JP2002301245A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine by which setting is changeover possible concerning the put-out number of game media which are put out from put-out devices and also the number corresponding to a situation is discharged. SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with the put-out devices 140 and 160 for putting out the game media and a put-out control means 118 for permitting the put-out devices to put out the determined number of game media when a put-out condition is established. The machine is also provided with a put-out number setting changeover means 190 for changing-over the value of the put-out number.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine for paying out a predetermined number of game media when a payout condition is satisfied.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine has a payout device for paying out game media such as game balls and a payout number of game media set in advance when a payout condition is satisfied. A payout control means for causing the payout apparatus to pay out, and a storage medium (card) storing ball lending information (payable game ball information) in a so-called CR machine is stored in a storage medium reading unit (ball lending unit) as lending operation means. The ball rental operation such as pressing the ball lending button by inserting the card into the card unit) or the establishment of the payout conditions such as winning at the time of the game.
The payout number of game media is paid out.

The payout device is provided with a payout game medium detection sensor for counting the payout game media. When the number of payout game media reaches the number of payouts, the payout of the game media is stopped, and the payout device is stopped according to the number of times the payout condition is satisfied. The payout of the number of payouts is repeated. On the other hand, when the number of payout game media is insufficient, an error is notified by the error notification unit, or the operation of the payout device is stopped,
It is configured so that adverse effects due to lack of game media do not spread.

Further, in pachinko gaming machines, it may be necessary to remove all the gaming balls in the gaming machine after the inspection (especially the payout device operation inspection) by the gaming machine maker is completed or when a malfunction is performed by a gaming store. As the extracting method, a guidance switching unit is provided in a guiding gutter upstream of the payout device, and the operation of the guidance switching unit guides the game ball from the guidance switching unit to the payout device or to a ball drainage gutter communicating with the outside of the gaming machine. In general, a game ball upstream of the guidance switching unit is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine. By the way, in the operation of the guidance switching means, the game balls remaining from the guidance switching unit to the ball stop position of the payout device (remaining game balls) cannot be discharged.

[0005] For this reason, conventionally, after the inspection or the like is completed, a game board is opened to force a game ball to enter a winning opening,
Inserting a storage medium (card) into a storage medium reading unit (ball lending card unit) and pressing a ball lending button, or connecting an external payout command device to a gaming machine as in the case of a ball lending payout operation By outputting the same payout command to the payout device as pressing the ball lending button, the payout device is operated, thereby extracting the remaining game balls by payout number. In a conventional gaming machine, the number of game media (game balls) to be paid out is fixed in advance by a program so that the number of payouts cannot be changed.

[0006]

However, in such a conventional gaming machine, the number of game media (game balls) to be paid out is fixed in advance by a program so that the number of payouts cannot be changed. Therefore, when it becomes necessary to change the number of payouts due to a change in the price of a game medium, etc., a new ROM in which a program corresponding to the new number of payouts is stored is newly created, and the old RO in the gaming machine is created.
M has to be replaced, which is troublesome and expensive.

[0007] Further, when the game medium is removed after the inspection is completed, for example, when the number of game media to be finally removed (paid) due to repetition of forced winning or the like becomes less than the payout number. However, the shortage of the payout game medium is detected by the payout game medium detection sensor, an error occurs, and the error operation occurs. At that time, even if the payout number is changed to prevent the shortage of the payout game medium from being detected, the payout number is fixed by the program and cannot be changed as described above.
Error due to shortage of payout game media could not be prevented. In addition, when such an error operation occurs, it is necessary to perform a troublesome operation such as releasing the stop state of the dispensing device, forcibly operating the dispensing device, or releasing the error state. A great deal of labor was spent on the sampling work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which the setting for the number of game media to be paid out from the payout device can be switched and the number of payouts can be paid out according to the situation. And

[0009]

That is, according to the present invention, a payout device for paying out game media and a payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game media when payout conditions are satisfied are provided. The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising: a payout control means for paying out a payout number; and a payout number setting switching means for arbitrarily changing a value of the payout number.

A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, establishment of a winning condition in a game is included as a case where the payout condition is established.

A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the payout number switching by the payout number setting switching means is setting switching of the payout number for one winning.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in any one of the first to third aspects, the case where the payout condition is satisfied includes establishment of a game medium lending condition.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, establishment of the game medium lending condition is based on a payout operation of a lending operation means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, there is provided a switch disabling means for disabling the setting of the number of payouts by the number-of-payouts setting switching means during a period other than a predetermined period. .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the number-of-payouts setting switching means includes a switching operation enabling means that enables a setting switching operation of the number of payouts. .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, a data input means is provided as the switching operation enabling means, and the validity of the data input by the data input means is determined by the input data determining means, Is determined to be positive, the setting of the number of payouts can be switched by the number-of-payouts setting switching means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the seventh aspect, a key operation unit is provided as the switching operation enabling unit, and the setting of the number of payouts can be switched by the number-of-payouts setting switching unit by operating the key operation unit. It is characterized by.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of an entire gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a gaming board of the gaming machine, FIG. 3 is a back view of the gaming board of the gaming machine, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the entire gaming machine, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a back mechanism plate of the gaming machine, and FIG.
FIG. 8 is a view showing the vicinity of a guidance switching unit in the back mechanism, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a case rail provided on the back mechanism plate, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the guidance switching means, and FIG. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the ball lending device, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the prize ball dispensing device, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the prize ball dispensing device. FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing the payout number setting switching device, FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the payout number setting switching process, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the payout process.

