JP4748902B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

【００５５】
また、２次元バーコードを読み取るための２次元バーコードリーダーには、２種類のものがある。１つは、レーザー光線を当てるタイプである。これは、ＰＤＦ４１７専用に使用されているバーコードリーダーであり、上から順番に読み取るので最大桁数を読み取ることができる。しかし、マトリックスコード（データマトリックス、ＱＲコード他）を読み取ることはできない。また、読み取る速度も非常に遅く、バーコードに当てた瞬間に瞬時に読み取れるわけでもない。もう１つは、ＣＣＤ方式である。ＣＣＤ方式は、画像認識方式なので、全てのバーコード体系を読み取ることができる。しかし、ＣＣＤには、読み取れるエリアが決まっているので、読み取れるエリアより大きなバーコードは読み取ることができない。一般的に、バーコードリーダーに使用されているエリアＣＣＤセンサーは、３０〜５０万画素程度であり、このＣＣＤで高分解能のバーコードを読み取らせるための大きな視野を確保することができない。従って、高密度で情報量の多いバーコード、非常に長いバーコード、非常に大きなバーコードは、読み取ることができない。もし、最大桁数がＣＣＤのエリアに入ったとしても、解読には非常に時間がかかり、バーコードに当てても瞬時に読み取るのではなく、バーコードに当てて１秒以上待たなければ読み取れないような現象が出てきてしまい実用的でない。なお、最大文字数とは、バーコードの規格で理論上作成できる最大の文字数であり、実際に使用できる文字数ではない。即ち、使用するバーコード体系を決定する場合、前記表１を参照して最大に読み取れるバーコード体系を採用しても、実際には使用できないケースが出てくる。
【００５６】
また、実施形態以外での２次元バーコードの使用例を以下に示す。ＰＤＦ４１７は、書類、荷札、自動車免許証、パスポート等で使用されていることが多い。データマトリックスは、商品、半導体、薬、部品、宝石タグ等に使用されている場合が非常に多い。これは、バーコードの大きさが非常に小さくできるからである。データマトリックスは、ＰＤＦ４１７とは異なり、商品や製品等に印刷、レーザーマーキングされている使用例が非常に多い。ＱＲコードは、日本で作られたコード体系であり、ＰＤＦ４１７とデータマトリックスに比べると規格化されたのが遅いので、世界的に使用されているケースは非常に少ない。唯一日本では、使用されているケースが増えている。
【００５７】
最後に、各種２次元バーコードの特徴をまとめると、ＰＤＦ４１７は、汚れに強く書類での使用が多い。データマトリックスは、一番小さく印刷できるので、小さな商品や製品に印刷する場合が多い。ＱＲコードは、高速読み取りができるので、ベルトコンベア等での使用が有利である。
【００５８】
次に、遊技盤４０と該遊技盤４０面上に設けられる各種導電性部材について図１３、図１９乃至図２９を参照して説明する。先ず、遊技盤４０の表面には、図１９に示すように、イラスト等が描かれる装飾用の化粧板４０ａが敷設され、その下層側には、各クラフト紙４０ｂ，４０ｄ間に挟装された状態で導電性を有するカーボン紙４０ｃ（導電接続部材）が全面的に設けられている。なお、化粧板４０ａは、装飾用のデザインを印刷したメラミン樹脂板から構成されるものであるが、その材料は特に限定するものではない。化粧板４０ａ面上には、円形うず巻き状に外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂとからなる誘導レール４２が取り付けられる。そして、誘導レール４２の内側が、図１３に示すように、遊技領域４１として形成され、前記発射レール１６５から発射される遊技球が、外レール４２ａの内側に沿って外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂで仕切られる遊技領域４１に誘導される。内レール４２ｂの左上端部分には、一旦遊技領域４１に侵入した遊技球が跳ね返りによって再度発射位置方向へ戻るバック球を防止するためのバック球防止部材３７が設けられ、内レール４２ｂの右上端部分と外レール４２ａの右側端部分との繋ぎ部分には、その繋ぎ部分を装飾的に被覆するための装飾部材３８が設けられている。なお、この装飾部材３８内には球受けゴム等を設けたりする。
【００５９】
ところで、上記した導電接続部材としてのカーボン紙４０ｃの取付方法は、化粧板４０ａを遊技盤４０の表面に取り付ける方法と同様に接着によって行われる。そして、外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂを各取付ピン４３ａ，４３ｂによって遊技盤４０面上に植立する。これにより、外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂとは、カーボン紙４０ｃを介して相互間で電気的に接続される。即ち、外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂとを遊技盤４０に取り付けるだけで簡単に外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂとの電気的接続が行える。また、このような構成によれば、遊技盤４０面上に植立される各誘導釘もカーボン紙４０ｃを介して外レール４２ａ及び内レール４２ｂと電気的に接続される。このため、誘導釘を誘導レール４２（外レール４２ａ、内レール４２ｂ）乃至発射レール１６５と同電位に設定することができる。
【００６０】
なお、実施形態中では、導電接続部材としてカーボン紙４０ｃを用いているが、導電接続部材の形状や材質は、特に限定するものではなく、バッカー紙を導電接続部材として用いてもよい。バッカー紙は、クラフト紙等の紙材からなる基材にフェノール樹脂等を含浸させ、カーボン等の非金属、ニッケル、コバルト、スズ、銀、銅、アルミ等の金属単体、あるいは真鍮等の合金等の粉粒体を導電性物質として含有した紙である。また、メッキされた合成樹脂のフィルムシートや金属メッシュの織物シート（布）などの導電性を有するシート部材を本発明の導電接続部材として用いてもよいし、シート以外にも導電性を有する接着剤等を導電接続部材として用いてもよい。また、実施形態中では、導電接続部材を化粧板と別体に設けているが、化粧板（主にセルロイドなどの合成樹脂などを用いる）に導電加工を施して導電性を持たせることで、化粧板に導電接続部材の機能を持たせるようにしてもよい。この場合、台紙にメラミン樹脂等を含浸させて化粧板を作るものであれば、その台紙にカーボン紙などを使ってもよい。
【００６１】
次に、外レール４２ａ、内レール４２ｂ、及び発射レール１６５について、図１３、図２０（Ａ）（Ｂ）乃至図２４を参照して説明する。外レール４２ａ、内レール４２ｂ、及び発射レール１６５は、それぞれ導電性を有する部材からなり、外レール４２ａと発射レール１６５との間には、各レール４２ａ，１６５を相互間で接続する導電性を有する金属接続片２１０が設けられ、外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂとの間には、各レール４２ａ，４２ｂを相互間で接続する導電性を有する金属接続片２２０が設けられている。なお、実施形態中では、外レール４２ａ、内レール４２ｂ、発射レール１６５、及び各金属接続片２１０，２２０をステンレスで成形することで、各構成部材を導電性を有する部材としている。但し、材料はステンレスに限らず、いずれの導電材料で成形してもよい。
【００６２】
外レール４２ａは、図１３に示すように、ほぼＣ字状をなし、その下端部分は、前記発射球誘導板１７２の配置位置まで延びると共に、逆くの字状に折曲されて当接面部２３０として形成されている。この当接面部２３０は、図２０（Ａ）に示すように、遊技盤４０と前面枠３の支持板部１６３との境界部分に配され、金属接続片２１０の上端部分に形成された上部当接面部２１１と当接される。また、金属接続片２１０には、図２１に示すように、その右側上端部分に接続片部２１２が形成され、左側下端部分に当接片部２１４が形成されている。接続片部２１２は、発射レール１６５の左端部分とビス２１３止めされることで、外レール４２ａと発射レール１６５とを金属接続片２１０を介して電気的に接続するようになっている。また、当接片部２１４は、前面枠３の支持板部１６３に穿設された排出口１７０内に入って該排出口１７０の裏面側に取り付けられる前記接続樋１５と当接することで、接続樋１５と金属接続片２１０とを電気的に接続するようになっている。なお、実施形態中では、レール導電部材（金属接続片２１０）を発射レールにビス止めした構成としているが、これに限らず、レール導電部材を発射レールに電気的に接続したものであればよい。
【００６３】
ここで、上記した金属接続片２１０を介した外レール４２ａと発射レール１６５との接続手順について説明すると、先ず、図２１及び図２２に示すように、前面枠３の支持板部１６３に発射レール１６５をビス２１５止めする（図２２中には、遊技盤４０が描かれているが、この状態ではまだ前面枠３に遊技盤４０は取り付けられていない）。次に、図２３に示すように、接続片部２１２を発射レール１６５にビス２１３止めすることで、金属接続片２１０が発射レール１６５と電気的に接続された状態で支持板部１６３に取り付けられる。また、このとき、金属接続片２１０は、当接片部２１４が排出口１７０内に入って接続樋１５と接続された状態となる。そして、このように金属接続片２１０が取り付けられた前面枠３に対して、その裏面側から遊技盤４０が取り付けられることで、外レール４２ａの当接面部２３０と金属接続片２１０の上部当接面部２１１とが自ずと当接されて電気的に接続された状態となる。なお、金属接続片２１０の上部当接面部２１１は、多少外側に傾いた形状に折曲形成されており、これによって外レール４２ａの当接面部２３０と金属接続片２１０の上部当接面部２１１との当接がより確実に行われるようになっている。その後は、図２４に示すように、当接面部２３０と上部当接面部２１１との当接部分を発射球誘導板１７２で覆い隠すような状態で誘導ボックス部材１６４が支持板部１６３にビス止めして取り付けられる。
【００６４】
一方、外レール４２ａの右側端部分は、前述したように内レール４２ｂの右上端部分との繋ぎ部分が装飾部材３８によって被覆されるものであるが、その被覆部分には、図２０（Ｂ）に示すように、各レール４２ａ，４２ｂを相互間で接続する金属接続片２２０が設けられる。金属接続片２２０は、金属片が断面コの字状に折曲されたものであり、その左右の折曲部分が各レール４２ａ，４２ｂとの当接面部２２１，２２２となる。そして、各レール４２ａ，４２ｂが対向する部分に金属接続片２２０が介在されることで、外レール４２ａと当接面部２２１とが当接される一方、内レール４２ｂと当接面部２２２とが当接され、これによって外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂとが金属接続片２２０を介して電気的に接続される。なお、外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂとは、それぞれ遊技盤４０面上で垂直に立設される。これに対して、金属接続片２２０の当接面部２２１，２２２は、多少外側に傾いたハの字状に折曲形成される。このため、各レール４２ａ，４２ｂ間に金属接続片２２０を介在させることで、ハの字状に折曲された当接面部２２１，２２２が確実に各レール４２ａ，４２ｂと当接するようになっている。また、このような外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂとの接続状態において、装飾部材３８は、その後面側（遊技盤４０面側）に形成された収容凹部３３ａ内に各レール４２ａ，４２ｂ及び金属接続片２２０を嵌合状態で収容固定する。これにより、金属接続片２２０を介した各レール４２ａ，４２ｂ間の接続部分が強固に固定でき、然もその接続部分を外部から保護できる。
【００６５】
しかして、上記した外レール４２ａ、内レール４２ｂ、及び発射レール１６５は、各金属接続片２１０，２２０を介して相互に接続されて電気的に導通した状態、言い換えれば同電位状態となる。また、内レール４２ｂの左上端部分に取り付けられるバック球防止部材３７には、後述する導電性を有する弾性薄片２５３（実施形態中では、金属）が設けられ、その先端部分が外レール４２ａと接するようになっている。これにより、外レール４２ａと弾性薄片２５３との電気的な導通が行われるようになっている。なお、後述するが、この弾性薄片２５３は、内レール４２ｂとも電気的に導通する。
【００６６】
そこで、バック球防止部材３７の詳細な構成について、図２５（Ａ）（Ｂ）を参照して説明する。遊技領域４１の構成は、概ね上記した構成であるが、更に遊技盤４０には、図２５（Ａ）に示すように、内レール４２ｂの左上端部の内側にバック球防止部材３７を位置決め固定するための位置決め穴２５０と止着穴２５１とが形成されている。位置決め穴２５０は、止着穴２５１を挟んで２つ形成されている。位置決め穴２５０と止着穴２５１に取り付けられるバック球防止部材３７は、図２５（Ａ）（Ｂ）に示すように、遊技盤４０に取り付けられる取付ホルダー２５２と、該取付ホルダー２５２に装着される金属製の弾性薄片２５３とから構成されている。
【００６７】
取付ホルダー２５２は、前記内レール４２ｂの幅（遊技盤４０からの高さ寸法）とほぼ同じ厚みを有する先端が尖った舟状の形状を有し、その中央に上下方向に貫通するビス穴２５４が形成され、また、底面両端に下方に向かって位置決めボス２５５が突設されている。しかして、この位置決めボス２５５を前記位置決め穴２５０に係合させることにより、一義的にバック球防止部材３７の遊技盤４０への取付の正確性が確保されると共に、その取付の容易性も確保される。ただし、本実施形態においては、次に説明するように、レール係合部２５６に形成されるレール係合溝２５７と内レール４２ｂの上辺縁との係合により、更にその正確性及び容易性が増加される。なお、前記ビス穴２５４は、前記止着穴２５１に対応するもので、ビス２５８を自動機又はロボットで螺着することによりバック球防止部材３７を遊技盤４０に固定するようになっている。
【００６８】
また、取付ホルダー２５２の両側面は、一方が内レール４２ｂの曲率に合致した緩やかな曲面２５９（以下、この曲面をレール当接曲面２５９という）であるのに対し、他方は、先端（上端）に向かうにしたがって曲率が大きくなる曲面２６０（以下、この曲面を薄片当接曲面２６０という）として構成されている。そして、レール当接曲面２５９は、取付ホルダー２５２のほぼ全長に亘って形成されているのに対し、薄片当接曲面２６０は、その後端（下端）部よりに形成された切欠部２６１によって終了している。
【００６９】
ところで、前記レール当接曲面２５９の上面縁に沿ってレール係合溝２５７が形成されたレール係合部２５６が側方に向かって突設形成され、バック球防止部材３７を遊技盤４０に止着する際に、該レール係合溝２５７を内レール４２ｂの上辺縁に嵌入することができるようになっている。これにより、バック球防止部材３７の遊技盤４０への取付の正確性及び容易性が更に増加される。また、レール当接曲面２５９の底面中央部に切欠凹部２６２が形成されている。この切欠凹部２６２は、内レール４２ｂを遊技盤４０に止着して内レール４２ｂの基部で左右に突出しているレール止めピン２６３の頭部を収容するためのものであり、これによって、取付ホルダー２５２を内レール４２ｂに密着して取り付け得るようになっている。
【００７０】
一方、薄片当接曲面２６０側の後端部には、前記したように切欠部２６１が形成され、この切欠部２６１に連続するように取付ホルダー２５２の後端部に薄片装着空間２６４が形成されている。この薄片装着空間２６４は、図２５（Ｂ）の裏返し図面に示されるように、ほぼＵ字状に形成されており、弾性薄片２５３の後述する巻き部２６５が密着して収納される形状となっている。また、薄片装着空間２６４の中心には、ボス２６６が突設され、装着された弾性薄片２５３の抜け防止を図っている。なお、薄片当接曲面２６０には、弾性薄片２５３の幅とほぼ同じ距離を置いて上下に内側に向かってテーパー面が形成された規制突部（図示しない）を形成しても良い。この規制突部を形成することにより、装着された弾性薄片２５３の上下方向のずれを防止することができると共に、弾性薄片２５３が大きく振動してもテーパー面によって所定の位置に戻るようになっている。
【００７１】
上記した構成からなる取付ホルダー２５２に装着される弾性薄片２５３は、肉厚の薄い鋼製の薄板（厚さ約０．５ｍｍ）又は導電性合成樹脂製の薄板でほぼ長方形状に形成され、その基部が前記薄片装着空間２６４の内部形状に沿ったＵ字状に曲折された巻き部２６５となっている。従って、この巻き部２６５を取付ホルダー２５２の裏面から前記薄片装着空間２６４の挿入すると同時に前方部を前記切欠部２６１から外に出して前記薄片当接局面２６０に沿わせることにより、弾性薄片２５３を取付ホルダー２５２に装着することができる。このようにして、弾性薄片２５３を装着した取付ホルダー２５２を前述した止着方法で内レール４２ｂの上端部に取り付けたときには、図２５（Ａ）に示すように、弾性薄片２５３の先端が外レール４２ａまで到達し（弾性薄片２５３の先端が外レール４２ａと当接し）、遊技領域４１の入口部４１ａを閉塞した状態となる。
【００７２】
また、弾性薄片２５３の取付ホルダー２５２から突出した部分の底面側には、遊技球の飛走方向に向かって先細りする台形状の誘導穴（図示しない）が形成されている。この誘導穴は、外レール４２ａと内レール４２ｂの間を飛走する遊技球であって、遊技盤４０面より若干浮き上がって飛走する遊技球を捕捉して遊技盤４０面側に向けた安定した状態で遊技領域４１に放出する機能を有すると同時に、弾性薄片２５３自体の弾性力を弱めて、遊技球の勢いへの悪影響を抑制する機能をも有するものである。なお、誘導穴を弾性薄片２５３のほぼ全長に亘って形成しても良い。
【００７３】
また、弾性薄片２５３には、前記薄片当接局面２６０との当接部分のほぼ中間部に接続片部２６７が延設されている。この接続片部２６７は、弾性薄片２５３の本体部分から枝分かれして設けられると共にその基部がＬ字状に折曲されることで、取付ホルダー２５２の前記レール係合溝２５７まで延び、更にそのレール係合溝２５７内に入り込むように上側に折曲されている。しかして、バック球防止部材３７を遊技盤４０に止着する際、レール係合溝２５７を内レール４２ｂに嵌入することで、レール係合溝２５７内に配された接続片部２６７の先端部分が内レール４２ｂと電気的に接続されるようになっている。
【００７４】
上記のように構成されるバック球防止部材３７においては、先ず、取付ホルダー２５２に形成される位置決めボス２５５を遊技盤４０の位置決め穴２５０に係合させることにより、バック球防止部材３７の遊技盤４０への取付の正確性及び容易性が確保されると共に、その位置決めにより自動機やロボットによる取付生産方式が可能となる。特に、本実施形態においては、上記位置決めボス２５５だけによる位置決めだけでなく、レール止めピン２６３と切欠凹部２６２とによる位置決め、及び外レール４２ａの上辺縁とレール係合部２５６のレール係合溝２５７との係合による位置決めによって、上記した取付の正確性及び容易性の増進を図ることができる。
【００７５】
また、バック球防止部材３７においては、弾性薄片２５３が極めて薄い弾性板で形成されているので、遊技球の遊技領域４１への飛走に及ぼす悪影響を大きく抑制することができる。特に、本実施形態における弾性薄片２５３は、その基部を取付ホルダー２５２の下端によって支持されているので、弾性薄片２５３自体の移動できる長さが図２５（Ａ）の破線に示すように長くなり、このため、弾性薄片２５３を押し開くための慣性モーメントが小さくて済むので、遊技球の勢いを弱める度合いを小さくすることとなり、上記した遊技球への悪影響を更に抑制することができるようになっている。
【００７６】
次に、遊技盤４０に植立される障害釘１９０及び風車２００について図２６乃至図２９を参照して説明する。図２６に示すように、化粧板４０ａ、クラフト紙４０ｂ、カーボン紙４０ｃ、クラフト紙４０ｄを順次積層してなる遊技盤４０の表面（遊技領域４１）には、前述した誘導レール４２以外にも導電性を有する障害釘１９０と風車２００とが植立される。風車２００は、図２７に示すように、カーボン入りの導電性樹脂で成形された基体２０１からなり、該基体２０１が金属製の（導電性を有する）導電軸２０２によって遊技領域４１に回動自在に軸支して設けられる。導電軸２０２は、一端に尖部２０２ａが形成される一方、他端に頭部２０２ｂが形成された釘形状をなしている。風車２００の基体２０１は、図２８（Ａ）〜（Ｃ）及び図２９に示すように、中心穴２０３ａが穿設された円盤部２０３と、該円盤部２０３の中心穴２０３ａと連通した筒穴２０４ａを有して円盤部２０３の裏面側に突設された筒状部２０４と、該筒状部２０４の外周壁及び円盤部２０３の裏面壁とひと繋がりに形成された複数（本実施形態では、３つ）の球受片部２０５と、を備えている。そして、円盤部２０３の中心穴２０３ａ及び筒状部２０４の筒穴２０４ａに導電軸２０２を挿通し、この状態で導電軸２０２を遊技領域４１（遊技盤４０表面の化粧板４０ａ面上）に植立することで、基体２０１が導電軸２０２を中心として回動自在に取り付けられる。しかして、風車２００の基体２０１は、遊技領域４１を落下する遊技球が球受片部２０５に衝突するとその衝撃力を受けて回転することにより、遊技球の流下方向及び速度を変化させるようになっている。
【００７７】
ところで、上記した基体２０１は、前述したように導電性樹脂によって成形されている。このため、遊技球が風車２００に衝突する（帯電した遊技球が基体２０１に接触する）等によって、風車２００の基体２０１に静電気が溜まるような場合でも、基体２０１に溜まった静電気を徐々に放電することができる。従って、帯電した風車２００から多大な電荷（静電気）が瞬時に移動することを回避することができ、ひいては風車２００からの静電気の放電に伴う多大なノイズ発生を防止することができる。また、実施形態中では、基体２０１を成形する導電性樹脂をカーボン入りの導電性樹脂としている。このため、基体２０１に溜まった静電気の放電をより一層緩やかにでき、ひいては多大なノイズ発生の防止をより一層招来することができる。なお、導電性樹脂は、多大なノイズ発生を防止する観点から導電率２０⁵〜２０⁷Ω／ｃｍのものを用いることが望ましく、その中でも導電率２０⁶Ω／ｃｍのものを用いることが最も望ましい。但し、特にこの構成に限定するものではない。また、導電性樹脂としては、カーボンを含んだものに限定せず、ステンレス等の金属成分を含んだ導電性樹脂であってもよい。
【００７８】
また、上記した風車２００（基体２０１、導電軸２０２）及び障害釘１９０を遊技盤４０の表面に取り付けた構成において、前述したようにカーボン紙４０ｃが遊技盤４０と化粧板４０ａとの間に介在されている。このため、風車２００及び障害釘１９０は、それぞれカーボン紙４０ｃを介して誘導レール４２と電気的に接続されるようになっている。また、遊技領域４１に設けられる特別可変表示装置４４や普通可変入賞球装置５８等の装置筐体についても、風車２００の基体２０１と同様に導電性樹脂で成形されている。このため、これらの装置筐体についても同様にカーボン紙４０ｃを介して誘導レール４２と電気的に接続されるようになっている。
【００７９】
次に、打球発射装置８７について図３０乃至図３４を参照して説明する。打球発射装置８７は、図３０乃至図３４に示すように、遊技球を打撃して発射する打球槌３００と、該打球槌３００の駆動源をなすステッピングモータ８８と、遊技球の発射毎に球供給装置（図示しない）を作動させて順次遊技球を打球発射装置８７に送り込ませる昇降杵３０２と、打球槌３００による遊技球の遊技球力を調整する発射強度調整部３０３と、該発射強度調整部３０３に前記操作ハンドル３０の回転操作力を伝達する操作伝達部３０４と、ステッピングモータ８８の駆動を制御する発射制御部３０５（発射制御基板９０とこれを収容する基板ボックス８９とから構成される）と、が取付基板３０６に取り付けられて構成されている。取付基板３０６の周縁部には、打球発射装置８７を前面枠３の裏面側にネジ３５４で取り付けるためのネジ止め穴３０７が４箇所に穿設されている。また、取付基板３０６には、各種構成部材を取り付けるための取付穴が複数穿設されると共に、発射強度調整部３０３を構成する各種部材を取り付けるための円筒突起（図示しない）が形成されている。該円筒突起の内部は、取付基板３０６の一側面と他側面の両側を連通する連通穴として形成され、該連通穴を貫通する駆動軸３０９が軸受け（図示しない）により回転自在に支持されている。
【００８０】
打球槌３００は、アーム形状をなし、その一端側には、軸穴３００ａが穿設されると共に後述する昇降杵３０２のロッドローラ３２２と係合する係合部３１０が形成され、打球槌３００の他端には、遊技球を打撃する槌部がバネ３１１によって形成されている。そして、打球槌３００は、その軸穴３００ａに駆動軸３０９の一端部が挿通された状態でワッシャ３５１を介してナット３０８によって固着されることにより、駆動軸３０９を回動中心として回動自在に取付基板３０６に取り付けられる。また、このような打球槌３００の取り付けにおいて、先端部分に回動自在なアームローラ３１２ａを取り付けたヒットアーム３１２が打球槌３００と共に駆動軸３０９に固着され、そのヒットアーム３１２が打球槌３００と一体的に駆動軸３０９を回動中心として回動するようになっている。なお、打球槌３００の図３４中における反時計方向への回転は、杵受ゴム３１３によって規制されるようになっている。該杵受ゴム３１３は、ゴムホルダー３１４を介して取付基板３０６にボルト３１５、ワッシャ３５２、及びナット３５３で固着されている。
【００８１】
ステッピングモータ８８は、取付片部３１６が非導電性の連結部材３０１を介して取付基板３０６にビス３１７ａ，３１７ｂ止めされることで、取付基板３０６とは電気的に接続されない状態で取付基板３０６に取り付けられる。なお、連結部材３０１は、絶縁材料（ゴムや樹脂等）で形成されて非導電性を有するものであればいずれのものであってもよい。ビス３１７ａは、取付片部３１６を連結部材３０１の一端側に螺着するものであり、ビス３１７ｂは、取付基板３０６を連結部材３０１の他端側に螺着するものである。そして、ビス３１７ａ，３１７ｂは、それぞれの先端部分が連結部材３０１内で当接しないように連結部材３０１の両端側に個々に螺着される。なお、ステッピングモータ８８は、モータ主体（図示しない）が全体的に導電性を有するカバー体８８ｂで覆われることで構成されている。また、このような取り付けにおいて、ステッピングモータ８８の出力軸８８ａは、取付基板３０６を貫通した状態で取り付けられる。出力軸８８ａには、ステッピングモータ８８の駆動力をヒットアーム３１２（アームローラ３１２ａ）を介して打球槌３００に伝達する駆動カム３１８が一体的に取り付けられている。
【００８２】
昇降杵３０２は、棒形状のロッド軸３１９と、該ロッド軸３１９の上端部にビス３２０止めされたロッドピン３２１及びロッドバネ（図示しない）と、ロッド軸３１９の下端部に回動自在に取り付けられたロッドローラ３２２、からなり、取付基板３０６にビス３２３止めされた円筒形状のロッドケース３２４にロッド軸３１９が挿通して設けられることで、上下方向にスライド自在に取り付けられる。但し、ロッドバネは、ロッドケース３２４内で上方への移動が規制され、常にロッド軸３１９を下方に付勢するようになっている。そして、昇降杵３０２（ロッド軸３１９）は、打球槌３００が図３４中における時計方向に回転した場合、ロッドバネの付勢力に抗してロッドローラ３２２が係合部３１０で押し上げられることで上方に突出し、ロッドピン３２１が球供給装置を作動させて上皿１９から発射レール１６５上に遊技球を送り込むようになっている。なお、昇降杵３０２が最上部に上がった状態が打球槌３００による遊技球の打ち込み待機状態となる。つまり、昇降杵３０２が一旦上昇してから下降することで遊技球が発射レール１６５上に供給されると共に、打球槌３００が発射方向と反対方向に回動した状態から発射方向に回動することで、発射レール１６５上の遊技球が発射され、誘導レール４２に沿って遊技盤４０の遊技領域に打ち込まれるわけである。
