JP2007175480A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make movement of the shutter device complicated without increasing the scale of the shutter device in a game machine provided with the shutter device on the front face side of a pattern display device. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine provided with the shutter device arranged on the front face side of a display device having a display area where various kinds of performance displays are made possible according to progress of a game, a shutter device comprises: a plurality of shield plates parallelly arranged on the front face side of the display area of the display device; a shield plate opening means capable of opening/closing a part of shield plates among the plurality of shield plates independently of other shield plates; and a shield plate moving means capable of moving the plurality of shield plates in a state the plurality of the shield plates are overlapped one another and performing switching between a totally closed state where the shield plates cover the display area of the display device and a totally opened state where the shield plates are not present on the front face side of the display area of the display device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a combination gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine), a slot machine or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine is known in which a shutter device is provided on the front side of a display device that displays various effects according to the progress of the game (see Patent Document 1). This gaming machine is configured such that the display device can be switched between a visible state and an invisible state as viewed from the player by opening and closing a shielding plate provided in the shutter device.
JP 2004-135585 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, only the shutter plate of the shutter device is opened or closed, so that only a monotonous operation can be performed, and the player is easily bored. Therefore, it is conceivable to make the movement of the shielding plate complicated, but in this case, the shutter device may be increased in size. Further, since it is common to use a large-sized liquid crystal display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device of about 10 inches to 15 inches) as a display device, installation space for other devices around the display device is limited. There is a problem.

  Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention complicates the movement without increasing the size of the shutter device in the gaming machine in which the shutter device is provided on the front side of the display device that displays various effects according to the progress of the game. The purpose is to let you.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first feature of the present invention is a gaming machine provided with a shutter device provided on the front side of a display device having a display area capable of displaying various effects as the game progresses. The shutter device can open and close a plurality of shielding plates arranged in parallel on the front side of the display area of the display device, and a part of the shielding plates independently of the other shielding plates. The shielding plate opening / closing means and the plurality of shielding plates can be moved in a state of being overlapped with each other. The plurality of shielding plates cover the display area of the display device, and the plurality of shielding plates are in front of the display area of the display device. And a shielding plate moving means capable of switching between a fully open state that does not exist on the side.

  As described above, by opening and closing only a part of the plurality of shielding plates independently of the other shielding plates, a complicated movement can be realized by the shutter device. Thereby, in combination with the display using the image by the display device, it is possible to produce an effect that fuses an unprecedented image and a movable object. Furthermore, when the front side of the display device is opened by moving the plurality of shielding plates so as to overlap each other by the shielding plate moving means, the shielding plate can be stored in a small space, and the shutter device is large. Can be prevented.

  In addition, as the effect display performed on the display area of the display device of the present invention, the variation stop display of the identification symbol (special symbol) indicating the result of the determination (whether it is a big hit), the variation display of the identification symbol Reach effect display performed in advance, notice effect display to inform the player of the possibility of reach or jackpot occurrence, demo screen display to inform the player of the model name or manufacturer name of the gaming machine, the progress status of the jackpot game A big hit effect display to notify the player, a notification effect display to notify whether or not a predetermined role such as a bonus role or a small role has been won using a character or character, etc., and a progress status of the bonus game to the player Various effect displays related to the progress of the game in the gaming machine such as a bonus effect display to be performed can be exemplified.

  The second feature of the present invention is that the shielding plate opening / closing means is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of shielding plates, and each of the plurality of shielding plates can be opened / closed independently of the other shielding plates. . Thereby, since the shielding plate can be opened / closed one by one, more complicated movement can be realized by the shielding plate.

  The third feature of the present invention is that the shielding plate opening / closing means is provided corresponding to each group obtained by dividing the plurality of shielding plates into a plurality of groups, and the shielding plates included in one group are assigned to other groups. It is possible to open and close independently of the included shielding plate. Thereby, since a several shielding board can be opened and closed by one shielding board opening / closing means, the structure of a shielding board opening / closing means can be simplified.

  Further, as a first aspect of the shielding plate moving means, a lead screw that is arranged over the moving range of the shielding plate and has a spiral unevenness on the outer peripheral surface, a driving means that rotates the lead screw, and a lead screw And a slide member formed with grooves that mesh with the projections and depressions. And by rotating a lead screw with a drive means, a slide member moves the movement range of a shielding board, and can move all the some shielding boards.

  Further, as a second aspect of the shielding plate moving means, the shielding plate moving means is configured to include an annular belt that is arranged over the moving range of the shielding plate and to which the slide member is fixed, and a driving means that rotates the belt. it can. And by rotating a belt with a drive means, a slide member moves the moving range of a shielding board, and can move all the some shielding boards.

  Further, as a third aspect of the shielding plate moving means, it is configured to include a slide member having a rack arranged over the moving range of the shielding plate, a pinion meshing with the rack, and a driving means for rotating the pinion. be able to. And by rotating a pinion with a drive means, a slide member moves the movement range of a shielding board, and can move all of a some shielding board.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first example showing an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An embodiment in which the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

  The main body frame 2 is an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic, is fitted inside the main body frame 2, and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part.

  The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit that constitutes a game ball launcher that launches game balls onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) that supplies the game balls to the launcher unit. Further, although not shown in the lower plate portion, a ball feed count switch for detecting a game ball supplied to the launcher unit, a launch ball count switch for detecting a game ball launched from the launcher unit, a launch A foul ball detection switch that detects a game ball that has not reached the surface of the game board 20 among the game balls launched from the device unit is provided. Furthermore, the lower plate part is provided with a speaker (not shown) for generating sound effects according to the gaming state. In addition, the speaker of a present Example is comprised including the speaker for middle and high sounds (tweeter) and the speaker for low sounds (woofer).

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is provided with a left LED display unit 4b, a right LED display unit 4c, an upper left LED display unit 4d, an upper right LED display unit 4e, and an upper LED display unit 4f as lamps for game effects and the like. . The left LED display portion 4b and the right LED display portion 4c are provided in an arc shape on the right side and the left side around the opening 4a, respectively. The upper left LED display portion 4d is provided at the upper left of the left LED display portion 4a, and the upper right LED display portion 4e is provided at the upper right of the right LED display portion 4c. The upper LED display part 4f is formed in a circular shape, and two are provided between the upper end part of the left LED display part 4b and the upper end part of the right LED display part 4c. These LED display portions 4b to 4f are turned on / off or blinking according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the gaming effect. In addition, two prize ball LED display portions 4g are provided between the two upper LED display portions 4f. A sector-shaped error LED display unit 4h is provided above the prize ball display LED display unit 4g.

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper dish portion 5 includes a dish outer edge portion 5a provided with a ball removal button, a game ball rental button, a return button, and the like, and a discharge port 5b for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine 1. ing. Furthermore, a first audio output unit 5c is formed in a substantially central part of the upper plate part 5 in which a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes are formed in the upper part. The first audio output unit 5c is connected to a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) of the speakers 266 via a duct, and the sound from the middle / high tone speaker is output via the duct. A volume switch board (not shown) is provided on the back surface of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate part 6. In addition, a ball hole (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. The ball removal hole is normally closed, and is opened when the game ball stored in the lower dish portion 6 is discharged. A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball removal hole is provided on the substantially center front side of the lower dish portion 6.

  On the right side and the left side of the discharge knob 6b in the lower plate part 6, second audio output units 6c are provided. The second audio output unit 6c is connected to a low-frequency speaker (woofer) among the speakers 266 via a duct, and the audio from the low-frequency speaker is output downward.

