JP2007215936A - Inhibition of fraudulence in game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique capable of preventing fraudulence making use of a passageway for connecting the outside to the inside of a game machine. <P>SOLUTION: A discharge passageway forming part, which forms a discharge passageway for discharging game balls from the inside of a game machine to the outside is provided with a blind alley having an opening at its midstream and a shape of a concave-bottomed container. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to fraud suppression of gaming machines.

  Conventionally, gaming machines using gaming balls (for example, pachinko) have been used. In such a gaming machine, a game ball is launched by a game ball launching device, and the launched game ball is guided in a predetermined game area by a rail. In addition, such a gaming machine is provided with a foul ball passage for discharging a foul ball that returns the rail back to the lower plate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-185331 A

  However, if a gaming machine is provided with a passage that connects the outside and the inside, such as a foul ball passage, there is a possibility that an illegal act using such a passage may be performed. For example, there is a possibility that an operation member such as a wire or a magnet is inserted from the outside of the gaming machine through such a passage and the member inside the gaming machine is illegally operated by the operation member.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of suppressing an illegal act using a passage that connects the outside and the inside of a gaming machine.

  In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, a gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine that guides a gaming ball to a predetermined gaming area and executes a predetermined game, and the gaming machine is operated from the inside of the gaming machine. A discharge passage forming portion for forming a discharge passage for discharging the game ball to the outside of the machine, wherein the discharge passage forming portion is a bag path having an opening arranged in the middle of the discharge passage. Has a bag path having a recessed vessel shape.

  According to this configuration, even when the operation member is about to be inserted from the outside to the inside of the gaming machine, the operation member that can move the discharge passage in the reverse direction is captured by the bag path. Fraud using a passage that communicates with the inside can be suppressed.

  In the above gaming machine, it is preferable that the discharge passage includes a first partial passage that extends in a first direction toward the opening and reaches the opening when the discharge passage is traced in the reverse direction.

  According to this configuration, since the opening is disposed at the destination of the operation member that moves in the reverse direction in the first partial passage, the operation member can be easily captured by the bag path.

  In the above gaming machine, it is preferable that the discharge passage includes a second partial passage that is connected to the first partial passage before the opening and is directed in a second direction different from the first direction.

  According to this configuration, since the direction of the discharge passage changes before the opening, it is easy for the operating member that moves the discharge passage in the reverse direction to be captured by the bag path.

  In the gaming machine, the shape of the opening is formed so that the opening and the cross section of the first partial passage are seen in the first direction, the cross section being included in the opening. preferable.

According to this configuration,
Since it is possible to increase the possibility that the operating member moving in the first partial passage will pass through the opening, it is possible to further suppress fraud.

  In each of the above gaming machines, it is preferable that an internal shape of the bag path includes a corner portion forming an acute angle.

  According to this configuration, since the operation member captured in the bag path is driven into the corner, the operation member is prevented from returning to the discharge passage and reaching the inside of the gaming machine. As a result, fraud can be further suppressed.

  In addition, this invention can be implement | achieved with various forms, for example, can be implement | achieved with forms, such as a discharge passage formation member which has a bag path, and a game machine which has the discharge passage formation member.

A. First embodiment:
B. Second to fifth embodiments:
C. Example 6:
D. Seventh embodiment:
E. Example 8:
F. Variation:

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a front view of an inner frame 100 of a pachinko gaming machine as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the inner frame 100. A game ball launching device 110, a firing rail 112, an outer rail 120, an inner rail 130, and a discharge passage forming member 140 are incorporated in the inner frame 100. The inner frame 100 is fixed to an outer frame (not shown) and used as a gaming machine.

  A launcher 110 and a launch rail 112 are fixed to the lower right side of the front surface of the inner frame 100. The launcher 110 launches a game ball. As a configuration of such a launching device 110, there are various configurations such as a configuration in which a hitting pad for hitting a game ball is driven using a solenoid and a configuration in which a hitting hammer is driven using a motor and a spring. Can be adopted. The power with which the launching device 110 launches a game ball is adjusted by adjusting the rotational position of a handle (not shown).

  In the center of the inner frame 100, an opening 102 (hereinafter also referred to as “game area 102”) is provided. A front frame in which a glass window covering the game area 102 is assembled is fixed to the front surface of the inner frame 100 (not shown). A game board 200 that covers the game area 102 is fixed to the back surface of the inner frame 100 (FIG. 2). An outer rail 120 provided along the edge of the game area 102 and an inner rail 130 provided inside the outer rail 120 are fixed to the front surface of the game board 200 (not shown in FIG. 2). Thus, the outer rail 120 and the inner rail 130 are fixed to the inner frame 100 via the game board 200.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the game ball launched by the launching device 110 is guided to the main passage 123 sandwiched between the outer rail 120 and the inner rail 130 by the launch rail 112. The game ball is guided to the upper part of the game area 102 by the outer rail 120 and the inner rail 130. Also, on the front surface of the game board 200 (FIG. 2), various parts such as a number of obstacle nails that change the falling direction of the game ball and a winning opening through which the game ball can enter (not shown) are mounted.

