JP2000197754A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To grant a sense of priority to players in a game machine such as a PACHINKO game machine and improve entertaining interests. SOLUTION: A PACHINKO game machine 1 includes an outer frame 2, a front frame 3 secured to the outer frame 2 in a freely open/closed manner, a play board 5 secured directly or indirectly to the front frame 3 and having a play area, a glass door frame 4 secured to the front frame 3 in a freely open/ closed manner and having a pair of glass plates at a longitudinal space and a front decorative frame 12 located thereunder. The front decorative frame 12 is provided with an upper dish 13 capable of storing game balls and the front frame 3 located thereunder is provided with a lower dish 14 capable of storing game bass overflowing from the upper dish 13. The lower dish 14 is provided with a reflection part capable of reflecting the mirror images of stored game balls.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a pachinko machine has an outer frame, a front frame attached to the outer frame so as to be openable and closable, a game board attached to the front frame and having a game area, A glass door frame which is openably and closably attached to the front frame and has a pair of glass plates at predetermined intervals in front and rear. Also,
On the lower side of the glass door frame, a front decoration frame is attached to the front frame so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the game ball launching portion. An upper saucer is provided in such a front decoration frame, and the game balls stored in the upper saucer are guided toward the game ball launching section. Further, a lower tray, a handle, and the like are provided below the front frame.

A substantially arc-shaped outer guide rail is laid on the front of the game board, and an inner guide rail is laid inside the outer guide rail. Further, an exit portion is provided between a substantially upper end portion of the inner guide rail and the outer guide rail, and a game ball fired from the game ball launch portion is guided by both guide rails, and then from the exit portion to an upper portion of the game board surface. Released to the game area. Then, the player enjoys the behavior of the game ball falling along the game area.

[0004] When a game ball falling on the game board wins a winning opening, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are paid out to the player. More specifically, a mechanism board is mounted on the back side of the game board, and the mechanism board is provided with a premium ball payout device. When the prize ball dispensing device is driven, the prize balls stored in the tank are guided to the dispensing outlet of the upper tray through the tank rail, the prize ball dispensing device, and the prize ball dispensing passage. When the upper tray is full, the prize ball overflows from an overflow provided in the middle of the prize ball payout passage. The overflowed prize ball is guided to an outlet of the lower tray through an overflow passage provided in the mechanism panel, so that many game balls can be stored in the lower tray.

[0005] In recent years, a special game state (so-called big hit state) is generated when a specific condition is satisfied, and a pachinko machine capable of acquiring a large amount of prize balls at once has become known. For example, in a pachinko machine equipped with a special symbol display device and a variable winning device, the special symbol display device starts to display a variable symbol based on a game ball winning an operating port. Also,
A stop symbol corresponding to the game situation is selected from the big hit symbol, the off-reach symbol, and the off symbol, and the variable display is stopped at the selected stop symbol. Then, when the player stops at the big hit symbol (for example, “7”, “7”, “7”, etc.), the special variable prize device (variable prize device) becomes an advantageous state (big hit state) for the player. Is switched to More specifically, the shutter of the variable winning device is tilted to open a large winning opening, and many game balls can be awarded there. Thereby, a large number (for example, 2400) of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray and the lower tray.

[0006]

As described above, in recent pachinko machines, the number of prize balls to be paid out tends to be larger than that of pachinko machines of the past year. In the saucer and the lower saucer, there may be cases where the prize ball cannot be accommodated. Therefore, the player can move the prize ball stored in the lower tray by a predetermined operation (for example, by sliding a lever provided on the lower tray,
It is a common practice to transfer the prize ball to a separate prize ball storage box (so-called "dollar box") by direct scraping.

[0007] However, it is a fact that some players realize that a large number of prize balls can be obtained only when a large number of game balls are stored in the upper tray or the lower tray of a pachinko machine. is there. For such a person, if all the prize balls are transferred from the lower tray of the pachinko machine to the prize ball storage box, the opportunity to realize that despite the fact that many prize balls are paid out is impaired. There was a risk of doing so.

[0008] It is also true that some players wish to appeal to their surroundings that they have acquired many prize balls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine with a sense of superiority to a player, thereby improving the interest. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of performing such operations.

[0010]

Means effective to achieve the above object will be described below. The operation and the like will be described as necessary.

Means 1. In a gaming machine provided with an upper tray capable of storing game balls and a lower tray provided below the upper tray and capable of storing game balls overflowing from the upper tray, the lower tray is configured to store the game balls. A game machine comprising a reflecting portion capable of reflecting a mirror image of a game ball.

