JP2003220203A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dramatically improve amusement in a game machine such as a pachinko game machine. <P>SOLUTION: A variable display device is fitted to nearly the center part of the game panel of the pachinko game machine 1. The variable display device comprises a liquid crystal display part and a center frame provided so as to surround the liquid crystal display part. A stage member is fitted to the lower part of the center frame, and is provided with an upper stage and a lower stage where waving rolling surfaces for rolling a game ball is formed. Then, a game ball led out from the side part channel of the center frame is 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, after rolling on the rolling game area, wins a prize in an operating port or the like depending on how the game ball rolls. Therefore, the player pays attention to the behavior of the game ball on the rolling game area. Therefore, some of the above-mentioned pachinko machines are trying to improve the interest by causing the game ball to perform a predetermined operation in the rolling game area.

By the way, the game ball flowing down on the board provides amusement to the player by randomly moving with a nail or the like. On the other hand, in a limited area called the rolling game area, the game ball tends to perform a monotonous operation,
In such a case, there is a possibility that the interest of the player who is trying to enjoy the behavior of the game ball may be hindered. Therefore, under the present circumstances, it is desired to develop a gaming machine that can derive a more novel rolling manner and can enjoy the enjoyment by visually recognizing it.

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.

[0007]

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 game member having a rolling game area in which the game ball can roll, wherein the rolling game area extends at least laterally when viewed from the front, and the game ball A plurality of rolling surfaces for rolling, each rolling surface has undulations for accelerating and decelerating the rolling of the game ball in the lateral direction, and among the rolling surfaces , A gaming machine characterized in that at least one rolling surface has a different shape from other rolling surfaces.

According to the above means 1, the game ball is rolled laterally on a plurality of rolling surfaces provided in the rolling game area. When the game ball rolls on the rolling surface, the movement speed or height of the game ball is changed by ups and downs. In addition, the behavior of the derived game balls is different on the rolling surfaces having different shapes. Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is diversified, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball. The "shape" means a shape that affects the rolling aspect of the game ball, and mainly corresponds to at least the shape viewed from the front.

Means 2. In the means 1, at least one rolling surface among the rolling surfaces has a different number of undulations from other rolling surfaces.

According to the above means 2, there are rolling surfaces having different numbers of undulations. Therefore, the number of ups and downs that the game ball rides over and the number of vertical movements differ depending on the rolling surface. Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is further diversified, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball.

Means 3. In the means 1 or 2, the gaming machine is characterized in that at least one rolling surface among the rolling surfaces has a different undulation shape from other rolling surfaces.

According to the above means 3, there are rolling surfaces having different undulations. Therefore, the distance that the game ball rolls at one time and the amount of vertical movement differ depending on the rolling surface. Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is further diversified, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball. In addition, instead of "shape of the undulations", "size of the undulations", "height of the undulations",
It may be "the length of the undulation".

Means 4. In the game area where game balls can flow down,
A gaming machine provided with a game member having a rolling game area in which the game ball can roll, wherein the rolling game area extends at least laterally when viewed from the front, and the game ball Is provided with a plurality of rolling surfaces, each rolling surface is provided with a curved portion having a concave shape for accelerating and decelerating the lateral rolling of the game ball, and each rolling surface At least one rolling surface among the surfaces has a different shape from other rolling surfaces.

According to the above means 4, the game ball is rolled laterally on a plurality of rolling surfaces provided in the rolling game area. When the game ball rolls on the rolling surface, the moving speed and height of the game ball are changed by the bending portion. In addition, the behavior of the derived game ball is different on each rolling surface having a different shape. Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is diversified, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball.

Means 5. In the means 4, at least one rolling surface among the rolling surfaces has a different number of curved portions from the other rolling surfaces.

According to the above means 5, there are rolling surfaces having different numbers of curved portions. Therefore, the number of curved portions through which the game ball passes and the number of vertical movements differ depending on the rolling surface. Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is further diversified, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball.

Means 6. In the means 4 or 5, at least one rolling surface among the rolling surfaces has a curved portion having a different shape from the other rolling surfaces.

According to the above means 6, there are rolling surfaces having different curved portions. Therefore, the distance that the game ball rolls at one time and the amount of vertical movement differ depending on the rolling surface.
Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is further diversified, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball. Instead of the “shape of the curved portion”, “depth of the curved portion”, “curvature of the curved portion”, and “length of the curved portion” may be used.