【００８３】
発射強度調整部３０３は、外周の一部にギヤ部３２５ａが形成された回動操作部３２５、ねじれ量によって遊技球の発射強度を調整するコイル状の強度調整バネ３２６、保持キャップ３２７、ラチェットカバー３２８、ラチェットアーム（図示しない）、等から構成されている。回動操作部３２５のギヤ部３２５ａの端には、取付基板３０６に突設された規制突起３３０が当接され、これによって回動操作部３２５の図３３中における反時計方向への回転が規制されるようになっている。また、保持キャップ３２７及びラチェットカバー３２８は、ネジ３３１によって一体的に組み付けられる。
【００８４】
操作伝達部３０４は、一側に連結凹部３３２ａが形成されると共に外周にギヤ部３３２ｂが形成された主動ローラ３３２、外周にギヤ部３３３ａが形成された従動ローラ３３３、各ローラ３３２，３３３のギヤ部３３２ｂ，３３３ａ間に巻架されるギヤベルト３３４、従動ローラ３３３の回転軸に一体的に取り付けられる連結ギヤ３３５、等から構成されている。主動ローラ３３２及び従動ローラ３３３は、それぞれ各ギヤ部３３２ｂ，３３３ａを打球槌３００が取り付けられる取付基板３０６の一側面に配した状態（図３４に示す状態）で取り付けられる。主動ローラ３３２の連結凹部３３２ａには、前記操作ハンドル３０の回転軸（図示しない）が挿入状態で連結される。従動ローラ３３３と一体的に回動する連結ギヤ３３５には、前記回動操作部３２５のギヤ部３２５ａが歯合される。これにより、操作ハンドル３０を回動操作させれば、その回動が主動ローラ３３２、ギヤベルト３３４、従動ローラ３３３、及び連動ギヤ３３５を介して回動操作部３２５に伝達され、回動操作部３２５を回動変位させることができる。そして、このように回動変位した回動操作部３２５は、その回動によって強度調整バネ３２６のねじれ量を調節する。なお、主動ローラ３３２は、ブッシュ３５５及びワッシャ３５７を介して取付基板３０６にビス３５６で回動自在に取り付けられ、従動ローラ３３３は、連動ギヤ３３５と共にビス３５８によって取付基板３０６に回動自在に取り付けられる。
【００８５】
発射制御部３０５は、各種電子部品（ＣＰＵを搭載するものでも、搭載しないものでもよい）及び複数のコネクタ９０ａ〜９０ｄを実装してなる前記発射制御基板９０、該発射制御基板９０を収容する基板ボックス８９、から構成されている。発射制御基板９０のコネクタ９０ｂには、図示しない発射制御電源中継基板からの配線３３７ａが接続され、コネクタ９０ｄには前記ステッピングモータ８８からの配線３３７ｂが接続され、コネクタ９０ａには図示しない発射制御信号中継基板からの配線３３７ｃが接続され、コネクタ９０ｃには操作ハンドル３０からの配線３３７ｄが接続される（図３２参照）。
【００８６】
上記した発射制御基板９０を収容する基板ボックス８９は、図３０に示すように、前記取付基板３０６にビス３３８止めされるボックス主体３４１と、該ボックス主体３４１に取り付けられてボックス主体３４１との間で発射制御基板９０を挟持するカバー体３４２と、を備えている。ボックス主体３４１及びカバー体３４２は、それぞれ収容する発射制御基板９０を外部から視認可能なように透明な合成樹脂で形成されている。ボックス主体３４１の上側左右２箇所及び下端左右２箇所には、それぞれ脚部３４３ａ〜３４３ｄが立設されており、該脚部３４３ａ〜３４３ｄの先端部分には、ボックス主体３４１を取付基板３０６にビス３３８止めするための取付穴３４４ａ〜３４４ｄが穿設されている。なお、取付基板３０６側には、これらの取付穴３４４ａ〜３４４ｄと個々に対応した位置に取付穴３０６ａ〜３０６ｄが穿設されている（図３３参照）。また、脚部３４３ａ〜３４３ｄはそれぞれ円筒形状をなし、その円筒内にビス３３８を挿入することで、ボックス主体３４１側から取付基板３０６にビス３３８止めを行うようになっている。このため、本実施形態のように取付面部を打球発射装置８７の取付基板３０６から構成するような場合でも、取付基板３０６を弾球遊技機１から取り外すことなく、基板ボックス８９の取り外しを行うことができる。
【００８７】
そして、ボックス主体３４１（基板ボックス８９）は、前記ステッピングモータ８８及び前記発射強度調整部３０３を取り付けた取付基板３０６の一側面に脚部３４３ａ〜３４３ｄを介して取り付け固定される。このため、基板ボックス８９内に収容される発射制御基板９０は、取付基板３０６の基板面（取付面）から所定の間隔（脚部３４３ａ〜３４３ｄの高さ）を置いた状態（浮いた状態）で取り付けられることになる。従って、ステッピングモータ８８周りの空気の流動性が向上でき、ステッピングモータ８８の発熱が低減できると共に、ステッピングモータ８８からのノイズや熱による悪影響を発射制御基板９０が受け難くすることができる。また、このような取り付け構造によれば、取付基板３０６にそのまま発射制御基板９０の大きさの取付スペースを設ける必要がないので、発射制御基板９０の配置設計において省スペース化を招来することができる。なお、基板ボックス８９を取り付ける取付面部は、打球発射装置の取付基板に限定せず、打球発射装置に関わらない弾球遊技機の裏面部分であってもよい。但し、実施形態中のように、基板ボックス８９を打球発射装置８７（取付基板３０６）に取り付けた構成とした方が、より一層の省スペース化を招来することができる。
【００８８】
また、ボックス主体３４１の上側左右２箇所に立設された脚部３４３ａ，３４３ｂの上辺部分には、それぞれボックス主体３４１（基板ボックス８９）を取付基板３０６に取り付けた状態で、ステッピングモータ８８及び発射強度調整部３０３の一部分を被覆する被覆片３４５ａ，３４５ｂが形成されている。ボックス主体３４１の内壁面には、複数の位置決め片３４６が形成されており、該位置決め片３４６は、カバー体３４２との間で発射制御基板９０を挟持する際、その先端部分で発射制御基板９０の基板面と当接することで、基板ボックス８９内における発射制御基板９０の位置決めを行うようになっている。
【００８９】
ボックス主体３４１の外周壁部分には、発射制御基板９０の各コネクタ９０ａ〜９０ｄと対応する位置及び大きさに形成された切欠部３４７ａ〜３４７ｄと、カバー体３４２を取り付けるための係止溝３４８と、が穿設されており、切欠部３４７ａ〜３４７ｄは、ボックス主体３４１とカバー体３４２の組み付け状態で各コネクタ９０ａ〜９０ｄの接続用開口となる。ボックス主体３４１の上壁上面には、前記配線３３７ｃをまとめるための配線押え爪３４９ａ〜３４９ｄが個々に所定間隔を置いて形成されている（図３２参照）。なお、配線押え爪３４９ａ，３４９ｃの先端部分は後方側に向いて形成される一方、配線押え爪３４９ｂ，３４９ｄの先端部分は前方側に向いて形成されている。即ち、配線押え爪３４９ａ〜３４９ｄによる配線３３７ｃの押さえ込みは、交互で前後方向に切り換っている。このため、複数の配線押え爪を設けたにも拘わらず一方向でのみ配線を押さえ込む構成に比べて、配線の収束を強固にすることができ、ひいては配線の保護及びコネクタの抜け防止を招来することができる。
【００９０】
一方、カバー体３４２には、前記ボックス主体３４１の係止溝３４８との係合によってカバー体３４２をボックス主体３４１に着脱可能に取り付ける係合突起３５０が形成されている。また、カバー体３４２は、発射制御基板９０の外形形状とほぼ同一の大きさで形成されて発射制御基板９０を内嵌するようになっている。即ち、発射制御基板９０を基板ボックス８９内に収容する際には、先ず、発射制御基板９０をカバー体３４２に内嵌し、そのカバー体３４２を係合突起３５０と係止溝３４８の係合によってボックス主体３４１に取り付けることで、発射制御基板９０が基板ボックス８９内に収容される。なお、このような係合突起３５０及び係止溝３４８の係合部を設けることで、カバー部材３４２を基板ボックス８９として組み付ける際の組み付け作業が容易になる。また、発射制御基板９０の基板ボックス８９内への収容は、カバー体３４２とボックス主体３４１との挟持によって行われるため、発射制御基板９０をビス止めする必要がなく、基板ボックス８９に対する発射制御基板９０の着脱作業が容易になる。そして、発射制御基板９０を収容した基板ボックス８９を前述したように取付基板３０６にビス３３８止めすることで、発射制御基板９０が打球発射装置８７の構成部材として組み付けられる。しかして、基板ボックス８９を一旦取付基板３０６から取り外さなければ、カバー体３４２をボックス主体３４１から取り外すことができない構成となるので、発射制御基板９０の不正改造をしずらくでき、発射制御基板９０に対する不正が防止できる。
【００９１】
以上、打球発射装置８７の構成について説明したが、打球発射装置８７による遊技球の発射動作は以下に示すように行われる。即ち、遊技者が操作ハンドル３０を操作するとこれに伴ってステッピングモータ８８が駆動し、駆動カム３１８が図３４中における反時計方向へ回転する。次に、駆動カム３１８の回転によってヒットアーム３１２並びに打球槌３００を図３４中における時計方向へ回転させると、発射強度調整部３０３の強度調整バネ３２６をさらにねじれ変化させることになる。その後、駆動カム３１８がさらに回転して駆動カム３１８がヒットアーム３１２（アームローラ３１２ａ）から離脱すると、ヒットアーム３１２並びに打球槌３００は、強度調整バネ３２６の復原力によって駆動軸３０９と共に反時計方向に回転する。そして、反時計方向に回転した打球槌３００は、昇降杵３０２の作動によって球供給装置から送り込まれた遊技球を槌部（バネ３１１）で打撃して遊技領域に発射させる。また、このとき、操作ハンドル３０の回動操作部２９ａの操作によって発射強度調整部３０３の回動操作部３２５を回動させれば、打球槌３００の後退駆動（時計方向への回転）に伴う強度調整バネ３２６のねじれ量を調節することができる。つまり、打球槌３００の打撃力（発射力）を調節することができる。
【００９２】
また、上記した打球発射装置８７の構成において、打球発射装置８７（取付基板３０６）を前面枠３の裏面側にネジ３５４で取り付けるための４つのネジ止め穴３０７のうち、左側下端のネジ止め穴３０７には、放電用配線３５９の一端がネジ３５４によって共締めして取り付けられるようになっている（図３２及び図３３参照）。そして、放電用配線３５９の他端が前記接続樋１５に接続されることで、取付基板３０６と接続樋１５とが電気的に接続されるようになっている。
【００９３】
次に、以上説明した接触部材及び放電用配線による各種構成部材の電気的な接続構成の総括を図３５及び図３６を参照して説明する。図３５において、先ず、導電性を有する機構板１００の裏面に設けられる貯留タンク１０５及び該貯留タンク１０５から球整列レール部材１０８につながる通路部分の側壁に臨む態様で設けられるタンク用接触部材１５４は、放電用配線１５５を介して補強ヒンジ部材９１に接続される。そして、貯留タンク１０５に貯留された遊技球は、球整列レール部材１０８に誘導される際に、タンク用接触部材１５４と接触する。これにより、タンク用接触部材１５４は、接触した遊技球からその遊技球の帯電している静電気の放電を受ける。また、貯留タンク１０５に貯留される遊技球のうち、タンク用接触部材１５４と直接的に接触していない遊技球であっても、貯留タンク１０５内のいずれかの遊技球がタンク用接触部材１５４に接触しており、そして、貯留タンク１０５内では、遊技球同士が接触して貯留されていることにより全ての球が相互に導通状態にある。このため、貯留タンク１０５に貯留される球は、タンク用接触部材１５４と直接的に接触した球のみならず、貯留された全ての球のそれぞれが帯電している静電気を直接的又は間接的にタンク用接触部材１５４に放電することになる。また、導電性を有する貯留タンク１０５には、放電用配線１５５がビス止めにより接続されている。このため、貯留タンク１０５及びタンク用接触部材１５４が受けた静電気は、放電用配線１５５を介して放電電流として補強ヒンジ部材９１に流れる。
【００９４】
また、機構板１００に設けられる上皿誘導用接触部材１３５及び下皿誘導用接触部材１３４は、放電用配線１５６を介して補強ヒンジ部材９１に接続される。上皿誘導用接触部材１３５は、球払出装置１１６から払い出された遊技球を賞球払出口２０へ誘導するために湾曲した形状をなし、球払出装置１１６から払い出された遊技球を賞球払出口２０へ誘導する賞球通路１２６の底面上に取り付けられる部分と、余剰球通路１２８の一側の側壁部に取り付けられる部分とを含む。従って、球払出装置１１６から払い出された遊技球は、上皿１９が満杯でない場合には全て上皿誘導用接触部材１３５に接触し、また、上皿１９が満杯である場合でも上皿誘導用接触部材１３５に接触する。これにより、上皿誘導用接触部材１３５は、接触した遊技球からその遊技球に帯電している静電気の放電を受ける。一方、下皿誘導用接触部材１３４は、余剰球通路１２８の底面上に取り付けられる。従って、余剰球通路１２８に誘導された遊技球は、下皿誘導用接触部材１３４に接触する。これにより、下皿誘導用接触部材１３４は、接触した遊技球からその遊技球に帯電している静電気の放電を受ける。そして、上皿誘導用接触部材１３５及び下皿誘導用接触部材１３４のそれぞれが受けた静電気は、放電用配線１５６を介して放電電流として補強ヒンジ部材９１に流れる。なお、機構板１００の裏面には、上記した構成以外にも、球払出装置１１６（図３５中には、払出装置と記載）が取り付けられ、この球払出装置１１６のケースが機構板１００（機構板主体１０１）と同様に導電性樹脂で成形されている。このため、球払出装置１１６内の遊技球は、球払出装置１１６のケースに放電することになる。そして、球払出装置１１６のケースが受けた静電気は、機構板主体１０１を介して放電電流として補強ヒンジ部材９１に流れる。
【００９５】
また、上記した補強ヒンジ部材９１は、前面枠３に対しての機構板１００の取り付けにおいてヒンジ金具８５と係合することで、該ヒンジ金具８５と電気的に接続されるようになっている。そして、このヒンジ金具８５には、導電性を有する接続樋１５（図３５中には、誘導樋と記載）と上皿１９に設けられる上皿用接触部材２８４とが個々に電気的に接続されるようになっている。接続樋１５は、放電用配線２４０を介してヒンジ金具８５に接続される。また、接続樋１５は、該接続樋１５に入った遊技球に接触し、遊技球に帯電している静電気を受ける。そして、接続樋１５が受けた静電気は、放電用配線２４０を介してヒンジ金具８５に流れ、最終的にはヒンジ金具８５と係合する補強ヒンジ部材９１に放電電流として流れる。一方、上皿１９の整列部２８３に延在する態様で設けられる上皿用接触部材２８４は、放電用配線２４５、連結蝶番１６１、及び放電用配線２４３を介してヒンジ金具８５に接続される。そして、上皿１９に貯留された遊技球は、整列部２８３により誘導される際に上皿用接触部材２８４と必ず接触する。これにより、上皿用接触部材２８４は、接触した遊技球からその遊技球に帯電している静電気の放電を受ける。また、上皿１９に貯留された遊技球のうち、上皿用接触部材２８４と直接的に接触していない遊技球であっても、上皿１９内のいずれかの遊技球が上皿用接触部材２８４に接触しており、上皿１９内では、遊技球同士が接触して貯留されることにより全ての遊技球が相互に導通状態になる。このため、上皿１９に貯留された遊技球は、上皿用接触部材２８４と直接的に接触した遊技球のみならず、貯留された全ての遊技球のそれぞれが帯電している静電気を直接的又は間接的に上皿用接触部材２８４に放電することになる。そして、上皿用接触部材２８４が受けた静電気は、放電用配線２４５、連結蝶番１６１、及び放電用配線２４３を介してヒンジ金具８５に流れ、最終的にはヒンジ金具８５と係合する補強ヒンジ部材９１に放電電流として流れる。
【００９６】
また、上記した接続樋１５は、該接続樋１５と同様に前面枠３に取り付けられる下皿１９の下皿用接触部材２７５、打球発射装置８７を構成する取付基板３０６、及び金属接続片２１０（図３５中には、レール導電部材と記載）と電気的に接続されるようになっている。下皿用接触部材２７５は、下皿２７における賞球誘導筒部２７４の底面上に取り付けられる。また、前述した余剰球通路１２８を流下した遊技球は、接続樋１５で受けられ、接続樋１５から賞球誘導筒部２７４に誘導されて下皿２７に排出される。従って、下皿２７に貯留されていく遊技球は、全て下皿用接触部材２７５に接触する。これにより、下皿用接触部材２７５は、接触した遊技球からその遊技球に帯電している静電気の放電を受ける。そして、下皿用接触部材２７５が受けた静電気は、接続樋１５に流れ、最終的には補強ヒンジ部材９１に放電電流として流れる。また、打球発射装置８７の取付基板３０６は、放電用配線３５９を介して接続樋１５に接続される。そして、取付基板３０６が受けた静電気は、接続樋１５に流れ、最終的には補強ヒンジ部材９１に放電電流として流れる。なお、遊技球を打ち込む打球槌３００は、取付基板３０６と電気的に接続された状態にある。このため、打球槌３００が受けた静電気は、取付基板３０６が受けた静電気と同様にして補強ヒンジ部材９１に放電電流として流れるようになっている。また、打球発射装置８７の構成部材のうち最も静電気を受け易いステッピングモータ８８（導電性のカバー体８８ｂ）は、非導電性の連結部材３０１を介して取付基板３０６に取り付けられるようになっている。このため、取付基板３０６（及び打球槌３００）は、比較的静電気を受け難い構成となっている。
【００９７】
また、上記した金属接続片２１０は、前面枠３に取り付けられる発射レール１６５及び遊技盤４０に植立される誘導レール４２（直接的には、外レール４２ａ）と電気的に接続されるようになっている。また、誘導レール４２を植立した遊技盤４０の表面側には、カーボン紙４０ｃが敷設されており、これによって、遊技盤４０表面に設けられる導電性部材（障害釘１９０、風車２００、導電性樹脂で成形された特別可変表示装置４４や普通可変入賞球装置５８等の装置筐体等）は、カーボン紙４０ｃを介して誘導レール４２に接続される。従って、発射レール１６５、誘導レール４２、及び遊技盤４０面上の導電性部材は、それぞれ電気的に接続された状態となる。そして、発射レール１６５、誘導レール４２、及び遊技盤４０面上の導電性部材が受けた静電気は、金属接続片２１０を介して接続樋１５に流れ、最終的には補強ヒンジ部材９１に放電電流として流れる。
【００９８】
以上のように、本実施形態では、各種接触部材及び放電用配線を設けることで、貯留タンク１０５、機構板１００に形成される球通路（賞球通路１２６や余剰球通路１２８等）、球払出装置１１６、上皿１９、接続樋１５、下皿２７、打球槌３００、発射レール１６５、誘導レール４２、遊技盤４０面上の導電性部材、といった弾球遊技機１内で遊技球が接触し得る部分を全て電気的に接続した構成、言い換えれば、遊技盤４０の前面側及び後面側のいずれにおいても遊技球が接触する部分が全て同電位状態にある構成となっており、弾球遊技機１内で遊技球に帯電した静電気（弾球遊技機１内の静電気）は、全て放電電流として補強ヒンジ部材９１に流れるようになっている。また、遊技球の全ての接触部分という広範囲で同電位状態にしたことで、急激な電位の変化による放電を回避することができ、結果として、遊技者が操作ハンドル３０を握った際に瞬間的に静電気を受けるような不具合を回避することができる。
【００９９】
また、上記したように弾球遊技機１内の全ての静電気が流れ込む補強ヒンジ部材９１は、図３６に示すように、ビス１５７ａ止めされた放電用配線１５７を介して払出制御基板１４４のコネクタ１４４ａに接続されており、該コネクタ１４４ａと導通したコネクタ１４４ｂには、払出制御基板１４４とカードユニット装置３１とを接続するためのカードユニット配線３５が接続されている。なお、カードユニット配線３５は、配線としての導線を多数平行に設けたフラットケーブル型の導線であり、一端がカードユニット装置３１に設けられる配線用のコネクタ３１ａに接続され、他端が弾球遊技機１における払出制御基板１４４に設けられる配線用のコネクタ１４４ｂに接続されている。
【０１００】
カードユニット配線３５を構成する複数本の導線（配線）のうち１本が静電気放電用の配線として用いられる。カードユニット装置３１の電源コード３１ｂには、電源線の他に接地線（接地用の配線）が含まれており、その電源コード３１ｂの差込みプラグ３１ｃ（図４参照）が接地極（接地端子）付きの構成とされている。このため、カードユニット装置３１は、電源コード３１ｂの差込みプラグ３１ｃを、遊技場等に設けられた接地極付きのコンセント（図示しない）に差し込むことにより、電源供給状態にされると共に接地状態にされる。カードユニット配線３５に含まれる電気放電用の配線は、カードユニット装置３１の内部において、カードユニット装置３１の電源コード３１ｂに含まれる接地線に接続されている。即ち、カードユニット装置３１における差込みプラグ３１ｃと接続するためのカードユニット配線３５は、遊技球の貸与に関わる信号の配線と共に弾球遊技機１に設けられた通電可能な払出制御基板１４４に接続されている。
【０１０１】
一方、払出制御基板１４４においては、該払出制御基板１４４に設けられた複数のコネクタの各コンタクト（端子）が払出制御基板１４４に形成されたプリント配線と接続されている。払出制御基板１４４に設けられた複数のコネクタのうちコネクタ１４４ａの２つのコンタクト（端子）は、払出制御基板１４４に形成された放電用のプリント配線と接続される。その放電用のプリント配線は、払出制御基板１４４に設けられた制御用の配線等のその他のプリント配線と接続されることなく、カードユニット配線３５のうちの放電用の配線が接続されるコネクタ１４４ｂのコンタクトに直接的に接続される。これにより、補強ヒンジ部材９１は、放電用配線１５７、払出制御基板１４４のプリント配線、カードユニット配線３５、カードユニット装置３１内の接地用の配線、及び電源コード３１ｂの接地線を介して電気的に接地されている。このため、補強ヒンジ部材９１が受けた静電気は、そのような経路を通り、弾球遊技機１からカードユニット装置３１へ送られ、カードユニット装置３１から外部へ放電される。なお、補強ヒンジ部材９１には、前述したようなアース線１５８（図８参照）も接続されており、該アース線１５８を接地するようにすれば、補強ヒンジ部材９１が受けた静電気は、アース線１５８からも外部に放電されるものである。
【０１０２】
以上に示した実施形態によれば、次のような効果を得ることができる。遊技球に帯電した静電気が放電電流として補強ヒンジ部材９１に流れ、その放電電流は、補強ヒンジ部材９１からさらに、放電用配線１５７、払出制御基板１４４のプリント配線、カードユニット配線３５、カードユニット装置３１内の接地用の配線、及び電源コード３１ｂの接地線を介してカードユニット装置３１から外部へ流れる。このような放電電流が流れることにより、弾球遊技機１の内部に帯電した静電気が放電されて除去される。
【０１０３】
また、弾球遊技機１内に帯電する静電気には、前述した遊技球に帯電した静電気のみならず、それ以外に、弾球遊技機１の内部及び外部に存在する駆動装置等の各種電気発生源から発生して弾球遊技機１の内部の各所に帯電した静電気も含まれる。そのように帯電した静電気は、前述した各接触部材を介することなく補強ヒンジ部材９１が受ける場合がある。このように、補強ヒンジ部材９１が直接受けた静電気も、補強ヒンジ部材９１からさらに、放電用配線１５７、払出制御基板１４４のプリント配線、カードユニット配線３５、カードユニット装置３１内の接地用の配線、及び電源コード３１ｂの接地線を介してカードユニット装置３１から外部へ流れる。このような放電電流が流れることにより、弾球遊技機１の内部に帯電した静電気が放電されて除去される。
【０１０４】
このようにカードユニット装置３１を利用して静電気を放電することにより、弾球遊技機１に帯電した静電気の除去を、弾球遊技機１外部での接地配線処理の煩雑な作業を要さずに容易に行うことができる。そして、このような静電気の除去により、静電気に起因するノイズの発生を防ぐことができ、その結果として、弾球遊技機１内の制御回路等の電気機器について、静電気に起因するノイズによる誤動作を防ぐことができると共に、静電気に起因するノイズから保護することができる。
【０１０５】
また、本実施形態では、補強ヒンジ部材９１が受けた静電気を弾球遊技機１からカードユニット装置３１を介して外部へ放電する構成において、弾球遊技機１（具体的には、払出制御基板１４４）に対するカードユニット装置３１の接続状態を主基板１５１で監視するようになっている。具体的には、図３７のフローチャートに示すように、カードユニット装置３１（図３７中には、カードユニットと記載）からのカードユニット配線３５が払出制御基板１４４のコネクタ１４４ｂに接続されているか否かを判別する（Ｓ１）。そして、Ｓ１でカードユニット配線３５が払出制御基板１４４に接続されている場合は、打球発射装置８７（図３７中には、発射装置と記載）による打球発射動作を許可する（Ｓ２）。一方、Ｓ１でカードユニット配線３５が払出制御基板１４４に接続されていない場合は、打球発射装置８７による打球発射動作を不能動化する（Ｓ３）。即ち、カードユニット装置３１が弾球遊技機１に接続されておらず、補強ヒンジ部材９１が受けた静電気、言い換えれば弾球遊技機１内の静電気がカードユニット装置３１を介して外部に放電されない状態では、遊技が行えないように制御するようになっている。
【０１０６】
以上のように、本実施形態の構成によれば、前面枠３に取り付けられて誘導レール４２と電気的に接続可能な導電性のレール導電部材としての金属接続片２１０を設け、金属接続片２１０は、遊技盤４０を前面枠３に収容させることで誘導レール４２と電気的に接続されると共に、当該弾球遊技機１と処理装置としてのカードユニット装置３１とを電気的に接続した場合に金属接続片２１０が接地部としての差込みプラグ３１ｃと電気的に接続されるように構成することにより、誘導レール４２と差込みプラグ３１ｃとが金属接続片２１０を介して電気的に接続されるようにしたことを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、遊技盤４０を前面枠３に収容するという簡単な作業で、誘導レール４２と弾球遊技機１に接続可能なカードユニット装置３１との電気的な接続が可能にできる。このため、誘導レール４２をカードユニット装置３１の差込みプラグ３１ｃで接地することができ、ひいては弾球遊技機１の接地における作業性を向上することができる。
【０１０７】
また、カードユニット装置３１における差込みプラグ３１ｃと接続するための配線は、遊技球の貸与に関わる信号の配線と共に弾球遊技機１に設けられた通電可能な所定の基板としての払出制御基板１４４に接続され、誘導レール４２は、払出制御基板１４４により中継されてカードユニット装置３１における差込みプラグ３１ｃと電気的に接続されることを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、誘導レール４２とカードユニット装置３１の差込みプラグ３１ｃとの電気的な接続について配線接続の作業性が向上する。なお、処理装置と接続される所定の基板は、払出制御基板に限定するものではなく、遊技制御基板等の基板であってもよい。
【０１０８】
また、発射される遊技球を誘導レール４２に誘導する導電性の発射レール１６５を備え、該発射レール１６５と金属接続片２１０とを電気的に接続したことを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、発射レール１６５を誘導レール４２と電気的に接続することができるので、遊技球が発射レール１６５から誘導レール４２に移る際の静電気の放電を防止することができる。
【０１０９】
