JP2003180985A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remarkably improve interest in a game machine such as a pachinko game machine. <P>SOLUTION: A variable display device is fitted to the center part of a game board of the pachinko game machine 1. The variable display device has a liquid crystal display part and a center frame provided to surround the liquid crystal display part. A stage member is fitted to the lower part of the center frame. The stage member is provided with an upper stage and a lower stage. Game balls led out of a side passage of the center frame are guided to the lower stage and guided to the upper stage through the lower stage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the problems to be solved by the invention
2. Description of the Related Art As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko machine including a central device or the like having a rolling game area such as a stage that allows rolling of a game ball on a game board is known.

In such a pachinko machine, an operation port or the like is provided below the central device or in a rolling game area, etc., and various game states based on a game ball winning the operation port,
For example, a jackpot state or the like that is advantageous to the player is derived.

The game ball guided to the rolling game area rolls on the rolling game area for a while, and then, depending on how the game ball rolls, wins a prize in an operating port or the like. Therefore, the player pays attention to the behavior of the game ball on the rolling game area.

For this reason, some of the above-mentioned pachinko machines are trying to improve the interest by causing the game ball to perform a predetermined operation. In these pachinko machines, partition members such as ribs are provided in a protruding manner on the rolling game area to restrict the movement of the game ball in order to cause the game ball to perform a predetermined operation.

However, for example, when the partition member is provided so as to extend relatively long along the lateral direction of the rolling game area when viewed from the front of the game machine, the position and orientation of the partition member, Depending on the length of the section and the like, it is possible that the player may have difficulty in seeing the movement of the game ball. As a result, in terms of enjoying the behavior of the game ball, there is a possibility that the player's interest may be hindered.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of achieving a dramatic improvement in interest by the movement of a gaming ball.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention Means effective for achieving the above object will be shown below. The operation and the like will be described as needed.

Means 1. In the game area where game balls can flow down,
A gaming machine provided with a gaming member having a rolling gaming area in which the gaming ball can roll, wherein the rolling gaming area extends at least in a lateral direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and , A specific inclined portion that inclines downward from the front side toward the rear side, and extends along at least one section of the inclined portion on the rear side of the specific inclined portion, and is based on the inclination of the inclined portion. With a specific ball receiving part that regulates the flow down of the game ball,
A gaming machine configured such that the gaming ball can roll along the specific ball receiving portion.

According to the above means 1, by providing the specific sloping portion and the specific ball receiving portion, it is possible to roll the game ball along the specific ball receiving portion while restricting the movement of the game ball. . Therefore, the player can see the movement of the game ball rolling laterally along the specific ball receiving portion from the front side where the specific inclined portion is provided. As a result, it is possible to cause the game ball to perform a predetermined operation, improve the visibility of the movement, and further improve the interest of the player.

Means 2. In the means 1, the specific sphere receiving portion is configured as a side wall portion corresponding to the specific inclined portion,
A gaming machine characterized in that the wall surface is formed along a substantially vertical direction or inclined toward the front side from the substantially vertical direction.

According to the above-mentioned means 2, the specific ball receiving portion is formed so as to be inclined along the substantially vertical direction or to the front side from the substantially vertical direction. Compared with the case where it is configured to incline more toward the back side, it is possible to more reliably regulate the flow down of the game ball based on the inclination of the specific inclined portion, and roll the game ball along the specific ball receiving portion. .

Means 3. In the game area where game balls can flow down,
A gaming machine provided with a gaming member having a rolling gaming area in which the gaming ball can roll, wherein the rolling gaming area extends at least in a lateral direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and , A specific rolling surface that allows rolling of the game ball, and a specific inclined portion that inclines downward toward the rolling surface in at least one section on the front side of the specific rolling surface and in the extending direction thereof. , A specific side wall portion extending along the rolling surface in at least one section in the back side of the specific rolling surface and in the extending direction thereof, wherein the game ball rolls along the specific rolling surface. A game machine characterized by being configured to be movable.

According to the above means 3, by providing the specific inclined portion and the specific side wall on the side of the specific rolling surface, the movement of the gaming ball is regulated and the gaming ball is rolled laterally. be able to. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the game ball rolling laterally along the specific rolling surface from the front side where the specific inclined portion is provided. As a result, it is possible to cause the game ball to perform a predetermined operation, improve the visibility of the movement, and further improve the interest of the player.

Means 4. In the means 3, the width in the front-rear direction of the specific rolling surface sandwiched by the specific inclined portion and the specific side wall portion is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

According to the above means 4, the width of the specific rolling surface in the front-rear direction is made narrower than the diameter of the game ball, so that the width is wider than the case where the width is wider than the diameter of the game ball, for example. The width of movement of the game ball with respect to the direction becomes smaller. As a result, the progress of the game ball in the predetermined direction is increased, and the game ball can be more reliably rolled in the predetermined direction.

Means 5. In the means 3 or the means 4, in at least one section in the extending direction of the specific rolling surface, the game ball abuts on any two or more of the specific rolling surface, the specific inclined portion and the specific side wall portion. A gaming machine characterized by being configured.

According to the above-mentioned means 5, the game ball is configured to come into contact with any two or more of the specific rolling surface, the specific side wall portion and the specific inclined portion. Therefore, the movement of the game ball in the front-rear width direction of the specific rolling surface is regulated more reliably. As a result, the progress of the game ball in the predetermined direction is further enhanced.

Means 6. In any one of the means 3 to 5, the specific inclined portion is configured to have a substantially arcuate cross-section whose inclination angle gradually decreases toward the specific rolling surface. .