The gaming machine shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and uses a game ball as a game medium. This pachinko gaming machine 1 has a frame 2
A game board 3 is detachably accommodated inside the game board 3, and an outer guide rail 4 and an inner guide rail 5 of a game ball are erected on the edge of the game board 3 in a substantially circular shape, and are surrounded by the inner guide rail 5. A winning port where game balls can be won is provided in the designated game area 6. In this embodiment, a plurality of winning ports are provided in the gaming area 6 of the gaming board 3 as described below.

First, below the display device 9 provided on the center line of the game area 6, there is an upper first kind start winning opening 10 and a lower first kind start winning having movable pieces 11a and 11b as ordinary electric accessories. An opening 11 and a special winning opening 15 which is a special electric accessory are provided, and an out opening 17 is provided below the opening. Also, on both upper sides of the lamp windmills 18a, 18b,
Below this, a normal design change start left gate 19 and a normal design change start right gate 21, and beneath them, windmills 22 a, 2.
2b, a left sleeve winning opening 23 and a right sleeve winning opening 25 are provided below the left winning opening 23, and a leftward winning opening 27 and a rightward winning opening 29 are provided on both sides of the large winning opening 15. Have been.

On the front side of the gaming machine 1, a lamp indicator 35 for notifying a gaming state, an upper ball receiving tray 36 for receiving paid-out game balls, and a game ball when the upper ball receiving tray 36 is saturated. A lower ball receiving tray 37 for receiving the ball, a launching device 91 that launches a game ball toward the game area 6 in response to a launch operation of the operation handle 92 by the player, and the like are assembled.

As can be understood from FIGS. 1 and 5, the firing device 91 includes an operating handle 92, a firing motor 93 driven by operating the operating handle 92, and intermittently driven by the driving of the firing motor 93. It has a hitting rod 94 for swinging and firing a game ball. The launching sphere launched by the launching device 91 is guided to the game area 6 via a launching sphere guideway formed between the outer guide rail 4 and the inner guide rail 5 erected on the game board surface. Has become. The game ball guided to the game area 6 by the shooting ball guide path falls downward while rolling, and either wins each of the winning ports, or from the out port 17 if it does not win anywhere. 3 is configured to be discharged to the back side.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a ball lending card unit 170 as shown in FIG. 1 is used as a lending operation means operated by a player or the like when paying out a lending ball. It is provided as a unit. When a card (storage medium) storing ball lending information (payable game ball information) is inserted into the card insertion slot 171 of the ball lending card unit 170, the ball lending information stored in the card is read and the ball lending information is read. The ball lending information is displayed on the frequency indicator 173 of the ball lending operation unit 172 provided at the front end of the ball tray 36 by frequency or the like. The ball rental operation unit 17
2, a ball lending button 174 used when paying out a ball lending, and a card return button 175 for ejecting the card from the card insertion slot 171 by operating the player when the player wants to stop the game. Have been. The ball lending card unit 170 and the ball lending operation unit 172 correspond to ball lending operation means.

Further, the ball lending card unit 170 is provided with a fraction setting switch 176 so that the payout fraction of gaming balls (lending balls) can be set to three stages of 100 yen, 500 yen, and 1000 yen. It has become. For example, when the fraction setting switch 176 is set to 100 yen, a payout command for paying out one times the number of game balls to be paid out by one operation of the ball lending button 174 of the ball lending operation unit 172 is issued. 1
A payout control circuit (payout control means) 118 described later
Is output to the ball lending device 140 via the ball lending device 140, and if the amount is set to 500 yen, the ball lending command is issued five times by one operation of the ball lending button 174 via the payment control circuit 118. 10 to be output to the dispensing device 140
The payout command is output once for every 0 yen.

When all the gaming balls in the gaming machine are to be removed after the inspection (particularly the operation of the dispensing device) at the gaming machine maker or at the time of breakdown maintenance at the gaming machine,
In the same manner as during a game, in addition to inserting a storage medium such as a card into the ball lending card unit 170 and operating a button or the like to remove a ball, a storage medium dedicated to extraction work is prepared and used. As shown in FIG. 5, the ball may be removed without using a storage medium such as a card.

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an external payout instruction device 180 can be connected to the ball rental payout device 140 from outside the gaming machine via a payout control circuit 118. The external payout command device 180 includes a payout signal output unit capable of generating a signal similar to the payout command output from the ball lending card unit 170 and an operation unit for outputting the payout command from the payout signal output unit. And corresponds to one of the lending operation means. This external payout instruction device 180 is connected to the gaming machine 1 only during the ball removing operation (here, the external payout is connected via the card interface connecting portion 122 of the payout control board 118a shown in FIG. 5). By operating the operation unit of the command device 180 (for example, by pressing a button), a payout command for paying out the number of game balls to be paid out is output, and the ball lending device 140 receiving the command outputs the number of game balls to be paid out. It is configured to pay out. It should be noted that the external payout command device 180 is provided with a select button or the like capable of selecting an integer multiple of the payout number. For example, if the user selects one time, the payout signal is output once only by operating the operation unit once. Pay out one times the number paid out,
If double is selected, the payout signal may be output twice to pay out twice the payout number by operating the operation unit once.

