JPH04677B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a pinball game machine represented by a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine, etc., and more specifically, a first state advantageous for players. The present invention relates to a pinball game machine equipped with a variable winning ball device that can freely change between a state and a second state disadvantageous to a player.

[Prior Art] In this type of gaming machine, in what has been generally known from the past, for example, when a hit ball enters a predetermined starting winning hole, the variable winning ball device is controlled to switch to a first state only for a first predetermined period during which a relatively small gaming value can be provided;
Further, the variable winning ball device is used only for a second predetermined period in which a relatively large gaming value can be given by hitting a ball into a specific winning hole during the period when the variable winning ball device is switched to the first state. There was one that was configured to put the state in the first state.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Conventionally, in game parlors, if the winning rate of the variable winning ball device becomes too high, this will lead to a deterioration in the business of the gaming parlor. Conversely, if the winning rate becomes too low, players become dissatisfied, the number of visitors decreases, and the management of the gaming hall deteriorates. For this reason, there has traditionally been a great need in gaming parlors to stabilize their business by changing and adjusting the winning rate of the variable winning ball device, which greatly affects business. However, in this type of conventional pachinko gaming machine, the winning rate was adjusted only by adjusting the nails installed around the variable winning ball device. It was difficult to change and adjust the winning rate.

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pinball game machine in which the winning rate of a variable winning ball device can be easily adjusted.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a variable winning ball device that can freely change between a first state in which a hit ball is likely to win a prize and a second state in which a hit ball is difficult to win or cannot win a prize; a specific winning hole that is determined to be able to cause the variable winning ball device to continuously perform reciprocating operations between the first state and the second state a predetermined number of times based on a winning result; and the specific winning hole. A specific winning ball detection means for detecting winning balls that have won a prize, and based on the detection output of the specific winning ball detection means,
a drive control means for controlling drive so that the reciprocating motion of the variable winning ball device is executed only within the range of the predetermined number of times; and a time period in which the variable winning ball device reaches a first state and a second state in the reciprocating motion. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a time adjustment means for changing and adjusting the time of at least one of the states.

[Function] In the pinball game machine according to the present invention, the hit balls that have won in the specific winning hole are detected by the specific winning ball detection means. The drive control means controls the variable winning ball so that the reciprocating operation between the first state and the second state of the variable winning ball device is executed within a predetermined number of times based on the detection output of the specific winning ball detection means. Drive and control the ball device. Further, the time adjusting means changes and adjusts the time for at least one of the time for the variable winning ball device to be in the first state and the time for the second state in the reciprocating operation. That is, by changing and adjusting at least one of the first state and the second state of the variable winning ball device, the winning rate to the variable winning ball device is changed and adjusted.

[Embodiments of the Invention] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the following explanation,
A pachinko machine will be described as an example of a pinball game machine.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a pachinko machine 10 has a front frame 11 attached to a side frame or an island frame (not shown) so as to be openable and closable, a game board 1 detachably attached to the front frame 11, and a glass plate on the front side of the game board 11. A door frame 12 is attached so as to be openable and closable. A plurality of safe holes 4 are provided in the game area 3 surrounded by the guide rails 2 of the game board 1.
And a Yakumono (so-called tulip) 5 is formed. Furthermore, a variable prize winning ball device 20, which is a feature of this embodiment, is installed approximately in the center of the game board 1.

A front plate 13 is attached to a front frame 11 in a lower part than the game board 1 so as to be openable and closable. On the front plate 13,
A batted ball waiting gutter 14 that also serves as an upper ball tray is provided.
The front plate 13 is formed with a prize ball discharge port 15 for discharging the prize balls to a batted ball waiting gutter 14.

Further, below the front frame 11, a ball hitting handle 16, a surplus prize ball outlet 17, and a ball tray 18 are arranged.

Although not shown on the back of the gaming machine 1, there are various drive mechanisms for driving the variable winning ball device described later, a detector for detecting balls passing through a specific area, and a conventionally known device. A mechanism board and a prize ball release machine are installed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the variable winning ball device which is a feature of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the variable winning ball device.

4A and 4B are illustrative diagrams for explaining the operating state of the variable winning ball device, especially the fourth
Figure A shows a front view of the first and second rotating plates and the opening/closing blades in an unrotated state, and Figure 4B shows a rear view of Figure 4A.

5A and 5B are illustrative diagrams for explaining the operating state of the variable winning ball device, especially the fifth
Figure A shows a front view of the first and second rotating plates and the opening/closing blades in a rotationally driven state, and Figure 5B shows a rear view of Figure 5A.

