JP5721139B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine equipped with a payout device for paying out a prize ball or the like.

  A pachinko machine, which is a typical example of a ball game machine, is located behind the front frame that houses and holds the game board that forms the game area in a standing posture, and the mechanism set board called the back set board can be opened and closed freely It is configured to be attached, and is configured to play a game in which a winning tool provided in the game area is won in the process of dropping the game ball guided to the game area by the launch mechanism in accordance with the turning operation of the launch handle. The back set board is provided with a prize ball payout unit for paying out a predetermined number of game balls to the ball tray as a prize ball according to a winning state in the game board or when a lending operation is performed. (For example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  In general, a prize ball payout unit is provided with a ball receiving port for receiving a game ball and a ball payout port for paying out a game ball on the upper and lower surfaces of the unit, and a ball receiving port and a ball payout port inside the unit. A connecting guide passage is formed, and a sprocket as a ball feeding member that is rotationally driven in a vertical plane by a discharge motor of a driving source is disposed in the middle of the guide passage. The guided game ball is received in the ball receiving portion formed on the outer periphery of the sprocket, and when the sprocket is rotated, the received game ball is moved in the rotation direction, and flows down to the guide passage formed in this movement direction. It is made to pay out from the ball paying exit at the lower end of a passage.

  The prize ball payout unit is controlled by a control device such as a main control board and a payout control board, for example, and the payout control board is connected to a payout motor based on a prize ball payout command corresponding to a winning condition input from the main control board. By controlling the rotation of the sprocket, the game balls are paid out one by one, and the player is based on a detection signal from a count sensor that is disposed in the middle of the guide passage and detects the game balls paid out by the sprocket. The number of prize balls to be paid out is controlled.

  The game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit are placed in front of the pachinko machine through the ball path provided on the front frame or the back set board (in the case of separate ball plates, the upper ball plate and the lower ball plate). In the case of the ball dish integrated type, it is supplied to the integrated dish). Full tank detection means for detecting that the ball tray is filled with a large number of game balls is provided inside the prize ball payout unit or in the vicinity of the ball tray (for example, Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4). See). Then, when it is determined based on the detection signal from the full tank detecting means that the full state of the ball tray is continued, for example, the payout control board stops or delays the payout process of the prize ball. Control etc. are executed.

  Also, the prize ball payout unit is used to perform maintenance work such as cleaning of the unit and maintenance and inspection of components, and when a fixed quantity system called so-called stop is adopted, the number of payouts is made constant or the business day In order to count the number of payouts of each pachinko machine per game, a ball removal mechanism for discharging game balls stored in the prize ball payout unit to the outside of the machine is provided (for example, Patent Document 5 and Patent Document 6). reference). The ball removal mechanism opens and closes a ball removal hole that forms a part of the passage wall in the middle of the guide passage, and arranges a game ball passage that waits for alignment on the upstream side of the guide passage from the downstream side of the guide passage and the middle of the guide passage. A ball removing member that is switched to a branching ball extending passage is configured, and when the ball removing member is switched to a position where the ball removing hole is opened, a game ball positioned upstream of the ball removing member is provided. It is discharged out of the machine through the ball passage.

JP 2011-160880 A JP 2006-141 A JP-A-5-237247 JP 2011-143136 A JP 2011-56080 A JP 2011-62238 A

By the way, in recent pachinko machines, there is a demand for a structure in which no game balls remain on the sprocket during ball removal processing .

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine in which a game ball does not remain on a ball feed member during a ball removal process .

In order to achieve such an object, a ball game machine according to the present invention includes a frame member (for example, the front frame 2 in the embodiment) that houses and holds a game board in which a predetermined game area is formed on the front side, A payout device (for example, a prize ball payout unit 40 in the embodiment) provided on the rear surface side of the frame member, and a ball passage (for example, in the embodiment) through which the game ball paid out from the payout device passes A bullet ball provided with a prize ball passage 35a), a ball tray for storing game balls that have passed through the ball passage, and control means (for example, a payout control board 2000 in the embodiment) for controlling payout of game balls by the payout device. In the gaming machine, the payout device includes a first guide passage (for example, a standby passage 47 in the embodiment) through which a game ball received from the upper ball receiving port passes, and the game ball to the lower ball payout outlet. Guide and communicate A first member having a case member (for example, a unit case 41 in the embodiment) in which a second guide passage (for example, a payout passage 48 in the embodiment) is formed, and a concave ball receiving recess capable of receiving a game ball. A ball feeding member that is rotatably arranged between the guide passage and the second guide passage and receives the game balls in the first guide passage one by one in the ball receiving recess and sends them to the second guide passage (for example, implementation Sprocket 70 in the embodiment, driving means for rotationally driving the ball feeding member (for example, payout motor 80 in the embodiment), and a ball formed by branching the game ball in the first guide passage from the first guide passage A ball removal mechanism for discharging the ball through the extraction passage and a count sensor for detecting a game ball sent out by the ball feed member are provided. The ball feed member includes three balls provided at equal intervals around the rotation axis. It has an inner convex portion and three spherical receiving concave portions provided between adjacent spherical guiding convex portions, and the spherical guiding convex portion and the spherical receiving concave portion are formed to be connected along the rotation direction. The count sensor is an optical sensor that optically detects a game ball passing in the middle of the second guide passage, and the ball removal mechanism closes at least a part of the ball removal passage to the ball removal passage. A ball removal member provided so as to be movable between a closed position in which the game ball cannot be discharged and an open position in which the ball removal passage is opened and the game ball can be discharged into the ball removal passage; An operation member movably provided between a first position for holding the member in the closed position and a second position for allowing the ball removal member to move from the closed position to the open position . When the operating member is in the first position, above the rotation axis of the ball feeding member When the ball feed member is rotated while being held in the closed position, the tip of the ball removal member and the ball guide convex portion of the ball feed member can overlap in the rotation axis direction . When any of the ball guide convex portions is at a predetermined position above the rotation axis and the operation member is at the first position, the leading game ball in the first guide passage is positioned above the rotation axis. across the one of the spherical guide protrusions of the feed member and a ball vent is abutting held, when the operating member is in the second position, the top ball vent by ball pressure by game balls of the open position When pressed, the contact between the leading game ball and the ball removal member is released, and the leading game ball is guided to the ball removal passage.

According to the ball game machine of the present invention, it is possible to realize a structure in which no game ball remains on the ball feed member during the ball removal process .

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view of the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of the outer frame and front frame of the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a front view of the glass frame of the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a front view of the game board with which the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment is equipped. It is an electrical schematic block diagram of the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the prize ball paying unit was removed from the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the prize ball payout unit from the front in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of a prize ball dispensing unit in a state where a case lid member is opened in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view of a prize ball payout unit in the state where a cover member was opened in a pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view of a prize ball payout unit in a state where a case lid member is opened in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is a side view of a prize ball payout unit in the state where a cover member was opened in a pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing shown along arrow XV-XV in FIG. It is sectional drawing shown along arrow XVI-XVI in FIG. It is a side view of a prize ball payout unit to which a three-blade sprocket is applied in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is a side view of a prize ball payout unit to which a four-blade sprocket is applied in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a transition diagram of the sprocket showing the sprocket rotation angle and the game ball payout state in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the low speed rotation area and high speed rotation area of the sprocket in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the rotation angle and speed of a sprocket in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the main control board in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the supply voltage at the time of a power failure, and time in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a main control board and a payout control board in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine in the main control board in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power-on in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the unpaid prize ball management process in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the payout control board transmission control process in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the payout control board reception control processing in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the basic process at the time of a power failure in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the payout unit forced stop command transmission control process in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the unpaid prize ball management process in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine in the payout control board in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart of a prize ball payout related information reception process in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart of a prize ball payout control process in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the sprocket forced stop process at the time of a power failure in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st modification of the sprocket forced stop process at the time of a power failure in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd modification of the sprocket forced stop process at the time of a power failure in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view of a prize ball payout unit to which a modification of a count sensor is applied in the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship between the count sensor of a modification, and a sprocket in the pachinko machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a principal part side view of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment which shows the state where a ball removal member exists in a closed position. It is a principal part side view of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment which shows the state where a ball removal member exists in an open position. It is a principal part side view of the prize ball payout unit which shows the modification of the ball removal mechanism in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a principal part side view of the prize ball payout unit which shows an example of a maple as a fraud prevention means in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a principal part side view of the prize ball payout unit which shows an example of a bag path as fraud prevention means in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the unit accommodating part in a back set board in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which attaches a prize ball payout unit to a unit accommodating part in the pachinko machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the 1st modification of a prize ball payout unit in a pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view showing the 1st modification of a prize ball paying unit (the state where a case lid member was opened) in a pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view which shows the 2nd modification of a prize ball payout unit (state which opened the case cover member) in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the 2nd modification of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view which shows the 3rd modification of a prize ball payout unit (state which opened the case cover member) in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view showing the 4th modification of a prize ball paying unit (the state where a case lid member was opened) in a pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the 5th modification of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view showing the 5th modification of a prize ball paying unit (the state where a case lid member was opened) in a pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a principal part side view which shows the state which has a ball removal member in a closed position in the 5th modification of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a principal part side view which shows the state which has a ball removal member in an open position in the 5th modification of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a front view which shows the state which open | released the glass frame of the pachinko machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is an electrical schematic block diagram of the pachinko machine concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the prize ball payout unit from the front in the pachinko machine concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a side view of a prize ball payout unit (a state where a case lid member is opened) in a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment. In the pachinko machine concerning a 2nd embodiment, it is a mimetic diagram of a prize ball payout unit which shows the state where the illegal member was guided from the payout passage to other passages. FIG. 10 is a side view of a prize ball payout unit (a state in which a case lid member is opened) to which a modified example of a full tank detection unit is applied in a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view of a prize ball payout unit (a state in which a case lid member is opened) showing a state in which a full tank detecting means of a modified example detects staying of game balls in a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a side view which shows the modification of a prize ball payout unit in the pachinko machine concerning a 2nd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine PM1 according to the first embodiment to which the ball game machine according to the present invention is applied will be outlined with reference to FIGS. The pachinko machine PM1 according to the first embodiment is a so-called ball dish separate type, that is, a pachinko machine having two ball dishes of an upper ball dish and a lower ball dish in front of the base. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine PM1, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine PM1, FIG. 3 is a side view of the pachinko machine PM1, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the assembled state of the outer frame and the front frame. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the glass frame, and FIG. 6 is a front view of the game board.

[Overall configuration of pachinko machine I]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine PM1 has a rectangular frame size adapted to the opening front of the outer frame 1 that forms a vertical fixed holding frame that is configured to have an outer rectangular frame size. The front frame 2 that forms the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3 disposed on the front left edge of each other is attached so as to be openable and closable and detachable, and is called a double lock provided on the front right edge. 4 is always kept in a closed state engaged and connected to the outer frame 1.

  On the front side of the front frame 2, a rectangular glass frame 5 that fits the upper front area of the front frame 2 is assembled so that it can be opened and closed laterally and removably using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3, and the locking device 4 is used. Thus, it is always kept in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 2. On the front side of the front frame 2 located behind the glass frame 5, a storage frame for detachably storing the game board 10 is provided, and the game board 10 is detachable from the rear in an upper region of the storage frame. The game area PA1 on the front side of the game board 10 is faced through the multilayer glass of the glass frame 5 that is set and held normally.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the game board 10 is configured with a decorative board 11 formed by attaching a cell printed with a predetermined pattern on a rectangular laminated plywood subjected to router processing or the like. On the front surface of the decorative plate 11, an outer rail 12a and an inner rail 12b are fixed in a circular arc shape, and a substantially circular game area PA in which a game ball can roll is defined and formed, and a number of games are provided in the game area PA1. Various prize-winning tools (winning mouths) 14, 15, 16 and the like are arranged together with the nails, and an image display device (design-display device) that displays various effect pattern images and symbols in the vicinity of the center of the game area PA1. 18 is attached. Further, at the lower end of the game area PA1, an out-opening 19 is formed through the decorative board 11 in the front-rear direction for discharging a game ball that has fallen without winning each winning tool to the back side of the game board 10. Here, there are various types of prizes provided on the game board, including appearance design and actions at the time of winning, and any type of prizes is used depending on the gauge setting or the like. However, for example, the game board illustrated in FIG. 6 shows an example in which three types of prizes including a general prize tool 14, a start prize tool 15, and a big prize tool 16 are provided. A big prize tool 16 is provided in each of the game area for right-hand use and the game area for right-handed use. The game ball dropped into each winning opening is discharged to the back side of the decorative board 11, and a winning is detected by passing through the winning ball detection sensors 14s, 15s and 16s provided on the back side.

  On the back side of the game board 10, as shown in FIG. 2, a main control board 1000 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine PM, a model (including version) of the pachinko machine PM, and a game according to the game development A sub-control board 3000 for controlling the production is provided.

  An upper ball tray 6 and a lower ball tray 7 which are dish members for storing game balls are provided at the lower part of the glass frame 5, and a launch handle 8 for performing a game ball launch operation is provided on the right side of the lower ball dish 7. It has been. In addition, the front side of the glass frame 5 is appropriately provided with an illumination device such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a lamp, a speaker for generating a sound effect according to the development state of the game, and the like in FIG. The removed state is shown.

  A game auxiliary board 20 (see FIG. 4) that is positioned behind the glass frame 5 and can be aligned vertically with the game board 10 is formed at the lower front portion of the front frame 2. A launching mechanism 21 that launches a game ball toward the game area PA1 of the game board 10, a prize ball communication passage 22 and an overflow ball communication passage 23 formed in communication with the front and rear of the front frame 2 are provided. On the other hand, on the back side (see FIG. 5) of the glass frame 5 that always covers the game auxiliary board 20 and is held in a closed state, a mechanism device corresponding to each device provided in the game auxiliary board 20 is provided. ing. In other words, a ball feeding mechanism 24 for feeding game balls stored in the upper ball tray 6 one by one to the launching mechanism 21 corresponding to the launching mechanism 21 is provided, aligned with the passage opening of the prize ball communication passage 22 and awarded. An upper ball tray connecting duct 25 that guides the game ball flowing down from the ball connecting passage 22 to the upper ball tray 6 is provided, and the game ball flowing down from the overflow ball connecting passage 23 is aligned with the passage opening of the overflow ball connecting passage 23. A lower ball tray connecting duct 26 that leads to the lower ball tray 7 is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a card unit C is provided adjacent to the pachinko machine PM1 for accepting rental of game balls by a prepaid card. Here, since the card unit C is the same as a well-known structure, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  On the back side of the front frame 2, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a back that is based on a base frame that is formed in a rectangular frame that is somewhat smaller than the front frame 2 and has a window that communicates with the front and rear. A set panel 30 is connected to the rear of the front frame 2 via an upper and lower hinge mechanism 3 so as to be openable and closable and detachable. A protective cover 30C having a rectangular box shape with an open front is detachably attached to the back set board 30 and is always disposed so as to cover the back side of the game board 10 attached to the front frame 2. (This causes the main control board 1000 and the sub control board 3000 to be covered by the protective cover 30C). Each part of the back set board 30 includes a ball storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 32 extending from the ball storage tank 31 with a gentle downward slope to the right, and a right end portion of the tank rail 32. An upper passage member 33 in which a ball supply passage 33a (see FIG. 16) that is connected and extending downward is formed, and a game ball guided by the ball supply passage 33a is subjected to a predetermined condition (for example, winning a prize or a card in each prize opening) A prize ball payout unit 40 to be paid out (in response to a request from the unit C) and a prize ball passage 35a (see FIG. 15) for guiding the game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit 40 to the ball tray are formed. A lower passage member 35 and the like are provided. Also, on the back side portion of the back set board 30, there is a payout control board 2000 that performs control related to the launch and payout of game balls, and a power source that receives power from the game facility side and supplies power to various control boards and electric / electronic components. A substrate 4000 or the like is attached.

[Basic operation of pachinko machine I]
The pachinko machine PM1 configured as described above is used for gaming in a state where the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the game island (installation frame base) of the game facility, and the front frame 2, the glass frame 5 and the like are closed and locked. The game is started by storing the game ball in the upper ball tray 6 and rotating the launch handle 8. When the firing handle 8 is turned, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 6 are sent to the firing mechanism 21 one by one by the ball feeding mechanism 24 disposed on the back side of the glass frame 5, and fired. The game machine PA1 is struck by the hammer of the mechanism 21, and the pachinko game is developed thereafter.

  For example, when a game ball rolling down the game area PA1 falls into the general winning device 14, a winning is detected when the entered game ball passes the winning ball detection sensor 14s, and the detection signal is sent to the main control board 1000. Entered. The main control board 1000 detects from this detection signal that the game ball has won a prize and that the winning prize is the general prize 14, and according to the prize conditions for the payout control board 2000. The prize ball payout command 40 is output to operate the prize ball payout unit 40, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of prize balls set in advance as prizes when winning the general prize device 14 is placed in the upper ball tray 6. Let them pay out.

  Further, when the game ball falls into the start winning tool 15 and a detection signal is output from the winning ball detection sensor 15s, the main control board 1000 recognizes that the game ball has won from the detection signal and that the winning game has been won. It is detected that the tool is the start winning tool 15, and a game program corresponding to the winning condition is called and executed. Specifically, the symbol combination lottery is performed in the main control board 1000, the lottery result is output to the sub-control board 3000, and the symbol displayed on the image display device 18 is controlled to be varied and stopped, so that the combination of stop symbols is obtained. The corresponding operation, for example, blinking display of LED, generation of sound effect by the speaker, etc. is performed. Further, the main control board 1000 outputs a prize ball payout command corresponding to the winning conditions to the payout control board 2000 to operate the prize ball payout unit 40 and is set in advance as a reward when winning the start winning tool 15. A predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls are paid out to the upper ball tray 6.

  When the lottery result by the main control board 1000 is a jackpot (when the symbol at the time of fluctuation stop is a jackpot symbol), the image display device 18 is made to match, for example, a decorative symbol imitating the symbol display of the slot machine. Such a display mode is displayed and a special game is executed. In the special game, the big prize opening is opened by the action of the big prize tool 16. Then, for example, after the grand prize opening is opened for about 30 seconds or after nine or more game balls have won the big prize device 16, the big prize opening is temporarily closed, and such opening and closing operations are performed a predetermined number of times ( Repeated continuously (for example, 15 times). Further, the main control board 1000 outputs a prize ball payout command according to the winning conditions to the payout control board 2000 to operate the prize ball payout unit 40, and is set in advance as a reward when winning the big prize tool 16 The predetermined number (for example, 12) of the award balls is paid out to the upper ball tray 6.

[Electrical configuration I]
Next, an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko machine PM1 will be described with additional reference to the block diagram of FIG. The main control board 1000, the payout control board 2000, and the sub-control board 3000 include a CPU as an arithmetic unit that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores in advance a program that defines the arithmetic processes of the CPU, and data handled by the CPU ( A RAM for temporarily storing various data generated during the game and a computer program read from the ROM is mounted.

  In the main control board 1000, the CPU executes arithmetic processing such as winning combination and effect lottery in accordance with a system program stored in advance in the ROM, and a pachinko game is developed. In addition, each control board such as the payout control board 2000 and the sub-control board 3000 is connected to the main control board 1000 by a harness (cable), and various commands and information are transmitted to these control boards and distributed to each control board. By controlling it, the entire pachinko machine PM1 is comprehensively controlled.

  The payout control board 2000 controls the payout and launch of game balls based on commands from the main control board 1000. The payout control board 2000 is connected to the main control board 1000 so that bidirectional communication is possible. Further, the prize ball paying unit 40 is electrically connected to the payout control board 2000 via a relay terminal board 5000, and the card unit C is connected via a connection terminal board (not shown) so that serial communication is possible.

  The sub-control board 3000 controls overall effects such as image display, effect lighting, and sound effects based on commands from the main control board 1000. The sub control board 3000 is connected so as to be able to communicate in one direction with the main control board 1000. The sub-control board 3000 is configured by dividing the function into a plurality of control boards (for example, an effect control board that controls the overall effects and an image control board that mainly controls various effects on the image display device 18). Alternatively, the functions performed by these control boards may be integrally configured as a single control board.

  Here, transmission / reception of commands and information between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 and transmission of commands and information from the main control board 1000 to the sub-control board 3000 may be performed by parallel communication or serial communication. Further, a line for transmitting a prize ball payout status is arranged between the payout control board 2000 and the main control board 1000, and when a prize ball payout command is transmitted from the main control board 1000, the payout signal is turned on. When the payout is completed, the payout signal is turned off.

[Basic configuration of prize ball payout unit I]
The basic configuration of the prize ball payout unit 40 according to the first embodiment will be described below with additional reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine PM with the prize ball payout unit 40 removed, as viewed from the back, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the prize ball payout unit 40 as viewed from the front, and FIG. 10 is a prize ball payout. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the unit 40, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the prize ball paying unit 40 with the case lid member opened, and FIG. 12 is a view of the prize ball paying unit 40 with the cover member opened from the rear. FIG. 13 is a side view of the prize ball dispensing unit with the case lid member opened, FIG. 14 is a side view of the prize ball dispensing unit 40 with the cover member opened, and FIG. 15 is an arrow XV in FIG. FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along the arrow XVI-XVI in FIG. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the front, rear, left, right, and up and down directions are defined as directions in the state of attachment to the pachinko machine PM1, with reference to the states of FIGS. The directions of the arrows shown in FIG. 11 are referred to as front and rear, left and right, and up and down, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the winning ball payout unit 40 is detachably attached to a unit accommodating portion 34 formed on the back set board 30 on the back surface of the pachinko machine PM. The unit accommodating portion 34 is formed in a concave shape between the upper passage member 33 and the lower passage member 35. The structure for attaching and detaching the prize ball payout unit 40 will be described later in detail. When the prize ball payout unit 40 is attached to the unit housing portion 34, it is connected to the upper passage member 33 and the lower passage member 35, and sequentially from above. The ball storage tank 31, the tank rail 32, the upper passage member 33, the prize ball payout unit 40, the lower passage member 35, and the like form a prize ball mechanism. Note that the structure for attaching to and detaching from the back set board 30 (unit accommodating portion 34) is the same in the prize ball payout units 140, 240, 340, 440, and 540 according to modifications described later.

  The prize ball payout unit 40 includes a vertical rectangular box-shaped unit case 41 serving as a base of the unit 40, a cover member 60 attached to cover the side of the unit case 41, and a sprocket 70 for paying out game balls one by one. And a payout motor 80 for rotating the sprocket 70 and a ball removal mechanism 90 for discharging the game ball to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1.