According to the above means 6, the specific inclined portion is formed in a substantially arcuate section so that the inclination angle thereof gradually becomes gentler toward the specific rolling surface. That is, the inclination angle gradually becomes steeper as the distance from the specific rolling surface increases. As a result, even if the game ball runs off the specific rolling surface and rides on the specific inclined portion, it is less likely that the gaming ball will jump out from the inclined portion. As a result, the game ball can be rolled more reliably along the specific rolling surface. In addition, the specific rolling surface and the specific inclined portion may be configured so as to be flush and continuous so that no boundary portion is formed therebetween.

Means 7. The gaming machine according to any one of the means 3 to 6 is characterized in that the specific rolling surface is formed in a substantially arc shape in which a substantially central portion in the extending direction is located lower than both end portions thereof.

According to the above means 7, the height difference is formed by forming the specific rolling surface into a substantially arc shape. As a result, as compared with the case where the game ball simply rolls on a plane having no height difference, the movement of the game ball is changed in the vertical direction, and the interest can be further improved.

Means 8. In any one of the means 3 to 7, the game ball is configured to be guided near at least one end in the extending direction of the specific rolling surface, and the game ball is the other end of the specific rolling surface. A gaming machine characterized by being configured to roll toward.

According to the above means 8, the game ball guided in the vicinity of one end of the specific rolling surface rolls in the extending direction over almost the entire area of the rolling surface toward the other end. Therefore, the game ball moving in a wider range is visually recognized by the player. as a result,
By effectively utilizing the rolling game area, it is possible to allow the player to visually recognize the movement of the game ball, which has a more dynamic feeling, and to further enhance the interest.

Means 9. In the means 8, the game ball is configured to be guided to both ends of the specific rolling surface, and the specific rolling surface is configured to allow each of the guided gaming balls to roll toward the other end. A gaming machine characterized by being played.

According to the above-mentioned means 9, the specific rolling surface is constructed so that the gaming ball can be rolled in opposite directions. Therefore, the movement of the game ball is diversified, and the interest can be further improved.

Means 10. In the means 8 or 9, the rolling game area includes an upper stage specific game area which is higher than at least a part of the specific rolling surface, and the upper stage specific rolling area is the specific direction in the front-back direction. A game ball provided on the back side of the side wall portion and on the upper end side of the specific side wall portion with respect to the vertical direction and guided to the specific rolling surface based on its own rolling, the upper stage identification. A gaming machine configured to move to a rolling area.

According to the above means 10, the game ball guided on the specific rolling surface moves from the specific rolling surface to the upper specific gaming area. Such a movement of the game ball is surprising to a player who expects the movement of the game ball to move from a high position to a low position as in the conventional case. As a result, it is possible to allow the player to visually recognize the behavior of the game ball, which is unexpected, and to further improve the interest of the player.

Means 11. The gaming machine according to any one of means 3 to 10, wherein at least one guide means for guiding the game ball to the specific rolling surface is provided.

According to the means 11 described above, by providing the guide means, it is possible to guide the game ball to a better position for the game ball to perform a predetermined operation. The guide means includes a guide member arranged in the game area and a guide portion such as a warp flow path provided in the game member.

Means 12. In the means 1 or 2, the game ball is configured to be guided near at least one end in the extending direction of the specific inclined portion, and the game ball rolls toward the other end of the specific inclined portion. A gaming machine characterized by being configured to.

According to the above-mentioned means 12, the game ball guided near one end of the specific inclined portion rolls over almost the entire area toward the other end. Therefore, the game ball moving in a wider range is visually recognized by the player. As a result, it is possible to effectively utilize the rolling game area, allow the player to visually recognize the movement of the game ball with a more dynamic feeling, and further improve the interest.

Means 13. In the means 12, the game ball is configured to be guided to both ends of the specific inclined portion, and each of the guided game balls can be rolled toward the other end of the specific inclined portion. Characteristic gaming machine.

According to the means 13, the game ball can be rolled in opposite directions. Therefore, the movement of the game ball is diversified, and the interest can be further improved.

Means 14. In the means 12 or 13, the rolling game area includes at least an upper stage specific game area which is higher than a lower end position of the specific inclined portion,
The upper stage specific rolling area is provided on the back side of the specific ball receiving portion in the front-rear direction, and provided on the upper end side of the specific ball receiving portion in the vertical direction, to the specific rolling surface, A gaming machine, characterized in that the game ball to be guided is configured to move to the upper specific rolling area based on its rolling.

According to the means 14, the game ball guided on the specific rolling surface moves from the specific rolling surface to the upper specific gaming area. Such a movement of the game ball is surprising to a player who expects the movement of the game ball to move from a high position to a low position as in the conventional case. As a result, it is possible to allow the player to visually recognize the behavior of the game ball, which is unexpected, and to further improve the interest of the player.

Means 15. In any one of means 1, means 2, means 12 to means 14, at least one guide means for guiding the game ball to the specific inclined portion is provided.

According to the means 15 described above, by providing the guide means, it is possible to guide the game ball to a better position for performing the predetermined operation. The guide means includes a guide member arranged in the game area and a guide portion such as a warp flow path provided in the game member.

Means 16. A gaming machine having a gaming member having a rolling gaming area in which the gaming ball can roll, in a gaming area in which the gaming ball can flow, wherein the gaming ball guided on the rolling gaming area is: At least one of the rolling paths of the game ball is rolled laterally while the forward movement is restricted by a specific inclined portion provided on the front side of the rolling game area when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A game machine characterized in that it can be moved based on its own rolling, to an upper specific rolling area located at a position higher than a part.