Next, the detailed configuration of the variable prize winning ball device of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5B. The variable prize winning ball device 20 includes a mounting board 21. The shape of the mounting board 21 is, for example, as shown in the figure, elongated in the horizontal direction, both ends of the mounting board 21 in the horizontal direction are formed in a disk shape, and the central portion thereof is shaped to protrude upward. However, these shapes may be modified in various ways. A first winning hole 21 is located approximately in the center of the mounting board 21.
a is formed. A protrusion 21b is formed on the lower side of the winning hole 21a to introduce the ball to the back surface. On both the left and right sides of the winning hole 21a, there are pins 22a,
22b is fixed. Between the pins 22a, 22b and the winning hole 21b, there are arc-shaped guide holes 21c,
21d is drilled. Second winning holes 21e and 21f are bored in the disk-shaped portions on both the left and right sides of the mounting board 21. Shaft holes 21g and 21h are formed slightly below the winning holes 21e and 21f. Shaft hole 21
Arc-shaped guide holes 21i and 21j centered on the shaft hole are bored below g and 21h. Paths 21k and 21l for guiding winning balls are formed on the back surfaces of the winning holes 21e and 21f.

A third winning hole 21m is bored in the mounting board 21 at a position above the winning hole 21a. Prize hole 2
A safe hole (first or second specific area) 21n is bored in the mounting board 21 above 1 m. A protruding member 23 is formed on the front surface of the safe hole 21n. The protruding member 23 inserts the ball into the safe hole 21.
In addition to forming a guide 23a for guiding to n, side walls 23b and 23c are formed on the lower front surface thereof. A window 21o is bored in a portion of the mounting board 21 surrounded by the protruding member 23. window 21
o is provided with a segment display 29 as necessary. A cover 23d is fixed to the front surface of the window 21o.

A pair of opening/closing wings 24a and 24b are rotatably mounted on both the left and right sides sandwiching the entry hole 21a. That is, the opening/closing wings 24a and 24b form a cover 242 on the front surface of the ball receiving part 241, and the winning hole 21a is slightly closer to the center of the ball receiving part 241 in the longitudinal direction.
A shaft hole 243 is bored in the side portion, and a pin 244 is formed on the back side of the end thereof. Note that since the opening/closing wing pieces 24a and 24b have a symmetrical shape, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. Opening/closing wing piece 2
4a, 24b are pins 22a, 22 in the shaft hole 243.
By inserting b, it is rotatably supported. The pins 244 of the opening/closing wings 24a, 24b are inserted into the corresponding guide holes 21c, 21d. The opening/closing wings 24a, 24b constitute an opening/closing member that can be freely changed between a first state in which a hit ball is likely to win a prize and a second state in which a hit ball does not win a prize. This one
A front cover 25 is attached to the mounting board 21 on which the pair of opening/closing wings 24a and 24b are attached. The front cover 25 has a protruding wall 2 on the top of the plate member 25a.
5b, and portions corresponding to the opening/closing wing pieces 24a, 24b are cut out.

On the front surfaces of the prize entry holes 21e and 21f, there are first and second rotating plates 26a and 26b (i.e., a first
and a second ball guiding member) are rotatably mounted. That is, the rotating plates 26a and 26b have a ball receiving portion 262 formed along the diameter direction on the front surface of a disc or semicircular plate 261, and a semicircular cover 263 formed on the front surface of the ball receiving portion 262. There is. semicircular plate 261
A shaft 264 and a guide pin 265 are formed on the back surface of the holder. This rotating plate 26
The pins 264 of a and 26b are inserted into the corresponding shaft holes 21g and 21h, respectively, and the guide pin 265 is inserted into the guide holes 21i and 21j. These rotating plates 26a, 26b are in the ball receiving part 2 in the normal state.
The opening/closing wing pieces 24a, 2 are oriented so that the blades 62 are oriented in a direction in which they do not receive the ball (that is, approximately vertically) and can receive the ball when they are rotated outward.
It slopes downward toward 4b. In addition, ball inlets 266 are provided in the rotating plates 26a and 26b as necessary.
is formed in a position that faces upward in the normal state. The ball inlets 266 of the rotating plates 26a, 26b receive the falling balls, and the winning balls are treated as winning balls in the winning holes 21e, 2.
Bring it to 1F. The rotating plates 26a and 26b constitute a hitting ball guiding member that can freely change between a hitting ball guiding posture and a hitting ball non-guiding posture, and guides hitting balls onto the opening/closing member in the hitting ball guiding posture. . Further, the above-mentioned winning holes 21e and 21f form a second winning hole in a portion corresponding to the ball entrances of the first and second guide members, which will be described later.