  The unit case 41 is formed by a case main body member 42 that serves as an attachment base for the sprocket 70 and the payout motor 80, and a case lid member 59 that is attached to the right side surface of the case main body member 42. The case main body member 42 has a base wall 43a formed in a vertically long rectangular plate shape, front and rear and upper and lower side walls 43b surrounding the base wall 43a and extending rightward, and is entirely made of a transparent resin material. As shown in FIG. 1, the side surface facing the case lid member 59 is formed into a thin box shape. The case lid member 59 is formed in a plate shape that can close the side opening of the case body member 42 using a transparent resin material.

  When this prize ball payout unit 40 is mounted on the unit housing portion 34 of the back set board 30, the unit case 41 receives game balls by contacting the lower end portion (ball supply passage 33 a) of the upper passage member 33. A ball payout opening 45 for paying out a game ball is formed in contact with the ball receiving port 44 to be played and the upper end portion (prize ball passage 35a) of the lower passage member 35.

  In addition, upper passage walls 46a and 46b and lower passage walls 46c, which are erected on the main surface (right side surface) of the base wall 43a of the case body member 42 with a space slightly larger than the ball diameter of the game ball, 46d is provided, and one guide passage 46 is formed by passage walls 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d on the main surface side of the base wall 43a. The guide passage 46 is formed in the shape of a passage having an S-shaped curve connecting the ball receiving port 44 at the upper end and the ball outlet 45 at the lower end. A sprocket 70 as a ball feeding member is disposed on the surface.

  The guide passage 46 includes a standby passage 47 on the upstream side (sphere receiving port 44 side) with respect to the arrangement position of the sprocket 70 and a discharge passage 48 on the downstream side (ball discharge outlet 45 side) with respect to the arrangement position of the sprocket 70. It is formed by.

  The upstream standby passage 47 is formed in a substantially S-shape from the first standby passage 47a and the second standby passage 47b, and the game balls introduced from the ball receiving ports 44 are aligned with the sprocket 70 in a row. At the same time, when the operation of the sprocket 70 is stopped, the game balls are made to stand by in an aligned state. The standby passage 47 is formed to meander so as to disperse the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down this passage, and a part of the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball in the vertical downward direction (direction in which gravity acts). Is distributed to the ball pressure in the horizontal direction. The first standby passage 47a is formed by being surrounded by the base wall 43a and the upper passage walls 46a and 46b, and the second passage wall 47b is an inclined wall of the base wall 43a, the upper passage walls 46a and 46b, and a ball feeding member 91 described later. It is surrounded by That is, in this embodiment, the inclined wall of the ball feeding member 91 also forms part of the standby passage 47 (second standby passage 47b).

  The downstream discharge passage 48 includes a first discharge passage 48a that is curved in an arc shape along the outer circumferential direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 13) from the top of the sprocket 70, and a position slightly below the side of the sprocket 70. A second payout passage 48b extending vertically toward the ball payout outlet 45 at the lower end is formed. A sensor accommodating portion 49 is formed in the middle of the payout passage 48, and a count sensor 50 for detecting a game ball paid out to the payout passage 45 by the rotation operation of the sprocket 70 is attached to the sensor accommodating portion 49. The detection signal is input to the payout control board 2000. In addition, a radio wave detection sensor 51 that detects unauthorized radio waves emitted toward the prize ball paying unit 40 (particularly, the count sensor 50) is attached to a position in the vicinity of the count sensor 50.

  The cover member 60 is formed in a rectangular box shape in which the right side surface facing the case lid member 59 of the unit case 41 is opened, and the payout motor 80 and the gear mechanism are formed in a space formed between the cover member 60 and the case lid member 59. Mechanical parts such as 81 are accommodated. Note that the case main body member 42, the case lid member 59, and the cover member 60 are fixed to each other in a superposed state in the left-right direction using three screws 69 (see FIG. 10).

  The sprocket 70 has a rotating disk 71 having a plurality of blades 72 formed to have a thickness approximately the same as the ball diameter of the game ball, and protrudes from the center of the rotating disk 71 toward the case body member 42 side so that the gear mechanism 81 A rotation shaft 73 connected to the output end side is formed, and a plurality of arc groove-shaped ball receiving recesses 75 for receiving game balls are formed at equal intervals around the rotation shaft 73 on the outer peripheral portion of the blade 72. . The rotation trajectory of the sprocket 70 is arranged so as to enter the first payout passage 48a, and the game ball flowing down the standby passage 47 in the ball receiving recess 75 according to the rotation of the sprocket 70 (clockwise rotation in FIG. 13). It is received and sent out to the dispensing passage 48.

  The payout motor 80 is an electric motor for rotationally driving the sprocket 70 in both forward and reverse directions (clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction). The output shaft of this motor is connected to the input end side of the gear mechanism 81, The rotational driving force of the ball dispensing motor 80 is transmitted to the sprocket 70 by the gear mechanism 81. The gear mechanism 81 includes a drive gear 82 that is directly connected to the output shaft of the payout motor 80 and a driven gear 83 that is directly connected to the rotary shaft 73 of the sprocket 70 and externally meshes with the drive gear 82. The number of teeth of the driven gear 83 on the output end side is formed more than the number of teeth of 82 to constitute a speed reduction mechanism. Therefore, the rotation of the payout motor 80 is decelerated according to the reduction ratio of the drive gear 82 and the driven gear 83 and transmitted to the sprocket 70.

  The driven gear 83 has detection projections (not shown) formed at a predetermined angular pitch (the same number as the ball receiving recesses 75 of the sprocket 70), and a rotation detection sensor which is a photosensor mounted on the sensor substrate 84. 85, rotation of the driven gear 83 is detected by a predetermined angular pitch (for example, 180 degrees when there are two ball receiving recesses 75). Thereby, the rotation of the sprocket 70 directly connected to the driven gear 83 can be detected by a predetermined angular pitch, that is, corresponding to the angular pitch of the ball receiving recesses 75 formed in the sprocket 70.

  In the unit case 41, a sprocket passage 52 for discharging the game ball to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1 is formed behind the sprocket 70, and a standby passage 47 and a sprocket passage 52 are provided in the middle of the guide passage 46. A communicating ball extraction hole 53 is formed. A ball discharge port 54 is formed at the end of the ball removal passage 52.

  The ball removal mechanism 90 includes a ball removal member 91 that can open and close the ball removal hole 53, and opens and closes the ball removal hole 53 to communicate and block the standby passage 47 and the ball removal passage 52. The flow path of the game ball that has flowed down 47 is switched to the payout passage 48 and the ball removal passage 52. Therefore, the game ball guided to the ball removal passage 52 by opening the ball removal hole 53 by the ball removal member 91 is discharged to the outside of the winning ball payout unit 40 through the ball discharge port 54.

  A partition wall 55 that is curved and extends in an arc shape along the outer periphery (rotation locus) of the sprocket 70 is formed between the payout passage 48 and the ball removal passage 52. One end of the partition wall 55 is engaged with the lower end of the ball removing member 91 displaced to the closed position when an operation lever 93 (described later) of the ball removing mechanism 90 is operated to the lower end position. ing. In addition, the other edge part of the partition wall 55 may be formed with, for example, a cache to be described later for preventing an illegal act using a piano wire or the like.

  In a state where the winning ball payout unit 40 is mounted in the unit accommodating portion 34 of the back set board 30, the ball receiving port 44 is aligned with the ball supply passage 33a of the upper passage member 33, and the ball payout outlet 45 is on the front side. Arranged and aligned with the winning ball path 35a of the lower path member 35, the ball discharge port 54 is positioned rearward and aligned with a ball discharge path 35c (details will be described later) of the lower path member 35.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the ball supply passage 33a of the upper passage member 33 that communicates with the ball receiving port 44 of the prize ball payout unit 40 is a passage extending in the vertical direction, and only one game ball is provided. It has a passage width that can pass through. A plurality of passage protrusions 33b projecting inward of the passage are formed on the left and right wall surfaces forming the ball supply passage 33a. The passage protrusions 33b projecting from the right wall surface and the passage protrusions 33b projecting from the left wall surface are staggered and shifted in the vertical direction. For this reason, the game ball guided to the ball supply passage 33a repeats a collision with the left and right passage protrusions 33b and passes downward while sequentially moving left and right. Therefore, the game ball can be decelerated in the process of causing the game ball to collide with the plurality of passage protrusions 33b. Furthermore, when a plurality of game balls are aligned in the ball supply passage 33a, the game balls can be shifted to the left and right, so that the pressing force due to the weight of the game ball stopped on the upstream side is downstream. It is dispersed so that it does not become excessive pressure on the side.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the lower passage member 35 has a prize ball passage 35a for guiding the game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit 40 to the upper ball tray 6, and branches from the prize ball passage 35a to the upper balls. An overflow ball passage 35b for guiding the game ball paid out when the tray 6 is full to the lower ball tray 7 and a ball discharge passage 35c for discharging the game ball to the outside of the pachinko machine PM are formed. The prize ball passage 35 a communicates with the upper ball tray 6 via the prize ball communication passage 22 of the game auxiliary board 20 and the upper ball tray communication duct 25 of the glass frame 5. On the other hand, the overflow ball passage 35 b communicates with the lower ball tray 7 via the overflow ball communication passage 23 of the game auxiliary board 20 and the lower ball tray communication duct 26 of the glass frame 5. In the middle of the overflow ball passage 35b, a full tank detection means (full tank detection switch) 36 for detecting a full tank state in which a large number of game balls stay in the lower ball tray 7 is provided. The full tank detecting means 36 has a pressing piece (not shown), and when the lower ball tray 7 is in a full tank state and the game ball is accumulated in the overflow ball passage 35b, the press piece is pressed by the game ball, Detect a full condition. At this time, when the payout control board 2000 receives a full tank signal from the full tank detecting means 36, the payout payout unit 40 performs control for stopping or delaying the payout process of the prize balls, and main control. A prize ball operation stop command is transmitted to the substrate 1000 side. When the main control board 1000 receives the prize ball motion stop command, the main control board 1000 transmits an error notification command to the sub-control board 3000 side to notify the outside of the abnormality (flashing side lamps, sounding by the speaker, to the hall computer). Error information output).

[Characteristic configuration I of the prize ball payout unit I]
Next, a characteristic configuration of the prize ball payout unit 40 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, in order to make it easier to grasp the technical significance more clearly, each feature configuration will be described in the order of issues, configurations, and effects.

[Article 1 guideway]
(Task)
With the recent trend toward larger game boards and image display devices, it is actually difficult to place game boards in a limited space on the back side of game machines. . Therefore, there is a demand for downsizing the prize ball mechanism (particularly the prize ball payout unit) attached to the back side of the gaming machine. Therefore, by reducing the size of the prize ball payout unit, it is possible to secure a space on the back side of the gaming machine and realize a configuration in which a large-sized game board or image display device can be attached to the back side of the gaming machine. .

(Constitution)
As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 and the like, the guide passage 46 of the unit case 41 has upper passage walls 46a and 46b (partially inclined of the ball removing member 91) on the main surface side of the base wall 43a of the case main body member 42. It comprises a standby passage 47 formed between walls 91a) and payout passages 48a and 48b formed between lower passage walls 46c and 46d. ing. That is, both the upstream side (standby passage 47) and the downstream side (dispensing passage 48) of the guide passage 46 are connected in a single line with respect to the arrangement position of the sprocket 70 as a reference.

  When the guide passage 46 is constituted by only one strip, the number of components such as the sprocket 70 and the count sensor 50 arranged in the middle of the guide passage 46 is also matched to the number of the guide passage 46, that is, one each. It is arranged with. Therefore, since the unit case 41 is formed to have a width (width in the left-right direction) necessary for forming the one guide passage 46, the prize ball payout unit 40 as a whole is reduced in size in the left-right direction. be able to. When the number of the guide passages 46 is reduced to one, in order to secure the number of game balls to be paid out per fixed time in the prize ball payout unit 40, it is necessary to increase the payout speed per item. This will be described in another feature configuration.

(effect)
By reducing the size of the winning ball paying unit 40 and reducing the installation area, the winning ball paying unit 40 can be compactly assembled to the back set board 30. Accordingly, an effective space for disposing the game board 10 and the like on the back side of the game machine is expanded, so that it is possible to provide a game machine corresponding to an increase in the size of the game board 10 and the like.

[Sprocket shape]
(Task)
A sprocket serving as a ball feeding member for paying out a game ball is formed with a concave portion (which corresponds to the ball receiving concave portion 75 in this embodiment) capable of receiving a game ball between the two convex portions, and its rotational operation Thus, the top game balls aligned in the standby passage are received in the concave portion. If the game ball is not smoothly transferred from the convex portion to the concave portion during the receiving operation of the game ball, a so-called ball biting occurs in which the game ball is bitten between the convex portion and the surrounding passage wall. There is a problem that it ends up. In particular, this problem appears remarkably when the sprocket rotation speed is increased in order to increase the payout speed in the prize ball payout unit. Therefore, a configuration is realized in which the occurrence of ball biting can be avoided even if the sprocket rotation speed (game ball payout speed) is increased.

  Below, the form of a sprocket having two, three, or four blades will be described as examples.

(Composition: Two feathers)
As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, the sprocket 70 has a rotating disk 71 having two blades 72 formed with a thickness approximately the same as the diameter of the game ball, and on the outer periphery thereof. The ball receiving recesses 75 for receiving game balls are formed at two positions with an angular pitch of 180 degrees that bisects the entire circumference around the rotation shaft 73.

  On the outer periphery of the sprocket 70, spherical guide convex portions 74 and spherical receiving concave portions 75 are alternately and continuously formed, and the spherical guide convex portions 74 are convex curved surfaces whose curvature radius continuously changes (decreases) along the rotation direction. The ball receiving recess 75 forms an arcuate concave curved surface having the same diameter as that of the game ball (a size capable of receiving one game ball). Since the convex curved surface and the concave curved surface are formed continuously and smoothly connected, the leading game ball smoothly slides from the ball guide convex portion 74 to the ball receiving concave portion 75 as the sprocket 70 rotates. Can be guided and received in the ball receiving recess 75.

  The sprocket 70 receives one game ball in the ball receiving recess 75 when the ball receiving recess 75 faces upward due to the rotation operation in the forward rotation direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 13), and the ball receiving recess 75. Is released to the payout passage 48 due to its own weight and inertia.

  In the form of the two-blade sprocket 70, each time the sprocket 70 rotates 180 degrees, one game ball received in the ball receiving recess 75 is dispensed, and every time the sprocket 70 makes one turn (ball receiving recess). A total of two game balls are paid out one by one (in the order accepted by 75).

(Composition: Three feathers)
FIG. 17 shows a side view of a winning ball payout unit (a case lid member is opened) to which a three-blade sprocket 70 ′ is applied. In FIG. 17, the same components other than the sprocket 70 ′ or components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The sprocket 70 ′ has a rotating disk 71 ′ having two blades 72 ′ formed to have a thickness approximately the same as the ball diameter of the game ball, and a ball receiving member that receives the game ball on the outer periphery thereof. Three recesses 75 'are formed at an angular pitch of 120 degrees, with the entire circumference divided into three equal parts around the rotation shaft 73'.

  On the outer periphery of the sprocket 70 ′, spherical guide convex portions 74 ′ and spherical receiving concave portions 75 ′ are formed alternately and continuously, and the radius of curvature of the spherical guide convex portion 74 ′ changes (decreases) continuously along the rotational direction. ), And the ball receiving recess 75 'forms an arc-shaped concave curved surface having the same diameter as that of the game ball (a size capable of receiving one game ball). Since the convex curved surface and the concave curved surface are continuously and smoothly connected to each other, the leading game ball is smoothly transferred from the ball guide convex portion 74 'to the ball receiving concave portion 75' as the sprocket 70 'rotates. Can be guided while being slidably in contact with the ball receiving recess 75 '.

  The sprocket 70 ′ receives one game ball in the ball receiving recess 75 ′ when the ball receiving recess 75 ′ is directed upward by the rotation in the forward rotation direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 17). When the receiving recess 75 ′ faces the payout passage 48 ′, it is discharged into the payout passage 48 ′ by the weight and inertia of the game ball.

  In this three-blade sprocket 70 ', every time the sprocket 70' rotates 120 degrees, one game ball received in the ball receiving recess 75 'is dispensed, and every time the sprocket 70' makes one round. A total of three game balls are paid out one by one (in the order received in the ball receiving recess 75 ').

(Composition: Four blades)
18 shows a side view of a winning ball payout unit (a case lid member is opened) to which a four-blade sprocket 70 ″ is applied. In FIG. 18, the same components other than the sprocket 70 ″ or the same Constituent parts having functions are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. The sprocket 70 ″ has a rotating disk 71 having two blades 72 ″ formed to have a thickness approximately the same as the diameter of the game ball, and a ball receiving recess for receiving the game ball on the outer periphery thereof. 75 ″ are formed at four locations at an angular pitch of 90 degrees, with the entire circumference divided into four equal parts around the rotation shaft 73 ″.

  On the outer periphery of the sprocket 70 ″, spherical guide convex portions 74 ″ and spherical receiving concave portions 75 ″ are alternately and continuously formed, and the radius of curvature of the spherical guide convex portions 74 ″ continuously changes (decreases along the rotation direction). ), And the ball receiving recess 75 ″ forms an arc-shaped concave curved surface having the same diameter as that of the game ball (a size capable of receiving one game ball). Since the concave curved surface is continuously and smoothly connected, the leading game ball is smoothly slid from the ball guide convex portion 74 ″ to the ball receiving concave portion 75 ″ as the sprocket 70 ″ rotates. However, it can be guided and received in the ball receiving recess 75 ″.

  The sprocket 70 ″ receives one game ball in the ball receiving recess 75 ″ when the ball receiving recess 75 ″ is directed upward by the rotation operation in the forward rotation direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 18). When the receiving recess 75 "faces the payout passage 48", it is discharged into the payout passage 48 "by the weight and inertia of the game ball.

  In the form of this four-blade sprocket 70 ", each time the sprocket 70" rotates 90 degrees, one game ball received in the ball receiving recess 75 "is dispensed, and every time the sprocket 70" makes one round. A total of four game balls are paid out one by one (in the order received in the ball receiving recess 75 ").

(effect)
Since the arc-shaped convex curved surface and the concave curved surface are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sprocket continuously and smoothly, the game ball is recessed from the convex curved surface during the receiving operation of the game ball into the ball receiving concave portion. It can be delivered while smoothly sliding to the curved surface and allowed to flow into the ball receiving recess. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sprocket from biting the game ball in the receiving operation of the game ball.

  In the above description, a sprocket having two, three, or four blades is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a sprocket having five or more blades. In the following description, a two-blade sprocket will be described as a representative example, but the same effect can be obtained even when applied to a sprocket having three or more blades.

[Relationship between guide passage and sprocket]
(Task)
Conventionally, a configuration in which a plurality of guide passages are formed in a prize ball payout unit is known. However, if the number of guide passages is reduced to only one to reduce the size of the prize ball payout unit, the required payout per fixed time is required. In order to secure the number as usual, it is necessary to increase the number of payout per guide passage by increasing the rotational speed of the sprocket. However, if the speed of the sprocket is increased, it becomes easier for the sprocket and the passage wall to bite (ball clogging) due to fluttering or bouncing of the game ball, and it is difficult to accurately receive the game ball in the ball receiving recess of the sprocket. There is a problem of becoming. Therefore, a configuration is realized in which the occurrence of ball biting can be avoided even if the sprocket rotation speed (game ball payout speed) is increased.

(Constitution)
First, the second standby passage 47a in the standby passage 47 that forms the upstream side of the guide passage 46 is surrounded by the base wall 43a, the upper passage walls 46a and 46b, and the inclined wall 91a, and as a whole is perpendicular to the vertical direction. In FIG. 13, the passage portion in which the four game balls on the downstream side are stopped corresponds. Therefore, the first game ball aligned with the standby passage 47 is smoothly introduced into the ball receiving recess 75 of the sprocket 70 not from right above but from an obliquely upward direction along the inclined wall 91a.

  Second, as described above, a convex curved surface (spherical guide convex portion 74) and a concave curved surface (spherical receiving concave portion 75) are alternately and continuously formed along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the sprocket 70. The leading game ball aligned with the passage 75 is in contact with both the outer peripheral surface of the sprocket 70 and the inclined wall 91a of the ball removing member 91, while moving from the convex curved surface to the concave curved surface (that is, the ball guiding convex portion). (From 74 to the ball receiving recess 75) is smoothly guided and delivered. Therefore, when the game ball is received, it is possible to prevent the sprocket 70 from biting the game ball and smoothly receive the game ball in the ball receiving recess 75.

  Thirdly, the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball aligned with the second standby passage 47b portion acts toward the sprocket 70 along the inclination direction of the second standby passage 47b. Therefore, when the sprocket 70 rotates, the game ball received in the ball receiving recess 75 receives the ball pressure of the succeeding game balls (2 to 3 game balls) and firmly enters the ball receiving recess 75. Since it is stopped, it is not pushed back to the standby passage 46 side (upward direction away from the concave curved surface) due to its inertia.

  Fourth, the inclination of the second standby passage 47b (inclined wall 91a of the ball removal member 91) is such that the direction in which the game ball is introduced into the sprocket 70 is along the forward rotation direction (dispensing direction) of the sprocket 70. In other words, the ball pressure of the game ball works above the center of the sprocket 70. Therefore, since the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball aligned with the standby passage 47 gives a moment that pushes the sprocket 70 in the forward rotation direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 13), the starting load of the payout motor 80 is reduced. It can be rotated with low torque.

  FIG. 19 is a transition diagram of the sprocket showing the rotation angle of the sprocket 70 and the state of the game ball being paid out during the payout operation. Here, a case where the initial position is set to 0 ° at the rotation angle θ of the sprocket 70 and the sprocket 70 is rotated halfway (180 ° rotation) in the normal rotation direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 19) will be described. Here, in FIG. 19, A1 is the rotation angle θ = 0 °, A2 is the rotation angle θ = α ° (eg, 30 °), A3 is the rotation angle θ = β ° (eg, 90 °), and A4 is the rotation angle θ = γ ° (for example, 120 °) and A5 indicate a state where the rotation angle θ is 180 °. Note that specific numerical values of the rotation angles α °, β °, and γ ° vary depending on the shape of the sprocket, and are not limited to the numerical values exemplified here.