According to the above means 16, the game ball guided on the rolling game area moves from the low position to the high position at least based on the rolling of itself. Such a movement of the game ball is surprising to a player who expects the movement of the game ball to move from a high position to a low position as in the conventional case. Further, since the movement of the game ball is regulated by the specific inclined surface, the player can easily see the movement of the game ball from the front side. As a result, it is possible to cause the game ball to perform a surprising movement, enhance the visibility of the movement, and further improve the interest of the player.

Means 17. A gaming machine provided with a gaming member having a rolling gaming area in which the gaming ball can roll, in a gaming area in which the gaming ball can flow, wherein the rolling gaming area is viewed from the front of the gaming machine. , A specific rolling surface that extends in the lateral direction and is curved in a concave shape, and an upper specific rolling area that is located at a position higher than at least a part of the rolling surface on the inner side of the specific rolling surface. At the same time, by providing a specific inclined portion on at least a part of the front side of the specific rolling surface, the game ball guided to the vicinity of at least one end of the rolling surface, while the movement in the forward direction is restricted, Roll along the specific rolling surface toward the other end of the rolling surface,
A game machine characterized in that it can be rolled from the other end to the upper specific game area through a predetermined communication path.

According to the above means 17, the game ball guided on the rolling game area moves from the low position to the high position based on at least the rolling of itself. Such a movement of the game ball is surprising to a player who expects the movement of the game ball to move from a high position to a low position as in the conventional case. Further, since the movement of the game ball is regulated by the specific inclined surface, the player can easily see the movement of the game ball from the front side. As a result, it is possible to cause the game ball to perform a surprising movement, enhance the visibility of the movement, and further improve the interest of the player.

Means 18. In the means 17, at least one guide means for guiding the game ball to one end of the specific rolling surface is provided.

According to the above-mentioned means 18, by providing the guide means, it is possible to guide the game ball to a better position for the game ball to perform a predetermined operation. The guide means includes a guide member arranged in the game area and a guide portion such as a warp flow path provided in the game member.

Means 19. Means 11, Means 15, Means 18
In any one of the above, the guide means is a guide portion that is provided on the game member and that guides a game ball flowing down the game area to the guideway through at least a part of the game member. Characteristic gaming machine. The "guide portion" includes one in which a game ball is guided from the upper portion, left and right side portions, front surface portion, etc. of the game member through the inside, on the surface, etc. of the game member. In addition, in it, "a game ball that is provided in the game member and flows down the game area from the upper part of the game member is introduced, and the game ball flows down,
A so-called warp flow path and the like “a sphere guide flow path leading to the specific rolling surface” are included.

Means 20. The gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 19, wherein the gaming member is constituted by a center frame surrounding a variable display device capable of variably displaying identification information.

Means 21. In any one of the means 1 to 20, the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Among them, as a basic configuration of the pachinko machine, it is provided with an operation handle and shoots a game ball in a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the handle, and the game ball is moved to an operation port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. Based on winning, a special game value is given when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0048]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as "pachinko machine") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a front frame 3 provided at a front portion of the outer frame 2 and openably and closably supported at one side of the outer frame 2. I have it.

A glass door frame 4 is provided on the front side of the front frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. A game board 5 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the rear side of the front frame 3 (the inner side of the glass door frame 4 and the inner side of the outer frame 2).

The lower plate portion of the glass door frame 4 is integrally provided with an upper plate 6 as a ball tray for storing the game balls B (see FIG. 2). Further, a lower plate 7 serving as a ball receiving plate is provided in the lower part of the front surface of the front frame 3 in a substantially central portion. On the side of the lower plate 7, a game ball firing handle 8 is provided. The handle 8 is connected to a game ball launching device (not shown), and when the player rotates the handle 8, the game ball B is launched from the game ball launching device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 5 is formed with a plurality of openings by being subjected to router processing, and each opening has a normal winning chucker 11, a variable winning device 12, An operation chucker 13 as an operation port, a variable display device 14, a through chucker 15 and the like are provided.

On one side of the game board 5, an inner rail 16a and an outer rail 16b for guiding the game ball B emitted by the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 5 are provided.
In the vicinity of the lower end of the inner rail 16a, the game board 5 is formed with an out port 17 through which the game ball B is led out. Then, most of the game balls B flowing down to the lower part of the game board 5 are guided to a ball discharge path (not shown) through the out port 17. In the present embodiment, the inner rail 16a of the game board 5
The variable display device 14 is surrounded by the outer rail 16b.
The portion where the etc. are arranged is a game area where the game ball B can flow down.

The variable display device 14 includes the liquid crystal display unit 2
0 and a center frame 21 as a game member provided so as to surround the liquid crystal display unit 20.

The liquid crystal display unit 20 displays three display columns, for example, a left symbol column, a middle symbol column and a right symbol column. Each symbol row is composed of a plurality of symbols as identification information, and these symbols are variably displayed so as to scroll for each symbol row.

More specifically, the symbols on the liquid crystal display unit 20 of the variable display device 14 are variably displayed based on the fact that the game ball B is won in the operation chucker 13 provided immediately below the variable display device 14. Then, when the combination of stopped symbols becomes a specific combination set in advance, a special game value is given. That is, a big hit state occurs, the special winning opening of the variable winning device 12 becomes a predetermined open state (specifically, a predetermined number of times and a predetermined number of times are opened), and the game ball B becomes easy to win. The variable winning device 12
Is usually in a state where the game ball B cannot be won or is difficult to win.

