JP2007325642A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which is equipped with: a variable winning device including two paths (left side distributing flow path 38 and right side distributing flow path 39) having prize winning rates to a specified area different from each other; and a distributing member 37 for distributing game balls to one of the paths, the game machine exactly reporting the state of the distributing member 37 to a player. <P>SOLUTION: A hiding member 40 for hiding the distributing member 37 so as to make it invisible from the player in front is provided on the front part of the distributing member 37, distribution reporting members 41 and 42 to be turned in linkage with the conversion state of the distributing member 37 and reporting the conversion state of the distributing member 37 to the player are attached to the hiding member 40, and link members 43 for operating the distribution reporting members 41 and 42 in linkage with the conversion state of the distributing member 37 are disposed in the inside and on the back side of the hiding member 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

As a conventional gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, there is a gaming machine in which a big hit is determined depending on whether or not a game ball won in a variable winning device wins a specific winning opening (specific area). Then, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to enhance the interest of the winning process for the specific winning opening, a winning route having different winning rates to the specific winning opening is prepared, and the distributing member for distributing the winning routes There was a gaming machine provided in the variable winning device.
In addition, as such a distribution member, there is a member that switches a winning route (guidance route) of a game ball to a so-called special winning start opening like the flow path changing means 18 disclosed in Patent Document 2. .
Conventionally, as a gaming machine equipped with such a sorting member, there are those in which the player cannot visually recognize the sorting member, but as in Patent Document 1, the player can visually recognize the sorting member, Some players know the conversion state of the sorting member.

JP 2004-321328 A JP 07-88227 A

However, in recent years, the inside of a variable prize winning device of a gaming machine has become a complicated structure, and since the space for providing the sorting member cannot be made wide, the sorting member itself is made smaller.
However, if the sorting member is made small, there arises a problem that the state of the sorting member cannot be well confirmed by the player. Although it is conceivable to provide an informing means for informing the state of the distribution member, if the player sees the distribution member, the player sees the distribution member, and the informing means is wasted. End up.
Therefore, the present invention provides a game machine having a variable prize winning device having two passages having different winning rates to a specific area and a distribution member that distributes game balls to any of the passages. The purpose of this is to accurately notify the player of the state of the game.

The gaming machine according to claim 1 is a movable member that performs an auxiliary game by converting from a closed state that does not accept a game ball to an open state that can accept a game ball based on the winning of the game ball to a predetermined winning part. And a variable prize apparatus having a game space portion into which a game ball received by the movable member flows, and a specific area disposed downstream of the game space portion,
When a game ball received by the movable member during the auxiliary game wins the specific area, the gaming machine performs a special game that converts the movable member to the open state in a manner that is more advantageous to the player than the auxiliary game. In
The variable winning device is:
A first passage with a low probability that a game ball received by the movable member is guided to the specific area;
A second passage with a high probability that a game ball received by the movable member is guided to the specific area;
The game ball is converted into a first state in which the game ball received by the movable member is guided to the first passage and a second state in which the game ball received by the movable member is guided to the second passage. A sorting member for sorting,
A concealing member disposed in front of the sorting member and concealing the sorting member from being seen by a player in front of the sorting member;
A distribution notification member that operates in conjunction with the conversion state of the distribution member and notifies a player of the conversion state of the distribution member;
The distribution notification member is provided on the concealment member,
The concealing member is provided with a disposition space in which a link mechanism for operating the distribution notifying member in conjunction with the conversion state of the distribution member is provided.

As a preferred aspect of the present invention, for example, as described in claim 2, the start ends of the first passage and the second passage are arranged at a fall position where the game ball received by the movable member falls, One of the first passage and the second passage is provided to the left from the drop position, and the other of the first passage and the second passage is provided to the right from the drop position,
The concealing member is disposed in front of the first end portion of the first passage and the second passage,
The distribution member has a mountain-shaped upper surface composed of a left inclined surface inclined downward to the left and a right inclined surface inclined downward to the right. In the first state, one of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface is located at the falling position, and in the second state, the left inclined surface And the other of the right inclined surfaces is configured to be located at the falling position,
In the first state, the game ball falls to one of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface, is guided to one of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface, and is distributed to the first passage,
In the second state, the game ball falls to the other of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface, and is guided to the other of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface to be distributed to the second passage. And
The distribution notification member is attached to the concealment member so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis in a substantially front-rear direction, and has a driving protrusion extending on the back side,
The link mechanism comprises a link member attached to the concealment member so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis in a substantially horizontal direction,
The link member has a driving engagement portion that engages with the driving protrusion on one end side that extends to one side from the rotation shaft, and on the other end side that extends to the other side from the rotation shaft. , Having a sliding projection that fits into a driving slit formed on the front surface of the sorting member,
The drive slit extends obliquely with respect to the left-right direction in which the sorting member moves,
When the distribution member moves to the left and right, the sliding protrusion relatively slides in the driving slit and moves in the vertical direction, whereby the link member rotates, and the link member rotates. Along with this, the drive engagement portion moves in the vertical direction, and the drive projection also moves in the vertical direction due to the movement of the drive engagement portion, and as a result, the distribution notification member rotates. The distribution notification member may be operated in conjunction with the conversion state of the distribution member.