  The sprocket 70 is rotationally displaced in the order of A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 during the game ball payout operation. A <b> 1 to A <b> 3 are processes of receiving the game balls in the ball receiving recess 75, and A <b> 4 to A <b> 5 are processes of releasing the game balls to the payout passage 48.

  As shown in FIG. 19 (A1), when the sprocket 70 is stopped at the initial position (θ = 0 °) (referred to as “initial state”), the leading game balls aligned in the standby passage 47 are sprockets 70. The sphere guide convex portion 74 and the inclined wall 91a of the sphere removal member 91 are received over the convex curved surface.

  As shown in FIG. 19 (A2), when the sprocket 70 starts to rotate in the forward rotation direction, the game ball slides on the convex curved surface of the spherical guide convex portion 74, and the curvature radius (rotational axis 73 of the convex curved surface) It descends with a change in the radius of curvature at the center and is guided to the concave curved surface of the sphere receiving recess 75.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 19 (A3), when the sprocket 70 is rotated to an angular position (θ = β °) where the concave curved surface of the ball receiving recess 75 opens upward, the game ball is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the sprocket 70. Then, the balls are transferred from the ball guide convex portion 74 to the ball receiving concave portion 75 and received. At this time, the leading game ball is smoothly introduced into the ball receiving recess 75 from the upper side along the inclination direction of the inclined wall 91a, not from right above.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 19 (A4), the game ball received in the ball receiving recess 75 is guided to the payout passage 48 along the transfer direction (forward rotation direction) of the sprocket 70. At this time, the game ball received in the ball receiving recess 75 receives the ball pressure of the subsequent game ball and is firmly held in the ball receiving recess 75, so that the game ball is ejected to the outside of the ball receiving recess 75 due to its inertia. There is no.

  In addition, the ball pressure of the subsequent game ball works above the center of the sprocket 70 along the inclination direction of the inclined wall 91a, and the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball aligned with the second standby passage 47b is reduced. Since a moment that pushes the sprocket 70 in the forward rotation direction is applied, the starting load of the payout motor 80 can be reduced.

  When the ball receiving recess 75 moves to the angular position facing the payout passage 48, the game ball moves away from the ball receiving recess 75 and freely falls through the payout passage 48. The game ball released downward from the sprocket 70 is detected by the count sensor 50, and the detection signal is transmitted toward the payout control board 2000.

  As shown in FIG. 19A5, when the sprocket 70 is rotated by 180 ° from the initial position, the relative position between the sprocket 70 and the guide passage 46 is returned to the original initial position (initial state). In this way, the sprocket 70 is returned to the initial position with 180 ° as one cycle, and the game balls aligned in the standby passage 47 are paid out one by one every time the sprocket rotates 180 degrees.

(effect)
Since the game ball can be smoothly received in the ball receiving recess of the sprocket and reliably discharged to the payout passage, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of ball biting (ball clogging) between the sprocket and the passage wall, and Can be prevented. Further, since the starting load of the payout motor can be reduced and driven to rotate with a low torque, the sprocket can be rotated at a high speed to increase the payout speed of the winning ball. Therefore, it is possible to realize a fast and stable game ball payout.

[Sprocket shift control]
(Task)
In order to reduce the size of the prize ball payout unit, when the guide path is one (one row), it is necessary to increase the sprocket rotational speed (that is, the payout speed). However, when the sprocket is rotated at a high speed, when the game ball is received in the ball receiving recess, the game ball is bounced by the sprocket that rotates at a high speed, or the ball is caught between the sprocket and the passage wall due to fluttering or bouncing of the game ball. There is a problem that (ball clogging) easily occurs, and it becomes difficult to accurately receive the game ball in the ball receiving recess of the sprocket. Therefore, a configuration is realized in which the game ball can be reliably received in the ball receiving recess and paid out while increasing the payout speed of the game ball.

(Constitution)
The payout motor 80 is a stepping motor that operates by switching the excitation pattern of drive pulses, and is configured to rotate the sprocket 70 once by giving a drive signal of 360 steps (pulses). That is, the sprocket 70 is rotated by a rotation amount corresponding to the number of drive signals such that the sprocket 70 is rotated and displaced by 180 ° with a drive signal of 180 pulses, and one game ball is paid out. The number of game balls to be paid out is controlled by controlling the amount of rotation of the payout motor 80 by this drive signal. The payout motor 80 changes the rotation speed of the sprocket 70 by changing the speed of one step on the basis of the drive signal from the payout control board 2000, and controls the speed of the sprocket 70. The payout control board 2000 can calculate the rotation angle of the sprocket 70 based on the number of drive pulses of the payout motor 80, and can thereby change the rotation speed according to the rotation angle of the sprocket 70.

  Here, FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a low-speed rotation section and a high-speed rotation section when the sprocket 70 is rotated 360 ° in the normal rotation direction from the initial state (θ = 0 °). These are graphs showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the sprocket 70 and the rotation speed.

  The sprocket 70 is shifted according to the rotation angle θ and alternately repeats low speed rotation and high speed rotation (low speed → high speed → low speed → high speed →...). In the present embodiment, assuming that the rotation angle β = 90 °, the section where the sprocket 70 rotates at a low speed and the section where the sprocket 70 rotates at a high speed are both in the same range (range over 90 °).

  Here, the interval from the initial state where the game ball is held by the convex curved surface of the ball guiding convex portion 74 to the reception of the game ball on the concave curved surface of the ball receiving concave portion 75, that is, the reception of the game ball into the ball receiving concave portion 75. In the section for operation (0 ° <θ <β °, 180 ° <θ <180 ° + β °), the sprocket 70 is controlled to be lower than the steady rotational speed. For example, assuming that the step cycle for driving the dispensing motor 80 is 1 step = 2.0 [msec] at a steady set value, at this low speed rotation, the cycle (speed) is 1 step = 1.0 [msec]. To drive.

  As described above, when the game ball is received, the rotation mode of the sprocket 70 is switched from the high speed rotation to the low speed rotation, and the game ball can easily follow the rotation operation of the sprocket 70. The game ball can be smoothly received in the ball receiving recess 75 without being hit by a ball or being caught or fluttered by a game ball.

  On the other hand, a period from when the game ball is received in the ball receiving recess 75 until it is released into the payout passage 48 (until the subsequent game ball is held by the ball guide convex portion 74), that is, for the release operation of the game ball. In the section (β ° <θ <180 °, 180 ° + β ° <θ <360 °), the sprocket 70 is controlled at a higher speed than the steady rotational speed. For example, assuming that the step cycle for driving the dispensing motor 80 is 1 step = 2.0 [msec] with a steady set value, at this low speed rotation, 1 step = 4.0 [msec] cycle (speed). To drive.

  As described above, when the game ball is released, the rotation mode of the sprocket 70 is switched from the low-speed rotation to the high-speed rotation, so that the game ball can be paid out more quickly than usual.

  Here, the value of the rotation speed of the sprocket 70 (step period of the payout motor 80) is set appropriately in consideration of the number of game balls to be paid out per certain time, etc., and alternates between low speed rotation and high speed rotation. By repeating, it is desirable to set the payout speed of the game balls as a total so as not to be delayed from the steady payout speed.

(effect)
In the receiving operation for receiving the game ball in the ball receiving recess, the rotation speed of the sprocket is switched to a low speed, and in the discharging operation for releasing the game ball from the ball receiving recess to the payout passage 48, the rotation speed of the sprocket is switched at a high speed. It becomes easy for the game ball to follow the rotational movement of the sprocket 70, and the game ball is not repelled by the rotating sprocket 70, and the ball bite (ball clogging) does not occur due to fluttering or bouncing of the game ball. The game balls can be smoothly received in the ball receiving recess 75, and the steady payout number can be satisfied without delaying the payout speed of the game balls.

[Forced sprocket stop processing when power is cut off]
(Task)
When power is cut off due to a power failure, etc. in the pachinko machine, if the sprocket rotation has not stopped when the power is turned off, the sprocket must be in the specified stop position (the initial position where the game ball is not paid out). As a result of being unable to forcibly stop, there is a problem that the sprocket continues to rotate due to inertia and game balls (prize balls) are paid out excessively. Therefore, even when a power failure occurs during the game ball paying-out operation, a configuration that can prevent a situation where the sprocket rotates due to inertia and game balls are paid out excessively is realized.
(Hardware configuration)

  FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration in the main control board 1000. The processing unit 1010 of the main control board 1000 is an electronic circuit that operates by receiving a voltage supply from the power supply 1020 connected to the power supply board 4000. The processing unit 1010 is a one-chip microcomputer incorporating a CPU 1011 that functions as an arithmetic circuit, a ROM 1012 that stores a program that defines the arithmetic processing of the CPU 1011, and a RAM (backup RAM) 1013 that functions as a work area for executing the program. It is. The RAM 1013 is formed as a high-speed / volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

  The supply voltage to the processing unit 1010 is detected by the voltage monitoring unit 1610 periodically, for example, at intervals of 0.01 seconds. The voltage monitoring unit 1610 monitors the supply voltage supplied from the power source 1020 to the processing unit 1010. When the power supply monitoring unit 1610 detects a decrease in the supply voltage to the processing unit 1010 based on a predetermined threshold, the power supply monitoring unit 1610 determines that the power supply 1020 has been cut off, and transmits a power interruption signal (NMI signal) to the processing unit 1010. The CPU 1011 reads out the program stored in the ROM 1012 and executes the below-described power interruption process on condition that the power interruption signal is received from the voltage monitoring unit 1610.

  FIG. 23 is a graph showing the relationship between the supply voltage and time when the power is shut off. The CPU 1011 is an electronic circuit that operates normally at the voltage V0. For example, if the power supply is cut off at time T0, the supply voltage to the processing unit 1010 gradually decreases. The circuit may be configured so that the falling of the supply voltage is delayed by a smoothing action of a capacitor or the like.

  When the supply voltage falls below a predetermined threshold value V1, the voltage monitoring unit 1610 transmits a power interruption signal to the processing unit 1010. Here, the power interruption signal is transmitted at the timing of time T1. At time T2, the supply voltage falls below V2, which is the lowest voltage at which the CPU 1011 can operate, and the CPU 1011 stops due to physical restrictions. The time from time T1 to T2 is a grace time ΔT for executing the power interruption process. Therefore, the CPU 1011 executes the power interruption process until the supply voltage falls below the threshold voltage V1 to the voltage V2.

  Although not shown, the payout control board 2000 also includes a processing unit including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM (backup RAM), and the like, and since there is a certain amount of power storage even when the power is cut off, the time T1 to the time T2 It is possible to send / receive various information and commands to / from the main control board 1000 by driving the payout motor 80 or inputting a detection signal from the count sensor 50 during the grace period ΔT. is there.

(Functional configuration)
Next, functions of the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 will be described with additional reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. The functions mainly shown here are functions between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 that are particularly related to the present invention.

  The main control board 1000 includes a game control means 1100 that controls the game progress and prize ball payout determination, a transmission / reception control means 1200 that controls the transmission and reception of commands and information with the payout control board 2000, and the payout control board 2000. The remaining prize ball related control means 1300 for controlling the number of remaining balls for the prize ball currently being paid out on the side, the processing related information temporary storage means 1400 for temporarily storing information related to the payout related processing, and the main control Error control means 1500 for controlling errors related to prize ball payout on the board 1000 and the payout control board 2000, etc., and power-off / power-up processing for controlling processing executed when the power is turned off or when the power is turned on Control means 1600.

  The game control means 1100 has a well-known configuration that conventional machines have. Specifically, the game control means 1100, as a process related to the progress of the game, for example (taken as an example of a conventional type 1 gaming machine), for example, random number generation, random number triggered by the starting entrance ball Acquisition, lottery using the acquired random number, symbol (special symbol) fluctuation based on the lottery result, execution of special game that opens the big winning opening that is normally closed when winning the lottery, etc. A known process is executed, and when a game ball enters each winning opening, a payout determination process for the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening is executed.

  The transmission / reception control means 1200 includes information (signals) from the transmission control means 1210 that controls transmission from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000, and various peripheral devices (for example, the payout control board 2000 and various signal output devices). And reception control means 1220 for receiving the message.

  Here, the transmission control means 1210 of the transmission / reception control means 1200 includes a payout control side transmission control means 1211 for transmitting commands and information to the payout control board 2000 side. The payout control side transmission control means 1211 has a transmission command temporary storage means 1211a in which a prize ball payout command to be transmitted to the payout control board 2000 is set when a prize ball is paid out.

  The reception control means 1220 of the transmission / reception control means 1200 includes a game side reception control means 1221 for receiving information (signal) from a signal output device (for example, a winning ball detection sensor) provided in the gaming machine, and a payout control. Dispensing control side reception control means 1222 for receiving information from the substrate 2000. Here, the game side reception control means 1221 has a game side reception information temporary storage means 1221a for temporarily storing the information received from the signal output device until the processing related to the information is executed. The payout control side reception control means 1222 includes payout control side reception information temporary storage means 1222a for temporarily storing information received from the payout control board 2000 until processing related to the information is executed.

  The remaining award ball related control means 1300 has a remaining award ball number temporary storage means 1310 for temporarily storing the remaining award ball numbers of the award balls currently paid out on the payout control board 2000 side while sequentially updating. .

  The processing related information temporary storage means 1400 includes unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410 for temporarily storing unpaid prize ball information (standby prize ball payout information) that has not reached the prize ball payout order, and main control. Main control side processing state temporary storage means 1420 for temporarily storing information necessary for processing executed on the substrate 1000 side, and a payout processing status and state executed on the payout control substrate 2000 side are temporarily stored. A payout control side processing state temporary storage unit 1430.

  The error control unit 1500 monitors game-related errors including errors related to transmission / reception on the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 (for example, door opening error of the glass frame 5 as errors other than transmission / reception errors) An abnormality notification control unit 1510 that controls the notification of an abnormality to the outside when an error occurs is provided. Here, the abnormality notification control means 1510 has an error flag temporary storage means 1511 for temporarily storing the on / off state of the game related error flag.

  The processing control means 1600 at the time of power-off / power-on has received the NMI signal from the voltage monitoring means 1610 and the voltage monitoring means 1610 that transmit the NMI signal when the supply voltage falls below the threshold, that is, , A power interruption presence / absence determination means 1620 for determining whether or not a power interruption has occurred due to the occurrence of a power failure, etc. Backup information temporary storage means (backup RAM) 1630 for storing data temporarily stored on the substrate 1000 side, and a backup voltage is supplied to the backup information temporary storage means 1630 even after the gaming machine is turned off. Backup power supply means 1640 for holding data. As will be described later, writing to the backup information temporary storage means 1630 is executed when the power is turned off by normal processing, and conversely, restoration of each information written to the backup information temporary storage means 1630 is performed when the power is turned on. It is executed in the main process.

  The payout control board 2000 controls transmission / reception control means 2100 that controls transmission / reception of commands / information with the main control board 1000 side, the card unit C side, etc., and controls errors related to payout on the payout control board 2000 side. Error control means 2200 to be executed, and payout control means 2300 for receiving a prize ball payout command or a lending command and executing payout processing of a predetermined number of game balls.

  The transmission / reception control means 2100 controls reception of information (for example, commands and signals) from the main control board 1000 and the card unit C, and transmission control of information to the main control board 1000 and the card unit C. And transmission control means 2120 for controlling.

  Here, the reception control unit 2110 has a main-side reception control unit 2111 that controls reception of information (for example, commands) from the main control board 1000. The main-side reception control means 2111 has main-side reception data temporary storage means 2111a in which information transmitted from the main control board 1000 side is temporarily stored.

  The transmission control means 2120 is a first line via-information transmission control means for controlling transmission of prize ball payout command reception confirmed information, error information, prize ball payout completion information, etc. to the main control board 1000 via the first line. 2121 and second-line via-signal transmission control means 2122 for transmitting a pulse signal to the main control board 1000 side through the second line under a predetermined condition. Here, the signal transmission control means 2122 via the second line sends a prize ball payout signal (a signal which is turned on when the prize ball is being paid out) during the payout of the prize ball via the second line to the main control board 1000 side. During-payout signal transmission control means 2122a that controls to transmit to the main control board 1000 side when the power is turned off, and to control that the remaining payout number is transmitted as a pulse signal to the main control board 1000 side via the second line. And have.

  The error control means 2200 has error flag temporary storage means 2221 for temporarily storing an on / off state of an error flag such as payout on the payout control board 2000 side.

  The payout control means 2300 has payout process related information temporary storage means 2310 for temporarily storing information necessary for the payout process. Here, the payout process related information temporary storage unit 2310 temporarily stores a state related to payout (for example, whether payout is being performed or whether a payout abnormality has occurred). And a payout counter 2312 in which the number of game balls to be paid out is set at the time of payout processing.

(processing)
Next, payout control processing including power interruption processing will be described with additional reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, FIGS. 25 to 32 are flowcharts showing processing on the main control board 1000 side, and FIGS. 33 to 38 are flowcharts showing processing on the payout control board 2000 side. Hereinafter, it will be described in order.

(Processing on the main control board side)
First, communication processing with the payout control board 2000 executed on the main control board 1000 side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, the left side of FIG. 25 is a timer interrupt process (steps S1100 to S1400) activated every predetermined time, and the right side of FIG. 25 is triggered by an NMI signal generated when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. This is the power-off process (steps S1500 to S1700).

  The timer interrupt that is activated at predetermined time intervals according to FIG. 25 (left side) will be described. First, in step S1100, the main control board 1000 executes a power-on process described later. Next, in step S1200, the main control board 1000 executes an unpaid prize ball management process to be described later. Next, in step S1300, the main control board 1000 executes a command transmission control process to the payout control board 2000 described later. Next, in step S1400, the main control board 1000 executes an information reception control process from the payout control board 2000 described later, and proceeds to step S1200. 25 (right side) will be described. Upon receiving an NMI signal, first, in step S1500, the main control board 1000 executes a power-off basic process described later. Next, in step S1600, the main control board 1000 executes a payout unit forced stop command transmission control process for transmitting a 0 ball command to the payout control board 2000, which will be described later. Next, in step S1700, the main control board 1000 executes an unpaid prize ball management process for managing the number of unpaid prize balls when the power is cut off during the payout operation, which will be described later, and then loops the process. This prohibits other interrupt processing from being executed, and waits for the power supply voltage to drop and the CPU to become inoperative. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in order.

  First, FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of the power-on process according to the subroutine of step S1100 of FIG. First, in step S1105, the power-off / power-on processing control means 1600 accesses the flag area of the backup information temporary storage means (backup RAM) 1620 and determines whether the NMI flag is on. Here, the “NMI flag” is a flag that is turned on after the NMI signal is received and the gaming state is temporarily stored in the backup information temporary storage unit 1620 before the power is turned off. In the case of Yes in step S1105, in step S1110, the processing control means 1600 at power-off / power-up processing supplies power to each temporary storage means (register) or the like based on the information temporarily stored in the backup information temporary storage means 1620. Set the state before the interruption. For example, if the power supply is cut off during the paying out of the winning ball and the winning ball is paid out only halfway, the remaining number of winning balls is set in the remaining winning ball number temporary storage means 1310. In step S1115, the power-off / power-up processing control means 1600 accesses the flag area of the backup information temporary storage means 1620 and turns off the NMI flag. In step S1120, the power-off / power-on processing control means 1600 determines whether or not the remaining number of balls in the remaining number-of-scores temporary storage means 1310 is not zero. In the case of Yes in step S1120, in step S1125, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 pays out a winning ball corresponding to the remaining winning ball number so that the remaining winning ball number in the remaining winning ball number temporary storage means 1310 is paid out. The command is set in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1211a. Then, in step S1130, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 transmits the prize ball payout command set in the transmission command temporary storage means 1211a to the payout control board 2000 side for the next processing (unpaid prize ball management in step S1200). ). On the payout control board 2000 side receiving this, the remaining prize balls that were not paid out when the power was turned off are paid out after the power is turned off. It should be noted that the process proceeds to the next process (unpaid prize ball management process in step S1200) also in the case of No in step 1105 and step S1120.

  Next, FIG. 27 shows a flowchart of unpaid prize ball (before prize ball payout command transmission) management processing according to the subroutine of step S1200 of FIG. First, in step S1205, the game side reception control unit 1211 refers to the game side reception information temporary storage unit 1221a and determines whether or not a winning signal has been received from any of the winning ball detection sensors 14s, 15s, and 16s. . In the case of Yes in step S1205, in step S1210, the game side reception control means 1221 temporarily stores the unpaid prize ball information related to the received winning signal in the unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410 for the next processing ( The process proceeds to a payout control board transmission control process in step S1300. Note that, also in the case of No in step S1205, the process proceeds to the next process (anti-payout control board transmission control process in step S1300).

  Next, FIG. 28 shows a flowchart of the payout control board transmission control process according to the subroutine of step S1300 of FIG. First, in step S1305, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 refers to the input port of the second line (the line that transmits the ON / OFF signal relating to whether or not a prize ball is being paid), and the payout signal is OFF. Whether or not the payout is not currently executed. In the case of Yes in step S1305, in step S1310, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 refers to the unpaid award ball information temporary storage means 1410, and an unpaid prize ball (still paying a prize ball payout command to the payout control board 2000 side). It is determined whether there is a prize ball that has not been transmitted. In the case of Yes in step S1310, in step S1315, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 1511 and refers to an error relating to award ball payout (for example, an error relating to a failure of the payout motor 80, a ball tray full tank). Etc.) is not generated. In the case of Yes in step S1315, in step S1320, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 is temporarily stored in the unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410, and the unpaid prize ball information in the order in which the current payout process is executed. Are set in the transmission command temporary storage means 1211a. Then, in step S1325, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 deletes the remaining prize ball information corresponding to the currently set prize ball payout command from the remaining prize ball information temporary storage means 1310, and shifts the subsequent information. Execute. Next, in step S1330, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 transmits the prize ball payout command set in the transmission command temporary storage means 1211a to the payout control board 2000 side. In step S 1335, the remaining prize ball related control means 1300 sets the number of prize balls related to the currently set prize ball payout command as the remaining prize ball number in the remaining prize ball number temporary storage means 1310, The process proceeds to (payout control board reception control processing in step S1400). In addition, also when it is No in step S1305, step S1310, and step S1315, it transfers to the following process (contrast payout control board reception control process of step S1400).

  Next, FIG. 29 shows a flowchart of the payout control board reception control process according to the subroutine of step S1400 of FIG. Here, the process of steps S1405 to S1435 is a process related to reception of the first payout-related information, and the process of steps S1440 to S1445 is a process related to reception of the second payout-related information. As described above, the “first payout related information” is information related to the prize ball payout related information and the payout abnormality related information, and includes a fixed value, payout device abnormality information, and prize ball payout completion information. The “second payout-related information” is information indicating that one ball has been paid out, and consists of a fixed value.