Guides 27a and 27b are fixed to the left and right sides of the back surface of the mounting board 21 sandwiching the winning hole 21m.
The guides 27a and 27b guide the vertical movement of the shutter 28. Guide 27
There are guides 27 below the a and 27b, that is, on both the left and right sides sandwiching the winning opening 21a on the back side of the mounting board 21.
c, 27d are fixed. Guides 27c, 27d
serves to guide an operating plate 32f, which will be described later, when it slides up and down.

Next, details of the drive mechanism 30 for driving the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b and the first and second rotating plates 26a, 26b, which will be described later, will be described in detail. Drive mechanism 30
is the back surface of the mounting board 21 (that is, the back surface of the game board 1), and is mounted in relation to a drive mechanism mounting plate (hereinafter referred to as a mounting plate) 31 provided opposite to the mounting board 21. The drive mechanism 30 of this embodiment includes an opening/closing blade drive mechanism 32, a rotation plate drive mechanism 33 for rotating the first rotation plate 26a, and a rotation plate drive mechanism 33 for rotating the second rotation plate 26b. Moving plate drive mechanism 3
Contains 4.

The opening/closing blade drive mechanism 32 includes a solenoid 32a that opens the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b depending on an electrically energized state or closes them when deenergized. The plunger 32b of the solenoid 32a includes
The lever 32c is fixed. The lever 32c has
Engagement holes 321, 322 at the upper and lower ends
is formed. A pin 323 of the link 32d is engaged with the engagement hole 321. Links 32d and 3
2e forms a shaft hole 325 in the shaft 324, and the pin 3
An engagement hole 327 is formed at the tip of an arm portion 326 that extends in a lateral direction that is 90° different from the portion where 23 is formed. The link 32d is rotatably supported by a pin 22c fixed to the back surface of the mounting board 21 being inserted into the shaft hole 325. The engagement hole 327 of the link 32d is connected to the projection 2 of the shutter 28.
81. The link 32e is connected to the mounting board 2
1 is rotatably supported by being inserted into the shaft hole 325. The pin 323 of the link 32e is engaged with the engagement hole 322. The engagement hole 327 of the link 32e has a
A protrusion 328 formed on the back surface of the actuation plate 32f is engaged. The actuation plate 32f is a U-shaped plate, and engagement holes 329 are formed in the lower end portions on both left and right sides. In the left and right engagement holes 329 of the actuating plate 32f,
The pins 244 of the opening/closing wings 24a, 24b are respectively engaged.

The rotating plate drive mechanism 33 includes a solenoid 33 for rotating or returning the first rotating plate 26a.
Contains a. Plunger 33b of solenoid 33a
An L-shaped link 33c is connected to. The link 33c is formed in an L-shape, the tip of the short side 331 is connected to the plunger 33b, and the shaft hole 333 at the intersection of the short side 331 and the long side 331 is inserted into a pin fixed to the drive mechanism mounting plate 31. It is rotatably supported. A pin 334 is formed at the tip of the long side 332. Pin 334 is connected to one end of rod 33d. The other end of the rod 33d is the link 33
It is connected to a pin 335 formed at e. The shaft 264 of the rotating plate 26a, which is inserted into the shaft hole 21g, is inserted into the shaft hole 336 of the link 33e. A guide pin 265 of the rotating plate 26a inserted into the guide hole 21i is engaged with the engagement hole 337 formed at the tip of the link 33e.

The rotating plate drive mechanism 34 is similar to the rotating plate driving mechanism 33 except that it is symmetrical and is provided in relation to the second rotating plate 26b. Therefore, in the illustration, reference numbers 33a to 33e are replaced by 3.
4a to 34e, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

A guide member 35 is provided on the back side of the winning hole 21m. The guide member 35 has a projecting piece 35a formed in a portion corresponding to the lower side of the winning hole 21m, and a path 35b is formed in an inclined manner on the back surface thereof. A light emitting diode 35c is attached to a portion above the protruding piece 35a, if necessary. Guide member 35
A mounting portion 35d on which the solenoid 32a is mounted is formed on the back surface. The solenoid 32a is mounted on the upper surface of the mounting portion 35d.

