JP4513149B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of easily discharging gaming balls stored in a passage inside the gaming machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as one of the prize ball payout mechanisms provided in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, each time a prize ball payout device provided at the end of the prize ball payout path is operated once, a game ball in the prize ball payout path Is configured to pay out a predetermined number of pieces to the upper plate of the gaming machine.
[0003]
In this kind of prize ball payout mechanism, if the number of game balls existing in the prize ball payout passage is less than the number required for one payout due to some reason such as failure, the prize ball payout device is operated once. Even if it is made, the appropriate number of game balls cannot be paid out. Therefore, conventionally, a switch that switches on / off according to the presence or absence of a game ball is provided in the middle of the award ball payout passage so that the game ball cannot be detected when this switch cannot detect the game ball. It was configured to prevent halfway numbers of prize balls from being paid out.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the gaming machines as described above are checked for shipment before shipping from the factory, and all the test gaming balls introduced to the prize ball payout passage etc. at the time of the shipping check are taken out of the machine. It must be shipped after being discharged.
[0005]
However, as described above, when there are only a few remaining game balls in the award ball payout passage, the game ball cannot be detected by a switch in the middle of the award ball payout passage. The game ball cannot be discharged. Therefore, conventionally, a game ball is forcibly detected by pushing a finger into a narrow space where the switch is disposed and directly operating the switch or a member disposed in the vicinity of the switch. The troublesome work of discharging the game balls remaining in the passage from the switch installation position to the prize ball payout device by operating the prize ball payout device on the same state as that at the time must be performed. I didn't get it.
[0006]
In particular, there are many cases where the direction in which the finger is thrust does not match the operation direction for operating the switch. In such a case, there is a problem that the fingertip is bent in a narrow space and forced operation is forced. . The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to allow a gaming ball remaining in a passage inside the gaming machine to be discharged by an easier operation than before. Is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, is in a detection state by being pressed by a game ball when a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in the prize ball payout passage, When the game balls are stored in the passage less than the predetermined quantity, the game ball detection means which is not pressed and is not detected, and is always held at the initial position and is operated when operated by the operator. An operating element that is displaced to a position and a member that is linked to the operating element. When the operating element is in the initial position, the operating ball is in a position that does not press the game ball detecting means, and the operating element is displaced to the operated position. And a pressing member that moves to a position that presses the gaming ball detection means, and the operating element is configured to be operable in an operation direction different from the moving direction of the pressing member, There are multiple rows of prize ball payout paths, The plurality of rows are arranged in parallel at a position where they overlap in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine, the game ball detecting means is arranged for each row of the plurality of rows of prize ball payout passages, and the pressing member is to have a plurality of switch pressing piece corresponding to each column of the plurality of rows is prize balls paid out passage.
[0008]
In this gaming machine, when the operator at the initial position is always operated and displaced to the operated position, the pressing member moves to a position where the game ball detecting means is pressed. Therefore, regardless of whether or not a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in the prize ball payout passage , the game ball detection means is forcibly brought into a detection state.
[0009]
Therefore, the game according to the game machine, even in a state that does not actually exist gaming ball to prize balls paid out passage, by operating to the operated position operator, the prize balls paid out passage A device configured to operate only when a predetermined number or more of balls are stored (for example, a prize ball payout device) can be made operable.
[0010]
By the way, since the game ball detection means is set in an optimal arrangement position and direction to be pressed in consideration of being pressed by the game ball in the first place, the arrangement position and the direction in which the game ball detection means is pressed. Is limited to some extent depending on the arrangement direction of the prize ball payout passage. In addition, the pressing means is arranged according to the arrangement positions of the prize ball payout passage and the gaming ball detection means, considering that it does not always interfere with the passing of the gaming ball and that the gaming ball detection means can be pressed directly when necessary. Therefore, the arrangement position and the operation direction of the pressing member are limited to some extent.
[0011]
For this reason, the pressing member inevitably has to be arranged in a confined space, or it must be arranged to move in a direction that is difficult to operate, and the operator directly operates the pressing member. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, it is only necessary to operate the operation element, and the operation element is located closer to the position where the prize ball payout passage and the game ball detection means are arranged as the pressing member. It can be arranged without being caught, and it may be operated in a direction different from the moving direction of the pressing member.