  Accordingly, the processing related to the reception of the first payout related information will be described. First, in step S1405, the payout control side reception control means 1122 refers to the payout control side received information temporary storage means 1122a, and the first payout related information is received. Is received. Here, in the case of Yes in step S1405, in step S1410, the error control unit 1500 determines whether error information (payout-related error) exists in the received first payout-related information. In the case of Yes in step S1410, in step S1415, the error control unit 1500 accesses the error flag temporary storage unit 1511 and turns on the error flag related to the corresponding error, thereby error information on the payout control board 2000 side. Are also managed (unified management) on the main control board 1000 side. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S1410, the error control unit 1500 accesses the error flag temporary storage unit 1511 and turns off the error flag related to the error on the payout control board 2000 side. Next, in step S1425, the abnormality notification control unit 1510 determines whether or not prize ball payout completion information exists in the received first payout related information. In the case of Yes in step S1425, in step S1430, the abnormality notification control means 1510 stores the information indicating that the payout is completed on the payout control board 2000 side in the remaining winning ball number temporary storage means 1310. It is determined whether or not the temporarily stored number of remaining balls is not zero. In the case of Yes in step S1430, in step S1435, the abnormality notification control means 1510 executes processing for notifying the outside of the abnormality (for example, output of abnormality information to the hall computer, blinking of the side lamp, etc.). In the case of No in step S1405, the process proceeds to step 1440, and in the case of No in steps S1425 and S1430, the process also proceeds to step S1440. This completes the processing related to the reception of the first payout related information.

  Next, the process related to the second payout-related information reception will be described. First, in step S1440, the payout control side reception control means 1122 refers to the payout control side reception information temporary storage means 1122a, and the second payout related information is received. It is determined whether or not information has been received. Here, in the case of Yes in step S1440, in step S1445, the remaining award ball related control means 1300 subtracts 1 from the remaining award ball number in the remaining award ball number temporary storage means 1310, and performs the next process (not in step S1200). The process proceeds to a payout ball management process. Even in the case of No in step S1440, the process proceeds to the next process (unpaid prize ball management process in step S1200).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 30 to FIG. 32, a description will be given of a power-off process (steps S1500 to S1700) such as backing up the CPU register value triggered by an NMI signal generated when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. To do. First, FIG. 30 is a flowchart of basic processing at power-off according to the subroutine of step S1500 of FIG. First, in step S1505, the power-off / power-up processing control means 1600 temporarily stores the current gaming state in the backup information temporary storage means (backup RAM) 1620. Here, as the current game state, the contents of each register at the present time, for example, a prize ball payout state when a prize ball is being paid out, and the data etc. when there is unpaid ball payout data can be mentioned. . In step S1510, the power-off / power-up processing control means 1600 accesses the flag area of the backup information temporary storage means (backup RAM) 1620, turns on the NMI flag, and performs the next process (in step S1600). The process proceeds to a payout unit forced stop command transmission control process.

  Next, FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the payout unit forced stop command transmission control process according to the subroutine of step S1600 in FIG. First, in step S1605, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 sets a prize ball payout command having 0 prize balls in the transmission command temporary storage means 2111a. As will be described later, on the payout control board 2000 side that has received this, if a prize ball payout operation is in progress, a process for forcibly stopping the operation is executed. In step S1610, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 transmits the prize ball payout command set in the transmission command temporary storage means 1211a to the payout control board 2000 side for the next processing (unpaid prize ball management in step S1700). Process).

  Next, FIG. 32 is a flowchart of the unpaid prize ball (prize ball payout command transmitted) management process according to the subroutine of step S1700 of FIG. First, in step S1705, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 transmits information indicating that a power interruption has occurred to the payout control board 2000. Next, in step S1710, the payout control side reception control means 1222 refers to the input port of the second line and refers to whether or not the remaining prize ball information is received from the payout control board 2000. In addition, as an information reception mode, it is executed by a method of receiving a pulse related to the remaining prize ball information via the second line. Here, in the case of No in step S1710, this process is looped until the information is received. In the case of Yes in step S1710, in step S1715, the remaining ball related control means 1300 displays the remaining ball information received from the payout control board 2000 and the remaining number of remaining balls managed on the main control board 1000 side. Comparison with the remaining prize ball information temporarily stored in the time storage means 1310 is executed. In step S1720, the remaining ball related control means 1300 determines whether or not the comparison result in step S1715 is the same. In the case of Yes in step 1720, it is assumed that no abnormality has occurred in the prize ball payout, and as shown in FIG. 25, the execution of another interrupt process is prohibited by looping the process, Wait for the voltage to drop and the CPU to become inactive. On the other hand, if No in step S1720, that is, if the remaining ball information does not match between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000, in step S1725, the remaining ball related control means 1300 displays The remaining award ball information temporarily stored in the remaining award ball number temporary storage means 1310 managed on the 1000 side is cleared, and, similarly to the above, another interrupt process is executed by looping the process. And wait for the power supply voltage to drop and the CPU to become inoperative.

(Processing on the payout control board side)
Next, processing on the payout control board 2000 side will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a main routine in the payout control board 2000. First, in step S2100, the payout control board 2000 executes prize ball payout related information reception processing described later. Next, in step S2200, the payout control board 2000 executes a prize ball payout control process which will be described later, and proceeds to step S2100. Hereinafter, each subroutine will be described.

  First, FIG. 34 is a flowchart of prize ball payout-related information reception processing (vs. main control board) according to the subroutine of step S2100 of FIG. First, in step S2105, the main-side reception control unit 2111 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is off. Here, the “motor driving flag” is a flag that is turned on while the payout motor 80 of the winning ball payout unit 40 is being driven. In the case of Yes in step S2105, in step S2110, the main-side reception control unit 2111 refers to the main-side reception information temporary storage unit 2111a and determines whether or not a prize ball payout command has been received. In the case of Yes in step S2110, in step 2115, the payout control means 2300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns on the prize ball payout start permission flag. Next, in step S2120, the payout control means 2300 derives the number of prize balls to be paid out this time based on the prize ball payout command information temporarily stored in the main reception information temporary storage means 2111a, and the prize ball number information Is set in the payout counter 2312. This completes the process of setting the number of prize balls to be paid when the normal prize ball payout process is executed.

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2105, a forced payout stop process when the power is turned off is executed. Specifically, in the case of No in step S2105, that is, when the payout motor 80 is being driven, the main side reception control means 2111 refers to the main side reception information temporary storage means 2111a and the payout number = 0 balls. It is determined whether or not a prize ball payout command has been received. Here, as can be understood from the processing on the main control board 1000 side described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 32, in this embodiment, in principle, when the payout ball is being paid out on the payout control board 2000 side, The next prize ball payout command is not transmitted from the control board 1000 side. However, if a prize ball is being paid out on the payout control board 2000 side when the power is turned off, the main control board 1000 transmits a 0 ball prize ball payout command in response to the prize ball payout command to force the payout operation. Is configured to stop. Under such a configuration, in the case of Yes in step S2125, the process proceeds to step S2120. That is, the current payout counter 2312 is overwritten with 0. As a result, as will be described later, the sprocket 70 of the winning ball payout unit 40 is forcibly stopped at the initial position, and rotation due to inertia of the sprocket 70 due to power interruption can be prevented. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2125, the process proceeds to the next process (step S2130). Moreover, also when it is No in step S2120, it transfers to the following process (step S2130). This completes the 0-ball prize ball payout setting process when a 0-ball prize ball payout command is received from the main control board 1000 when the power is turned off.

  Next, in step S2130, the main-side reception control unit 2111 refers to the main-side reception information temporary storage unit 2111a, and determines whether or not power-off occurrence information (see step S1705 in FIG. 31) has been received. In the case of Yes in step S2130, in step S2135, the second line signal transmission control unit 2122 (particularly the power-off signal transmission control unit 2122b) obtains information on the number of remaining winning balls with reference to the payout counter 2312. Then, a pulse signal corresponding to the number of remaining winning balls is transmitted to the main control board 1000 via the second line, and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2140). This completes the process of transmitting the number of remaining prize balls to the main control board 1000 when the power is turned off.

  In step S2140, the first line route information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311, and determines whether or not one payout confirmation flag is on. Here, the “single payout confirmation flag” is a flag that is turned on when one game ball is detected by the count sensor 50 of the prize ball payout unit 40. In the case of Yes in step S2140, in step S2145, the first line via information transmission control means 2121 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311 and turns off one payout confirmation flag. In step S2150, the first-line-routed information transmission control unit 2121 transmits information indicating that one prize ball has been paid out to the main control board 1000, and the process proceeds to step S2155. In addition, also when it is No at step S2140, it transfers to the following process (step S2155). This completes the transmission process of one piece payout confirmation information.

  Next, in step S2155, the first line route information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 to determine whether or not an error flag related to payout is on, that is, whether or not a payout related error has occurred. Determine. In the case of Yes in step S2155, in step S2160, the first line via information transmission control unit 2121 transmits information indicating that a payout related error has occurred to the main control board 1000 side, and the next process (step S2165). Migrate to In the case of No in step S2155, the process proceeds to the next process (step S2165). This completes the payout-related error information transmission process.

  Next, in step S2165, the first line route information transmission control unit 2121 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311, and determines whether or not the prize ball payout completion flag is on. Here, the “prize ball payout completion flag” is a flag that is turned on when it is determined by the payout control means 2300 that the prize ball payout has been completed. In the case of Yes in step S2165, in step S2170, the first line route information transmission control unit 2121 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and turns off the winning ball payout completion flag. In step S2175, the first line route information transmission control unit 2121 transmits information indicating that the winning ball payout has been completed to the main control board 1000 side, and performs the next process (the winning ball payout control process in step S2200). ). Note that, also in the case of No in step S2165, the process proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout control process in step S2200). The winning ball payout completion information transmission process is thus completed.

  Next, FIG. 35 is a flowchart of prize ball payout control processing according to the subroutine of step S2200 of FIG. First, in step S2205, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, and determines whether or not the prize ball payout start permission flag (see step S2115 in FIG. 34) is on. In the case of Yes in step S2205, in step S2210 and step S2215, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on the winning ball payout flag and turns off the winning ball payout start permission flag. To do. In step S2220, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the number of award balls set in the payout counter 2312 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 5). In the case of Yes in step S2220, in step S2225, the payout control means 2300 drives and controls the payout motor 80 of the prize ball payout unit 40 so as to pay out a predetermined number. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2220, that is, when the number of prize balls paid out set in the payout counter 2312 is less than the predetermined number, the payout control means 2300 pays out the prize balls set in the payout counter 2312. The payout motor 80 of the prize ball payout unit 40 is driven and controlled so as to pay out the number of pieces. In step S2235, the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 is accessed to turn on the motor driving flag. The payout motor drive start process is thus completed.

  Next, in step S2240, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the motor drive scheduled in step S2225 or step S2230 has been completed based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 85. In the case of Yes in step S2240, the payout control means 2300 stops the sprocket 70 at the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 85 in step S2245. On the other hand, if No in step S2240, that is, if the motor drive planned in step S2225 or step S2230 has not been completed, in step S2290, the payout control means 2300 sets the payout counter value of the payout counter 2312. It is determined whether or not it is 0, that is, whether or not a forced stop command at the time of power-off from the main control board 1000 side has been received. In the case of Yes in step S2290, in step S2300, the payout control means 2300 stops the sprocket 70 at the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 85 (for details, see step S2300 shown in FIG. 36 and the like). (This will be described in the sprocket forced stop processing when the power is turned off according to the subroutine). In step S2250, the payout control unit 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2311 and turns off the motor driving flag. If NO in step S2290, the process proceeds to the next process (step S2255). This completes the payout motor stop process.

  Next, in step S2255, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not a game ball detection signal is received from the count sensor 50. In the case of Yes in step S2255, in step 2260, the payout control means 2300 subtracts 1 from the counter value temporarily stored in the payout counter 2312. In step S2262, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns on one payout confirmation flag, and proceeds to the next process (step 2265). In addition, also when it is No in step S2255, it transfers to the following process (step 2265). This is the end of the game ball detection process.

  Next, in step S2265, the payout control unit 2300 refers to the payout counter 2312 and determines whether or not the counter value is zero. In the case of Yes in step S2265, in step 2270 and step 2275, the payout control means 2300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, turns off the winning ball payout flag and turns on the winning ball payout completion flag, The process proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout related information transmission / reception process in step S2100).

  On the other hand, if NO in step S2205, that is, if the winning ball payout start permission flag is OFF, in step S2280, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 2311, and the motor driving flag It is determined whether or not is on. Here, in the case of Yes in step S2280, the process proceeds to step S2240 and the prize ball payout operation is continued. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2280, in step S2285, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the winning ball payout flag is off. In the case of No in step S2285, it is determined that there is still a prize ball to be paid out, and the process proceeds to step S2220. On the other hand, in the case of Yes in step S2285 and in the case of No in step S2265, the process proceeds to the next process (prize ball payout related information transmission / reception process in step 2100).

  First, FIG. 36 is a flowchart of the sprocket forced stop process when the power is turned off, according to the subroutine of step S2300 of FIG. First, in step S2301, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the sprocket 70 is in the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 85. If NO in step S2301, that is, if the sprocket 70 is not in the initial position, in step S2303, the payout control means 2300 drives and controls the payout motor 80 to rotate the sprocket 70 in the reverse rotation direction to detect rotation. Based on the ON / OFF signal from the sensor 85, the sprocket 70 is returned to the previous initial position, and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2302). Here, the previous initial position refers to an initial position that is first reached when the sprocket 70 is rotated in the reverse direction. Note that the process proceeds to the next process (step S2302) also in the case of Yes in step S2302. In step S2302, the payout control unit 2300 stops switching of the excitation phase of the payout motor 80, applies a drive voltage higher than the steady state to the stop phase (controls the duty ratio to be large), and the sprocket 70. Is held at the initial position, the payout motor 80 is stopped with the holding torque by this excitation, and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2250).

  As a result, even if the sprocket 70 rotates in the forward rotation direction and the power interruption occurs while paying out the game ball, the rotation direction of the sprocket 70 is reversed and held at the previous initial position. The situation where the rotation continues can be avoided.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a first modification of the sprocket forced stop process when the power is turned off, according to the subroutine of step S2300 of FIG. First, in step S2311, the payout control unit 2300 determines whether or not the sprocket 70 is in the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 85. In the case of No in step S2311, that is, when the sprocket 70 is not in the initial position, in step S2313, the payout control means 2300 drives and controls the payout motor 80 to rotate the sprocket 70 in the forward rotation direction to rotate. Based on the ON / OFF signal from the detection sensor 85, the sprocket 70 is advanced to the next initial position, and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2312). Here, the next initial position refers to an initial position that is first reached when the sprocket 70 is rotated in the forward rotation direction. In addition, also when it is Yes at step S2311, it transfers to the following process (step S2312). In step S2312, the payout control means 2300 stops switching the excitation phase of the payout motor 80, applies a drive voltage higher than the steady state to the stop phase (controls the duty ratio to be large), and the sprocket 70. Is held at the initial position, the payout motor 80 is stopped with the holding torque by this excitation, and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2250).

  As a result, even if the power is cut off while the sprocket 70 is paying out the game ball, the sprocket 70 continues to rotate in the forward rotation direction and is held at the next initial position. The situation can be avoided.

  As described above, when the sprocket 70 is rotated in the forward rotation direction and stopped at the next initial position, only one game ball is paid out after the power is cut off. If the game ball is passed through the count sensor 50 within the time T1 to T2), it can be detected by the count sensor 50 without losing the game ball even when the power is cut off.

  Next, FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the sprocket forced stop process when the power is turned off, according to the subroutine of step S2300 of FIG. First, in step S2321, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the sprocket 70 is in the initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 85. In the case of No in step S2321, that is, when the sprocket 70 is not in the initial position, the payout control means 2300 determines the rotational position (rotation angle θ) of the sprocket 70 based on the number of drive pulses of the payout motor 80 in step S2323. Whether the current rotation position of the sprocket 70 is closer to the previous initial position than the next initial position, that is, the rotation angle θ of the sprocket 70 is 0 ° <θ <90 ° or 180 ° <θ <270. It is determined whether or not it is within the range of ° (see FIGS. 19 and 20). If Yes in step S2323, that is, if the rotational position of the sprocket 70 is close to the previous initial position (0 ° <θ <90 ° or 180 ° <θ <270 °), the payout control means 2300 in step S2324. Controls the delivery motor 80 to rotate the sprocket 70 in the reverse direction, returns the sprocket 70 to the previous initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 85, and proceeds to the next processing (step S2322). Transition. On the other hand, in the case of No in step S2323, that is, when the rotational position of the sprocket 70 is close to the next initial position (90 ° ≦ θ <180 ° or 270 ° ≦ θ <360 °), the payout control is performed in step S2325. The means 2300 drives and controls the payout motor 80 to rotate the sprocket 70 in the forward rotation direction, and advances the sprocket 70 to the next initial position based on the ON / OFF signal from the rotation detection sensor 85 to perform the next processing ( Control goes to step S2322). In addition, also when it is Yes at step S2321, it transfers to the following process (step S2322). In step S2322, the payout control means 2300 stops switching of the excitation phase of the payout motor 80, applies a drive voltage higher than the steady state to the stop phase (controls the duty ratio to be large), and the sprocket 70. Is held at the initial position, the payout motor 80 is stopped with the holding torque by this excitation, and the process proceeds to the next process (step S2250).

  As a result, even if the power is cut off while the sprocket 70 is paying out the game ball, the sprocket 70 is rotated to the closer initial position according to the current rotational position of the sprocket 70 and quickly held in the stopped state. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the sprocket 70 continues to rotate by inertia.

(effect)
Even if the power supply is cut off during the game ball payout operation, the sprocket is rotated in the forward or reverse direction and forcedly stopped at the initial position under the condition where the power is stored on the payout control board side. Therefore, even if the power is cut off while the sprocket is rotating, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the sprocket continues to rotate due to inertia and game balls are paid out excessively.

  Next, a description will be given of a modification example of the sprocket forced stop process when the power is cut off. In the above-described embodiment, when the power supply is cut off, the main control board 1000 side receives the NMI signal and then transmits the power cut-off occurrence information from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side (step S1705 in FIG. 32, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the payout control board 2000 is configured to receive an NMI signal when the power is cut off, that is, when the payout control board 2000 employs a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. The transmission process of the power interruption occurrence information from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side as in step S1705 of 32 is not necessary. When it is determined that the power supply interruption has occurred on the payout control board 2000 side, the counter value of the payout counter 2312 is set to 0, and the sprocket 70 is rotated forward or reverse to forcibly stop at the initial position. It is possible to execute a process and a process of transmitting the remaining prize ball number information to the main control board 1000 side.

[Count sensor]
(Task)
If the elapsed time from when the game ball is paid out by the sprocket until it is detected by the count sensor is long, the time lag until the next payout operation becomes long, and the game ball cannot be paid out at high speed. is there. Thus, a configuration is realized in which game balls paid out from the sprocket can be detected at an early timing by a count sensor.

(Configuration: Proximity sensor)
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 and the like, the count sensor 50 is a passing type sensor (electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor) that detects the passing of a game ball, and a game that is paid out to the payout passage 48 by the rotational operation of the sprocket 70. Count the real number of spheres. In this passing type sensor, when a game ball (metal) passes through the ball detection port 50a, the magnetic field of a coil (not shown) arranged around the ball detection port 50a changes, and the impedance of the coil changes. From this change, it is detected that the game ball has passed.

  The count sensor 50 is attached to a substantially boundary portion between the first payout passage 48a and the second payout passage 48b, and is disposed immediately below the sprocket 70. The count sensor 50 counts close to the payout position of the game ball by the sprocket 70. The detection position of the game ball by the sensor 50 is set. Therefore, since the game ball released by the sprocket 70 can be detected by the count sensor 50 at an early timing after the free fall, the game ball is discharged from the sprocket 70 until it is detected by the count sensor 50. It is possible to shorten the time lag.

(Configuration: optical sensor)
FIG. 39 is a side view of a prize ball payout unit (a case lid member is opened) to which an optical sensor is applied as a count sensor, and FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between the count sensor and the sprocket 70. In FIG. 39 and FIG. 40, the same components other than the count sensor 50 ′ or the components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The count sensor 50 ′ has a pair of measurement units 50 a ′, and is a photosensor (optical sensor) that detects an object passing between the measurement units 50 a ′ by light projection and reception. The pair of measurement parts 50a 'includes a light emitting part having a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode and a light receiving part having a light receiving element such as a photodiode, and the sprocket 70 and the base wall 43a are disposed between the U-shaped sensor base 50b'. It is arranged on the other side. The count sensor 50 ′ detects the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting part (reflected light reflected from the outer surface of the game ball) by the light receiving part, and is played out to the payout passage 48 by the rotation operation of the sprocket 70. Count the real number of. A light passage hole 43c is formed between the measurement portion 50a 'in the base wall 43a of the case body member 42 so as to allow light to be transmitted and received to pass therethrough.

  The count sensor 50 ′ is arranged in the middle of the arc-shaped first payout passage 48 a formed by entering the rotation track of the sprocket 70. As a result, the payout position of the game ball by the sprocket 70 and the detection position of the game ball by the count sensor 50 ′ substantially coincide. Therefore, since the game ball released by the sprocket 70 can be detected by the count sensor 50 'at an early timing after free fall, the game ball is detected by the count sensor 50' after being paid out by the sprocket 70. It is possible to shorten the time lag until.

(effect)
By making the game ball discharge position by the sprocket close to or coincide with the detection position of the game ball by the count sensor, the game ball paid out from the sprocket can be detected at an early timing by the count sensor. Even if the rotation speed is increased, the time lag until the next payout operation is shortened, and the payout number can be accurately counted. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the payout speed of prize balls.

  By the way, in recent years, illegal radio waves (electromagnetic waves) are emitted from the outside to cause the count sensor (mainly proximity sensor) to malfunction, so that a large number of undetected award balls are not detected even though they are paid out. Fraudulent attempts to obtain a prize ball (so-called “Radio Goto”) have become a problem, but if such fraud is performed under conditions where the payout speed of the prize ball is increased, Since the number of prize balls to be paid out will be larger, there is a risk that the damage will be enormous. On the other hand, if a photo sensor is applied as a count sensor, it is possible to detect the passage of a game ball based on a change in the amount of light regardless of the change in the magnetic field, and thus effectively prevent fraud using radio waves. Is possible.