  At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for the player to operate the launching device unit. The launching handle 8 is provided with a launching operation unit 8a for the player to adjust the launching intensity of the game ball. The firing operation unit 8a is provided with a touch switch as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

  The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed. A prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are front views of the game board 20. FIG. 2 shows a case where the effect symbol display device 25 is in a visible state by the shutter device 40, and FIG. The case where the apparatus 25 is invisible is shown.

  The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body that is detachably attached to the middle frame 3 on the front side, and the back side is covered by a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 8) described later. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the game board 20 includes a substantially circular game area 21 formed by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface of the game board 20. In the game area 21, there are a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 26, a normal symbol display device 27, a start opening (ordinary electric accessory) 28, a special symbol display device 29, a special winning device (special electric accessory) 33, The gaming devices such as the left winning ports 34 and 35 and the right winning ports 36 and 37 are arranged. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in the game area | region 21, many obstacle nails are arrange | positioned in consideration of the positional balance with each game device.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the central device 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21. The central device 24 includes an effect symbol display device 25 and a shutter device 40. The effect symbol display device 25 is a display device having a display area that can display various effects according to the progress of the game. In this embodiment, a large-sized liquid crystal display device of about 12 inches is used. The effect symbol display device 25 shows a specific example of the display device of the present invention.

  The shutter device 40 is disposed on the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 (the side close to the player), opens and closes the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 using a plurality of shielding plates 41, and displays the effect symbol from the player. It is possible to switch between a visible state (see FIG. 2) where the device 25 can be seen and an invisible state (see FIG. 3) where the effect symbol display device 25 cannot be seen. The shutter device 40 will be described later.

  The normal symbol operating gate 26 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operation gate 26, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 26, the normal symbol display device 27 starts to display the variation of the normal symbol. The normal symbol display device 27 is provided below the normal symbol operation gate 26 on the left side of the game area 21.

  The normal symbol display device 27 is located below the special symbol display device 29, and is composed of two LEDs for displaying normal symbols. The normal symbol display device 27 can display a plurality of display modes by the lighting patterns of these LEDs. Of the display modes of the normal symbol display device 27, a specific display mode is a combination of normal symbols, and other combinations are removed and become combinations of normal symbols.

  In the present embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is prepared. When a game ball passes the normal symbol operating gate, whether or not the starting port (normal electric accessory) 28 is to be operated is determined. Used for. A hit value is set in advance for the normal symbol success / failure determination random number, and the normal symbol success / failure random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 26 matches the hit value. It is determined. If it is determined that the winning symbol is a hit, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 27 is determined to be a combination of the normal symbols. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is out of place, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 27 is determined as one of the combinations of out symbols. Note that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is correct and the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  In the normal symbol display unit 27, the normal symbol starts to change as the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 26, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of winning symbols or a combination of falling symbols. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination of hit symbols set in advance, the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a so-called tulip type, and is formed so that a pair of wing pieces are opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 28, there are provided a start port winning detection switch 28s (see FIG. 9) for detecting the passage of the game ball and a start port solenoid 28c (see FIG. 11) for operating the wing piece. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the game in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are erected so that the game ball is less likely to enter. .

  When the game ball enters the start port 28, the special symbol starts to change. The special symbol of the present embodiment is composed of a special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 29 and a pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 25.

  The special symbol display device 29 has a rectangular symbol display area, and a combination of a plurality of special symbols can be displayed in the symbol display area by 7 segments or the like. Among these special symbol combinations, the specific combination is a combination of special symbols (specific combination) that the winning device (special electric accessory) 33 and the condition device will operate, and combinations other than these Is a combination of special symbols.

  The condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device. Specifically, the condition device is composed mainly of a main control unit 200 to be described later, and starts operating when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, and activates the accessory continuous activation device. The accessory continuous operation device is a device that is mainly configured by a main control unit 200 to be described later, and continuously operates a large winning device 33 to be described later to continuously open the special winning opening 33a. With the start of the operation of the accessory continuous operation device, a special game state in which the special winning opening 33a is continuously opened is started.

  In this embodiment, a special symbol success / failure determination random number is prepared. The random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is used is used for determining whether or not the special device is activated when a game ball enters the start port 28. Specifically, in the special symbol success / failure determination random number, a winning value for hit / failure determination is set in advance, and the special symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the start port 28, A hit is determined when the hit value matches. If it is determined that the winning symbol is a hit, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 29 is determined to be one of the combinations of the winning special symbol. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol is out, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 29 is determined to be one of the combinations of symbols that are out. The determination of whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, the determination of the variation pattern of the special symbol, and the determination of the stop symbol of the special symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  In the special symbol display unit 28, the special symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the start port 27, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of winning symbols or a combination of falling symbols. Then, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination of winning symbols set in advance, a large winning device (special electric accessory) 33 described later starts to operate.

  Here, the pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 25 will be described. Although not shown in the effect symbol display device 25 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the pseudo special symbol (identification symbol) is displayed while fluctuating one after another in a predetermined direction, and then stopped and displayed. A special symbol display area (identification information display area) is provided. Specifically, the left symbol display area for displaying the left symbol, the middle symbol display area for displaying the middle symbol, and the right symbol display area for displaying the right symbol in this order in the arrangement direction set in a substantially horizontal row. It is formed side by side. Each pseudo special symbol display region has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction of these display regions, in this case, in the vertical direction. Each symbol display area can display symbols composed of “0” to “9”, for example. In addition to the pseudo special symbol display area, the effect symbol display device 25 is provided with a background display area for displaying a background symbol and a character symbol, and a reserved number display area for displaying a reserved number.

  The effect symbol display device 25 starts the variable display of each pseudo special symbol displayed in the pseudo special symbol display area when the game ball enters the start opening 28, and stops and displays the pseudo special symbol after a predetermined time has elapsed. The pseudo special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the pseudo special symbol display area is determined to be a combination of pseudo hit symbols including, for example, “7. When it is determined that the symbol is unacceptable in the symbol success / failure determination, it is determined to be a pseudo miss symbol composed of a combination other than the pseudo hit symbol. It should be noted that the determination of the variation pattern of the pseudo special symbol and the determination of the stop symbol of the pseudo special symbol are performed by the sound lamp control unit 260 described later.

  In addition, the effect symbol display device 25 uses a pseudo special symbol, another character symbol, or the like, and the two pseudo special symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol and the remaining one pseudo special symbol is continuously displayed in a variable manner. A notice effect display for notifying the player of the possibility of reaching or a special gaming state to be described later is performed. Furthermore, in the effect symbol display device 25, while a special game state described later is occurring, a jackpot effect display that displays the number of rounds and winning counts in the special game state is performed, and a pseudo special symbol change display is performed. Is not performed for a predetermined time, a demonstration screen display for notifying the player of the model name or manufacturer name of the gaming machine 1 is performed.

  Although not shown, a normal symbol hold display unit and a special symbol hold display unit are provided in the vicinity of the special symbol display device 29. The normal symbol hold display unit displays the number of normal symbol holds so that up to four game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26 during normal symbol change can be held. Each time the next fluctuation display starts, the number of unstarted times (the number of holdings) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol holdings decreases by one. The special symbol hold display unit displays the number of special symbol holds so that up to four game balls can be held in the starting port 28 during the special symbol change. Each time the next special symbol change starts, the number of unstarted times is consumed, and the number of special symbol reservations decreases by one.