Means 7. The gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 6, wherein at least one rolling surface among the rolling surfaces has at least a part of a height different from other rolling surfaces.

According to the above means 7, the rolling surface having a height different from that of the other rolling surfaces is provided. Therefore, each rolling surface having a different height can change the height position at which the game ball rolls. Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is further diversified, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball. It should be noted that instead of “at least a part”, “most” or “all” may be used.

Means 8. In the means 7, at least one of the rolling surfaces is provided on the back side with respect to the other rolling surface, and substantially the entire rolling surface on the back side is the rolling surface on the front side. A gaming machine characterized by being installed at a higher position than.

According to the above means 8, since the rolling surface is provided on the back side as well, the rolling position of the game ball becomes the back side or the front side, and the rolling of the game ball occurs. It is also possible to change the moving depth position. Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is further diversified. In addition, since almost the entire rolling surface on the back side is provided at a higher position than the rolling surface on the front side, the visibility of the game ball rolling on the rolling surface on the back side is improved. be able to. Therefore, the player who visually recognizes the game ball can fully enjoy the rolling manner of the game ball, and can further improve the interest.

Means 9. In the means 8, the game member is provided with a ball guide flow path for guiding the flowing down game ball to the rolling surface on the front side.

According to the above-mentioned means 9, the game ball is guided to the rolling surface on the front side by the ball guide flow path. Therefore, for a player who expects that the game ball will be guided to the rolling surface on the front side in order from the rolling surface on the back side, the player feels that the gaming ball behaves in an unexpected manner, further improving the interest. Can be achieved.

Means 10. The means 8 or 9 is provided with at least one communication passage that can guide the game ball from the rolling surface on the front side to the rolling surface on the back side.

According to the above-mentioned means 10, by the communication passage,
The game ball is guided from the rolling surface on the front side to the rolling surface on the back side. That is, since the game ball is guided from the rolling surface at the lower position to the rolling surface at the higher position, the player who visually recognizes the game ball feels that the game ball behaves unexpectedly. , It is possible to further improve the interest. It should be noted that "the communication passage may be provided at both ends or one end of each rolling surface".

Means 11. 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 a gaming ball can flow down, wherein the rolling gaming area is at least lateral when viewed from the front. Is provided with a first rolling surface and a second rolling surface for rolling the gaming ball, the first rolling surface being substantially lateral to the rolling game area. It is provided with one curved portion having a concave shape for accelerating and decelerating the rolling of the game ball in the lateral direction over the entire region, and the second rolling surface is more than the first rolling surface. A gaming machine arranged on the front side or the back side and provided with a plurality of curved portions in the lateral direction of the rolling game area.

According to the above-mentioned means 11, the game ball is rolled laterally by the first and second rolling surfaces provided in the rolling game area, and the rolling position in the depth direction is different. Or When the game ball rolls on the first rolling surface, the curved portion extending over substantially the entire lateral direction of the rolling game area causes a dynamic behavior. Also, when the game ball rolls on the second rolling surface, it behaves little by little by the plurality of curved portions provided in the lateral direction of the rolling game area. Therefore,
The rolling mode of the game ball is diversified, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball. In addition, "the first rolling surface or the second
At least a part of the rolling surface on the front side of the rolling surface is provided at a position lower than the rolling surface on the back side. ”

Means 12. In the means 11, the first rolling surface is arranged on the front side of the second rolling surface,
At least a part of the first rolling surface is the second rolling surface.
A game machine characterized in that it is provided at a position lower than the rolling surface of.

According to the above means 12, the second rolling surface is
Although it is arranged on the back side of the first rolling surface, at least a part thereof is provided at a high position. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of the game ball rolling on the second rolling surface as well as on the first rolling surface. Therefore, the player who visually recognizes the game ball can fully enjoy the rolling manner of the game ball, and can further improve the interest. It should be noted that instead of “at least a part”, “most” or “all” may be used.

Means 13. In the means 12, the game member is provided with a ball guide flow path that guides the flowing down game ball to the first rolling surface.

According to the above means 13, the game ball is guided to the rolling surface on the front side by the ball guide flow path. Therefore, for a player who expects that the game ball will be guided to the first rolling surface on the front side in order from the second rolling surface on the back side,
It is possible to feel that the game ball behaves in an unexpected manner, and it is possible to further improve the interest.

Means 14. In any one of means 11 to 13, a gaming machine provided with at least one communication path capable of guiding the game ball from the first rolling surface to the second rolling surface.