Next, details of the mounting plate 31 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4B and 5B. On the back surface of the mounting plate 31, paths 31a and 31b are formed on both left and right sides downward from the position corresponding to the safe hole 21n. At the confluence of the paths 31a and 31b, that is, below the back surface of the safe hole 21n, a distribution member 31c for distributing the safe balls to the left and right is installed. The distribution member 31c is formed in a T-shape, and its center portion is rotatably supported by a shaft 31d. If there is a safe ball in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 4B, the distribution member 31c is rotated by the safe ball and guides the safe ball to the path 31a, resulting in the state shown by the dashed line. When the next winning ball is received, the distribution member 31c rotates under the weight of the ball and guides the safe ball to the path 31b.

A winning ball detector 36 is located below the end of the path 31a.
a is provided. The winning ball detector 36a detects the ball that has passed through the safe hole 21n and the path 31a (i.e., the first specific area), and
A signal for rotating the rotating plate 24b and the rotating plate 26a is derived. A winning ball detector 36b is provided below the terminal end of the path 31b. Winning ball detector 36
b detects the ball that has passed through the safe hole 21n and the path 31b (ie, the second specific area), and derives a signal for rotating the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b and the rotating plate 26b. A path 31e is formed in a portion extending downward from the terminal end of the path 35b formed in the guide member 35. Below the path 31e, there is a winning hole 21m (that is, a third specific area).
Winning ball detector 36 for detecting winning balls
c is provided. The entered prize ball detectors 36a, 36
b and 36c constitute a predetermined condition detecting means that detects that a predetermined condition is established so that the variable prize winning ball device can be placed in the first state. Further, the entry hole 21m and the safe hole 21n constitute a specific area in which conditions are defined for driving and controlling the ball guiding member and the opening/closing member when a ball passes through. In addition, by the entered prize detectors 36a, 36b, 36c,
Passing ball detection means is configured to detect passing balls that have passed through the specific area.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a drive control circuit for driving the variable winning ball device 20. The drive control circuit 40 of this embodiment includes winning ball detectors 36a to 36c, delay circuits 41 and 42, timers 43 to 45, an OR gate 46, and solenoids 32a, 33a, and 34a.

In this embodiment, the time to start rotating the rotating plates 26a, 26b is delayed by a delay time Td with respect to the opening time T1 of the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b, and
The time T2 during which the rotating plates 26a and 26b can receive the ball is made shorter than the time T1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first drive means is constituted by the delay circuit 41, timers 43 and 45, the opening/closing blade drive mechanism 32 including the solenoid 32a, and the rotating plate drive mechanism 33 including the solenoid 33a. , delay circuit 42, timers 44 and 4
5. Opening/closing blade drive mechanism 3 including solenoid 32a
The rotary plate drive mechanism 34 including the solenoid 2 and the solenoid 34b constitutes a second drive means. Then, the third driving means is driven by the first and second driving means.
A driving means is constructed. In addition, winning ball detector 3
6a, 36b, 36c are the first, second, and
It is used as a third passing ball detection means.

FIG. 6B is a time chart for explaining the operation of FIG. 6A.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B,
The operation when the variable winning ball device 20 is driven by the drive control circuit 40 shown in Figure A will be described.

In the normal state, as shown in FIGS. A and 4B, the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b and the shutter
8 is opened, and the rotating plates 26a and 26b are connected to the ball receiving portion 26.
2 is held vertically. now,
Assume that a ball enters the safe hole 21n and is distributed to the path 31a by the distribution member 31c. When the safe balls reach the winning ball detector 36a through the path 31a, the winning ball detector 36a derives a pulse output and provides it to the delay circuit 41 and also to the timer 45 via the OR gate 46. Accordingly, the timer 45 is set for a certain period of time T1 (for example, 5 to 10
energizes the solenoid 32a for an amount of time (seconds). depending on,
Solenoid 32a attracts plunger 32b and moves pins 323 of links 32d and 32e in the direction of attraction of solenoid 32b. Therefore, the link 32d rotates, slides the shutter 28 downward, and opens the winning hole 21m. At the same time, the link 32e rotates and the actuating plate 32
Slide f upwards. In conjunction with the sliding movement of the operating plate 32f, the pins 2 of the opening/closing blades 24a and 24b
44 is pulled upward along the guide holes 21c and 21d. For this reason, the opening/closing wing pieces 24a, 2
4b rotates outward to open the portion surrounding the winning hole 21a. In this way, the opening/closing wing pieces 24a, 24
When b opens, the ball falling from the upper part hits the ball receiving part 2.
41 and is led to the winning hole 21a.