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 31. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for opening / closing the open / close plate 33b). 11) and a winning ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 11) for detecting a winning ball.

  When the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 29 is a specific symbol, the main control unit 200 as a special gaming state generating means generates a special gaming machine state that is relatively advantageous to the player. In the special gaming machine state, by operating the special winning device 33, a profit is given to the player with respect to the entry of the game ball into the special winning opening 33a.

  With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened and a gaming ball is received. This game ball receiving state is ended when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, and the open big winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined end condition, when the opening time of the big winning opening 33a after the start of the game ball receiving state reaches a predetermined opening time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or after the start of the gaming ball receiving state, This may be when the number of game balls entering 33a reaches a predetermined number (9 in this embodiment).

  In the case where one round is from the start to the end of the game ball receiving state, the above-described accessory continuous operation device ends when a predetermined number of rounds (four in this embodiment) are completed. In the big winning device 33, after a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has passed since the game ball receiving state is finished, the big winning port 33a is opened to enter the game ball receiving state again, and the next round starts. . Such a game ball receiving state continues repeatedly until the predetermined round is completed and the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is completed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a first left winning opening 34 and a second left winning opening 35 are provided obliquely above and to the left of the big winning device 33. Inside these, left winning opening passing detection switches 34s and 35s (see FIG. 11) are respectively provided. A second right winning port 36 and a second right winning port 37 are provided diagonally to the upper right of the big winning device 33. Inside these, right winning opening passing detection switches 36s and 37s (see FIG. 11) are provided.

  Next, the shutter device 40 disposed on the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the shutter device 40. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the shutter device 40 shields the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 and the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 is in an invisible state. Although not shown in FIG. 4, a transparent cover member is provided on the front side of the shutter device 40 so as to cover the entire periphery of the shielding plate 41.

  The shutter device 40 has a plurality of shielding plates 41 for shielding the front side of the effect symbol display device 25. The plurality of shielding plates 41 are arranged in parallel with each other. In this embodiment, six rectangular shielding plates 41 are arranged with the longitudinal direction being horizontal, and adjacent shielding plates 41 are arranged close to each other without a gap. Further, although the surface of the shielding plate 41 of the present embodiment is plain, decoration with characters or figures drawn on the front side of the shielding plate 41, that is, the surface facing the player may be applied.

  On both outer sides of the shielding plate 41, guide shafts 42 extending in the arrangement direction of the plurality of shielding plates 41 (vertical direction in FIG. 4) are provided. A shield plate guide 43 is slidably provided on the guide shaft 42 corresponding to each shield plate 41. An end portion of the shielding plate 41 is connected to the shielding plate guide 43 via a connecting arm 44. The connecting arm 44 connected to each shielding plate 41 is connected to the connecting arm 44 connected to the adjacent shielding plate 41. A slide member 45 is provided at the lower end of the guide shaft 42. A guide shaft 42 passes through the slide member 45, and the slide member 45 can slide along the guide shaft 42. The slide member 45 slides along the guide shaft 42 to move the shielding plate 41 upward via the connecting arm 44.

  Lead screws 46 for moving the slide member 45 along the guide shaft 42 are provided on both outer sides of the shielding plate 41. The lead screw 46 is provided so as to penetrate the slide member 45, and the slide member 45 can move in the vertical direction along the lead screw 46. The lead screw 46 is a male screw having a spiral unevenness formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the slide member 45 is a female screw having a groove that meshes with the unevenness of the outer peripheral surface of the lead screw 46 on the inner peripheral surface of the penetrating portion. It has become.

  A motor 47 as a driving means is provided below each lead screw 46, and the lead screw 46 is rotationally driven by the motor 47. The motors 47 provided on the two lead screws 46 are configured to rotate in synchronization with each other. The slide member 45 for moving all the shielding plates 41, the lead screw 46 as a moving means for moving the sliding member 45, and the motor 47 as a driving means for driving the lead screw 46 are used for moving the shielding plate in the present invention. It corresponds to the means.

  A first sensor 48 is provided near the upper end of the guide shaft 42, and a second sensor 49 is provided near the lower end of the guide shaft 42. The first sensor 48 is provided at an upper limit position in a range in which the slide member 45 moves along the guide shaft 42 and detects that the slide member 45 has reached the upper limit of the movable range. The second sensor 49 is provided at the lower limit position in the range in which the slide member 45 moves along the guide shaft 42 and detects that the slide member 45 has reached the lower limit of the movable range. As these sensors 48 and 49, for example, optical sensors can be used. Further, the shutter device 40 is provided with a solenoid 50 and a solenoid arm 51 for opening and closing the shielding plate 41. The solenoid 50 and the solenoid arm 51 show a specific example of the shielding plate opening / closing means of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which all the shielding plates 41 have moved upward. When the lead screw 46 is rotationally driven by the motor 47, the slide member 45 moves in the vertical direction along the lead screw 46. As a result, the slide member 45 moves upward along the guide shaft 42 and pushes up the connecting arm 44. The connecting arm 44 is folded in the process of being pushed up by the slide member 45, and moves upward in a state where all the shielding plates 41 connected to the connecting arm 44 are overlapped. Thereby, all the shielding plates 41 move upward from the screen of the effect symbol display device 25, and the shielding plate 41 does not exist on the front side of the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 (fully opened state).

  Further, by rotating the motor 47 in the reverse direction, the slide member 45 moves downward, and the shielding plate 41 moves downward due to its own weight. At this time, the folded connection arm 44 extends, and the overlapping shielding plates 41 are unfolded one by one on the front side of the effect symbol display device 25. Thereby, all the shielding plates 41 are moved to the front side of the effect symbol display device 25, and the front side of the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 is covered with the shielding plate 41 (fully closed state). The rotation of the motor 47 is controlled by a sound lamp control unit 260 described later.

  As described above, since all the shielding plates 41 moved upward from the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 are overlapped with each other, the overlapping shielding plates 41 are, for example, around the screen of the effect symbol display device 25. If it is stored in the upper back side (inside the center accessory) of a center character (not shown) that surrounds the player, it is possible to prevent the player from noticing the presence of the shielding plate 41. Then, as the game progresses, the entire screen of the effect symbol display device 25 is suddenly obscured by lowering the shielding plate 41 according to the effect image displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 25. Production is possible.

  Next, the opening / closing mechanism of the shielding plate 41 of the shutter device 40 will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which all the shielding plates 41 in the shutter device 40 are open and the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 is visible. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in this embodiment, the solenoid 50 corresponds to each group in which a plurality (six in this example) of shielding plates 41 are divided into a plurality (three in this example). Each solenoid 50 is configured to open and close the shielding plate 41 included in one group independently of the shielding plate 41 included in the other group. Specifically, three solenoids 50 and six solenoid arms 51 are provided for the six shielding plates 41. That is, the two solenoid arms 51 are operated by one solenoid 50, and the two shielding plates 41 are simultaneously opened and closed. Thereby, some shielding plates 41 among the plurality of shielding plates 41 can be opened and closed independently of the other shielding plates 41.

  As shown in FIG. 7, on one side (one short side) of each of the six shielding plates 41, the shielding shaft 41 is actuated by receiving a rotation shaft 41 a serving as a rotation center of the shielding plate 41 and an external force. A working shaft 41b is provided. The rotating shaft 41a is provided slightly deviated from the central position on the side of the shielding plate 41. When no external force is applied to the shielding plate 41, the shielding plate 41 is in a vertical state. Although the rotation shaft 41a and the action shaft 41b are provided corresponding to the number of the solenoid arms 51, the uppermost shielding plate among the six shielding plates 41 is not shown in FIG. The rotation shaft 41a and the action shaft 41b provided in 41 are illustrated, and the illustration of the rotation shaft 41a and the action shaft 41b provided for the remaining five shielding plates 41 is omitted.