According to the above-mentioned means 14, by the communication passage,
By the game ball is guided from the first rolling surface to the second rolling surface, or conversely, from the second rolling surface to the first rolling surface, 1 The rolling surface through which two game balls pass changes along the way. Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is diversified, and as a result, the player who visually recognizes the game ball can further enjoy the game. It should be noted that the "communication passage may be provided on both ends or one end of both rolling surfaces".

Means 15. In any one of the means 11 to 14, below the rolling game area, there is provided a ball entry area for giving a profit to the player, and on the second rolling surface, two curves adjacent to each other are provided. A game machine characterized in that a lead-out part for leading out the game ball toward the ball entry area is provided between the parts.

According to the above means 15, the derivation unit
The game ball guided to the second rolling surface is led out to the ball entry area. Then, when the game ball is guided to the entry area, a profit is given to the player. Therefore, the player pays great attention to whether or not the game ball is guided to the second rolling surface, and further, whether or not it reaches the derivation unit. Therefore, for the player who visually recognizes the game ball,
It is possible to further improve the interest. The lead-out section may be provided at only one location or may be provided at a plurality of locations.
In addition, the "deriving portion is a groove portion in which the game ball can roll on the near side".

Means 16. In the means 1 to 15, the gaming machine is provided with a discharging portion capable of discharging the game ball from the rolling surfaces to the outside of the rolling surfaces.

According to the above means 16, the game ball is discharged from each rolling surface to the outside of each rolling surface by the discharging portion. Therefore, the possibility that the game ball stays within the rolling surface and the rolling of the subsequent game ball is interrupted is reduced. Therefore, for the player who visually recognizes the game ball, the smooth rolling of the game ball can be continuously enjoyed, and the interest can be further improved.

Means 17. In any one of the means 1 to 16, the game machine characterized in that the distance between both ends of each rolling surface is the same or substantially the same.

By making the distances between both ends of each rolling surface the same or substantially the same as the above means 17, the design of the game member becomes relatively easy, and the game ball within a limited area. You can enjoy the behavior of.

Means 18. 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 a gaming ball can flow down, wherein the rolling gaming area is at least lateral when viewed from the front. Is provided with a plurality of rolling surfaces for rolling the game ball, and each rolling surface is arranged so that the gaming ball on each rolling surface derives a different rolling mode. A gaming machine characterized by being configured.

According to the above means 18, the game ball is rolled laterally by the plurality of rolling surfaces provided in the rolling game area. When the game ball rolls on the rolling surface, the rolling mode of the derived game ball differs depending on the rolling surface. Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is diversified, and as a result,
It is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball.

Means 19. In the means 18, the respective rolling surfaces are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction, and the gaming balls rolling on the respective rolling surfaces are substantially visible from the front.

According to the above-mentioned means 19, since each rolling surface is provided in the front-back direction, the rolling position of the game ball may be on the rear side or the front side depending on the rolling surface, so that the game It is possible to change the depth position where the ball rolls.
Therefore, the rolling mode of the game ball is further diversified. In addition, the player can visually recognize the game ball rolling on each rolling surface regardless of the position of the rolling surface. Therefore, the player who visually recognizes the game ball can fully enjoy the rolling manner of the game ball, and can further improve the interest.

Means 20. In the means 19, the game member is provided with a ball guide flow path that guides the flowing down game balls to the rolling surface on the front side.

According to the means 20 described above, the game ball is guided to the rolling surface on the front side by the ball guide flow path. For this reason,
For the player who expects the game balls to be guided from the rear rolling surface to the front rolling surface in order, the player feels that the game ball behaves unexpectedly, and it is aimed to further enhance the entertainment. You can

Means 21. In any one of the means 18 to 20, a ball entry area for giving a profit to a player is provided below the rolling game area, and at least one rolling surface among the rolling surfaces is A game machine characterized in that the game ball can be led out toward the entrance area.

According to the above means 21, the game ball guided to the specific rolling surface is led out to the ball entry area. Then, when the game ball is guided to the entry area, a profit is given to the player. Therefore, the player pays great attention to whether or not the game ball is guided to the rolling surface and further whether or not the game ball reaches the deriving unit. Therefore, for the player who visually recognizes the game ball, the interest can be further improved. It should be noted that the rolling surface that guides the game ball may be configured such that the game ball that is drawn can be visually recognized.

