JP2007289584A - Stage structure for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stage structure for a game machine capable of attracting the interest of a player to behaviors of a game ball while giving the player expectations of prize winning into a winning port by securing a retention time of the game ball until it drops into a play area. <P>SOLUTION: The stage structure 53 is provided with a lower stage 67, a lower stage retention area 70, an upper stage 71, an upper stage retention area 73, a ball passage 81, and a guide member. The low stage retention area 70 is demarcated on an upper surface 68 of the lower stage 67, bends downward viewed from the front, allows temporary retention of the game ball, and drops the game ball into a play area 31. The upper stage retention area 73 is demarcated on an upper surface 72 of the upper stage 71 and allows temporary retention of the game ball. The ball passage 81 emits the game ball entering an intrusion port 81 into the lower stage retention area 70 from the ejection port. The guide member changes a moving direction of the game ball ejected from the ejection port to a lowest part of the lower stage retention area 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a stage structure provided in a gaming machine.

  In general, a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a launching device that launches a game ball by a handle operation, and the game ball fired by the launching device passes through a specific winning opening (start winning opening) Thus, the change of the special symbol displayed on the variable display device (electronic winning / losing lottery) is started. When the winning / losing lottery is won, a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed on the variable display device, and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In the jackpot gaming state, the special winning opening (big winning opening) opens and closes to accept gaming balls, so that the player can acquire many winning balls.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-267344 describes a ball game machine having a stage structure above a specific winning opening.

  In the stage structure described above, a first stage formed in a substantially arched roof shape, a second stage that is provided on the lower front side of the first stage and can flow down to the lower gaming area, and substantially directly below the first stage A third stage provided adjacent to the second stage at a portion, a drop groove provided behind the rear end of the first stage and guiding a game ball moving on the first stage to the third stage; And a specific winning opening arranged substantially below the center of the two stages. In the above configuration, the game ball moving on the first stage is guided downward and flows down to the second stage, or flows down to the third stage via the drop groove. The game ball that has flowed down from the first stage to the third stage moves from the rear to the front of the second stage and then flows down from the front end of the second stage to the lower game area. On the other hand, the game ball that has flowed down from the first stage to the second stage moves from the rear to the front while swinging horizontally on the second stage, and flows down from the front end of the second stage to the lower game area. .

  According to the above-mentioned stage structure, it is possible to give irregularity to the behavior of the game ball moving on the stage while securing the residence time until the game ball flows down from the stage to the game area. It is possible to attract attention. In addition, when the game ball moves on the first stage, it is possible to increase the expectation of winning a prize to the specific winning opening.

JP 2004-267344 A

  However, in the stage structure of Patent Document 1, since the width of the first stage in the front-rear direction is narrow and the cross-section in the front-rear direction of the upper surface is a planar shape, the game ball moving on the first stage is immediately second. May fall to the stage. Such a fall leads to a monotonous movement of the game ball and a shortening of a staying time until the game ball is dropped to the game area. In such a case, the player's interest may be diminished.

  Further, when a game ball moving on the first stage flows down to the second stage through the drop groove, the game ball moves from the position dropped from the drop groove to the center of the second stage without moving to the front end. There is a possibility of moving toward and dropping as it is. Thus, if the game ball does not fall downward from the central front end of the second stage, it will be difficult to win a specific winning opening arranged below the central front end of the second stage. For this reason, depending on the position at which the game ball falls into the drop groove, when the game ball falls into the drop groove, there is a possibility that the expectation of winning a prize to the specific winning opening may be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to secure a game ball staying time until it is dropped into the game area, thereby increasing the expectation of winning a prize at the winning opening. It is to provide a stage structure of a gaming machine that can attract the player's interest in the behavior of the game ball while giving it to the player.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is arranged in a game area on a board surface of a game board, allows a temporary stay of a game ball falling in the game area, and distributes the fall direction to determine the winning probability of the game ball. This is a stage structure of a gaming machine that fluctuates, and includes a lower stage, a lower stage retention area, an upper stage, an upper stage retention area, a ball passage, and a guide member. The lower stage is provided extending in the lateral direction. The lower stagnation area is partitioned on the upper surface of the lower stage and is curved downward as viewed from the front so that the substantially horizontal center is the lowest part, allowing the game sphere to stay temporarily and staying there. Is dropped to the lower game area. The upper stage is juxtaposed above the lower stage so as to be separated from the lower stage, and covers almost the entire upper portion of the lower stage retention region. The upper stage staying area is defined on the upper surface of the upper stage, and allows the game balls to stay temporarily. The ball passage has an entrance opening that opens behind the upper staying area and a discharge opening that opens behind the lower staying area, and releases the game balls that have entered the entrance into the lower staying area one by one from the release opening. . The guide member is disposed immediately in front of the discharge port, and changes the moving direction of the game ball discharged from the discharge port toward the lowermost part of the lower-stage staying area.

  In the above configuration, almost the entire lower-stage staying area is covered from above by the upper stage that extends in the lateral direction, and the lower-stage staying area and the upper-stage staying area allow the game balls to stay temporarily. An entrance and a discharge port are formed at the rear of the upper stay region and the rear of the lower stay region, respectively, and the game balls that have entered the entrance are discharged from the discharge port through the ball passage. That is, since the upper stage has a size that covers almost the entire lower-stage staying area from above, the upper-stage staying area can be set large in the front-rear direction. For this reason, the game ball dropped in the upper stage staying area can stay in the upper stage staying area for a relatively long time. In addition, when a game ball moving in the upper stagnation area enters the entrance, the game sphere is released to the lower stagnation area through the discharge port. In the same manner as described above, it is possible to retain in the lower residence region for a relatively long time. Therefore, in both the upper and lower stagnation areas, it is possible to ensure a sufficient amount of time for the game balls to stay, so that the player is interested in the behavior of the game balls in the stage structure over a long period of time. Can attract.