また、遊技盤４０の裏面側に設けられ内部を転動する遊技球と接触可能な導電性の球接触部分（例えば、各接触部材１３４，１３５）を有し且つ遊技球の払出機構を有する機構部としての機構板１００と、当該弾球遊技機１の前面に設けられる球貯留部としての下皿２７に払出機構が払い出した遊技球を導く導電性の球誘導部としての接続樋１５と、を備え、該接続樋１５と金属接続片２１０とを電気的に接続し、かつ接続樋１５と機構板１００の球接触部分とを電気的に接続することにより、接続樋１５を介して金属接続片２１０と機構板１００の球接触部分とを電気的に接続したことを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、遊技盤４０前面側の球接触部分となる誘導レール４２と遊技盤４０裏面側の球接触部分となる機構板１００内の球接触部分とを電気的に接続させることができるので、誘導レール４２と同様に機構板１００内の球接触部分をカードユニット装置３１の差込みプラグ３１ｃで接地することができる。然も、この構成によれば、誘導レール４２と機構板１００内の球接触部分とを接続するために個別に接続用の導電部を設ける必要がないので、部品点数の削減が招来できる。
【０１１０】
また、機構板１００の導電性の球接触部分は、導電性樹脂で成形されていることを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、取り分け機構板１００に導電性の部材を取り付けなくても機構板１００自体に導電性を持たせることができ、ひいては機構板１００の軽量化を招来することができる。なお、本発明でいう機構部とは、機構板１００と該機構板１００に取り付けられる各種構成部材のことである。従って、機構部の導電性の球接触部分は、貯留タンク１０５、上皿連通口１２７、連絡通路１３０、余剰球通路１２８等の球接触部分も含まれることになるが、これらの構成部材が導電性の別部材で形成されるような場合には、機構板１００自体（機構板主体１０１）の導電性の球接触部分のみを導電性樹脂で成形するようにしてもよい。
【０１１１】
また、前記導電性樹脂は、ステンレスフィラーを含有した樹脂からなることを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、機構板１００を構成するステンレスフィラーの特性から機構板１００への静電気の流れ込みを徐々に行わせることができ、ひいては急激な電位の変化に起因する急激な放電を防止することができる。
【０１１２】
また、遊技盤４０に導電接続部材としてのカーボン紙４０ｃを設けると共に、導電性を有し遊技領域４１を流下する遊技球が衝突する導電性部材（障害釘１９０、風車２００、導電性樹脂で成形された特別可変表示装置４４や普通可変入賞球装置５８等の装置筐体等）と誘導レール４２とをカーボン紙４０ｃと電気的に接続するように遊技盤４０に取り付けたことを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、遊技領域４１内に打ち込まれた遊技球の静電気もカーボン紙４０ｃ及び誘導レール４２を介して機構板１００のアース線１５８に送り込むことができる。
【０１１３】
また、当該弾球遊技機１とカードユニット装置３１との電気的な接続状態を監視する接続監視手段としての主基板１５１を備え、該主基板１５１によって当該弾球遊技機１とカードユニット装置３１との電気的な接続が確認されない場合、当該弾球遊技機１における遊技球の発射を不能動化することを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、カードユニット装置３１が弾球遊技機１に接続された状態において、遊技球を発射して遊技を行う場合、誘導レールで生じた静電気を確実にカードユニット装置３１を介して外部に放電除去することができる。
【０１１４】
なお、上記した実施形態では、特別可変表示装置４４をＬＣＤ表示器で構成しているが、特にこれに限定するものではなく、ＣＲＴ、ＬＥＤ、ＶＦＤ、ＥＬ、あるいはプラズマによる表示器や、ドラム式又はリール式で構成することも可能である。また、弾球遊技機の構成として、始動球検出器の入賞球の検出に伴って可変表示装置での識別情報の変動を開始し、該識別情報が所定の表示結果となると特定遊技状態が発生して可変入賞球装置を開放する弾球遊技機（これを俗に第１種という）を例示しているが、特にこれに限定するものではなく、始動球検出器の入賞球の検出に伴って可変入賞球装置を開放し、該可変入賞球装置内の特定領域への遊技球の入賞により特定遊技状態を発生する弾球遊技機（これを俗に第２種という）や、始動球検出器の入賞球の検出に伴って可変表示装置での識別情報の変動を開始し、該識別情報が所定の表示結果となると権利発生状態となり、この状態で特定領域に遊技球が入賞すると特定遊技状態が発生する弾球遊技機（これを俗に第３種という）であってもよい。
【０１１５】
また、実施形態中では、カードユニット装置３１で使用する記録媒体を磁気カードとしているが、これに限らず、接触型あるいは非接触型のＩＣカードを記録媒体としてもよい。さらに、識別符号等を用いて記録情報を特定できる場合には、バーコード等の所定の情報記録シンボル等が読み取り可能にプリントされた記録媒体でもよい。記録媒体の形状は、カード形状に限定せず、円盤状や球状、チップ状等いずれの形状であってもよい。
【０１１６】
また、実施形態中では、弾球遊技機の横に処理装置としてカードユニット装置（記録媒体処理装置）を隣接すると共に、該カードユニット装置と弾球遊技機とを電気的に接続することで、カードユニット装置を介して弾球遊技機を接地する構成としているが、弾球遊技機を接地する処理装置は、カードユニット装置に限らず、例えば、紙幣や硬貨を投入することで貸球の処理を行う装置等であってもよい。また、実施形態中では、弾球遊技機の払出制御基板を介してカードユニット装置との接続を行う構成としているが、これに限らず、カードユニット装置との接続用にインターフェース基板を設け、該インターフェース基板の中継によって弾球遊技機をカードユニット装置における接地部と電気的に接続するようにしてもよい。
【０１１７】
また、実施形態中では、遊技盤を直接的に前面枠に取り付けた構成としているが、これに限らず、遊技盤を機構板に取り付け、その機構板を前面枠に取り付けることで遊技盤を前面枠に収容させるようにしてもよい。なお、ここでいう遊技盤の収容とは、取り付け固定する概念は含まず、遊技盤を嵌め込む等して所定の部位に収めることをいう。
【０１１８】
【発明の効果】
以上、説明したところから明らかなように、請求項１の発明においては、遊技球の貸与に対する所定の処理機能を有し、且つ電気的に接地可能な接地部を有する処理装置が電気的に接続可能であり、遊技領域が形成された遊技盤と、該遊技盤を収容する前面枠と、前記遊技盤の前面側に設けられ発射される遊技球を前記遊技領域に誘導する導電性の誘導レールと、発射される遊技球を前記誘導レールに誘導する導電性の発射レールと、を備えた遊技機において、前記前面枠に取り付けられて前記誘導レールと電気的に接続可能な導電性のレール導電部材と、を設け、前記誘導レールは、一旦前記遊技領域に誘導された遊技球が跳ね返りによって再度発射位置方向へ戻るバック球を防止するためのバック球防止部材を備え、前記レール導電部材は、前記遊技盤を前記前面枠に収容させることで前記誘導レール、前記発射レール、及び前記バック球防止部材と電気的に接続されると共に、当該遊技機と前記処理装置とを電気的に接続した場合に前記レール導電部材が前記接地部と電気的に接続されるように構成することにより、前記誘導レールと前記接地部とが前記レール導電部材を介して電気的に接続されるようにしたことを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、遊技盤を前面枠に収容させるという簡単な作業で、誘導レールと遊技機に接続可能な処理装置との電気的な接続が可能にできる。このため、誘導レールを処理装置の接地部で接地することができ、ひいては遊技機の接地における作業性を向上することができる。また、発射レールを誘導レールと電気的に接続することができるので、遊技球が発射レールから誘導レールに移る際の静電気の放電を防止することができる。
【０１１９】
また、請求項２の発明においては、前記誘導レールは、前記発射レールから発射された遊技球を前記遊技領域へ誘導するための外レールと該外レールと共に前記遊技領域を形成する内レールとによって構成され、前記バック球防止部材の遊技球と接触可能な位置には、導電性の弾性薄片を備え、該弾性薄片により前記内レールと前記外レールとを電気的に接続することを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、弾性薄片を押し開くための慣性モーメントが小さくて済むので、遊技球の勢いを弱める度合いを小さくすることとなり、上記した遊技球への悪影響を更に抑制することができる。
【０１２０】
また、請求項３の発明においては、前記処理装置における前記接地部と接続するための配線は、遊技球の貸与に関わる信号の配線と共に前記遊技機に設けられた通電可能な所定の基板に接続され、前記誘導レールは、前記所定の基板により中継されて前記処理装置における前記接地部と電気的に接続されることを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、誘導レールと処理装置の接地部との電気的な接続について配線接続の作業性が向上する。
【０１２１】
また、請求項４の発明においては、前記遊技盤の裏面側に設けられ内部を転動する遊技球と接触可能な導電性の球接触部分を有し且つ遊技球の払出機構を有する機構部と、当該遊技機の前面に設けられる球貯留部に前記払出機構が払い出した遊技球を導く導電性の球誘導部と、を備え、該球誘導部と前記レール導電部材とを電気的に接続し、かつ前記球誘導部と前記機構部の球接触部分とを電気的に接続することにより、前記球誘導部を介して前記レール導電部材と前記機構部の球接触部分とを電気的に接続したことを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、遊技盤前面側の球接触部分となる誘導レールと遊技盤裏面側の球接触部分となる機構部内の球接触部分とを電気的に接続させることができるので、誘導レールと同様に機構部内の球接触部分を処理装置の接地部で接地することができる。然も、この構成によれば、誘導レールと機構部内の球接触部分とを接続するために個別に接続用の導電部を設ける必要がないので、部品点数の削減が招来できる。
【０１２２】
また、請求項５の発明においては、前記機構部の導電性の球接触部分は、導電性樹脂で成形されていることを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、取り分け機構部に導電性の部材を取り付けなくても機構部自体に導電性を持たせることができ、ひいては機構部の軽量化を招来することができる。
【０１２３】
また、請求項６の発明においては、前記導電性樹脂は、ステンレスフィラーを含有した樹脂からなることを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、機構部を構成するステンレスフィラーの特性から機構部への静電気の流れ込みを徐々に行わせることができ、ひいては急激な電位の変化に起因する急激な放電を防止することができる。
【０１２４】
また、請求項７の発明においては、前記遊技盤に導電接続部材を設けると共に、導電性を有し前記遊技領域を流下する遊技球が衝突する導電性部材と前記誘導レールとを前記導電接続部材と電気的に接続するように前記遊技盤に取り付けたことを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、遊技領域内に打ち込まれた遊技球の静電気も導電接続部材及び誘導レールを介して機構部の接地部に送り込むことができる。
【０１２５】
また、請求項８の発明においては、当該遊技機と前記処理装置との電気的な接続状態を監視する接続監視手段を備え、該接続監視手段によって当該遊技機と前記処理装置との電気的な接続が確認されない場合、当該遊技機における遊技球の発射を不能動化することを特徴とする。このように構成することにより、処理装置が遊技機に接続された状態において、遊技球を発射して遊技を行う場合、誘導レールで生じた静電気を確実に処理装置を介して外部に放電除去することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本実施形態に係る弾球遊技機を示す正面図である。
【図２】 弾球遊技機に設けられる遊技盤を示す正面図である。
【図３】 弾球遊技機を示す背面図である。
【図４】 弾球遊技機とカードユニット装置を示す背面斜視図である。
【図５】 主基板と各種制御基板及び電気部品との関係を示すブロック図である。
【図６】 各種構成部材を取り付けた機構板を示す正面斜視図である。
【図７】 貯留タンクを示す斜視図である。
【図８】 補強ヒンジ部材の上側に接続された放電用配線を示す部分拡大斜視図である。
【図９】 補強ヒンジ部材の下側に接続された放電用配線を示す部分拡大斜視図である。
【図１０】 機構板に取り付けられる接触部材及び下部通路カバー体を示す分解斜視図である。
【図１１】 機構板に取り付けられる接触部材とこれに接続される放電用配線とを示す部分拡大斜視図である。
【図１２】 払出制御基板とカードユニット装置とを接続するカードユニット配線を示す部分拡大斜視図である。
【図１３】 遊技盤を取り付けた前面枠を示す正面図である。
【図１４】 下皿と下皿セット板とを示す分解斜視図である。
【図１５】 前面枠に取り付けられるヒンジ金具とこれに接続される接続樋とを示す部分拡大斜視図である。
【図１６】 上皿から延びる放電用配線とこれに接続される連結蝶番とを示す部分拡大斜視図である。
【図１７】 上皿を示す背面斜視図である。
【図１８】 同図（Ａ）（Ｂ）は識別用シールを示す正面図である。
【図１９】 遊技盤表面に設けられたカーボン紙を介して外レールと内レールとが接続された状態を示す縦断面図である。
【図２０】 同図（Ａ）は外レールの当接面部と金属接続片の上部当接面部との当接状態を示す縦断面図であり、同図（Ｂ）は金属接続片を介した外レールと内レールとの接続状態を示す縦断面図である。
【図２１】 前面枠に取り付けられる遊技盤、金属接続片、及び発射レールを示す分解斜視図である。
【図２２】 前面枠の支持板部に取り付けられた発射レールを示す部分拡大正面図である。
【図２３】 前面枠の支持板部に取り付けられた発射レール及び金属接続片を示す部分拡大正面図である。
【図２４】 前面枠の支持板部に取り付けられた発射レール、金属接続片、及び誘導ボックス部材を示す部分拡大正面図である。
【図２５】 同図（Ａ）はバック球防止部材を遊技盤に取り付けた状態を示す正面図であり、同図（Ｂ）はバック球防止部材だけを裏返した状態を示す正面図である。
【図２６】 遊技盤表面に設けられたカーボン紙を介して障害釘と風車とが接続された状態を示す縦断面図である。
【図２７】 風車の基体と導電軸を示す斜視図である。
【図２８】 同図（Ａ）は風車の基体を示す上面図であり、同図（Ｂ）は風車の基体を示す正面図であり、同図（Ｃ）は風車の基体を示す側面図である。
【図２９】 遊技盤に風車を取り付けた状態を示す縦断面図である。
【図３０】 打球発射装置を示す分解斜視図である。
【図３１】 打球発射装置の各種構成部材を示す分解斜視図である。
【図３２】 打球発射装置を示す正面図である。
【図３３】 発射制御基板を取り外した状態の打球発射装置を示す正面図である。
【図３４】 打球発射装置を示す背面図である。
【図３５】 各種構成部材の電気的な接続状態を示す説明図である。
【図３６】 払出制御基板とカードユニット装置との電気的な接続状態を示す説明図である。
【図３７】 カードユニット装置との接続状態に応じた制御処理を示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１ 弾球遊技機（遊技機）
２ 外枠
３ 前面枠
４ 前面開閉枠
１５ 接続樋（球誘導部）
１６ 識別用シール
１９ 上皿
２７ 下皿（球貯留部）
３１ カードユニット装置（処理装置）
３１ｃ 差込みプラグ（接地部）
４０ 遊技盤
４０ｃ カーボン紙（導電接続部材）
４１ 遊技領域
４２ 誘導レール
８５ ヒンジ金具
８７ 打球発射装置
８８ ステッピングモータ
８８ｂ カバー体
８９ 基板ボックス
９０ 発射制御基板
９１ 補強ヒンジ部材
１００ 機構板（機構部）
１０１ 機構板主体
１０５ 貯留タンク
１１６ 球払出装置
１３４ 下皿誘導用接触部材
１３５ 上皿誘導用接触部材
１４４ 払出制御基板（電気基板）
１５１ 主基板（接続監視手段）
１５８ アース線
１６５ 発射レール
１９０ 障害釘（導電性部材）
２００ 風車（導電性部材）
２１０ 金属接続片（レール導電部材）
３００ 打球槌
３０６ 取付基板
３４３ａ〜３４３ｄ 脚部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention has a predetermined processing function for lending game balls, and can be electrically connected to a processing device having a grounding portion that can be electrically grounded, and a game board having a game area formed thereon, The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a front frame that houses a game board, and a conductive guide rail that is provided on the front side of the game board and guides a game ball to be launched to the game area.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, in a ball ball game machine as a game machine, a game is performed using a metal game ball, and the front side of the game board (for example, a guide rail for guiding the game ball to the game area). Regardless of the rear surface side (for example, a ball passage formed in the mechanism part), the game balls come into contact with each other or the game balls collide with each other, so that the surface of the game balls is charged with high potential static electricity. It was like that. In addition, the static electricity charged in such a game ball is discharged by contact with a conductive member provided in the ball game machine, and the discharge becomes noise for electrical equipment such as a control circuit in the ball game machine. There is a risk of malfunction of electrical equipment. In order to prevent this, conventionally, by providing a grounding portion to various components that come into contact with the game ball, static electricity charged inside the ball game machine is discharged and removed to the outside. In addition, some ball game machines are provided with a processing device for lending a game ball to a player on the side. In this processing device, the plug of the power cord functions as a grounding unit. The static electricity generated in the processing apparatus is discharged to the outside.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, static electricity generated in the gaming machine (mainly, a guide rail in which gaming balls are most easily charged with static electricity) is discharged and removed to the outside through a grounding portion provided in the gaming machine. Static electricity generated in the processing apparatus is configured to be discharged and removed to the outside through a grounding portion (a plug of a power cord) provided in the processing apparatus. However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to individually perform a grounding operation on the gaming machine (guidance rail) and a grounding operation on the processing device, and thus the workability in the grounding is lowered. The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to enable the movement of static electricity generated on the guide rail to the processing apparatus side and to discharge and remove the processing apparatus from the outside. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve workability in grounding of a gaming machine to which a processing device can be connected.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, in the invention of claim 1, a processing device having a predetermined processing function for lending game balls and having a grounding portion that can be electrically grounded is electrically connectable. A game board in which a game area is formed, a front frame that houses the game board, a conductive guide rail that is provided on the front side of the game board and guides a game ball to be launched to the game area;A conductive launch rail for guiding the game ball to be fired to the guide rail;A conductive rail conductive member attached to the front frame and electrically connectable to the guide rail; andThe guide rail includes a back ball prevention member for preventing a back ball from returning to the launch position direction again when the game ball once guided to the game area rebounds,The rail conductive member is configured such that the guide rail is accommodated in the front frame by accommodating the game board., The firing rail, and the back ball preventing memberAnd the rail conductive member is configured to be electrically connected to the grounding portion when the gaming machine and the processing device are electrically connected to each other. And the grounding portion are electrically connected via the rail conductive member. By configuring in this way, it is possible to make electrical connection between the guide rail and the processing device connectable to the gaming machine by a simple operation of accommodating the gaming board in the front frame. For this reason, the guide rail can be grounded by the grounding portion of the processing apparatus, and as a result, workability in grounding the gaming machine can be improved.In addition, since the launch rail can be electrically connected to the guide rail, the discharge of static electricity when the game ball moves from the launch rail to the guide rail can be prevented.