According to the gaming machine of claim 1, by making the distribution member invisible to the player by the concealment member, the player comes to pay attention to the distribution notification member, and as a result, the distribution state is easy to understand. Can be notified. Moreover, since the distribution notification member is provided on the concealment member (in front of the distribution member), it is easy to check the flow-down state of the game balls before and after the distribution member.
Further, the concealing member (for example, inside or behind the concealing member) is provided with a disposition space in which a link mechanism for operating the sorting notification member in conjunction with the conversion state of the sorting member is provided. Yes. For this reason, the space for the concealment member is effectively used, the distribution notification member is interlocked with the distribution member with a compact structure, and the actuator for separately driving the distribution notification member is omitted, and the configuration for distribution notification Downsizing and cost reduction.

In addition, according to the gaming machine of the second aspect, the distribution member moves left and right to distribute the game balls, and the distribution notification member operates in conjunction with this movement. For this reason, the distribution member and the distribution notification member can be driven, for example, by simply connecting a simple direct acting solenoid (an actuator using an electromagnet) whose output shaft moves linearly to the distribution member.
Moreover, despite the fact that the distribution member moves to the left and right, the distribution notification member operates by rotating about the rotation axis in the substantially front-rear direction in conjunction with the movement of the distribution member. For this reason, it is possible to notify the distribution state by the rotation along the board surface by a simple direct acting solenoid. In addition, if the distribution notification member rotates along the board surface, for example, the distribution notification member can be notified of different interests compared to the case where the distribution notification member simply moves left and right. It becomes possible to make the player pay more attention to the movement of the notification member.

Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, a configuration example when applied to a pachinko machine will be described with reference to the drawings.
A. Overall Configuration of Game Board FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine according to this embodiment.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a game board, and a game area 3 is formed by a substantially circular area on the front surface being surrounded by a guide rail 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the game board 1, an out ball inflow port 4, a left game ball flow channel 5, a right game ball flow channel 6, a center case 10, and a start prize are arranged at the bottom of the game area 3. Mouth 11-13, general winning opening 14, 15 (left sleeve winning opening 14 and right sleeve winning opening 15), gaming state display LED 16, continuous operation number display LED 17, a flow direction conversion member 7 of a game ball called a windmill, a number of A obstacle nail 9 is provided.

Here, the center case 10 is disposed at a substantially central position in the vertical direction of the game area 3 so as to divide the game area 3 vertically. The board (so-called veneer) constituting the game board 1 is formed with a center case opening (not shown) for fitting the center case 10, and the center case 10 is fitted into the center case opening. It is attached.
A decorative portion 18 and a decorative portion 19 are provided on the left and right sides of the center case 10, respectively, and a variable winning device 20 is provided at the center in the left-right direction of the center case 10.

  The decoration part 18 and the decoration part 19 have models 18a and 19a imitating a character for production. In addition, armor portions 18b and 19b having upper surfaces curved so that the central portion protrudes upward are formed on the upper portions of the decorative portion 18 and the decorative portion 19, respectively. The armor portion 18b has a function of flowing the game ball that has flowed down on the decoration portion 18 to the left game ball flow path 5 or a left guide inlet 24a described later. The armor portion 19b has a function of flowing the game ball flowing down on the decoration portion 19 to the right game ball flow path 6 or a right guide inlet 25a described later.

The variable winning device 20 is arranged in an armor portion 21 formed in the upper center and diagonally below the left and right sides of the armor portion 21, and a game ball wins a predetermined winning portion (in this case, the start winning ports 11 to 13). Based on the above, the movable members 22 and 23 for performing the auxiliary game by converting the closed state in which the game balls are not received into the open state in which the game balls can be received, and the game balls received by any of these movable members 22 and 23 are An inflowing game space (mainly a space formed below the armor portion 21, which will be described in detail later), a left game area guide passage 24 and a right game area formed as separate spaces on both sides of the game space It has a guide passage 25 (shown in FIG. 8) and a round indicator 26 provided directly below the armor portion 21.
The armor portion 21 has a curved upper surface so that the central portion protrudes upward, and has a function of causing the game ball flowing down on the armor portion 21 to flow down to the left side or the right side of the armor portion 21.

  The movable members 22 and 23 are blades that can rotate along the board surface of the game board 1 around the front and rear rotation shafts 22a and 23a (shown in FIG. 1) disposed below the left and right ends of the armor portion 21. Shaped member. The movable members 22 and 23 are positioned in the vicinity of the left and right ends of the armor portion 21 (positions that are close enough not to pass the game ball) by rotating and moving the tip side (rotating end side) above each rotation axis. By realizing the closed state, the tip side is rotated and moved to the outside in the left-right direction of each rotation axis, and is located at a position away from the armor portion 21 (position separated by a sufficient distance through which a game ball can pass), The open state is realized. In FIG. 1, both the case where the movable members 22 and 23 are in the closed state and the case where they are in the open state are illustrated. The movable members 22 and 23 are driven by solenoids (a left big prize opening solenoid 22b and a right big prize opening solenoid 23b shown in FIG. 19), respectively.