[0012]
Therefore, even if the pressing member can only be disposed so as to move in a direction in which it is difficult to operate in a confined space, the operation element can be disposed so as to be easy to operate, and workability is improved. Can be improved. In addition, in order to be able to directly operate the pressing member in the recessed position, it is necessary to secure a space for thrusting hands and fingers, and dead space in which various devices cannot be arranged accordingly However, the power transmission path from the operating element to the pressing member is not considered by pushing the hand or finger into the minimum necessary space by arranging the operating element at a position where it can be easily operated. Since it can be arranged, the space in the gaming machine can be used effectively.
[0013]
In the above SL gaming machine, the prize ball dispensing passage be multiple rows, is arranged in parallel at positions plurality rows overlap the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine, the gaming ball detection means, said plurality of rows prize balls paid out It is arranged for each row of passages .
[0014]
Here, the front-rear direction of the gaming machine is a direction in which the front side of the gaming board is the front and the back side is the rear when the gaming machine is in a playable state. However, the relative positional relationship of the prize ball payout passage, the operating element, the pressing member, and the like defined by such a direction is a positional relationship when the gaming machine is in a playable state. That is, as is well known, this type of gaming machine is provided with an inner frame that can be opened and closed like a door, a mechanism panel that changes its orientation relative to the inner frame, and the like. Since the child, the pressing member, and the like are arranged on the inner frame and the mechanism board, the positional relationship described above is not always maintained when the position and orientation of the inner frame and the mechanism board are changed.
[0015]
According to such a gaming machine, a plurality of rows of winning ball payout passages are arranged in parallel at positions overlapping in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine, so the space occupied by the winning ball payout passages in the left-right direction of the gaming machine is Can be suppressed. Since the game ball detection means is arranged for each row of a plurality of rows of prize ball payout paths, the game ball detection means arranged in the vicinity of the prize ball payout path in the foreground, etc. It is difficult to directly operate the game ball detecting means corresponding to the prize ball payout passage in the back, and even if a pressing member for pressing the game ball detecting means is provided, the operation direction of the pressing member is not always easy to operate. Although it may not be the direction of movement, in this gaming machine, it suffices to operate the operation element, and this operation element is not constrained by the position where the prize ball payout passage and the game ball detection means are arranged as the pressing member. In addition, it is only necessary to operate in a direction different from the moving direction of the pressing member.
[0016]
Therefore, even if the pressing member can be arranged only to move in a direction in which it is difficult to operate in a narrow space where the pressing member is deep, the operating element can be arranged so as to be easily operated, and workability can be improved .
[0024]
[0025]
According to the gaming machine of the first aspect , it is possible to operate a device such as a prize ball payout device, for example, with a simpler operation than before, so that the operation of discharging the game ball remaining in the prize ball payout passage is performed. Easy to implement.
[0026]
Further, in the gaming machine according to claim 1 , there are a plurality of rows of prize ball payout passages, and the plurality of rows are arranged in parallel at positions where they overlap in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine, and the gaming ball detection means includes the plurality of rows. It is arranged for each row of a certain prize ball payout passage, and the pressing member has a plurality of switch press pieces corresponding to each row of the plurality of prize ball payout passages. The one end of one or more of the plurality of switch pressing pieces is configured to rotate about the end of the switch and press the game ball detecting means at the other end. By bending or curving a portion between the one end and the other end, the interval between the one end portions of adjacent switch pressing pieces is configured to be narrower than the interval between the other end portions. Yes.
[0027]
According to such a gaming machine, the spacing between the other end of the neighboring Ri fit switch pressing piece, so that would determined in accordance with the arrangement intervals of the plurality of rows is prize balls paid out passage, to more compact Although it is difficult, since the interval between the one end portions of adjacent switch pressing pieces is narrower than the interval between the other end portions, the one end portions of the plurality of switch pressing pieces are correspondingly reduced. The nearby structure can be made compact.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with an example.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a part of the internal structure of a pachinko machine shown as an embodiment of the present invention. This internal structure is configured on the back side of the game board, and includes a prize ball tank 11, a prize ball payout passage 13, a game ball detection switch 15, a prize ball payout device 17, a switch forced pressing device 19, and the like. ing.
[0029]
The prize ball tank 11 is a tank for storing game balls to be paid out as prize balls.