  A discharge passage forming member 140 is fixed to a lower left plane portion (FIG. 2) in front of the inner frame 100. The discharge passage forming member 140 is formed with a foul ball collection port 142 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “collection port 142”) and a discharge port 144. The recovery port 142 is a vertically upward opening disposed between the firing rail 112 and the outer rail 120 (FIG. 1). The payout port 144 is an opening that faces the front in the horizontal direction and is disposed below the recovery port 142. Further, the discharge passage forming member 140 is formed with a discharge passage 146 extending from the recovery port 142 to the payout port 144 (FIG. 1). When the launching power by the launching device 110 is small, the launched game ball does not escape from the main passage 123 and flows back through the main passage 123. Such a game ball (also referred to as “foul ball”) moves downward along the outer rail 120 and falls to the recovery port 142. The foul ball that has fallen to the recovery port 142 passes through the discharge passage 146 and is discharged from the payout port 144. As shown in FIG. 2, a lower plate 150 is fixed to the front face of the payout port 144. The discharged foul balls are stored in the lower plate 150. The player can use the game ball stored in the lower plate 150 for a game by inserting it into a predetermined insertion port (not shown) (for example, a so-called upper plate).

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the inner frame 100a in the comparative example. The difference from the inner frame 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that the size of the game area 102a of the comparative example is smaller than the game area 102 of the first embodiment. Similarly to the inner frame 100 of the first embodiment, the firing device 110a, the firing rail 112a, the outer rail 120a, the inner rail 130a, and the discharge passage forming member 140a are incorporated in the inner frame 100a of the comparative example. It is. Similar to the discharge passage forming member 140 of the first embodiment, the discharge passage forming member 140a has a recovery port 142a, a payout port 144a, and a discharge passage 146a. The function of each component is the same as the function of each component in the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, a lower plate 150a and a handle 160a are also illustrated.

  The gaming area 102 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment is wider than the gaming area 102a (FIG. 3) of the comparative example. Thereby, the freedom degree of arrangement | positioning of the member in the game area | region 102 can be raised, and it becomes possible to improve game property. However, as a result, the distance between the recovery port 142 and the payout port 144 in the first embodiment is shorter than the distance between the recovery port 142a and the payout port 144a in the comparative example. As a result, cheating can be facilitated. However, in the first embodiment, a bag path is provided in the middle of the discharge passage 146 in order to suppress fraud.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the discharge passage forming member 140. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the discharge passage forming member 140. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the discharge passage forming member 140. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the discharge passage forming member 140. FIG. 7 is a perspective view seen from the side opposite to FIG.

  4 and 5 show a foul ball trajectory FA. The foul ball moves through the discharge passage 146. The discharge passage 146 is a passage from the recovery port 142 to the payout port 144. The discharge passage 146 is formed by a groove formed in the discharge passage forming member 140. FIG. 7 shows a part of the discharge passage forming member 140. The discharge passage forming member 140 is formed with a groove GR that is recessed in the front direction. The groove GR is formed by a bottom wall 140s3 that forms the bottom of the groove, and side walls 140s1 and 140s2 that extend from the bottom wall 140s3 in the back surface direction. When the discharge passage forming member 140 is fixed to the inner frame 100, the back sides of the side walls 140 s 1 and 140 s 2 come into contact with the inner frame 100. Then, the entire groove GR is covered with the inner frame 100, whereby a discharge passage 146 surrounded by the discharge passage forming member 140 (groove GR) and the inner frame 100 is formed. In FIG. 5, a part of the discharge passage forming member 140 is painted black. This filled portion indicates a side wall portion of the groove, and indicates a portion in contact with the inner frame 100. The discharge passage forming member 140 has a discharge passage 149 that branches off from the middle of the discharge passage 146. The payout passage 149 is a passage through which a game ball paid out by winning a prize passes.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a detour portion 147 that is further depressed toward the front is formed in the middle of the discharge passage 146. In FIG. 7, a part of the discharge passage forming member 140 including the bypass portion 147 is shown enlarged. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge passage forming member 140. This cross-sectional view is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIGS. This cross-sectional view is a cross-sectional view as viewed from above, which is perpendicular to the direction in which the game balls flow. In this cross-sectional view, the wall portion is hatched.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a guide wall 148 is inserted into the bypass portion 147 of the discharge passage 146 from the back side. The guide wall 148 includes a wall portion 148v and holes 148h1 and 148h2. The guide wall 148 is fixed to the discharge passage forming member 140 by screws (not shown) that penetrate the holes 148h1 and 148h2. Thereby, the wall portion 148v is fixed at a position facing the bypass portion 147.