The left game area guide passage 24 is a vertical flow path of the game ball that causes the game ball to flow down from the left guide inlet 24a to the left guide outlet 24b. The left guide inlet 24a is an opening formed in the vicinity of the diagonally lower left of the rotation shaft of the left movable member 22. The left guide outlet 24 b is an opening formed on the lower left side of the variable winning device 20.
The right game area guide passage 25 is a vertical flow path of the game ball that causes the game ball to flow down from the right guide inlet 25a to the right guide outlet 25b. The right guide inlet 25a is an opening formed in the vicinity of the lower right side of the rotation shaft of the right movable member 23. The right guide outlet 25b is an opening formed on the lower right side of the variable winning device 20.
The round display 26 is a display for displaying a result of a lottery round lottery, which will be described later, and has, for example, a display portion of 7 segments for two digits.
Other configurations of the variable winning device 20 will be described later.

  Next, the left game ball channel 5 is a channel having a width corresponding to one game ball formed between the left decorative portion 18 of the center case 10 and the guide rail 2 (the left edge of the game area 3). It is. Further, the right game ball channel 6 is a channel having a width corresponding to one game ball formed between the decoration portion 19 on the right side of the center case 10 and the guide rail 2 (the right edge of the game area 3). is there.

Next, the start winning ports 11 to 13 are winning ports that function as start winning ports for starting an auxiliary game as will be described later. Among these, the start winning port 11 is disposed below the center portion of the center case 10 (above the out-ball inlet 4), and the start winning ports 12 and 13 are positioned on both the left and right sides of the start winning port 11 (left guide outlet 24b). Or a position below the right guide outlet 25b). The general winning ports 14 and 15 are arranged obliquely on both sides of the start winning ports 12 and 13.
In this case, when a game ball wins the start winning opening 11, the opening and closing operation for returning to the closed state after the movable members 22 and 23 are opened for a predetermined time is executed twice, and the game balls enter the start winning openings 12 and 13 respectively. When winning a prize, the opening / closing operation is executed once. It should be noted that the number of executions of the opening / closing operation may be the same regardless of which start winning opening 11 to 13 is won.

Next, the game state display LED 16 is composed of three LEDs arranged side by side on the right side of the start winning opening 11, and the game is indicated by the lighting mode of the LEDs (for example, the number of lighting, lighting color, lighting time, or a combination thereof). The status is displayed.
Next, the continuous operation number display LED 17 is composed of three LEDs arranged side by side on the right side of the start winning opening 11 (upper side of the game state display LED 16), similarly to the game state display LED 16. For example, the number of rounds per jackpot is displayed according to the number of lighting, lighting color, lighting time, or a combination thereof.

The wind turbine 7 (downflow direction conversion member) is a rotating body that rotates about a substantially longitudinal axis, and in this case, above the left guide inlet 24a, above the right guide inlet 25a, below the left guide outlet 24b, and It is provided at a total of four locations below the right guide outlet 25b.
As described above, by providing the windmills at the entrance and the exit of the game area guide passage, it is possible to change the movement of the game balls that are easily uniformed by passing through the game area guide passages 24 and 25.
Further, the obstacle nail 9 is provided at an appropriate position in the game area 3 excluding a portion where the center case 10 or the like is disposed.

  In the game board 1 of the present example, the game ball driven into the upper part of the game area 3 (above the center case 10) hits the obstacle nail 9 or the windmill 7 on the upper side and flows down while changing the flow direction. The armor portions 18b, 19b, and 21 of the current flow down as follows. First, when the movable members 22 and 23 are in a closed state, the game ball flows into any one of the left game ball channel 5, the right game ball channel 6, the left guide inlet 24a, and the right guide inlet 25a. Then, it flows down to the lower part of the game area 3 (below the center case 10). And when the movable members 22 and 23 are in the open state, they flow into any one of the left game ball channel 5, the right game ball channel 6, the left guide inlet 24a, and the right guide inlet 25a, Alternatively, it is received inside the movable members 22, 23 (in the game space portion of the variable winning device 20) and wins the variable winning device 20.

Here, the game balls that have flowed into the left game ball flow path 5 or the right game ball flow path 6 are configured to flow along the guide rails 2 toward the bottom of the game area 3, and the out ball flow with high probability. It flows into the inlet 4.
However, the game ball flowing into the left guide entrance 24a or the right guide entrance 25a flows down from the left guide exit 24b or the right guide exit 25b to the lower part of the game area 3 and hits the lower windmill 7 or the obstacle nail 9. It flows down while changing the flow direction, and depending on the case, it wins either the start winning ports 11 to 13 or the general winning ports 14 and 15.