In the display device 9 in the figure, reference numeral 41 denotes a variable display and a stop display of a pattern such as a numeral, an alphabet, a symbol or a picture (character) (including a temporary stop display before the final fixed stop display. The same) possible normal symbol display device, 43 is the same special symbol display device, 45 is the normal symbol display portion of the normal symbol display device 41, such as a 7-segment LED, 47 is the normal symbol variation number storage indicator, such as an LED, 49 is a window frame part of the display device 9, 50 is a liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD module) of the special symbol display device 43.
Reference numeral 51 denotes a special symbol variation number storage display comprising LEDs and the like. The display screen of the image display unit 50 of this embodiment is divided into three display areas arranged side by side, and in each display area, a special symbol for determination result display can be changed and stopped. . Also,
The image display unit 50 may display a background image (including a character, a background, a character, etc.) in addition to the special symbol, and the background image may be caused by a predetermined condition such as the start of the change of the special symbol. In some cases, variable display is possible.

Further, regarding the special winning opening 15, reference numeral 61 denotes an opening / closing plate, reference numeral 63 denotes a specific region winning opening, and reference numeral 38 denotes a special winning opening.
Is a game ball payout port for paying out game balls to the upper ball tray 36. In addition, as for the special symbol display device 43, the image display unit 50 is not limited to the liquid crystal display as described above, and may be configured by an LED, an EL, a CRT, or another light emitting body.

On the back (back) of the gaming board 3, a detection switch for detecting a winning of a game ball to a winning opening is provided. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a detection switch is provided for each winning opening. For example, a left sleeve winning opening detection switch 78 and a right sleeve winning opening detection switch 79 for detecting a winning ball in the left sleeve winning opening 23 and the right sleeve winning opening 25, the left drop winning opening 27 and the right drop winning opening 29. A switch 81 for detecting a winning prize hole and a switch 82 for detecting a prize winning hole are provided on the back of the corresponding game board, respectively.

Further, special symbol change start switches (starting winning port sensors) 55a and 55b for detecting the balls winning in the first kind starting winning ports 10 and 11 are provided in the path for the winning balls. , The symbol change of the special symbol display device 43 is started. Further, on the back side of the special winning opening 15 of the gaming board 3, a specific winning ball detecting switch (specific area sensor) 65 for detecting a winning ball to the specific area winning opening 63 is provided. Thereby, the continuation right to reopen the special winning opening 15 is established. A winning ball count switch (count sensor) 67 for detecting a winning ball that has won the special winning opening 15 and has not won the specific area winning opening 63 is provided substantially at the center of the special winning opening 15. Is provided. When each detection switch detects a winning of a game ball in each of the winning ports, a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the number of winning balls are paid out as prize balls by a prize ball payout device 160 described later.

In addition to the detection switch described above, a solenoid for a first-type start winning opening 53 for opening and closing the movable pieces 11a and 11b of the lower first-type starting winning opening 11 is provided on the back of the game board. And the opening and closing plate 6 of the special winning opening 15
1, a special area opening solenoid 64 for opening and closing the opening / closing door (not shown) of the specific area winning opening 63 under predetermined conditions, the normal symbol change start left gate 19, and an ordinary There are ordinary symbol change start switches 56 and 57 for detecting game balls passing through the symbol change start right gate 21.

The normal symbol change start switch 56,
By detecting a game ball passing through both gates 19 and 21 at 57, the symbol change of the ordinary symbol display device 41 is started. Then, when the symbol fixedly displayed after the symbol is changed in the ordinary symbol display unit 45 of the ordinary symbol display device 41 is a specific symbol set in advance, a small hit (ordinary symbol hit) is obtained, and The movable piece 11a, 1 of the lower first kind starting winning opening 11
The opening and opening of 1b is performed for a predetermined time.

The operation of the special winning opening 15 will be described. When a game ball wins in the first-type starting winning opening 10 or 11 and a winning ball is detected by the special symbol change start switches 55a and 55b, The change of the special symbol is started in each display area of the image display unit 50 of the special symbol display device 43. Then, after the predetermined time fluctuates, the special symbols fluctuate and stop in a preset order, and the combination of the stopped symbols is definitely displayed. Note that, depending on the symbol variation pattern and the like, a so-called reach state, a so-called reach announcement, a hit announcement, and the like may be performed before the special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

Then, when the combination of the fixed symbols displayed as determined is a predetermined special jackpot symbol combination, for example, a so-called "symbol" consisting of a combination of the same symbols.
It shifts to a jackpot state (special game state). When the jackpot state is reached, the opening / closing plate 61 of the special winning opening 15 is opened to receive the game ball falling on the surface of the game area 6 and enable the winning to the inside of the special winning opening 15. When there is, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

The control of symbol fluctuation in the ordinary symbol display device 41 and the special symbol display device 43 is performed by a main control circuit 121 shown in FIG. 4 and a display control circuit 125 connecting the circuit 121 and the display device 9. .

The main control circuit 121 is incorporated in a main control board 121a shown in FIG.
A computer having a ROM and a plurality of counters, an input / output circuit connecting the computer to the display control circuit 125 and the like, and an input / output circuit connecting the computer to a relay circuit connected to the special winning opening 15 and the like. . The CPU
Is provided with a control unit, an operation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc., and performs arithmetic control, and also has a large jackpot occurrence probability and a small jackpot (usually for opening and closing the lower first type start winning opening 11). A random number or the like that determines the probability of occurrence (per symbol) is also generated. The RAM stores a storage area for detection signals of the special symbol change start switches 55a and 55b and a detection signal of the normal symbol change start switches 56 and 57, a storage area for various random numbers generated by the CPU, and various data. A temporary storage area, a flag, and a CPU work area are provided. Further, in the ROM, a control program and control data for a game are written, and a judgment value of a big hit and a small hit is written.