On the other hand, the delay circuit 41 activates the timer 43 after a predetermined delay time Td from the output of the winning ball detector 36a. Accordingly, the timer 43 turns on the solenoid 33 for a certain period of time T2 (for example, 2 to 5 seconds).
energize a. Here, the setting time of timer 43 is
T2 (that is, the time for holding the rotating plate 26a in a rotating state) is selected to satisfy T2≦T1−Td. The solenoid 33a attracts the plunger 33b according to the output of the timer 43, and rotates the link 33c. In response, the rod 33d is pushed downward,
Rotate the link 33e. As a result, the rotating plate 26a is rotated, and the ball receiving portion 262 is placed in an inclined state so as to be able to receive the ball. At this time, since the rotating plate 26a is located diagonally above the opening/closing wing piece 24a, the ball receiving portion 262 of the rotating plate 26a
The ball received by the ball is guided to the opening/closing wing piece 24a.

On the contrary, when the ball that has won into the safe hole 21n is guided to the path 31b, the winning ball detector 36b outputs a pulse. The timing at which the pulse is generated from the winning ball detector 36b is shown in FIG. 6B when the opening/closing wings 24a, 24b and the rotating plate 26a are not driven, but is not limited to this and can be any timing ( That is, opening and closing wing piece 2
4a and 24b). In this case, the timer 45 activates the solenoid 32a almost simultaneously with the output of the winning ball detector 36b.
and the delay time set by the delay circuit 42
After a delay of Td, the timer 44 energizes the solenoid 34a. Opening/closing wing pieces 24a, 24b and rotating plate 2 based on the urging of solenoids 32a and 34a
The operation of driving the ball 6b is performed in substantially the same manner as in the case of using the output of the winning ball detector 36a.

In addition, when a ball enters the winning hole 21m while the shutter 28 is being opened, the winning ball detector 36c outputs an output. In this case, the winning ball detector 36
Since the output of c is given to the OR gate 46 and the delay circuits 41 and 42, the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b
and rotating plates 26a, 26b are all driven. This situation is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

As in this embodiment, if the variable winning ball device 20 is provided with the opening/closing wings 24a, 24b and the rotating plates 26a, 26b, even if the length of the ball receiving part of the opening/closing wing is short, the rotating plate can rotate. It is possible to generate winning balls with a high probability during the period of play, and the state in which it is easy to win a prize can be changed to at least two stages, which has the advantage of improving the fun of the game and improving the service.
In addition, since the length of the ball receiving portion of the opening/closing wing can be shortened, there is no space limitation compared to a case where the ball receiving portion is made longer. Furthermore, there is an advantage that a plurality of winning holes can be integrated into one mounting board 21, and the mounting work to the game board 1 can be performed quickly. Furthermore, if the rotating plate is rotated after the delay time from when the opening of the opening/closing wing begins, the winning probability can be increased step by step while the opening/closing wing is being opened.

By the way, the variable winning ball device 20 of this embodiment
This is applicable not only to the drive control by the drive control circuit 40 shown in FIG. 6A but also to various other drive controls. In addition, in this embodiment, the opening/closing member opening/closing wing piece 2
4a and 24b, a front-opening opening/closing member may be used.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a drive control circuit 40A of another embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and FIG. 6A is that the rotating plate 26a or 26b is rotated immediately after the output of the winning ball detector 36a or 36b is received, and the ball is received by the ball receiving part 261. 2
After the time Td set by the delay circuit 41 required to reach the end portion of the blade 61, the blades 24a, 2 open and close.
4b is rotated. In this way, depending on where the ball is received in the ball receiving portion of the rotating plate 26a or 26b, the ball will fall downward before the opening/closing wings 24a, 24b open.
The ball guided by the ball receiver 262 moves to the opening/closing wing pieces 24a, 2
There are cases where the ball 4b is guided to the ball receiving part 241 and cases where it is not guided. Therefore, there is an advantage that the player can experience a thrill. Drive timing control in which the delay circuit 41 drives and controls the ball guiding member to a ball guiding posture based on the detection output of the predetermined condition detecting means, and controls the opening/closing member to open after a certain time delay. The means are configured. Furthermore, the timers 43 and 44 allow
drive time control means for driving and controlling the ball-hitting guide member to a ball-guiding posture for a certain period of time that is shorter than the start of driving the opening/closing member to open, based on the detection output of the predetermined condition detection means; It is configured. The operation of this embodiment can be easily understood by referring to the explanation of the operation in FIG. 6A and the time chart shown in FIG. 7B corresponding to the operation of this embodiment, so detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of another embodiment of the drive control circuit. The drive control circuit 50 of this embodiment differs from the circuit shown in FIG.
4b is opened for a relatively long fixed time T4, the rotating plate 26a or 26b is intermittently rotated or returned.