[0005]
  In the invention of claim 2,The guide rail includes an outer rail for guiding a game ball launched from the launch rail to the game area, and an inner rail that forms the game area together with the outer rail, and the game of the back ball prevention member A conductive elastic thin piece is provided at a position where it can come into contact with the sphere, and the inner rail and the outer rail are electrically connected by the elastic thin piece.It is characterized by that. By configuring in this way,The inner rail and the outer rail can be electrically connected via the back ball prevention member, and the moment of inertia for pushing and opening the elastic thin piece is small, so the degree of weakening the momentum of the game ball is reduced. The adverse effect on the game ball can be further suppressed while securing the electrical connection.
[0006]
  In the invention of claim 3,A wiring for connecting to the grounding unit in the processing device is connected to a predetermined board that can be energized provided in the gaming machine together with a wiring of a signal related to the lending of game balls, and the guide rail is connected to the predetermined rail It is relayed by a substrate and electrically connected to the grounding part in the processing apparatus. With this configuration, the workability of the wiring connection is improved with respect to the electrical connection between the guide rail and the grounding portion of the processing apparatus.
[0007]
  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mechanism portion having a conductive ball contact portion which can be brought into contact with a game ball which is provided on the rear surface side of the game board and rolls inside and has a game ball payout mechanism. A conductive ball guiding portion for guiding the game ball paid out by the payout mechanism to a ball storage portion provided on the front surface of the gaming machine, and electrically connecting the ball guiding portion and the rail conductive member In addition, the rail conductive member and the ball contact portion of the mechanism portion are electrically connected via the ball guide portion by electrically connecting the ball guide portion and the ball contact portion of the mechanism portion. It is characterized by that. By configuring in this way, it is possible to electrically connect the guide rail that becomes the ball contact portion on the front side of the game board and the ball contact portion in the mechanism part that becomes the ball contact portion on the back side of the game board. Similar to the rail, the ball contact portion in the mechanism portion can be grounded by the grounding portion of the processing apparatus. However, according to this configuration, since it is not necessary to provide a conductive part for connection separately in order to connect the guide rail and the ball contact part in the mechanism part, the number of parts can be reduced.
[0008]
  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the conductive ball contact portion of the mechanism portion is formed of a conductive resin. By constituting in this way, even if a conductive member is not attached to the mechanism part, the mechanism part itself can be made conductive, and as a result, the weight of the mechanism part can be reduced.
[0009]
  In the invention of claim 6, the conductive resin is made of a resin containing a stainless filler. By constituting in this way, the flow of static electricity into the mechanism part can be gradually performed due to the characteristics of the stainless steel filler constituting the mechanism part, and as a result, a sudden discharge due to a sudden change in potential can be prevented. Can do.
[0010]
  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a conductive connecting member is provided on the game board, and the conductive connecting member is connected to the guide rail and a conductive member that has conductivity and a game ball that flows down the game area collides with the conductive connecting member. It is attached to the game board so as to be electrically connected to the game board. By configuring in this way, the static electricity of the game ball driven into the game area can also be sent to the grounding part of the mechanism part via the conductive connection member and the guide rail.
[0011]
  The invention according to claim 8 further comprises connection monitoring means for monitoring an electrical connection state between the gaming machine and the processing device, and the connection monitoring means electrically connects the gaming machine and the processing device. When the connection is not confirmed, the launch of the game ball in the gaming machine is disabled. With this configuration, when a game ball is launched and a game is played while the processing device is connected to the gaming machine, the static electricity generated on the guide rail is surely discharged to the outside through the processing device. be able to.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.3, the whole structure of the ball game machine 1 as a game machine is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a front view of a ball game machine 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the ball game machine 1.
[0013]
  The ball game machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 that is formed into a vertically long rectangular frame, and is pivotally supported on one side of the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable. Almost all of the main components of the ball game machine 1 are aggregated. The front frame 3 is provided, and a front opening / closing frame (transparent plate holding frame) 4 is provided on the front upper portion of the front frame 3 so as to be freely opened and closed. The main components provided in the front frame 3 include the front opening / closing frame 4, the game board 40, the upper plate 19, the lower plate 27, the ashtray 29, the operation handle 30, the mechanism plate 100, and the ball hitting device 87. . In the illustrated embodiment, a card unit device 31 for lending a game ball to a player is attached to the side of the ball game machine 1.
[0014]
  The front opening / closing frame 4 is provided with a circular see-through window 5 through which a game area 41 of a game board 40 to be described later can be seen substantially, and a glass plate 5 a is mounted from the back of the circular see-through window 5. On the upper side of the front opening / closing frame 4, decorative lamps 6 to 8 and decorative LEDs 13 and 14 are provided along the outer periphery of the circular see-through window 5. The decoration lamps 6 to 8 and the decoration LEDs 13 and 14 are lit or flashed in accordance with the gaming state, and inform the player of the occurrence or continuation of a special gaming state and increase the gaming atmosphere. It is. In addition, a predetermined number of balls are provided on the outer periphery of the circular see-through window 5 based on the occurrence of a ball break lamp 9 for notifying that the number of prize balls is insufficient to be paid out (when a ball break switch 115 described later is activated) or the occurrence of a winning ball. A prize ball lamp 10 for notifying that a prize ball has been paid out (a system for notifying that a prize ball has not been paid out may be used) is provided on the upper left and right sides of the front opening / closing frame 4. Speakers 12a and 12b that generate sound effects according to the progress are provided. Note that a mesh net 11 is attached to the front surfaces of the speakers 12a and 12b so as to pass sound generated from the speakers 12a and 12b. Further, on the outer periphery of the circular see-through window 5, a see-through lens 39 for visually recognizing the stamp attached to the game board 40 is provided. Further, the decoration lamps 6 to 8, the ball break lamp 9, the prize ball lamp 10, and the decoration LEDs 13 and 14 described above are lamp boards 6 a, 7 a, 8 a, and 9 a each formed of a printed wiring board as shown in FIG. 5. , 10a and attached to the front side of the front frame 3.
[0015]
  Next, the structure of the upper plate 19 attached to the lower side of the front opening / closing frame 4 will be described. The upper plate 19 is configured by fixing a plate member in which a plurality of synthetic resin members are combined. A ball removal operation lever 21 is provided above the open side of the upper plate 19. The ball removal operation lever 21 is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction, and moves the game ball stored in the upper plate 19 on the back side by moving it in one direction against the biasing force of a spring (not shown). The ball extraction passage 286 (see FIG. 17) formed in the bottom is made to flow down and guided to the lower plate 27.
[0016]
  The upper plate 19 will be described in more detail. The upper plate 19 temporarily stores the game ball paid out from the prize ball payout port 20 formed on the upstream side thereof, and then supplies the game ball to the launch position. To do. In addition, the upper plate 19 is provided with an operation unit that is operated when borrowing a game ball via a card unit device 31 provided adjacent to the ball game machine 1. The operation unit includes a balance display board 23 (see FIG. 5) on which a ball lending switch 24 and a return switch 25 (see FIG. 17) are mounted. The balance display board 23 faces the upper surface of the upper plate 19. Is provided. A cylinder lock 26 for operating a locking device 84 that locks the front opening / closing frame 4 to the front frame 3 and locks the front frame 3 to the outer frame 2 faces the open side of the upper plate 19. It is out.
[0017]
  The lower plate 27 attached to the lower part of the front frame 3 stores game balls overflowing from the upper plate 19 and storing excess game balls discharged from a connecting rod 15 described later. A ball removal operation lever 28 is slidably attached to the front wall 27. By operating this ball removal operation lever 28, the game balls stored in the lower plate 27 can be removed downward and transferred to a portable ball box. An ashtray 29 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 27, and an operation handle 30 is provided on the right side. The operation handle 30 incorporates a single firing switch and a touch sensor (both not shown) for starting the driving of the stepping motor 88 of the ball striking device 87 shown in FIG. 3 and adjusts the resilience. Note that the driving source of the ball hitting device is not limited to the stepping motor, and may be a synchronous motor, a solenoid, or the like.
[0018]
  The front structure of the ball game machine 1 is generally as described above, but in the illustrated embodiment, the card unit device 31 is adjacent to the ball game machine 1. The card unit device 31 is operated by operating the operation units such as the above-described ball rental switch 24 and the return switch 25 provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 19. Thus, the card unit device 31 displays an availability indicator 32 that indicates whether or not the card unit device 31 is in a usable state, and whether or not the card unit device 31 corresponds to which side of the ball game machine 1. A linking table direction indicator 33 for displaying and a card insertion slot 34 for inserting a magnetic card as a recording medium are provided. The card unit device 31 configured as described above is controlled by a unique control circuit, and is connected to a payout control board 144 (to be described later) via a card unit wiring 35 as shown in FIG. ing. The card unit wiring 35 has one end connected to the connector 144b of the payout control board 144 and the other end connected to the connector 31a of the card unit device 31 (see FIG. 36).
[0019]
  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, a mechanism plate 100 equipped with various mechanisms for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the occurrence of winning balls is provided on the back of the ball game machine 1. A ball hitting device 87 is fixed to the back surface corresponding to the operation handle 30, and a game ball flowing down the surplus ball passage 128 of the mechanism plate 100 is guided to the lower plate 27 on the side of the ball hitting device 87. The connecting rod 15 is fixed. The connecting rod 15 is formed of a conductive resin that will be described in detail later. Among the configurations described above, the hitting ball launching device 87 is provided with a launch control board 90, and the hitting ball launching device 87 is driven and controlled by the launch control board 90. The launch control board 90 is covered with a board box 89.
[0020]
  The overall schematic configuration of the bullet ball gaming machine 1 has been described above, but the detailed configuration of the game board 40 and the mechanism plate 100 among the components constituting the bullet ball gaming machine 1 will be sequentially described below. First, the game board 40 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. The game board 40 is formed of a substantially square plywood so as to be stored and fixed in a game board storage frame 36 (see FIG. 3) integrally formed on the back side of the front frame 3, and a circular shape is formed on the surface thereof. A guide rail 42 is attached in a spiral shape, and the inside of the guide rail 42 is used as a game area 41, and a game ball to be fired rolls on the guide rail 42 and is guided to the game area 41 and then falls. In the illustrated case, the game area 41 is provided with a special variable display device 44, a special variable winning ball device 48, a normal variable winning ball device 58, a normal variable display device 61, and the like. A windmill or a number of obstacle nails that change the flow direction and speed of the game ball are provided, and an out port 69 for receiving a game ball that does not win any of the winning areas is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 41. It has been.
[0021]
  The configuration of the game area 41 will be described in more detail according to the game operation. The normal variable display device 61 provided on the left side slightly below the center of the game area 41 detects the passage of the game ball falling in the game area 41. A sphere detector 62, a normal symbol display 63 that variably displays based on the detection signal of the passing sphere detector 62 and derives a display result, and a passing sphere detector 62 during the variable display of the normal symbol display 63 A normal symbol storage LED 64 (stores and displays up to four) is provided for storing and displaying the number of game balls that have passed. Therefore, when the display result of the normal symbol display 63 is a predetermined winning symbol (when 7 is displayed in the variable display of numbers from 0 to 9), the normal variable winning ball apparatus 58 is predetermined. Opened for hours. The variable time of the normal symbol display 63 is set to be relatively long (for example, 30 seconds) in the normal probability mode and relatively short (for example, 3 to 5 seconds) in the probability variation mode. Yes.
[0022]
  The normal variable winning ball device 58 is disposed between the special variable display device 44 disposed substantially at the center of the gaming area 41 and the special variable winning ball apparatus 48 disposed above the out port 69 of the gaming area 41. This is an electric tulip type variable winning ball apparatus that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 59. The ordinary variable winning ball device 58 has a built-in starting ball detector 60 for detecting a winning ball received during opening or closing. Thus, when the game ball is detected by the starting ball detector 60, the special variable display device 44 starts variable display. The opening time of the normally variable winning ball device 58 is set to be relatively short (for example, 0.5 seconds) in the normal probability mode and relatively long (for example, 2 seconds) in the probability variation mode. ing. Further, even when the normally variable winning ball apparatus 58 is not open, the game ball is received.
[0023]
  The special variable display device 44 is composed of a liquid crystal type variable display that variably displays a plurality of symbols, and is arranged substantially at the center of the game area 41. When the symbol combination at the time of stoppage is a predetermined jackpot symbol combination (for example, when the same symbol is aligned on any of the winning lines), the special variable winning ball device 48 is brought into a specific gaming state. Is driven to open and close in a predetermined manner described below. However, a part of the combination of jackpot symbols is set as a probability variation symbol, and when the probability variation symbol becomes a specific gaming state, the probability of appearance of the winning symbol on the normal symbol display 63 after the end of the particular gaming state Or the special variable display device 44 is set to be in a probability variation mode in which the appearance probability of the big hit symbol is high. The special variable display device 44 includes a decorative board (not indicated) attached to the front side of the game board 40, and a normal winning opening 47 having a winning ball detector 47a is formed on the decorative board. A decoration LED 45 is attached so as to surround the lower portion of the normal winning opening 47 and the variable display, and the number of game balls detected by the starting ball detector 60 during the variable operation of the special variable display device 44 is further displayed at the lower center. A special symbol start memory LED 46 (stores and displays up to four) which is memorized and displayed is attached, and further, a decorative lamp or the like is provided without a reference numeral.
[0024]
  The special variable winning ball device 48 that is driven and controlled when a specific game state is reached has an open / close plate 49 that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 50, and a specific ball detection that detects a game ball received by the open / close plate 49. A device 51 and a winning number detector 52 are provided. Note that the game ball received by the opening / closing plate 49 is detected only once by either the specific ball detector 51 or the winning number detector 52. When the specific gaming state is reached, the opening / closing plate 49 is held until a predetermined time (for example, 28 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are won within the predetermined time. When the specific ball detector 51 detects the game ball accepted during the release cycle (hereinafter, this release is referred to as the release cycle), the right to continue is established, and the release cycle described above is executed again. The open cycle can be repeated up to 16 times on the condition that the continuation right is established in each open cycle. The number-of-times display 53 displays the number of times the opening / closing plate 49 is opened during the interval time between the opening cycles, and displays the winning balls received by the opening / closing plate 49 during the opening cycle. It has become. Further, the special variable winning ball device 48 has an attacker lamp 56 and a continuation right for displaying that the normal winning ports 54a and 54b and the opening / closing plate 49 containing the winning ball detectors 55a and 55b are open. There are provided a decoration lamp for indicating that the game is in progress, and a decoration lamp and a decoration LED 57 for notifying that the game is in a specific gaming state.
[0025]
  In addition to the above-described configuration, the game area 41 includes a decoration lamp 65b, a winning opening 65 containing a winning ball detector 65a, a windmill 66 with a decoration lamp 66a, a side decoration 67 containing a side decoration lamp 67a, and will be described in detail later. A windmill 200 made of conductive resin is provided.
[0026]
  As described above, the game area 41 of the game board 40 is provided with a large number of electrical components such as switches, solenoids, decoration lamps, and decoration LEDs, which are connected to the main board 151 and the decoration control board 80. It has become so. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the switches 47a, 51, 52, 55a, 55b, 60, 62, 65a and the solenoids 50, 59 provided on the game board 40 are connected to the main board 151, and the game board 40 Various lamps 56, 65 b, 66 a, 67 a provided on the board, decoration LEDs 45, 57 provided on the game board 40, special symbol start memory LED 46, and normal symbol start memory LED 64 are connected to the electrical decoration control board 80.
[0027]
  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the back surface of the special variable display device 44 protrudes from the back surface of the game board 40. A display control board 75 is attached to the back surface portion of the special variable display device 44 by being covered with a display control board cover 74. The display control board 75 controls the variable display operation of the special variable display device 44 according to the type of information signal from the main board 151.