  When the discharge passage forming member 140 is fixed to the inner frame 100, the wall portion 148 v is in contact with the inner frame 100. In the wall portion 148v shown in the lower left of FIG. 7, the portion in contact with the inner frame 100 is hatched. The wall portion 148v has three walls including a main wall WS3 and side walls WS1 and WS2. The wall portion 148v fixed to the inner frame 100 forms a bag path BC surrounded by the walls WS1, WS2, WS3 and the inner frame 100, and an opening OP leading to the bag path BC.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the main wall WS3 is a wall that covers the front side of the narrow path BC. The main wall WS3 extends from the inner frame 100 toward the detour portion 147 and reaches the opening OP. Specifically, the main wall WS3 includes an inclined wall WS31 extending from the inner frame 100 toward the bypass portion 147 and reaching the end portion WS311 and a third side wall WS32 extending from the end portion WS311 to the opening OP. Yes. The inclined wall WS31 extends while being inclined from the inner frame 100 toward the downstream side of the trajectory FA of the foul sphere FB. Thereby, an acute corner portion CN surrounded by the inner frame 100 and the inclined wall WS31 is formed. Further, the inclined wall WS31 extends from the inner frame 100 to the end portion WS311 in a curved line. The extending direction gradually changes from a direction parallel to the inner frame 100 to a direction perpendicular thereto. This is because the moving direction of the foul sphere FB is smoothly changed by bringing the foul sphere FB into contact with the inclined wall WS31.

  A third side wall WS32 extends from the end portion WS311. The extending direction of the third side wall WS32 is the same as the extending direction of the passage DP connected to the downstream side of the opening OP. The third side wall WS32 extends straight from the end portion WS311 in the direction toward the downstream side (the direction opposite to the direction OD in the drawing) and reaches the opening OP. Note that a gap G for passing the foul sphere FB is provided between the bypass portion 147 and the main wall WS3. As shown in FIG. 7, the main wall WS3 is in contact with both side walls 140s1 and 140s2 of the groove GR without a gap from the inner frame 100 to the opening OP.

  The first side wall WS1 (FIG. 7) is a wall that covers the upper side (the first side wall 140s1 side) of the bag path BC. The first side wall WS1 extends from the main wall WS3 to the inner frame 100 on the surface of the first side wall 140s1. At this time, the first side wall WS1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the inner frame 100. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, in the vicinity of the opening OP, the thickness of the first side wall WS1 is thinner as it is closer to the opening OP. This is because the opening OP is expanded to the surface of the first side wall 140s1.

  The second side wall WS2 is a wall that covers the lower side (second side wall 140s2 side) of the narrow path BC, and the configuration thereof is the same as that of the first side wall WS1. That is, the second side wall WS2 extends from the main wall WS3 to the inner frame 100 on the surface of the second side wall 140s2. At this time, the second side wall WS2 extends in a direction perpendicular to the inner frame 100. In addition, in the vicinity of the opening OP, the thickness of the second side wall WS2 is thinner as it is closer to the opening OP.

  A partition wall WS4 is provided between the side walls WS1 and WS2. The partition wall WS4 prevents the foul ball FB from entering the opening OP by mistake. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the partition wall WS4 has a restriction portion CP that protrudes from the opening OP toward the downstream side. The restriction portion CP extends from the opening OP to the inner frame 100 while drawing a curve. The extending direction gradually changes from the direction toward the back to the direction opposite to the direction OD. This is because the moving direction of the foul sphere FB is smoothly changed by bringing the foul sphere FB into contact with the restriction portion CP.

  FIG. 8 shows the partial passage DP. The partial passage DP extends in the direction OD toward the opening OP and reaches the opening OP when the discharge passage 146 is traced in the reverse direction. In other words, the partial passage DP and the bag path BC form a partial path FP that extends in the predetermined direction OD and reaches the bag path when the discharge path 146 is traced in the opposite direction. The discharge passage 146 branches into a bypass passage RP formed by the bypass portion 147 and the main wall WS3 in the middle of the partial passage FP. In the first embodiment, the direction OD is parallel to the surface (front surface) of the inner frame 100.

  The bypass passage RP is directed from the partial passage FP in a direction different from the direction OD (in the example of FIG. 8, the direction toward the front). This means that the moving direction of the foul sphere FB changes at the connection position between the bypass passage RP and the partial passage FP. In the example of FIG. 8, as indicated by the locus FA, the moving direction changes from the direction toward the back to the direction opposite to the direction OD. Further, in the example of FIG. 8, the bypass passage RP is bent so as to wrap around the back of the bag path BC (direction OD side) from the connection position with the partial passage FP.

  The partial passage FP extending in the predetermined direction OD and reaching the opening OP corresponds to the first partial passage in the present invention. Further, the bypass passage RP is connected to the partial passage FP before the opening OP and is directed to another direction different from the direction OD (in the example of FIG. 7, the front direction perpendicular to the direction OD). Corresponds to the passage.