According to the above means 1, the game balls can be stored in the upper saucer. Also, game balls that overflow from the upper tray can be stored in the lower tray provided below the upper tray. According to this means, the lower receiving tray is provided with the reflecting portion, whereby the mirror image of the stored game ball is projected. For this reason, when the lower tray is visually recognized from the outside in a state where the game balls are stored in the lower tray, the person feels as if there are more game balls than in reality.

Means 2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a communication path for directly lowering game balls overflowing from said upper tray to said lower tray is provided in said upper tray.

Means 3. An outer frame, a front frame that is attached to the outer frame so as to be openable and closable, and a lower tray is provided at a lower portion; and a game that is directly or indirectly attached to the front frame so that game balls can flow down. A game board having an area, attached to the front frame at the front side of the game board to be openable and closable,
A transparent plate door frame having a transparent plate, and openably and closably attached to the front frame so as to cover at least the game ball launching section below the transparent plate door frame, and above the lower tray. A decorative frame having an upper saucer positioned thereon, and a mechanism board provided on the back side of the game board and having a payout path for guiding at least game balls to be paid out from the premium ball payout device to the upper saucer. , Wherein the lower tray is provided with a reflecting portion capable of reflecting a mirror image of a stored game ball.

Means 4. In the means 2 or 3, an opening at a lower end of the communication path is separated from the lower tray,
A gaming machine characterized in that a player can visually recognize a game ball falling through the communication passage.

Means 5 In the means 4, in the upper tray, a communication path is provided so that an opening at a lower end faces the lower tray, and a game ball overflowing from the upper tray is passed through the mechanism panel without passing through the mechanism panel. A gaming machine characterized by being lowered to the lower tray via a passage.

Means 6. In any one of the above means 1 to 5, it is necessary that a game result satisfies a specific condition.
A special game state is generated, and a large amount of game balls can be paid out toward the upper tray, and at least one of the upper tray and the lower tray is paid out at least once when the special game state occurs. A gaming machine having a storage volume capable of storing gaming balls.

Means 7. In any one of the above means 1 to 6, the gaming machine is characterized in that the reflecting portion is provided on at least an opposing surface of the inner surface of the lower tray. According to the above means 7, the mirror image projected on the one reflecting portion is further projected on the reflecting portions provided on the opposing surfaces, so that it is visually recognized as if a large number of game balls exist. Can be done.

Means 8 The gaming machine according to any one of the above means 1 to 7, wherein the reflecting portion is provided on a bottom surface of the lower tray.

Means 9 The gaming machine according to any one of the above means 1 to 6, wherein the reflecting portion is provided on substantially the entire inner surface of the lower receiving tray.

Means 10. The gaming machine according to any one of the above means 1 to 9, wherein the reflection portion is provided at a portion other than a portion where the game ball hits strongly.

Means 11. A game machine according to any one of the above means 1 to 10, wherein at least a surface of the reflection section is provided with a protective cover for protecting the reflection section.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which a gaming machine is embodied as a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 1
The vehicle includes an outer frame 2 and a front frame 3 provided at a front portion of the outer frame 2 and openable and closable on one side of the outer frame 2. Further, a glass door frame 4 as a transparent plate door frame is provided on the front side of the front frame 3 so as to be freely opened and closed. Glass door frame 4
, A pair of glass plates 4a and 4b as transparent plates are attached at predetermined intervals in front and rear.

The rear side of the front frame 3 (behind the glass door frame 4,
A game board 5 is detachably attached to the inside of the outer frame 2 via a resin middle plate M (see FIGS. 3 and 4) (the middle board M is omitted, and the game board 5 is directly mounted). May be attached). On the front surface of the game board 5, a normal winning opening 6, a variable winning device 7, an operating opening 8, a variable display device 9, an inner guide rail (inner rail) 10, an outer guide rail (outer rail) 11, and the like are arranged. ing. Here, the inner rail 10 and the outer rail 11 are guide members for guiding the game balls B fired from the game ball firing unit to the upper portion of the game board 5, and are laid in a substantially arc shape.

On the lower side of the glass door frame 4,
A front decoration frame 12 is provided on the front frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front decoration frame 12 is provided with an upper tray 13. On the other hand, a lower tray 14 is provided below the upper tray 13 via the middle plate M at a lower portion of the front frame 3, and a handle 1 corresponding to the game ball launching section is provided.
5 are provided.

The variable display device 9 has a display screen composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display screen displays, for example, three display rows of a left symbol row, a middle symbol row, and a right symbol row. Each symbol row is composed of a plurality of symbols, and these symbols are scrolled for each symbol row and displayed on the display screen.