Further, the display control circuit 125 includes a CP
It comprises a computer having U, RAM and ROM, an input circuit connecting the computer to the main control circuit 121, an output circuit connecting the computer to the ordinary symbol display device 41 and the special symbol display device 43, and the like. The CPU
Has a control unit, an operation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, and the like, and performs operation control. The RAM has a storage area for various data, a work area for the CPU, and the like. Further, the R
In the OM, design data such as display data for the image display unit 50 and various display programs are written.

A back mechanism as shown in FIG. 5 is provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1, and includes a storage tank 101 for storing game balls to be paid out, a guiding gutter 95, a ball lending device 140, a prize ball dispensing device. 160, a payout control board 118a in which the payout control circuit 118 shown in FIG.
90 has a back mechanism plate 100 provided thereon. 5, reference numeral 103 denotes a frame external output terminal, 104 denotes a frame external output terminal board, 105 denotes a frame decoration lamp relay board, 106 denotes a power receiving board, 107 denotes a ball cut detection switch, 1
08 is a ball cut detection switch board, 109 is a board external output terminal, 110 is a board external output board, 111 is a center cover, 112 is a voice control board, 113 is a photo distribution board,
114 is a power supply board, 115 is a lamp control board, 116 is an error display section, 117 is a middle plate, 119 is a launching apparatus control board, 120 is a lower board base, 121a is a main control board, 122 is a card interface connection section, 12
Reference numerals 3 and 124 denote power plugs; 191, a switching operation enabling operation unit serving as a switching operation enabling unit in the number-of-payouts setting switching device 190; 193, a number-of-payouts switching operation unit;
Is a set payout number display device.

With reference to FIGS. 6 to 14, payout of game balls will be described. As shown in the back mechanism plate 100 of FIG. 6, the payout game balls supplied from the installation island of the gaming machine are first stored in the storage tank 101 of the game balls provided on the back mechanism plate 100. . The storage tank 101 is provided with a communication port that communicates with the guide gutter 95, so that game balls flow through the guide gutter 95. The guide gutter 95 guides the game balls flowing from the storage tank 101 to the ball lending device 140 and the prize ball dispensing device 160. In this embodiment, one end is connected to the communication port of the storage tank 101. And a case rail 130 having one end connected to the other end of the tank rail 102 and the other end reaching the ball lending device 140 and the prize ball discharging device 160. The guide gutter 95 of this embodiment is formed of three rows of gutters arranged in parallel in the tank rail 102 so that game balls can be efficiently guided. The spheres flow down to the case rail 130 in a single row. In this embodiment, the three rows of guiding gutters 95 are used.
Is a single row of guiding gutters 9 for paying out balls in the case rail 130.
5a and two rows of guiding troughs 95b for paying out prize balls. The guide gutter 95 does not have to be composed of two members, the tank rail 102 and the case rail 130.
It may be composed of a member or three or more members. The game balls flowing down the tank rails 102 and the case rails 130 pass through a guide switching unit 96 to be described later, and reach a ball lending device 140 and a prize ball discharging device 160 via a ball cut detection switch 107.

The case rail 130 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the front view of FIG. 7, the exploded view of FIG. 8, the main part perspective view of the guidance switching means 131 of FIG. 9, and the front view of FIG. The case rail 130 is the case rail body 1.
30a, the first partition member 130b, and the second partition member 13
0c and a case rail body cover 130d,
The inside of the case rail 130 includes the guiding gutter 95 and the ball gutter 13.
4 are formed. The guiding gutter 95 in the case rail 130 is divided into one row of guiding gutters 95a for paying out balls and two rows of guiding gutters 95b for paying out prize balls by a first partitioning member 130b and a second partitioning member 130c.

The guidance switching section 96 includes the case rail 13.
The guide gutter 95 is provided at a gentle slope in the middle of the guide gutter 95, and has a ball opening 97 formed on the lower surface of the gentle slope. It is guided to a ball drain gutter 134 directly below the opening 97 for use. In this embodiment, the ball-extraction opening edges 98 of the first partitioning member 130b and the second partitioning member 130c in the guidance switching unit 96 are rotated excessively upward by the guidance switching plate 132a of the guidance switching member 132 described later. It is a rotation restricting portion that restricts movement.

The guidance switching means 131 switches the guidance of the game ball by opening and closing the ball removal opening 97, and includes a guidance switching member 132 and a guidance switching lock member 136.
And a guidance switching operation lever 133. The guidance switching member 132 includes a guidance switching plate 132a having a size capable of closing the ball extraction opening 97 from below, and a weight portion 132 hanging downward from a rotation axis of the guidance switching plate 132a.
b. The guide switching member 132 is axially mounted between the case rail main body 130a and the case rail main body cover 130d in the vicinity of the ball extraction opening 97 so that the guide switching plate 132a can be turned up and down, and guided by the weight of the weight portion 132b. The switching plate 132a is naturally rotated upward so as to come into contact with the ball removing opening edge 98 as the rotation restricting portion from below. When the guidance switching plate 132a hits the ball-extraction opening edge 98, further upward rotation is restricted, and the ball-extraction opening 97 is closed. Further, the ball switching opening 97 can be opened by rotating the guidance switching plate 132a downward. An engagement protrusion 132c that engages with the guide switching lock member 136 is formed on the lower surface of the weight 132b.