  In addition, a guide member is disposed immediately in front of the discharge port, and the game ball discharged from the discharge port is guided by the guide member and moves toward the lowermost part of the lower-stage staying area. The lower stagnation area is curved downward so that the center thereof is the lowest part, and the game ball is dropped to the lower game area. For this reason, the game ball discharged from the discharge port is guided to the lowermost part of the lower stage staying area by the guide member, and is guided to the center which is the lowermost part by the curved shape of the lower stage staying area. In other words, it is possible to drop the game ball released from the discharge port from the central front end of the lower stay region to the lower game region with a relatively high probability. Therefore, for example, when a winning opening such as a specific winning opening that triggers the change of the special symbol displayed on the variable display device is arranged below the central front end of the lower staying area, While staying in the staying area and the lower staying area, it is possible to play a game with a sense of expectation for winning a prize at the winning opening.

  In this way, the player can play the game with the expectation that the game will be advantageously developed while enjoying the behavior of the game ball over a long period of time. Can be planned.

  Moreover, you may form an upper stage retention area | region in the curved surface shape where the cross section of the front-back direction curves below.

  In the above-described configuration, the game ball that has fallen into the upper staying area can stay for an unspecified time while swinging the upper staying area in the front-rear direction. Therefore, since the behavior of the game ball becomes more irregular, the player's interest can be more attracted to the behavior of the game ball in the stage structure.

  The guide member may support the upper stage from below.

  In the above configuration, since the upper stage is supported from below by the guide member, the support strength of the upper stage can be improved. Therefore, the upper stage can be firmly attached above the lower stage.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to separately provide a member for supporting the upper stage, it is possible to reliably simplify the mounting operation and reduce the number of parts.

  The guide member may be constituted by a guide piece that is swingably supported with respect to the lower-stage staying region, and a biasing member that biases the guide piece backward.

  In the above configuration, the guide piece for changing the moving direction of the game ball is supported so as to be swingable and is urged rearward by the urging member. For this reason, the moving direction of the game ball toward the lowermost part of the lower-stage staying region is irregularly changed depending on the mode of the game ball (for example, the speed of the game ball) when released from the discharge port. Therefore, the behavior of the game ball moving in the lower stagnation region becomes irregular, and as a result, there are various modes of the game sphere when falling from the lower stagnation region to the game region. While fully enjoying the behavior, you can play games with a sense of expectation for winning a prize.

  Further, the upper stagnant region may be formed in a wave shape in which a crest and a trough are continuous via a curved surface along the lateral direction, and the entrance is arranged behind the trough, and the trough is A guide groove for guiding the game ball to the entrance may be formed.

  In the above configuration, the game ball that has flowed into the upper stage staying area is led to the lower stage staying area through the entrance while giving a dynamic feeling to the behavior due to the wave shape of the upper stage staying area. Accordingly, the game ball stays in the upper stage stay region and the lower stage stay region while exhibiting irregular and dynamic behavior, so that the player's interest can be surely attracted to the behavior of the game ball in the stage structure.

  Moreover, since the upper stage retention area | region is formed in the wave shape which a peak part and a trough part continue, comparatively many game balls which move an upper stage retention area | region move to a valley part. Further, since a guide groove for guiding to the entrance is formed in the valley, the game ball moved to the valley enters the entrance by being guided by the guide groove. Therefore, most of the game balls that have fallen into the upper stage staying area are led out to the lower stage staying area through the entrance, so that it is possible to further improve the sense of expectation of winning through the winning opening.

  In addition, a rocking groove is formed in the lowermost part of the lower-stage staying region. The rocking groove has a curved surface shape with a transverse section curved downward, and moves the game ball from the rear to the front while rocking the game ball horizontally. Alternatively, the guide member may change the moving direction of the game ball toward the rear side of the swing groove.

  In the above configuration, the game ball discharged from the discharge port moves from the rear to the front while swinging the swing groove in the lateral direction and falls to the lower game area. Accordingly, the direction of falling from the center of the lower staying area to the gaming area varies depending on the swinging state of the game ball, so the player can wait until the game ball falls from the lower staying area to the lower gaming area. The game can be played with the expectation of winning a prize opening while fully enjoying the behavior of the game ball.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to sufficiently secure the retention time of the game ball until it falls from the stage structure to the game area, so that the player is given a sense of expectation of winning a prize for a long time. However, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the behavior of the game ball in the stage structure.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This ball game machine is installed in a place such as a game machine installation store, and a player plays a game based on the supply of game balls.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store is paid to a card reader unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 by paying cash or the like. Thus, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball used for the game will be described. More specifically, this gaming machine performs electronic winning lottery when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined winning opening (start winning opening) 2 and is in a winning state. In the case of winning, a bullet ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game) that places the special winning opening (large winning opening) 3 in a state in which the game ball is easy to win so that the game state is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state. Called a machine). However, the present invention is not limited to the gaming machine of the present embodiment. For example, in the Law on the Optimization of Customs Business and the Law on the Suitability of Business (Fair Management Optimization Act) and the Law Enforcement Regulations, the pachinko game It can also be applied to those classified as a machine or a revolving game machine.

[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine of this embodiment has an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an opening frame door 6, a game board 7, a door 8 with a ball tray, a ball tray 9, and a rotating type as external structures. An operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation unit 11, a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9, and the like are provided on the front side thereof. In addition, this gaming machine has, as an internal structure, a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described in detail in the order of an external structure, an internal structure, a game area configuration, and an electrical configuration with reference to FIGS.