As is well known, based on the fact that the game ball B is won in the normal winning chucker 11, the variable winning device 12, and the operating chucker 13, a predetermined number of prize balls are given to the upper plate 6 or the lower plate 7. Be paid out. Further, on the game board 5, a large number of nails are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow down direction of the game balls B, and various members (features) such as a wind turbine are arranged.

Next, the center frame 21 of the variable display device 14 described above will be described. As shown in FIG.
The center frame 21 includes a decorative frame 22 arranged on the front surface side of the game board 5, and a base portion 23 on the rear surface side of which the liquid crystal display unit 20 can be attached. The decorative frame 22 and the base portion 23 each have a frame shape with an opening in the center, and are assembled so that the openings communicate with each other in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the center frame 21 has a frame shape as a whole. At the periphery of the decorative frame 22, screw holes 9 for fixing the decorative frame 22 to the game board 5
0 is formed. The length of the base portion 23 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction) is configured to be slightly shorter than the length of the decoration frame 22 in the left-right direction, and the left and right sides of the center frame 21 are located outside the side portions of the base member 23. And decorative frame 2
A side cover 24 is attached to cover the side rear surface side of No. 2.

On the back side of the base member 23, there is formed a window portion 25 having a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the size of the liquid crystal display portion 20. The center frame 21 around the window 25
On the back side (back side of the decorative frame 22 and the base portion 23) of the above, an electric decoration member such as an LED (not shown) is attached together with various substrates.

Further, the upper peripheral edge of the decorative frame 22 is formed in a substantially arc shape, and its central portion is higher than both left and right end portions. An outer ceiling portion 26A is provided on the front surface side of the upper peripheral edge. Below the outer ceiling portion 26A, there is an inner ceiling portion 26B.
Are formed so as to be parallel to the outer ceiling portion 26A. The space between the outer ceiling portion 26A and the inner ceiling portion 26B is configured to have a size that allows at least the game ball B to pass through.

The opening 2 is provided near the top of the outer ceiling 26A.
7 is formed, and a partition plate 28 that partitions the opening 27 into right and left is provided. In this way, the decorative frame 22
In the upper part of the, the upper flow path 29 is formed which can introduce the game ball B flowing down on the game board 5 from the opening 27 and guide it to the left and right sides (see the dotted line part in FIG. 3). ).

A central decorative lens 31 for covering the upper flow path 29 is attached to the tip portions of the outer ceiling portion 26A and the inner ceiling portion 26B (on the front surface side of the center frame 21) at substantially central portions thereof. The left and right side portions of the center frame 21 cover the inside of the left and right side portions, and the side decorative lens 3 that covers the front side of the left and right end portions of the upper channel 29.
2 are attached respectively.

In the vicinity of the left and right ends of the upper channel 29,
Not-shown discharge ports are formed to discharge the game balls B to the back side of the decorative frame 22. Along with this, inside the side cover 24, a side flow path 30 communicating with the discharge port is formed (see a dotted line portion in FIG. 3). Therefore, the game ball B discharged from the discharge port is the side passage 3
It is configured to flow down along 0.

The lower end side wall of the side cover 24 is formed in a substantially arc shape so that the side flow passage 30 is inclined toward the lower portion of the center frame 21. In addition, the side channel 30
In order to guide the game ball B guided by the lower part of the center frame 21 to the upper surface (inner side surface), the left and right side parts of the base part 23 corresponding to the lower part of the side cover 24 are located on the upper surface of the center frame 21. It is open to the other. The series of flow paths formed by the upper flow path 29 and the side flow path 30 corresponds to a sphere guide flow path as the guide means in the present embodiment, and is a so-called warp flow path. That is, the series of flow paths also correspond to the guide portion provided in the center frame 21.

The stage member 40 is attached to the upper surface of the lower part of the center frame 21. A rolling game area on which the game ball B can roll is formed on the stage member 40. The rolling game area includes not only the surface on which the game ball B can actually roll but also the entire surface of the stage member 40, for example, the wall surface of the boundary step 57 and the wall of the guide 75 described later. .

Now, the stage member 40 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. Stage member 40
Is an upper stage 41 and a lower stage 42 which have a height difference.
And are integrally formed.

The upper stage 41 corresponds to the upper specific game area in this embodiment, and extends along the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) of the stage member 40 on the back side of the stage member 40.

The lower stage 42 corresponds to the lower specific game area in the present embodiment, and is formed in parallel with the upper stage 41 on the lower side before the upper stage 41.

On the game ball rolling surface of the upper stage 41, undulations are formed along its longitudinal direction. For more information,
A convex portion 43 is formed at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction, and concave portions 44 are formed on both left and right sides thereof. Further, on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of each recess 44, an upper inclined surface 45 is formed so that the game ball B rolls toward each recess 44. However, the convex portion 43, the concave portion 44, and the upper inclined surface 45 have almost no step at each boundary portion, and have a substantially continuous undulation.

At the top of the convex portion 43 (the center of the upper stage 41), there is formed a lead-out groove 46 which opens upward and allows the game ball B to fall. The width of the lead-out groove 46 in the present embodiment is slightly wider than the diameter of the game ball B. The bottom of the lead-out groove 46 is inclined so that it is lower toward the front side. Further, the front end of the lead-out groove 46 is open to the lower stage 42 side. Therefore, the game ball B that has fallen into the lead-out groove 46 is led out to the lower stage 42 side. In addition,
When the center frame 21 is arranged on the game board 5, the lead-out groove 46 is located above the operating chucker 13 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the lower stage 42 includes the side flow passage 30.
It has a rolling path 50 as a specific rolling surface for rolling the game ball B derived from. The rolling path 50 is the lower stage 4
On the back side of the second stage 2, it extends along the upper stage 41.

When viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1, the rolling path 50 is formed in a generally arcuate shape in which the central portion in the longitudinal direction is lower than the left and right end portions as a whole. That is, it is curved in a concave shape. Further, the rolling path 50 is located at a central portion thereof, that is, at a position corresponding to the opening portion of the lead-out groove 46.
Have. The length of the central inclined surface 51 in the left-right direction is longer than the width of the lead-out groove 46 in the left-right direction.

The rolling path 50 has sliding surfaces 52 on both the left and right sides of the central inclined surface 51, which incline downward toward the central inclined surface 51 in a substantially arc shape. The sliding surface 52 is configured so as to be on a substantially extended line of the slope near the outlet of the side channel 30 (see FIG. 9). That is, the side channel 3
The outlets of 0 are provided so as to correspond to the vicinity of the ends of the rolling passages 50, respectively, and the game ball B drawn from the side passage 30 is guided to the vicinity of the ends of the rolling passages 50. It

Further, the lower stage 42 is provided with a discharge recess 55 capable of discharging the game ball B toward the game board 5 on the front side of the central inclined surface 51. Further, on both sides of the discharge recess 55, inclined portions 56 are provided as specific inclined portions that are inclined downward toward the rolling path 50 so as to correspond to the front sides of the left and right sliding surfaces 52, respectively.

At the boundary between the upper stage 41 and the rolling path 50, the boundary step portion 5 is formed in most of the longitudinal direction.
7 are formed. The boundary step 57 is configured such that its wall surface extends in a substantially vertical direction from the rear end of the rolling path 50. The boundary step 57 corresponds to the specific side wall in the present embodiment, and the upper stage 41 has the boundary step 57.
Of the lower stage 42 including the high position area (the area higher than the boundary step 57) located on the upper end side of the lower stage 42 (the lower step 42 than the boundary step 57). Low area). As a result, the height difference between the upper stage 41 and the lower stage 42 is clearly shown to the player.

Here, the relationship between the rolling path 50, the inclined portion 56 and the boundary step portion 57 will be described with reference to FIG. The width of the rolling path 50 is narrower than the diameter of the game ball B. The relationship between the width of the rolling path 50 and the inclination angle of the inclined portion 56 is such that at least the height of the boundary step portion 57 in the longitudinal direction is the game ball B.
When the game ball B rolls on the rolling path 50 in a section that is higher than the radius of, the game ball B is rolling path 50,
The slanted portion 56 and the boundary stepped portion 57 are configured to be substantially in contact with each other. As a result, the game ball B is less likely to laterally shake with respect to its traveling direction, and the progress of the game ball B in the traveling direction is enhanced. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
The width of the rolling path 50 may be at least smaller than the diameter of the game ball B. By doing this, compared to the case where the width of the rolling path is wider than the diameter of the game ball B, the game ball B
The lateral deviation of the game ball B is reduced, and the progress of the game ball B is increased.

In the upper stage 41, the convex portion 4
Various ribs that prevent the game ball B from falling toward the front side are provided so as to project upward from the boundary step 57 so as to correspond to the portion where the 3 and the upper inclined surface 45 are formed. . The front wall surface of each rib is flush with the wall surface of the boundary step 57.

Specifically, the inner ribs 60 are formed on both sides of the lead-out groove 46 so as to correspond to the front side of the convex portion 43.
Are provided respectively. Each inner rib 60 is formed in a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1. The protruding side is formed as an end portion (inner end portion) on the side of the lead-out groove 46 in the left-right direction of each inner rib 60 so as to extend substantially vertically from the peripheral edge of the front-side opening of the lead-out groove 46. There is. The other side is from the upper end of the inner end,
It inclines toward the vicinity of each boundary between the convex portion 43 and the concave portion 44. This side is formed in a substantially arc shape, and a taper surface 60a is formed on the back side thereof (see FIG. 8).

Outer ribs 61 are provided so as to correspond to the front sides of both upper inclined surfaces 45. Each outer rib 61 is formed in a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1. The protruding one side is formed as an outer end portion in the left-right direction of each outer rib 61, and rises in a substantially vertical direction at substantially the same positions as the left and right end portions of the rolling path 50. The other side is inclined in a substantially arcuate shape from the upper end of the outer end portion to the vicinity of each boundary between the upper inclined surface 45 and the recess 44. At the periphery of each outer rib 61,
A tapered surface 61a is formed on the front surface side.

The concave portion 44 is an inclined surface whose front side is slightly lower. Since the rib for preventing the fall of the game ball B is not provided on the front side of the portion, the game ball B can be led out to the lower stage 42 side also from here.

In the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the upper stage 41 and the rolling path 50, the height relationship between them is reversed. That is, the rolling path 50 is higher than the upper stage 41 near both ends. Therefore, in this portion, the boundary step 57 is not formed, and the rolling path 50 reaches the front side of each outer rib 61. Based on this, in the vicinity of both ends of the rolling passage 50, as the width of the rolling passage 50 moves toward each end, the upper stage 41 moves along the tapered surface 61a of each outer rib 61.
It is configured to spread to the side (see FIG. 9).