  The action shaft 41 b is provided at an end portion on one side of the shielding plate 41. The tip of the solenoid arm 51 is located above the action shaft 41b. The other end side of the solenoid arm 51 is connected to the solenoid slider 52. The other end of the two solenoid arms 51 arranged vertically is connected to the same solenoid slider 52. The solenoid slider 52 is connected to the movable iron core of the solenoid 50. By switching on / off of the solenoid 50, the solenoid slider 52 moves in the vertical direction, and the tips of the two solenoid arms 51 move in the vertical direction. The solenoid 50 is controlled by a sound lamp control unit 260 described later.

  When the solenoid 50 is not energized, the tip of the solenoid arm 51 is positioned above the action shaft 41b of the shielding plate 41, and the shielding plate 41 is closed (see FIG. 4). At this time, the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 cannot be seen from the front side of the gaming machine 1 is invisible.

  When the solenoid 54 is energized and turned on, the tip of the solenoid arm 51 pushes down the action shaft 41b of the shielding plate 41 (see the solenoid arm 51 represented by a broken line in FIG. 6). As a result, the shielding plate 41 rotates around the rotation shaft 41a to change from the vertical state to the horizontal state, and the shielding plate 41 is opened (see FIG. 6). At this time, a visible state in which the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 can be viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 1 is obtained.

  As described above, two or four of the six shielding plates 41 are in an open state and the other remaining shielding plates 41 are in a closed state, so that the effect symbol display device 25 can display on the screen. It is possible to provide a novel effect such that the effect display to be performed is partially visible to the player.

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the back mechanism board 102 is provided on the opposite surface of the game board 20 in the middle frame 3, and is attached to the middle frame 3 by a pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. In the upper left part of the back mechanism board 102, a prize ball tank 105 having a tank ball cut detection switch 104 at the bottom is provided. The prize ball tank 105 stores payout game balls supplied from an external supply device. Below the prize ball tank 105, a tank rail 106 connected to the prize ball tank 105 is provided.

  A ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106. A game ball payout device 109 is provided on the downstream side of the ball removal lever 107. Further, on the downstream side of the tank rail 106 and above the game ball payout device 109, a case rail for guiding the game ball payout device 109 by changing the traveling direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 ( A game ball guiding path) 108 is provided.

  Below the tank rail 106, a symbol display device 31 is attached on the front side, and a back case 111 is provided on the back side. The lamp interface board 112, the symbol control board case 113, and the sound lamp control board case 114 are respectively attached. ing. A main control board case 115 is provided below the back case 111, and a power supply board case 116 is provided below the main control board case 115. In the upper right part of the back mechanism board 102, a frame external terminal board 122 having external connection terminals for gaming machine frames such as jackpots, launch device control, ball breakage, door opening, prize balls, and rental balls is provided. ing.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic control unit includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit 230, a sound lamp control unit 260, and a symbol control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sound lamp control board 260a, and a symbol control board 280a as peripheral control boards, respectively.

  The main control unit 200 transmits command signals (command data) instructing the processing contents to the sub control units 230, 260, and 280, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 perform various controls based on the command signals. It is configured as follows.

  For example, a command such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like.

  The main control unit 200 is connected to a launch control unit 250, and the launch control unit 250 includes a launch control board 250a. The launch control unit 250 receives a ball feed permission signal and a launch permission signal from the main control unit 200, and the launch control unit 250 performs control based on the ball feed permission signal and the launch permission signal transmitted from the main control unit 200. It is configured as follows. The main controller 200, the payout controller 230, the sound lamp controller 260, the symbol controller 280, and the launch controller 250 control the operation of the gaming machine 1.

  The main control unit 200 controls the progress of the game, and is configured to read the control program from the ROM built in the CPU 400 and control the progress of the game. Then, the main control unit 200 transmits a command signal (command data) for instructing the processing contents to each of the sub control units 230, 250, 260, and 280, so that each of the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 receives the command signal. Based on this, various controls are performed. For example, commands such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout and a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. Also, various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sound lamp control unit 260. Various symbol control commands such as a symbol display control command for instructing symbol display and a symbol turn-off command for instructing to turn off symbol display are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260. Is done.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, and 280 is supplied with power from the power receiving board 128 connected to the main power source 129 via the power board 127 and the power relay board 121. Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each of the control units 200, 230, 260 and 280 via the power supply board 127 and the power supply relay board 121. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a backup auxiliary power supply unit (not shown) for supplying an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is cut off, on the power supply board 127. Even when the power is turned off, the RAM data of the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 is retained.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 400 includes a CPU core 401, a built-in RAM 402 (hereinafter also simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM 403 (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), a memory control circuit 404, a clock generator 405, an address decoder 406, A watchdog timer 407, a counter / timer 408, a parallel input / output port 409, a reset / interrupt controller 410, an external bus interface 411, and an output control circuit 412 are provided.

  The CPU 400 controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM 402 as a work area by a control program stored in the ROM 403. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a go / no-go determination unit that performs the go / no-go determination by the go / no-go determination program stored in the ROM 403, with the CPU 400 as a main body. Note that the control cycle of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the board external terminal board 201, the start opening winning detection switch 28 s, the normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26 s, the board surface relay board 210, and the game frame relay board 220 are connected to the main control unit 200. The start opening winning detection switch 28 s detects that a game ball has entered the start opening 28. The normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26 s detects that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26.

  Next, the board surface relay board 210 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the board surface relay board 210. The board surface relay board 210 relays switch signals and the like between various switches provided on the game board 20 surface and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 11, to the board surface relay board 210, a winning opening passing detection switches 34s, 35s, 36s, 37s, a big winning opening entering ball detecting switch 33s, and various solenoids 28c, 33c are connected.

  The winning opening passing detection switches 34 s, 35 s, 36 s, and 37 s are used to detect the entry of game balls into the winning openings 34, 35, 36, and 37. The big winning opening entrance detection switch 33s detects that a game ball has entered the big winning opening 33a. These game ball detection switches can be configured by proximity switches or photo sensors. As the various solenoids 28c and 33c, there are a start opening solenoid 28c for opening and closing the start opening 28, a large winning opening solenoid 33c for opening and closing a large winning opening, and the like.

  Next, the game frame relay board 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the game frame relay board 220. The game frame relay board 220 relays switch signals and the like mainly between various switches and the like provided on the middle frame 3 and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a launch ball count switch 221 and a foul ball detection switch 222 are connected to the frame relay board 220. Further, a ball feed count switch 254 is connected to the frame relay board 220 via a ball feed relay board 251 described later.

  The firing ball count switch 221 detects a game ball launched by the launching device unit. The foul ball detection switch 222 detects a game ball that has returned from the launching unit to the lower plate 6 without reaching the game area 21. The ball feed count switch 254 counts the game balls sent from the upper plate part 5 to the launching device unit.

  Next, returning to FIG. 9, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, to the payout control unit 230, a frame external terminal board 122, a switch relay terminal board 231, a CR connection board 234, a firing control unit 250, and the like are connected. The switch relay terminal board 231 is connected to a tank ball cut switch 232 and a lower pan full switch 233. The tank ball cut switch 232 is also connected to the frame external terminal board 122.