FIG. 8B is a time chart for explaining the operation of FIG. 8A. Next, Figures 8A and 8
The operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure B.

The pulse oscillator 56 always generates pulses at a constant period, and sends the pulses to the AND gates 53a and 53.
b. The duty ratio of the pulse oscillator 56 (i.e., the ratio between the high level period Th and the low level period Tl) can be adjusted using the variable resistor 56 as necessary.
The pulse oscillator 56 is configured in a circuit such that it can be changed by adjusting a. By the way, when the winning ball detector 36a detects a winning ball, it derives a pulse and sends it to the flip-flop 5 via the OR gate 51a.
Set 2a. The output Q of flip-flop 52a is applied as the other input of AND gate 53a, and is also applied to differentiating circuit 58 via OR gate 57. The differentiating circuit 58 differentiates the output Q at the rising edge, and operates the timer 59 with the differentiated pulse. Accordingly, the timer 59 turns on the solenoid 32a for a relatively long fixed period of time T4 (for example, 30 seconds).
energize. During the energization period of the solenoid 32a, the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b are opened. The solenoid 32a constitutes a fourth driving means that rotates the opening/closing member for a relatively long time in response to the output of the passing ball detecting means.

On the other hand, while the output Q of the flip-flop 52a is at a high level, the AND gate 53a derives the output pulse of the pulse oscillator 56 and outputs the pulse from the driver 54a.
and is given to the n-ary counter 55a. Accordingly, the driver 54a intermittently energizes the solenoid 33a in synchronization with the output pulse of the pulse oscillator 56. The n-ary counter 55a is an AND gate 53a.
Each time a pulse is given from , the count value is incremented, and when a predetermined constant number (n) is counted, a count-up output is derived. Therefore,
A fixed number of times n to rotate the rotating plate 26a intermittently
is selected such that n≦T4/Th+Tl. In the prototype, T4 was set to 30 seconds due to regulations regarding gaming machines.
Th + Tl is 4 seconds, rotating plate 2 only 7 times in 30 seconds
Rotate 6a. As mentioned above, the opening and closing wing pieces 24
a, 24b are opened continuously for a certain period of time T4,
If the rotating plate 26a is intermittently rotated for a certain short time during that period to receive the ball at the ball receiving part 262 and guide the ball to the opening/closing wing 24a, the opening/closing wing 24a, 24b During the opening period, winning balls can be generated with a relatively low probability, and the rotating plate 26
There is an advantage that the probability of winning a prize can be further increased temporarily when the ball receiving portion 262 is in an upward position due to the rotation of a. This has the advantage that the conditions that can increase the winning probability can be irregularly changed depending on the relationship between the rotation period of the rotation plate 26a and the falling state of the balls, and that the fun of the game can be improved. .

When the n-ary counter 55a counts a certain number n, a count-up output is derived and the flip-flop 52a is reset. In response, AND gate 53a ceases to derive an output, and driver 54a stops intermittent energization of solenoid 33a. After a while or almost simultaneously, timer 59 times up and solenoid 3
Deactivates 2a.

In addition, when the winning ball detector 36b detects a winning ball, the same operation as in the case based on the output of the winning ball detector 36a is performed. However, since the circuit components for driving the solenoid 34a are configured similarly to the circuit components for driving the solenoid 33a, the suffix "a" of the reference numerals thereof is replaced by "b". A fifth method in which the solenoids 33a and 34a alternately drive at least one of the first and second ball guiding members in the forward or reverse direction at relatively short time intervals during the opening period of the opening/closing member. A driving means is configured.

Further, when the winning ball detector 36c outputs, the same operation as when the winning ball detectors 36a and 36b output simultaneously is performed.