  In FIG. 7, the cross section CS and the opening OP are indicated by hatching. The cross section CS is a cross section of the partial passage DP (FIG. 8) extending toward the opening OP. In the first embodiment, the opening OP coincides with the projection of the cross section CS. Specifically, when the opening OP and the cross section CS are viewed along the direction OD in which the partial passage DP extends, the cross section CS and the opening OP coincide. In other words, when the section CS is moved in the direction OD in which the partial passage DP extends, all the sections of the section CS pass through the opening OP. The cross section CS means a cross section perpendicular to the direction OD in which the partial passage DP extends. The section CS means a section on the downstream side of the connection position with the bypass path RP in the partial path DP.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the operation member (wire in this example) WR is inserted from the payout port 144 (FIG. 6). 9 shows the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 8 (illustration of the restricting portion CP is omitted). The inserted operation member WR moves through the discharge passage 146 in the reverse direction. FIG. 9 shows a state where the operation member WR has reached the partial passage DP. The operating member WR passing through the partial passage DP moves along the direction OD in which the partial passage DP extends. However, as described above, the opening OP is disposed at the tip of the partial passage DP. As a result, the operation member WR is inserted into the opening OP, contacts the main wall WS3, and is captured by the bag path BC.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the discharge passage 146 can be moved in the reverse direction in the middle of the discharge passage 146 that connects the inside (collection port 142) and the outside (payout port 144) of the gaming machine. A bag path BC for capturing the member is provided. Thereby, it is suppressed that the operation member WR is sent to the upstream side of the opening OP (bag path BC). As a result, it is possible to suppress fraud using a passage that connects the outside and the inside of the gaming machine.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the discharge passage 146 includes a partial passage FP extending in a predetermined direction OD toward the opening OP of the bag path BC and reaching the opening OP (FIG. 8). Accordingly, since the opening OP is disposed ahead of the operation member WR that moves in the reverse direction in the partial passage FP (partial passage DP), the operation member WR can be easily captured by the bag path BC.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the discharge passage 146 is connected to the partial passage FP before the opening OP and is in a direction (front direction in the example of FIG. 8) different from the direction in which the partial passage FP extends (direction OD). The detour path RP to go is included. Therefore, the moving direction of the foul sphere FB changes before the opening OP (FIG. 8). That is, the direction toward the upstream side (game area 102) is in the middle of the partial passage FP and changes before the opening OP. By the way, it is difficult to change the moving direction of the operation member pushed in from the outside of the gaming machine in the middle of the passage. Therefore, it becomes easy for such an operating member to be captured by the bag path BC. As a result, the effect of suppressing fraud is remarkable.

  In the first embodiment, the opening OP includes a projection of the cross section CS of the partial passage DP (FIG. 7). Therefore, no matter which part of the operation member WR moves in the partial passage DP, the opening OP is located at the destination of the operation member WR, so that the operation member WR can be easily captured by the bag path BC. Become. As a result, the effect of suppressing fraud is remarkable.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the cover path BC has an acute corner CN (FIG. 8). In an illegal act, there is a case where force is continuously applied to the operation member WR until the operation member WR reaches the game area 102. In such a case, the operation member WR captured by the bag path BC comes into contact with the walls (inner frame 100, walls WS1, WS2, WS3) forming the bag path BC, and is movable along the contacted walls. . When a strong force is applied to the operation member WR, the operation member WR may be folded back along the wall in the bag path BC and jump out of the opening OP to the discharge passage 146. However, an acute corner portion CN is provided in the bag path BC of the first embodiment. When the operating member WR comes into contact with the wall surface forming the acute corner portion CN (in the example of FIG. 8, the inner frame 100 and the main wall WS3), the force applied to the operating member WR causes the operating member WR to act on the corner portion CN. Work in the direction of driving. Thus, since the operation member WR is driven into the corner portion CN, the operation member WR is prevented from returning from the corner portion CN to the opening OP. Therefore, since the operation member WR captured in the bag path BC is suppressed from returning to the discharge passage 146 and reaching the game area 102, it is possible to further suppress fraud.