  The tank ball cut switch 232 detects that the game ball in the prize ball tank 105 has run out. The ball-out signal of the tank ball-out switch 232 is transmitted to the external replenishing device via the frame external terminal board 122, and the game ball is replenished to the prize ball tank 105 from the replenishing device. The lower tray full tank switch 233 detects that the lower tray 6 has become full. The payout control board 230a of the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU having the same configuration as the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a shown in FIG. The control cycle of the payout control unit 230 of this embodiment is set to 1 ms shorter than that of the main control unit 200.

  The payout control unit 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing input / output of signals to / from the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 13, the prepaid card unit 13 and the CR display board 235 are connected to the payout control unit 230 via the CR connection board 234. A ball rental button 236 and a return button 237 are connected to the CR display board 235. The CR display board 235 is a board for inputting / outputting signals such as a rental ball and the remaining number of cards to / from the CR unit 13.

  The payout control unit 230 is connected with a payout motor 109f and payout sensors 109j and 109k via a payout unit relay terminal plate 239, and a prize ball display LED board 241 and an error display via a status display LED relay terminal plate 240. An LED substrate 242 is connected. The payout sensors 109j and 109k count the number of game balls paid out by the game ball payout device 109. The game balls that are paid out by the game ball payout device 109 include prize balls that are paid out in response to winnings and balls that are lent to players.

  The award ball display LED substrate 241 and the error display LED substrate 242 correspond to the award ball display LED display portion 4g and the error LED display portion 4h (see FIG. 1), respectively. The LED on the prize ball display LED board 241 is turned on or blinked when a prize ball is acquired, and the LED on the error LED board 242 is turned on or blinks when an error occurs. The error display LED substrate 242 includes a plurality of types of LEDs, and the error LED display unit 4h can perform a plurality of types of error notification. In this embodiment, the error LED display section 4h is configured to be lit and blinking in red and orange as error notification.

  Next, the firing control unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 14, the launch control unit 250 is connected to the launch handle 8, the origin sensor 251, the launch motor 252, the ball feed relay terminal plate 253, and the like. A launch start signal from a launch start switch (not shown) indicating whether or not the player has rotated the launch handle 8 by a predetermined amount or more from the launch handle 8 to the launch control unit 250, and the player touches the launch handle 8. A touch signal or the like from the touch switch 8a indicating whether or not there is input.

  The origin sensor 251 detects whether or not the rotation axis of the firing motor 252 is at a predetermined origin position (origin angle). The launch motor 252 operates a spear for driving the game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 21, and operates when the player operates the launch handle 8.

  Connected to the ball feed relay terminal plate 253 are a ball feed solenoid (not shown) and a ball feed count switch 254 for feeding the game balls stored in the upper plate part 5 one by one to the launch position of the launcher unit. Yes. As described above, the signal from the ball feed count switch 254 is transmitted to the main control unit 200 via the game frame relay board 220. The signal from the origin sensor 251 is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 via the firing control unit 250.

  Next, the sound lamp control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. The sound lamp control board 260a provided in the sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports and the like and a sound generator (not shown). The input / output port is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 15, various board surface LED boards 263, various game frame LED boards 264, and the like are connected to the sound lamp controller 260 via a lamp interface board 261. The lamp interface board 261 is provided with drive circuits for various lamps, and is configured as a separate board independent of the sound lamp control board 260a. A game effect LED board or the like is connected to the board surface LED board 263 and the game frame LED board 264. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.

  Further, an amplifier board 265 is connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. A speaker 266 and a volume switch board 267 are connected to the amplifier board 265. From the speaker 266, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. The volume switch board 267 is for setting the output volume of the speaker 266 in accordance with an operation of a volume switch (not shown). The sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with a mode switch 268. The mode changeover switch 268 is configured as a DIP switch and is operated by a game hall employee when the power is turned on. The mode changeover switch 268 can change the background and the appearing character in the effect symbol display device 25.

  A motor 51 and a solenoid 54 are connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. The motor 51 is for moving the shielding plate 41 of the shutter device 40 in the vertical direction, and the solenoid 54 is for opening and closing the shielding plate 41 of the shutter device 40.

  The sound lamp control unit 260 receives a command for designating a design variation pattern for production from the main control unit 200 and is displayed on the production design display device 25 via the design control unit 250 according to the design variation pattern specified by this command. Controls the variation of symbols. Then, the sound lamp control unit 260 controls the motor 51 and the solenoid 54 in response to the effect by the symbol on the effect symbol display device 25 and operates the shutter device 40.

  For example, when performing a symbol effect such as a reach display with high reliability against occurrence of a big hit on the effect symbol display device 25, by operating the shielding plate 41 of the shutter device 40, an effect that fuses an unprecedented image and a movable object It can be performed. In the shutter device 40 of the present embodiment, complicated operations such as opening / closing for each shielding plate 41 and vertical movement of the entire shielding plate 41 can be performed, and various effects can be performed. For example, it is possible to open only a part of the shielding plates 41 and show only a specific part of the effect symbol display device 25 to the player. Alternatively, the whole of the plurality of shielding plates 41 can be moved upward, and the whole of the effect symbol display device 25 can be shown to the player.

  Next, the symbol control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the symbol control unit 280. Arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc. are provided on the symbol control board 280a provided in the symbol controller 280. It is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the symbol control unit 280 includes an effect symbol display device board 281 that operates the effect symbol display device 25, a normal symbol display device 27, a special symbol display device 29, a normal symbol hold display unit 30, a special symbol display device 30. The symbol hold display unit 31 and the symbol display device substrate 282 for operating the state display unit 32 are connected. In the symbol control unit 280, the CPU controls the effect symbol display device 25, the normal symbol display device 27, and the special symbol display device 29 using the RAM as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM. Also, special symbol image data and reach display mode image data are stored in the ROM of the symbol control board 280a.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, only a part of the shielding plates 41 in the shutter device 40 can be opened and closed to realize a complicated movement. Thereby, combined with the effect using the image by the effect symbol display device 25, it is possible to perform an effect that fuses an unprecedented image and a movable object.

  Further, when all the shielding plates 41 are moved upward, the connecting arms 44 are folded and moved upward in a state where all the shielding plates 41 overlap with each other, so that the plurality of shielding plates 41 are moved to produce the effect symbol display device. When the front side of the 25 is opened, it is possible to prevent the storage space of the shielding plate 41 from becoming large. Thereby, all the shielding boards 41 can be accommodated in the narrow space (for example, the inside of a center accessory) near the effect symbol display apparatus 25. FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the rotation shaft 41a and the action shaft 41b are provided on one side (one short side) of each of the six shielding plates 41, and three on the side where the rotation shaft 41a and the action shaft 41b are provided. Each of the solenoids 50 and the six solenoid arms 51 is provided (see FIGS. 4 and 6). In the same form, a rotating shaft 41a is provided on the other side of each shielding plate 41. The shaft 41b, the solenoid 50, and the solenoid arm 51 may be disposed. That is, the rotation shaft 41 a, the action shaft 41 b, the solenoid 50, and the solenoid arm 51 may be provided as a pair on the left and right short sides of the shielding plate 41. In this way, the operation of rotating the shielding plate 41 to the open state can be performed by the pair of left and right solenoids 50 and the solenoid arm 51, so that the opening / closing operation (rotating operation) of the shielding plate 41 is smoothly performed. be able to. Such a form is effective when the dimension of the shielding plate 41 in the longitudinal direction is large.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the shielding plate moving means for moving the shielding plate 41 in the shutter device 40. Hereinafter, description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the shutter device 40 of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. Since the mechanism (solenoid 50, solenoid arm 51, etc.) for opening and closing the shielding plate 41 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, illustration and description are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the shutter device 40 of the second embodiment, as a moving means for moving the shielding plate 41, an annular belt 53 is provided on both outer sides of the shielding plate 41 over the moving range of the shielding plate 41. It has been. The belt 53 is provided in parallel with the guide shaft 42 in the vicinity of the guide shaft 42. The slide member 45 is fixed to the belt 53. A first pulley 54 on the idle side is provided near the upper end of the guide shaft 42, a second pulley 55 on the drive side is provided near the lower end of the guide shaft 42, and the belt 53 includes the first pulley 54 and the second pulley 55. It is arranged to connect between. The two second pulleys 55 are connected by a connecting shaft 56 and are configured to rotate synchronously. The second pulley 55 is connected to the motor 58 via a gear 57. In this embodiment, the two belts 53 are rotated by one motor 58. The motor 58 is controlled by the sound lamp control unit 260. The slide member 45 for moving all the shielding plates 41, the belt 53 as a moving means for moving the slide members 45, and the motor 58 as a driving means for driving the belt 53 move the shielding plate 41 in the present invention. This corresponds to the shielding plate moving means.