B. Next, the configuration of the variable winning device 20 of this example will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the variable winning device 20. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the first sorting device, the sorting notification member, and the concealing member, and FIG. 3A is a front view of a portion where the first sorting device, the sorting notification member, and the like are provided. 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 3 (a) (excluding a portion other than the cross-section), and FIG. 3 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. Shown). FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a place where the first sorting device and the sorting notification member are provided, and FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the place where the first sorting device and the sorting notification member are provided. It is. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the first distribution device and the distribution notification member, and FIG. 5A is a left distribution state (first) of the first distribution device and the distribution notification member (including the concealment member). 5 (b) is a front view showing the right distribution state (second state) of the first sorting device and the sorting notification member (including the concealing member), and FIG. 5 (c) is the first view. FIG. 5D is a perspective view showing a left distribution state of one distribution device and a distribution notification member (excluding the concealment member), and FIG. 5D is a right distribution state of the first distribution device and the distribution notification member (excluding the concealment member). FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the rotating body unit 50 of the variable winning device 20. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main part of the rotary unit 50 (a perspective view in a state in which the left sphere introduction member 59, the right sphere introduction member 60, etc. shown in FIG. 6 are removed). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 20 cut along a plane parallel to the game board surface. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing each rotating body and its drive system. FIG. 9A is a plan view, FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 9A, and FIG. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC, and FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the rotator unit 50. FIG. 10A is a plan view, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing each rotating body and its drive system. FIG. 11A is a plan view, and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing each rotating body and its drive system. FIG. 12A is a plan view, FIG. 12B is a sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 12A, and FIG. It is GG sectional drawing in Fig.12 (a). FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing each rotating body and its drive system. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the rotating body unit 50. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing each rotating body and its drive system. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a state in which a game ball is held and transferred by a ball holding portion of the middle rotating body 51 described later, and (a) is a case where the ball is held by a ball holding portion guided to a general area, (B) shows the case where it hold | maintains at the ball | bowl holding | maintenance part guided to a specific area | region. FIG. 17 is a front view showing a state in which a game ball K flows into a specific area from a ball holding portion of the middle rotating body 51 described later, (a) is a state in which the game ball K starts to flow out from the ball holding portion, (B) shows the state which flows into a specific area | region (state which flows into the back side). FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the flow of game balls in the second sorting device. FIG. 18A shows the game balls K distributed to the right side (second passage) by the first sorting device from the right side. A state in which movement into the distribution device is restricted by a right distribution ball restricting wall 54g to be described later, (b) shows a game ball K distributed to the right side by the first distribution device flows into the second distribution device from the right side. In a state where the movement is restricted by a movable piece 81 described later, (c) is a game ball K distributed to the left side (first passage) by the first distribution device and flows into the second distribution device from the left side, which will be described later. In a state where the movement is restricted by the movable piece 81, (d) shows that the game ball K distributed to the left side by the first allocating device flows into the second allocating device from the left side and gets over the movable piece 81 to be described later on the right side ( The state which flowed into the 2nd passage) is shown.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, the variable prize winning device 20 has a game space portion formed inside a case 31 that is a housing, and includes a rotating body unit 50 at the bottom.
In the case of this example, the game space portion is a variable winning device in which there may be a game ball that is received by the movable members 22 and 23 and wins inside the movable members 22 and 23 (below the armor portion 21). 20 means a space inside.

Inside the movable members 22 and 23 (below the armor portion 21), as shown in FIG. 2, a winning ball guide shelf 32 for guiding the game balls received by the movable members 22 and 23 to the back side is formed. Further, in the inner part of the winning ball guide shelf 32, as shown in FIG. 8, a winning ball dropping hole 33 in the vertical direction is formed. The winning ball drop hole 33 is provided with a count switch (count SW) 34 as a sensor for detecting a game ball falling there.
The game balls received by the movable members 22, 23 flow on the winning ball guide shelf 32 to the back side, flow down into the winning ball drop hole 33, are detected by the count switch 34, and then a distribution member 37 described later. It is configured to fall on top.

As shown in FIG. 8, a first distribution device 35 is provided below the winning ball dropping hole 33. The first distribution device 35 includes a distribution member 37 and a left / right passage switching solenoid 37a (shown in FIG. 5C, etc.) disposed behind the distribution member 37. As shown in FIGS. 5 (c), 5 (d) and 8, the distribution member 37 has a mountain shape including a left inclined surface 37b inclined downward to the left and a right inclined surface 37c inclined downward to the right. It has an upper surface and is arranged in a starting end portion of a first passage and a second passage, which will be described later, so as to be movable left and right. This distribution member 37 is driven by the left / right passage switching solenoid 37a, and the left distribution surface 37b is located at the falling position (corresponding to the falling position of the present invention) where the game ball falls from the winning ball dropping hole 33. It is possible to move between a state (shown in FIG. 5C) and a right distribution state (shown in FIG. 5D) in which the right inclined surface 37c is located at the dropping position. Here, the left distribution state corresponds to the first state of the present invention, and the right distribution state corresponds to the second state of the present invention.
Then, the game ball dropped from the winning ball drop hole 33 when the distribution member 37 is in the left distribution state flows from the left inclined surface 37b to the left (first passage side described later), and the distribution member 37 The game ball that has fallen from the winning ball drop hole 33 when is in the right distribution state flows from the right inclined surface 37c to the right (second passage side to be described later).