The prize ball payout passage 13 is a passage for guiding game balls from the prize ball tank 11 to the prize ball payout device 17, and at least in the range from the vicinity of the game ball detection switch 15 to the prize ball payout device 17, two rows of independent passages ( Hereinafter, these are distinguished and referred to as prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b), and these two rows of prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b are arranged in parallel at positions where they overlap in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1) It is arranged. In addition, in order to show that the prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b are in an overlapping position, the symbol of the prize ball payout passage 13b is also written on FIG. 1, but strictly speaking, FIG. Only one prize ball payout passage 13a appears, and the other prize ball payout passage 13b overlaps with one prize ball payout passage 13a and does not appear in FIG.
[0030]
One game ball detection switch 15 is provided in association with each of the prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b. The game ball detection switch 15 is a push-type switch that switches on / off when pressed, and is arranged so that the pressed portion protrudes inside the prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b. When a game ball comes into contact with this projecting portion, the game ball is pushed and switched on / off, so that this on / off state can be associated with a detection state / non-detection state. It is possible to detect whether or not a game ball is present in the payout passages 13a and 13b. The game ball detection switch 15 may be either an on state when a game ball is present or an off state when a game ball is present.
[0031]
The prize ball payout device 17 is provided at the end of the prize ball payout passage 13 and is a device for paying out a game ball from the prize ball payout passage 13 to the upper plate of the gaming machine every time it operates once. The prize ball payout device 17 can pay out game balls independently from each of the prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b. When the prize ball payout device 17 is operated once, the prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b are paid out. The number of game balls is predetermined. Therefore, if one or both of the prize ball payout paths 13a and 13b are combined to control the number of payout operations from the prize ball payout paths 13a and 13b, the game balls can be paid out in a plurality of payout numbers. .
[0032]
The prize ball payout device 17 is configured to operate only when the game ball detection switch 15 can detect the presence of a game ball in the prize ball payout passage 13. The game ball detection switch 15 is disposed at a position where the game ball cannot be detected when the number of game balls existing in the prize ball payout passage 13 falls below the number required for one payout. Thus, it is possible to prevent a halfway number of prize balls from being paid out along with the operation of the prize ball dispensing device.
[0033]
The switch forced pressing device 19 is disposed immediately above the game ball detection switch 15. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 (a), and (b), the switch forced pressing device 19 includes a first operating element 21, a second operating element 22, a first switch pressing piece 23, A unit assembly is configured by including two switch pressing pieces 24 and the like and assembling them to the case 27. This assembly is attached to the gaming machine main body by screws (not shown), and can be easily detached from the gaming machine main body by loosening the screws.
[0034]
A support shaft 29 fixed to a case 27 is passed through the first operation element 21 and the second operation element 22, and the first operation element 21 and the second operation element 22 are connected to the case 27 by the support shaft 29. It is supported so that it can rotate. In addition, a first link bar 31 and a second link bar 32 project from the first operating element 21 and the second operating element 22.
[0035]
A support shaft 35 fixed to the case 27 is passed through the first switch pressing piece 23 and the second switch pressing piece 24, and the first switch pressing piece 23 and the second switch pressing piece are supported by the support shaft 35. 24 is rotatably supported with respect to the case 27. The first switch pressing piece 23 and the second switch pressing piece 24 have holes 23a and 24a, and the tip of the first link rod 31 is loosely fitted into the hole 23a of the first switch pressing piece 23. The tip of the second link bar 32 is loosely fitted in the hole 24 a of the second switch pressing piece 24.
[0036]
Further, the case 27 has a shape that forms part of the above-described prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b, and slits 37 and 38 are formed in portions that form part of the prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b. Has been.
In the switch forced pressing device 19 configured as described above, the first operator 21 is always held in the initial position by receiving a force from the spring 41 as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). Has been. Further, the first switch pressing piece 23 interlocked with the first operating element 21 is located at a position where the game ball detection switch 15 is not pressed outside the prize ball payout passage 13a.