  By driving the motor 58, the second pulley 55 rotates through the gear 57, the belt 53 rotates, and the slide member 45 can move in the vertical direction along the rack 58. As a result, the slide member 45 moves upward along the guide shaft 42, the connecting arm 44 is pushed up, and all the shielding plates 41 connected to the connecting arm 44 move upward in an overlapping state. Thereby, all the shielding plates 41 move upward from the screen of the effect symbol display device 25, and the shielding plate 41 does not exist on the front side of the screen of the effect symbol display device 25.

  Further, by reversely rotating the motor 58, the belt 53 rotates reversely, the slide member 45 moves downward, and the shielding plate 41 moves downward by its own weight. At this time, the folded connection arm 44 extends, and the overlapping shielding plates 41 are unfolded one by one on the front side of the effect symbol display device 25. Thereby, all the shielding plates 41 are moved to the front side of the effect symbol display device 25, and the front side of the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 is covered with the shielding plate 41.

  Even with the configuration of the second embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, since the two belts 53 for moving the shielding plate 41 up and down by one motor 58 are driven, compared to the case where both ends of the shielding plate 41 are driven separately, When the shielding plate 41 is moved up and down, it is difficult for position shift to occur at both ends of the shielding plate 41.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the shielding plate moving means for moving the shielding plate 41 in the shutter device 40. Hereinafter, description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the shutter device 40 of the third embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. Since the mechanism for opening and closing the shielding plate 41 (solenoid 50, solenoid arm 51, etc.) is the same as in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the shutter device 40 of the third embodiment, a rack 59 is provided as a moving means for moving the shielding plate 41. The slide member 45 is provided with a pinion 60 that meshes with the rack 59, and further includes a motor (not shown) as drive means for rotating the pinion 60. Note that the slide member 45 for moving all the shielding plates 41, the rack 59 and the pinion 60 as moving means for moving the sliding members 45, and the motor as the driving means for driving the pinion 60 are the shielding plate 41 in the present invention. This corresponds to the shielding plate moving means for moving the.

  The pinion 60 is rotated by rotating the motor of the slide member 45, and the slide member 45 is movable in the vertical direction along the rack 59. As a result, the slide member 45 moves upward along the guide shaft 42, the connecting arm 44 is pushed up, and all the shielding plates 41 connected to the connecting arm 44 move upward in an overlapping state. Thereby, all the shielding plates 41 move upward from the screen of the effect symbol display device 25, and the shielding plate 41 does not exist on the front side of the screen of the effect symbol display device 25.

  Further, by rotating the motor of the slide member 45 reversely, the pinion 60 rotates reversely, the slide member 45 moves downward along the rack 59, and the shielding plate 41 moves downward by its own weight. At this time, the folded connection arm 44 extends, and the overlapping shielding plates 41 are unfolded one by one on the front side of the effect symbol display device 25. Thereby, all the shielding plates 41 are moved to the front side of the effect symbol display device 25, and the front side of the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 is covered with the shielding plate 41.

  With the configuration of the third embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the shielding plate moving means includes the rack 59 and the pinion 60, the vertical movement of the shielding plate 41 can be accelerated.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shielding plate opening / closing means for opening and closing the shielding plate 41 in the shutter device 40. Hereinafter, description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 19 shows only the shielding plate 41 and the opening / closing mechanisms 50 and 51 that individually open and close the shielding plate 41 in the shutter device 40. As shown in FIG. 19, a solenoid 50 and a solenoid arm 51 for opening and closing the shielding plate 41 are provided on both outer sides of the shielding plate 41. In this embodiment, one solenoid 50 as a shielding plate opening / closing means is provided for each shielding plate 41. Thus, by providing one solenoid 50 and one solenoid arm 51 for each shielding plate 41, each shielding plate 41 can be opened and closed independently of the other shielding plates 41. Yes.

  In this embodiment, three sets of solenoids 50 and solenoid arms 51 are arranged on one end side and the other end side of the shielding plate 41, respectively. In FIG. 19, the solenoid 50 and the solenoid arm 51 arranged on the right side are provided corresponding to the first, third, and fifth shielding plates 41 from the top. In FIG. 19, a solenoid 50 and a solenoid arm 51 arranged on the left side are provided corresponding to the second, fourth, and sixth shielding plates 41 from the top.

  20 is a front view for explaining opening and closing of the shielding plate 41 by the solenoid 50 and the solenoid arm 51. FIG. 20A shows a state where the shielding plate 41 is closed, and FIG. The state which the shielding board 41 is open | released is shown.

  When the solenoid 50 is not energized, as shown in FIG. 20A, the tip of the solenoid arm 51 is positioned above the action shaft 41b of the shielding plate 41, and the shielding plate 41 is in the closed state. Become. At this time, it becomes an invisible state in which the player cannot see the screen of the effect symbol display device 25.

  Then, the solenoid 50 is turned on by energization, and the tip of the solenoid arm 51 pushes down the action shaft 41b of the shielding plate 41 as shown in FIG. As a result, the shielding plate 41 rotates about the rotation shaft 41a to change from the vertical state to the horizontal state, and the shielding plate 41 is opened. At this time, it becomes a visible state in which the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 can be seen.

  According to the configuration of the fourth embodiment described above, since the plurality of shielding plates 41 can be opened and closed independently, more complicated operations can be performed by the shielding plates 41.

(5th Example)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fifth embodiment is different from the second embodiment mainly in the shielding plate opening / closing means for opening and closing the shielding plate 41 in the shutter device 40. In this embodiment, as the shielding plate moving means for moving the shielding plate 41, the belt 53 and the motor 58 similar to those in the second embodiment are adopted, and therefore the description of the shielding plate moving means is omitted. Only parts different from the respective embodiments will be described.

  21, 23, and 25 are front views of the shutter device 40 of the fifth embodiment. 22, 24, and 26 are views showing the shielding plate 41 alone, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a right side view. In addition, illustration of the rotating shaft 41a is abbreviate | omitted in Fig.22 (a), Fig.24 (a), and Fig.26 (a). 22B, 24B, and 26B, the left side of the paper is the front side (front side), and the right side of the paper is the back side (back side).