Further, the rolling path 50 and the upper stage 41
At both ends of each, a communication path 70 is formed as a guide means for communicating the rolling path 50 with the upper stage 41 and guiding the game ball B to the upper stage 41. Each communication passage 70 includes an upstream portion 71 adjacent to the rolling passage 50 and a downstream portion 72 adjacent to the upper stage 41. Each upstream portion 71 is inclined downward toward the downstream portion 72 so that the game ball B can be guided to the downstream portion 72. In addition, each downstream section 72, the game ball B the upper stage 4
It is inclined downward toward the upper stage 41 side so that it can be guided to 1.

At both ends of the rolling passage 50, stepped portions 73 are formed so that the game balls B do not move from the upstream portions 71 to the rolling passage 50 side. Also, at the boundary between the upstream portion 71 and the downstream portion 72, the game ball B rolled to the downstream portion 72
In order not to return to the upstream portion 71 again, a step portion (not shown) is provided.

On the upstream side of each upstream portion 71 (the front side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1), there are respectively guide portions 75 for guiding the game balls B rolling on the rolling path 50 to the downstream portion 72. It is provided.

As shown in FIG. 9, each guide portion 75 is provided as a side wall of the upstream corner portion of the communication passage 70.
It has a substantially flat shape. Each guide portion 75 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rolling passage 50 so that the upstream portion 71 is wider toward the rolling passage 50 side and becomes narrower toward the end of the stage member 40. That is, each guide part 75
It is configured to narrow the region in the rolling direction so that the game ball B rolling on the rolling path 50 cannot go straight. Therefore, each guide part 75 rolls based on its own rolling so that the game ball B rolling on the rolling path 50 in this embodiment can roll along the communication path 70. It corresponds to a direction changing means for changing the direction.

Specifically, in each upstream portion 71, the frontage on the rolling path 50 side is wider than the diameter of the game ball B, and the side surface of the upstream portion 71 on the end side of the stage member 40 is larger than the diameter of the game ball B. It is getting narrower. As a result, as the game ball B approaches the side surface, a part of the game ball B is projected toward the downstream portion 72 side. In addition, rolling path 50
The frontage of the side is wider than the diameter of the game ball B, and the stage member 40
If the side surface on the end portion side is configured to be narrower than the diameter of the game ball B, the guide portion 75 may have, for example, a gentle substantially arcuate shape instead of the substantially flat shape. However, in the case where the substantially arcuate guide portion is provided, the area of the upstream portion is larger than that in the case where the guide portion 75 is provided.
That is, the gap formed between the game ball B and the guide portion increases, and depending on the degree of bending of the arc shape of the guide portion, the game ball B rolling on the rolling path 50 hits the curved surface of the guide portion. However, there is a possibility that it will bounce back to the rolling path 50 side. Therefore, it is preferable that the guide portion is closer to a flat surface.

The side walls of the downstream corners of each downstream portion 72 are formed in a substantially arc shape so that the game ball B can be smoothly guided to the upper stage 41.

Further, each communication passage 70 is provided with a guide inclined surface 77 which is chamfered at the portion where the bottom surface portion of the communication passage 70 and the side wall portion on the end side of the stage member 40 meet. Has been. The guide inclined surface 77 is formed so as to gently incline toward the inside of the stage member 40 from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment configured as described above will be described.

According to the present embodiment, the game ball B driven into the upper part of the game board 5 may be guided to the opening 27 in the upper part of the center frame 21 by the operation of the player. The game ball B guided from the opening 27 to the upper flow path 29 is guided to the lower part of the center frame 21 through the upper flow path 29 and the side flow path 30.

The game ball B drawn from the side passage 30 is
It is guided near one end of the rolling path 50 (sliding surface 52).
The game ball B slides on the sliding surface 52 while maintaining the derived momentum. Here, when the game ball B is not drawn out straight from the side flow path 30 and is likely to come off to the front side of the running surface 52, the inclined part 56 guides the game ball B to the running surface 52. On the back side of the rolling path 50, the boundary step 57 restricts the game ball B from coming off to the back side. Therefore, the game ball B rolls along the rolling path 50 so as to be guided by the inclined portion 56 and the boundary step portion 57 as described above (see FIG. 7).

The game ball B that has descended the sliding surface 52 passes through the central inclined surface 51. Here, since the game ball B is sufficiently accelerated by the side flow path 30 and the sliding surface 52, there is almost no rolling toward the front side along the extremely gentle inclination of the central inclined surface 51. , Can pass through the central inclined surface 51.

The game ball B that has passed through the central inclined surface 51 goes up the sliding surface 52 toward the end of the rolling path 50 different from the derived side. Then, the game ball B gradually decelerates and is guided from the rolling passage 50 to the communication passage 70 (upstream portion 71).

When the game ball B is guided to the communication passage 70 (upstream portion 71), the game ball B is pushed toward the downstream portion 72 side by the inclination of the guide portion 75, so that the traveling direction thereof is the downstream portion 72 direction. Change to. Here, as described above, the tapered surface 61a is formed on the outer rib 61, and the end of the rolling path 50 is in a state of being opened by the downstream portion 72 side, so that the game ball B is closer to the downstream portion 72 side. It is easy to be guided.

Then, the game ball B rolls to the downstream portion 72 along the inclination of the upstream portion 71. In addition, in the present embodiment, by providing the guide inclined surface 77, it is possible to relatively smoothly guide the game ball B to the downstream portion 72 without reducing the rolling speed of the game ball B.