[0028]
  Further, a cover body 70 is attached around the back surface of the special variable display device 44 described above, and a winning ball guiding cover body 71 is attached to the lower portion thereof so as to communicate with the cover body 70. A window hole 72 through which the back surface of the special variable display device 44 penetrates is formed in the center of the cover body 70, and an information terminal board 78 is attached to the cover body 70. The information terminal board 78 is in a specific gaming state with game information necessary for business management of the ball game machine 1 (for example, one jackpot information for notifying that a specific gaming state is being performed, a probability variation pattern, and in the specific gaming state. And 2 jackpot information (a signal that continues to be output during the specific gaming state and during the probability variation) to notify that the probability variation due to the jackpot is in progress, and the fact that the probability variation after the end of the specific gaming state by the probability variation symbol Probability variation information to be performed, starting port information for informing the number of game balls with the starting ball detector turned on, symbol determination number 1 information for informing the number of variable operations of the special variable display device 44, and the number of variable operations of the ordinary variable display device. It has an external connection terminal for outputting the symbol confirmation number 2 information to be notified and the number information of the number of times of opening / closing the normal variable winning ball apparatus to a management computer installed in the game hall. Et of information are provided from the main board 151.
[0029]
  In addition, a control board box 79 that houses the electrical decoration control board 80 and the sound effect control board 82 is attached to the rear surface side of the winning ball guiding cover body 71. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical decoration control board 80 is provided in a game area 41 of the game board 40 (not necessarily provided in the game area 41, but may be provided in the game board 40). The decorative lamps and decorative LEDs and the decorative lamps and decorative LEDs provided on the front frame 3 and the front opening / closing frame 4 are collectively controlled in accordance with information signals from the main board 151. The sound effect control board 82 drives and controls the speakers 12a and 12b, and generates sound effects corresponding to the game contents in accordance with information signals from the main board 151. The sound effect control board 82 is provided with a volume switch 83 for switching the volume.
[0030]
  Although the configuration of the game board 40 has been described in detail above, the game board 40 configured as described above is provided in the game board storage frame 36 formed on the back side of the front frame 3 as shown in FIG. The storage is fixed. As is well known, the game board storage frame 36 is formed in a step shape on the back surface of the front frame 3 so as to receive the game board 40 configured in a substantially square shape, and presses and fixes the back surface of the stored game board 40. A game board locking lever 86 is attached to an appropriate location of the game board storage frame 36. Further, in a state where the game board 40 is housed and fixed by the game board locking lever 86, the mechanism plate 100 is covered from the back surface, and the mechanism plate 100 is provided on one side surface of the game board housing frame 36. The upper and lower retaining holes 92a (see FIG. 6) of the reinforcing hinge member 91 fixed on one side of the mechanism plate 100 to the shaft pins 85a (see FIG. 15) protruding from the pair of upper and lower hinge fittings 85 fixed to the base plate. By being locked, it is pivotally supported so that it can be opened and closed.
[0031]
  Next, the structure of the mechanism plate 100 provided on the back surface of the ball game machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6 to 12. In FIG. 3, the mechanism plate 100 includes a storage tank 105 that stores game balls, a ball alignment rail member 108 and a curve rail member 111 that guide the prize balls stored in the storage tank 105 while aligning them downstream. An upper component provided with a ball path 114 for guiding a game ball from the curve rail member 111 and a ball payout device 116 for paying out a winning ball based on a winning combination, mainly driven into the game board 40 The lower plate is provided with a processing mechanism for processing a game ball including a winning ball, and each of these components constitutes an opening window 102 as shown in FIG. It is integrally formed on the main body 101. Further, in order to increase the strength of the mechanism plate 100, a reinforcing hinge member 91 that is attached to the shaft support side of the opening window 102 across the upper component portion and the lower component portion is screwed. The reinforcing hinge member 91 is made of metal and the shaft pin 85a of the hinge metal fitting 85 is engaged with the hooking hole 92a of the mounting piece 92 which is bent at both upper and lower ends thereof, so that the mechanism plate 100 is attached to the front frame. 3 is pivotally supported to be openable and closable.
[0032]
  As shown in FIG. 7, the storage tank 105 is formed in a box shape having an open top surface, and a drop port 152 communicating with the ball alignment rail member 108 is opened on the downstream side of the bottom surface. A ball breaker 153 is formed on one side of the ball so as to prevent clogging. Further, a ball breakage information detection lever 106 (see FIG. 4) is provided on the inclined bottom surface of the upper part of the ball breaker 153 and is pivotally supported so as to be urged upward by a spring (not shown). A ball break information switch 107 (see FIG. 3) is fixed below the break information detection lever 106. This out-of-ball information switch 107 is connected to an information terminal board 132, which will be described later, and outputs a out-of-ball signal to the management computer when there are not enough game balls in the storage tank 105. In addition, a tank contact member 154 having conductivity is attached to the wall surface of the ball breaker 153. The storage tank 105 is formed of a conductive resin as will be described in detail later, and one end of a discharge wiring 155 is fixed to the rear surface wall with a screw 155a. Further, the other end of the discharge wiring 155 is connected to the upper end portion of the reinforcing hinge member 91 by screws 155b as shown in FIG. Thus, the tank contact member 154 is electrically connected to the reinforcing hinge member 91 via the storage tank 105 and the discharge wiring 155. The ground wire 158 is connected to the upper end portion of the reinforcing hinge member 91 by a screw 158a stop. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, two discharge wirings 156 and 157 are connected to the lower end portion of the reinforcing hinge member 91 by screws 156a and 157a, respectively. Among these, the discharge wiring 156 is connected to a lower plate guiding contact member 134 and an upper plate guiding contact member 135 described later by screws 156b (see FIG. 11), and the discharging wiring 157 is a connector of the payout control board 144. 144a (see FIG. 12).
[0033]
  A ball leveling member 109 is swingably suspended from an upper part on the downstream side of the ball alignment rail member 108, and one level of game balls flowing down in a plurality of levels in the vertical direction by the ball leveling member 109. It is supposed to be. A curved rail member 111 is connected to the downstream side of the ball alignment rail member 108. An information terminal board 132 having external connection terminals 133 to which signal lines to the outside are connected is provided on the upper downstream side of the ball alignment rail member 108. The external connection terminal 133 provided on the information terminal board 132 includes a ball break information output terminal, a ball rental information output terminal, and a prize ball for connecting a signal line between the outside (for example, a management computer) and the ball game machine 1. There is an information output terminal, and the information terminal board 132 is further provided with a connector to which the ball break information switch 107, the main board 151, and the payout control board 144 are individually connected. Further, an opening 119 is formed below the external connection terminal 133 for drawing out a power line 118 extending from a power unit board 137, which will be described later, and the ground line 158 to the back side of the mechanism plate 100.
[0034]
  On the downstream side of the curve rail member 111, a spherical passage member is provided vertically. Specifically, a spherical passage member is constituted by two rows of the ball passages 114 on the left and right sides, and in each of the two rows of the ball passages 114, a ball break switch 115 is provided so as to face the passage. As shown in FIG. 5, the ball break switch 115 is connected to the main board 151. When the ball break switch 115 no longer detects a game ball, the ball dispenser 116 stops operating and the game ball is dispensed. It is designed to be deactivated. The ball payout device 116 is housed inside a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case and is detachably attached to the front side of the mechanism plate main body 101.
[0035]
  Next, the lower component part of the mechanism plate 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower component part has a payout control board box 143 that accommodates the payout control board 144 attached to the right side portion when viewed from the back. A power supply unit box 136 that houses the power supply unit substrate 137 is attached to the left side portion when viewed from the back. The power supply unit board 137 generates five types of voltages of DC30V, DC21V, DC12V, DC5V, and AC24V from an external voltage (AC24V) supplied via the power line 118, and supplies a predetermined power to each control board. . As shown in FIG. 10, a prize ball passage 126 is formed on one side upper part of the lower component part of the mechanism plate 100, and an upper part for guiding the game ball to the upper plate 19 is formed at the lower end of the prize ball passage 126. A dish communication port 127 is formed. A partition plate portion 127 a is provided at an intermediate position of the upper plate communication port 127, thereby reducing the momentum of the game balls paid out from the upper plate communication port 127 to the upper plate 19 through the prize ball payout port 20. It is supposed to let you. A communication passage 130 is formed on one side of the upper plate communication port 127, and an excess ball passage 128 is connected downstream of the communication passage 130. A lower plate guiding contact member 134 is provided on the inner wall portion of the communication passage 130 along the shape of the passage, and an upper plate guiding contact member 135 is provided on the back surface of the communication passage 130 so as to cover the communication passage 130. Is attached. At the upper end portion of the upper plate guiding contact member 135, a ball guiding projection 135a for guiding the game ball dispensed from the ball dispensing device 116 to the upper plate communication port 127 is bent, and the ball guiding projection 135a A synthetic resin guide protrusion member 131 is fitted into the rear bent recess. The guide projection member 131 is attached to a lower passage cover body 138 (described later) with screws. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the contact members 134 and 135 are electrically connected to the reinforcing hinge member 91 by electrically connecting one end of the discharge wiring 156 to the mounting piece portions 134b and 135b. Connected. Further, the lower end portion of the lower plate guiding contact member 134 is exposed to the outside from the lower end of the mechanism plate 100 in a state where the lower plate guiding contact member 134 is attached to the mechanism plate 100 (see FIG. 6). 15 is formed as an abutting piece portion 134 a that abuts against 15. Thereby, each contact member 134,135 is electrically connected with the connecting rod 15 which has electroconductivity.
[0036]
  Thus, when a large number of winning balls based on winning a prize are paid out and the upper plate 19 is filled with winning balls and rental balls, and finally reaches the upper plate communication port 127 and further winning balls are continuously paid out, The balls are led to the surplus ball passage 128 through the communication passage 130 and then discharged to the lower plate 27 through the connection rod 15. When the award ball continues to be paid out, the lower plate 27 is also full, but the full tank switch 129 (see FIG. 3) provided on one side wall of the surplus ball passage 128 is turned on, and the ball payout device 116 The driving is stopped to disable the award and rental ball payout operations.
[0037]
  Further, the rear surfaces of the above-described prize ball passage 126, surplus ball passage 128, and communication passage 130 are covered with a lower passage cover body 138 attached to the mechanism plate main body 101. Further, the lower passage cover body 138 has an opening 139 for avoiding interference with the full tank switch 129, a mounting rib 140a for attaching the payout control board box 143, a fastening boss 140b, a locking claw 140c, a mechanism An opening 141 for drawing out wiring from the front side to the back side of the plate main body 101 is formed.
[0038]
  By the way, the mechanism board 100 (mechanism board main body 101) demonstrated above is shape | molded with the electroconductive resin which consists of a styrene resin which uses an ultrafine stainless steel fiber as a filler. Conventionally, while the game ball is being circulated and used in a dry state, static electricity is charged on the mechanism plate, and the static electricity has a negative effect on the control circuit that controls the game operation, causing a malfunction. . On the other hand, in this embodiment, the mechanism plate 100 is formed of a conductive resin, and each contact member as will be described in detail later is provided to prevent the mechanism plate 100 from being charged with static electricity. As a result, malfunction of the control circuit due to static electricity is prevented. Styrenic resin with ultra-fine stainless steel filler as a filler can exhibit a high shielding effect even with environmental changes such as temperature and humidity with a small amount of filler added, yet it can be colored freely. Have. In addition, since such a styrene resin has excellent fluidity and good moldability, it can be injection-molded under the same conditions as a normal ABS resin, and as a result, a molded product having a good appearance can be obtained.
[0039]
  In addition, the conductive resin (styrene resin) for forming the mechanism plate 100 is an opaque resin, and the back surface portion of each ball passage (for example, the prize ball passage 126) formed on the mechanism plate 100 has its A notch not shown is drilled along the ball passage. For this reason, when a game ball flows down through each ball passage formed in the mechanism plate 100, the flow of the game ball can be visually recognized from the outside through the cut portion. In the present embodiment, not only the mechanism plate main body 101 described above, but also predetermined synthetic resin parts (for example, the connecting rod 15, the storage tank 105, the ball alignment rail member 108, the curve rail member 111, The case or the like of the ball dispensing device 116) is formed of a conductive resin. In the embodiment, the conductive resin is a styrene resin, but is not limited thereto. For example, synthetic resin parts such as the mechanism plate 100 may be molded using ABS or PP (polypropylene), which is easy and inexpensive, and PC (polycarbonate) having excellent wear resistance as a conductive resin. Moreover, it may be made to have conductivity by adding carbon instead of the ultrafine stainless steel filler. Moreover, you may form the mechanism board 100 (mechanism part) with the metal which has electroconductivity.
[0040]
  Here, the circuit configuration connected by wiring will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Each ball detector (switch) 47 a, 51, 52, 55 a, 55 b, 62, provided on the game board 40 is provided on the main board 151. Signals from 65a and the starting ball detector 60, the full switch 129 and the ball runout switch 115, and the prize ball count switch 120 for detecting the paid out prize ball are input.
[0041]
  The main board 151 drives and controls solenoids 50 and 59 provided on the game board 40 and outputs game information to the external information terminal 78. The main board 151 is connected to the illumination control board 80, the sound effect control board 82, the display control board 75, and the payout control board 144, and a control signal is sent from the main board 151 to each control board 80, 82, 75, 144. Output in one-way communication. The illumination control board 80 performs display drive control of the various lamps 6 to 10, 56, 65 b, 66 a, 67 a and the various LEDs 45, 57 according to the illumination control signal input from the main board 151, and a sound effect control board 82 drives and controls the speakers 12 a and 12 b in accordance with the sound effect control signal input from the main board 151. Further, the display control board 75 displays the display results of the special variable display device 44 (indicated as a special symbol display in FIG. 5) and the normal symbol display 63 in accordance with the display control signal input from the main board 151. Control to derive. The payout control board 144 drives and controls the ball payout device 116 according to the payout control signal input from the main board 151, and outputs a fire control signal to the fire control board 90. In addition, the payout control board 144 is connected to the card unit device 31 and the balance display board 23 and controls the lending payout. The launch control board 90 controls the launch device 87 according to the launch control signal from the payout control board 144. The external information output board 132 is connected to the main board 151 and the payout control board 144 and outputs game information to the outside.
[0042]
  Next, the configuration of the front frame 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. The front frame 3 is integrally formed of synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 13, a front opening / closing frame corresponding plate portion 3a corresponding to the upper front opening / closing frame 4, a lower tray 27, an ashtray 29, and an operation The lower plate corresponding plate portion 3b corresponding to the handle 30 is configured. The front opening / closing frame corresponding portion 3a and the lower plate corresponding plate portion 3b are formed with a slight step, and an opening 160 is formed in the center of the front opening / closing frame corresponding portion 3a so that the game area 41 of the game board 40 faces. Has been.
[0043]
  Further, lamp substrates 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, and 10a on which the above-described various lamps 6 to 10 are mounted are attached to the front side of the front opening / closing frame corresponding portion 3a and around the opening 160. A hinge housing recess 162 for housing and fixing the connecting hinge 161 is formed on one side of the front opening / closing frame corresponding plate portion 3a. The connecting hinge 161 pivotally supports the front opening / closing frame 4 so as to be freely opened and closed. A lower portion of the front opening / closing frame corresponding plate portion 3a is formed as a plate-like support plate portion 163, and a guide box member 164 and a launch rail 165 are attached to the front surface of the support plate portion 163. Further, on the upper side of one side of the support plate portion 163 (the side on which the guide box member 164 is attached), the upper plate outflow for communicating the prize ball outlet 20 of the upper plate 19 and the upper plate communication port 127 of the mechanism plate 100. An opening 166 is formed.
[0044]
  The guide box member 164 has an overflow ball inlet 167 that accepts a prize ball overflowing from the upper plate outflow opening 166 when the front opening / closing frame 4 is opened, a foul ball port 168, and a game in which the ball is removed from the upper plate 19. A ball outlet 169 for receiving a ball, and the game balls flowing in from the respective inlets 167 to 169 are taken into a discharge port 170 formed in the support plate 163 and fixed to the lower part of the back surface of the front frame 3. It guides to the lower plate 27 through the connecting rod 15.
[0045]
  The launch rail 165 places game balls supplied from the upper plate 19 and supplied one by one from a not-shown ball supply device at a discharge position at the downstream end thereof. The game ball launched by the hitting ball 300 is guided to the guide rail 42 of the game board 40. A hitting ball hole opening 171 on which the hitting ball rod 300 faces is formed on a bottom surface constituting the step portion of the support plate portion 163 and corresponding to the downstream side of the firing rail 165. Further, the foul ball opening 168 is disposed between the upstream end of the launch rail 165 and the downstream end of the guide rail 42 of the game board 40, and the game ball that has run backward on the guide rail 42 without reaching the game area 41. Is guided to the guide box member 164 through the foul ball port 168. Note that a triangular-shaped launch ball guide plate 172 is provided on one side of the upper side of the guide box member 164 so that the game ball rolling on the downstream end of the guide rail 42 of the game board 40 does not collide with the glass plate 5a. I am guiding you.
[0046]
  The front structure of the front opening / closing frame corresponding plate portion 3a of the front frame 3 is substantially as described above. However, in the lower plate corresponding plate portion 3b, a surplus sphere discharge port 173 is opened at the substantially center thereof, An ashtray recess 174 is formed, and a wiring through hole 175 is formed on the open side. The surplus ball discharge port 173 is an opening for paying out surplus prize balls to the lower tray 27, and the ashtray recess 174 is for allowing the ashtray 29 to rotate, Reference numeral 175 denotes an opening through which the wiring of various switches provided inside the operation handle 30 is passed through the back side of the front frame 3.
[0047]
  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14, the lower plate 27 attached to the lower plate corresponding plate part 3b includes a lower plate set plate 270, and a lower plate main body 271 attached to the front side of the lower plate set plate 270, A lower plate cover body 272 that covers the front and left and right sides of the lower plate main body 271. The lower plate setting plate 270 has a prize ball outlet 273 formed at substantially the center thereof, and a prize ball guiding cylinder portion 274 protrudes rearward from the prize ball outlet 273. The prize ball guiding cylinder portion 274 is connected to the connecting rod 15 through the surplus ball discharge port 173 which is opened at substantially the center of the lower plate corresponding plate portion 3b. In addition, a conductive lower plate contact member 275 is attached to the bottom surface of the prize ball guiding cylinder portion 274. The lower plate contact member 275 has a concave cross-sectional shape that covers the entire bottom surface of the winning ball guide tube portion 274, and a mounting hole 275 a formed in one portion on the rear surface side is provided in the lower plate set plate 270. Attached to the formed mounting boss 276 with screws. In the state where the upper plate 27 is assembled to the lower plate corresponding plate portion 3b, the lower plate contact member 275 is in contact with and electrically connected to the connecting rod 15 provided on the back surface of the surplus ball discharge port 173; Become. In addition, a plurality of mounting fitting bosses 277 protrude from the front surface of the lower plate setting plate 270. The attachment fitting boss 277 is attached to the lower plate setting plate 270 and the lower plate cover body 272 by being fastened from the back surface with a screw 279 corresponding to the fitting boss 278 of the lower plate cover body 272.
[0048]
  In addition, the connecting rod 15 provided in electrical connection with the lower plate contact member 275 and the lower plate guide contact member 134 described above constitutes a hinge fitting 85 and a ball hitting device 87, which will be described later. The mounting board 306 and the metal connection piece 210 are electrically connected. As shown in FIG. 15, the hinge fitting 85 has the other end of the discharge wiring 240 fixed at one end with a screw 240a, and the mounting board 306 has a discharge wiring 359 with one end fixed at a screw 354 (see FIGS. 32 and 32). 33) is connected to the lower end of the rear surface of the connecting rod 15 via screws 241. The connection between the connection rod 15 and the metal connection piece 210 will be described later.
[0049]
  In addition to the discharge wiring 240, one end of the discharge wiring 242 is fastened together with the screw 240 a stop portion of the hinge fitting 85 described above. As shown in FIG. 16, this discharge wiring 242 is drawn out to the front side of the front frame 3 through a wiring through opening 243 formed in the side of the upper plate outflow opening 166, and the other end is screwed. It is electrically connected to the front frame side mounting portion 161a of the connecting hinge 161 by a 242a stop. On the other hand, one end of the discharge wiring 245 is fixed to the opening / closing frame side mounting portion 161b of the connecting hinge 161, and the other end of the discharge wiring 245 is attached to the upper plate 19 as shown in FIG. The upper plate contact member 284 is electrically connected to the upper plate contact member 284 by screws 245b. The upper plate 19 is composed of an assembly in which the upper plate main body 280 and the upper plate cover body 281 are assembled with screws. The upper plate main body 280 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin with a storage portion 282 for storing a prize ball and an alignment portion 283 that communicates with the storage portion 282 to align the prize balls in a line and guide them to a firing position. A metal upper plate contact member 284 is attached to the bottom surface of the aligning portion 283, and a ball removal valve 285 interlocking with the ball removal operation lever 21 is provided downstream thereof. Further, on the back side of the upper plate main body 280, a ball for guiding the ball, which has been removed by sliding movement of the ball removal valve 285 accompanying the operation of the ball removal operation lever 21, to the ball removal inlet 169 of the guide box member 164. An extraction passage 286 is formed.
[0050]
  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 13, the ball game machine 1 is placed on the back surface of the front frame 3 and the surface of the game board 40 (the lower right surface other than the game area 41). An identification sticker 16 is attached as a manufacturing number table for identification. Although not shown, the identification seal 16 is also attached to an electric board such as the main board 151. As shown in FIG. 18 (A), the identification seal 16 is a quadrangular seal, and the upper portion is a six-digit number (the number “003940” is illustrated in FIG. 18 (A)). Below that, three alphabets (an alphabet “ABC” is illustrated in FIG. 18A) are printed, and a QR barcode (two-dimensional barcode) is printed on the lower part. This QR bar code (two-dimensional bar code) is identification information for enabling the recycler of the gaming machine to know how many units have been recycled in response to an inquiry from the reading manufacturer. Note that the identification sticker is not limited to the one shown in FIG. 18A (printing a 6-digit number and three alphabets, etc.), but like the identification sticker 16 ′ shown in FIG. 7-digit numbers (examples of “0039400” in FIG. 18B) and four alphabets (example of “ABCD” in FIG. 18B) may be printed, etc. Of course, the medium is not limited to a QR barcode (two-dimensional barcode) but may be a medium for storing other identification information.
[0051]
  The general outline of the above-described two-dimensional barcode will be described. There are two types of two-dimensional barcodes. One is a stack type two-dimensional bar code shaped like a stack of conventional one-dimensional bar codes, and a typical code system is PDF417 or the like. This stack type two-dimensional bar code has the same form as the conventional one-dimensional bar code of start code, data, and stop code. In addition, since the stack type two-dimensional barcode is a shape in which the conventional one-dimensional barcode is superimposed, it can be read by inserting decoding software into a conventional CCD touch scanner or laser scanner.