  FIG. 21 shows a state in which the shielding plate 41 shields the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 and the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 is invisible, and FIG. 22 corresponds to the state of FIG. A shielding plate 41 is shown. FIG. 23 shows a state in which the shielding plate 41 is moved above the display area of the effect symbol display device 25 and the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 is visible, and FIG. 24 shows the state of FIG. The corresponding shielding plate 41 is shown. FIG. 25 shows a state in which all the shielding plates 41 are opened (rotated) to be in a horizontal state, and the screen of the effect symbol display device 25 is in a visible state. FIG. 26 corresponds to the state in FIG. A shielding plate 41 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the connecting arm 44 is provided on each shielding plate 41. The connecting arm 44 of this embodiment is not foldable, is formed in a substantially linear shape, and is slidable in the moving direction of the shielding plate 41 (vertical direction in FIG. 21). Further, a connecting arm 44 provided at the lowermost end in FIG. 21 is fixed to the belt 53.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 (a), 24 (a), and 26 (a), ribs 41c are provided on the short sides located at the left and right ends of the shielding plate 41. When the shielding plate 41 shown in FIG. 22A is in a vertical state, the rib 41c protrudes from the plate surface of the shielding plate 41 to the front side, and the lower end of the shielding plate 41 shown in FIG. In the state of being moved and inclined, the rib 41 c protrudes upward and faces the lower surface of the upper shielding plate 41.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.22 (b), the long side of the shielding board 41 is comprised so that it may incline with respect to a plate surface. Specifically, in the case where the shielding plate 41 shown in FIG. 22B is in a vertical state, the long sides located at the upper and lower ends of the shielding plate 41 are on the lower side on the front side (player side) and on the rear side (effect). The display screen side of the symbol display device 25) constitutes an inclined surface. The upper and lower inclined surfaces of the shielding plates 41 adjacent in the vertical direction face each other, and when viewed from the front side, the upper and lower inclined surfaces overlap each other. For this reason, when the shielding plate 41 is in the vertical state, the inclined surfaces of the adjacent shielding plates 41 interfere with each other, and the shielding plate 41 moves in the direction in which the upper end moves forward and the lower end moves rearward (FIG. 22 ( b) cannot rotate in the counterclockwise direction), and can rotate only in the direction in which the upper end moves rearward and the lower end moves forward (clockwise in FIG. 22B).

  FIG. 27 is a front view showing a frame portion of the shutter device 40, and shows a state in which the shielding plate 41, the solenoid 50, the belt 53, and the like are removed. As shown in FIG. 27, a guide groove 40 a for guiding the connecting arm 44 is formed in the frame portion of the shutter device 40. The guide groove 40a is provided corresponding to each connecting arm 44 and has a width that allows the connecting arm 44 to be fitted therein. Each guide groove 40 a guides the corresponding connecting arm 44 and restricts the movement range of the connecting arm 44.

  The guide groove 40a extends from a state where the plurality of shielding plates 41 are moved above the display area of the effect symbol display device 25 (fully opened state) to a state where the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 is shielded (fully closed state). It is formed so that it can be moved. The upper end position of each guide groove 40a corresponds to the state (full open state) in which the shielding plate 41 shown in FIG. 23 is moved above the display area of the effect symbol display device 25, and the lower end position of each guide groove 40a is as shown in FIG. Corresponds to a state (fully closed state) where the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 is shielded.

  28 and 29 are enlarged perspective views of the connecting arm 44, the solenoid 50, and the like in FIG. FIG. 28 shows a state where the shielding plate 41 shields the front side of the effect symbol display device 25 (fully closed state), and FIG. 29 shows a state where the shielding plate 41 is moving upward.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the connecting arm 44 has a straight portion 44a and a cylindrical portion 44b. Engaging portions 44c and 44d are formed on the straight portion 44a. The adjacent connecting arms 44 can be engaged with each other by the engaging portions 44c and 44d, and thereby the movement of the connecting arms 44 in the downward direction in FIG. 21 is restricted. A through hole through which the rotation shaft 41a of the shielding plate 41 passes is formed in the cylindrical portion 44b. A receiving portion 44e is formed on the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 44b. The receiving portion 44e contacts the cylindrical portion 44b of the connecting arm 44 immediately above when the connecting arm 44 moves.

  Here, the movement of the shielding plate 41 will be described. By driving the motor 58, the belt 53 rotates and the lowermost connecting arm 44 fixed to the belt 53 moves upward along the guide groove 40a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27, the receiving portion 44e of the connecting arm 44 moved upward contacts the lower portion of the cylindrical portion 44b of the connecting arm 44 directly above. Further, since the long side of the shielding plate 41 is inclined so that the back side becomes higher (see FIG. 22B), when the shielding plate 41 moves upward, the upper end of the shielding plate 41 is shielded on the upper side. While entering the back side (back side) of the plate 41, the lower end of the upper shielding plate 41 moves forward, and the shielding plates 41 are easily overlapped.

  Then, each of the connecting arms 44 pushes up the connecting arm 44 directly above, and the lower shielding plate 41 pushes up the upper shielding plate 41, and all the shielding plates 41 connected to the connecting arm 44 overlap with each other. It moves to the upper end position of 40a. When the lower shielding plate 41 pushes up the upper shielding plate 41, the rib 41c of the lower shielding plate 41 comes into contact with the upper shielding plate 41, so that the contact area is larger than that in the case of contacting the entire plate surface. As a result, the shielding plates 41 can be smoothly overlapped with each other, and as a result, the shielding plates 41 are smoothly raised. In this way, when all the shielding plates 41 are moved upward from the display area of the effect symbol display device 25, the shield plate 41 does not exist on the front side of the display area of the effect symbol display device 25 (see FIG. 23, FIG. 24).

  Further, by reversely rotating the motor 58, the belt 53 rotates reversely, and the lowermost connecting arm 44 fixed to the belt 53 moves downward along the guide groove 40a. The other connecting arms 44 move downward due to their own weights of the shielding plates 41 and stop at the lower end position of the guide groove 40a. Even when each shielding plate 41 is deployed (lowered), the rib 41c of the lower shielding plate 41 contacts the upper shielding plate 41, so that the contact area is reduced compared to the case of contacting the entire plate surface, Each shielding plate 41 can be smoothly deployed, and as a result, the shielding plate 41 is smoothly lowered. Since the rotation shaft 41a of each shielding plate 41 is provided so as to be shifted upward from the center position on the side of the shielding plate 41, each shielding plate 41 is in a vertical state due to its own weight, and the front surface of the effect symbol display device 25. Unfold one by one on the side. Since the inclined surfaces of the shielding plates 41 adjacent to each other interfere with each other and the shielding plates 41 stop in a vertical state, the shielding plates 41 can easily form the same surface. Thus, when all the shielding plates 41 are moved to the front side of the effect symbol display device 25, the display area of the effect symbol display device 25 is fully closed with the shielding plate 41 (FIG. 21, FIG. 22).

  Next, the opening / closing mechanism of the shielding plate 41 of the shutter device 40 will be described with reference to FIG. In the solenoid 50 of this embodiment, a movable iron core (not shown) is provided on the back side of the paper surface, and this movable iron core (not shown) is perpendicular to the paper surface, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the shutter device 40. Move in a certain direction.

  A bracket 61 is connected to the movable iron core (not shown) of the solenoid 50. The bracket 61 has a U-shaped cross section, and a groove-shaped concave portion is formed along the moving direction of the shielding plate 41, and both ends of the shielding plate 41 in the moving direction and the side of the shielding plate 41 facing the rotation shaft 41 a are It is open.