At this time, the game ball B rolling at a relatively high speed changes its rolling direction so that it rides on the guiding inclined surface 77. Here, when the game ball B rolls at a higher speed, the game ball B hits the side surface of the upstream portion 71 on the end side of the stage member 40,
There is a risk of bouncing back to the rolling path 50 side. However, when the game ball B hits the side face, as described above, a part of the game ball B is in a state of protruding toward the downstream portion 72 side. That is, the center of the game ball B deviates from the extension of the central axis of the rolling path 50 and moves to the downstream portion 72 side. For this reason, even if the game ball B bounces, the bounced game ball B rarely directly bounces toward the rolling path 50, and bounces so as to hit at least the outer end portion of the outer rib 61. . As a result, the outer rib 61 restricts the operation of the game ball B that would return to the rolling path 50.

Now, when the game ball B moves to the downstream portion 72, it rolls toward the upper stage 41 along the inclined surface thereof. In addition, in the present embodiment, the rolling direction of the game ball B is changed by the arc shape of the downstream corner portion of the downstream portion 72, and the game ball B is relatively smoothly moved to the upper stage 4
Can be guided to 1.

When the game ball B is guided to the upper stage 41, the game ball B rolls along the upper inclined surface 45 toward the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the upper stage 41. That is, the game ball B
Passing through the communication passage 70, the rolling direction is reversed.

The game ball B that has passed through the concave portion 44 and climbed up the convex portion 43 falls into the lead-out groove 46. And the lead-out groove 4
The game ball B discharged from 6 is discharged onto the game board 5 through the central inclined surface 51 and the discharge recess 55. Here, since the tapered surface 60a of the inner rib 60 is provided, even when the game ball B that has passed through the recess 44 collides with the inner rib 60, the game ball B bounces toward the convex portion 43 side. It's getting easier. That is, the game ball B is more easily guided in the direction of the guide groove 46.

Also, a game ball B that does not go up the convex portion 43.
Are discharged to the lower stage 42 from the front side along the inclination of the recess 44. Then, it is discharged onto the game board 5 through the central inclined surface 51 and the discharge recess 55.

As described above, since the lead-out groove 46 is provided immediately above the operating chucker 13, the lead-out groove 46 is provided.
The game ball B derived from is likely to win the operation chucker 13 with a relatively high probability.

Also, by the nails that are planted on the game board 5, some of the game balls B are in the upper flow path 29 and the side flow path 3.
Even if it does not pass through 0, it may jump and be guided onto the stage member 40. The game ball B or the like, which has a lot of momentum, may roll along the rolling path 50 and be guided to the upper stage 41.

As described in detail above, by providing the inclined portion 56 and the specific side wall portion on the side portion of the rolling path 50, the movement of the game ball B is regulated while the game ball B is rolled laterally. Can be moved. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the game ball B rolling laterally along the rolling path 50 from the front side where the inclined portion 56 is provided. as a result,
It is possible to cause the game ball B to perform a predetermined operation, improve the visibility of the movement, and further improve the interest of the player.

In addition, since the game balls B guided to both ends of the rolling path 50 are configured to be able to roll in almost different areas in different directions, a wider range is achieved. It is possible to diversify the movement of the game ball B by making the player visually recognize the movement of the game ball B having a more dynamic feeling and effectively utilizing the rolling game area of the stage member 40.

Further, the game ball B led out from the side flow path 30 is in a low position (lower stage 4 based on its own rolling).
A predetermined height difference is moved from 2) to a high position (upper stage 41). Such a movement of the game ball B is surprising to a player who expects the movement of the game ball B to move from a high position to a low position as in the conventional case. Further, for a player who is accustomed to the movement of the game ball B that rolls from the back side to the front side in the rolling game area where the back side is high and the front side is low as in the conventional case, the front side as in the present embodiment The movement of the game ball that moves from the inside to the inside becomes fresh. As a result, it is possible to allow the player to visually recognize the behavior of the game ball B, which is surprising, and to further improve the interest of the player.

By moving the height difference based on the rolling of the game ball B itself in this manner, the game ball B can be moved to a higher position without a relatively large-scale mechanism utilizing a magnet, a spring mechanism or the like. It can be moved. As a result, it is not necessary to provide the above-described mechanism, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as an increase in the size of the apparatus, an increase in production cost, a complicated assembly process, an increase in the number of parts, and a tendency to cause a failure. it can. Further, since the height difference is moved based on the rolling of the game ball B itself, the game ball B can be moved more reliably compared to the case where the game ball B is moved by using a spring mechanism or the like. it can.

Also, the game ball B is guided to the stage member 40 by a series of flow paths (ball guide flow paths) constituted by the upper flow path 29 and the side flow path 30. Therefore, the game ball B can be guided to the stage member 40 more smoothly. Therefore, the decrease in the kinetic energy of the game ball B is minimized, and the game ball B having more kinetic energy can be guided to the stage member 40, so that the game ball B can be moved to a higher position more reliably. Further, it becomes possible to move the game ball B to a higher position, and the player can visually recognize the movement of the game ball B having a more dynamic feeling, thereby further enhancing the interest.

The contents described in the above-mentioned embodiment are not limited to the above, and the following may be adopted, for example.

(A) The rolling path 50 may not be provided. For example, a specific inclined portion is provided over almost the entire area on the front side of the lower stage 42, and the flow of the game ball B based on the inclination of the inclined portion is regulated by the boundary step portion 57 as a specific ball receiving portion while the game ball B is being controlled. May be rolled along the boundary step 57. At this time, the discharge recess 55 is not provided in the lower stage 42, the front side of the lead-out groove 46 is not opened to the lower stage 42 side, and the stage member 4 is
The game ball B may be dropped below 0 and guided to the operation chucker 13.