The guidance switching lock member 136 prevents the guidance switching plate 132a from freely rotating downward and allows the guidance switching plate 132a to pivot downward when the ball is removed. The guide switching lock member 136 of this embodiment includes a case rail body 130 a and a case rail body cover 13.
0d, a vertically rotatable member pivotally mounted on the upper surface of the member 136.
Engaging claw 136 that releasably engages with the engaging ridge 132c
a is formed on the lower surface of the member 136 so as to come into contact with the outer surface of the case rail 130 so as to contact the guide switching lock member 13.
The spring piece 136 for urging the engaging claw 136a side of No. 6 upward
b is formed. When the guide switching plate 132a closes the ball removing opening 97, the engaging claw 136a is engaged with the engaging protrusion 13 on the lower surface of the weight portion 132b.
2c to prevent the guide switching plate 132a from rotating downward. Further, the downward rotation of the guide switching lock member 136 against the spring piece 136b causes the engaging claw 136a to be separated from the engaging ridge 132c, and the upward rotation of the weight 132b, that is, the downward rotation of the guide switching plate 132a. Enable.

The guidance switching operation lever 133 is for rotating the guidance switching plate 132a downward, and the end 1 of the guidance switching lock member 136 which is separated from the rotation axis.
An engaging pin 133a for engaging with the vicinity of the case rail 36c is formed so as to protrude in the lateral direction.
It is attached to the outer surface and is rotatable in the lateral direction toward the guidance switching lock member 136. When the guidance switching operation lever 133 is rotated toward the guidance switching lock member 136,
The engagement pin 133a pivots downward to push the guidance switching lock member 136 downward, whereby the guidance switching lock member 136 pivots downward to engage the engagement claw 136a with the engagement ridge 132c. Cancel. Reference numeral 133b denotes a rotating shaft wearing cylinder portion, which is rotatably fitted to the boss 135 on the outer surface of the case rail main body 130a.

When the ball is removed, the guidance switching operation lever 133 is rotated toward the guidance switching lock member 136 as described above,
When the engagement between the engagement claw 136a of the induction switching lock member 136 and the engagement protrusion 132c of the switching operation member 132 is released,
Due to the weight of the game ball located on the guidance switching plate 132a, the guidance switching plate 132a rotates downward and the ball removal opening 9
7 is opened, and the game ball upstream of the guidance switching section 96 is guided from the ball removal opening 97 to the ball removal gutter 134 and the gaming machine 1
It is forcibly discharged outside.

At this time, a ball stop position of the ball lending device 140 (the most downstream game ball stop position in the remaining game balls) from the guidance switching unit 96 (the ball removal opening 97 in this example) in the gaming machine 1. L1 and the guidance switching unit 96
Since the game balls still remain in L2 during the period from to the ball stop position of the prize ball payout device 160, the remaining game balls remain due to a compulsory winning or an operation on the ball lending card unit 170 or the external payout command device 180. It is discharged outside the gaming machine.

The ball cutting detection switch 107 is provided at a position downstream of the guidance switching section 96 in the guidance gutter 95, and a game in the guidance gutter 95 when the game ball is dispensed by the ball lending device 140 and the prize ball dispensing device 160. It detects the presence or absence of a ball, and stops the payout operation of the ball lending device 140 and the prize ball dispensing device 160 via the payout control circuit 118 by detecting the absence of a game ball (ball cut) so as to prevent a blank hit. It has become. The payout control circuit 118 also serves as a ball-cut payout stop unit that stops the payout to the payout device 140 when a ball-cut is detected.

As shown in the top view (a), front view (b), right side view (c), and FIG. 12 of FIG. Gutter 9
5a, the lower end of which has a game ball passage 151 whose lower end communicates with the game ball payout port 38 through a payout passage (not shown), and is rotatable in the middle of the game ball passage 151.
The payout game balls are opened and closed by 47, and the number of payout game balls is detected by the payout game ball detection sensor 145, and includes the following components. That is, the ball-for-leasing case main body 141 in which the game ball passage 151 is formed, the ball-for-lending body cover 144 combined so as to cover the ball-for-ball case main body 141, and a photo provided beside the game ball passage 151. Payout game ball detection sensor 14 comprising a sensor or the like
5 and its cover 146, and the ball rental case body 141
And a ball-gearing solenoid 142, a ball-gearing arm 143, a ball-gearing stopper 147 provided between the ball-gearing body cover 144,
The ball lending link 148, the ball lending stopper shaft 149, the ball lending link shaft 150, and the like are configured.

The ball-for-sale solenoid 142 of this example is arranged with the extendable and retractable operating member 142a facing downward, and the ball-sending arm 143 is locked to the operating member 142a.
The ball rental stopper 147 includes a ball rental stopper shaft 149.
Is rotatably attached to the ball-lending case main body 141, whereby the claw 147 a at the tip can protrude (enter) and non-protrude (retreat) from the opening 151 a in the middle of the game ball passage 151 by the rotation. It has been.
Also, the ball lending link 148 is connected to the ball leasing stopper 1.
47, and an engaging recess 148b that engages with the ball-lending arm 143. The ball-lending case main body 142 is rotatable by the ball-lending link shaft 150. And the ball-sending arm 143
The ball rental stopper 147 is rotated by the operation of.