B. Second to fifth embodiments:
In the second to fifth embodiments described below, the difference in the device configuration from the above-described first embodiment is only the difference in the shape of the bag path, and the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, in FIGS. 10 to 13 for explaining the second to fifth embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the second to fifth embodiments, the positions and shapes of the partial passage DP, the cross section CS, and the opening OP are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a cover path BCb in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. In the second embodiment, the main wall WS3b extends linearly from the inner frame 100 and reaches the opening OP. Similarly to the main wall WS3 of the first embodiment, the main wall WS3b extends from the inner frame 100 so as to incline in the direction in which the partial passage DP extends toward the downstream side (the direction opposite to the direction OD). . Thereby, an acute corner CNb is formed by the inner frame 100 and the main wall WS3b. Further, the main path WS3b, the inner frame 100, and side walls (not shown) (side walls having the same configuration as the side walls WS2 and WS3 in FIG. 7) form a bag path BCb. This bag path BCb has a triangular prism shape.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a bag path BCc in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. In the third embodiment, the main wall WS3c has a bottom wall WS31c extending from the inner frame 100 toward the bypass portion 147 and reaching the end portion WS311c, and a third side wall WS32c extending from the end portion WS311c to the opening OP. ing. The bottom wall WS31c extends straight in a direction perpendicular to the inner frame 100 and reaches the end WS311c. A third side wall WS32c extends from the end portion WS311c. The third side wall WS32c extends straight in the direction opposite to the direction OD and reaches the opening OP. The main path WS3c, the inner frame 100, and side walls (not shown) (side walls having the same configuration as the side walls WS2 and WS3 in FIG. 7) form a bag path BCc. This bag path BCc has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a block path BCd in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. The only difference from the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is that the opening OP becomes narrower as it is farther from the opening OP. In the fourth embodiment, the main wall WS3d has a bottom wall WS31d extending from the inner frame 100 toward the bypass portion 147 and reaching the end portion WS311d, and a third side wall WS32d extending from the end portion WS311d to the opening OP. ing. The bottom wall WS31d extends straight in a direction perpendicular to the inner frame 100 and reaches the end WS311d. The third side wall WS32d extends straight from the end WS311d to the opening OP. However, the end portion WS311d is disposed at a position closer to the inner frame 100 than the end portion WS311c (FIG. 11) of the third embodiment. Therefore, the extending direction of the third side wall WS32d is a direction in which the direction opposite to the direction OD is inclined in the direction away from the inner frame 100. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the bag path BCd in FIG. 12 is a trapezoid. Here, the opening OP corresponds to the lower bottom, and the bottom wall WS31d corresponds to the upper bottom. The length of the upper base is shorter than the length of the lower base. Such a main wall WS3d, the inner frame 100, and side walls (not shown) (side walls having the same configuration as the side walls WS2 and WS3 in FIG. 7) form a bag path BCd. This bag path BCd has a trapezoidal column shape.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a block path BCe in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. The only difference from the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is that the opening OP becomes wider as it is farther from the opening OP. In the fifth embodiment, the main wall WS3e has a bottom wall WS31e extending from the inner frame 100 toward the bypass portion 147 and reaching the end portion WS311e, and a third side wall WS32e extending from the end portion WS311e to the opening OP. ing. The bottom wall WS31e extends straight in a direction perpendicular to the inner frame 100 and reaches the end WS311e. The third side wall WS32e extends straight from the end portion WS311e to the opening OP. However, the end portion WS311e is disposed at a position farther from the inner frame 100 than the end portion WS311c (FIG. 11) of the third embodiment. Therefore, the extending direction of the third side wall WS32e is a direction in which the direction opposite to the direction OD is inclined toward the direction approaching the inner frame 100. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the bag path BCe in FIG. 13 is a trapezoid. Here, the opening OP corresponds to the lower bottom, and the bottom wall WS31d corresponds to the upper bottom. And the length of the upper base is longer than the length of the lower base. Further, the bottom wall WS31e and the third side wall WS32e form an acute corner portion CNe. The main path WS3e, the inner frame 100, and side walls (not shown) (side walls having the same configuration as the side walls WS2 and WS3 in FIG. 7) form a bag path BCe. This bag path BCe has a trapezoidal column shape.

  The second to fifth embodiments described above are different from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the second embodiment (FIG. 10), the main wall WS3b extends linearly. In the third embodiment (FIG. 11), the main wall WS3c has an L shape. In the fourth embodiment (FIG. 12), the main wall WS3d is constituted by two flat plate walls WS31d and WS32d having an obtuse angle. In the fifth embodiment (FIG. 13), the main wall WS3e is composed of two flat plate walls WS31e and WS32e forming an acute angle. However, in any of the embodiments, as in the first embodiment, the partial passage DP and the bag path BCb form partial paths FPb, FPc, FPd, and FPe that extend in a predetermined direction OD and reach the bag path. The discharge passage 146 branches to the bypass passage RP in the middle of the partial passages FPb, FPc, FPd, and FPe. Therefore, the operation member that can move the discharge passage 146 in the reverse direction is inserted into the opening OP and is captured by the bag paths BCb, BCc, BCd, and BCe. As a result, it is possible to suppress fraud using a passage that connects the outside and the inside of the gaming machine.

  In the second to fifth embodiments, as in the first embodiment, the opening OP includes the projection of the cross section CS. Therefore, the effect of suppressing fraud is remarkable. Further, the narrow paths BCb and BCe of the second embodiment (FIG. 10) and the fifth embodiment (FIG. 13) have acute corner portions CNb and CNe, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment and the fifth embodiment, it is possible to further suppress fraud.

C. Example 6:
In each of the above-described embodiments, a passage (for example, the bypass passage RP in FIG. 8) that is branched in front of the opening in the middle of the partial passage DP that reaches the bag passage has come around behind the bag passage. Any other shape can be adopted as the shape of the passage. For example, the wall surrounding the bag path may not form another part of the discharge passage. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a discharge passage 146f in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the discharge passage 146f as seen from the front. FIG. 14 shows a part of the discharge passage 146f in the middle, and the wall surrounding the discharge passage 146f is hatched. The discharge passage 146f has a configuration in which the front side (front side) and the back side (back side) of the illustrated wall are covered with a flat plate (not shown). A trajectory FA in the figure is a trajectory of the foul sphere FB. In the sixth embodiment, unlike the above-described embodiments, the passage EPf that branches off before the opening OPf of the bag path BCf does not go around the back of the bag path BCf. Further, the wall surrounding the bag path BCf does not form another part of the discharge passage 146f.