[0037]
In this state, when the operator presses the first operator 21, the first operator 21 moves up and down against the force from the spring 41 as shown in FIGS. 5 (c) and 5 (d). It rotates to the operated position around the extending axis. At this time, the tip end of the first link rod 31 loosely fitted in the hole 23a of the first switch pressing piece 23 applies a force to the first switch pressing piece 23, and accordingly, the first switch pressing piece 23 is It rotates around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. As a result, the tip 23b of the first switch pressing piece 23 passes through the slit 37 (see FIG. 3) and enters the award ball payout passage 13a to reach a position where the game ball detection switch 15 is pressed.
[0038]
Therefore, even when there is no game ball at the position where the game ball detection switch 15 is pressed and the game ball detection switch 15 is in the non-detection state, the game ball detection switch 15 can be forcibly set to the detection state. Therefore, by operating the first operator 21, the prize ball payout device 17 can be operated until all the game balls B in the prize ball payout passage 13a are discharged.
[0039]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second operating element 22 is always held at the initial position by receiving a force from the spring 43. Further, the second switch pressing piece 24 interlocked with the second operation element 22 is located at a position where the game ball detection switch 15 is not pressed outside the prize ball payout passage 13b.
[0040]
In this state, when the operator presses the second operator 22, the second operator 22 moves up and down against the force from the spring 43, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D. It rotates to the operated position around the extending axis. At this time, the tip of the second link rod 32 loosely fitted in the hole 24a of the second switch pressing piece 24 applies a force to the second switch pressing piece 24, and accordingly, the second switch pressing piece 24 It rotates around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. As a result, the tip 24b of the second switch pressing piece 24 passes through the slit 38 (see FIG. 3) and enters the inside of the prize ball payout passage 13b to reach a position where the game ball detection switch 15 is pressed.
[0041]
Therefore, even when there is no game ball at the position where the game ball detection switch 15 is pressed and the game ball detection switch 15 is in the non-detection state, the game ball detection switch 15 can be forcibly set to the detection state. Therefore, by operating the second operation element 22, the prize ball payout device 17 can be operated until all the game balls B in the prize ball payout passage 13b are discharged.
[0042]
By the way, the game ball detection switch 15, the first switch pressing piece 23, and the second switch pressing piece 24 are in the depth direction (in the gaming machine) in a narrow space in relation to the arrangement positions of the prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b. Since it is disposed at a position overlapping in the front-rear direction), direct operation is not easy, and the moving direction of the first switch pressing piece 23 and the second switch pressing piece 24 also presses the game ball detection switch 15. Therefore, the orientation is not necessarily suitable for direct operation by the operator.
[0043]
However, since the first operating element 21 and the second operating element 22 can perform a pressing operation in a depth direction different from the moving direction of the first switch pressing piece 23 and the second switch pressing piece 24, a prize ball An operation of operating the payout device 17 to discharge the game balls in the prize ball payout passages 13a and 13b can be easily performed.
[0044]
In addition, in order to be able to directly operate the game ball detection switch 15, the first switch pressing piece 23, and the second switch pressing piece 24, it is necessary to secure a space for a hand or a finger to be thrust in the gaming machine. There is a corresponding increase in dead space where various devices cannot be arranged. However, if the first operating element 21 and the second operating element 22 are arranged at positions where they can be easily operated, the first operating element 21 and the first operating element 21 are provided. Regarding the power transmission path from the two operation elements 22 to the first switch pressing piece 23 and the second switch pressing piece 24, the operation of the first link bar 31 and the second link bar 32 is not considered without pushing a hand or a finger. Since it is sufficient to secure the minimum space required for the game machine, the space in the gaming machine can be used effectively.
[0045]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first switch pressing piece 23 has a bent portion 23c, whereby the interval between the first switch pressing piece 23 and the second switch pressing piece 24 is changed. Since it is narrow on the moving center side and wide on the side of the prize ball payout passages 13a, 13b, the game ball detection switch 15 disposed in association with each of the prize ball payout passages 13a, 13b can be appropriately pressed. The vicinity of the center of rotation can be a compact structure that is thin in the depth direction.
[0046]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented also with forms other than the above, and is not limited to said specific form.
For example, in the above embodiment, a gaming machine in which the prize ball payout passages 13 are arranged in two rows is shown, but the configuration of the present invention may be adopted in a gaming machine having one or more prize ball payout passages. Good.
[0047]
In the above embodiment, the game ball detection switch 15 is provided in the prize ball payout passage 13. However, when the same game ball detection switch is provided in the other passages, the same switch forced pressing device as described above. Can be adopted.
Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the example which attaches using a screw was shown as an attachment structure for attaching the switch forced press apparatus 19 with respect to a game machine main body so that attachment or detachment is possible, it is not restricted to this but can be attached and detached by one touch. A simple engagement structure may be configured, and the switch forced pressing device 19 may be attached to the gaming machine body through the engagement structure. Note that the switch forced pressing device 19 may be completely fixed to the gaming machine main body unless particularly required to be attached and detached.
[0048]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the 1st operation element 21 and the 2nd operation element 22 were comprised so that it might return to an initial position with the force of the springs 41 and 43, an operator operates and it returns to an initial position. It may be structured to return. Or after the 1st operation element 21 and the 2nd operation element 22 are operated, it is hold | maintained for a while and it is comprised so that it may return to an initial position automatically after predetermined time passes. May be. As the predetermined time, for example, a time required for discharging all the game balls in the prize ball payout passage 13 is set. Specific means for realizing such an operation is not particularly limited. For example, when the first operating element 21 and the second operating element 22 are operated to the operated positions, power of a solenoid, a motor, or the like that operates in conjunction with the operated position. The pin receiving the force from the source is activated to lock the first operating element 21 and the second operating element 22, and at the same time, the timer starts counting, and when the predetermined time has passed, the pin is Conversely, it can be considered that the lock is released by operating and the first operating element 21 and the second operating element 22 are returned to the initial positions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a rear view showing an internal structure of a gaming machine shown as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a switch forced pressing device.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a switch forced pressing device.
4A and 4B are perspective views showing only a movable part of the switch forced pressing device, in which FIG. 4A shows a state in which each part is in an initial position, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which each part is in an operated position.
5A and 5B are views showing the movement of the first operating element and the first switch pressing piece, in which FIG. 5A is a rear view in a state where each part is in the initial position, and FIG. 5B is a bottom view in a state where each part is in the initial position. FIG. 4C is a rear view in a state where each part is in the operated position, and FIG. 5D is a bottom view in a state where each part is in the operated position.
6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the movement of the second operating element and the second switch pressing piece, in which FIG. 6A is a rear view in a state where each part is in an initial position, and FIG. 6B is a bottom view in a state in which each part is in an initial position. FIG. 4C is a rear view in a state where each part is in the operated position, and FIG. 5D is a bottom view in a state where each part is in the operated position.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Prize ball tank, 13 (13a, 13b) ... Prize ball delivery path, 15 ... Game ball detection switch, 17 ... Prize ball delivery device, 19 ... Switch forced pressing device, 21 ... 1st operator, 22 ... 2nd operator, 23 ... 1st switch press piece, 24 ... 2nd switch press piece, 23a, 24a ... hole, 23b, 24b ... · Tip, 23c ··· Bending portion, 27 ··· Case, 29, 35 ··· Spindle, 31 ··· First link bar, 32 ··· 2nd link rod, 37 and 38 ··· Slit , 41, 43 ... springs.

Claims (1)

When a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in the award ball payout passage, the game ball is pressed to enter a detection state, while when less than the predetermined amount of game balls are stored in the award ball payout passage, it is pressed. A game ball detecting means that is not detected and is not detected;
An operator that is always held at an initial position and is displaced to an operated position when operated by an operator;
A member that interlocks with the operating element, and is in a position that does not press the gaming ball detecting means when the operating element is in the initial position, and the gaming ball detecting means is moved as the operating element is displaced to the operated position. A pressing member that moves to a position for pressing
The operation element is configured to be operable in an operation direction different from the movement direction of the pressing member,
The prize ball payout passage has a plurality of rows, and the plurality of rows are arranged in parallel at positions where the plurality of rows overlap in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine,
The game ball detecting means is arranged for each row of the plurality of rows of prize ball payout passages,
The pressing member has a plurality of switch pressing pieces corresponding to each row of the plurality of rows of prize ball payout passages, and the plurality of switch pressing pieces rotate around one end portion to the other end. The game ball detecting means is configured to be pressed by a portion, and a portion between the one end and the other end is bent or bent with respect to one or more of the plurality of switch pressing pieces. A gaming machine characterized in that, by bending, an interval between the one end portions of adjacent switch pressing pieces becomes narrower than an interval between the other end portions.

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