[Ball hole structure]
(Task)
The prize ball dispensing unit employs a so-called stoppage quantitative system for performing maintenance work such as cleaning of the ball path formed in the prize ball dispensing unit and the upper passage member and maintenance inspection of components. In order to keep the number of payouts constant or to count the number of payouts of each pachinko machine per business day, a ball removal mechanism is provided for discharging game balls stored in the prize ball payout unit to the outside of the machine. . The ball removal mechanism has a ball removal member that opens and closes a part of the passage wall in the middle of the guide passage, and when the ball removal member is switched to the open position, a game ball positioned upstream of the ball removal member is It is configured to be discharged out of the machine through a ball passage. In such a ball removal mechanism, a structure in which no game ball remains on the sprocket during the ball removal process is desired. Therefore, a configuration is realized in which no game balls remain in the prize ball payout unit during the ball removal process.

(Constitution)
Hereinafter, the ball removal mechanism 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 13, 41, 42, and the like. 41 is a main part side view showing a state in which the ball removing member 91 is in the closed position, and FIG. 42 is a main part side view showing a state in which the ball removing member 91 is in the open position.

  The ball removal mechanism 90 has a closed position (see FIG. 41) for closing the ball removal hole 53 around the swing shaft 92 pivotally supported by the base wall 43a and an open position (see FIG. 42) for opening the ball removal hole 53. And a control lever 93 for performing an opening / closing operation of the ball removal member 91.

  The ball removing member 91 has an inclined wall 91a that is inclined downward toward the sprocket 70, and a leading game ball that waits for alignment along the second standby passage 48b receives the action of gravity and hits the inclined wall 91a. It is comprised so that it may touch. The ball removing member 91 is formed so as to be engageable with an operation lever 93 disposed on the rear side wall 43 b of the case main body member 42.

  The operation lever 93 is attached so as to be slidable in the vertical direction by engaging with an operation opening 94 formed in the rear side wall 43 b of the case main body member 42. When the operation lever 93 is slid to the lower position, the operation member side protrusion 93b of the operation lever 93 is engaged with the ball removal member side protrusion 91b of the ball removal member 91, and the ball removal member 91 is held in the closed position. Thus, swinging backward is regulated, and the game ball flowing down the upstream side of the guide passage 46 is guided to the sprocket 70 (dispensing passage 48). On the other hand, when the operating lever 93 is slid to the upper position, the engagement between the operating lever 93 and the ball removing member 91 is released and the ball removing member 91 is allowed to swing backward, and the game ball is guided. When the swing member 91 flows down the upstream side of the passage 46, the swinging member 91 is pushed backward by the weight of the game ball and swings to the open position, and the game ball flowing down the upstream side of the guide passage 46 is removed from the ball extraction hole 53. It is discharged to the ball removal passage 52. The game balls flowing down the ball removal passage 52 are discharged from the ball discharge port 54 at the lower end through the ball discharge passage 35c of the lower passage member 35 to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1.

  Here, the ball extraction hole 53 is opened at the end of the standby passage 47, and the game ball reaching the end position (the first game ball aligned above the sprocket 70) is when the sprocket 70 is in the initial state. In addition, the sprocket 70 is in contact with the inclined wall 91a of the ball removing member 91 in a state of riding on the spherical guide convex portion (convex curved surface) 74 (see FIG. 41). At this time, since the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball aligned with the standby passage 47 also acts in the direction of swinging the ball removing member 91 to the open position, if the operating lever 93 is moved to the upper position, FIG. 42, the ball removing member 91 is swung backward by the ball pressure of the game ball to open the ball removal hole 53, and the total number of game balls waiting on the sprocket 70 passes through the ball removal hole 53. To the ball passage 52. That is, it is possible to discharge all the game balls aligned in a daisy chain in the standby passage 47 to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1.

(effect)
Therefore, all of the game balls positioned upstream of the sprocket including the first game ball that abuts the sprocket ball guide convex portion, that is, the game balls waiting to be aligned in the standby path can be guided to the ball extraction path. The number of game balls remaining in the prize ball payout unit after the ball removal process can be reduced to zero.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ball removing member 91 is held at the closed position by engaging the partition wall 55 when the operation lever 93 is operated to the upper position. In the following, a modified example of the ball removal mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 43 is a side view of the main part of the prize ball payout unit showing a modification of the ball removal mechanism. In FIG. 43, the same components or components having the same functions other than the ball removal mechanism 90 ′, the ball removal passage 52 ′, the ball removal hole 53 ′, and the partition wall 55 ′ are given the same numbers. The description is omitted.

  The ball removal mechanism 90 'includes a ball removal member 91' that is bent into a "<" shape and extends elongated, and an operation lever 93 'for opening and closing the ball removal member 91'. The ball removal member 91 'is swingable between a closed position for closing the ball removal hole 53' and an opening position for opening the ball removal hole 53 'around the swing shaft 92'. Further, the ball removing member 91 ′ has an inclined wall 91a ′ that is inclined downward toward the sprocket 70, and the leading game ball that waits for alignment along the second standby passage 48b is inclined by the action of gravity. It is comprised so that it can contact | abut to wall 91a '. The ball removing member 91 ′ is formed so as to be engageable with an operation lever 93 ′ disposed on the rear side wall 43 b of the case main body member 42.

  When the operation lever 53 'is operated to the upper position, the ball removing member 91' is held in the closed position by engaging with the air wall engaging portion 43d formed on the main surface side of the base wall 43a. It is like that. Here, the tip end portion (the end portion opposite to the swinging shaft 92 ′) of the ball removing member 91 ′ and the blade 72 of the sprocket 70 are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from the left-right direction (the direction orthogonal to the plane of FIG. 43). However, since a blade passage hole 91 b ′ through which the blade 72 can pass when the sprocket 70 rotates is formed on the base wall 43 d side of the tip portion, the ball removing member 91 ′ interferes with the blade 72. There is no fear. When the ball removal member 91 ′ is in the closed position, the ball removal member 91 ′ and the partition wall 55 ′ are spaced apart by a predetermined gap.

  Here, the ball extraction hole 53 is opened at the end of the standby passage 47, and the game ball reaching the end position (the first game ball aligned above the sprocket 70) is when the sprocket 70 is in the initial state. In addition, in contact with the inclined wall 91 a ′ of the ball removing member 91 ′ while riding on the spherical guide convex portion (convex curved surface) 74 of the sprocket 70. At this time, since the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball aligned with the standby passage 47 also acts in the direction of swinging the ball removing member 91 'to the open position, the operation lever 93' is moved to the upper position. The ball release member 91 ′ is swung rearward by the ball pressure of the game ball to open the ball release hole 53 ′, and the total number of game balls waiting on the sprocket 70 passes through the ball release hole 53 ′. It is guided to the extraction passage 52 '. That is, it is possible to discharge all the game balls aligned in a daisy chain in the standby passage 47 to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1.

  Therefore, even in the ball removal mechanism according to this modification, the game balls located upstream from the sprocket including the first game ball that abuts the ball guide convex portion of the sprocket, that is, the game balls that are waiting to be aligned in the standby passage. It is possible to guide the total number of game balls to the ball removal passage, and to reduce the number of game balls remaining in the prize ball dispensing unit after the ball removal process to zero.

[Earth structure I]
(Task)
The game ball is made of a metal material, and may be charged with static electricity when it comes into contact with a game board surface or a winning ball mechanism on the back set board. If the game ball is charged with static electricity, there is a risk of malfunctions such as abnormalities in electrical components and the like, so it is desirable to remove the static electricity from the game ball as appropriate. Therefore, a structure is realized that can remove static electricity charged in the game ball when the game ball passes through the guide passage.

(Constitution)
The ground structure of the winning ball payout unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. An earth plate 58 as a discharge plate disposed along a part of the inner surface of the passage walls 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d is attached to the guide passage 46 of the prize ball payout unit 40. The ground plate 58 is formed in a thin rectangular plate shape using a conductive metal material such as stainless steel.

  The upper grounding plate 58 is attached to the front and rear (left and right in FIG. 13) facing the inner surfaces of the passage walls 46a and 46b of the standby passage 47 in the vicinity of the upper-end ball receiving port 44. The lower ground plate 58 is attached to the front and rear (left and right in FIG. 13) along the inner surfaces of the passage walls 46c and 46d of the payout passage 48 in the vicinity of the ball discharge outlet 45 at the lower end.

  Each ground plate 58 is grounded (grounded) via a ground wire (not shown). For this reason, the game ball passing through the guide passage 46 is brought into contact with the ground plate 58, whereby static electricity charged in the game ball can be effectively removed via the ground plate 58.

(effect)
When the game ball passes through the guide passage, the game ball is brought into contact with the ground plate, so that static electricity charged in the game ball can be efficiently eliminated. In addition, the earth plate functions as a protective plate along a part of the passage wall of the guide passage, and increases the mechanical strength of the guide passage. In particular, it is preferable to dispose the ground plate at a position where the game ball can easily come into contact with the game ball, thereby ensuring the neutralization of the game ball and preventing the passage wall from being damaged by the collision of the game ball.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the ground plate is disposed on the inner surface of the linear passage wall has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ground plate is formed on the inner surface of the passage wall bent in an S shape. It may be attached. Moreover, you may attach a grounding board along the wall surface by the side of the guide passage of a ball removal member.

[Anti-fraud structure I]
(Task)
For illegal acts against the prize ball payout unit, a long member such as a piano wire, a wire, a celluloid plate (hereinafter referred to as an illegal member) is allowed to enter the prize ball payout unit from the ball tray through the prize ball passage, There is an act of illegally paying out the game ball by forcibly rotating the sprocket. Therefore, a fraud prevention means for preventing access to the sprocket is formed in a path through which a fraudulent member passes from the ball tray to the sprocket.

(Composition: Kaeshi)
FIG. 44 is a side view of the main part of a prize ball payout unit showing an example of “kaeshi” as fraud prevention means. In FIG. 44, the same components or components having the same function other than “kaeshi” are given the same numbers, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 44, a so-called “cache” is formed in the payout passage 48 as fraud prevention means. For example, in the middle of the payout passage 48, a cache 56 that extends obliquely upward from the partition wall 55 directly below the sprocket 70 and protrudes inward of the passage is formed. The tip of the caulking portion 56 is curled downward (ball outlet 45), so that the tip of the intruding illegal member can be reliably captured. For this reason, the insertion path of the illegal member is blocked by the cache unit 56.

  Therefore, even if an unauthorized member is inserted into the prize ball dispensing unit 40 from the ball dispensing outlet 45 and tries to reach the sprocket 70 through the second dispensing passage 48b, the tip of the unauthorized member abuts against the cache 56 and the movement thereof Since it is stopped or guided in the direction away from the sprocket 70 or the original direction by the caulking portion 56, unauthorized access to the sprocket 70 by an unauthorized member can be prevented.

  In addition, you may form the cache part which protrudes toward the inside of a channel | path in the lower channel | path walls 46c and 46d of the 2nd discharge channel | path 48b, In this case, an unauthorized member is transmitted along the wall surface of this 2nd discharge channel | path 48b. Even if it is inserted, the intrusion is prevented by coming into contact with the edge 56.

(Configuration: Fukurokoji)
FIG. 45 is a side view of the main part of a prize ball payout unit showing an example of “bag path” as fraud prevention means. In FIG. 45, the same components or components having the same function other than the “bag path” are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 45, a so-called “bag path” is formed in the payout passage 48 ′ as fraud prevention means. The payout passage 48 ′ has a first payout passage 48 a ′ curved in an arc shape along the outer peripheral direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 45) from the upper part of the sprocket 70, and a lower end from a position slightly below the side of the sprocket 70. And a second payout passage 48 b ′ extending toward the ball payout outlet 45.

  The second payout passage 48 b ′ is formed to be bent in an S shape between the ball detection port 50 a of the count sensor 50 and the ball payout port 45 of the case body member 42, and the ball payout port 45 is formed at the count sensor 50. It is biased rearward (leftward in FIG. 45) from the ball detection port 50a. In the middle of the second payout passage 48b ', there is a bag path 57 for catching the tip of an unauthorized member that can move the second payout passage 48b' in the reverse direction (opposite to the passing direction of the game ball). Is provided.

  The bag path portion 57 is formed in a bent portion of the second payout passage 48b ', and is front, rear, left and right so as to be a dead end against an intrusion of an unauthorized member from below the prize ball payout unit 40 (ball payout outlet 45). And it is a space partitioned into a tapered pyramid by an upper wall.

  Therefore, even if an unauthorized member is inserted into the prize ball dispensing unit 40 from the ball dispensing outlet 45 and tries to reach the sprocket 70 through the second dispensing passage 48b ', the unauthorized member is bent along the second dispensing passage 48b'. In addition, since the tip of the unauthorized member enters the bag path 57, it is difficult to move the unauthorized member, and unauthorized access to the sprocket 70 can be prevented.

(effect)
As described above, by providing a fraud prevention means in the middle of the payout path from the ball payout exit to the sprocket, it is possible to prevent access to the sprocket due to the insertion of an unauthorized member, and an illegal attempt to obtain a prize ball illegally. It is possible to effectively deter the act.

[Removal structure of prize ball payout unit]
(Task)
The prize ball payout unit is provided with electrical components such as a payout motor and a count sensor, and is based on a control signal output from the payout control board by electrically connecting the prize ball payout unit and the payout control board. Thus, the payout motor is rotated and a detection signal from the count sensor is input to the payout control board. The prize ball payout unit is electrically connected to the payout control board via a harness (harness with connector). When the prize ball payout unit is attached to and detached from the back set panel, the harness connector is mounted on the payout control board. Since the work of inserting and removing from the connector has to be performed, there is a problem that the work of attaching and detaching the prize ball payout unit becomes complicated. Therefore, a configuration capable of improving the workability of attaching and detaching the prize ball payout unit is realized.

(Constitution)
The structure for attaching and detaching the winning ball payout unit 40 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 46 and 47. Here, FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing the unit housing portion 34 in the back set board 30, and FIG. 47 is a schematic view showing a state in which the prize ball payout unit 40 is attached to the unit housing portion 34.

  As shown in FIG. 46, the back set board 30 is provided with a unit housing portion 34 formed to open to the rear side between the upper passage member 33 and the lower passage member 35. A prize ball payout unit 40 is detachably attached to the portion 34 from the rear. In the unit housing portion 34, as a detachable structure of the prize ball payout unit 40, a first locking lever 37 provided on the lower portion of the upper passage member 33 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and an upper portion of the lower passage member 35 are provided. A second locking lever 38 rotatably provided in a vertical plane, a plate-like guided portion 39 extending left and right at the upper end of the lower passage member 35 and extending in the front-rear direction, a harness (not shown), etc. And a main body side connector 5100 mounted on a relay terminal board 5000 that is electrically connected to the payout control board 2000 via the connector.

  The first locking lever 37 is slidable up and down within a movable range between an unlock position displaced upward along the rear surface of the upper passage member 33 and a lock position displaced downward.

  The second locking lever 38 has an unlocked position in which the lever is in a horizontal position around an axis perpendicular to (rearward in the front-rear direction) the rear surface of the lower passage member 35, and a counterclockwise view from the unlocked position in the rear view. The reciprocating rotation is possible within a movable range between the lock position where the lever is rotated by about 90 degrees in the circumferential direction and the lever is in a vertical posture.

  On the other hand, the prize ball payout unit 40 has a pair of left and right guide grooves 41b formed in a U shape and extending in the front-rear direction, as shown in FIG. A unit-side connector 61 that is fitted and connected to the main body-side connector 5100 mounted on the relay terminal plate 5000 of the housing portion 34 is provided.

  The main body side connector 5100 and the unit side connector 61 are constituted by a male / female fitting type drawer connector, and are coupled (fitted and connected) to each other when the prize ball paying unit 40 is mounted on the unit accommodating portion 34 of the back set board 30. In the position. When the main body side connector 5100 and the unit side connector 61 are coupled, the payout control board 2000 of the back set board 30 and the winning ball payout unit 40 (payout motor 80, count sensor 50, radio wave detection sensor 51, rotation detection sensor 85). Are electrically connected via the relay terminal board 5000.

  The prize ball paying unit 40 is attached to the back set board 30 by aligning the prize ball paying unit 40 with the unit accommodating portion 34 of the back set board 30 and in the guide groove 41b of the prize ball paying unit 40 in the lower passage. While the guided portion 39 of the member 35 is inserted, it is slid straight forward. When the unit side connector 61 of the prize ball payout unit 40 is slid to a position where it is coupled to the main body side connector 5100 of the relay terminal board 5000, the ball receiving port 44, the ball payout port 45, and the ball discharge port 54 of the prize ball payout unit 40 are moved. However, the ball supply passage 33a, the winning ball passage 35a, and the ball discharge passage 35c are aligned with each other so that the game balls are connected to each other so that the game balls can flow in and out.

  At this time, the upper covering wall 41a (see FIG. 9 and the like) formed in the unit case 41 of the prize ball payout unit 40 is between the lower end portion of the upper passage member 33 and the upper end portion of the prize ball payout unit 40. The gap formed, that is, the left and right and the rear of the gap formed between the ball supply passage 33a of the upper passage member 33 and the ball receiving port 44 of the prize ball payout unit 40 is covered.

  From this state, the first locking lever 37 provided on the upper passage member 33 is slid downward, and the second locking lever 38 provided on the lower passage member 35 is moved upward (counterclockwise in the rear view). And the engaging levers 37 and 38 are engaged with the rear side of the prize ball payout unit 40, so that the prize ball payout unit 40 is prevented from being detached from the unit accommodating portion 34 of the back set board 30. Installed. When the winning ball paying unit 40 is fixed to the back set board 30 in this way, the operation lever 93 of the ball removal mechanism 90 is exposed rearward, so that the ball removal operation can be performed by accessing the operation lever 93. It is. In this way, the upper and lower locking levers 37 and 38 are slid or rotated to engage with the rear side of the prize ball payout unit 40, thereby moving the prize ball payout unit 40 in the removal direction (rear). Can be regulated. Therefore, the position shift of the prize ball payout unit 40 with respect to the back set board 30 is suppressed, and the trouble that the unit side connector 61 is pulled out from the main body side connector 5100 is suppressed, whereby the prize ball payout unit 40 and the payout are paid out. It is possible to prevent a situation where the electrical connection with the control board 2000 is cut off.

(effect)
Therefore, the unit side connector of the prize ball payout unit and the main body side connector of the relay terminal plate are inserted / removed corresponding to the operation of attaching / detaching the prize ball payout unit to / from the unit housing portion of the back set board. Therefore, the time required for wiring work is shortened by eliminating the time and labor required for wiring connection between the payout control board and the prize ball payout unit with a harness, etc., so that the workability of attaching and detaching the prize ball payout unit to the back set panel is improved. The

[Auxiliary connector connection]
(Task)
When the prize ball dispensing unit is mounted on the back set board, the prize ball on the back set board is configured so that the connector of the prize ball dispensing unit and the connector of the dispensing control board or relay board are coupled and electrically connected. If the dispensing unit is not fully installed (for example, half-inserted), the connectors may be unconnected or the connectors may be unintentionally removed, making electrical connection reliable There is a problem of lowering. Therefore, a configuration is realized in which the electrical connection between the connectors can be enhanced between the prize ball payout unit and the payout control board.

(Constitution)
As shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the two locking levers 37 and 38 for fixing the winning ball payout unit 40 guide the coupling between the main body side connector 5100 and the unit side connector 61 and stabilize the coupling state. An auxiliary structure is provided for holding the target.

  The first locking lever 37 is formed with a first guide inclined surface 37a that is inclined forward in the unlocking direction (upward), and the second locking lever 38 is in the unlocking direction (in rear view). A second guide inclined surface 38a that is inclined forward (clockwise direction) is formed. Therefore, when the upper and lower locking levers 37, 38 are displaced from the unlocked position to the locked position, the first guide inclined surface 37a and the second guide inclined surface 38a cooperate to cover the prize ball payout unit 40. Guide along the guide portion 39 is forwarded. When the two locking levers 37 and 38 reach the locked position, the prize ball payout unit 40 is positioned at a predetermined position (accurate mounting position) of the unit accommodating portion 34, and the main body side connector 5100 and the unit side connector 61 are connected. It is in a fully connected state.

  In addition, when the upper and lower locking levers 37 and 38 are held in the locked position, movement of the prize ball payout unit 40 in the removal direction (rearward) is restricted, so that vibration or the like occurs in the pachinko machine PM1. However, the unit side connector 61 is not removed from the main body side connector 5100, and the electrical connection between the prize ball payout unit 40 and the payout control board 2000 is prevented from being disconnected.

(effect)
When each locking lever is displaced to the locked position and the prize ball paying unit is mounted on the unit receiving portion of the back set panel, the main body side connector and the unit side connector are completely coupled, and the two locking levers Since the movement of the prize ball payout unit in the removal direction (rearward) is restricted and the coupled state is firmly maintained, the reliability of electrical connection between the connectors can be maintained.

[Unit division configuration I]
(Task)
The prize ball payout unit is configured to be detachable from the back set board. However, when a failure or the like occurs in this unit, it is difficult to identify the defective part and the work of replacing the failed part is complicated. As a result, the entire unit has to be exchanged, so that there is a problem that work efficiency is lowered. Therefore, even when a failure occurs in the prize ball payout unit, a configuration is provided in which it is easy to identify a defective part and to easily perform replacement work of a failed part.

(Constitution)
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the prize ball dispensing unit 140 according to the first modification as seen from the front, and FIG. 49 is a side view of the prize ball dispensing unit 140 (with the case lid member opened). 48 and 49, the same components or components having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The prize ball payout unit 140 is configured to be divided into two vertically by a first upper subassembly 140U having a ball receiving port 144 and a second lower subassembly 140D having a ball payout outlet 145.

  The first subassembly 140U includes a first unit case 141U including a first case body member 142U and a first case lid member 159U, a first cover member 160U attached to cover the right side surface of the first unit case 141U, and a game A sprocket 70 for discharging the balls one by one, a payout motor 80 for rotating the sprocket 70 (see FIG. 10 and the like), and a ball removal mechanism 90 for discharging the game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1 Composed. The first subassembly 140U includes a gear mechanism 81, a radio wave detection sensor 51, a rotation detection sensor 85 (see FIG. 10 and the like) between the first case body member 142U and the first cover member 160U. Is provided. The first unit case 141U is formed with a ball receiving port 144 for receiving a game ball in communication with the ball supply passage 33a of the upper passage member 33 when the prize ball payout unit 140 is mounted on the back set board 30. Has been.

