in this case, as in the first embodiment, the game balls in the launch standby passage 81 are collected on the island side, and the same number of game balls collected on the upper plate 7 by the payout means 57 (specified input) Need to be configured to pay out the maximum number).

  A launching operation means such as a push button that can be operated externally is provided, and the launching operation means is operated when it is not during a unit game (an example of establishment of a predetermined capture start condition). The ball throwing restriction means 97 may allow the inflow of game balls from the upper plate 7 side to the firing standby passage 81 side (S3b in FIGS. 10 and 16). The insertion start operation means may be provided at an arbitrary position such as the upper plate cover 8 where the player can easily operate.

  Based on the detection signal of the specified number storage detection switch 95 (in the case of the first embodiment) or the detection signal of the take-in ball detection switch 98 (in the case of the third embodiment) When it is determined that the game ball is not stored, an informing means for informing this may be provided. This notification means may be any means such as a means for displaying an image including predetermined character information on a variable display means such as the liquid crystal display means 40 or a means for outputting a predetermined sound by the sound output means 138.

  In the first embodiment, the alignment portion inflow prevention means 95a may be omitted. In this case, when the prescribed number of game balls flow in the game balls continuously flowing from the upper plate 7 to the firing standby passage 81 side, for example, by the shot ball insertion restriction means 97, the next game ball flows in. Must be able to be regulated reliably.

  The recovery port opening / closing means 109 that opens and closes the recovery port 108 may be configured such that the opening / closing member 111 opens the recovery port 108 mechanically in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever 105. Similarly, the return opening / closing means 143 that opens and closes the return opening 141 may be configured such that the opening / closing member 144 opens the return opening 141 mechanically in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever 105. In these cases, there is provided an opening prevention means comprising an electromagnetic solenoid or the like that can be switched between a blocking position for blocking the movement of the opening / closing member 111 or the opening / closing member 144 in the opening direction and an allowable position, and this opening blocking means during the unit game. What is necessary is just to comprise so that a movement to the opening direction of the opening-and-closing member 111 or the opening-and-closing member 144 may be blocked | prevented by hold | maintaining a means in a blocking position.

  In the embodiment, the collection port opening / closing means 109 for opening the collection port 108 or the return port opening / closing means 143 for opening the return port 141 based on the operation of the operation lever 105 for opening the ball extraction port 101 is provided. Although configured to operate on the opening side, an operating means for opening the collection port 108 or the return port 141 is provided separately from the operation lever 105 for opening the ball outlet 101, and when it is not during the unit game Further, the recovery port 108 or the return port 141 may be opened based on the operation of the operation means.

  Also in this case, the recovery port opening / closing means 109 for opening and closing the recovery port 108 may be configured such that the opening / closing member 111 opens the recovery port 108 mechanically in conjunction with the operation of the operation means. Similarly, the return port opening / closing means 143 that opens and closes the return port 141 may be configured such that the opening / closing member 144 opens the return port 141 mechanically in conjunction with the operation of the operation means. In these cases, there is provided an opening prevention means comprising an electromagnetic solenoid or the like that can be switched between a blocking position for blocking the movement of the opening / closing member 111 or the opening / closing member 144 in the opening direction and an allowable position, and this opening blocking means during the unit game. What is necessary is just to comprise so that a movement to the opening direction of the opening-and-closing member 111 or the opening-and-closing member 144 may be blocked | prevented by hold | maintaining a means in a blocking position.

  If a game ball payout request and a game ball replenishment request occur at approximately the same time, it may be processed in accordance with a predetermined priority order, but it is better to process a game ball replenishment request with priority. preferable.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment, the arrangement ball machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is similarly applied to other ball game machines such as a sparrow ball game machine that perform a unit game by firing a specified number of game balls. Is possible.