[External structure]
First, the external structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The outer frame 4 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 5 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 4 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 4 via a hinge portion 26. Moreover, the main body member 5 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside.

  The opening frame door 6 has a lock function 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26, and is configured in a frame shape. It is a door member with the inside as an opening. The opening frame door 6 is provided with a transparent plate member 28 made of glass or resin so as to face the opening, and further, an electric decoration 29 and a speaker 30 related to the frame door are attached in the vicinity of the opening. It has been.

  The game board 7 has a game area 31 on its board surface, and is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 5. The game area 31 can be observed from the opening after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5. Here, in the present embodiment, the game area 31 refers to an area in which the launched game ball can move among the board surfaces of the game board 7, and the board surface of the game board 7 to which the game ball can move (hereinafter referred to as the game board 7). (Referred to as the game area 31 on the variable display unit 34 side) (hereinafter referred to as the game area 31 on the variable display unit 34 side). ) Is also included in the game area 31.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 capable of storing a plurality of game balls and provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 provided with a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side.
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9 for allowing the player to discharge the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 9 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

[Internal structure]
Next, the internal structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The main control device 13 functions as a control means according to the present invention, and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these. The main control device 13 performs electric game control processing and generates main processing information.

  The sub-control device 14 is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to them, and performs control to execute a predetermined output mode process according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Device. The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device, a lamp control device, a voice control device, and a payout control device.

  The game ball payout device 15 is a device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a game profit (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball) in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined winning condition.

  The ball lending signal control device 16 controls the prepaid card reading processing relationship and the lending lending processing relationship.

  The movable object control device 17 has a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, a prize area allocation object, a moving object for performance, etc.) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control apparatus 13. ) In an operating state, and provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. The movable object control device 17 of the present embodiment includes a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, a winning area distribution drive device, and an effect moving object drive device.

  The collection passage member 18 is a member that serves as a passage (common name, collective basket) for collecting the game balls launched into the game area 31 on the game board 7 side by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7. is there.

  The passage member 20 used when paying out the game ball is a member that serves as a passage for guiding a winning ball or a rental ball to the ball tray 9.

  The power supply device is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When the operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 performs a launch operation interval (for example, 100 game balls per minute). And the like, and the adjustment of the launch intensity of the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31 on the game board 7 side.

[Composition of game area]
Next, the configuration of the game area 31 of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The game area 31 is partitioned and formed so as to be substantially circular by a guide rail 32 and a game ball regulation rail 33 for sliding the game ball, and regulates the movement range of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. It is an area. An opening (not shown) for attaching a variable display unit 34 to be described later is formed in a substantially rectangular shape at a predetermined position on the board surface of the game board 7. A variable display unit 34 to be described later is attached to the opening. The game ball regulation rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32, and the guide rail 32 and the game ball regulation rail 33 are spirally arranged on the board surface of the game board 7 as a whole. .

  Further, in the game area 31, a variable display unit 34, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device 35, a predetermined winning port (general winning port) 37, predetermined passing ports (through chuckers) 38 and 46, an out port 39, a game A nail (not shown), a windmill 40, a specific hold number display lamp 41, a passing hold number display lamp 42, an effect display lamp 43, and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the variable display unit 34 includes a frame 51, a symbol display unit 52 disposed on the rear side of the frame 51, and a stage disposed on the lower portion on the front side of the frame 51. And a structure 53. An area defined by the frame 51, the symbol display unit 52, and the stage structure 53 constitutes a part of the gaming area 31 described above.

  The frame body 51 includes an upper column portion 54, side column portions 55 and 56, a back wall portion 57, an opening portion 58, and attachment substrates 59 and 60. The upper column portion 54 has a substantially column shape and extends in the horizontal direction. The side column portions 55 and 56 are bent and extended downward from both end sides of the upper column portion 54. The rear wall portion 57 connects the lower ends of the rear surface sides of the side column portions 55 and 56 and stands up behind the stage structure 53. The opening 58 opens above the back wall 57 and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The mounting board 59 is an ornament having an arch shape, and is disposed so as to cover the front side of the upper column part 54 and the side column parts 55 and 56. The mounting substrate 60 is a decorative body that curves in a substantially U shape, and is disposed so as to cover the front side of the stage structure 53.

  The left side column portion 55 as viewed from the player has a guide path 61 through which a game ball rolling in the game area 31 on the game board 7 side can be introduced into the game area 31 on the variable display unit 34 side. Yes. The guide path 61 opens at an upper portion on the front side of the side column portion 55, and introduces an inlet (not shown) through which a game ball that has entered the entrance 62 of the mounting board 59 described later can be introduced, and the right side of the side column portion 55. The outlet has a lead-out port 63 that opens at the lower part on the wall surface side, and the game balls that have entered the lead-in port are discharged from the lead-out port 63 one by one to the upper stage staying area 73 of the stage structure 53 described later. At a predetermined position on the mounting board 59, an entrance 62 is formed through which a game ball rolling in the game area 31 on the game board 7 side can enter. The entrance 62 communicates with the introduction port of the side column portion 55 in a state where the mounting substrate 59 is fixed to the front side of the side column portion 55. At the lower center of the front side of the mounting board 60, there is formed a discharge port 64 through which game balls released from a central guide rod 83, which will be described later, can be discharged one by one to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side. In a state where the board 60 is attached to the game board 7, a specific winning port 2 described later is disposed immediately below the discharge port 64. Further, the mounting substrate 60 is formed in a substantially concave shape, and in a state where the lower stage 67 is disposed on the rear side of the mounting substrate 60, a rib protruding upward from the front end portion 67F of the lower stage 67 excluding the front end portion 85F described later. 65.