[0052]
  The other is a matrix type two-dimensional bar code in which black dots are arranged, and a data code, QR code, maxi code, and the like are typical code systems. This matrix type two-dimensional barcode often has cutout marks, and information is arranged by arranging cells in a square in a grid pattern. In order to read a matrix type two-dimensional bar code, a CCD, a video camera, or the like is often used, so that the bar code can be read in a 360 degree direction. Each of the stack type two-dimensional bar code and the matrix type two-dimensional bar code has characteristics, and it is necessary to determine which code system to use depending on the application.
[0053]
  Table 1 below shows the maximum number of printed characters in each code system of the two-dimensional barcode.
[0054]
[Table 1]

[0055]
  There are two types of two-dimensional barcode readers for reading a two-dimensional barcode. One is a type in which a laser beam is applied. This is a barcode reader used exclusively for PDF417, and can read the maximum number of digits because it is read sequentially from the top. However, the matrix code (data matrix, QR code, etc.) cannot be read. Also, the reading speed is very slow, and it cannot be read instantaneously at the moment when it hits the barcode. The other is a CCD system. Since the CCD system is an image recognition system, all bar code systems can be read. However, since the CCD has a readable area, a barcode larger than the readable area cannot be read. In general, the area CCD sensor used in the barcode reader has about 300,000 to 500,000 pixels, and a large field of view for reading a high-resolution barcode with this CCD cannot be secured. Therefore, barcodes with a high density and a large amount of information, very long barcodes, and very large barcodes cannot be read. Even if the maximum number of digits enters the CCD area, it takes a very long time to decode, and if it hits the barcode, it will not be read instantaneously, but it will not be read unless it waits for one second or longer after hitting the barcode. Such a phenomenon comes out and is not practical. The maximum number of characters is the maximum number of characters that can be theoretically created by the barcode standard, and is not the number of characters that can actually be used. That is, when determining the barcode system to be used, even if a barcode system that can be read at maximum with reference to Table 1 is adopted, there are cases where it cannot be actually used.
[0056]
  In addition, examples of using the two-dimensional barcode other than the embodiment will be shown below. PDF417 is often used for documents, tags, automobile licenses, passports, and the like. Data matrices are very often used in products, semiconductors, drugs, parts, jewelry tags, and the like. This is because the bar code can be made very small. Unlike PDF417, the data matrix is very frequently used for printing on products and products, and laser marking. QR code is a code system made in Japan, and since it is slow to be standardized compared to PDF417 and data matrix, it is very rarely used worldwide. Only in Japan is the number of cases being used.
[0057]
  Finally, if the characteristics of various two-dimensional barcodes are summarized, PDF417 is resistant to dirt and often used in documents. Since the data matrix can be printed the smallest, it is often printed on a small product or product. Since the QR code can be read at high speed, it is advantageous to use it on a belt conveyor or the like.
[0058]
  Next, the game board 40 and various conductive members provided on the surface of the game board 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 19 to 29. First, as shown in FIG. 19, a decorative decorative board 40a on which an illustration or the like is drawn is laid on the surface of the game board 40, and sandwiched between the kraft papers 40b and 40d on the lower layer side. Carbon paper 40c (conductive connection member) having conductivity in the state is provided on the entire surface. In addition, although the decorative board 40a is comprised from the melamine resin board which printed the design for decoration, the material is not specifically limited. On the surface of the decorative plate 40a, a guide rail 42 including an outer rail 42a and an inner rail 42b is attached in a circular spiral shape. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the inside of the guide rail 42 is formed as a game area 41, and the game balls launched from the launch rail 165 are moved along the inside of the outer rail 42a along the outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b. It is guided to the game area 41 partitioned by. A back ball prevention member 37 is provided at the upper left end portion of the inner rail 42b to prevent a back ball that has once entered the game area 41 from bouncing back and returning to the launch position direction. A decorative member 38 for decoratively covering the connecting portion is provided at a connecting portion between the portion and the right end portion of the outer rail 42a. A ball receiving rubber or the like is provided in the decorative member 38.
[0059]
  By the way, the attachment method of the carbon paper 40c as the conductive connection member described above is performed by adhesion in the same manner as the attachment method of the decorative board 40a to the surface of the game board 40. And the outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b are planted on the game board 40 surface by each attachment pin 43a, 43b. Thereby, the outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b are electrically connected to each other via the carbon paper 40c. That is, the electrical connection between the outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b can be performed simply by attaching the outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b to the game board 40. In addition, according to such a configuration, each guide nail planted on the surface of the game board 40 is also electrically connected to the outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b via the carbon paper 40c. For this reason, the guide nail can be set to the same potential as that of the guide rail 42 (outer rail 42a, inner rail 42b) to the firing rail 165.
[0060]
  In the embodiment, the carbon paper 40c is used as the conductive connection member. However, the shape and material of the conductive connection member are not particularly limited, and backer paper may be used as the conductive connection member. Backer paper is made by impregnating a base material made of paper such as kraft paper with phenol resin, etc., non-metal such as carbon, nickel, cobalt, tin, silver, copper, aluminum, etc., or alloy such as brass It is a paper containing the granular material as a conductive substance. In addition, a conductive sheet member such as a plated synthetic resin film sheet or a metal mesh fabric sheet (cloth) may be used as the conductive connection member of the present invention. An agent or the like may be used as the conductive connection member. Further, in the embodiment, the conductive connecting member is provided separately from the decorative plate, but by applying conductive processing to the decorative plate (mainly using a synthetic resin such as celluloid) to have conductivity, The decorative plate may have a function of a conductive connecting member. In this case, carbon paper or the like may be used for the mount as long as the mount is made by impregnating the mount with melamine resin or the like.
[0061]
  Next, the outer rail 42a, the inner rail 42b, and the firing rail 165 will be described with reference to FIG. 13 and FIGS. The outer rail 42a, the inner rail 42b, and the firing rail 165 are each made of a conductive member, and between the outer rail 42a and the firing rail 165, there is a conductivity for connecting the rails 42a and 165 to each other. The metal connection piece 210 is provided, and between the outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b, there is provided a metal connection piece 220 having conductivity to connect the rails 42a and 42b to each other. In the embodiment, the outer rail 42a, the inner rail 42b, the firing rail 165, and the metal connection pieces 210 and 220 are formed of stainless steel, so that each constituent member is a conductive member. However, the material is not limited to stainless steel, and any conductive material may be used.
[0062]
  As shown in FIG. 13, the outer rail 42a is substantially C-shaped, and its lower end portion extends to the position where the projecting ball guide plate 172 is disposed, and is bent into a reverse letter shape to contact the surface portion. 230 is formed. As shown in FIG. 20A, the contact surface portion 230 is arranged at the boundary portion between the game board 40 and the support plate portion 163 of the front frame 3 and is formed on the upper end portion formed at the upper end portion of the metal connection piece 210. It abuts on the contact surface portion 211. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the metal connecting piece 210 has a connecting piece portion 212 formed at the upper right end portion thereof and an abutting piece portion 214 formed at the lower left end portion thereof. The connection piece 212 is electrically connected to the outer rail 42 a and the launch rail 165 via the metal connection piece 210 by being fastened to the left end portion of the launch rail 165 with a screw 213. The contact piece 214 enters the discharge port 170 formed in the support plate portion 163 of the front frame 3 and contacts the connection rod 15 attached to the back side of the discharge port 170, thereby connecting The cage 15 and the metal connection piece 210 are electrically connected. In the embodiment, the rail conductive member (metal connection piece 210) is screwed to the firing rail. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any structure may be used as long as the rail conductive member is electrically connected to the firing rail. .
[0063]
  Here, the procedure for connecting the outer rail 42a and the firing rail 165 via the metal connecting piece 210 will be described. First, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the firing plate is placed on the support plate portion 163 of the front frame 3. 165 is fixed to the screw 215 (in FIG. 22, the game board 40 is drawn, but in this state, the game board 40 is not yet attached to the front frame 3). Next, as shown in FIG. 23, the connection piece 212 is fixed to the firing rail 165 with a screw 213, so that the metal connection piece 210 is attached to the support plate 163 while being electrically connected to the firing rail 165. . At this time, the metal connection piece 210 is in a state where the contact piece portion 214 enters the discharge port 170 and is connected to the connection rod 15. And by attaching the game board 40 from the back side to the front frame 3 to which the metal connection piece 210 is attached in this way, the contact surface portion 230 of the outer rail 42a and the upper contact of the metal connection piece 210 The surface portion 211 naturally comes into contact with and is electrically connected. Note that the upper contact surface portion 211 of the metal connection piece 210 is bent to have a slightly inclined shape, whereby the contact surface portion 230 of the outer rail 42a and the upper contact surface portion 211 of the metal connection piece 210 Is more reliably performed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 24, the guide box member 164 is screwed to the support plate portion 163 in such a state that the contact portion between the contact surface portion 230 and the upper contact surface portion 211 is covered with the firing ball guide plate 172. Can be attached.
[0064]
  On the other hand, as described above, the right end portion of the outer rail 42a is covered with the decorative member 38 at the connecting portion with the upper right end portion of the inner rail 42b. As shown in FIG. 4, a metal connection piece 220 for connecting the rails 42a and 42b to each other is provided. The metal connecting piece 220 is formed by bending a metal piece into a U-shaped cross section, and the left and right bent portions serve as contact surface portions 221 and 222 with the rails 42a and 42b. Then, the metal connection piece 220 is interposed at the portion where the rails 42a and 42b face each other, so that the outer rail 42a and the contact surface portion 221 are in contact with each other, while the inner rail 42b and the contact surface portion 222 are in contact with each other. Thus, the outer rail 42 a and the inner rail 42 b are electrically connected through the metal connection piece 220. The outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b are each erected vertically on the surface of the game board 40. On the other hand, the contact surface portions 221 and 222 of the metal connecting piece 220 are bent and formed in a letter C shape slightly inclined outward. For this reason, by interposing the metal connection piece 220 between the rails 42a and 42b, the contact surface portions 221 and 222 bent in a U-shape are surely brought into contact with the rails 42a and 42b. Yes. Further, in such a connection state between the outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b, the decorative member 38 is connected to the rails 42a and 42b and the metal connection in the housing recess 33a formed on the rear surface side (the game board 40 surface side). The piece 220 is accommodated and fixed in the fitted state. Thereby, the connection part between each rail 42a, 42b via the metal connection piece 220 can be firmly fixed, and the connection part can be protected from the outside.
[0065]
  Thus, the outer rail 42a, the inner rail 42b, and the firing rail 165 described above are connected to each other via the metal connection pieces 210 and 220 and are electrically connected, in other words, are in the same potential state. The back ball preventing member 37 attached to the upper left end portion of the inner rail 42b is provided with an elastic thin piece 253 (metal in the embodiment) having conductivity, which will be described later, and its tip portion is in contact with the outer rail 42a. It is like that. Thereby, electrical conduction between the outer rail 42a and the elastic thin piece 253 is performed. As will be described later, the elastic thin piece 253 is also electrically connected to the inner rail 42b.
[0066]
  Therefore, a detailed configuration of the back ball prevention member 37 will be described with reference to FIGS. The structure of the game area 41 is generally the above-described structure, but the back ball prevention member 37 is positioned and fixed on the inner side of the upper left end portion of the inner rail 42b on the game board 40 as shown in FIG. A positioning hole 250 and a fastening hole 251 are formed. Two positioning holes 250 are formed on both sides of the fixing hole 251. The back ball prevention member 37 attached to the positioning hole 250 and the fixing hole 251 is attached to the attachment holder 252 attached to the game board 40 and the attachment holder 252 as shown in FIGS. The elastic thin piece 253 is made of metal.
[0067]
  The mounting holder 252 has a boat-like shape with a pointed tip having substantially the same thickness as the width of the inner rail 42b (height dimension from the game board 40), and a screw hole 254 penetrating vertically in the center thereof. In addition, positioning bosses 255 project downward from both ends of the bottom surface. Thus, by engaging the positioning boss 255 with the positioning hole 250, the accuracy of mounting the back ball preventing member 37 to the game board 40 is uniquely ensured, and the ease of mounting is also secured. Is done. However, in this embodiment, as will be described below, the accuracy and ease of the operation are further increased by the engagement between the rail engagement groove 257 formed in the rail engagement portion 256 and the upper edge of the inner rail 42b. Will be increased. The screw hole 254 corresponds to the fixing hole 251, and the back ball preventing member 37 is fixed to the game board 40 by screwing the screw 258 with an automatic machine or a robot.
[0068]
  One side of the mounting holder 252 is a gently curved surface 259 (hereinafter, this curved surface is referred to as a rail contact curved surface 259) that matches the curvature of the inner rail 42b, while the other is the tip (upper end). It is configured as a curved surface 260 (hereinafter, this curved surface is referred to as a thin piece contact curved surface 260) having a curvature that increases toward the surface. The rail contact curved surface 259 is formed over substantially the entire length of the mounting holder 252, while the thin piece contact curved surface 260 is terminated by a notch 261 formed from the rear end (lower end) portion. ing.
[0069]
  By the way, a rail engagement portion 256 having a rail engagement groove 257 formed along the upper surface edge of the rail contact curved surface 259 is formed projecting sideways, and the back ball prevention member 37 is fixed to the game board 40. When wearing, the rail engaging groove 257 can be fitted into the upper edge of the inner rail 42b. This further increases the accuracy and ease of attachment of the back ball prevention member 37 to the game board 40. Further, a notch recess 262 is formed at the center of the bottom surface of the rail contact curved surface 259. The notch recess 262 is for fixing the inner rail 42b to the game board 40 and accommodating the head of the rail stop pin 263 protruding left and right at the base of the inner rail 42b. 252 can be attached in close contact with the inner rail 42b.
[0070]
  On the other hand, the cutout portion 261 is formed at the rear end portion on the thin piece contact curved surface 260 side as described above, and the thin piece mounting space 264 is formed at the rear end portion of the mounting holder 252 so as to be continuous with the cutout portion 261. ing. As shown in the reverse drawing of FIG. 25B, the thin piece mounting space 264 is formed in a substantially U shape, and has a shape in which a later-described winding portion 265 of the elastic thin piece 253 is closely attached. ing. In addition, a boss 266 projects from the center of the thin piece mounting space 264 to prevent the attached elastic thin piece 253 from coming off. The thin piece abutting curved surface 260 may be formed with a regulation protrusion (not shown) having a taper surface formed inwardly at the same distance as the elastic thin piece 253 at the same distance. By forming this restricting protrusion, it is possible to prevent the attached elastic thin piece 253 from shifting in the vertical direction, and even if the elastic thin piece 253 vibrates greatly, it returns to a predetermined position by the tapered surface. Yes.
[0071]
  The elastic thin piece 253 mounted on the mounting holder 252 having the above-described configuration is formed in a substantially rectangular shape by a thin steel plate (thickness: about 0.5 mm) or a conductive synthetic resin thin plate. A base portion is a winding portion 265 bent in a U shape along the internal shape of the thin piece mounting space 264. Accordingly, by inserting the winding portion 265 into the thin piece mounting space 264 from the back surface of the mounting holder 252 and simultaneously moving the front portion out of the notch portion 261 and along the thin piece contact surface 260, the elastic thin piece 253 is formed. It can be attached to the mounting holder 252. In this way, when the mounting holder 252 with the elastic thin piece 253 attached is attached to the upper end portion of the inner rail 42b by the above-described fastening method, the tip of the elastic thin piece 253 is positioned at the outer rail as shown in FIG. 42a (the tip of the elastic thin piece 253 comes into contact with the outer rail 42a) and the entrance 41a of the game area 41 is closed.
[0072]
  In addition, a trapezoidal guide hole (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface side of the portion of the elastic thin piece 253 protruding from the mounting holder 252 so as to taper in the direction in which the game ball travels. This guide hole is a game ball that flies between the outer rail 42a and the inner rail 42b, and the ball that flies slightly up from the surface of the game board 40 and captures the ball to face the game board 40 side. In this state, it has a function of releasing into the game area 41, and also has a function of weakening the elastic force of the elastic thin piece 253 itself to suppress an adverse effect on the momentum of the game ball. The guide hole may be formed over almost the entire length of the elastic thin piece 253.
[0073]
  Further, the elastic piece 253 has a connecting piece 267 extending substantially in the middle of the contact portion with the thin piece contact surface 260. The connecting piece portion 267 is provided to be branched from the main body portion of the elastic thin piece 253, and its base portion is bent in an L shape so that the connecting piece portion 267 extends to the rail engaging groove 257 of the mounting holder 252. It is bent upward so as to enter the engagement groove 257. Thus, when the back ball preventing member 37 is fixed to the game board 40, the rail engaging groove 257 is fitted into the inner rail 42b, so that the tip end portion of the connection piece 267 disposed in the rail engaging groove 257 is provided. Is electrically connected to the inner rail 42b.
[0074]
  In the back ball preventing member 37 configured as described above, first, the game board of the back ball preventing member 37 is engaged by engaging the positioning boss 255 formed on the mounting holder 252 with the positioning hole 250 of the game board 40. The accuracy and ease of attachment to 40 is ensured, and the attachment production method by an automatic machine or robot becomes possible by the positioning. In particular, in this embodiment, not only the positioning by the positioning boss 255 but also the positioning by the rail stop pin 263 and the notch recess 262, and the rail engaging groove 257 of the upper edge of the outer rail 42a and the rail engaging portion 256. By the positioning by engaging with the above, it is possible to improve the accuracy and ease of mounting described above.
[0075]
  Moreover, in the back ball prevention member 37, since the elastic thin piece 253 is formed of an extremely thin elastic plate, it is possible to greatly suppress the adverse effect of the game ball on the game area 41. In particular, since the elastic thin piece 253 in this embodiment is supported at the base by the lower end of the mounting holder 252, the length that the elastic thin piece 253 itself can move becomes longer as shown by the broken line in FIG. For this reason, since the moment of inertia for pushing open the elastic thin piece 253 is small, the degree of weakening the momentum of the game ball is reduced, and the above-mentioned adverse effects on the game ball can be further suppressed. Yes.
[0076]
  Next, the obstacle nail 190 and the windmill 200 that are planted in the game board 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 26, the surface of the game board 40 (game area 41) formed by sequentially laminating a decorative board 40a, craft paper 40b, carbon paper 40c, and craft paper 40d is electrically conductive in addition to the guide rail 42 described above. The obstruction nail 190 and the windmill 200 having the property are planted. As shown in FIG. 27, the windmill 200 includes a base body 201 formed of a conductive resin containing carbon, and the base body 201 is freely rotatable to a game area 41 by a metal (conductive) conductive shaft 202. It is provided to be pivotally supported. The conductive shaft 202 has a nail shape in which a pointed portion 202a is formed at one end and a head portion 202b is formed at the other end. As shown in FIGS. 28 (A) to 28 (C) and FIG. 29, the base 201 of the windmill 200 includes a disk portion 203 in which a center hole 203a is formed, and a cylindrical hole communicating with the center hole 203a of the disk portion 203. A cylindrical portion 204 provided on the back surface side of the disk portion 203 with 204a, and a plurality of (in this embodiment) formed integrally with the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 204 and the back wall of the disk portion 203. 3) ball receiving piece portions 205. Then, the conductive shaft 202 is inserted into the center hole 203a of the disk portion 203 and the cylindrical hole 204a of the cylindrical portion 204, and in this state, the conductive shaft 202 is planted in the game area 41 (on the decorative board 40a surface of the game board 40 surface). By standing, the base 201 is attached to be rotatable about the conductive shaft 202. Thus, the base 201 of the windmill 200 is rotated by receiving the impact force when the game ball falling in the game area 41 collides with the ball receiving piece portion 205 so that the flow direction and speed of the game ball change. It has become.
[0077]
  By the way, the above-described base body 201 is formed of a conductive resin as described above. For this reason, even when the game ball collides with the windmill 200 (the charged game ball comes into contact with the base body 201) or the like, static electricity accumulates on the base body 201 of the windmill 200. can do. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a large amount of electric charge (static electricity) from instantaneously moving from the charged windmill 200, and as a result, it is possible to prevent a great amount of noise from being generated due to the electrostatic discharge from the windmill 200. In the embodiment, the conductive resin for forming the base 201 is a carbon-containing conductive resin. For this reason, the discharge of static electricity accumulated on the substrate 201 can be made more gradual, and as a result, the generation of a great amount of noise can be further prevented. The conductive resin has a conductivity of 20 from the viewpoint of preventing the generation of a great amount of noise.^Five~ 20⁷It is desirable to use one with Ω / cm, among which conductivity 20⁶Most preferably, Ω / cm is used. However, it is not particularly limited to this configuration. Further, the conductive resin is not limited to the one containing carbon, and may be a conductive resin containing a metal component such as stainless steel.
[0078]
  In the configuration in which the windmill 200 (base 201, conductive shaft 202) and obstacle nail 190 are attached to the surface of the game board 40, the carbon paper 40c is interposed between the game board 40 and the decorative board 40a as described above. Has been. For this reason, the windmill 200 and the obstacle nail 190 are each electrically connected to the guide rail 42 via the carbon paper 40c. In addition, device casings such as the special variable display device 44 and the normal variable winning ball device 58 provided in the game area 41 are also formed of conductive resin in the same manner as the base 201 of the windmill 200. For this reason, these apparatus housings are also electrically connected to the guide rail 42 via the carbon paper 40c.
[0079]
  Next, the hit ball launching device 87 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 30 to FIG. 34, the hitting ball launching device 87 hits and hits a game ball, a stepping motor 88 as a driving source of the hitting ball 300, and a ball for every shot of the game ball. An elevating rod 302 for operating a supply device (not shown) to sequentially send game balls to the ball hitting device 87, a shot strength adjusting unit 303 for adjusting the game ball force of the game balls by the ball hitting rod 300, and the shot strength adjustment An operation transmission unit 304 that transmits the rotational operation force of the operation handle 30 to the unit 303, and a launch control unit 305 that controls the driving of the stepping motor 88 (a launch control board 90 and a board box 89 that accommodates the launch control board 90). ) Are attached to the attachment substrate 306. On the peripheral edge of the mounting substrate 306, four screw holes 307 for attaching the ball striking device 87 to the back side of the front frame 3 with screws 354 are formed. The mounting substrate 306 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes for mounting various constituent members, and a cylindrical projection (not shown) for mounting various members constituting the firing strength adjusting portion 303 is formed. . The inside of the cylindrical protrusion is formed as a communication hole that communicates one side of the mounting substrate 306 with both sides of the other side, and a drive shaft 309 that passes through the communication hole is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown). .