As shown in the top view (a), front view (b), right side view (c) and FIG. 14 of the prize ball payout device 160, the prize ball case body 161 and the prize ball screw 1 are shown in FIG.
Prize ball motor 163 having prize ball 62, prize ball body cover 16
4. Payout game ball detection sensor (here, photo sensor) 1
65, prize ball case bearing 166, prize ball case bearing cover 1
67 and the like. The prize ball payout device 160 includes:
The operation of the prize ball motor 163 causes the prize ball screw 162 to rotate. The game enters the prize ball dispensing device 160 from the prize ball discharge guiding gutter 95b and rides on the wing portion of the prize ball screw 162. The ball gradually moves downward, and a game ball is paid out from a ball payout port (not shown).

The payout number setting switching device (payout number setting switching means) 190 is for manually switching the setting of the number of payouts to be paid out when the payout condition is satisfied, and is connected to the payout control circuit 118. ing.
In this example, as the fulfillment of the payout condition, a prize in a winning opening and a payout operation of the ball lending card unit 170 and the external payout instruction device 180 are exemplified.

The number-of-payouts setting switching device 190 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 15, a switching operation enabling operation unit (switching operation enabling means) 191, a switching permission determination circuit 192, and a switching operation unit 193 are provided. The switching operation enabling operation unit 191 is provided to prevent unauthorized switching, and the switching permission determination circuit 192 determines the operation performed by the switching operation enabling operation unit 191 and corrects the operation, that is, The switching operation by the switching operation unit 193 is permitted only when it is recognized that the operator is a legitimate worker. Examples of the switching operation enabling operation unit 191 include a data input unit such as a so-called numeric keypad that can input numbers and alphabets, and a key (key) input unit that is turned on and off by inserting and rotating a key (key). No. In the case where the switching operation enabling operation unit 191 is a data input unit as in this example, the input data such as a numerical value or a symbol matches a preset password or a symbol and the input data is correct. In the case of the key input means, if the correct key (key) is inserted into the keyhole of the key operation unit and rotated, etc., the switching permission determination circuit 192 causes the switching operation unit 1
Enable (enable) the operation of 93.

The switching operation section 193 is a section for changing the set value of the number of payouts to a predetermined number. In this example, the switching operation section 193 includes a change target selection section and a number setting section. The change target selecting section is for selecting which of the payout conditions is satisfied, the setting of the payout number is changed. That is, whether to change the setting when the payout condition is satisfied is a prize or to change the setting when the game medium lending condition is satisfied by the ball lending card unit 170 or the external payout instruction device 180 is selected. . In this example, one of the change in the number of awarded ball payouts and the change in the number of loaned ball payouts can be selected by the push button.

The number setting section designates the value of the number of payouts.
Five types are prepared for each change in the number of loaned balls,
It can be selected with a rotary switch. That is, in response to the change in the number of prize balls paid out,
The prize balls for No. 5 and the prize balls for the other winning openings are combined, and setting A (13, 5) and setting B (14,
6), setting C (15, 7), setting D (16, 8)
) And setting E (17, 9) are prepared, and one set can be selected from among them. In the case of changing the number of balls to be paid out, setting A (23) and setting B (24
), Setting C (25), setting D (26), setting E
Five types (27) are prepared, and one type can be selected from them. Note that reference numeral 1 in FIG.
A display 94 is used to display the input data or the selected number of payouts.

The process for switching the setting will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the switching operation enabling operation unit 191 of the payout number setting switching device 190, the switching permission determination circuit determines whether or not a switching request including input of a personal identification number (symbol) or key (key) operation has been performed. 1
It is determined at 92 (S11). When there is a switching request, the switching permission determination circuit 192 determines whether the switching request by the switching operation enabling operation unit 191 is a correct operation (correct password input or key operation) ( S12) If it is determined to be incorrect,
The switching process ends without allowing the subsequent switching operation. On the other hand, if it is determined to be correct, the switching permission determination circuit 192 determines whether or not the operation of the switching operation enabling operation unit 191 has been performed within 30 seconds from the power-on of the gaming machine. If the time has passed, the switching process ends without allowing the switching process (S1).
3). On the other hand, when the time is within 30 seconds, the setting can be switched, the payout number switching by the switching operation in the switching operation unit 193 is enabled, and the payout data of the payout number changed by the switching is output to the payout control circuit. Send it to 118. As described above, the switching permission determination circuit 192 includes a switching disable determination unit that disables the switching of the setting of the number of payouts for an operation after 30 seconds from the power-on of the gaming machine 1. This is because, if the change is accepted on the way, the player is confused. Of course, the period during which the switching is disabled is not limited to 30 seconds after the power is turned on, but may be longer, shorter, or another predetermined period.

Next, the payout at the time of winning will be described. The game ball that has entered the prize ball dispensing device 160 from the prize ball dispensing induction gutter 95b of the case rail 130 is a prize ball screw 1
It stops at the wing part of 62. When a game ball wins at each winning opening provided on the gaming board 3 and a detection switch detects that the winning has been achieved, and a payout condition (winning condition) is established, a unique characteristic corresponding to the type of the winning opening is established. Is output to the main control circuit 121,
The main control circuit 121 that has received the winning signal outputs a payout command (payout signal) corresponding to the winning signal to the payout control circuit 118.