  In a state where the mounting board 59 and the mounting board 60 are assembled in a frame shape, the two boards 59 and 60 have a substantially rectangular shape slightly larger than the opening formed on the board surface of the game board 7. The game board 7 is fixed to the board surface with screws or the like. It should be noted that a wide variety of decorations such as attachment of a decorative sheet can be applied to the front surfaces of the mounting substrate 59 and the mounting substrate 60.

  The symbol display unit 52 is configured to display identification display information (eg, symbol, character, background image, etc.) as identification information according to the result of electronic winning / losing lottery executed in response to the passing of a game ball to the specific winning opening 2 described later. ) Is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed. Note that a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, and an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device can be applied to the symbol display unit 52. .

  The symbol display part 52 is attached to the back wall part 57 by screws or the like on the rear side of the frame body 51. In a state where the symbol display unit 52 is disposed on the frame 51, an image or the like projected on the symbol display unit 52 is visible through the opening 58. In this embodiment, since the game ball may directly contact the display surface of the symbol display unit 52, the symbol display unit 52 is attached to the frame 51 via a protective sheet or the like that protects the display surface. It has been.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the stage structure 53 includes a support plate 66, a lower stage 67, a lower stage retention area 70, an upper stage 71, and an upper stage retention area 73. The support plate 66 is disposed on the front side of the back wall portion 57 of the frame body 51 by being locked by a locking rib 69 formed on the back wall portion 57 of the frame body 51. The lower stage 67 is provided so as to extend in the lateral direction, and is fixed to the lower end portion on the front surface side of the support plate 66 with screws or the like. The upper stagnation area 73 is defined by the upper surface 68 of the lower stage 67, the front surface of the support plate 66, and an upright piece 90, which will be described later. Drop into the game area 31 (see FIG. 3). The upper stage 71 is fixed to the upper end portion of the front surface of the support plate 66 with a screw or the like, and above the lower stage 67 with a predetermined distance (for example, one or more game balls and less than two game balls). (Distance) spaced apart from each other and covers the entire lower stay region 70. The upper stagnation area 73 is defined by the side column portions 55 and 56 of the frame body 51 and the upper surface 72 of the upper stage 71, and allows temporary stagnation of game balls.

  The support plate 66 includes a substrate 76, a pair of discharge ports 77, 77, a pair of tilt guide portions 78, 78, and a vertical guide portion 79. The substrate 76 is formed in a substantially plate shape. The pair of discharge ports 77, 77 are opened in a substantially semicircular shape at a predetermined position of the substrate 76, and have a size that allows game balls to pass one by one. The pair of tilt guiding portions 78, 78 has a tilted surface that protrudes rearward from the rear surface side of the substrate 76 and tilts downward from the upper left and right ends of the substrate 76 toward the lower edge of the pair of discharge ports 77, 77. The game ball that has moved to the rear side of the substrate 76 can be guided to the discharge port 77. The vertical guiding portion 79 is provided between the pair of tilt guiding portions 78 and 78 and can guide the game ball moving toward the upper center of the substrate 76 downward.

  The support plate 66 is fixed to the front side of the back wall portion 57 of the frame body 51 by screws or locking ribs 69 and the like, and in the state where the support plate 66 is fixed to the frame body 51, The end portion and the rear end portion of the vertical guide portion 79 are in contact with the front side of the frame 51.

  In a region defined by the back wall 57, the substrate 76, and the inclination guide portion 78, a pair of entrances 80 and 80 that allow entry of game balls staying in the upper staying region 73 are formed above, and A pair of ball passages 81 and 81 capable of guiding the game ball that has entered the entrance 80 to the discharge port 77 are formed. The front and rear widths of the entrance 80 and the ball passage 81 are slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball.

  With the discharge port 77, the entrance port 80, and the ball passage 81 configured in this way, the game balls that have entered the entrance port 80 can be released from the release port 77 forward one by one without being blocked. It is possible.

  In an area defined by the frame 51, the substrate 76, and the vertical guide portion 79, an entrance 82 that allows entry of a game ball staying in the upper stage staying area 73 is formed above the entrance 51. A ball passage 84 is formed through which the game balls can be discharged to the central guide rod 83 disposed below the area. The entrance 82, the ball passage 84, and the central guide rod 83 have such a size that game balls can pass one by one. The center guide rod 83 is fixed to the center lower part on the front side of the back wall portion 57 of the frame 51 with a screw or the like, and guides the game ball flowing down the ball passage 84 forward. A discharge port 64 formed in the mounting substrate 60 is disposed in front of the front end portion of the central guide rod 83 in a state where the mounting substrate 60 is disposed in front of the central guide rod 83.