  In a state where the shielding plate 41 covers the display area of the effect symbol display device 25, the action shaft 41 b of the shielding plate 41 is located in the recess of the bracket 61. Since the concave portion of the bracket 61 is open at both ends in the moving direction of the shielding plate 41, the operating shaft 41 b of the shielding plate 41 passes through the concave portion of the bracket 41 when the belt 53 rotates and the shielding plate 41 moves. can do.

  When the solenoid 50 is not energized, the shielding plate 41 is in a vertical state and is in a closed state that shields the display area of the effect symbol display device 25 (see FIGS. 21 and 22). The solenoid 50 is turned on by energization, and the bracket 61 presses the action shaft 41 b of the shielding plate 41. As a result, the shielding plate 41 rotates around the rotation shaft 41a to change from the vertical state to the horizontal state, and the shielding plate 41 is opened (see FIGS. 25 and 26).

  According to the above configuration, since the movable iron core (not shown) of the solenoid 50 moves in the front and back direction of the shutter device 40, the moving direction of the shielding plate 41 (vertical direction in FIG. 21) in comparison with the above embodiments. The space for arranging the solenoid 50 can be reduced. In this embodiment, since the shielding plate 41 is opened and closed without using the solenoid arm 51, the opening / closing mechanism of the shielding plate 41 can be simplified. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the present embodiment in which the solenoid arm 51 is not used, there is no backlash caused by the solenoid arm 51. For this reason, compared with the structure of each said Example, the motion at the time of the shielding board 41 opening and closing can be made smooth, and the operation sound at the time of the shielding board 41 opening and closing can be made small.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to any gaming machine having a symbol display device, and is referred to as a so-called feather or right object. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine, a combination type gaming machine, etc., and a slot machine (coin-type gaming machine) 300 as shown in FIG. A slot machine 300 shown in FIG. 30 includes a reel device 301 that rotates a reel having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on its outer peripheral surface, a medal slot 302 into which a coin is inserted, an operation device 303 that starts rotating the reel, and a reel. A stop button 304 and the like for stopping the rotation are provided. Above the reel device 301, various effect displays according to the progress of the game (game assist effect display for displaying whether or not a predetermined role such as a bonus role or a small role is won using a character or a design, A variable display device 305 is provided for performing a bonus notification effect display for notifying the player of winning of the bonus combination, a bonus game effect display for notifying the player of the progress of the bonus game, and the like. The shutter device 306 having the configuration is provided on the front side of the variable display device 305.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the liquid crystal display device was used as the symbol display apparatus 25, not only this but arbitrary display apparatuses can be used as the symbol display apparatus 25. FIG.

  In each of the above embodiments, the solenoid 50 and the solenoid arm 51 are used as the opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the plurality of shielding plates 41 of the shutter device 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shielding plate 41 is opened and closed by differently configured opening and closing mechanisms. You may comprise.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the opening / closing mechanism 50, 51 is configured to rotate the shielding plate 41 from the vertical state to the horizontal state by 90 °. However, the angle at which the opening / closing mechanism 50, 51 rotates the shielding plate 41 is Can be set arbitrarily. For example, the shielding plate 41 may be rotated 180 ° so that the front surface and the back surface are reversed. At this time, the front and back surfaces of the shielding plate 41 may be decorated with different characters or figures.

  In the above embodiments, the plurality of shielding plates 41 are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, but the arrangement direction of the shielding plates 41 may be other than horizontal. For example, a plurality of shielding plates 41 may be arranged in parallel in the vertical direction.

It is a front view which shows the game machine by each Example. It is a front view which shows the board surface structure of the game machine by each Example. It is a front view which shows the board surface structure of the game machine by each Example. It is a perspective view of the shutter apparatus by 1st Example. In the shutter apparatus by 1st Example, it is a perspective view which shows the state which all the shielding plates moved upwards. In the shutter apparatus by 1st Example, it is a perspective view which shows the state which all the shielding boards open | released. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the opening-and-closing mechanism of the shielding board by 1st Example. It is a rear view which shows the game machine of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic control apparatus of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of CPU of the main control part of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the board surface relay board | substrate of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the game frame relay board | substrate of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the payout control board of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the launch control board of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the sound lamp control board of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the symbol control board of each Example. It is a perspective view of the shutter apparatus by 2nd Example. It is a perspective view of the shutter apparatus by 3rd Example. It is a front view which shows the opening / closing mechanism of the shielding board of the shutter apparatus of 4th Example. It is a front view for demonstrating opening and closing of the shielding board of 4th Example, (a) shows the state which the shielding board closed, (b) has shown the state which the shielding board has opened. . It is a front view of the shutter apparatus of 5th Example, and the shielding board has shielded the front side of an effect symbol display apparatus, and has shown the state where the front side of an effect symbol display apparatus is invisible. (A) is a front view of the shielding board of the shutter apparatus of 5th Example, (b) is a right view. It is a front view of the shutter apparatus of 5th Example, and the shielding board has moved above the display area of the effect symbol display device, and has shown the state where the front side of the effect symbol display device is visible. (A) is a front view of the shielding board of the shutter apparatus of 5th Example, (b) is a right view. It is a front view of the shutter apparatus of 5th Example, and the shielding board is in the horizontal state in front of the display area of the effect symbol display device, and shows the state where the front side of the effect symbol display device is visible. (A) is a front view of the shielding board of the shutter apparatus of 5th Example, (b) is a right view. It is a front view which shows the frame part of the shutter apparatus in FIG. It is the perspective view which expanded the opening-and-closing mechanism of the shielding board of the shutter apparatus in FIG. It is the perspective view which expanded the opening-and-closing mechanism of the shielding board of the shutter apparatus in FIG. It is a front view which shows the modification of the game machine to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 20 ... Game board, 40 ... Shutter device, 41 ... Shield plate, 42 ... Guide shaft, 43 ... Shield plate guide, 44 ... Connection arm, 45 ... Slide member (shield plate moving means), 46 ... Lead Screw (shielding plate moving means), 47 ... motor (driving means, shielding plate moving means), 48 ... first sensor, 49 ... second sensor, 50 ... solenoid (shielding plate opening / closing means), 51 ... solenoid arm (shielding plate) Opening / closing means), 53 ... belt (shielding plate moving means), 54, 55 ... pulley, 56 ... connecting shaft, 58 ... motor (driving means, shielding plate moving means), 59 ... rack (shielding plate moving means), 60 ... Pinion (shielding plate moving means).

Claims (3)

A gaming machine comprising a shutter device provided on the front side of a display device having a display area capable of displaying various effects according to the progress of the game,
The shutter device is
A plurality of shielding plates arranged in parallel on the front side of the display area of the display device and capable of opening and closing the display area of the display device;
A shielding plate opening and closing means capable of opening and closing some of the plurality of shielding plates independently of other shielding plates;
The plurality of shielding plates can be moved while being overlapped with each other, and the plurality of shielding plates cover the display area of the display device, and the plurality of shielding plates are on the front side of the display area of the display device A game machine comprising: shielding plate moving means capable of switching between a fully open state that does not exist in the game machine. The said shielding board opening-and-closing means is provided corresponding to each of these several shielding boards, and can open and close each of these several shielding boards independently of the other shielding board. Gaming machine. The shielding plate opening / closing means is provided corresponding to each group obtained by dividing the plurality of shielding plates into a plurality of groups, and the shielding plates included in one group are independent of the shielding plates included in other groups. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine can be opened and closed.

Images