Normally, the variable winning device 7 is in a state in which the gaming ball B cannot win or hardly wins. More specifically, the symbol of the variable display device 9 disposed at the center of the game board 5 fluctuates randomly based on the winning of the game ball B to the operating port 8. The large winning opening of the variable winning device 7 is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, on condition that the stopped symbol is a specific combination (for example, a slot of “7”, “7” or “7”). The game ball B is configured to be in a state where it is easy to win (big hit state).

An outlet is provided between the upper end of the inner rail 10 and the outer rail 11 so that the game ball B fired from the game ball launcher is discharged to the game area on the game board 5. I have. The game ball B is guided from the exit to the game area above the game board 5 and then falls along the surface of the game board 5. At this time, the general winning opening 6, the variable winning device 7, the operating opening 8
, A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 13 (or the lower tray 14 in some cases) based on the winning of the game ball B.

More specifically, a mechanism board 21 is mounted on the back side of the game board 5. The mechanism board 21 is made of a resin material, and includes a tank for storing a prize ball, a tank rail, a prize ball payout device (all not shown), and the like at an upper portion and a side portion thereof. Also, as shown in FIG.
The middle plate M has an outlet 13 a for the upper tray 13.
There is provided an opening passage 22 communicating with the opening. Further, the mechanism board 21 includes a prize ball dispensing device on the downstream side,
A prize ball dispensing passage 23 communicating between the prize ball dispensing device and the opening passage 22 is formed. When a winning of the game ball B to the general winning opening 6, the variable winning device 7, and the operating opening 8 is detected, a control device (not shown)
The prize ball payout device is driven, whereby a predetermined number of prize balls are guided toward the upper tray 13 through the prize ball payout passage 23 and the opening passage 22.

Next, a characteristic portion of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the present embodiment, a reflector 14 a made of a plating layer is provided on substantially the entire inner surface of the lower tray 14. The reflecting portion 14a
Is constituted by an electroless plating layer formed directly on the resin lower tray 14, and an electroplating layer formed on the electroless plating layer, and the game balls B stored on the lower tray 14 are A mirror image can be projected. Also,
Since the reflecting portion 14a is provided on substantially the entire inner surface of the lower receiving tray 14, the mirror image projected on the reflecting portion 14a of one of the inner surfaces of the lower receiving tray 14a is further reflected on the opposing surfaces. The image is also reflected on the provided reflecting portion 14a, so that a very large number of game balls B are visually recognized as if they exist.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, in the present embodiment, a communication passage 24 protruding downward is provided in the vicinity of the discharge outlet 13 a of the upper tray 13.
Specifically, in the vicinity of the outlet 13a of the upper tray 13,
A separator 25 and a guide wall 26 are provided, and a prize ball (game ball B) can be guided from the overflow formed by these 25 and 26 to the lower communication path 24. In the present embodiment, the width of the flow path near the overflow is set to be at least twice the diameter of the game ball B. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game balls B from being clogged and the falling of the game balls B being delayed. Also,
The area near the overflow is easily visible from the player and is provided at a position where it can be reached. Thus, even if the game ball B is clogged, the player can easily notice the ball and perform the simple operation of moving the clogged game ball B with his / her hand (finger), so that the clogging can be easily performed. Is to be resolved.

The communication passage 24 has a gutter shape, and is arranged such that the opening at the lower end faces the position above the lower tray 14. The opening at the lower end of the communication path 24 is
, And the player can visually recognize the game ball B that falls through the communication passage 24.

Further, the opening passage 22 and the upper tray 13
Are provided with guide members 27A and 27B for always guiding the game balls B guided from the premium ball payout passage 23 to the upper tray 13 (game ball launching unit side) with priority.

In addition, when the game ball B fired from the game ball launching section is not released to the game area (the returned game ball B is called a foul ball BF), the foul ball BF is moved to the middle plate. The light strikes a reflecting wall 28 provided on the middle plate M and falls into a pocket 29 also provided on the middle plate M (see FIG. 2). The lower end of the pocket 29 is opened so as to communicate with the communication path 24, and the foul ball BF that has fallen into the pocket 29 also drops through the communication path 24 to the lower tray 14. Has become.

Next, the operation and effect of the embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

When the player attempts to purchase a new game ball B, or when the game ball B wins a general winning opening 6, a variable winning opening 7, a large winning opening, an operating opening 8, or the like, control is performed. The prize ball dispensing device is driven by the device. This allows
The premium ball (game ball B) passes through the premium ball payout passage 23,
It is paid out to the payout outlet 13a of the upper tray 13. In particular,
When the big hit state occurs, a large amount of game balls B are paid out in a short time.