Means 22. A gaming machine comprising a gaming member having a rolling gaming area in which a gaming ball can roll, in a gaming area in which a gaming ball can flow, wherein the rolling gaming area is at least laterally viewed from the front. It is provided with a front stage and a rear stage for extending and rolling the game ball, and is configured so that the game ball rolling the front stage is guided to the rear stage, and both stages are A gaming machine characterized in that the rolling game balls are substantially visible from the front, and further, the respective stages are configured so that the game balls on the respective stages derive different rolling modes.

According to the above means 22, the game ball is laterally rolled by the front stage and the rear stage provided in the rolling game area. When the game ball rolls on both stages, the rolling mode of the derived game ball is different depending on the stage, so that the rolling mode of the game ball is diversified. Moreover, since the player can visually recognize the diversified rolling modes of the game ball, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball.

Means 23. In the means 22, the game member is provided with a ball guide flow path that guides the flowing down game balls to the preceding stage.

According to the above means 23, the game ball is guided to the preceding stage by the ball guide flow path. For this reason,
For a player who expects that the game ball will be sequentially guided from the rear stage to the front stage, the player feels that the game ball behaves in an unexpected manner, and the interest can be further improved.

Means 24. In the means 22 or 23, when the gaming ball rolls on the latter stage, it is configured to move little by little as compared to when rolling the former stage.

According to the above-mentioned means 24, the game ball is moved by the rear stage in small increments as compared with the time of rolling the front stage. That is, since the rolling mode of the derived game balls is different depending on the stage, the rolling modes of the game balls are surely diversified.

Means 25. In the means 22 or 24, when the gaming ball rolls the front stage, it is configured to make a dynamic movement as compared to when rolling the rear stage.

According to the above-mentioned means 25, the game ball is made to move more dynamically by the front stage than when rolling the rear stage. That is, since the rolling mode of the derived game balls is different depending on the stage, the rolling modes of the game balls are surely diversified.

Means 26. In any one of the means 22 to 25, a ball entry area for giving a profit to a player is provided below the rolling game area, and the latter stage is
A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming ball can be led out toward the entrance area.

According to the above-mentioned means 26, the game ball guided to the subsequent stage is led out to the entry area. Then, when the game ball is guided to the entry area, a profit is given to the player. Therefore, the player pays a great deal of attention as to whether or not the game ball is guided to the subsequent stage.
Therefore, for the player who visually recognizes the game ball, the interest can be further improved. In addition, the rear stage may be configured such that the derived game ball can be visually recognized.

Means 27. In any one of the means 1 to 26, the game member is constituted by a center frame surrounding a variable display device capable of variably displaying identification information.

Means 28. In any one of Means 1 to 27, the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Among them, as a basic specification of the pachinko machine, it is equipped with an operation handle, and according to the operation of the handle, a game ball is launched into a predetermined game area, and the game ball is located at a predetermined position in the game area. Based on winning the prize, a special game value is given if a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0062]

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 which is provided at a front portion of the outer frame 2 and is 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 a ball entry area, 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 section 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 portion 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 operation 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 surface side of the base member 23, a substantially rectangular window portion 25 is formed in accordance with 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 the central portion thereof is higher than the 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 the center 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.

Further, 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 the sphere guide flow path in the present embodiment, and is a so-called warp flow path.

A 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. .

Here, 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 is located on the inner side of the stage member 40 in the longitudinal direction (lateral direction) of the stage member 40.
Extends along.

The lower stage 42 is formed on the lower side of the upper stage 41 so as to be parallel to the upper stage 41.

The rolling surface for rolling the game ball B of the upper stage 41 is provided with undulations along its longitudinal direction. Specifically, the convex portion 4 is provided at the substantially central portion of the rolling surface in the longitudinal direction.
3 are formed, and concave portions 44 as curved portions are formed on both left and right sides thereof. Furthermore, each recess 4
On the outer side in the longitudinal direction of 4, the game ball B is directed toward each recess 44.
The upper inclined surfaces 45 are formed so as to roll. However, the convex portion 43, the concave portion 44, and the upper inclined surface 45
Has almost no step at each boundary and has a substantially continuous undulation.

At the top of the convex portion 43 (at the center of the upper stage 41), a lead-out groove 46 is formed which is opened upward and serves as a lead-out portion through which the game ball B can 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 the state where the center frame 21 is arranged on the game board 5, the lead-out groove 46 is located above the operation 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 rolling surface for rolling the game ball B derived from. The rolling path 50 extends along the upper stage 41 on the inner side of the lower stage 42.