  In the entrance 82, the ball passage 84, and the central guide rod 83 configured as described above, the game balls that have entered the entrance 82 are discharged to the mounting board 60 through the ball passage 84 and the center guide rod 83. It is discharged from the exit 64 to the game area 31 (see FIG. 3) on the game board 7 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lower stage 67 has a substantially planar upper surface 68 that is gently inclined toward the front, and is viewed from the player so that the lateral central portion 67 </ b> C is the lowermost portion. And is formed in a shape that curves downward. In the lowermost part, a swing groove 85 having a curved surface shape in which a cross section in a lateral direction (substantially horizontal direction) is curved downward and gently inclined forward is formed. The swing groove 85 has a substantially U shape when viewed from above, and the rear end portion 85L abuts against the front side of the support plate 66 in a state where the lower stage 67 is attached to the support plate 66. The front end portion 85F opens toward the game area 31 (see FIG. 3) on the game board 7 side. Further, the front stage 67F of the lower stage 67 excluding the front end 85F of the swing groove 85 is for guiding the game ball to the swing groove 85 in a state where the mounting substrate 60 is disposed on the front side of the lower stage 67. Ribs 65 are erected.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower stage 67 protrudes upward from a predetermined position on the upper surface 68, and a pair of upright pieces 90, 90 arranged opposite to each other, and a side wall portion of the upright piece 90. A pair of guide members 86, 86 that project from a predetermined position toward the central portion 67 </ b> C of the lower stage 67 and change the moving direction of the game ball discharged from the discharge port 77 toward the rear end portion 85 </ b> L of the swing groove 85. The standing piece 90 and the guide member 86 are integrally formed.

  In a state where the lower stage 67 is fixed to the support plate 66, the upper surface 68 of the lower stage 67 is disposed immediately below the discharge port 77 and the guide member 86 is disposed immediately in front of the discharge port 77. The guide member 86 has a curved surface shape in which a cross section cut in the horizontal direction gently curves forward. In this embodiment, in order to smoothly guide the game ball released from the discharge port 77 to the rear end portion 85L of the swing groove 85, the curved surface of the guide member 86 has a larger curvature than the outer peripheral surface of the game ball. The angle of the guide member 86 with respect to the support plate 66 is set within a range of 2 ° to 30 °.

  In the lower stage 67 configured as described above, the moving direction of the game ball that is discharged from the discharge port 77 and moves forward is changed by the guide member 86, and flows into the rear end portion 85 </ b> L side of the swing groove 85. . The game ball that has flowed into the swing groove 85 moves from the rear to the front on the upper surface 87 of the swing groove 85 while swinging back and forth (reciprocating motion), and swings at the center front end of the lower stage 67. It is discharged from the front end portion 85F of the groove 85 to the game area 31 (see FIG. 3) on the game board 7 side. The shape of the guide member 86 is not limited to the curved surface shape, and may be a planar shape, for example. Further, the installation angle of the guide member 86 with respect to the support plate 66 is set to be larger than the above-described angle so that, for example, the game ball released from the discharge port 77 can be easily moved to the front end portion 85F of the swing groove 85. Also good.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8 to 10, the upper stage 71 includes a curved peak portion 72 </ b> H formed in the horizontal center portion 71 </ b> C, a peak portion 72 </ b> H, a left end portion 88, and a right end portion 89. And a curved trough portion 72L formed at the approximate center between the support plate 66 and the support plate 66 fixed to the front surface side of the support plate 66 in a state of being placed on the standing piece 90 and the guide member 86. The upper surface 72 of the upper stage 71 has a wave shape in which a peak portion 72H and a valley portion 72L continue along the horizontal direction, and is formed in a curved surface shape in which the cross section in the horizontal direction gently curves downward. Yes. A guide groove 91 and a guide groove 92 are formed around the back side of the peak portion 72H and around the back side of the valley portion 72L, respectively. The guide groove 91 and the guide groove 92 have a curved surface shape in which the cross section in the lateral direction curves downward, and is gently inclined toward the rear. A guide groove 93 is formed around the front side of the valley portion 72L. The guide groove 93 has a curved surface shape in which the cross section in the lateral direction is curved downward, and is gently inclined forward. . In addition, a rib 94 that restricts the forward movement of the game ball is provided on the front end portion 71F of the upper stage 71 excluding the vicinity of the guide groove 93.

  In a state where the upper stage 71 is fixed to the support plate 66, the rear end portion of the upper stage 71 is placed above the upper end portion of the support plate 66, and the guide groove 91 and the guide groove 92 are respectively connected to the entrance 82. And the opening 80 toward the entrance 80. When the upper stage 71 is disposed above the lower stage 67, the front end portion 71F of the upper stage 71 is substantially the same as the front end portion 67F of the lower stage 67 and the front end portion 85F of the swing groove 85 when viewed from above. It is arranged at the position. Further, in a state where the upper stage 71 is disposed on the frame body 51, the left end portion 88 and the right end portion 89 of the upper stage 71 are in contact with the side column portions 55 and 56 of the frame body 51, respectively. 72 is arranged below the outlet 63.

  In the upper stage 71 configured as described above, the game ball released from the outlet port 63 can move in the lateral direction while swinging (reciprocating) in the front-rear direction on the upper stage 71. When the laterally moving game ball flows into the guide groove 91, the game ball is guided by the guide groove 91 and enters the entrance 82. On the other hand, when it flows into the guide groove 92, the game ball is guided by the guide groove 92 and enters the entrance 80. On the other hand, when it flows into the guide groove 93, the game ball is guided to the guide groove 93 and discharged to the game area 31 (see FIG. 3) on the game board 7 side. Further, when a game ball falls from the rear end side of the upper stage 71 excluding the guide groove 91 and the guide groove 92, it enters the entrance 80. In the present embodiment, since the rib 94 is formed at the front end 71F of the upper stage 71, the game ball is placed on the game board 7 side from the front end 71F excluding the guide groove 93 of the upper stage 71 (see FIG. 3). ) Is difficult to fall to.