  In the sixth embodiment, the discharge passage 146f includes a first partial passage DPf and a second partial passage EPf. The first partial passage DPf is a passage that extends straight in the diagonally upper right direction ODf when the discharge passage 146f is traced in the opposite direction. The upstream side of the first partial passage DPf is blocked by the blocking wall WS3f. The downstream side of the first partial passage DPf communicates with a payout port (not shown). A second partial passage EPf is connected to the upper surface in the middle of the first partial passage DPf. The second partial passage EPf is a passage that extends straight in a direction different from the direction ODf in which the first partial passage DPf extends (in the example of FIG. 14, the diagonally upper left direction OEf). The upstream side of the second partial passage EPf communicates with a recovery port (not shown). The foul ball FB that has fallen to the recovery port passes through the second partial passage EPf, reaches the first partial passage DPf, and is discharged from the discharge port through the first partial passage DPf.

  In the sixth embodiment, a portion of the first partial passage DPf upstream of the connection position with the second partial passage EPf forms the bag path BCf. Accordingly, as in the above-described embodiments, the operating member that can move the first partial passage DPf in the reverse direction is inserted into the opening OPf of the bag path BCf and is captured by the bag path BCf. As a result, it is possible to suppress fraud using a passage that connects the outside and the inside of the gaming machine.

D. Seventh embodiment:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the number of passages (for example, the bypass passage RP) that branches in the middle of the partial passage (for example, the partial passage FP in FIG. 8) leading to the bag path and before the opening is one. Two or more may be sufficient. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a discharge passage 146g in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge passage 146g as viewed from the front. FIG. 15 shows a part of the discharge passage 146g in the middle, and the wall surrounding the discharge passage 146g is hatched. The discharge passage 146g has a configuration in which the front side (front side) and the back side (back side) of the illustrated wall are covered with a flat plate (not shown). A trajectory FA in the figure is a trajectory of the foul sphere FB. In the seventh embodiment, unlike the embodiments described above, the discharge passage 146g branches into two bypass passages RPg1 and RPg2 before the opening OPg of the bag path BCg.

  The portion of the discharge passage 146g shown in FIG. 15 is sandwiched between the outer walls WO1g and WO2g on the left and right. These outer walls WO1g and WO2g are vertically extending walls, and form a wide portion WP in the middle. The wide portion WP has a substantially triangular shape protruding upward. A guide wall WS3g is provided in the wide portion WP. The guide wall WS3g has an acute inverted V shape and forms a bag path BCg.

  Under the wide portion WP, the downstream partial passage DPg is formed by the outer walls WO1g and WO2g. This downstream partial passage DPg extends upward in the vertical direction when reaching the discharge passage 146g in the reverse direction and reaches the bag path BCg. Further, the downstream side of the downstream partial passage DPg communicates with a payout port (not shown). The downstream partial passage DPg and the bag path BCg form a partial path FPg that extends in a predetermined direction (vertically upward in the example of FIG. 15) and reaches the bag path BCg. Further, the opening OPg of the bag path BCg includes a projection of the cross-section CSg of the downstream partial passage DPg. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 15, the opening OPg is wider than the cross section CSg.

  The discharge passage 146g is branched into two bypass passages RPg1 and RPg2 in the middle of the partial passage FPg and before the opening OPg. The first bypass passage RPg1 is a passage surrounded by the guide wall WS3g and the first outer wall WO1g. The second bypass passage RPg2 is a passage surrounded by the guide wall WS3g and the second outer wall WO2g. These bypass passages RPg1 and RPg2 join at the upper part of the guide wall WS3g and are connected to the upstream partial passage EPg. The upstream partial passage EPg is a passage provided on the wide portion WP, and is a passage sandwiched between the outer walls WO1g and WO2g. The upstream side of the upstream partial passage EPg communicates with a recovery port (not shown). The foul ball FB that has fallen to the recovery port reaches the wide portion WP through the upstream partial passage EPg. The foul ball FB passes through one of the two bypass passages RPg1 and RPg2 to reach the downstream partial passage DPg, and is discharged from the payout port through the downstream partial passage DPg. The cross section CSg of the partial passage FPg has a sufficient width so that two foul spheres FB can pass simultaneously. This is to prevent clogging of the foul sphere FB even when the two foul spheres FB simultaneously reach the downstream partial passage DPg from the two bypass passages RPg1, RPg2.

  In the seventh embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the operating member that moves the downstream partial passage DPg in the reverse direction is inserted into the opening OPg of the bag path BCg and is captured by the bag path BCg. As a result, it is possible to suppress fraud using a passage that connects the outside and the inside of the gaming machine. In particular, in the seventh embodiment, since the opening OPg is wider than the cross-section CSg, it is easy to capture the operation member by the bag path. Further, since the blind path BCg has an acute corner portion CNg, it is possible to further suppress fraud.