As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, a driving slit 37 d is formed on the front surface of the sorting member 37. The drive slit 37d is a groove that extends obliquely (in this case, to the right) with respect to the left-right direction in which the sorting member 37 moves, and a sliding projection 43c described later is fitted therein.
Further, the left-right switching solenoid 37a has an output shaft 37g (shown in FIG. 4A). When turned on, the output shaft 37g moves forward to the left as shown in FIG. When the state is realized and turned off, the output shaft 37g moves backward to the right as shown in FIG. 5C to realize the left distribution state.
5 (c) and 5 (d), reference numeral 37e is an attachment member for fixing the left / right passage switching solenoid 37a to the case 31, and reference numeral 37f is an output shaft 37g of the left / right passage switching solenoid 37a. This is a connecting member that integrally connects the sorting member 37 to the distal end portion of the, and supports the sorting member 37 so as to be movable left and right. The distal end portion of the output shaft 37g is fitted into a slit 37h (shown in FIG. 4B) formed in the connecting member 37f.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 8, the left sorting channel 38 (the first part of the first passage) is located on the left side of the first sorting device 35 (that is, on the left side from the dropping position). ) Is extended, and on the right side from the first distribution device 35, a right distribution channel 39 (the first portion of the second passage) is extended.
The left distribution channel 38 is a pipe line that curves from the distribution member 37 obliquely leftward and extends to a position above the left guide outlet 24b, and has a tip that opens downward and a left distribution discharge port 38b. Is forming. Then, the game ball that has flowed to the left from the distribution member 37 in the left distribution state flows into the left distribution channel 38 and drops from the tip opening (left distribution discharge port 38b). ing.
The right distribution channel 39 is a pipe line that curves from the distribution member 37 diagonally to the right and extends to a position above the right guide outlet 25b. The tip of the right distribution channel 39 opens downward, and the right distribution discharge port 39b. Is forming. Then, the game ball that flows to the right from the distribution member 37 in the right distribution state flows into the right distribution channel 39 and falls from the front end opening (right distribution discharge port 39b). ing.
In FIG. 4B, reference numeral 36a indicates a rear wall member that integrally forms the rear wall of the left distribution channel 38 and the right distribution channel 39. In FIG. 4B, reference numeral 36b indicates the left wall. The front wall member which comprises integrally the wall of the front side of the distribution channel 38 and the right distribution channel 39 is shown. Here, an opening 36c for projecting the sorting member 37 forward (inside the left sorting channel 38 and the right sorting channel 39) is formed at the center in the left-right direction of the rear wall member 36a. The distribution member 37 protrudes forward through the opening 36c and is disposed at the start end position (the drop position) of the left distribution channel 38 and the right distribution channel 39. In addition, an opening 36d is formed in the center of the front wall member 36b in the left-right direction so as to penetrate a rear end (sliding protrusion 43c) of a link member 43 described later.
Further, the front wall member 36b and the rear wall member 36a are constituted by a transparent member having translucency, and the inside of the left distribution channel 38 and the right distribution channel 39 can be seen through to show a sphere. .

Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in the middle of the left distribution channel 38 (above the discharge opening 55b described later), the game ball is branched downward from the left distribution channel 38 and the game ball is put into the discharge opening 55b. A bypass flow path 38c is formed to flow down, and a passage switching member 38d for opening and closing the inlet of the bypass flow path 38c is provided at this branching portion. The passage switching member 38d is driven by a big hit passage switching solenoid 38e (shown in FIG. 19) to move back and forth, and the bypass opening state in which the inlet of the bypass passage 38c is opened, and the bypass closing state in which the inlet of the bypass passage 38c is closed. The state is realized.
The game ball that has flowed into the left distribution channel 38 from the first distribution device 35 flows to the tip of the left distribution channel 38 and falls from the left distribution discharge port 38b in the bypass closed state. In the open state, it falls from the bypass flow path 38c into the discharge opening 55b.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a concealing member 40 is disposed in front of the sorting member 37 so as to hide the sorting member 37 from the player in front. The concealing member 40 is hollow and includes a rear side concealing member 40a fixed to the front surface of the front wall member 36b and a front side concealing member 40b fixed to the front surface of the rear surface concealing member 40a. . For example, one or both of the rear side concealing member 40a and the front side concealing member 40b is configured by a non-clear member that does not have translucency, and conceals the sorting member 37 so as not to be seen. The main body of the concealing member 40 (the rear side concealing member 40a and the front side concealing member 40b) is formed of a clear member, and for example, a decorative seal (translucent light) is provided on the front surface of the concealing member 40 (front surface of the front concealing member 40b). A configuration in which the sorting member 37 is hidden so as not to be visible may be provided by attaching a non-preferred one.
Here, in the center of the rear surface side concealing member 40a, an opening 40c for disposing the distal end side of a link member 43 described later is formed. Further, bearing portions 40d for pivotally supporting a link member 43 to be described later are formed at both left and right positions of the opening 40c on the rear surface of the rear surface side concealing member 40a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, a notch 40e and a notch 40f for projecting distribution notification members 41 and 42, which will be described later, are provided at an obliquely upper left position and an obliquely upper right position of the front side concealing member 40b. Are provided.
In addition, bearing holes (front side concealment) in which rotation shafts 41a and 42a of the distribution notification members 41 and 42 described below are fitted and supported on the left and right ends of the inner surface of the front side concealing member 40b and the rear side concealing member 40a. The member 40b side is indicated by reference numerals 40g and 40h in FIG. 4B.
In addition, the inside of the concealing member 40 and the rear surface side constitute an arrangement space of the present invention in which a link mechanism for operating the distribution notification members 41 and 42 is arranged.
Moreover, the concealment member 40 of this example shown in the drawing has an appearance (shape and color) expressing a bat, together with the distribution notification members 41 and 42 described later.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the concealing member 40 is provided with the distribution notification members 41 and 42 symmetrically arranged side by side.
In this case, the distribution notification members 41 and 42 have an external appearance imitating the left and right wings of the bat, and the tip ends of the distribution notification members 41 and 42 protrude diagonally upward on both the left and right sides from the notches 40e and 40f of the concealing member 40. Placed in. That is, the left distribution notification member 41 has a proximal end side disposed in the concealing member 40 and a distal end side protruding obliquely upward to the left from the notch 40e. Further, the right distribution notification member 42 has a proximal end side disposed in the concealing member 40 and a distal end side projecting obliquely upward to the left from the notch 40f. Further, the proximal end surfaces of the distribution notification member 41 and the distribution notification member 42 are opposed to each other with a slight gap.
Here, the distribution notification member 41 has a rotating shaft 41a protruding forward and backward at a position in the concealing member 40, and the rotating shaft 41a is in the above-described bearing hole (reference numeral 40g shown in FIG. 4B, etc.). By being fitted in a rotatable manner, it can be rotated around the rotation axis 41a in the front-rear direction.
The distribution notification member 42 also has a rotating shaft 42a protruding forward and backward at a position in the concealing member 40, and the rotating shaft 42a rotates into the bearing hole (reference numeral 40h shown in FIG. 4B, etc.). By being freely fitted, it can be rotated around the rotation shaft 42a in the front-rear direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4B, the left distribution notification member 41 is a drive projecting to the back side at the back surface of the base end portion (right side of the rotation shaft 41a). It has a projection 41b. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the right distribution notification member 42 also has a driving protrusion 42b that protrudes to the back side on the back surface of the base end portion (position on the left side of the rotation shaft 42a).
In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4B, the back side of the concealing member 40 (drive projection) is used as a member constituting a link mechanism for operating the distribution notification members 41 and 42. The link member 43 is disposed on the rear side of 41b and the driving protrusion 42b.
The link member 43 has a rotating shaft 43a protruding left and right, and the rotating shaft 43a is rotatably fitted in the groove (not shown) of the bearing portion 40d described above, so that the rotating shaft 43a rotates around the rotating shaft 43a. It is possible to move. Further, the link member 43 has a driving engagement portion 43b that engages with the outer periphery of the driving protrusion 41b and the driving protrusion 42b on the distal end side that extends forward from the rotating shaft 43a. On the rear end side extending rearward from the rotating shaft 43a, there is a sliding projection 43c that fits into a driving slit 37d formed on the front surface of the sorting member 37.