  The second subassembly 140D includes a second unit case 141D including a second case body member 142D and a second case lid member 142D, a second cover member 160D attached to cover the right side surface of the second unit case 141D, and a sprocket. And a count sensor 50 that detects a game ball paid out by the player 70. In the second unit case 141D, a ball payout outlet 145 for paying out a game ball in contact with the prize ball passage 35a of the lower passage member 35 when the prize ball payout unit 140 is mounted on the back set board 30; A ball discharge port 154 that discharges a game ball in communication with the ball discharge passage 35c of the lower passage member 35 is formed.

  The guide passage 146 includes a standby passage 147 on the upstream side (sphere receiving port 144 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 70 is disposed, and a discharge passage 148 on the downstream side (ball discharge outlet 145 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 70 is disposed. It is formed by.

  The upstream standby passage 147 is formed in an approximately S shape from the first standby passage 147a and the second standby passage 147b, and the game balls introduced from the ball receiving ports 144 are arranged in a row in the sprocket 70. At the same time, when the operation of the sprocket 70 is stopped, the game balls are made to stand by in an aligned state. The waiting passage 147 is formed to meander so as to disperse the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down this passage, and a part of the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball in the vertical downward direction (direction in which gravity acts). Is distributed to the ball pressure in the horizontal direction.

  The downstream discharge passage 148 includes a first discharge passage 148a that is curved in an arc from the top of the sprocket 70 along the outer circumferential direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 49), and a position slightly below the side of the sprocket 70. A second payout passage 148b that extends vertically toward the ball payout outlet 145 at the lower end is formed.

  Thus, the guide passage 147 is formed across the first unit case 141U and the second unit case 141D, and the standby passage 147 (147a, 147b) and the first payout passage 148a are formed on the first unit case 141U side. Thus, a second payout passage 148b is formed on the second unit case 141D side.

  A sprocket passage 152 for discharging the game ball to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1 is formed at the rear of the sprocket 70, and a sprocket is connected to the standby passage 147 and the sprocket passage 152 in the middle of the guide passage 146. A hole 53 is formed. The ball removal passage 152 is formed by a first ball removal passage 152a formed on the first unit case 141U side and a second ball removal passage 152b formed on the second unit case 141D side.

  A partition wall 155 that is curved and extends in an arc shape along the outer periphery (rotation locus) of the sprocket 70 is formed between the first payout passage 148a and the first ball removal passage 152a. One end portion of the partition wall 155 is adapted to engage with the lower end portion of the ball removing member 91 displaced to the closed position when the operation lever 93 is operated to the lower end position. In addition, the other edge part of the partition wall 155 may be formed with, for example, a cache to be described later for preventing an illegal act using a piano wire or the like.

  The first case body member 142U has a plurality of positioning projections 162 projecting downward from the lower end surface thereof (contact surface with the second case body member 142D), and substantially L-shaped on the front and rear side surfaces. A pair of locking arms 163 extending downward is provided.

  The second case main body member 142D is provided with a plurality of positioning concave portions 164 that fit with the plurality of positioning convex portions 162 on the upper end surface (the contact surface with the first case main body member 142U). A pair of protrusions 165 that engage with the pair of locking arms 163 are provided.

  To assemble the winning ball payout unit 140, first, the first case cover member 159U and the first cover member 160U are fixed to the first case main body member 142U with screws, and the first subassembly 140U is assembled to the second case main body member. The second sub-assembly 140D is assembled by fixing the second case lid member 159D and the second cover member 160D to the 142D with screws. Then, the lower end portion of the first subassembly 140U and the upper end portion of the second subassembly 140D are brought close to each other, and the positioning convex portion 162 of the first subassembly 140U is fitted into the positioning concave portion 164 of the second subassembly 140D. Then, each of the locking arms 163 is engaged with the corresponding protrusion 165 to connect the first subassembly 140U and the second subassembly 140D.

  Thus, when the first subassembly 140U and the second subassembly 140D are assembled together, the first payout passage 148a and the second payout passage 148b are connected vertically via the count sensor 50, and the first ball removal passage. 152U and the second ball removal passage 152D are vertically connected to each other, thereby obtaining a prize ball payout unit 140 as a final assembly, and the unit ball receiving unit 140 of the back set board 30 as a single piece. 34 can be detachably attached.

  In the state where the prize ball payout unit 140 is mounted in the unit accommodating portion 34 of the back set board 30, the ball receiving port 144 is aligned with the ball supply passage 33a of the upper passage member 33, and the ball payout outlet 145 is forward. The ball discharge port 154 is disposed on the rear side and aligned with the ball discharge passage 35c of the lower passage member 35.

  On the other hand, in order to separate the prize ball payout unit 140 into the first subassembly 140U and the second subassembly 140D, the procedure may be performed in the reverse order of the assembly procedure described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

(effect)
By configuring the prize ball payout unit as a plurality of sub-assemblies, parts replacement and maintenance inspection of the prize ball payout unit can be performed separately for each subassembly. Therefore, for example, when a prize ball payout unit breaks down due to some trouble, the prize ball payout unit can be handled in units of separate sub-assemblies, so that the location of the trouble can be easily identified and the failed part can be replaced or transported. Since it becomes easy, costs such as replacement costs can be reduced, and at the same time, work efficiency and recyclability can be improved.

[Electrical connection of split unit I]
(Task)
In the configuration in which the winning ball payout unit is divided into a plurality of subassemblies, when electric parts such as payout motors and count sensors are dispersedly arranged in each subassembly, a payout control board is connected to each payout control board via a harness or the like. Since it is necessary to make an electrical connection, there has been a problem that the assembly work of the prize ball payout unit becomes complicated. Therefore, a configuration for improving the workability of assembling the prize ball payout unit divided into a plurality of subassemblies is realized.

(Constitution)
As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, the first subassembly 140U and the second subassembly 140D are electrically connected to the first connector 166 attached to the lower side of the first subassembly 140U and the second subassembly 140U. This is done by fitting and connecting a second connector 167 attached to the upper side of 140D. The first connector 166 and the second connector 167 are provided at a position where they are coupled to each other when the first subassembly 140U and the second subassembly 140D are assembled (that is, positions facing each other vertically).

  The first connector 166 is a drawer connector attached to the first cover member 160U via an L-shaped connector attachment plate 166a, and is connected to the unit-side connector 61 via a harness (not shown). For this reason, the payout motor 80, the radio wave detection sensor 51, the rotation detection sensor 85, and the first connector 166 are connected to the unit-side connector 61 via a harness (not shown).

  The second connector 167 is a drawer connector attached to the second cover member 160D via an L-shaped attachment plate 167a, and the count sensor 50 is connected via a harness (not shown). Therefore, the count sensor 50 is connected to the unit-side connector 61 via the first and second connectors 166 and 167 when the first connector 166 and the second connector 167 are coupled.

  When the first subassembly 140U and the second subassembly 140D are assembled, the male-female fitting type first connector 166 and the second connector 167 are coupled to each other via the first connector 166 and the second connector 167. The count sensor 50 and the unit side connector 61 are connected. Therefore, in this assembled state, the payout motor 80, the radio wave detection sensor 51, and the rotation detection sensor 85 are connected to the unit side connector 61, and the count sensor 50 is connected via the first connector 166 and the second connector 167. Connected.

  When the winning ball paying unit 140 is attached to the unit accommodating portion 34 of the back set board 30 and the unit side connector 61 is coupled to the main body side connector 5100 of the relay terminal board 5000, the paying control board 2000 and the winning ball paying unit 40 (the paying out) The motor 80, the count sensor 50, the radio wave detection sensor 51, and the rotation detection sensor 85) are electrically connected via the relay terminal board 5000.

(effect)
Since the first connector and the second connector are inserted and removed in response to the operation of attaching and detaching the first subassembly and the second subassembly, the first subassembly and the second subassembly are connected to a harness or the like. This eliminates the trouble of wiring connection and shortens the time required for the wiring work, so that the workability of assembling the prize ball payout unit divided and configured as a plurality of subassemblies is improved.

[Rotation posture of sprocket]
(Task)
In recent pachinko machines, it is required to increase the payout speed of prize balls by a prize ball payout unit so as not to hinder the progress of the game. Here, the sprocket is generally configured to be rotatable in a vertical plane around a horizontally extending rotation axis, and the game ball received in the recess is paid out to the payout passage with the rotation operation. In addition, it is relatively difficult to stably hold the game ball in the concave portion of the sprocket in the vertical posture, and when the sprocket is rotated at a high speed, the game ball may bounce in the concave portion and the ball may be bitten. Therefore, a configuration is realized in which the occurrence of ball biting can be avoided even if the sprocket rotation speed (game ball payout speed) is increased.

  In the above description, the case where the sprocket is rotated around the horizontal axis has been described as an example. However, in the following description, the sprocket is inclined by a predetermined inclination angle (for example, 45 °, 90 °) with respect to the horizontal axis. The structure which rotated the inside of an inclined surface or a vertical surface is demonstrated. In the following, a form in which two ball receiving portions are formed on the sprocket is illustrated, but a plurality of three or more ball receiving portions may be formed.

(Configuration: Inclination angle = 45 °)
FIG. 50 is a side view of the prize ball payout unit (in a state where the case lid member is opened) 240 according to the second modification, and FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the prize ball payout unit 240. 50 and 51, the same components or components having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The unit case 241 of the winning ball payout unit 240 is formed by a case main body member 242 serving as an attachment base for the sprocket 271 and the like, and a case lid member 259 that is attached to the side surface of the case main body member 242 by superposition. A single guide passage 246 is formed on the main surface (right side surface) of the case body member 242 so as to be surrounded by a passage wall erected with a space slightly larger than the ball diameter of the game ball.

  The guide passage 246 includes a standby passage 247 on the upstream side (sphere receiving port 244 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 270 is disposed, and a discharge passage 248 on the downstream side (ball discharge outlet 245 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 270 is disposed. It is formed by.

  The standby passage 247 is formed in a substantially S shape from the first standby passage 247a and the second standby passage 247b, and guides the game balls introduced from the ball receiving ports 244 to the sprocket 270 in a line of alignment. When the operation of the sprocket 270 is stopped, the game balls are put on standby in an aligned state. The waiting passage 247 is formed to meander so as to disperse the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down this passage, and a part of the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball in the vertical downward direction (direction in which gravity acts). Is distributed to the ball pressure in the horizontal direction.

  The discharge passage 248 on the downstream side is curved in an arc shape along the outer peripheral direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 50) from the upper part of the sprocket 270 and is inclined downward toward the case lid member side (front side in FIG. 50). The first payout passage 248a and the second payout passage 248b extending vertically downward from the position slightly below the side of the sprocket 270 and connecting the terminal end of the first payout passage 248a and the ball discharge outlet 245 are formed.

  The sprocket 270 includes a rotating disk 271 having two blades 272 and a rotating shaft 273 extending obliquely downward from the center of the rotating disk 271 (the arrangement posture on the case main body member 242 is different). However, the detailed configuration is the same as that of the two-blade sprocket 70 described above). The sprocket 270 is attached to the case main body member 242 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 273 inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in an arrangement posture in which the surface of the turntable 271 faces upward. Therefore, the sprocket 270 can freely rotate in an inclined plane inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane and the vertical plane. The payout motor 80 and the gear mechanism 81 (see FIG. 10 and the like) are attached to the back side of the unit case 241 in an arrangement posture inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, like the sprocket 270.

  When the sprocket 270 is in an initial state with respect to the case body member 242, the ball receiving recess 275 is inclined by 45 degrees in a direction in which the two wall surfaces 271a and 271b opened substantially at right angles are opposite to each other with respect to the vertical axis. In this initial state, the ball receiving recess 275 faces the standby passage 247 when facing upward. Therefore, when the game ball is received in the ball receiving recess 275, the game ball comes into contact with the inclined wall surfaces 271a and 271b and is stably held, so that even if the rotation speed of the sprocket 270 is increased, the game ball It is possible to pay out the game ball accurately without biting the ball due to fluttering or bouncing. Further, since the weight of the game ball is distributed in the axial direction and the axis orthogonal direction of the rotary shaft 273, the load applied to the payout motor 80 can be reduced, and the sprocket 270 can be rotated with low torque. 80 can be miniaturized.

(Configuration: Inclination angle = 90 °)
FIG. 52 is a side view of a prize ball payout unit (in a state where the case lid member is opened) 340 according to a third modification. In FIG. 52, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment or components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The unit case 341 of the winning ball payout unit 340 includes a case main body member 342 serving as a mounting base for the sprocket 370 and the like. A cylindrical sprocket installation space 346S is formed at a substantially center in the vertical direction of the case main body member 342, and the sprocket 370 is rotatable on a horizontal disk-shaped support wall 355 in the sprocket installation space 246S. Is placed. On the main surface (right side surface) of the case body member 342, a single guide passage 346 is formed surrounded by a passage wall that is erected with a space slightly larger than the ball diameter of the game ball.

  The guide passage 346 includes a standby passage 347 on the upstream side (sphere receiving port 344 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 370 is disposed, and a discharge passage 348 on the downstream side (ball discharge outlet 345 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 370 is disposed. The sprocket arrangement space 346S is provided so as to communicate with the standby passage 347 and the payout passage 348.

  The upstream standby passage 347 is formed in a substantially S shape from the first standby passage 347a and the second standby passage 347b, and the game balls introduced from the ball receiving ports 344 are aligned in a row in the sprocket 370. At the same time, when the operation of the sprocket 370 is stopped, the game balls are put on standby in an aligned state. The waiting passage 347 is formed to meander so as to disperse the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down the passage, and a part of the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball in the vertical downward direction (direction in which gravity acts). Is distributed to the ball pressure in the horizontal direction.

  The downstream discharge passage 348 includes a first discharge passage 348a that forms a part of the sprocket arrangement space 346S and curves in an arc shape along the outer peripheral direction of the sprocket 70, and a ball discharge at the lower end from a ball passage hole 355b described later. A second payout passage 348b extending toward the outlet 345 is formed.

  The sprocket 370 includes a rotating disk 371 having two blades 372 and a rotating shaft 373 extending downward from the rotating disk 371 (although the disposition attitude to the case main body member 342 is different) The configuration is the same as that of the two-blade sprocket 70 described above). The sprocket 370 is rotatable in a horizontal plane around a rotating shaft 373 extending in the vertical direction (tilted by 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal axis). The contour of the surface of the sprocket 370 is appropriately rounded so that the game ball can be smoothly received in the ball receiving recess 375. The rotation shaft 373 of the sprocket 370 extends downward through a through hole 355 a formed in the support wall 355 of the case body member 342, and an intermediate gear 376 attached to the lower end of the rotation shaft 373 is attached to the case body member 342. It is connected to a gear mechanism 81 (not shown in FIG. 52) through a gear insertion hole (not shown) formed through.

  Further, the case main body member 342 is formed with a ball removal passage 352 for discharging game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1, and the standby passage 347 and the ball removal passage 352 communicate with each other along the guide passage 346. A spherical hole 353 is formed. In addition, a ball discharge port 354 is formed at the end of the ball removal passage 352.

  Behind the sprocket 370, a ball removal member 391 of a ball removal mechanism 390 that opens and closes the ball removal hole 353 is attached to be swingable about a swing shaft 392, and the operation lever 393 is slid to the upper end position. The sprocket arrangement space 346S and the ball removal passage 352 communicate with each other when the ball removal member 391 swings and displaces to the open position.

  The support wall 355 of the case main body member 342 has a ball passage opening 355b of a size allowing a game ball to pass therethrough, and the ball detection opening 50a of the count sensor 50 is located almost directly below the ball passage opening 355b. Has been placed. When the sprocket 370 is in the initial state, that is, when the sprocket 370 rotates and the ball receiving recess 375 is aligned with the end of the waiting passage 347, the leading game ball aligned in the waiting passage 347 is in the ball receiving recess. The game ball received by the ball receiving recess 375 freely falls from the ball passing port 355b when it is further rotated by 180 ° and aligned with the ball passing port 355b. Detected.

  As described above, when the first game ball is received in the ball receiving recess 375 when the sprocket 370 is in the initial state with respect to the case main body member 342, the game ball is moved between the wall surface 371a of the sprocket 370 and the support wall 355. Since it is stably held in contact with the wall surface, it is possible to pay out the game ball accurately without biting the ball due to flapping or bouncing of the game ball even if the rotation speed of the sprocket 370 is increased. is there. Further, most of the weight of the game ball acts on the wall surface of the support wall 355 and the load applied to the payout motor 80 is reduced, so that the sprocket 370 can be rotated with a low torque. Can be miniaturized.

(effect)
Since the sprocket is provided so as to be rotatable in an arrangement posture inclined with respect to the horizontal axis, the sprocket can be rotated while the game ball is stably held in the ball receiving recess. Therefore, even if the rotation speed of the sprocket is increased, the game ball does not bounce during the rotation of the sprocket, so that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of clogging. Further, since the rotation shaft of the sprocket is inclined with respect to the horizontal axis, the load on the motor is reduced even if the ball pressure is caused by the weight of the game balls that are arranged and waiting in a daisy chain in the standby passage. Therefore, it is possible to rotate the sprocket with a low torque and to reduce the size of the payout motor.

  In the above-described embodiment, the total number of game balls is discharged from the prize ball payout unit during the ball removal process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded during the ball removal process. The ball payout unit may be stocked, and this modification will be described with reference to FIG. 53 additionally. Here, FIG. 53 is a side view of a prize ball payout unit (in a state where the case lid member is opened) 440 according to a fourth modification. In FIG. 53, the same components or components having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The unit case 441 of the prize ball payout unit 440 includes a case main body member 442 serving as a mounting base for the sprocket 70 and the like. The case main body member 442 has a base wall 443a formed in a vertically long rectangular plate shape, and front and rear and upper and lower side walls 443b surrounding the base wall 443a and extending rightward, and as a whole, a case lid member (not shown). Z)) is formed in a thin box shape with the side surface facing it open.

  Further, upper passage walls 446a, 446b1, 446b2 and a lower passage wall which are erected on the main surface (right side surface) of the base wall 443a of the case body member 442 with a space slightly larger than the ball diameter of the game ball. 446c and 446d are provided, and one guide passage 446 is formed on the main surface side of the base wall 443a by the passage walls 446a, 446b1, 446b2, 446c, and 446d. The guide passage 446 is formed in a path shape having a curved S-shape by connecting the ball receiving port 444 at the upper end and the ball payout outlet 445 at the lower end. A sprocket 70 as a ball feeding member is disposed on the surface.

  The guide passage 446 includes a standby passage 447 on the upstream side (sphere receiving port 444 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 70 is disposed, and a discharge passage 448 on the downstream side (ball discharge outlet 445 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 70 is disposed. It is formed by.

  The upstream standby passage 447 is formed in a substantially S shape from the first standby passage 447a and the second standby passage 447b, and the game balls introduced from the ball receiving ports 444 are arranged in a row in the sprocket 70. At the same time, when the operation of the sprocket 70 is stopped, the game balls are made to stand by in an aligned state. The standby passage 447 is formed to meander so as to disperse the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down this passage, and a part of the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball in the vertical downward direction (direction in which gravity acts). Is distributed to the ball pressure in the horizontal direction. The first standby passage 447a is formed by being surrounded by a base wall 443a and upper passage walls 446a and 446b1, and the second passage wall 447b is formed by being surrounded by a base wall 443a and upper passage walls 446a and 446b2.

  The downstream discharge passage 448 includes a first discharge passage 448a that is curved in an arc shape along the outer circumferential direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 53) from the top of the sprocket 70, and a position slightly below the side of the sprocket 70. A second payout passage 448b that extends vertically toward the ball payout outlet 445 at the lower end is formed.

  In the unit case 441, a ball removal passage 452 for discharging the game ball to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1 is formed behind the sprocket 70, and a standby passage 447 and a ball removal passage 452 are provided in the middle of the guide passage 446. A ball hole 453 for communication is formed. A ball discharge port 454 is formed at the end of the ball removal passage 452.

  The ball removal mechanism 490 includes a ball removal member 491 that can open and close the ball removal hole 453, and opens and closes the ball removal hole 453 according to the operation of the operation lever 493, thereby opening the standby passage 447 and the ball removal passage 452. The flow path of the game ball that has flowed down the standby passage 447 is switched between a payout passage 448 and a ball removal passage 452 by communicating and blocking. Therefore, the game ball guided to the ball removal passage 452 by opening the ball removal hole 453 by the ball removal member 491 is discharged to the outside of the winning ball payout unit 440 through the ball discharge port 454.

  The ball removal member 491 is swingable between a closed position for closing the ball removal hole 453 and an open position for opening the ball removal hole 453, with a swing shaft 492 pivotally supported by the base wall 443a as a center. It is configured. Here, since the ball removal hole 453 is formed between the passage wall 446b1 and the passage wall 446b2 in the standby passage 447, the operation lever 493 is operated to the upper position so that the operation lever 493 and the ball removal member 491 When the engagement is released, the game balls aligned with the first standby passage 447a are discharged from the ball removal hole 453 to the ball removal passage 452. On the other hand, the game balls (eight game balls on the upstream side of the sprocket 70 in FIG. 53) aligned with the second standby passage 447b remain in the passage as they are. Therefore, according to such a configuration, it is possible to stock a predetermined number of game balls (game balls aligned with the second standby passage 447b) in the prize ball payout unit 440 during the ball removal process.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game balls are paid out in the upper half of the sprocket rotation trajectory. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The game ball may be paid out in the lower half area, and this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 54 is an exploded perspective view of the prize ball payout unit 540 according to the fifth modification, FIG. 55 is a side view of the prize ball payout unit 540 (with the case lid member opened), and FIG. FIG. 57 is a side view of the main part showing a state in which the ball removal member is in the open position. 54 to 57, the same components and components having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The prize ball payout unit 540 includes a vertical rectangular box-shaped unit case 541 serving as a base of the unit, a cover member 560 attached to cover the side of the unit case 541, and a sprocket 70 for paying out game balls one by one. The payout motor 80 that rotates the sprocket 70 and the ball removal mechanism 590 that discharges the game ball to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1 are mainly configured.

  The unit case 541 is formed by a case main body member 542 serving as a mounting base for the sprocket 70, the payout motor 80, and the like, and a case lid member 559 that is attached to the right side surface of the case main body member 542. The case main body member 542 has a base wall 543a formed in a vertically long rectangular plate shape, and front and rear and upper and lower side walls 543b that surround the base wall 543a and extend to the right, and face the case lid member 559 as a whole. It is formed in a thin box shape with open side surfaces. The case lid member 559 is formed in a plate shape that can close the side opening of the case main body member 542.