E. Example 8:
In each of the above-described embodiments, when the discharge passage is traced in the reverse direction, the discharge passage includes a partial passage (for example, the partial passage DP in FIG. 8) extending toward the opening of the bag path. There may be no partial passage. In other words, the position of the opening of the bag path is not limited to the point where the partial passage extends, and various other positions can be employed. FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a discharge passage 146h in the eighth embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. There are two differences from the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. The first difference is that the second partial passage EPf is connected to the top surface of the tip instead of in the middle of the first partial passage DPf. The second difference is that a bag path BCh is provided on the side surface in the middle of the second partial passage EPf. The other configuration is the same as that of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the eighth embodiment, a guide wall WS3h is fixed to the side surface of the second partial passage EPf. The guide wall WS3h has a substantially V-shape with an acute angle, and forms a bag path BCh that is recessed in a V shape toward the outside of the passage EPf on the side surface of the second partial passage EPf. Here, the culvert path BCh is inclined and recessed toward the upstream side. Further, the opening OPh of the guide wall WS3h is provided not at the inner portion IT but at a position advanced from the outer portion OT toward the upstream side in the curved portion formed by the two passages DPf and EPf. .

  FIG. 16 further shows the operation member WR. The operating member WR that can move the first partial passage DPf in the reverse direction (upper right direction ODf) contacts the blocking wall WS3f of the passage DPf. Then, the operation member WR changes the movement direction along the blocking wall WS3f to the upper left direction OEf, and moves upstream along the wall of the second partial passage EPf. At this time, the operation member WR moves along the wall from the outer portion OT of the curved portion toward the upstream side. However, as described above, the opening OPh is provided on this movement path. As a result, the operation member WR is inserted into the opening OPh and is captured by the bag path BCh.

  As described above, also in the eighth embodiment, since the operation member WR that can move the discharge passage 146h in the reverse direction is captured by the bag path BCh, it is possible to suppress fraud. Moreover, since the narrow path BCh of the eighth embodiment has sharp corners, the effect of suppressing fraud is remarkable.

  In general, as the position of the opening of the bag path, an arbitrary position that can capture the operation member that can move the discharge passage in the reverse direction can be adopted. Since such a position differs depending on the shape of the discharge passage, it may be determined experimentally.

F. Variation:
In addition, elements other than the elements claimed in the independent claims among the constituent elements in each of the above embodiments are additional elements and can be omitted as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

Modification 1:
The configuration of the bag path is not limited to the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments, and any configuration that can capture the operation member that can move the discharge passage in the reverse direction can be employed.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the opening of the bag path (for example, the opening OP in FIG. 7) may be smaller than the section of the passage toward the opening (for example, the section CS). In other words, when the section of the passage is moved in the direction in which the passage extends, a part of the section may pass through the outside of the opening. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the opening OP may be smaller than the cross section CS. However, in general, when the discharge passage is traced in the reverse direction, the discharge passage preferably includes a first partial passage extending in the first direction toward the opening of the bag path and reaching the opening. This means that a projection of at least a part of the cross section of the first partial passage is included in the opening. If it carries out like this, it will become easy for the operation member which moves a 1st partial channel | path to be caught by the bag path. In addition, the projection of the cross section of a 1st partial channel | path means the projection along the direction (1st direction) where a 1st partial channel | path extends.

  However, the larger the opening of the bag path, the easier the bag path captures the operating member. Therefore, it is preferable that the opening of the narrow path is large, it is particularly preferable that the shape of the opening coincides with the projection of the cross section of the passage extending toward the opening, and most preferable that the shape of the opening is larger than the projection of the cross section. .

  As in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 16, there may be no partial passage toward the opening of the bag path. Also in this case, the larger the opening of the bag path, the easier the bag path captures the operation member.

  In any case, the bag path is preferably a path through which game balls do not enter in the normal use state of the gaming machine. If it carries out like this, it can suppress that the operation member caught by the bag path moves to the inside of a game machine along the path of a game ball.

Modification 2:
In each of the above-described embodiments, any shape can be adopted as the shape of the narrow path. For example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, a narrow path having the same shape as each embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 13 may be adopted. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a dead end having a hemispherical shape may be employed. In general, any vessel shape in which the opening is recessed can be adopted as the shape of the bag path.

  Here, it is preferable that the narrow path has an acute corner. Here, an acute corner means an angle (corner) whose cross section viewed from at least one direction is an acute angle. If there is such a corner, the operation member is prevented from returning backward from the bag path, so that it is possible to further suppress fraud.

  Moreover, it is preferable to provide an obstacle in the bag path so that the game ball does not enter the bag path by mistake. As such an obstacle, not only a wall that partitions the inside of the bag path such as the partition wall WS4 shown in FIG. 7, but any member that inhibits the entry of the game ball into the bag path can be adopted.

Modification 3:
The configuration of the discharge passage is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and various other configurations can be employed. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the discharge passage is not limited to a rectangle, and any other shape (for example, a circular shape) can be adopted. Further, the shape of the discharge passage is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and any shape can be adopted.