At this time, if the upper tray 13 is not full (there is room for accommodation), as shown in FIG. 3A, the prize ball (game ball B) is moved by the guide members 27A and 27B. It is guided and preferentially guided to the upper tray 13 (game ball launching unit).

On the other hand, when the upper tray 13 is full (when there is no room for accommodation), the prize ball (game ball B) overflows as shown in FIGS. , And falls to the lower tray 14 through the communication passage 24. Therefore, a prize ball or the like overflowing from the upper tray 13 can be dropped onto the lower tray 14 without passing through the mechanism panel 21. Accordingly, the mechanism tray 21 includes the upper tray 13
There is no need to provide a passage for guiding a prize ball or the like overflowing from the above, and the mechanism panel 21 is significantly simplified. As a result, on the back side of the game board 5, the mounting space for large electric accessories, various illuminated members, various substrates, and the like is hardly limited, and the space can be effectively utilized.

In the present embodiment, even if the lower tray 14 is full, the prize ball or the like is not removed from the lower tray 14.
The prize balls to be paid out one after another do not accumulate in the prize ball payout passage 23. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor for detecting the full state of the lower tray 14. Therefore, an increase in cost can be suppressed accordingly. In addition, temporarily, the lower tray 14
It is not necessary to prohibit firing from the game ball firing unit even when is full. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a problem caused by the execution of the firing prohibition control during the playing of a game, that is, a situation in which an unexpected disadvantage is caused or the interest is reduced.

Further, the opening at the lower end of the communication path 24 is separated from the lower tray 14, so that the player can visually recognize a prize ball (game ball B) falling through the communication path 24. At the same time, the falling prize ball (game ball B) is stored in the lower tray 14 as if shaved ice is placed on the plate, unlike the related art. As a result, the player who saw this can feel that a lot of prize balls have been paid out, and can enjoy the unprecedented taste. Is applied. Moreover, since the prize ball (game ball B) falls from the top to the bottom, the prize ball (game ball) does not need to be gathered in front of the lower saucer 14 (game ball B). B) is stored and accumulated and becomes full. As a result, it is possible to save the trouble for the player when filling the lower tray 14 to the full state.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the reflecting portion 14a is provided on the inner side surface of the lower receiving tray 14, a mirror image of the game ball B stored on the lower receiving tray 14 is formed on the reflecting portion 14a. Can be reflected. For this reason, the lower tray 14a
When the lower bowl 14a is visually recognized from the outside in a state where the game balls B are stored in the game device, the person feels as if there are more game balls B than in reality. Therefore, for example, if a jackpot condition occurs,
At the end, you can realize that you got more prizes, and in some cases,
The fact that many prize balls have been acquired can also be appealed to the surrounding people. As a result, a sense of superiority can be given to the player, and the interest can be further improved.

Further, since the reflecting portion 14a is provided on substantially the entire inner surface of the lower receiving tray 14, the mirror image projected on the reflecting portion 14a of one of the inner surfaces of the lower receiving tray 14a is further reduced. The light is also reflected on the reflecting portion 14a provided on the opposite surface. Further, depending on the viewing angle, the image may be reflected on the reflecting portion 14a provided on a surface that is not opposed (a surface that is substantially orthogonal to each other), so that the player can visually recognize as if there are more game balls B. As a result, the above effects are further spurred.

Furthermore, the opening passage 22 and the upper tray 13
Are provided with guide members 27A and 27B, respectively, so that the game ball B guided from the premium ball payout passage 23
Is always preferentially guided to the upper tray 13 (the game ball launching unit side). Therefore, it is possible to avoid a problem such as a broken ball due to being preferentially stored in the lower tray 14.

In addition, after the foul sphere BF hits the reflecting wall 28, it passes through the pocket 29 and the communication path 24, and
4 "Poto" and fall. Therefore, the player can easily detect that the foul ball BF has occurred.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example.

(A) Although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, for example, the following configuration may be adopted. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, even if the lower tray 14 is enlarged to have a sufficient accommodation volume and a large amount of prize balls (for example, 2400 pieces) are paid out in one occurrence of the jackpot state, May be stored in the lower tray 14. By adopting such a configuration, in addition to the above-described operation and effect, when a big hit state occurs, it is not necessary for the player to perform an operation of moving the prize ball or the like to another place. That is, the player does not need to directly scrape out the prize balls stored in the lower tray 14 or slide the operation lever during the occurrence of the big hit state. Therefore, the player does not need to feel troubled with the operation or the like, or need to pay attention to the operation. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently enjoy the game in the jackpot state, and to dramatically improve the interest.