Note that, as in this embodiment, the period for intermittently rotating the rotating plate 26a or 26b may be set within time T2 in the embodiment of FIG. 6A or time T3 in the embodiment of FIG. 7A. . However, in that case,
Time T1-T3 is chosen as long. Further, the entry prize hole 21m is configured to allow the variable winning ball device to continuously perform a reciprocating operation between the first state and the second state a predetermined number of times based on the winning of the hit ball. A specific winning opening is configured. Further, the entered prize ball detector 36c constitutes a specific winning ball detection means that detects the winning balls that have entered the specific winning hole. Further, the drive control circuit 50 includes drive control means for controlling drive so that the reciprocating operation of the variable winning ball device is executed within the range of the predetermined number of times based on the detection output of the specific winning ball detection means. It is configured. Further, the variable resistor 56a is used to change and adjust the time for at least one of the first state and the second state in the reciprocating operation of the variable winning ball device. Adjustment means are configured. Further, in FIG. 8A, both the opening time (Th) and the closing time (Tl) are changed by the adjustment operation, but only one of them may be adjusted. Further, it may be automatically adjusted according to the situation of the balls of the pinball game machine. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the time is directly adjusted by adjusting the variable resistor 56a. An arbitrary time may be selected by a selection setting operation. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a drive control circuit according to yet another embodiment. Drive control circuit 6 of this embodiment
0 differs from that shown in FIG. 8A in that it is configured as follows. That is, when there is a winning ball in the winning hole 21m, the opening and closing wings 24a,
In order to award more prize balls than when driving 24b and rotating plates 26a and 26b,
The same operation as shown in FIG. 8A is performed by repeating a fixed number of times m. Therefore, the same parts as in Fig. 8A are indicated by the same reference numerals below.
A detailed explanation thereof will be omitted, and the game will be performed for a certain period of time based on the output of the winning ball detector 36c, which is a feature of this embodiment.
Repeat T4 to open the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b, and during the opening period, the rotating plates 26a,
The operation of intermittently rotating or returning 26b is extended.

When the winning ball detector 36c detects a winning ball, its output sets the flip-flop 61, sets the flip-flop 52a via the OR gate 51a, and then sets the flip-flop 52a via the OR gate 51a.
Flip-flop 52b is set via b. Accordingly, or gate 57 flip-flops 5
The outputs Q of 2a and 52b are given to a differentiating circuit 58, and a timer 59 is activated by the differentiating pulses. The timer 59 continuously energizes the solenoid 32a for a certain period of time T4. At the same time, the AND gates 53a and 53b open the corresponding flip-flop 5.
During the high level period of the outputs 2a and 52b, the output pulses of the pulse oscillator 56 are transmitted to the corresponding driver 54.
a, 54b and n-ary counters 55a, 55b. The drivers 54a, 54b intermittently energize the corresponding solenoids 33a, 34a in synchronization with the pulse cycle, and intermittently rotate the rotating plates 26a, 26b. The n-ary counters 55a and 55b are
The number of rotations of the rotation plates 26a and 26b is counted. When the rotating plates 26a, 26b are intermittently rotated a certain number of times n, the n-ary counters 55a, 55
OR gate 6 corresponding to the count-up output of b
2, 63 to flip-flops 52a, 52
Reset b. This completes the first continuous rotation of the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b and the intermittent rotation of the rotation plates 26a, 26b. Then, when timer 59 times up,
The output of the timer 59 is differentiated by a differentiating circuit 67 to fall. The output pulse of the differentiating circuit 67 is applied to an m-ary counter 68 and a delay circuit 69, and is also applied to OR gates 62 and 63 as necessary. Delay circuit 69 provides the differential pulse as one input to AND gates 65 and 66 after a certain time delay. At this time, if the m-adic counter 68 has not counted up yet, its output is set to a low level, and this low level signal is inverted to a high level and provided as one input of the AND gate 64. Therefore, the AND gate 64 continuously derives a high level during the period from when the output Q of the flip-flop 61 is at a high level until the m-ary counter 68 counts up, and provides it as the other input of the AND gates 65 and 66. ing.
Therefore, the output pulse of the delay circuit 69 causes the flip-flop 52a to be set via the AND gate 65 and the OR gate 51a, and
Flip-flop 52b is set via AND gate 66 and OR gate 51b. By resetting flip-flops 52a and 52b in this way, the same operation as described above is performed.

Thereafter, in the same manner, the m-adic counter 68 reaches a certain number m.
Repeatedly open and close the blades 24a, 24b until reaching
is opened for a certain period of time T4, and the rotating plate 26a,
26b is rotated intermittently. When the m-adic counter 68 counts a certain number m, it outputs a high-level count-up output, resets the flip-flop 61, and outputs the AND gate 6.
Activate 4. Therefore, the operation of repeatedly opening and closing the opening/closing blades 24a, 24b thereafter is stopped.