  Further, when the discharge passage is traced in the reverse direction, the direction of the discharge passage may not be changed in the middle of the passage toward the opening of the bag path (for example, the partial passage FP in FIG. 8) and before the opening. . In other words, the same narrow path as in each of the above-described embodiments (FIGS. 8 to 15) may be fixed in the middle of the linear passage extending in a certain direction. In this case, the size of the straight path and the narrow path may be set so that only a part of the cross section of the straight path is blocked by the narrow path. The foul sphere passes through the rest of the cross section. However, in this case, since the operation member easily passes through the remaining portion of the cross section, it is preferable that the direction of the discharge passage is changed before the opening as in the above-described embodiment. In this way, since the operation member that moves backward in the passage toward the opening (for example, the partial passage DP in FIG. 8) is easily captured by the bag path, it is possible to appropriately suppress fraud.

Modification 4:
As a discharge passage for providing a bag path, there is a passage connecting a collection port (for example, the collection port 142 in FIG. 1) for collecting the foul balls and a discharge port (for example, the discharge port 144 in FIG. 1) facing the lower plate. Not limited to this, it is possible to adopt an arbitrary passage for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine to the outside of the gaming machine. Moreover, as a position where the bag path is provided in the discharge passage, any position that can capture the operation member that can move the discharge passage in the reverse direction can be adopted.

  In many cases of cheating, members provided in a game area (for example, the game area 102 in FIG. 1) are illegally operated. Therefore, if a bag path is provided in a discharge passage (for example, the discharge passage 146 in FIG. 1) for discharging game balls from the game area 102 to the outside of the gaming machine, fraud can be appropriately suppressed. In addition, many game machines guide a fired game ball to a predetermined position in the game area and form a launch passage having a collection passage for collecting a foul ball (for example, the launch rail 112 and the outer side). Rail 120 and the entire inner rail 130), a lower plate for storing the foul ball, and a foul ball discharge passage that is connected to the recovery port and guides the foul ball that has entered the recovery port to the lower plate. Yes. Thus, in such a gaming machine, if a bag path is provided in the foul ball discharge passage, fraud can be appropriately suppressed.

It is a front view of the inner frame 100 of the pachinko gaming machine as one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an inner frame 100. FIG. It is a front view of the inner frame 100a in a comparative example. 4 is a front view of a discharge passage forming member 140. FIG. It is a rear view of the discharge passage forming member 140. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a discharge passage forming member 140. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a discharge passage forming member 140. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a discharge passage forming member 140. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode when the operation member WR is inserted from the discharge port 144 (FIG. 6). It is explanatory drawing which shows the bag path BCb in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bag path BCc in 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bag path BCd in 4th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the cover alley BCe in 5th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the discharge channel | path 146f in 6th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the discharge channel | path 146g in 7th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the discharge channel | path 146h in 8th Example.

Explanation of symbols

100, 100a ... inner frame 102, 102a ... gaming area 110, 110a ... launching device 112, 112a ... launch rail 120, 120a ... outer rail 123 ... main passage 130, 130a. .. Inner rail 140, 140a ... discharge passage forming member 140s1 ... first side wall 140s2 ... second side wall 140s3 ... bottom wall 142, 142a ... foul ball collection port (collection port)
144, 144a ... discharge port 146, 146a, 146f, 146g, 146h ... discharge passage 147 ... detour part 148 ... guide wall 148v ... wall part 148h1, 148h2 ... hole part 149. .. Dispensing passage 150, 150a ... lower plate 160a ... handle 200 ... game board G ... gap FB ... foul ball WS4 ... partition wall WS31 ... inclined wall WS31c, WS31d, WS31e ... Bottom wall WS311, WS311c, WS311d, WS311e ... End WS1 ... First side wall WS2 ... Second side wall WS32, WS32c, WS32d, WS32e ... Third side wall WS3, WS3b, WS3c , WS3d, WS3e ... Main wall WS3f ... Blocking wall WS3g, WS3h ... Guide wall WO1g ... First outer wall WO2g ... Second outer wall WP ... Wide part CP ... Regulation part GR ... Groove DP, FP, FP ... Partial passage DPf ... First partial passage DPg ... Downstream partial passage EPf ... Second partial passage EPg ... Upstream partial passage RP ... Bypass passage RPg1 ... First bypass passage RPg2 ... Second bypass path BC, BCb, BCc, BCd, BCe, BCf, BCg, BCh ... Bag alley OP, OPf, OPg, OPh ... Opening CN, CNb, CNe, CNg ... Corner WR ... Operating members FA ... Track CS, CSf, CSg ... Cross section

Claims (5)

A gaming machine that guides a game ball to a predetermined game area and executes a predetermined game,
A discharge passage forming portion that forms a discharge passage for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine to the outside of the gaming machine;
The discharge passage forming portion is a bag passage having an opening arranged in the middle of the discharge passage, and has a bag passage having a container shape in which the opening is recessed.
Gaming machine. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The discharge passage includes a first partial passage that extends in a first direction toward the opening and reaches the opening when the discharge passage is traced in the reverse direction. A gaming machine according to claim 2,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge passage includes a second partial passage that is connected to the first partial passage before the opening and is directed in a second direction different from the first direction. A gaming machine according to claim 3,
A gaming machine in which the shape of the opening is formed so that the opening and the cross section of the first partial passage are included in the opening when viewed along the first direction. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A gaming machine in which the internal shape of the dead end includes an acute corner.

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