[0080]
  The hitting ball 300 has an arm shape, and at one end thereof, a shaft hole 300a is formed, and an engaging portion 310 that engages with a rod roller 322 of an elevating rod 302 described later is formed. At the other end, a hook portion for hitting a game ball is formed by a spring 311. The hitting ball 300 is fixed by a nut 308 through a washer 351 with one end of the drive shaft 309 inserted into the shaft hole 300a, so that the hit ball 300 can be rotated about the drive shaft 309 as a rotation center. It is attached to the attachment substrate 306. Further, in such attachment of the hitting ball 300, the hit arm 312 having a rotatable arm roller 312a attached to the tip portion is fixed to the drive shaft 309 together with the hitting ball 300, and the hit arm 312 is integrated with the hitting ball 300. Therefore, the drive shaft 309 is rotated about the rotation center. Note that rotation of the hitting ball 300 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 34 is regulated by the hook rubber 313. The support rubber 313 is fixed to the mounting substrate 306 with a bolt 315, a washer 352, and a nut 353 via a rubber holder 314.
[0081]
  The stepping motor 88 is attached to the mounting board 306 in a state where the mounting piece 316 is not electrically connected to the mounting board 306 by fixing the screws 317a and 317b to the mounting board 306 via the non-conductive connecting member 301. It is attached. The connecting member 301 may be any member as long as it is made of an insulating material (rubber, resin, etc.) and has non-conductivity. The screw 317 a is for screwing the attachment piece 316 to one end side of the connecting member 301, and the screw 317 b is for screwing the attachment substrate 306 to the other end side of the connecting member 301. The screws 317a and 317b are individually screwed to both end sides of the connecting member 301 so that the respective tip portions do not come into contact with each other in the connecting member 301. Note that the stepping motor 88 is configured by covering a motor main body (not shown) with a cover body 88b having conductivity as a whole. In such attachment, the output shaft 88 a of the stepping motor 88 is attached in a state of penetrating the attachment substrate 306. A driving cam 318 for transmitting the driving force of the stepping motor 88 to the hitting ball 300 via the hit arm 312 (arm roller 312a) is integrally attached to the output shaft 88a.
[0082]
  The elevating rod 302 is attached to a rod-shaped rod shaft 319, a rod pin 321 and a rod spring (not shown) fixed to the upper end portion of the rod shaft 319, and a lower end portion of the rod shaft 319. The rod shaft 319 is inserted into a cylindrical rod case 324 formed of a rod roller 322 and fixed to the mounting substrate 306 with a screw 323, so that the rod shaft 319 is slidable in the vertical direction. However, the rod spring is restricted from moving upward in the rod case 324 and always urges the rod shaft 319 downward. When the hitting rod 300 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 34, the lifting rod 302 (rod shaft 319) moves upward by the rod roller 322 being pushed up by the engaging portion 310 against the urging force of the rod spring. The rod pin 321 protrudes and the ball supply device is operated to feed the game ball from the upper plate 19 onto the firing rail 165. It should be noted that the state in which the lifting rod 302 is raised to the top is the waiting state for game balls to be driven by the hitting ball 300. That is, when the elevating rod 302 is once raised and then lowered, the game ball is supplied onto the firing rail 165 and the striking ball 300 is rotated in the firing direction from the state rotated in the opposite direction to the firing direction. Thus, the game ball on the launch rail 165 is launched and driven into the game area of the game board 40 along the guide rail 42.
[0083]
  The launch strength adjusting unit 303 includes a rotation operation unit 325 having a gear portion 325a formed on a part of the outer periphery, a coil-like strength adjusting spring 326 that adjusts the launch strength of the game ball according to the amount of twist, a holding cap 327, and a ratchet cover. 328, a ratchet arm (not shown), and the like. The end of the gear portion 325a of the rotation operation portion 325 is brought into contact with a restriction projection 330 that protrudes from the mounting substrate 306, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotation operation portion 325 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. It has come to be. In addition, the holding cap 327 and the ratchet cover 328 are assembled together by screws 331.
[0084]
  The operation transmitting unit 304 includes a main driving roller 332 having a coupling recess 332a formed on one side and a gear unit 332b formed on the outer periphery, a driven roller 333 having a gear unit 333a formed on the outer periphery, and gears of the rollers 332 and 333. A gear belt 334 wound between the portions 332b and 333a, a connection gear 335 attached integrally to the rotation shaft of the driven roller 333, and the like. The main driving roller 332 and the driven roller 333 are attached in a state where the gear portions 332b and 333a are arranged on one side surface of the mounting substrate 306 to which the hitting ball 300 is attached (the state shown in FIG. 34). A rotating shaft (not shown) of the operation handle 30 is coupled to the coupling recess 332a of the main driving roller 332 in an inserted state. A gear portion 325a of the rotation operation unit 325 is engaged with a connection gear 335 that rotates integrally with the driven roller 333. Accordingly, when the operation handle 30 is rotated, the rotation is transmitted to the rotation operation unit 325 via the main driving roller 332, the gear belt 334, the driven roller 333, and the interlocking gear 335, and the rotation operation unit 325 is transmitted. Can be rotationally displaced. Then, the rotation operation unit 325 that is rotated and displaced in this way adjusts the amount of twist of the strength adjustment spring 326 by the rotation. The main driving roller 332 is rotatably attached to the mounting board 306 with a screw 356 via a bush 355 and a washer 357, and the driven roller 333 is rotatably attached to the mounting board 306 with a screw 358 together with the interlocking gear 335. It is done.
[0085]
  The launch control unit 305 includes the launch control board 90 on which various electronic components (which may or may not have a CPU) and a plurality of connectors 90a to 90d are mounted, and a board that houses the launch control board 90. The box 89 is configured. A wiring 337a from a launch control power supply relay board (not shown) is connected to the connector 90b of the launch control board 90, a wiring 337b from the stepping motor 88 is connected to the connector 90d, and a launch control signal (not shown) is connected to the connector 90a. A wiring 337c from the relay board is connected, and a wiring 337d from the operation handle 30 is connected to the connector 90c (see FIG. 32).
[0086]
  As shown in FIG. 30, the board box 89 that accommodates the above-described launch control board 90 includes a box main body 341 that is fixed to the mounting board 306 with screws 338 and a box main body 341 that is attached to the box main body 341. And a cover body 342 for sandwiching the firing control board 90. The box main body 341 and the cover body 342 are each formed of a transparent synthetic resin so that the firing control board 90 to be accommodated can be visually recognized from the outside. Leg portions 343a to 343d are erected on the upper left and right sides of the box main body 341 and on the lower left and right sides of the box main body 341. The box main body 341 is screwed to the mounting board 306 at the tip portions of the leg portions 343a to 343d. 338 mounting holes 344a to 344d are formed. On the mounting substrate 306 side, mounting holes 306a to 306d are formed at positions corresponding to these mounting holes 344a to 344d (see FIG. 33). The leg portions 343a to 343d each have a cylindrical shape, and by inserting a screw 338 into the cylinder, the screw 338 is fixed to the mounting substrate 306 from the box main body 341 side. For this reason, even when the mounting surface portion is constituted by the mounting board 306 of the ball hitting device 87 as in this embodiment, the board box 89 can be removed without removing the mounting board 306 from the ball game machine 1. Can do.
[0087]
  The box main body 341 (substrate box 89) is attached and fixed to one side surface of the attachment substrate 306 to which the stepping motor 88 and the firing intensity adjusting unit 303 are attached via legs 343a to 343d. For this reason, the firing control board 90 accommodated in the board box 89 is in a state (floating state) at a predetermined interval (height of the leg portions 343a to 343d) from the board surface (mounting surface) of the mounting board 306. Will be attached. Therefore, the fluidity of the air around the stepping motor 88 can be improved, the heat generation of the stepping motor 88 can be reduced, and the firing control board 90 can be made less susceptible to the adverse effects of noise and heat from the stepping motor 88. Further, according to such an attachment structure, it is not necessary to provide an attachment space of the size of the launch control board 90 on the attachment board 306 as it is, so that space saving can be brought about in the layout design of the launch control board 90. . Note that the mounting surface portion to which the board box 89 is attached is not limited to the mounting board of the hitting ball launching apparatus, but may be a back surface portion of a ball game machine that is not related to the hitting ball launching apparatus. However, as in the embodiment, the configuration in which the substrate box 89 is attached to the ball hitting device 87 (attachment substrate 306) can further reduce the space.
[0088]
  In addition, a stepping motor 88 and a launcher are mounted on the upper side portions of the leg portions 343a and 343b that are erected on the left and right sides of the box main body 341 with the box main body 341 (substrate box 89) attached to the mounting substrate 306, respectively. Covering pieces 345a and 345b that cover a part of the strength adjusting portion 303 are formed. A plurality of positioning pieces 346 are formed on the inner wall surface of the box main body 341, and when the firing control board 90 is sandwiched between the positioning pieces 346 and the cover body 342, the launch control board 90 is formed at the tip portion thereof. The firing control board 90 is positioned in the board box 89 by contacting the board surface.
[0089]
  On the outer peripheral wall portion of the box main body 341, notches 347a to 347d formed at positions and sizes corresponding to the connectors 90a to 90d of the firing control board 90, and a locking groove 348 for attaching the cover body 342, The notches 347a to 347d serve as connection openings for the connectors 90a to 90d when the box main body 341 and the cover body 342 are assembled. On the upper surface of the upper wall of the box main body 341, wiring pressing claws 349a to 349d for collecting the wirings 337c are individually formed at predetermined intervals (see FIG. 32). The tip portions of the wiring presser claws 349a and 349c are formed toward the rear side, while the front end portions of the wiring presser claws 349b and 349d are formed toward the front side. That is, the pressing of the wiring 337c by the wiring pressing claws 349a to 349d is alternately switched in the front-rear direction. For this reason, the convergence of the wiring can be strengthened as compared with the configuration in which the wiring is pressed only in one direction even though a plurality of wiring pressing claws are provided, which leads to the protection of the wiring and the prevention of the connector from coming off. be able to.
[0090]
  On the other hand, the cover body 342 is formed with an engaging projection 350 for detachably attaching the cover body 342 to the box body 341 by engaging with the locking groove 348 of the box body 341. Further, the cover body 342 is formed to have substantially the same size as the outer shape of the launch control board 90 and is adapted to fit the launch control board 90 therein. That is, when the firing control board 90 is accommodated in the board box 89, first, the firing control board 90 is fitted into the cover body 342, and the cover body 342 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 350 and the locking groove 348. By attaching to the box main body 341, the launch control board 90 is accommodated in the board box 89. It should be noted that by providing such engaging portions of the engaging protrusions 350 and the locking grooves 348, the assembling work when the cover member 342 is assembled as the substrate box 89 is facilitated. Further, since the firing control board 90 is accommodated in the board box 89 by sandwiching the cover body 342 and the box main body 341, there is no need to screw the firing control board 90, and the launch control board for the board box 89. The attachment / detachment work of 90 becomes easy. And the board | substrate box 89 which accommodated the board | substrate control board 90 is fixed to the attachment board | substrate 306 with the screw 338 as mentioned above, and the board | substrate control board 90 is assembled | attached as a structural member of the hitting ball launcher 87. Thus, since the cover body 342 cannot be removed from the box main body 341 unless the board box 89 is once removed from the mounting board 306, it is difficult to tamper with the launch control board 90. Can prevent fraud.
[0091]
  Although the configuration of the hit ball launching device 87 has been described above, the game ball launching operation by the hit ball launching device 87 is performed as follows. That is, when the player operates the operation handle 30, the stepping motor 88 is driven accordingly, and the drive cam 318 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. Next, when the hit arm 312 and the hitting ball 300 are rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 34 by the rotation of the drive cam 318, the strength adjusting spring 326 of the firing strength adjusting unit 303 is further twisted. Thereafter, when the drive cam 318 further rotates and the drive cam 318 is detached from the hit arm 312 (arm roller 312a), the hit arm 312 and the hitting ball 300 are counterclockwise together with the drive shaft 309 by the restoring force of the strength adjusting spring 326. Rotate to. Then, the hitting ball 300 rotated counterclockwise hits the game ball sent from the ball supply device by the operation of the lifting rod 302 with the hook (spring 311), and fires it into the game area. At this time, if the rotation operation unit 325 of the firing strength adjustment unit 303 is rotated by the operation of the rotation operation unit 29a of the operation handle 30, it is accompanied by the backward driving (clockwise rotation) of the hitting ball 300. The amount of twist of the strength adjustment spring 326 can be adjusted. That is, the striking force (firing force) of the striking ball 300 can be adjusted.
[0092]
  Further, in the configuration of the hitting ball launching device 87 described above, of the four screwing holes 307 for attaching the hitting ball launching device 87 (mounting substrate 306) to the back side of the front frame 3 with screws 354, the screwing hole at the lower left end. One end of a discharge wiring 359 is attached to 307 by fastening together with a screw 354 (see FIGS. 32 and 33). Then, the other end of the discharge wiring 359 is connected to the connecting rod 15 so that the mounting substrate 306 and the connecting rod 15 are electrically connected.
[0093]
  Next, a general description of the electrical connection configuration of various components using the contact member and the discharge wiring described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36. FIG. In FIG. 35, first, a storage tank 105 provided on the back surface of the conductive mechanism plate 100 and a tank contact member 154 provided in a manner facing the side wall of the passage portion connected from the storage tank 105 to the ball alignment rail member 108 are as follows. And connected to the reinforcing hinge member 91 via the discharge wiring 155. The game balls stored in the storage tank 105 come into contact with the tank contact member 154 when being guided by the ball alignment rail member 108. As a result, the tank contact member 154 receives electrostatic discharge from the contacted game ball. Further, among the game balls stored in the storage tank 105, even if the game ball is not in direct contact with the tank contact member 154, any one of the game balls in the storage tank 105 is the tank contact member 154. In the storage tank 105, the game balls are in contact with each other and stored, so that all the balls are in a conductive state. For this reason, the sphere stored in the storage tank 105 is not limited to the sphere directly in contact with the tank contact member 154, but directly or indirectly the static electricity charged by all the stored spheres. The tank contact member 154 is discharged. Further, a discharge wiring 155 is connected to the conductive storage tank 105 with screws. For this reason, static electricity received by the storage tank 105 and the tank contact member 154 flows to the reinforcing hinge member 91 as a discharge current via the discharge wiring 155.
[0094]
  Further, the upper plate guiding contact member 135 and the lower plate guiding contact member 134 provided on the mechanism plate 100 are connected to the reinforcing hinge member 91 via the discharge wiring 156. The upper plate guiding contact member 135 has a curved shape for guiding the game ball paid out from the ball payout device 116 to the prize ball payout outlet 20, and the game ball paid out from the ball payout device 116 is awarded. A portion attached to the bottom surface of the winning ball passage 126 that leads to the ball payout outlet 20 and a portion attached to a side wall portion on one side of the surplus ball passage 128 are included. Accordingly, all the game balls paid out from the ball payout device 116 come into contact with the upper plate guiding contact member 135 when the upper plate 19 is not full, and the upper plate is guided even when the upper plate 19 is full. The contact member 135 is contacted. As a result, the upper plate guiding contact member 135 receives a discharge of static electricity charged on the game ball from the contacted game ball. On the other hand, the lower plate guiding contact member 134 is attached on the bottom surface of the surplus ball passage 128. Accordingly, the game ball guided to the surplus ball passage 128 contacts the lower dish guiding contact member 134. As a result, the lower plate guiding contact member 134 receives a discharge of static electricity charged on the game ball from the game ball in contact therewith. The static electricity received by each of the upper plate guiding contact member 135 and the lower plate guiding contact member 134 flows to the reinforcing hinge member 91 as a discharge current via the discharge wiring 156. In addition to the configuration described above, a ball payout device 116 (described as a payout device in FIG. 35) is attached to the rear surface of the mechanism plate 100, and the case of the ball payout device 116 is the mechanism plate 100 (mechanism). Similar to the plate main body 101), it is formed of a conductive resin. For this reason, the game balls in the ball payout device 116 are discharged to the case of the ball payout device 116. The static electricity received by the case of the ball dispensing device 116 flows through the mechanism plate main body 101 to the reinforcing hinge member 91 as a discharge current.
[0095]
  The reinforcing hinge member 91 described above is electrically connected to the hinge fitting 85 by engaging with the hinge fitting 85 when the mechanism plate 100 is attached to the front frame 3. The hinge fitting 85 is electrically connected to a conductive connecting rod 15 (described as an induction rod in FIG. 35) and an upper plate contact member 284 provided on the upper plate 19 individually. It has become so. The connection rod 15 is connected to the hinge fitting 85 via the discharge wiring 240. Further, the connection rod 15 contacts the game ball contained in the connection rod 15 and receives static electricity charged in the game ball. Then, the static electricity received by the connection rod 15 flows to the hinge fitting 85 via the discharge wiring 240 and finally flows as a discharge current to the reinforcing hinge member 91 engaged with the hinge fitting 85. On the other hand, the upper plate contact member 284 provided in a manner extending to the alignment portion 283 of the upper plate 19 is connected to the hinge fitting 85 via the discharge wiring 245, the connecting hinge 161, and the discharge wiring 243. The game balls stored in the upper plate 19 always come into contact with the upper plate contact member 284 when guided by the aligning portion 283. As a result, the upper plate contact member 284 receives electrostatic discharge from the contacted game ball on the game ball. Further, among the game balls stored in the upper plate 19, even if the game ball is not in direct contact with the upper plate contact member 284, any game ball in the upper plate 19 is in contact with the upper plate. The members 284 are in contact with each other, and in the upper plate 19, the game balls are brought into contact with each other and stored so that all the game balls are in a conductive state. For this reason, the game balls stored in the upper plate 19 are not only directly charged with the game balls directly contacting the upper plate contact member 284 but also the static electricity charged by all of the stored game balls. Alternatively, the upper plate contact member 284 is indirectly discharged. The static electricity received by the upper plate contact member 284 flows to the hinge fitting 85 via the discharge wiring 245, the connecting hinge 161, and the discharge wiring 243, and finally the reinforcing hinge that engages with the hinge fitting 85. The member 91 flows as a discharge current.
[0096]
  In addition, the connecting rod 15 described above includes the lower plate contact member 275 for the lower plate 19 attached to the front frame 3, the mounting substrate 306 constituting the ball hitting device 87, and the metal connecting piece 210 ( In FIG. 35, it is electrically connected to a rail conductive member). The lower plate contact member 275 is attached on the bottom surface of the prize ball guiding cylinder portion 274 in the lower plate 27. In addition, the game ball that has flowed down the surplus ball passage 128 described above is received by the connecting rod 15, guided from the connecting rod 15 to the prize ball guiding cylinder portion 274, and discharged to the lower tray 27. Therefore, all the game balls stored in the lower plate 27 come into contact with the lower plate contact member 275. As a result, the lower plate contact member 275 receives a discharge of static electricity charged on the game ball from the game ball that is in contact therewith. The static electricity received by the lower plate contact member 275 flows to the connection rod 15 and finally flows to the reinforcing hinge member 91 as a discharge current. Further, the mounting board 306 of the ball hitting device 87 is connected to the connecting rod 15 via the discharge wiring 359. The static electricity received by the mounting board 306 flows to the connection rod 15 and finally flows as a discharge current to the reinforcing hinge member 91. The hitting ball 300 into which the game ball is to be driven is in an electrically connected state with the mounting board 306. For this reason, the static electricity received by the hitting ball 300 is caused to flow as a discharge current to the reinforcing hinge member 91 in the same manner as the static electricity received by the mounting substrate 306. Further, the stepping motor 88 (conductive cover body 88b) that is most susceptible to static electricity among the constituent members of the ball hitting device 87 is attached to the mounting substrate 306 via the non-conductive connecting member 301. . For this reason, the mounting substrate 306 (and the hitting ball 300) is configured to be relatively less susceptible to static electricity.
[0097]
  The metal connection piece 210 described above is electrically connected to the launch rail 165 attached to the front frame 3 and the guide rail 42 (directly the outer rail 42 a) planted on the game board 40. It has become. In addition, carbon paper 40c is laid on the surface side of the game board 40 on which the guide rails 42 are planted. As a result, conductive members (the obstacle nail 190, the windmill 200, the conductive material) provided on the surface of the game board 40 are laid. A specially variable display device 44 and a device housing such as a normal variable winning ball device 58, etc., which are molded with resin, are connected to the guide rail 42 via carbon paper 40c. Therefore, the firing rail 165, the guide rail 42, and the conductive members on the surface of the game board 40 are in an electrically connected state. The static electricity received by the conductive members on the launch rail 165, the guide rail 42, and the game board 40 surface flows to the connection rod 15 through the metal connection piece 210, and finally the discharge current flows to the reinforcing hinge member 91. Flowing as.
[0098]
  As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the various contact members and the discharge wiring, the storage tank 105, the ball passage formed in the mechanism plate 100 (the award ball passage 126, the surplus ball passage 128, etc.), the ball payout The game balls come into contact with each other in the ball game machine 1 such as the device 116, the upper plate 19, the connecting rod 15, the lower plate 27, the hitting ball 300, the firing rail 165, the guide rail 42, and the conductive member on the surface of the game board 40. A structure in which all the parts to be obtained are electrically connected, in other words, the part in contact with the game ball on both the front side and the rear side of the game board 40 is in the same potential state. All the static electricity charged in the game ball in 1 (static electricity in the ball game machine 1) flows to the reinforcing hinge member 91 as a discharge current. In addition, by making the same potential state in a wide range of all contact portions of the game ball, it is possible to avoid a discharge due to a sudden change in potential, and as a result, when the player grasps the operation handle 30 instantaneously It is possible to avoid problems such as receiving static electricity.
[0099]
  Further, as described above, the reinforcing hinge member 91 into which all static electricity flows in the ball game machine 1 is connected to the connector 144a of the payout control board 144 via the discharge wiring 157 stopped by the screw 157a as shown in FIG. The card unit wiring 35 for connecting the payout control board 144 and the card unit device 31 is connected to the connector 144b that is electrically connected to the connector 144a. The card unit wiring 35 is a flat cable type conductor in which a large number of conductors as wiring are provided in parallel, one end is connected to a wiring connector 31a provided in the card unit device 31, and the other end is a ball game. It is connected to a wiring connector 144 b provided on the payout control board 144 in the machine 1.