Here, when the distribution member 37 moves to the left and right, the sliding projection 43c slides relatively in the driving slit 37d and moves in the vertical direction, thereby rotating the link member 43. As the link member 43 rotates, the driving engagement portion 43b moves in the vertical direction, and the movement of the driving engagement portion 43b also moves the driving protrusions 41b and 42b in the vertical direction. The notification members 41 and 42 are configured to rotate, whereby the distribution notification members 41 and 42 are operated in conjunction with the conversion state of the distribution member 37.
In this case, when the distribution member 37 moves from the right distribution state (FIG. 5 (d)) to the left distribution state (FIG. 5 (c)), the sliding protrusion 43c is relatively left in the drive slit 37d. And the link member 43 is rotated in the direction in which the tip thereof is raised, and the drive engagement portion 43b is moved upward as the link member 43 is rotated. Due to the movement of the driving engagement portion 43b, the driving protrusions 41b and 42b also move upward, and as a result, the sorting notification members 41 and 42 rotate in the direction in which the tip side is lowered.

Conversely, when the distribution member 37 moves from the left distribution state (FIG. 5 (c)) to the right distribution state (FIG. 5 (d)), the sliding projection 43c relatively moves in the drive slit 37d. It slides to the right and moves upward, so that the link member 43 rotates in the direction in which its tip descends, and the drive engagement portion 43b moves downward as the link member 43 rotates, Due to the movement of the driving engagement portion 43b, the driving protrusions 41b and 42b also move downward, and as a result, the distribution notification members 41 and 42 rotate in the direction in which the tip side rises.
Therefore, in this case, when the distribution member 37 is in the left distribution state, the distal end side of the distribution notification members 41 and 42 is rotated to a position lower than the right distribution state (shown in FIG. 5A). When the left distribution state is clearly indicated to the player and the distribution member 37 is in the right distribution state, the tip side of the distribution notification members 41 and 42 is rotated to a position higher than the left distribution state ( This left distribution state is clearly shown to the player as shown in FIG. 5 (b).

Next, the rotating body unit 50 provided at the bottom of the variable winning device 20 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, the rotating body unit 50 includes a middle rotating body 51, a left rotating body 52, a right rotating body 53, a rotating body base 54, a left off-sphere guide member 55, a right off-sphere guide member 56, The center front guide member 57, the interrotor guide member 70, the second sorting device 80, the rotor drive unit 90, and the like are included.