  The unit case 541 has a ball receiving port for receiving a game ball in contact with the ball supply passage 33a of the upper passage member 33 when the prize ball paying unit 540 is attached to the unit housing portion 34 of the back set board 30. 544, communicate with the award ball passage 35a of the lower passage member 35 to discharge the game ball to the ball tray, communicate with the ball discharge passage 35c of the lower passage member 35, and discharge the game ball to the outside. A ball discharge port 554 is formed. In this modification, among the front and rear communication ports of the prize ball payout unit 540 and the lower passage member 35, the front communication port is set as the ball discharge port 554, and the rear communication port is set as the ball payout port 545. In the configuration example, that is, in the embodiment described above, the two connection ports are arranged in the reverse direction, but the connection port is arranged in a ball passage (the prize ball passage 35a and the ball discharge passage) of the lower passage member. 35c), the following description will be made on the assumption that the ball payout outlet 545 and the prize ball passage 35a are connected to each other, and the ball discharge port 554 and the ball discharge passage 35c are connected to each other.

  In addition, upper passage walls 546a and 546b and lower passage walls 546c, 546c, which are erected on the main surface (right side surface) of the base wall 543a of the case main body member 542 with a space slightly larger than the ball diameter of the game ball, 546d is provided, and one guide passage 546 is formed by passage walls 546a, 546b, 546c, and 546d on the main surface side of the base wall 543a. The guide passage 546 is formed in a path shape having a curved S-shape by connecting the ball receiving port 544 at the upper end and the ball payout outlet 545 at the lower end. A sprocket 70 as a ball feeding member is disposed on the surface.

  The guide passage 546 includes a standby passage 547 on the upstream side (sphere receiving port 544 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 70 is disposed, and a discharge passage 548 on the downstream side (ball discharge outlet 545 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 70 is disposed. It is formed by.

  The upstream standby passage 547 is formed to meander in a substantially S-shape, guides the game balls introduced from the ball receiving ports 544 to the lower part of the sprocket 70 in a line, and stops the operation of the sprocket 70. Sometimes the game balls are kept waiting in alignment. The waiting passage 547 is formed to meander so as to disperse the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down this passage, and a part of the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball in the vertical downward direction (direction in which gravity acts). Is distributed to the ball pressure in the horizontal direction. The standby passage 547 is formed by being surrounded by a base wall 543a and upper passage walls 546a and 546b.

  The downstream discharge passage 548 extends from a position slightly below and behind the sprocket 70 toward the ball discharge outlet 545 at the lower end, and is surrounded by a base wall 543a and lower passage walls 546c and 546d. . A sensor accommodating portion 549 is formed in the middle of the payout passage 548, and the count sensor 50 is attached to the sensor accommodating portion 549.

  At the junction of the standby passage 547 and the payout passage 548 in the guide passage 546, the rotation path of the sprocket 70 is disposed so as to follow the rotation of the sprocket 70 (clockwise rotation in FIG. 55). The game ball that flows down is received in the ball receiving recess 75 and sent out to the payout passage 548.

  The cover member 560 is formed in a rectangular box shape in which the right side surface facing the case lid member 559 of the unit case 541 is opened, and the payout motor 80 and the gear mechanism are formed in a space formed between the cover member 559 and the case lid member 559. Mechanical parts such as 81 are accommodated. Note that the case main body member 542, the case lid member 559, and the cover member 560 are fixed to each other in a superposed state in the horizontal direction using three screws 569 (see FIG. 54).

  A sprocket passage 552 for discharging the game ball to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1 is formed below the sprocket 70, and a ball connecting the standby passage 547 and the sprocket passage 552 to the end of the standby passage 547. A hole 553 is formed.

  The ball removing mechanism 590 has a closing position (see FIG. 56) for closing the ball removing hole 553 around a swing shaft 592 connected to a driving source (not shown) (for example, a rotary norenoid) and a ball removing hole 553. A ball removing member 591 that can swing between an opening position (see FIG. 57) for opening is provided. The ball removal member 591 opens and closes the ball removal hole 553 to connect and block the standby passage 547 and the ball removal passage 552, and the flow path of the game ball that has flowed down the standby passage 547 is removed from the discharge passage 547 and the ball removal passage 547. Switching to the passage 552 is made. The ball removing member 591 does not need to be such a swing opening / closing type, and may be, for example, a sliding opening / closing type.

  The pachinko machine PM1 is provided with a ball removal operation switch (not shown) that can be operated from the outside, and an operation signal of the ball removal operation switch is input to the payout control board 2000. . The payout control board 2000 drives the drive source of the ball removal mechanism 590 to operate the ball removal member 591 when the ball removal operation switch is operated (that is, when an operation signal is input from the ball removal operation switch). Swing and displace to open position.

  When the ball removal member 591 is in the closed position, the game ball that has flowed down the standby passage 547 rolls on the upper surface of the ball removal member 553 and is guided to the lower part of the sprocket 70 (in the rotation track of the sprocket 70). Along with the rotation operation, the balls 72 are sent one by one to the payout passage.

  On the other hand, when the ball removal member 591 is in the open position, the game ball flowing down the standby passage 547 passes through the ball removal hole 553 in the open state and freely falls into the ball removal passage 552. The game ball descending the ball removal passage 552 passes through the ball discharge passage 35c of the lower passage member 35 from the ball discharge port 554 at the lower end and is discharged out of the pachinko machine PM1. Accordingly, when the ball removal hole 553 is opened by the ball removal member 591, the total number of game balls flowing down before the sprocket 70 (the end of the standby passage 547) is led to the ball removal passage 552 through the ball removal hole 553. It is burned. In other words, it is possible to discharge the total number of game balls arranged in a daisy chain in the standby passage 547 to the outside of the pachinko machine PM1, and to make the number of game balls remaining in the prize ball payout unit 540 after the ball removal process zero. It is.

  Next, an overall configuration of a pachinko machine PM2 according to a second embodiment to which the ball game machine according to the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. The pachinko machine PM2 according to the second embodiment is a so-called ball dish integrated type, that is, a pachinko machine having a single ball dish in front of the base body. 58 is a front view of the pachinko machine PM2, FIG. 59 is a front view of the pachinko machine PM2 with the glass frame opened, and FIG. 60 is a rear view of the pachinko machine PM2.

[Overall configuration of pachinko machine II]
As shown in FIG. 58, the pachinko machine PM2 is configured to have a rectangular frame size and an open / close mounting frame that is configured in a rectangular frame size corresponding to the front of the opening of the outer frame 10001 that is configured as an outer rectangular frame size and forms a vertically fixed holding frame. The front frame 10002 is formed by using a hinge mechanism 10003 disposed at the front left edge of each other so that the front frame 10002 can be opened and closed sideways and attached and detached, and is called a double lock provided at the front right edge. The locking device 10004 is always held in a closed state engaged and connected to the outer frame 10001.

  On the front side of the front frame 10002, a rectangular glass frame 10005 that fits the upper front area of the front frame 10002 is attached to the front so that it can be opened and closed laterally and removably attached, and the front frame 10002 is always used using the locking device 10004. It is held in a closed state covering the front of the. On the front side of the front frame 10002 positioned behind the glass frame 10005, a storage frame for detachably storing the game board 10010 is provided, and the game board 10010 can be attached and detached from the front in an upper region of the storage frame. The game area PA2 on the front side of the game board 10010 is made to be visible through the multilayer glass of the glass frame 10005 that is held in a set and is always closed.

  The game board 10010 is configured with a decorative board 10011 formed by attaching a cell printed with a predetermined pattern on a rectangular laminated plywood subjected to router processing or the like. On the front surface of the decorative plate 10011, an outer rail 10012a and an inner rail 10012b are fixed in an arc shape, and a substantially circular game area PA2 in which a game ball can roll is defined and formed, and a number of games are provided in the game area PA2. An image display device (design display device) for displaying various effect pattern images and designs in the vicinity of the center of the game area PA2 is provided with various prizes (winning prizes) 10014, 10015, 10016 and the like along with the nails. 10018 is attached. In addition, at the lower end of the game area PA2, an out port 10019 through which a game ball that has fallen without winning a prize is discharged to the back side of the game board 10010 is formed through the decorative board 10011 in the front-rear direction. The game board illustrated in FIG. 58 shows an example in which three types of prizes are provided: a general prize tool 10014, a start prize tool 10015, and a big prize tool 10016. Any type of prize tool is used. There may be. The game balls dropped into each winning opening are discharged to the back side of the decorative plate 10011 and passed through winning ball detection sensors 10014s, 10015s, 10016s (see FIG. 61) provided on the back side, respectively. Detected.

  Below the glass frame 10005 on the front side (front side) of the front frame 10002, a ball tray unit 10006 provided with an integrated tray 10007 for storing game balls is assembled in a laterally openable and detachable manner and detachable. A firing handle 10008 is provided on the right side of 10007 for performing a game ball launching operation. An effect lighting unit 10009a containing a light emitting diode (LED), a lamp, and the like is disposed at the upper front of the glass frame 10005, and a sound effect is generated below the integrated dish 10007 according to the state of the game. A speaker 10009b is provided.

  A game auxiliary board 10020 (see FIG. 59) that is positioned behind the glass frame 10005 and can be vertically aligned with the game board 10010 is formed at the lower part of the front face of the front frame 10002. Each part of the game auxiliary board 10020 A launching mechanism 10021 for launching a game ball toward the game area PA2 of the game board 10010, a prize ball contact tank 10022 having a gentle downward slope toward the prize ball connection port 10022a that opens to the front, and the like are provided. Yes. A prize ball that is paid out at the time of winning a prize in a game or a loan that is lent by a lending operation is paid out from the prize ball contact port 10022a to the integrated dish 10007 through the prize ball contact tank 10022. Further, foul balls and other spilled balls are collected in the prize ball communication tank 10007 and returned to the integrated dish 10007.

  As shown in FIG. 60, the back side of the front frame 10002 has a window that communicates with the front and rear in the center and has a base frame body that is formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the front frame 10002 as a base. A set panel 10030 is connected by a plurality of levers L so that it can be laterally opened, closed, and detached. Each part of the back set board 10030 includes a ball storage tank 10031 storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 10032 extending from the ball storage tank 10031 with a gentle downward slope to the right, and a right end of the tank rail 10032. An upper passage member 10033 formed with a ball supply passage 10033a extending downward and a game ball guided by the ball supply passage 10033a under predetermined conditions (for example, in response to a prize at each prize opening or a request from a card unit) A) a prize ball payout unit 10040 for paying out, a lower passage member 10033 in which a prize ball passage 10033a for guiding game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit 10040 to the ball tray is formed. The prize ball payout unit 10040 is detachably attached to a unit housing portion 10034 formed to open on the rear side between the upper passage member 10033 and the lower passage member 10033 in the back set panel 10030. ing. The unit housing portion 10034 is provided with a relay terminal plate 15000 (see FIG. 61) that is electrically connected to the payout control board 12000 via a harness (not shown). A drawer connector is mounted on the relay terminal plate 15000. A main body side connector (see main body side connector 5100 in FIG. 46, etc.) is mounted.

  The prize ball passage 10033a descends from the prize ball payout unit 10040, bends above the power supply board 14000 and extends while tilting downward to the left, and communicates with one end of the prize ball communication tank 10022 of the game auxiliary board 20. Yes. As a result, a winning ball or a lending ball paid out from the winning ball paying unit 10040 is paid out to the integrated dish 10007 of the ball tray unit 10006 through the winning ball passage 10033a and the winning ball communication tank 10022. On the other hand, the game balls discharged from the prize ball payout unit 10040 by the ball removing operation are discharged out of the pachinko machine PM2 through the ball discharge passage 10033c formed in the lower passage member 10033.

  In addition, on the back side portion of the back set board 10030, there are a main control board 11000 for comprehensively controlling the operation of the pachinko machine PM, a payout control board 12000 for performing control related to the launch and payout of the game balls, and the model of the pachinko machine PM ( Sub-control board 13000 for controlling game effects according to game development, and a power supply board 14000 for receiving power from the game facility side and supplying power to various control boards and electrical / electronic components. These are connected by a harness (not shown) so that the pachinko machine PM2 is operable.

[Basic operation of pachinko machines II]
In the pachinko machine PM2 configured as described above, the outer frame 10001 is fixedly installed on the game island (installation frame base) of the game facility, and the front frame 10002, the glass frame 10005, the ball tray unit 10006 and the like are closed and locked. The game is started by storing a game ball in the integrated dish 10007 and rotating the launch handle 10008. When the firing handle 10008 is rotated, the game balls stored in the integrated dish 10007 are sent to the launching mechanism 10021 one by one by a ball feeding mechanism (not shown) disposed on the back side of the glass frame 10005. Then, it is struck into the game area PA2 by the hammer of the launch mechanism 10021, and the pachinko game is developed thereafter.

  For example, when a game ball that rolls down the game area PA2 falls into the general winning device 10014, a winning is detected when the entered game ball passes the winning ball detection sensor 10014s, and the detection signal is sent to the main control board 11000. Entered. From this detection signal, the main control board 11000 detects that the game ball has won a winning tool and that the winning tool is a general winning tool 10014, and responds to the payout control board 12000 according to winning conditions. The prize ball payout command is output to operate the prize ball payout unit 10040 to pay a predetermined number (for example, 15) of prize balls to the integrated dish 10007 as a reward when winning the general prize device 10014. Let it come out.

  Further, when a game ball falls into the start winning tool 10015 and a detection signal is output from the winning ball detection sensor 10015s, the main control board 11000 determines from the detection signal that the game ball has won, and the winning prize that has been won. It is detected that the tool is a start winning tool 10015, and a game program corresponding to the winning condition is called and executed. Specifically, a combination lottery of symbols is performed in the main control board 11000, and a lottery result is output to the sub-control board 13000 and the symbols displayed on the image display device 10018 are controlled to be varied and stopped so that the combination of stop symbols is obtained. The corresponding operation, for example, blinking display of LED, generation of sound effect by the speaker, etc. is performed. Also, the main control board 11000 outputs a prize ball payout command according to the winning conditions to the payout control board 12000 to operate the prize ball payout unit 10040, and is set in advance as a reward when winning the start prize device 10015. A predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls are paid out to the integrated dish 10007.

  When the lottery result by the main control board 11000 is a big win (when the symbol at the time of fluctuation stop is a big hit symbol), the image display device 10018 is made to match, for example, a decorative symbol imitating the symbol display of the slot machine. Such a display mode is displayed and a special game is executed. In the special game, the big prize opening is opened by the action of the big prize device 10016. Then, for example, after the grand prize opening is opened for about 30 seconds, or after nine or more game balls have won the big prize device 10016, the big prize opening is temporarily closed, and such opening and closing operations are performed a predetermined number of times ( Repeated continuously (for example, 15 times). Further, the main control board 11000 outputs a prize ball payout command according to the winning conditions to the payout control board 12000 to operate the prize ball payout unit 10040, and is set in advance as a reward when winning the big prize device 10016. A predetermined number (for example, twelve) prize balls are paid out to the integrated dish 10007.

[Electrical configuration II]
Next, an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko machine PM2 will be described with additional reference to the block diagram of FIG. The main control board 11000, the payout control board 12000, and the sub-control board 13000 include a CPU as an arithmetic unit that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM that prestores a program that defines the arithmetic processes of the CPU, and data handled by the CPU ( A RAM for temporarily storing various data generated during the game and a computer program read from the ROM is mounted.

  In the main control board 11000, the CPU executes arithmetic processing such as winning combination and effect lottery in accordance with a system program stored in advance in the ROM, and a pachinko game is developed. Also, the control board such as the payout control board 12000 and the sub-control board 13000 are connected to the main control board 11000 by wire harnesses, and various commands and information are transmitted to these control boards so that the control boards are distributedly controlled. As a result, the overall control of the pachinko machine PM2 is controlled.

  The payout control board 12000 controls the payout and launch of game balls based on commands from the main control board 11000. The payout control board 12000 is connected to the main control board 11000 so that bidirectional communication is possible. In addition, a prize ball payout unit 10040 is electrically connected to the payout control board 12000 via a relay terminal board 15000.

  The sub-control board 13000 controls overall effects such as image display, effect lighting, and sound effects based on commands from the main control board 11000. The sub-control board 13000 is connected so as to enable one-way communication from the main control board 11000. The sub-control board 13000 is configured by dividing the function into a plurality of control boards (for example, an effect control board that controls the overall effects and an image control board that mainly controls various effects on the image display device 10018). Alternatively, the functions performed by these control boards may be integrally configured as a single control board.

  Here, the transmission and reception of commands and information between the main control board 11000 and the payout control board 12000, and the transmission of commands and information from the main control board 11000 to the sub-control board 13000 may be parallel communication or serial communication. In addition, a line for transmitting a prize ball payout status is arranged between the payout control board 12000 and the main control board 11000. When a prize ball payout command is transmitted from the main control board 11000, the payout signal is turned on. When the payout is completed, the payout signal is turned off.

  The main control board 11000, the payout control board 12000, and the sub control board 13000 in the present embodiment have the same main configuration as the main control board 1000, the payout control board 2000, and the sub control board 3000 in the first embodiment. The functional blocks in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 24 can be conceptualized, and the same control processing can be performed by transmitting and receiving commands and information as described in the first embodiment.

[Basic configuration / characteristic configuration II of prize ball payout unit]
The configuration of the prize ball payout unit 10040 according to the second embodiment will be described below with additional reference to FIGS. The prize ball payout unit 10040 of the present embodiment has the above-described basic configuration described in the first embodiment, and the above-described characteristic configuration can be suitably applied. Only the characteristic configuration unique to the winning ball payout unit 10040 of the second embodiment will be described. For this reason, the same components or components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  62 is a perspective view of the prize ball dispensing unit 10040 as viewed from the front, FIG. 63 is a side view of the prize ball dispensing unit 10040 (with the case lid member opened), and FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state induced | guided | derived to this path | route.

  Now, in an integrated dish-type pachinko machine, a large number of game balls to be used for a game must be stored using only a single integrated dish. When the full tray detection means is at a short distance), when the integrated dish becomes full with a large number of game balls, the full tank detection means detects the full tank state relatively soon. With the detection of the game, a game interruption process is executed. For this reason, in the integrated dish type pachinko machine, many configurations are adopted in which a full tank detection means is provided in the prize ball payout unit that is arranged far from the integrated dish. The timing to do is delayed. In this embodiment, the full tank detection means 10036 of the prize ball payout unit 10040 in the integrated dish-type pachinko machine PM2 is provided with a fraud prevention structure and a ground structure, which will be described in order below.

[Anti-fraud structure II]
(Task)
As described above, in the illegal act against the prize ball payout unit, a long member such as a piano wire, a wire or a celluloid plate (hereinafter referred to as an illegal member) is passed from the ball plate to the prize ball payout unit through the prize ball passage or the like. There is an act of illegally paying out a prize ball by forcing the sprocket to rotate. Therefore, a fraud prevention means for blocking the access to the sprocket is formed in the full tank detection means in the path through which the fraudulent member passes from the ball tray to the sprocket.

(Constitution)
The downstream discharge passage 10048 includes a first discharge passage 10048a that is curved in an arc from the top of the sprocket 70 along the outer peripheral direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 63), and a position slightly below the side of the sprocket 70. A second payout passage 10048b that is bent and extends in a gentle S-shape toward the ball payout outlet 45 at the lower end is formed. In the middle of the second payout passage 10048b, a full tank detecting means 10036 for detecting the staying state of the game balls is provided. The full tank detecting means 10036 includes a swing member 10036a that can swing back and forth with respect to a lower passage wall 10046c that forms the front surface of the second payout passage 10036, and a swing sensor 10036b that detects the position of the swing member 10036a. It has.

  The swing member 10036a approaches the rear lower passage wall 10046d and narrows the passage width of the second payout passage 10048b, and is separated from the lower passage wall 10046d and widens the passage width of the second payout passage 10048b. It can swing back and forth between the second position. Behind the swing member 10036a is provided a swing sensor 10036b for detecting that the swing member 10036a has been displaced to the second position. The swing member 10036a is in the first position when no external force is applied, and is displaced to the second position by being pushed by the game ball toward the swing sensor 10030b when a plurality of game balls stay in the second payout passage 10048b. To do.

  When the swing sensor 10036b detects that the swing member 10036a is in the second position, the dispensing control board 12000 determines whether there is an abnormality. Furthermore, according to the determination result of the payout control board 12000, a process for stopping the rotation of the sprocket 70 and a process for urging the player to perform a ball removing operation for removing the game ball from the integrated dish 10007 are executed. .

  The game ball that has passed through the second payout passage 10048b flows into the prize ball passage 10035a of the lower passage member 10033 from the ball discharge outlet 45 at the lower end, passes through the prize ball communication tank 10022 of the game auxiliary board 10020, and the ball tray unit 10006. The integrated dish 10007 is guided. However, when the integrated dish 10007 becomes full, the prize ball cannot be supplied to the integrated dish 10007, and the game ball is stopped in the prize ball passage 10033a. Then, when the prize ball passage 10033a is full, the game balls cannot be discharged from the prize ball payout unit 10040, and the game balls paid out from the sprocket 70 are accumulated in the second payout passage 10048b. .

  Then, when the number of game balls staying in the second payout passage 10048b increases, the game balls press the swing member 10036a toward the swing sensor 10036b, and the swing member 10036a swings to the second front position. As a result, the swing sensor 10036b can detect the full state of the integrated dish 10007 based on the swing position (second position) of the swing member 10036a.

  On the side surface (the side surface facing the lower passage wall 10046d) of the swing member 10036a, there is provided an edge portion 10036c that protrudes inward of the second payout passage 10048b. The caulking portion 10036c is formed through the lower passage wall 10048d and extends toward the guide hole 10046e that connects the second discharge passage 10048b and the ball removal passage 10052.

  Therefore, when an unauthorized member is inserted into the prize ball dispensing unit 10040 from the ball dispensing outlet 45, the tip of the unauthorized member contacts the edge portion 10036c of the swinging member 10036a and is turned toward the guide hole 10046e. The A ball extraction passage 10052 is disposed through the guide hole 10046e at a point where the illegal member is guided by the caulking portion 10036c, and the tip of the illegal member reaches the ball extraction passage 10052.