If the drive is controlled as in this embodiment, there is an advantage that the player can be given an opportunity to win a large amount of prize balls based on the balls that have entered the special winning holes. The drive control circuit 40, 40A, 50,
60 constitutes a drive control means that drives and controls the opening/closing member to the first state and controls the ball guiding member to a ball guiding posture based on the detection output of the predetermined condition detecting means. There is.

In FIG. 9, the opening/closing control in which one cycle consists of n openings/closings is unconditionally repeated m times, but a repetition condition for repeating opening/closing n times may be determined. For example, the repeating condition is that the ball hits 21m during n opening/closing controls, and if 36c is output during n opening/closing controls, the next n opening/closing controls are performed. If there is no output, the next n opening/closing controls may not be performed. In this case, 36
When the output of 36c is received, the opening/closing control currently being performed at that point may be terminated and the next n opening/closing controls may be performed, or the output of 36c may be memorized and the opening/closing control currently being performed may be canceled. After the previous n opening/closing controls have been completed, the next n opening/closing controls may be performed based on the stored output of the output 36c.

Further, an upper limit may be set on the number of winning balls to the variable winning ball device in the n-time opening/closing control, and when the upper limit is reached, the n-time opening/closing control may be terminated at that point.

In addition, in FIGS. 8A and 9, 24a, 2
We have shown an example where 4b remains open during T4, but
You may make it open and close like 26a and 26b. Moreover, it is not necessary to provide 26a and 26b.

In the above description, the case where the drive control circuit is configured as a hardware circuit has been described, but the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to this, but similar operations can be performed through software processing using a microprocessor. You can also do that. In addition, in this embodiment, the safe hole 21n
The game value is made different by changing the ease with which the variable winning ball device accepts balls in the first state between the winning hole 21m and the winning hole 21m. The game value may be varied by changing the number of times.

Further, the conditions for driving the opening/closing wing pieces and the rotating plate are not limited to those in the above-described embodiments, and various other conditions may be detected. For example, a starting winning hole corresponding to the safe hole 21n may be provided on the game board 1 separately from the variable winning ball device, and winnings into the winning hole may be detected. It may also be possible to detect that the variable display has become a specific display. In addition, the entry hole 21
A specific winning hole corresponding to m may be provided in the winning space formed in the opening/closing wing piece.

Further, since the opening period of the opening/closing wing and the period of rotation of the rotary plate only need to partially overlap, it goes without saying that both periods may be synchronized (or coincident).

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the time in at least one of the first state and the second state in the reciprocating motion of the variable winning ball device is changed. The winning rate of the variable winning ball device can be changed and adjusted by adjusting it, so the adjustment is easier than with conventional pinball game machines, where the winning rate can be changed and adjusted only by adjusting the nails. can be done.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the variable prize winning ball device and drive mechanism which are the features of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the variable winning ball device and the drive mechanism. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are illustrative views of the variable winning ball device in a state where the opening/closing wing pieces and the rotating plate are not driven. Figures 5A and 5
B is an illustrative view of the variable winning ball device in a state where the opening/closing wing pieces and the rotating plate are driven. FIG. 6A is a block diagram of one embodiment of the drive control circuit, and FIG. 6B is a time chart for explaining its operation. FIG. 7A is a block diagram of another embodiment of the drive control circuit, and FIG. 7B is a time chart for explaining its operation. FIG. 8A is a block diagram of yet another embodiment of drive control;
FIG. 8B is a time chart for explaining the operation. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of yet another embodiment of the drive control circuit. In the figure, 10 is a pachinko machine, 20 is a variable winning ball device, 21 is a mounting board, 21a, 21e, 2
1f and 21m are winning holes, 24a and 24b are opening/closing wing pieces, 26a and 26b are rotating plates, 30 is a drive mechanism,
31 is a drive mechanism mounting plate, 32 is an opening/closing blade drive mechanism, 33, 34 is a rotating plate drive mechanism, 36a to 36
c is a winning ball detector, and 40, 40A, 50, and 60 are drive control circuits.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A variable winning ball device that can change freely between a first state in which a hit ball is likely to win a prize and a second state in which a hit ball is difficult to win or cannot win, based on the winning of a hit ball, A specific winning hole that is determined to allow the variable winning ball device to continuously perform reciprocating operations between the first state and the second state a predetermined number of times, and a winning ball that has entered the specific winning ball device. Based on the specific winning ball detection means to be detected and the detection output of the specific winning ball detection means,
a drive control means for controlling drive so that the reciprocating motion of the variable winning ball device is executed within the range of the second predetermined number of times; and a time adjustment means for changing and adjusting the time of at least one of the two states.
Pinball game machine.