(B) In the above embodiment or (a), the wall surface of the boundary step portion 57 may be formed so as not to extend in the substantially vertical direction but to be inclined toward the front side from the substantially vertical direction. However, it may be formed so as to incline inward from the substantially vertical direction. However, when the boundary step 57 is formed to be inclined along the substantially vertical direction or to the front side from the substantially vertical direction, the boundary step 57 is configured to be inclined to the inner side from the substantially vertical direction. It is possible to more reliably prevent the game ball B from moving in the front-rear direction than if it were.

(C) In the above embodiment, in at least one section of the rolling path 50, the game ball B is substantially in contact with the rolling path 50, the inclined portion 56 and the boundary step 57. Has been done. The configuration is not limited to this, and the game ball B may be in contact with any two of the rolling path 50, the inclined portion 56, and the boundary step portion 57.

(D) The inclined portion 56 may have a substantially arcuate cross section in which the inclination angle is gradually reduced toward the rolling path 50. In this way, even if the game ball B runs off the rolling path 50 and rides on the inclined portion 56,
It is possible to reduce the problem of jumping out from the inclined portion 56. As a result, the game ball B can be rolled more reliably along the rolling path 50.
Here, the rolling path 50 and the inclined portion 56 may be configured to be flush and continuous so that no boundary portion is formed therebetween.

(E) In the above embodiment, the game ball B is caused to flow down along the sphere guide flow path provided on the center frame 21, the so-called warp flow path (upper flow path 29 and side flow path 30), and the stage It is led to the member 40. Not limited to this, for example, the center frame 2 may be used as the guide means.
1 may be provided with a ball guide flow path for introducing the game ball B into the inside from the left and right side portions, the front surface portion and the like and leading it to the stage member 40. Also, not inside the center frame 21,
For example, let the front part pass over the surface of the front part,
A guide portion for guiding the stage member 40 may be provided.
Further, the center frame 21 may not be provided with the sphere guide flow passage, and for example, a specific guide means (guide member) may be provided on the game board 5.

(F) In the above embodiment, the sphere guide flow passages are provided on both the left and right sides of the center frame 21. The configuration is not limited to this, and the sphere guide flow path may be provided only on one side of the center frame 21.

(G) In the above embodiment, the lower stage 42 is provided with a height difference, and the movement of the game ball B is changed in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The lower stage may be configured such that the entire area of the lower stage rolls substantially horizontally.

(H) In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit 2
Although the center frame 21 that surrounds 0 is used as a game member, a game member that surrounds another accessory may be used. Alternatively, only a stage member may be provided as a game member.

(I) In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal display section 20 is used as the display section of the variable display device 14. However, not limited to this, a CRT, a dot matrix, an LED (electroluminescence), a fluorescent display tube, or the like may be used as the display unit of the variable display device 14.

(J) The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type different from that of the above embodiment. Therefore, it can be applied to a pachinko machine without the variable display device 14. Further, the present invention can be applied to game machines such as sparrow balls and arrange balls, in addition to pachinko machines.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a partial front view showing the game board according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a center frame.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a stage member.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a stage member.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a stage member.

7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line KK of FIG. 5 for explaining the relationship between the rolling path, the inclined portion, and the boundary step portion.

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view illustrating a tapered surface of an inner rib.

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view for explaining a communication passage and its vicinity.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 5 ... Game board having a game area, 13 ... Operation chucker, 14 ... Variable display device,
20 ... Liquid crystal display part, 21 ... Center frame as a game member, 22 ... Decorative frame, 23 ... Base part, 24 ... Side cover, 26A ... Outer ceiling part, 26B ... Inner ceiling part, 27 ... Opening part, 28 ... Partition plate, 29 ... Upper flow path constituting guide means, guide part or part of sphere outlet flow path, 30 ... Side flow path forming guide means, guide part or part of sphere outlet flow path, 31 ...
Central decorative lens, 32 ... Side decorative lens, 40 ... Stage member having rolling game area, 41 ... Upper stage as upper specific game area, 42 ... Lower stage as lower specific game area, 43 ... Convex portion, 44 ... Recesses, 45 ... Upper inclined surface, 46 ... Outlet groove, 50 ... Rolling path as a specific rolling surface, 51 ... Central inclined surface, 52 ... Sliding surface, 55 ... Discharge recessed portion, 56 ... Inclination as a specific inclined portion Part, 57 ... boundary step part as a specific side wall part, 60 ... inner rib, 61 ... outer rib,
60a, 61a ... Tapered surface, 70 ... Communication passage as guide means, 71 ... Upstream part, 72 ... Downstream part, 75 ... Guide part as direction changing means, 77 ... Guide inclined surface, B ... Game ball.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine comprising a gaming member having a rolling gaming area in which the gaming ball can roll, in a gaming area in which a gaming ball can flow down, wherein the rolling gaming area is the gaming machine. When viewed from the front of the, at least laterally extending, and a specific inclined portion that inclines downward from the front side to the back side, and at the back side of the specific inclined portion, in at least one section of the inclined portion. It is provided with a specific ball receiving portion that extends along and that regulates the flow down of the game ball based on the inclination of the inclined portion, and that the game ball can be rolled along the specific ball receiving portion. Characteristic gaming machine. 2. The specific sphere receiving portion is configured as a side wall portion corresponding to the specific inclined portion, and the wall surface is formed so as to be inclined along a substantially vertical direction or toward the front side from the substantially vertical direction. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is provided. 3. The game ball is configured to be guided near at least one end in the extending direction of the specific inclined portion, and the game ball rolls toward the other end of the specific inclined portion. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine is configured.