The payout command from the main control circuit 121 is temporarily stored in the payout control circuit 118. And FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, it is determined whether the payout control circuit 118 stores a payout command (payment condition satisfied) (S21).
If there is a payout command memory, the ball cut detection switch 10
It is determined whether or not there is a ball cutting signal according to 7 (S22). No ball cut signal by the ball cut detection switch 107 (with ball)
In the case of the prize ball motor 16 of the prize ball payout device 160,
3 is operated, and the prize ball screw 162 rotates to pay out a set number of game balls (S27 to S31).
At this time, the setting of the number of payouts in the payout control circuit 118 is determined (S23 to S26), and the game balls of the number of payouts according to the setting are paid out according to the winning opening. For example, if the payout condition establishment is a winning in the special winning opening 15 and the setting is A, 13 payouts are paid out as the number of payouts, and if it is a winning in other winning openings, Six are paid out as the number of payouts. At the same time, the payout game balls are counted by the payout game ball detection sensor 165. When the number of payout game balls reaches the number of payouts as described above, the prize ball motor 163 stops again and the rotation of the prize ball screw 162 stops, thereby stopping the payout of the game balls. Game balls paid out,
The game ball is supplied to the upper ball tray 36 from the game ball payout port 38.

In step S22, when the ball cut detection switch 107 is set to "OFF" and there is a ball cut signal (no ball), the prize ball dispensing device is maintained with the prize ball motor 163 stopped. Do not allow 160 to pay out. Similarly, even if the payout control circuit 118 does not store a payout command (payout condition is satisfied) in step S21, payout of game balls is not performed in the same manner.

After the payout of the number of payouts according to the type and setting of the payout condition establishment (payout instruction) in steps S27 to S31, the payout command used for the determination of the payout is sent from the payout control circuit 118. Deleted. At this time, if a plurality of payout instructions are stored in the payout control circuit 118, the 1
The payout instructions for the batches are deleted, and the remaining payout instructions are deleted after being used sequentially in the payout process repeated thereafter.

On the other hand, a game ball (ball rental) by the ball lending card unit 170 or the external payout instruction device 180.
Is performed as follows. When using the ball lending card unit 170, a card (storage medium) is inserted into the ball lending card unit 170, the ball lending information of the card is read, and a payout operation in which the ball lending button 174 is pressed is performed. When the game medium lending condition is satisfied by the payment, the payout command for the number of times corresponding to the fraction set by the fraction setting switch 176 is issued to the payout control circuit 1.
18 is output. Further, the external payout command device 180
When the payout operation is performed by operating the operation unit of the external payout command device 180 (by pressing a button, for example), the game medium lending condition is satisfied, and one payout command is output to the payout control circuit 118. . At this time, if the external payout command device 180 is provided with a select button or the like capable of selecting an integral multiple of the payout number, a payout signal for a plurality of predetermined times can be output by operating the select button or the like. In addition, the payout command of the ball rental is unique to the payout operation in the ball lending card unit 170 and the external payout command device 180, and can be distinguished from the payout command by the winning. In this embodiment, the payout command for the payout operation of the ball lending card unit 170 and the external payout command device 180 is the same. The payout command output in this manner is temporarily stored in the payout control circuit 118. After that, the same processing as in the case of the prize ball payout is performed.
Of the payout solenoid 142 is operated, the payout stopper 147 is rotated to be in a non-projecting state, and the payout number of game balls is paid out (S27 to S31). At this time, the setting of the payout number is determined in the same manner as in the case of the prize ball payout. For example, when the game mode is switched to the setting B, 24 game balls which are the payout number of the setting B are paid out.
At the same time, the number of payout game balls is counted by the payout game ball detection sensor 145. When the number of the payout game balls reaches the payout number as described above, the payout stopper 14 is again operated by the operation of the payout solenoid 142.
7 rotates and projects into the game ball passage 151 to stop paying out the game balls. The paid out game balls are supplied to the upper ball tray 36 from the game ball payout port 38.

In step S22, when the ball cut detection switch 107 is set to "OFF" and there is a ball cut signal (no ball), the payout stopper 147 is kept in the protruding state and the payout device 140 is turned on. Do not allow payout. Also, in the step S21, the payout control circuit 118
No payout of payout commands (payout conditions satisfied) is not performed. Note that the step S27
After the payout of the payout number according to the setting is performed in S31 to S31, the payout command used for the determination of the payout is deleted from the payout control circuit 118. At this time, when a plurality of payout instructions are stored in the payout control circuit 118,
The one payout command used for the determination of the payout is deleted, and the remaining payout commands are deleted after being sequentially used in the payout process repeated thereafter.

Next, referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the operation of extracting all the game balls in the gaming machine after the inspection (particularly the operation of the dispensing device) at the gaming machine maker or at the time of trouble maintenance by the gaming shop will be described. explain. When the ball is removed, the guidance switching operation lever 133 is rotated toward the guidance switching lock member 136 as described above, and the engagement between the engagement claw 136a of the guidance switching lock member 136 and the engagement protrusion 132c of the switching operation member 132 is established. When the combination is released, the guidance switching plate 13
The guide switching plate 13 depends on the weight of the game ball located on 2a.
2a is pivoted downward to open the ball-extraction opening 97, and the game balls upstream of the guidance switching section 96 are guided from the ball-extraction opening 97 to the ball-extraction gutter 134 and forced out of the gaming machine 1. Is discharged.