  In the present embodiment, the lower stage 67 and the upper stage 71 are formed of transparent members, and a predetermined position on the lower surface side of the lower stage 67 has a change in a gaming state such as a normal gaming state or a big hit gaming state. Accordingly, a variety of lighting modes and a light emitting substrate 96 such as an LED that emits light by changing to a plurality of colors are arranged. Accordingly, the light emitting substrate 96 functions as a backlight for the lower stage 67 and the upper stage 71, and the lower stage 67 and the upper stage 71 themselves change to a plurality of colors and emit light. Note that the light-emitting substrate 96 is not limited to the case where light is emitted by changing a plurality of types of colors according to the gaming state, and for example, the light-emitting board 96 may always emit light by changing the color randomly. Further, the lower stage 67 and the upper stage 71 can be colored without arranging the light emitting substrate 96 so that the behavior of the game balls on the lower stage 67 and the upper stage 71 can be easily seen.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the LED display device 35 is a device that displays various information to the player by means of LEDs. For example, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a predetermined passage is opened). In accordance with the result of the electronic winning lottery executed in response to the passing of a game ball, etc., the identification lighting information as identification information is variably displayed by the LED and then stopped and displayed.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 on the game board 7 side, and having openings for receiving falling game balls. Note that the specific prize opening 2 and the special prize opening 3 are also included in the predetermined prize opening 37.

  The specific winning opening 2 is disposed below the central portion 67C of the lower stage 67 and the central portion 71C of the upper stage 71, and has an electric movable piece 44 for expanding and reducing the opening range of the winning opening. The specific winning opening 2 causes the symbol display section 52 to variably display the identification display information and allow the player to acquire a winning ball as the gaming ball wins the winning opening. The special winning opening 3 has an electric movable door 45 that generates an open state that exposes the winning opening and a closed state that closes the winning opening, and according to the game ball winning the winning opening, The player is awarded more prize balls than other winning holes. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  The predetermined passage openings 38 and 46 are structures provided with a predetermined number at appropriate positions in the game area 31 on the game board 7 side, and provided with a gate through which a falling game ball passes.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged.

  The game nail has a plurality of rod shapes that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by making contact with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a member.

  The windmill 40 is a rotating member that can rotate by contact with a game ball.

  The specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is a light-emitting device that notifies a hold state related to the start of variable display after winning a prize to the specific winning opening 2 by turning on or off.

  The passing hold number display lamp 42 is a light emitting device that notifies the holding state relating to the start of variable display after the passage to the predetermined passage port 38 is turned on or off.

  The effect display lamp 43 is a light-emitting device that has various lighting modes according to changes in the gaming state after the power is turned on.

  Next, the movement of the game ball in the stage structure according to the present invention will be described based on FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, when a game ball that rolls in the game area 31 on the game board 7 side enters the entrance 62 formed in the mounting board 59, the game ball becomes a side pillar. It flows into the upper stay region 73 through the inlet of the section 55, the guide path 61 and the outlet 63. The game ball released from the outlet port 63 is laterally moved while swinging back and forth (reciprocating) on the upper surface 72 of the upper stage 71 according to the mode of the released game ball (for example, the speed of the game ball). It stays for unspecified time while moving to.

  Since the groove 72L of the upper surface 72 of the upper stage 71 is formed with a guide groove 93 and a guide groove 92 on the front side and the rear side, respectively, the game ball moving on the upper surface 72 of the upper stage 71 is Then, it flows into the guide groove 93 or the guide groove 92 with a relatively high probability. When the game ball flows into the guide groove 93, the game ball is guided to the guide groove 93 and discharged to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side. Since the specific winning opening 2 is not arranged below the guide groove 93, the game ball dropped from the guiding groove 93 is relatively difficult to win the specific winning opening 2.

  On the other hand, when the game ball flows into the guide groove 92, the game ball is guided by the guide groove 92 and falls to the entrance 80, and is released to the lower stage retention region 70 through the ball passage 81 and the discharge port 77. . The game ball discharged from the discharge port 77 is changed in the moving direction by the guide member 86 and flows into the rear end portion 85L of the swing groove 85. The game ball that has flowed into the swing groove 85 moves from the rear to the front while reducing the rolling speed while swinging (reciprocating) in the lateral direction on the upper surface 87 of the swing groove 85. Thereafter, when the game ball reaches the front end portion 85F of the swing groove 85, the game ball is discharged from the front end portion 85F to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side. Since the specific winning opening 2 is disposed below the swing groove 85, the specific winning opening 2 is won depending on the manner of dropping from the front end portion 85F (for example, the falling direction of the game ball). In other words, the game ball dropped from the swing groove 85 is easier to win the specific winning opening 2 than the game ball dropped from the guide groove 93.

  On the other hand, when the game ball released from the outlet 63 flows into the guide groove 91 formed on the rear side of the peak portion 72H without staying in the valley portion 72L of the upper surface 72, the game ball is It is guided by 91 and enters the entrance 82, and is discharged to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side through the ball passage 84, the central guide rod 83 and the discharge port 64. Since the specific winning opening 2 is arranged immediately below the discharge opening 64, the game ball that has dropped from the discharge opening 64 wins the specific winning opening 2 with a relatively high probability. That is, although it is difficult to flow into the guide groove 91 formed in the upper stage 71 as compared with the guide groove 92 and the guide groove 93, the game ball that has entered the guide groove 91 enters the guide groove 92 and the guide groove 93. It is easier to win the specific winning opening 2 than the game balls.