Further, since the lower tray 14 does not become full until at least one big hit state is completed, a game ball is fired during the occurrence of the big hit state due to the full state. A situation in which firing from a unit is prohibited is avoided. As a result, it is possible to solve a problem that the player temporarily panics due to the above situation or suffers an unexpected disadvantage due to a scheduled premium ball not being paid out.

At the same time, at the end of one big hit state, a large amount of prize balls can be stored in the lower tray 14, so that the player who sees such a state can use the prize stored in the prize ball storage box. It is possible to realize that a large amount of prize balls can be obtained more reliably than when a sphere is viewed.
In particular, in combination with the operation and effect of the reflecting portion 14a, the above-mentioned improvement in the amusement is further spurred.

(B) In the above embodiment, the reflecting portion 14a is constituted by the plating layer. However, if the reflecting portion 14a is capable of displaying a mirror image of the stored game balls B, other members (for example, The reflecting portion 14a may be constituted by a metal foil, a metal plate, a seal, a mirror, or the like).

(C) In the above embodiment, the reflecting portion 14a
Is provided on almost the entire inner side wall of the lower tray 14, but it is not always necessary to provide it on the entire surface. For example, a configuration in which the reflecting portion 14a is not provided near the payout exit may be adopted. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the kinetic energy of the game ball B damages the reflecting portion 14a (the plating layer is peeled off).

(D) In the above-described embodiment, the vicinity of the overflow port is provided at a position where it can be easily visually recognized by the player and can be reached, that is, on the side closer to the player. On the other hand, an overflow may be provided further in the back. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a fraudulent act of clogging the game ball B (prize ball) by the player himself.

(E) The lower tray 14 or the like may be provided directly on the front frame 3.

(F) In the above embodiment, the detection means such as the full tank switch is not provided in connection with the lower tray 14, but it may be provided separately.

In order to prevent the prize ball from reaching the prize ball payout device when the game ball B (prize ball) is clogged in the communication passage 24 or the like, the prize ball payout path may be interrupted. Alternatively, a detecting means such as a full tank switch may be provided. In this case, it is desirable to provide a detection means such as a full tank switch near the payout outlet 13a.

(G) Glass plates 4a, 4 of the above embodiment
A transparent resin plate may be employed instead of b.

(H) At least one of the separator 25, the guide wall 26, the guide members 27A and 27B, the reflective wall 28, and the pocket 29 in the above embodiment may be omitted.

(I) In the above embodiment, the prize ball or the like is dropped almost vertically through the communication passage 24.
The communication path may be formed obliquely or partially horizontal so that the prize ball or the like is rolled down.

(J) The communication path 24 may not be provided. That is, an overflow port and an overflow passage may be provided in the mechanism panel 21, and the prize ball overflowing from the overflow port may be led to the payout outlet of the lower tray through the overflow passage.

(K) Although not mentioned in the above embodiment, a groove is provided in the lower receiving tray 14, and a prize ball or the like overflowing from the lower receiving tray 14 is guided from the groove to provide a prize ball storage box (commonly referred to as a prize ball storage box). (Dollar box). With such a configuration, the ball removing lever provided on the lower receiving tray 14 can be omitted.

(G) The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type different from the above embodiment. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine without the variable display device 9 or the like, or a pachinko machine having another accessory. Further, the present invention can be applied to a game machine such as a sparrow ball and an arrangement ball in addition to a pachinko machine.

(H) On the surface of the reflecting portion 14a, the reflecting portion 1
A coating member for suppressing damage to 4a or a protective cover such as a transparent sheet may be provided.

[0063]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, an excellent effect that a sense of superiority can be given to a player and an interest in the game can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a front frame in a state where a glass door frame is opened.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 3 (a) shows a state in which a premium ball or the like is preferentially guided to an upper tray,
(B) is a diagram showing a state in which a prize ball or the like is guided toward the communicating passage.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line KK of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 2 ... Outer frame, 3 ... Front frame, 4 ... Glass door frame, 5 ... Game board, 12 ... Precoordinate frame, 13
... Upper tray, 14 ... Lower tray, 14a ... Reflector, 21 ... Mechanical panel, 23 ... Premium ball payout passage, 24 ... Communication passage.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine comprising: an upper tray capable of storing game balls; and a lower tray provided below the upper tray and capable of storing game balls overflowing from the upper tray. The game machine further comprises a reflecting portion capable of reflecting a mirror image of the stored game ball.