At this time, the distance L1 from the guidance switching unit 96 to the ball stop position of the ball lending device 140 and the distance L2 from the guidance switching unit 96 to the ball stop position of the prize ball dispensing device 160 are as described above. Since the game balls remain as described above, the remaining game balls are discharged by the number of payouts by repeating the required number of times of forced prize winning in the winning opening and the ball lending operation of the ball lending card unit 170 and the external payout instruction device 180 thereafter. .

In this case, if the game ball finally remains between L1 and L2, in this embodiment, the power of the game machine is once turned off and then turned on again, and within 30 seconds from the re-input of the power. In the same manner as described above, the payout number setting switching device 1
90, the number of payouts is appropriately changed, and thereafter, the compulsory winning or ball lending card unit 170 and the external payout instruction device 18
By performing the ball lending payout operation of 0, the remaining game balls are discharged.

In this embodiment, the number of prize balls to be paid out to the special winning opening and the number of prize balls to be paid out to other winning openings are grouped, and the number of balls to be paid out by the ball lending card unit and the external payout instruction device are grouped. Although the setting of the number of payouts is switched, the setting of the number of payouts may be switched for each type of payout condition (for example, for each winning opening). Further, the present invention is not limited to the five types of switching as described above, and the type of switching may be set to an appropriate number or the value of the number of payouts may be freely changed.

In this embodiment, the ball lending device and the prize ball dispensing device are separately provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ball-for-payout device also serves as a prize-ball payout device, and when the above-mentioned prize-ball payout condition is satisfied, game balls (prize balls) are paid out from the ball-for-ball payout device. Is also good.

Further, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a ball lending card unit is provided and an external payout command device can be connected from outside the gaming machine. Either of the devices can be used to remove the remaining game balls, but either the ball lending card unit or the external payout command device must not be connected, or the ball lending card unit and the external One of the payout command devices can be connected or connectable, and only the payout number for winning when the winning condition is satisfied can be changed, or only the payout number can be changed when the gaming medium loan condition is satisfied. Or you may.

In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, but is also applicable to a coin gaming machine for paying out a game medium.

[0069]

As shown and described above, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, the setting of the number of game media to be paid out from the payout device can be switched, thereby changing the price of the game media. There is an advantage that the payout according to the situation can be performed, such as a change in the number of awarded balls and a change in the number of balls to be paid out, and a response when a ball is removed.

According to the gaming machines of the second and third aspects of the present invention, the setting of the number of payouts for winning can be switched, so that the number of prize balls changes due to a change in the price of a game medium, or the force when removing balls is changed. It becomes easy to deal with winnings and the like.

According to the gaming machine according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, since the setting of the number of payouts in the lending of game media can be switched, the change in the number of payouts due to a change in the price of the game media, and the game when removing the ball The handling in the medium dispensing operation is facilitated.

According to the gaming machine of the sixth aspect, since the setting of the number of payouts cannot be changed during a period other than the predetermined period, it is possible to prevent a change at a time when the player is confused.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the setting of the number of payouts from being illegally changed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an entire gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board of the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the entire gaming machine.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a back mechanism plate of the gaming machine.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the vicinity of a guidance switching unit in the back mechanism.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a case rail provided on the back mechanism plate.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the guidance switching means.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a ball is removed by the guidance switching unit.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a ball rental device.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the ball rental device.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a prize ball payout device.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the winning ball payout device.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing a payout number setting switching device.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a payout number setting switching process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a payout process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming machine 95 Guidance gutter 96 Guidance switching part 101 Storage tank 131 Guidance switching means 134 Ball drain gutter 140 Ball leasing device 160 Ball awarding device 170 Ball lending card unit 180 External payment command device 190 Number of payment setting switching device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C088 AA17 AA35 AA36 AA42 BA03 BA04 BA05 BA37 BA56 BA79 BA88 BA89 BB19 BB20 BB21 BC22 CA27 DA21 EA09 EA10

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A payout device for paying out game media,
A payout control means for paying out a predetermined number of game media to the payout device when a payout condition is satisfied; anda payout number setting switching means for arbitrarily changing a value of the payout number. A gaming machine comprising: 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the case where the payout condition is satisfied includes establishment of a winning condition in the game. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the number-of-payouts switching by the number-of-payouts setting switching means is a setting switch of the number-of-payouts for one winning. 4. The case where the payout condition is satisfied includes establishment of a game medium lending condition.
3. The gaming machine according to any one of 3. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the establishment of the game medium lending condition is based on a payout operation of a lending operation means. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a switch disabling means for disabling setting switching of the number of payouts by the number-of-payouts setting switching means during a period other than a predetermined period. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the number-of-payouts setting switching means includes switching operation enabling means for enabling a setting switching operation of the number of payouts. 8. A data input means as a switching operation enabling means, wherein the input data determining means determines whether the data input by the data input means is correct or not, and when the input data is determined to be positive, the number of payouts 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein setting switching of the number of payouts by the setting switching means is enabled. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a key operation unit as the switching operation enabling unit, wherein the setting of the number of payouts can be switched by the number-of-payouts setting switching unit by operating the key operation unit. Gaming machine.