  In addition, the game ball discharged from the outlet 63 does not flow into any of the guide groove 91, the guide groove 92, and the guide groove 93, and falls from the rear end portion of the upper stage 71 excluding the guide groove 91 and the guide groove 92. If this happens, the game ball enters the entrance 80. The game ball that has entered the entrance 80 moves in the same manner as the game ball that has flowed into the guide groove 92 described above, and is discharged to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, the widths of the lower stage 67 and the upper stage 71 in the front-rear direction are substantially the same, and the lower-stage staying area (the area where the game ball can move on the upper surface 68 of the lower stage 67) 70. Is entirely covered by the upper stage 71 from above. The lower stagnation area 70 and the upper stagnation area (area where the game ball can move on the upper surface 72 of the upper stage 71) 73 allow the game sphere to stay temporarily. An entrance 80 and a discharge port 77 are formed at the rear of the upper stay region 73 and the rear of the lower stay region 70, respectively, and the game balls that have entered the entrance 80 are discharged from the discharge port 77 through the ball passage 81. Released. That is, since the width in the front-rear direction of the upper stage staying area 73 is set to be relatively large, the game ball that has flowed into the upper stage staying area 73 can stay in the upper stage staying area 73 for a relatively long time. Further, when a game ball moving in the upper stay area 73 enters the entrance 80, the game ball is released to the lower stay area 70 through the discharge port 77, so that the released game ball is discharged to the upper stay area 73. Similarly to the game ball that stays in the lower stage, the lower stage stay area 70 can stay for a relatively long time. Therefore, since it is possible to secure a sufficient residence time of the game ball in any of the upper residence area 73 and the lower residence area 70, the player is responsive to the behavior of the game ball in the stage structure 53 over a long period of time. Can attract interest.

  In addition, a guide member 86 is disposed immediately in front of the discharge port 77, and the game ball released from the discharge port 77 is guided by the guide member 86 and formed in the central portion 67 </ b> C of the lower stage 67. It moves toward the moving groove 85. The upper surface 68 of the lower stage 67 is curved downward so that the swing groove 85 formed in the central portion 67C is at the lowest position, and drops the game ball to the game area 31 on the lower game board 7 side. Therefore, the game ball released from the discharge port 77 is guided to the swing groove 85 by the guide member 86 and is guided to the swing groove 85 by the curved shape of the lower stage 67. That is, it is possible to drop the game ball released from the discharge port 77 from the central portion 67C of the lower stage 67 to the game area 31 on the lower game board 7 side with a relatively high probability. Therefore, since the specific winning opening 2 is arranged below the central portion 67C of the lower stage 67, the player always specifies the game ball while the game balls are staying in the upper stage staying area 73 and the lower stage staying area 70. A game can be performed with a sense of expectation for winning a prize at the winning opening 2.

  In this way, the player can play the game with the expectation that the game will be advantageously developed while enjoying the behavior of the game ball over a long period of time. Can be planned.

  Further, since the upper surface 72 (upper stay area 73) of the upper stage 71 has a curved surface shape in which the cross section in the front-rear direction (substantially horizontal direction) curves downward, the game ball that has flowed into the upper stage 71 It is possible to stay for an unspecified time while swinging (reciprocating) in the front-rear direction on the upper surface 72. Therefore, since the behavior of the game ball becomes more irregular, the player's interest can be more attracted to the behavior of the game ball in the stage structure 53.

  Since the upper stage 71 is configured to be supported from below by the guide member 86, the support strength of the upper stage 71 can be improved. Therefore, the upper stage 71 can be firmly attached above the lower stage 67. Further, since it is not necessary to separately provide a member for supporting the upper stage 71, it is possible to surely simplify the mounting work and reduce the number of parts.

  The game ball that has flowed into the upper stage 71 is led to the lower stage 67 through the entrance 80, the ball passage 81, and the discharge port 77 while giving a dynamic feeling to the behavior due to the wave shape of the upper stage 71. The Therefore, the game ball stays in the upper stage stay region 73 and the lower stage stay region 70 while exhibiting irregular and dynamic behavior, so that the player's attention is surely attracted to the behavior of the game ball in the stage structure 53. Can do.

  Since the upper surface 72 of the upper stage 71 is formed in a wave shape in which the peak portion 72H and the valley portion 72L are continuous, a relatively large number of game balls moving on the upper stage 71 move to the valley portion 72L. Further, since the guide groove 92 that guides to the entrance 80 is formed in the valley 72L, the game ball moved to the valley 72L can be guided by the guide groove 92 and enter the entrance 80. Is possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, since the game ball that has flowed into the upper stage 71 has a structure that is relatively easy to guide to the entrance 80, it is possible to further improve the sense of expectation of winning a prize at the specific winning opening 2. .

  Further, the game ball discharged from the discharge port 77 is guided to the rear end portion 85L of the swing groove 85 by the guide member 86, and the rear end portion 85L while swinging (reciprocating) the swing groove 85 in the lateral direction. Moves to the front end 85F and falls to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side. Therefore, the falling direction in which the game ball falls from the front end portion 85F of the swing groove 85 to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side changes depending on the swinging state of the game ball, so that the player can move the game ball downward from the lower stage 67. Until it falls to the game area 31 on the game board 7 side, it is possible to play a game with a sense of expectation of winning in the specific winning opening 2 while fully enjoying the behavior of the game ball.

[Other Embodiments]
As shown in FIG. 11, instead of the above-described guide member 86, a guide member 101 including a guide piece 102 that is swingably supported with respect to the lower stage 67 and an urging member 103 may be used. It is.