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, a curved portion is formed over substantially the entire lateral direction of the lower stage 42. Further, the rolling path 50 has an extremely gentle central inclined surface 51 whose front side is slightly lower at the center thereof, that is, at a position corresponding to the opening of the lead-out groove 46.
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 that are inclined downward toward the rolling path 50 are provided 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 upper stage 41 includes a high-position region (a region higher than the boundary step 57) located on the upper end side of the boundary step 57, and the lower stage 42 includes the boundary step 5.
7, which is located at the lower end side of 7 (boundary step 57
Lower 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. 7. 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 the game ball B rolls at least in the section where the height of the boundary step portion 57 in the longitudinal direction is higher than the radius of the game ball B. When rolling on the road 50, the game ball B is configured so as to be substantially in contact with the rolling path 50, the inclined portion 56 and the boundary step portion 57. As a result, the game ball B
Is less likely to move sideways in the direction of travel, and the game ball B
In the direction of advance is enhanced.

Further, 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 provided 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 passage 70 that connects the rolling path 50 and the upper stage 41 and guides the game ball B to the upper stage 41 is formed. 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 section 7
1 is inclined downward toward the downstream portion 72 side so that the game ball B can be guided to the downstream portion 72. Further, each downstream portion 72 is inclined downward toward the upper stage 41 side so that the game ball B can be guided to the upper stage 41.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 9, each guide portion 75 is provided as a side wall of the upstream corner 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 changes its rolling direction based on its own rolling so that the game ball B rolling on the rolling path 50 can roll along the communication path 70. Has become.

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.

In addition, each communication passage 70 is provided with a guide inclined surface 77 that is chamfered at the portion where the bottom surface portion of the communication passage 70 and the side wall portion on the end portion 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 flow passage 30 is
It is guided near one end of the rolling path 50 (sliding surface 52) of the lower stage 42. The game ball B slides on the sliding surface 52 while maintaining the derived momentum. The game ball B has an inclined portion 56.
And the boundary step 57, the rolling path 50
Roll laterally.

Since the rolling path 50 is a curved portion having a concave shape, the game ball B is sufficiently accelerated by going down the sliding surface 52. The down game ball B passes through the central inclined surface 51. Here, since the game ball B is accelerated,
The central inclined surface 51 can pass through the central inclined surface 51 with almost no rolling toward the front side along the extremely gentle inclination.

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).

Further, the game ball B which does not go up the sliding surface 52 due to contact with the subsequent game ball, etc. is rolled toward the front side by the inclination of the central inclined surface 51 provided at the lower position and discharged. It is discharged downward through the recess 55.

Now, the game ball B is connected to the communication passage 70 (the upstream portion 7
When guided to 1), the game ball B changes its traveling direction to the downstream portion 72 direction so that it is pushed to the downstream portion 72 side by the inclination of the guide portion 75. Then, the game ball B rolls to the downstream portion 72 along the inclination of the upstream portion 71. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 75 and the guide inclined surface 77 are provided, so that the game ball B is relatively smoothly guided to the downstream portion 72 without reducing the rolling speed of the game ball B. be able to.

When the game ball B moves to the downstream portion 72, it rolls toward the upper stage 41 along the inclined surface thereof. In the present embodiment, the rolling direction of the game ball B can be changed by the arc shape of the downstream corner portion of the downstream portion 72, and the game ball B can be guided to the upper stage 41 relatively smoothly.

When the gaming ball B is guided to the upper stage 41, the gaming ball B rolls laterally along the upper inclined surface 45 toward the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the upper stage 41. That is,
When the game ball B passes through the communication passage 70, its rolling direction is reversed. Then, the game ball B passes through the concave portion 44 and goes up the convex portion 43, thereby rolling while changing the rolling speed and the height position.

The game ball B that has climbed up the convex portion 43 falls into the lead-out groove 46. Then, the game ball B rolled toward the front side and discharged from the lead-out groove 46 has a central inclined surface 51,
It is discharged downward (on the game board 5) through the discharge recess 55. As described above, the guide groove 46 is provided in the operation chucker 13.
Since it is provided immediately above, the game ball B led out from the lead-out groove 46 has a relatively high probability of being actuated by the chucker 13.
Easy to win.

Also, a game ball B that does not go up the convex portion 43.
Is discharged from the front side to the lower stage 42 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.