[0100]
  One of a plurality of conductive wires (wirings) constituting the card unit wiring 35 is used as a wiring for electrostatic discharge. The power cord 31b of the card unit device 31 includes a ground wire (grounding wire) in addition to the power wire, and the plug 31c (see FIG. 4) of the power cord 31b is a ground electrode (ground terminal). It is the configuration with. For this reason, the card unit device 31 is brought into a power supply state and a ground state by inserting the plug 31c of the power cord 31b into an outlet (not shown) with a ground electrode provided in a game hall or the like. The The electric discharge wiring included in the card unit wiring 35 is connected to the ground line included in the power cord 31 b of the card unit device 31 inside the card unit device 31. That is, the card unit wiring 35 for connecting to the insertion plug 31c in the card unit device 31 is connected to the payable payout control board 144 provided in the ball game machine 1 together with the signal wiring related to the gaming ball lending. ing.
[0101]
  On the other hand, in the payout control board 144, each contact (terminal) of a plurality of connectors provided on the payout control board 144 is connected to a printed wiring formed on the payout control board 144. Of the plurality of connectors provided on the payout control board 144, two contacts (terminals) of the connector 144a are connected to a printed wiring for discharge formed on the payout control board 144. The discharge printed wiring is not connected to other printed wiring such as control wiring provided on the payout control board 144, and the connector 144b to which the discharging wiring of the card unit wiring 35 is connected. Directly connected to the contact. Thus, the reinforcing hinge member 91 is electrically connected via the discharge wiring 157, the printed wiring of the payout control board 144, the card unit wiring 35, the grounding wiring in the card unit device 31, and the grounding wire of the power cord 31b. Is grounded. For this reason, the static electricity received by the reinforcing hinge member 91 passes through such a path, is sent from the ball game machine 1 to the card unit device 31, and is discharged from the card unit device 31 to the outside. Note that the ground wire 158 (see FIG. 8) as described above is also connected to the reinforcing hinge member 91. If the ground wire 158 is grounded, the static electricity received by the reinforcing hinge member 91 is grounded. The line 158 is also discharged to the outside.
[0102]
  According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. Static electricity charged in the game ball flows as a discharge current to the reinforcing hinge member 91. The discharging current further flows from the reinforcing hinge member 91 to the discharge wiring 157, the printed wiring of the payout control board 144, the card unit wiring 35, and the card unit device. It flows from the card unit device 31 to the outside through the grounding wiring in 31 and the grounding wire of the power cord 31b. When such a discharge current flows, static electricity charged inside the ball game machine 1 is discharged and removed.
[0103]
  The static electricity charged in the ball game machine 1 includes not only the static electricity charged in the game ball described above but also various kinds of electricity generation such as driving devices existing inside and outside the ball game machine 1. Static electricity generated from the source and charged in various places inside the ball game machine 1 is also included. The static electricity so charged may be received by the reinforcing hinge member 91 without passing through the contact members described above. As described above, the static electricity directly received by the reinforcing hinge member 91 is further discharged from the reinforcing hinge member 91 to the discharge wiring 157, the printed wiring of the payout control board 144, the card unit wiring 35, and the grounding wiring in the card unit device 31. And from the card unit device 31 to the outside through the ground line of the power cord 31b. When such a discharge current flows, static electricity charged inside the ball game machine 1 is discharged and removed.
[0104]
  Thus, by discharging the static electricity using the card unit device 31, the static electricity charged in the ball game machine 1 can be removed without the complicated work of ground wiring processing outside the ball game machine 1. Can be done easily. And by removing such static electricity, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of noise caused by static electricity. As a result, malfunctions caused by noise caused by static electricity in electrical equipment such as control circuits in the ball game machine 1 can be prevented. It can prevent and it can protect from the noise resulting from static electricity.
[0105]
  In the present embodiment, in the configuration in which static electricity received by the reinforcing hinge member 91 is discharged from the ball game machine 1 to the outside via the card unit device 31, the ball game machine 1 (specifically, the payout control board). 144), the connection state of the card unit device 31 to the main board 151 is monitored. Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 37, whether or not the card unit wiring 35 from the card unit device 31 (described as a card unit in FIG. 37) is connected to the connector 144b of the payout control board 144. Is determined (S1). When the card unit wiring 35 is connected to the payout control board 144 in S1, the ball hitting operation by the ball hitting device 87 (described as the launching device in FIG. 37) is permitted (S2). On the other hand, when the card unit wiring 35 is not connected to the payout control board 144 in S1, the ball hitting operation by the ball hitting device 87 is disabled (S3). That is, the card unit device 31 is not connected to the ball game machine 1, and static electricity received by the reinforcing hinge member 91, in other words, static electricity in the ball game machine 1 is not discharged to the outside via the card unit device 31. In the state, control is performed so that a game cannot be performed.
[0106]
  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the metal connection piece 210 is provided as a conductive rail conductive member that is attached to the front frame 3 and can be electrically connected to the guide rail 42. When the game board 40 is housed in the front frame 3 and is electrically connected to the guide rail 42, the ball game machine 1 and the card unit device 31 as a processing device are electrically connected. By configuring the metal connection piece 210 to be electrically connected to the insertion plug 31 c as a grounding portion, the guide rail 42 and the insertion plug 31 c are electrically connected via the metal connection piece 210. It is characterized by that. With this configuration, electrical connection between the guide rail 42 and the card unit 31 that can be connected to the ball game machine 1 can be performed by a simple operation of housing the game board 40 in the front frame 3. it can. For this reason, the guide rail 42 can be grounded by the insertion plug 31c of the card unit device 31, and as a result, workability in grounding of the ball game machine 1 can be improved.
[0107]
  Further, the wiring for connecting to the insertion plug 31c in the card unit device 31 is connected to the payout control board 144 as a predetermined energizable board provided in the ball game machine 1 together with the wiring of the signal related to the lending of the game ball. The connected guide rail 42 is relayed by the payout control board 144 and electrically connected to the insertion plug 31c in the card unit device 31. With this configuration, workability of wiring connection is improved for electrical connection between the guide rail 42 and the insertion plug 31c of the card unit device 31. The predetermined substrate connected to the processing apparatus is not limited to the payout control substrate, and may be a substrate such as a game control substrate.
[0108]
  Further, a conductive launch rail 165 that guides the game ball to be launched to the guide rail 42 is provided, and the launch rail 165 and the metal connection piece 210 are electrically connected. By configuring in this way, the firing rail 165 can be electrically connected to the guide rail 42, so that the discharge of static electricity when the game ball moves from the launch rail 165 to the guide rail 42 can be prevented.
[0109]
  Also, a mechanism having a conductive ball contact portion (for example, each contact member 134, 135) provided on the back side of the game board 40 and capable of contacting a game ball rolling inside, and having a game ball payout mechanism A mechanism plate 100 as a part, and a connecting rod 15 as a conductive ball guiding part for guiding the game ball paid out by the payout mechanism to the lower plate 27 as a ball storage part provided on the front surface of the ball game machine 1; A metal connection via the connection rod 15 by electrically connecting the connection rod 15 and the metal connection piece 210 and electrically connecting the connection rod 15 and the ball contact portion of the mechanism plate 100. The piece 210 and the ball contact portion of the mechanism plate 100 are electrically connected. By configuring in this way, the guide rail 42 that becomes the ball contact portion on the front side of the game board 40 and the ball contact portion in the mechanism plate 100 that becomes the ball contact portion on the back side of the game board 40 are electrically connected. Therefore, similarly to the guide rail 42, the ball contact portion in the mechanism plate 100 can be grounded by the insertion plug 31 c of the card unit device 31. However, according to this configuration, since it is not necessary to provide a conductive part for connection separately in order to connect the guide rail 42 and the ball contact portion in the mechanism plate 100, the number of parts can be reduced.
[0110]
  Further, the conductive ball contact portion of the mechanism plate 100 is formed of a conductive resin. By configuring in this way, the mechanism plate 100 itself can be made conductive even if a conductive member is not attached to the mechanism plate 100, and the weight of the mechanism plate 100 can be reduced. In addition, the mechanism part as used in the field of this invention is the mechanism board 100 and the various structural members attached to this mechanism board 100. FIG. Accordingly, the conductive ball contact portion of the mechanism portion includes the ball contact portions such as the storage tank 105, the upper plate communication port 127, the communication passage 130, the surplus ball passage 128, and the like. In the case where it is formed of a separate member of the nature, only the conductive ball contact portion of the mechanism plate 100 itself (mechanism plate main body 101) may be formed of a conductive resin.
[0111]
  The conductive resin is made of a resin containing a stainless filler. With this configuration, the flow of static electricity into the mechanism plate 100 can be gradually performed due to the characteristics of the stainless steel filler constituting the mechanism plate 100, and as a result, rapid discharge due to a sudden change in potential can be prevented. can do.
[0112]
  In addition, carbon paper 40c as a conductive connection member is provided on the game board 40, and a conductive member that has conductivity and that collides with a game ball flowing down the game area 41 (molded with the obstacle nail 190, the windmill 200, and conductive resin). And the guide rail 42 are attached to the game board 40 so as to be electrically connected to the carbon paper 40c. With this configuration, the static electricity of the game ball driven into the game area 41 can also be sent to the ground wire 158 of the mechanism plate 100 via the carbon paper 40 c and the guide rail 42.
[0113]
  In addition, a main board 151 is provided as connection monitoring means for monitoring an electrical connection state between the ball game machine 1 and the card unit device 31, and the ball board game machine 1 and the card unit device 31 are provided by the main board 151. When the electrical connection with the ball game machine 1 is not confirmed, the game ball is disabled from being launched in the ball game machine 1. By configuring in this way, in the state where the card unit device 31 is connected to the ball game machine 1, when playing a game ball and playing a game, the card unit device 31 is surely protected from static electricity generated on the guide rail. And can be discharged to the outside.
[0114]
  In the above-described embodiment, the special variable display device 44 is composed of an LCD display. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and a display using a CRT, LED, VFD, EL, or plasma, or a drum type. Alternatively, a reel type can be used. In addition, as a configuration of the ball game machine, a change in the identification information on the variable display device is started as the winning ball is detected by the starting ball detector, and a specific gaming state is generated when the identification information becomes a predetermined display result. In this example, a ball game machine (this is commonly referred to as the first type) that opens the variable winning ball device is illustrated, but the invention is not particularly limited to this, and with the detection of the winning ball by the starting ball detector Open a variable winning ball device and detect a ball game machine (this is commonly referred to as the second type) that generates a specific gaming state by winning a game ball in a specific area in the variable winning ball device, or detecting a starting ball The change of the identification information on the variable display device is started with the detection of the winning ball of the device, and when the identification information becomes a predetermined display result, the right is generated, and when the game ball wins in the specific area in this state, the specific game In a ball game machine where the condition occurs (this is commonly referred to as the third type) It may be.
[0115]
  In the embodiment, the recording medium used in the card unit device 31 is a magnetic card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a contact type or non-contact type IC card may be used as a recording medium. Further, when the recording information can be specified using an identification code or the like, a recording medium on which a predetermined information recording symbol such as a barcode is printed in a readable manner may be used. The shape of the recording medium is not limited to the card shape, and may be any shape such as a disk shape, a spherical shape, or a chip shape.
[0116]
  Further, in the embodiment, a card unit device (recording medium processing device) is adjacent as a processing device beside the ball game machine, and the card unit device and the ball game machine are electrically connected, Although it is configured to ground the ball game machine via the card unit device, the processing device for grounding the ball game machine is not limited to the card unit device, for example, processing of lending by inserting banknotes or coins The apparatus etc. which perform may be sufficient. Further, in the embodiment, it is configured to connect to the card unit device via the payout control board of the ball game machine, but not limited to this, an interface board is provided for connection to the card unit device, The ball game machine may be electrically connected to the grounding unit in the card unit device by relaying the interface board.
[0117]
  In the embodiment, the game board is directly attached to the front frame. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game board is attached to the front frame by attaching the game board to the mechanism board and attaching the mechanism board to the front frame. You may make it accommodate in a frame. In addition, the accommodation of the game board here does not include the concept of mounting and fixing, and means that the game board is placed in a predetermined part by fitting or the like.
[0118]
【The invention's effect】
  As is apparent from the above description, in the invention of claim 1, a processing device having a predetermined processing function for lending game balls and having a grounding portion that can be electrically grounded is electrically connected. A game board in which a game area is formed, a front frame that houses the game board, and a conductive guide rail that guides a game ball that is provided on the front side of the game board and is fired to the game area When,A conductive launch rail for guiding the game ball to be fired to the guide rail;A conductive rail conductive member attached to the front frame and electrically connectable to the guide rail; andThe guide rail includes a back ball prevention member for preventing a back ball from returning to the launch position direction again when the game ball once guided to the game area rebounds,The rail conductive member is configured such that the guide rail is accommodated in the front frame by accommodating the game board., The firing rail, and the back ball preventing memberAnd the rail conductive member is configured to be electrically connected to the grounding portion when the gaming machine and the processing device are electrically connected to each other. And the grounding portion are electrically connected via the rail conductive member. By configuring in this way, it is possible to make electrical connection between the guide rail and the processing device connectable to the gaming machine by a simple operation of accommodating the gaming board in the front frame. For this reason, the guide rail can be grounded by the grounding portion of the processing apparatus, and as a result, workability in grounding the gaming machine can be improved.In addition, since the launch rail can be electrically connected to the guide rail, the discharge of static electricity when the game ball moves from the launch rail to the guide rail can be prevented.
[0119]
  In the invention of claim 2,The guide rail includes an outer rail for guiding a game ball launched from the launch rail to the game area, and an inner rail that forms the game area together with the outer rail, and the game of the back ball prevention member A conductive elastic thin piece is provided at a position where it can come into contact with the sphere, and the inner rail and the outer rail are electrically connected by the elastic thin piece.It is characterized by that. By configuring in this way,Since the moment of inertia for pushing open the elastic flakes is small, the degree of weakening the momentum of the game ball is reduced, and the above-mentioned adverse effects on the game ball can be further suppressed.
[0120]
  In the invention of claim 3,A wiring for connecting to the grounding unit in the processing device is connected to a predetermined board that can be energized provided in the gaming machine together with a wiring of a signal related to the lending of game balls, and the guide rail is connected to the predetermined rail It is relayed by a substrate and electrically connected to the grounding part in the processing apparatus. With this configuration, the workability of the wiring connection is improved with respect to the electrical connection between the guide rail and the grounding portion of the processing apparatus.
[0121]
  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mechanism portion having a conductive ball contact portion which can be brought into contact with a game ball which is provided on the rear surface side of the game board and rolls inside and has a game ball payout mechanism. A conductive ball guiding portion for guiding the game ball paid out by the payout mechanism to a ball storage portion provided on the front surface of the gaming machine, and electrically connecting the ball guiding portion and the rail conductive member In addition, the rail conductive member and the ball contact portion of the mechanism portion are electrically connected via the ball guide portion by electrically connecting the ball guide portion and the ball contact portion of the mechanism portion. It is characterized by that. By configuring in this way, it is possible to electrically connect the guide rail that becomes the ball contact portion on the front side of the game board and the ball contact portion in the mechanism part that becomes the ball contact portion on the back side of the game board. Similar to the rail, the ball contact portion in the mechanism portion can be grounded by the grounding portion of the processing apparatus. However, according to this configuration, since it is not necessary to provide a conductive part for connection separately in order to connect the guide rail and the ball contact part in the mechanism part, the number of parts can be reduced.
[0122]
  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the conductive ball contact portion of the mechanism portion is formed of a conductive resin. By constituting in this way, even if a conductive member is not attached to the mechanism part, the mechanism part itself can be made conductive, and as a result, the weight of the mechanism part can be reduced.
[0123]
  In the invention of claim 6, the conductive resin is made of a resin containing a stainless filler. By constituting in this way, the flow of static electricity into the mechanism part can be gradually performed due to the characteristics of the stainless steel filler constituting the mechanism part, and as a result, a sudden discharge due to a sudden change in potential can be prevented. Can do.
[0124]
  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a conductive connecting member is provided on the game board, and the conductive connecting member is connected to the guide rail and a conductive member that has conductivity and a game ball that flows down the game area collides with the conductive connecting member. It is attached to the game board so as to be electrically connected to the game board. By configuring in this way, the static electricity of the game ball driven into the game area can also be sent to the grounding part of the mechanism part via the conductive connection member and the guide rail.
[0125]
  The invention according to claim 8 further comprises connection monitoring means for monitoring an electrical connection state between the gaming machine and the processing device, and the connection monitoring means electrically connects the gaming machine and the processing device. When the connection is not confirmed, the launch of the game ball in the gaming machine is disabled. With this configuration, when a game ball is launched and a game is played while the processing device is connected to the gaming machine, the static electricity generated on the guide rail is surely discharged to the outside through the processing device. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a bullet ball gaming machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a game board provided in the ball game machine.
FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a ball game machine.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view showing a ball game machine and a card unit device.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the main board, various control boards, and electrical components.
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing a mechanism plate to which various components are attached.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a storage tank.
FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a discharge wiring connected to the upper side of a reinforcing hinge member.
FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a discharge wiring connected to the lower side of a reinforcing hinge member.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a contact member and a lower passage cover body attached to a mechanism plate.
FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a contact member attached to a mechanism plate and a discharge wiring connected to the contact member.
FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a card unit wiring for connecting the payout control board and the card unit device.
FIG. 13 is a front view showing a front frame to which a game board is attached.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a lower plate and a lower plate set plate.
FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a hinge fitting attached to the front frame and a connecting rod connected to the hinge fitting.
FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a discharge wiring extending from an upper plate and a connecting hinge connected to the discharge wiring.
FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view showing the upper plate.
FIGS. 18A and 18B are front views showing an identification seal.
FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the outer rail and the inner rail are connected via carbon paper provided on the surface of the game board.
FIG. 20 (A) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a contact state between the contact surface portion of the outer rail and the upper contact surface portion of the metal connection piece, and FIG. 20 (B) is a view through the metal connection piece. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the connection state of an outer rail and an inner rail.
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing a game board, a metal connection piece, and a firing rail attached to the front frame.
FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged front view showing a launch rail attached to a support plate portion of a front frame.
FIG. 23 is a partially enlarged front view showing a launch rail and a metal connection piece attached to a support plate portion of a front frame.
FIG. 24 is a partially enlarged front view showing a launch rail, a metal connection piece, and a guide box member attached to the support plate portion of the front frame.
FIG. 25A is a front view showing a state in which the back ball preventing member is attached to the game board, and FIG. 25B is a front view showing a state in which only the back ball preventing member is turned over.
FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the obstacle nail and the windmill are connected via carbon paper provided on the surface of the game board.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a base body and a conductive shaft of a windmill.
FIG. 28A is a top view showing the base of the windmill, FIG. 28B is a front view showing the base of the windmill, and FIG. 28C is a side view showing the base of the windmill. is there.
FIG. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which a windmill is attached to the game board.
FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view showing a ball striking device.
FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view showing various components of the ball striking device.
FIG. 32 is a front view showing a hit ball launching device.
FIG. 33 is a front view showing the ball striking device with the firing control board removed.
FIG. 34 is a rear view showing the hit ball launching device.
FIG. 35 is an explanatory view showing an electrical connection state of various components.
FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical connection state between the payout control board and the card unit device.
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a control process corresponding to a connection state with the card unit device.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 Ball game machine (game machine)
  2 outer frame
  3 Front frame
  4 Front open / close frame
  15 Connection rod (ball guide)
  16 Identification seal
  19 Top plate
  27 Lower plate (sphere reservoir)
  31 Card unit device (processing device)
  31c Plug (grounding part)
  40 game board
  40c Carbon paper (conductive connection member)
  41 Game area
  42 Guide rail
  85 Hinge bracket
  87 Hitting ball launcher
  88 Stepping motor
  88b Cover body
  89 Board box
  90 Launch control board
  91 Reinforcing hinge member
  100 Mechanism plate (mechanism part)
  101 Main mechanism plate
  105 Storage tank
  116 Ball dispenser
  134 Contact member for lower plate guide
  135 Contact member for guiding the upper plate
  144 Discharge control board (electrical board)
  151 Main board (connection monitoring means)
  158 Ground wire
  165 launch rail
  190 Obstacle nail (conductive member)
  200 Windmill (conductive member)
  210 Metal connection piece (rail conductive member)
  300 hitting ball
  306 Mounting board
  343a-343d Leg

Claims (8)

A processing device having a predetermined processing function for lending game balls and having a grounding portion that can be electrically grounded is electrically connectable, and contains a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed, and the gaming board A front guide frame, a conductive guide rail provided on the front side of the game board for guiding the fired game ball to the game area, and a conductive launch rail for guiding the fired game ball to the guide rail In a gaming machine equipped with
A conductive rail conductive member attached to the front frame and electrically connectable to the induction rail is provided,
The guide rail includes a back ball prevention member for preventing a back ball from returning to the launch position direction again when the game ball once guided to the game area rebounds,
The rail conductive member is electrically connected to the guide rail , the launch rail, and the back ball prevention member by accommodating the game board in the front frame , and the game machine and the processing device are connected to each other. By configuring the rail conductive member to be electrically connected to the grounding part when electrically connected, the induction rail and the grounding part are electrically connected via the rail conductive member. A gaming machine characterized by that. The guide rail is configured by an outer rail for guiding a game ball launched from the launch rail to the game area, and an inner rail that forms the game area together with the outer rail,
A conductive elastic thin piece is provided at a position where the back ball preventing member can come into contact with the game ball,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the inner rail and the outer rail are electrically connected by the elastic thin piece . A wiring for connecting to the grounding unit in the processing device is connected to a predetermined board that can be energized provided in the gaming machine together with a wiring of a signal related to the lending of game balls, and the guide rail is connected to the predetermined rail The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine is relayed by a substrate and electrically connected to the grounding unit in the processing apparatus.   A mechanism portion provided on the back side of the game board and having a conductive ball contact portion capable of coming into contact with a game ball rolling inside and having a game ball payout mechanism, and a ball provided on the front surface of the game machine A conductive ball guide portion for guiding the game ball paid out by the payout mechanism to the storage portion, electrically connecting the ball guide portion and the rail conductive member, and the ball guide portion and the mechanism portion The ball contact portion of the mechanism portion is electrically connected to electrically connect the rail conductive member and the ball contact portion of the mechanism portion via the ball guide portion. Item 4. A gaming machine according to any one of Items 3 to 3.   The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the conductive ball contact portion of the mechanism portion is formed of a conductive resin.   The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the conductive resin is made of a resin containing a stainless filler.   The game board is provided with a conductive connection member, and the conductive member that has conductivity and that a game ball flowing down the game area collides with the guide rail is electrically connected to the conductive connection member. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gaming machine is attached to a board.   A connection monitoring means for monitoring an electrical connection state between the gaming machine and the processing device, and when the electrical connection between the gaming machine and the processing device is not confirmed by the connection monitoring means; The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein launching of a game ball is disabled.

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