It is a front view of the arrangement ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a reverse view of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the game board of the arrangement ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the front frame of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is front sectional drawing of the front board of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the front frame principal part of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part of the front board of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the channel | path part from the upper plate of the arrange ball machine which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a launching means, and its vicinity. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the acquisition control process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the taking-in operation | movement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the game ball replenishment operation | movement to the discharge waiting path of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the ball | bowl extraction operation | movement from the upper plate and launch standby passage of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is front sectional drawing of the front board of the arrange ball machine which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the taking-in control processing of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the timing of a short launch ball supplement, and the returnable / impossible period of a game ball.

Explanation of symbols

7 upper plate (game ball storage means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Launching means 24 Game area 57 Payment means 81 Launch standby passage 85 Foul ball detection switch (foul ball detection means)
95 Specified number storage detection switch (specified number storage detection means)
95a Alignment part inflow prevention means (inflow prevention means)
97 Launch ball throwing restriction means 128a Game start means 128c Insufficient launch ball supplement control means 132 Additional launch ball supplement control means

Claims (8)

  Game starting means (128a) for starting a unit game on condition that a specified number of game balls have been inserted from the game ball storage means (7), and a specified number of shots greater than the specified input number per unit game A predetermined winning combination is established by a launching means (15) for launching a number of game balls into the game area (24) and a winning of the game balls launched into the game area (24) by the launch means (15). Based on the above, in a ball game machine comprising a payout means (57) for paying out a number of game balls according to the winning combination, the game ball storage means (7) inserted at the start of the unit game at the start of the unit game A launch standby passage (81) for waiting a specified number of game balls in front of the launch means (15), and a predetermined number of game balls from the payout means (57) to the launch standby passage (81) side. Pay Pinball game machine, characterized in that a lack of shot ball replenishment control means (128c) for.   A unit game is started by the game start means (128a) when a predetermined game start condition including waiting for the specified number of game balls to wait in the firing standby passage (81), and the unit game. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein a game ball in the firing standby passage (81) cannot be returned inside.   After the unit game is started by the game start means (128a), the insufficient shot ball replenishment control means (128c) sends the predetermined number of game balls from the payout means (57) to the launch standby passage (81). The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the ball game machine is configured to be paid out.   From the foul ball detecting means (85) for detecting a foul ball that has not reached the game area (24), and the payout means (57) by the number of foul balls detected by the foul ball detecting means (85). The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising additional shot ball replenishment control means (132) for paying out a game ball to the launch standby passage (81) side.   At the start of each unit game, the game ball storage means (7) launches the game ball storage means (7) from the game ball storage means (7) side with the specified number of game balls being taken into the launch standby passage (81). 5. A launching ball throwing-in restricting means (97) for preventing the inflow of a game ball to the waiting passage (81) side and continuing the blocking state at least until the end of the unit game is provided. A ball game machine according to any one of the above.   When the unit game is started, the firing ball throwing-in restriction means (97) is configured to play a game ball from the gaming ball storage means (7) side to the firing standby passage (81) side based on establishment of a predetermined capture start condition. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the inflow of the game ball is allowed and when the prescribed number of game balls flow into the launch standby passage (81) side, the inflow is blocked. A ball game machine.   The game ball storing means (7) includes a specified number storage detecting means (95) for detecting that at least the specified input number of game balls is stored, and the firing ball input limiting means (97) includes a unit At the start of the game, on the condition that storage of the specified number of game balls is detected by the specified number storage detection means (95) from the game ball storage means (7) side to the launch standby passage (81) side The game ball is allowed to flow in to the launch standby passage (81) and is blocked when the prescribed number of game balls flow into the launch standby passage (81). 6. The ball game machine according to 6.   By operating in a state where the storage of the specified number of game balls is detected by the specified number storage detection means (95), the game ball launch standby passage (81) upstream of the specified number of game balls. Inflow blocking means (95a) for blocking inflow to the side is provided, and when the unit game is started, the game ball storage is performed by the shot ball insertion limiting means (97) with the inflow blocking means (95a) activated. The ball game machine according to claim 7, wherein the ball game machine is configured to allow inflow of game balls from the means (7) side to the firing standby passage (81) side.

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