Here, the middle rotator 51, the left rotator 52, and the right rotator 53 are coaxial with an axis line (hereinafter referred to as a “rotor axis”) disposed in the lateral direction (left-right direction) at the bottom of the variable winning device 20. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the rotating body is arranged to be rotated upwardly when viewed from the front.
Among these, the middle rotating body 51 has a two-piece structure in which the inner member 51b is fitted inside the outer member 51a as shown in FIG. 13, and as a whole, a disc shape as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 9 (c). It is the shape of.
The middle rotating body 51 is disposed around the rotating body axis and is supported so as to be capable of rotating. That is, a rotating shaft 58 shown in FIG. 13 is arranged on the rotating body axis, and this rotating shaft 58 is rotated with respect to the rotating body base 54 at both ends by bush type bearings 58a and 58b shown in FIG. It is supported freely. The rotating shaft 58 passes through a center hole 51c formed at the center of the middle rotating body 51 so as to be slidable with a predetermined gap. As a result, the intermediate rotator 51 can rotate around the rotating shaft 58 (that is, around the rotating body axis) regardless of the rotation of the rotating shaft 58. The middle rotator 51 is disposed at the center position in the left-right direction of the inner bottom portion of the variable prize apparatus 20 (that is, disposed at the center position in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 58).

Also, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 9C, a plurality of ball holders that can hold a game ball flowing in from a guide groove 57b described later by cutting out the peripheral edge portion on the outer periphery of the middle rotating body 51. The parts 51d and 51e are formed over the entire circumference at a constant pitch.
Here, of the ball holding portions 51d and 51e, one of the ball holding portions 51d is a ball holding portion that guides the game ball to a specific area that is a big hit, so that the bottom surface flows the game ball toward the right. It is inclined. On the other hand, the other ball holding portion 51e is a ball holding portion that does not guide the game ball to the specific area, and the bottom surface is inclined so that the game ball flows toward the left. In the case of this example, the ball holding portions 51d and 51e are provided with one ball holding portion 51d and three ball holding portions 51e, for a total of four locations, and one game ball guided to the middle rotating body 51 is provided. It is configured to win a specific area with a probability of / 4.
Note that the sphere holding portions 51d and 51e are arranged offset with respect to the central axis of the middle rotator 51 (that is, the rotator axis). That is, the central axis of the sphere holding portions 51d and 51e (a straight line parallel to the inner surface of the sphere holding portions 51d and 51e and passing through the center position in the width direction of the sphere holding portions 51d and 51e, indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 9C) Is disposed at a position not intersecting with the central axis of the middle rotor 51 (that is, the rotor axis).
In the case of this example, only the game ball that has entered the ball holding portion 51 d of the middle rotator 51 is configured to win a specific area, and the player can play the game sphere toward the middle rotator 51. Expect to flow.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the left rotating body 52 also has a two-piece structure in which the inner member 52b is fitted inside the outer member 52a. As a whole, the left rotating member 52 has a disk shape as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. It has a shape.
The left rotator 52 is a member that is disposed around the axis of the rotator and is capable of rotating integrally with the rotation shaft 58. That is, the left end portion 58c of the rotating shaft 58 is subjected to a rotation preventing process having a D-shaped cross section, and the center hole 52c formed at the center of the left rotating body 52 corresponds to the cross sectional shape of the left end 58c. D-shaped cross-sectional shape. The left end 58c of the rotary shaft 58 is fitted in the center hole 52c, whereby the left rotary body 52 is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft 58 about the rotary body axis. . The left rotating body 52 is disposed on the left side of the inner bottom portion of the variable winning device 20 (left side of the middle rotating body 51).

Further, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 9D, a plurality of game balls that can flow from the left rotating body guiding surface 54d described later can be held by cutting out the peripheral edge portion on the outer periphery of the left rotating body 52. The ball holding portions 52d and 52e are formed at a constant pitch over the entire circumference.
Here, of the ball holding portions 52d and 52e, one of the ball holding portions 52d is a specific ball holding portion that guides the game ball to the middle rotator 51 (the ball holding that may win a prize in a specific area). And the bottom surface is inclined so that a game ball flows toward the right. On the other hand, the other ball holding portion 52e is a general ball holding portion (a ball holding portion with no possibility of winning a specific area) that does not guide the game ball to the middle rotating body 51, and the bottom surface faces leftward. Inclined to play game balls. As shown in FIG. 15, the sphere holding part 52d has a side wall (reference numeral omitted) on the left side, and the sphere holding part 52e has a side wall (reference numeral omitted) on the right side. These side walls reliably prevent the game ball from flowing leftward from the ball holding portion 52d and the game ball flowing rightward from the ball holding portion 52e.

In the case of this example, the ball holding parts 52d and 52e are provided with one ball holding part 52d and five ball holding parts 52e, for a total of six places. Guided to the middle rotator 52 with a relatively low probability of / 6.
The sphere holding portions 52d and 52e are also arranged offset with respect to the central axis of the left rotator 52 (that is, the rotator axis). That is, the central axis of the sphere holding portions 52d and 52e (a straight line that is parallel to the inner surface of the sphere holding portions 52d and 52e and passes through the center position in the width direction of the sphere holding portions 52d and 52e, and is indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 9D) Are arranged at positions that do not intersect the central axis of the left rotating body 52 (that is, the rotating body axis).