  The guide piece 102 has a substantially plate shape, and has a curved surface shape in which a cross section cut in the horizontal direction gently curves forward. A shaft insertion hole (not shown) is formed at the end 104 of the guide piece 102, and the guide piece 102 has a shaft insertion hole (a shaft insertion hole formed at a predetermined position of the lower stage 67. A shaft 109 such as a pin is inserted into the lower stage 67 so as to be swingable with respect to the lower stage 67. Further, in a state where the guide piece 102 is supported with respect to the lower stage 67, the end portion 104 is disposed in the vicinity of the groove portion 106 formed in the standing piece 105. The guide piece 102 is not limited to be swingably supported with respect to the lower stage 67. For example, the guide piece 102 may be swingably supported with respect to the standing piece 105 via a hinge member or the like. Further, the shape of the guide piece 102 is not limited to the curved surface shape, and may be a planar shape, for example.

  The urging member 103 is a spring member such as a torsion spring having a predetermined urging force and angle, and urges the guide piece 102 rearward (on the discharge port 77 side). The biasing member 103 has one end 107 and the other end 108, and the one end 107 and the other end 108 are fixed to the guide piece 102 and the standing piece 105, respectively. In the initial state in which the urging member 103 is fixed to the guide piece 102 and the upright piece 105, the guide piece 102 shakes the game ball released from the discharge port 77 in the same manner as the guide member 86 (see FIG. 6) described above. The moving groove 85 is disposed at a position where it can be moved toward the rear end portion 85L.

  Thus, according to the guide member 101 according to the present embodiment, the guide piece 102 resists the urging force of the urging member 103 due to the mode of the game ball released from the discharge port 77 (for example, the speed of the game ball). In this case, the moving direction of the game ball toward the swing groove 85 of the lower stage 67 is irregularly changed. Therefore, the behavior of the game ball moving in the lower stage 67 (lower stage retention area 70) becomes irregular, and as a result, the game when dropping from the lower stage 67 to the game area 31 (see FIG. 3) on the game board 7 side. Since there are a wide variety of ball modes, the player can play a game with a sense of expectation of winning in the specific winning opening 2 (see FIG. 3) while fully enjoying the behavior of the game ball. Further, since the guide piece 102 is supported so as to be swingable with respect to the lower stage 67, even when many game balls are continuously discharged from the discharge port 77, the game balls are blocked. It can guide to the lower stage 67 without.

  The urging force and angle of the urging member 103 are appropriately set so that, for example, the urging force is weakened so that the game ball released from the discharge port 77 can be easily moved to the front end portion 85F side of the swing groove 85, Alternatively, it is possible to make it difficult to move the game ball discharged from the discharge port 77 toward the rear end portion 85L of the swing groove 85 by setting the angle small.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment which applied the invention made | formed by this inventor was described, this invention is not limited with the description and drawing which make a part of indication of this invention by this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a back perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a front perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a front perspective view of a variable display unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a variable display unit. It is a principal part expansion front perspective view of a stage structure. It is a principal part expanded sectional view of a stage structure. It is a VIII-VIII arrow directional cross-sectional view of FIG. It is IX-IX arrow sectional drawing of FIG. It is XX arrow sectional drawing of FIG. It is a principal part expanded sectional view of the stage structure which concerns on other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  2 ... Specific winning opening, 7 ... Game board, 31 ... Game area, 34 ... Variable display unit, 53 ... Stage structure, 67 ... Lower stage, 67C ... Central part, 68 ... Upper surface, 70 ... Lower stage retention area, 71 ... Upper Stage 72, upper surface, 72H ... mountain portion, 72L ... valley portion, 73 ... upper stage retention region, 77 ... discharge port, 80 ... entrance, 81 ... spherical passage, 85 ... rocking groove, 85L ... rear end portion, 86 ... guide member, 87 ... upper surface, 92 ... guide groove, 101 ... guide member, 102 ... guide piece, 103 ... biasing member

Claims (6)

It is a stage structure of a gaming machine that is arranged in a game area on the surface of a game board, allows a temporary stay of a game ball falling in the game area, and distributes the falling direction to change the winning probability of the game ball. And
A lower stage extending in the lateral direction;
The lower stage is partitioned on the upper surface and curved downward as viewed from the front so that the substantially center in the lateral direction is the lowermost part, allowing temporary retention of the game ball and allowing the retained game ball to move downward A lower stagnation area that drops into the game area;
An upper stage that is provided above the lower stage in parallel with the lower stage, and covers substantially the entire upper area of the lower stage retention region;
An upper stage retention area that is partitioned on the upper surface of the upper stage and allows temporary retention of game balls;
It has an entrance opening that opens behind the upper stage staying area and a discharge opening that opens behind the lower stage staying area, and releases the game balls that have entered the entrance into the lower stage staying area one by one from the release opening. A ball passage to
A guide member that is disposed immediately in front of the discharge port and changes a moving direction of the game ball discharged from the discharge port toward the lowermost part of the lower-stage staying area;
A stage structure of a gaming machine characterized by comprising: The stage structure according to claim 1,
The upper stage retention region has a curved surface shape in which a cross section in the front-rear direction is curved downward. The stage structure according to claim 1 or 2,
A stage structure of a gaming machine, wherein the guide member supports the upper stage from below. The stage structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The stage structure of a gaming machine, wherein the guide member includes a guide piece that is swingably supported with respect to the lower-stage staying area, and a biasing member that biases the guide piece backward. The stage structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The upper stage retention region has a wave shape in which a crest and a trough are continuous along the lateral direction,
The entrance is located behind the valley,
A guide groove for guiding a game ball to the entrance is formed in the valley portion. The stage structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
At the lowermost part of the lower stagnation region, there is formed a rocking groove that has a curved surface shape with a transverse section curved downward, and moves the game ball from the rear to the front while rocking the game ball in the lateral direction. ,
The stage structure of a gaming machine, wherein the guide member changes a moving direction of a game ball toward a rear side of the swing groove.

Images