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, in the lower stage 42, the game ball B guided from the ball guide flow path vigorously rolls on the rolling road 50. The game ball B moves by dynamically changing the moving speed and the height of the entire lower stage 42 by means of one large curved portion extending over substantially the entire lateral direction of the rolling path 50. On the other hand, in the upper stage 41, the game ball B guided from the lower stage 42 by the communication passage 70.
However, it rolls without changing the rolling speed relatively greatly. Then, the game ball B passes from the almost end of the upper stage 41 to the vicinity of the center through the upper inclined surface 45, the concave portion 44 and the convex portion 43 which form a small curved portion, so that the gaming ball B is small in increments unlike the lower stage 42. Move while changing the moving speed and height. Therefore, the player can enjoy the behavior of the game ball B that differs depending on the stage, and can further improve the interest of the player.

Further, the game ball B flowing down by the ball guide flow path is guided to one end of the lower stage 42 while keeping the momentum. Then, the game ball B rolls to the other end of the lower stage 42, and then the upper stage 4 by the communication passage 70.
You will be guided to 1. Therefore, the game ball B changes the passing stage on the way. Further, the game ball B moves from a low position (lower stage 42) to a high position (upper stage 4).
While moving to a predetermined height difference to 1), it also moves in the front-back direction from the front side (lower stage 42) to the back side (upper stage 41). The movement of such a game ball B is such that the game ball B moves from a high position to a low position as in the conventional case.
It is surprising for the player who is expecting the movement of. 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.

In addition, since the upper stage 41 on the back side is high and the lower stage 42 on the front side is low, the movement of the game ball B rolling laterally can be seen from the front side. Therefore, the visibility of the game ball B is improved, and the interest for the player can be further improved.

Further, in the lower stage 42, the game ball B with the momentum rolls over the entire area of the lower stage 42 and moves to the upper stage 41, while in the upper stage 41, the game ball B with the momentum The work chucker 1 goes up the convex portion 43 and is discharged from the lead-out groove 46 with a relatively high probability.
Win 3 Therefore, the player pays great attention to the behavior of the game ball B on the upper stage 41 together with the difference in the behavior of the game ball B depending on the stage.
Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player who visually recognizes the game ball B.

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

(A) The upper stage 41 and the lower stage 42 have rolling surfaces formed in a curved shape, but the rolling surface is not limited to the curved shape and may have any undulations.

(B) The upper stage 41 has two recesses 4
4 is provided, but three or more recesses 44 may be provided.

(C) The rolling road 50 of the lower stage 42 is
Although the bending portion is formed over substantially the entire lateral direction, the bending portion may be made smaller or the number of bending portions may be increased.

(D) In the above embodiment, the stage member 40 is composed of two stages including the upper stage 41 and the lower stage 42, but it may be composed of three or more stages. Further, the stages to be increased may be arranged in the front-rear direction or may be arranged in the lateral direction.

(E) In the above embodiment, the game ball B is caused to flow down along the sphere guide flow path, so-called warp flow path (upper flow path 29 and side flow path 30) provided in the center frame 21, and the stage is set. 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 game ball B is
The ball guide flow path is guided to the lower stage 42. Not limited to this, it may be configured to be guided to the upper stage 41, or configured to be guided to either the upper stage 41 or the lower stage 42 according to the behavior of the game ball B. Good.

(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 Codes] 1 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 5 ... Game board having a game area, 13 ... Operation chucker as a ball entry area, 21
... a center frame as a game member, 29 ... an upper flow path forming a part of a sphere derivation flow path, 30 ... a side flow path forming a part of a sphere derivation flow path, 40 ... a stage having a rolling game area Member, 41 ... upper stage, 42 ... lower stage,
44 ... Recessed portion as curved portion, 46 ... Derived groove as derived portion, 50 ... Rolling path as rolling surface, 55 ... Discharge recessed portion, 7
0 ... communication passage, 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 viewed from the front. , At least laterally, and provided with a plurality of rolling surfaces for rolling the game ball, each rolling surface for accelerating and decelerating the rolling of the game ball in the lateral direction. A gaming machine characterized by having undulations, wherein at least one of the rolling surfaces has a different shape from the other rolling surfaces. 2. 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 viewed from the front. , At least laterally, and provided with a plurality of rolling surfaces for rolling the game ball, each rolling surface for accelerating and decelerating the rolling of the game ball in the lateral direction. A game machine characterized by comprising a curved portion having a concave shape, wherein at least one rolling surface among the rolling surfaces has a different shape from the other rolling surfaces. 3. The rolling surface according to claim 1, wherein at least one rolling surface has at least a part of heights different from other rolling surfaces. Game machine.