  Therefore, even if an unauthorized member is inserted into the prize ball dispensing unit 10040 from the ball dispensing outlet 45 and tries to reach the sprocket 70 through the second dispensing passage 10048b, the leading end of the unauthorized member is inserted through the guide hole 10048e by the caulking portion 10036c. Since it is guided to the ball removal passage 10052, unauthorized access to the sprocket 70 by unauthorized members can be prevented.

(effect)
As described above, by providing a cache portion on the side surface of the swing member in the full tank detecting means for guiding the illegal member inserted from the ball payout exit from the second payout passage to the other passage (ball passage). It is possible to prevent access to the sprocket due to the insertion of an unauthorized member, and it is possible to effectively deter unauthorized acts that attempt to obtain prize balls illegally.

[Earth structure II]
(Task)
The game ball is made of a metal material, and may be charged with static electricity when it comes into contact with a game board surface or a winning ball mechanism on the back set board. If the game ball is charged with static electricity, there is a risk of malfunctions such as abnormalities in electrical components and the like, so it is desirable to remove the static electricity from the game ball as appropriate. Therefore, a structure is realized that can remove static electricity charged in the game ball when the game ball passes through the guide passage.

(Constitution)
FIG. 65 is a side view of a prize ball payout unit (in a state where the case lid member is opened) to which a modified example of the full tank detecting means is applied, and FIG. 66 is a prize showing a state in which the full tank detecting means detects the stay of game balls. It is a side view of a ball dispensing unit (a state in which a case lid member is opened). In FIG. 65 and FIG. 66, the same components or the components having the same functions other than the full tank detecting means 10036 ′ are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 65, the full tank detecting means 10036 ′ is attached with a ground plate 10036d ′ as a discharge plate disposed along the side surface (side surface facing the lower passage wall) of the swinging member 10036 ′. Yes. The ground plate 1003d 'is formed in a thin rectangular plate shape using a conductive metal material such as stainless steel.

  The ground plate 10036d 'is provided on the side surface of the swing member 10036a' on the passage side so as to face the ground plate 10058 provided in the lower passage wall 10046d of the second payout passage 10048b, and is integrated with the swing member 10036a '. Thus, it can swing between a position close to the ground plate 10058 (first position) and a position away from the ground plate 10058 (second position).

  Each ground plate 10036d ', 10058 is connected to ground (grounded) via a ground wire (not shown). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 65, the game ball passing through the second payout passage 10048b is brought into contact with the ground plates 10036d 'and 10058, so that the static electricity charged in the game balls can be effectively passed through the ground plates 10030d' and 10058. It can be removed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 66, when the game ball stays in the second payout passage 10048b, the swinging member 10036a 'is pressed by the game ball and is in the second position, and the game ball is placed on the ground plate 10036d'. Are in contact. In this staying state, the game balls that are in direct contact with the ground plate 1003d 'are also in contact with other game balls, and the other game balls are grounded via the game balls that are in contact with the ground plate 10036d'. It is electrically connected to the plate 1003d '. Therefore, the static electricity of the game ball staying in the second payout passage 10048b can be removed through the game ball that is in direct contact with the ground plate 10036d '.

(effect)
When the game ball passes through the second payout passage, or when the game ball becomes full in the second payout passage, the game ball is brought into contact with the ground plate to charge the game ball with static electricity. Can be removed efficiently.

  In this embodiment, the ground plate is attached to the side surface of the swing member. However, the swing member itself may be formed of a conductive metal material so as to exhibit the function as a discharge body. . Further, the edge portion formed on the swing member may be formed of a conductive metal material, and the swing member may be configured to exhibit both functions as a fraud prevention unit and a discharge body.

[Unit division configuration II]
(Task)
The prize ball payout unit is configured to be detachable from the back set board. However, when a failure or the like occurs in this unit, it is difficult to identify the defective part and the work of replacing the failed part is complicated. As a result, the entire unit has to be exchanged, so that there is a problem that work efficiency is lowered. Therefore, even when a failure occurs in the prize ball payout unit, a configuration is provided in which it is easy to identify a defective part and to easily perform replacement work of a failed part.

(Constitution)
FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a prize ball payout unit 10140 according to a modification of the second embodiment as viewed from the front, and FIG. 68 is a side view of the prize ball payout unit 10140 (with the case lid member opened). In FIGS. 67 and 68, the same components or components having the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The winning ball payout unit 10140 is divided into two parts by an upper first subassembly 10140U having a ball receiving port 10144 and a lower second subassembly 10140D having a ball payout outlet 10145.

  The first subassembly 10140U includes a first unit case 10141U composed of a first case body member 10142U and a first case lid member 10159U, a first cover member 10160U attached to cover the right side surface of the first unit case 10141U, and a game A sprocket 70 that pays out one ball at a time, a count sensor 50 that detects a game ball paid out by the sprocket 70, a payout motor 80 that rotates the sprocket 70 (not shown in FIGS. 67 and 68), a game And a ball removal mechanism 90 for discharging the ball to the outside of the pachinko machine PM. The first subassembly 10140U includes a gear mechanism 81, a radio wave detection sensor 51, and a rotation detection sensor, which are not shown in FIGS. 67 and 68, between the first case main body member 10142U and the first cover member 10160U. 85 and the like are provided. The first unit case 10141U is formed with a ball receiving port 10144 for receiving a game ball in contact with the ball supply passage 10033a of the upper passage member 10033 when the prize ball payout unit 10140 is mounted on the back set board 10030. Has been.

  The second subassembly 10140D includes a second unit case 10141D including a second case body member 10142D and a second case lid member 10142D, a second cover member 10160D attached to cover the right side surface of the second unit case 10141D, and a game And a full tank detecting means 10036 ′ for detecting the staying state of the sphere. The second unit case 10141D has a ball payout exit 10145 that communicates with the prize ball passage 10033a of the lower passage member 10033 and pays out game balls when the prize ball payout unit 10140 is mounted on the back set panel 10030. A ball discharge port 10154 for discharging game balls in communication with the ball discharge passage 10033c of the lower passage member 10033 is formed.

  The guide passage 10146 includes a standby passage 10147 on the upstream side (sphere receiving port 10144 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 70 is disposed, and a payout passage 10148 on the downstream side (ball discharge outlet 10145 side) with respect to the position where the sprocket 70 is disposed. It is formed by.

  The upstream standby passage 10147 is formed in a substantially S shape from the first standby passage 10147a and the second standby passage 10147b, and the game balls introduced from the ball receiving ports 10144 are arranged in a row in the sprocket 70. At the same time, when the operation of the sprocket 70 is stopped, the game balls are made to stand by in an aligned state. The waiting passage 10147 is formed to meander so as to disperse the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down the passage, and a part of the ball pressure due to the weight of the game ball in the vertical downward direction (direction in which gravity acts). Is distributed to the ball pressure in the horizontal direction.

  The downstream discharge passage 10148 includes a first discharge passage 10148a that is curved in an arc from the top of the sprocket 70 along the outer circumferential direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 68), and a position slightly below the side of the sprocket 70. A second payout passage 10148b that is bent and extends in a gentle S-shape toward the ball payout outlet 10145 at the lower end is formed.

  Thus, the guide passage 10146 is formed across the first unit case 10141U and the second unit case 10141D, and the standby passage 10147 (10147a, 10147b) and the first payout passage 10148a are formed on the first unit case 10141U side. Thus, a second payout passage 10148b is formed on the second unit case 10141D side.

  A ball removal passage 10152 for discharging game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine PM2 is formed behind the sprocket 70. A ball removal passage connecting the standby passage 10147 and the ball removal passage 10152 is provided in the middle of the guide passage 10146. A hole 10153 is formed. The ball removal passage 10152 is formed by a first ball removal passage 10152a formed on the first unit case 10141U side and a second ball removal passage 10152b formed on the second unit case 10141D side.

  A partition wall 10155 that is curved and extends in an arc shape along the outer periphery (rotation locus) of the sprocket 70 is formed between the first payout passage 10148a and the first ball removal passage 10152a. One end of the partition wall 10155 is adapted to engage with the lower end of the ball removing member 91 displaced to the closed position when the operation lever 93 is operated to the lower end. In addition, the other end part of the partition wall 10155 may be formed with, for example, a cache to be described later for preventing an illegal act using a piano wire or the like.

  The first case main body member 10142U has a plurality of positioning projections 10162 projecting downward from the lower end surface thereof (contact surface with the second case main body member 10142D), and the front and rear side surfaces are substantially L-shaped. A pair of locking arms 10163 extending downward is provided.

  The second case main body member 10142D is provided with a plurality of positioning recesses 10164 fitted on the upper end surface (the contact surface with the first case main body member 10142U) with the plurality of positioning protrusions 10162, and the front and rear side surfaces are provided. A pair of protrusions 10165 that engage with the pair of locking arms 10163 is provided.

  In order to assemble the prize ball payout unit 10140, first, the first case cover member 10159U and the first cover member 10160U are fixed to the first case body member 10142U with screws, and the first subassembly 10140U is assembled to the second case body member. The second sub-assembly 10140D is assembled by fixing the second case lid member 10159D and the second cover member 10160D to 10142D with screws. Then, the lower end portion of the first subassembly 10140U and the upper end portion of the second subassembly 10140D are brought close to each other, and the positioning convex portion 10162 of the first subassembly 10140U is fitted into the positioning concave portion 10164 of the second subassembly 10140D. Then, the respective locking arms 10163 are engaged with the corresponding projections 10165, respectively, to connect the first subassembly 10140U and the second subassembly 10140D.

  When the first subassembly 10140U and the second subassembly 10140D are assembled together in this way, the first payout passage 10148a and the second payout passage 10148b are connected vertically via the count sensor 50, and the first ball removal passage 10152a and the second ball removal passage 10152b are vertically connected to each other to obtain a prize ball payout unit 10140 as a final assembly. The prize ball payout unit 10140 can be detachably attached to the back set board 10030 as a single unit. Installation is possible.

  In the state where the prize ball payout unit 10140 is mounted on the back set board 10030, the ball receiving port 10144 is aligned with the ball supply passage 10033a of the upper passage member 10033, and the ball payout outlet 10145 is disposed on the front side. The ball passage 100035a of the lower passage member 1003 is aligned with the prize ball passage 10033a, and the ball discharge port 10154 is arranged on the rear side to align with the ball discharge passage 10033c of the lower passage member 10033.

  On the other hand, in order to separate the winning ball payout unit 10140 into the first subassembly 10140U and the second subassembly 10140D, the procedure may be performed in the reverse order of the assembly procedure described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

(effect)
By configuring the prize ball payout unit as a plurality of sub-assemblies, parts replacement and maintenance inspection of the prize ball payout unit can be performed separately for each subassembly. Therefore, for example, when a prize ball payout unit breaks down due to some trouble, the prize ball payout unit can be handled in units of separate sub-assemblies, so that the location of the trouble can be easily identified and the failed part can be replaced or transported. Since it becomes easy, costs such as replacement costs can be reduced, and at the same time, work efficiency and recyclability can be improved.

[Electrical connection of split unit II]
(Task)
In the configuration in which the winning ball payout unit is divided into a plurality of subassemblies, when electric parts such as payout motors and count sensors are dispersedly arranged in each subassembly, a payout control board is connected to each payout control board via a harness or the like. Since it is necessary to make an electrical connection, there has been a problem that the assembly work of the prize ball payout unit becomes complicated. Therefore, a configuration for improving the workability of assembling the prize ball payout unit divided into a plurality of subassemblies is realized.

(Constitution)
As shown in FIGS. 67 and 68, the first subassembly 10140U and the second subassembly 10140D are electrically connected to the first connector 10166 attached to the lower side of the first subassembly 10140U and the second subassembly 10140U. This is performed by fitting and connecting the second connector 10167 attached to the upper side of the 10140D. The first connector 10166 and the second connector 10167 are provided at positions where the first subassembly 10140U and the second subassembly 10140D are coupled to each other when the first subassembly 10140U and the second subassembly 10140D are assembled.

  The first connector 10166 is a drawer connector attached to the first cover member 10160U via an L-shaped connector attachment plate 10166a, and is connected to the unit side connector 61 via a harness (not shown). For this reason, the payout motor 80, the count sensor 50, the radio wave detection sensor 51, the rotation detection sensor 85, and the first connector 10166 are connected to the unit side connector 61 via a harness (not shown).

  The second connector 10167 is a drawer connector attached to the second cover member 10160D via an L-shaped attachment plate 10167a, and is connected to a full tank detecting means 10036 ′ via a harness (not shown). Therefore, the count sensor 50 is connected to the unit-side connector 61 via the first and second connectors 10166 and 10167 when the first connector 10166 and the second connector 10167 are coupled.

  When the first subassembly 10140U and the second subassembly 10140D are assembled, the male-female fitting type first connector 10166 and the second connector 10167 are coupled to each other via the first connector 10166 and the second connector 10167. The full tank detecting means 10036 ′ and the unit side connector 61 are connected. Therefore, in this assembled state, the payout motor 80, the count sensor 50, the radio wave detection sensor 51, and the rotation detection sensor 85 are connected to the unit side connector 61, and via the first connector 10166 and the second connector 10167. A full tank detecting means 10036 'is connected.

  When the winning ball payout unit 10140 is mounted on the back set panel 10030 and the unit side connector 61 is coupled to the main body side connector (not shown) of the relay terminal board 15000, the payout control board 12000 and the winning ball payout unit 10140 (the payout motor). 80, the count sensor 50, the radio wave detection sensor 51, the rotation detection sensor 85, and the full tank detection means 10036 ′) are electrically connected via the relay terminal plate 15000.

(effect)
Since the first connector and the second connector are inserted and removed in response to the operation of attaching and detaching the first subassembly and the second subassembly, the first subassembly and the second subassembly are connected to a harness or the like. This eliminates the trouble of wiring connection and shortens the time required for the wiring work, so that the workability of assembling the prize ball payout unit divided and configured as a plurality of subassemblies is improved.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, If it is a range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can improve suitably.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the winning ball payout unit is mounted on the back set board (unit accommodating portion) has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be configured to be mounted on the base member or directly mounted on the front frame itself.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sprocket having a plurality of blades formed by continuously connecting the arcuate convex curved surface and the concave curved surface to each other has been described as an example. The shape of the sprocket is not particularly limited as long as a recess capable of receiving a sphere (sphere receiving recess) is formed. Further, the drive means for rotationally driving the sprocket is not limited to the stepping motor, and other electric motors such as a servo motor may be adopted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the prize ball payout unit is configured to have only one guide passage. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes two or more guide passages. May be. In addition, it does not use a plurality of strips throughout the entire guide passage, only the standby passage on the upstream side has a plurality of strips, and the discharge passage on the downstream side is formed by only one strip. You may employ | adopt the form which joins.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the sprocket and the payout motor are connected via the gear mechanism (two gears) is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output shaft of the payout motor is not limited thereto. Alternatively, a sprocket may be directly connected to.

  In the above-described embodiment, the full control state is recognized on the payout control board side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the full control state is recognized on the main control board side. When the main control board receives a full tank signal from the full tank detection means, it transmits a payout stop command to the payout control board side to stop or delay the payout process of the prize ball by the prize ball payout unit. In addition to executing control, an error notification command is transmitted to the sub-control board side to notify the outside of the abnormality (side lamp blinking, speaker sound, abnormality information output to hall computer, etc.) You may comprise.

  Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the main body side connector and the unit side connector, the first connector and the second connector are configured with a drawer connector has been described as an example. The board-to-board type, board-to-cable type, cable-to-cable type, etc. are not particularly limited.

  In the above-described embodiment, a ball presence detection sensor is provided for detecting whether or not a sufficient number of game balls can be paid out in the standby passage 47 (upstream of the sprocket 70). Other configurations may be adopted.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as an arrangement ball machine and a sparrow ball game machine, and the same effect can be obtained. it can.

PM1 Pachinko machine (first embodiment)
PA1 Game area 1 Outer frame 2 Front frame (frame member)
5 Glass frame 6 Upper ball tray 7 Lower ball tray 10 Game board 20 Game auxiliary board 22 Prize ball communication passage 23 Overflow ball passage 25 Upper ball tray communication duct 26 Lower ball tray communication duct 30 Back set board 33 Upper passage member 33a Sphere supply Passage 34 Unit housing portion 35 Lower passage member 35a Prize ball passage 35b Overflow ball passage 35c Ball discharge passage 36 Full detection means 37 First locking lever 37a First guide inclined surface 38 Second locking lever 38a Second guide inclination Surface 40 Prize ball payout unit 41 Unit case 42 Case main body member 44 Ball receiving port 45 Ball payout port 46 Guide passage 47 Standby passage 47a First standby passage 47b Second standby passage 48 Discharge passage 48a First payout passage 48b Second payout passage 50, 50 'Count sensor 51 Radio wave detection sensor 52 Ball removal passage 53 Ball removal hole 54 Ball discharge port 55 Partition wall 56 Cache part 57 Bag Road portion 58 Ground plate 59 Case lid member 60 Cover member 61 Unit side connector 70, 70 ', 70 "Sprocket 71 Rotary plate 72 Blade 73 Rotating shaft 74 Sphere guide convex portion 75 Sphere receiving concave portion 80 Discharge motor 81 Gear mechanism 85 Rotation detection Sensor 90 Ball removal mechanism 91 Ball removal member 93 Operation lever 91a Inclined wall 140 Prize ball dispensing unit (first modification)
140U 1st subassembly 140D 2nd subassembly 144 Ball receiving port 145 Ball discharge port 154 Ball discharge port 146 Guide passage 147 Waiting passage 148 Discharge passage 152 Ball extraction passage 153 Ball extraction hole 162 Positioning convex portion 163 Locking arm 164 Positioning concave portion 165 Projection 166 First connector 167 Second connector 240 Prize ball payout unit (second modified example)
241 Unit case 244 Ball receiving port 245 Ball paying exit 246 Guide passage 247 Standby passage 248 Discharging passage 270 Sprocket 273 Rotating shaft 275 Ball receiving recess 340 Prize ball paying unit (third modified example)
341 Unit case 344 Ball receiving port 345 Ball outlet 346 Guide passage 347 Standby passage 348 Discharge passage 370 Sprocket 373 Rotating shaft 375 Ball receiving recess 440 Prize ball payout unit (fourth modification)
490 Ball removal mechanism 491 Ball removal member 540 Prize ball dispensing unit (fifth modification)
541 Unit case 544 Sphere receiving port 545 Ball outlet 546 Guide passage 547 Standby passage 548 Discharge passage 552 Ball extraction passage 553 Ball extraction hole 554 Ball discharge port 590 Ball extraction mechanism 591 Ball extraction member 1000 Main control board 1010 Processing unit 1600 Power supply interruption Processing control means 1610 at the time of power-on / off, voltage monitoring means 1620 power supply interruption presence / absence determination means 2000 payout control board 2300 payout control means 3000 sub control board 4000 power supply board 5000 relay terminal board 5100 main body side connector PM2 pachinko machine (second embodiment )
PA2 gaming area 10001 outer frame 10002 front frame (frame member)
10005 Glass frame 10006 Ball dish unit 10007 Integrated dish 10010 Game board 10020 Game auxiliary board 10022 Prize ball communication tank 10022a Prize ball communication port 10030 Back set board 10033 Upper passage member 10033a Ball supply passage 10034 Unit housing part 10035 Lower passage member 10035a Prize Ball passageway 10035c Ball discharge passageway 10036 Full tank detection means 10036a Oscillation member 10036b Oscillation sensor 10036c Cache part 10036 'Full tank detection means (modification)
10036d 'Earth plate 10040 Prize ball payout unit 10048 Payout passage 10048a First payout passage 10048b Second payout passage 10048e Guide hole 10052 Ball removal passage 10058 Earth plate 10140 Prize ball discharge unit (modified example)
10140U 1st subassembly 10140D 2nd subassembly 10144 Ball receiving port 10145 Ball outlet 10146 Guide passage 10147 Standby passage 10148 Discharge passage 10154 Ball outlet 10162 Positioning convex portion 10163 Locking arm 10164 Positioning concave portion 10165 Protrusion 10166 First connector 10167 First 2 connector 11000 main control board 12000 payout control board 13000 sub control board 14000 power supply board 15000 relay terminal board

Claims (1)

A frame member that houses and holds a game board having a predetermined game area formed on the front side;
A payout device provided on the rear side of the frame member for paying out game balls;
A ball passage through which a game ball paid out from the payout device passes,
A ball tray for storing game balls that have passed through the ball passage;
Control means for controlling the payout of game balls by the payout device, and a ball game machine comprising:
The dispensing device is
A case member formed with a first guide passage through which a game ball received from the upper ball receiving port passes, and a second guide passage through which the game ball is guided to the lower ball payout outlet,
A concave ball receiving recess that can receive a game ball is rotatably disposed between the first guide passage and the second guide passage, and the game balls in the first guide passage are placed one by one. A ball feeding member that receives the ball receiving recess and feeds it to the second guide passage;
Drive means for rotationally driving the ball feeding member;
A ball removal mechanism for discharging the game ball in the first guide passage out of the machine through a ball removal passage formed by branching from the first guide passage;
A count sensor for detecting a game ball sent out by the ball feeding member,
The ball feeding member has three ball guide convex portions provided at equal intervals around the rotation axis, and three ball receiving concave portions provided between the adjacent ball guide convex portions, The ball guide convex portion and the ball receiving concave portion are formed to be connected along the rotation direction,
The count sensor is an optical sensor that optically detects a game ball passing in the middle of the second guide passage,
The ball removal mechanism closes at least a part of the ball removal passage to make it impossible to discharge the game ball into the ball removal passage, and opens the ball removal passage to play the game into the ball removal passage. A ball removal member provided so as to be movable between an open position enabling discharge of the ball, a first position for holding the ball removal member in the closed position, and opening the ball release member from the closed position. An operation member provided so as to be movable between a second position which is movable to a position;
When the operation member is in the first position, the ball removing member is held in the closed position above the rotation shaft of the ball feeding member and rotates when the ball feeding member is rotated. The leading end portion of the punching member and the ball guiding convex portion of the ball feeding member can overlap in the direction of the rotation axis,
When the operation member is in the first position when the ball guide convex portion of any of the ball feed members is in a predetermined position above the rotation axis , the head in the first guide passage When the gaming ball is held in contact with and straddling any one of the ball guiding convex portions of the ball feeding member and the ball removing member above the rotation shaft, and the operation member is in the second position, When the ball removing member is pressed to the open position by the ball pressure by the leading game ball, the contact between the leading game ball and the ball removing member is released, and the leading game ball becomes the ball. A bullet ball game machine characterized by being guided to an extraction passage.

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