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the right rotator 53 also has a two-piece structure in which the inner member 53b is fitted inside the outer member 53a. As a whole, the right rotator 53 has a disk shape as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. It has a shape.
The right rotator 53 is a member that is arranged around the rotator axis and is capable of rotating together with the rotator 58. That is, the right end portion 58d of the rotating shaft 58 is subjected to a detent process with a D-shaped cross section, and the center hole 53c formed at the center of the right rotating body 53 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the right end 58d. D-shaped cross-sectional shape. The right end 58d of the rotary shaft 58 is fitted in the center hole 53c, whereby the right rotary body 53 is configured to rotate about the rotary body axis integrally with the rotary shaft 58. . The right rotator 53 is arranged on the right side of the inner bottom portion of the variable winning device 20 (to the right of the middle rotator 51).

Further, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 9B, a plurality of game balls that can flow from the right rotator guiding surface 54 h to be described later can be held by notching the peripheral edge on the outer periphery of the right rotator 53. The ball holding portions 53d and 53e are formed at a constant pitch over the entire circumference.
Here, of the ball holding portions 53d and 53e, one of the ball holding portions 53d is a specific ball holding portion that guides the game ball to the middle rotating body 51, and the bottom surface flows the game ball toward the left. Inclined. On the other hand, the other ball holding portion 53e is a general ball holding portion that does not guide the game ball to the middle rotator 51, and is inclined so that the bottom surface flows the game ball toward the right. As shown in FIG. 15, the sphere holding part 53d has a side wall (reference numeral omitted) on the right side, and the sphere holding part 53e has a side wall (reference numeral omitted) on the left side. These side walls reliably prevent the game ball from flowing to the right from the ball holding portion 53d and the game ball from flowing to the left from the ball holding portion 53e.
Further, in the case of this example, the ball holding portions 53d and 53e are provided with two ball holding portions 53d and two ball holding portions 53e, for a total of four locations, and one game ball guided to the right rotating body 52 is provided. Guided to the middle rotator 52 with a relatively high probability of / 2.
Note that the sphere holding portions 53d and 53e are also arranged offset with respect to the central axis of the right rotator 53 (that is, the rotator axis). That is, the central axis of the sphere holding portions 53d and 53e (a straight line parallel to the inner surface of the sphere holding portions 53d and 53e and passing through the center position in the width direction of the sphere holding portions 53d and 53e, indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 9B) Is arranged at a position not intersecting with the central axis of the right rotator 53 (that is, the rotator axis).

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the rotating body base 54 is a frame-like member that is horizontally disposed as a whole and fixed to the bottom of the case 31, and has an opening 54 a in the vertical direction on the inner side. Each of the rotating bodies described above (the middle rotating body 51, the left rotating body 52, and the right rotating body 53) has a lower side disposed in the opening 54a and an upper side positioned above the opening 54a. As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, at least the upper side of each rotating body is directly visible to the player from the front of the game board. In this example, as will be described later, the center front guide member 57 is made of a clear member, so that each rotating body is substantially visible from the front of the game board.
Thereby, the player can visually recognize the existence ratio in each rotating body of the ball holding units (the ball holding unit 51d, the ball holding unit 52d, and the ball holding unit 53d) that may or may have won a specific prize. In this case, it can be easily recognized that it is advantageous to be distributed to the right passage (second passage) by the first distribution device 35 or the like, and can be distributed to the right rotating body 53 as much as possible. While expecting the game ball to enter the ball holding portion 51d as guided by 51, the movement of the game ball in the variable display device 20 is watched with expectation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a left distributed ball introducing member 59 and a right distributed ball introducing member 60 are respectively fixed to the left side surface and the right side surface of the rotating body base 54.
On the upper surface of the left allocating ball introducing member 59, the game balls (left allocating balls) distributed to the left side by the first allocating device 35 are routed in an L shape toward the center of the front edge of the rotating body base 54. A left sorting ball introduction path 59a is formed to flow down. That is, the game ball that has dropped from the front end opening (left distribution outlet 38b) of the left distribution channel 38 falls on the left distribution ball introduction path 59a and passes through the left distribution ball introduction path 59a. Then, it is configured to flow on a left sorting ball guiding surface 54b described later.
In addition, on the upper surface of the right allocating ball introducing member 60, a game ball (right allocating ball) distributed to the right side by the first allocating device 35 is L-shaped toward the center of the front edge of the rotating body base 54. A right sorting sphere introduction path 60a is formed to flow down along the path. That is, the game ball that has dropped from the front end opening (right distribution discharge port 39b) of the right distribution channel 39 falls on the right distribution ball introduction path 60a and passes through the right distribution ball introduction path 60a. Then, it is configured to flow on a right sizing ball guiding surface 54i described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 14 and the like, on the front edge of the rotator base 54, a left allocating ball guiding surface 54b, a left rotator guiding wall 54c, a left rotator guiding surface 54d, and a second sorting guiding surface. 54e, a second distribution opening 54f, a right distribution ball restricting wall 54g, a right rotating body guide surface 54h, and a right distribution ball guide surface 54i are formed in order from the left end to the right end.

The left distribution ball guiding surface 54b is a rolling surface of the game ball that is inclined downward toward the right so that the game ball flowing down the left distribution ball introduction path 59a flows further to the right.
The left rotating body guide wall 54c is a substantially vertical wall formed downward from the terminal end of the left allocating ball guiding surface 54b, and is inclined leftward toward the back (see FIG. 10A). The left rotator guide wall 54 c is disposed at the front position of the left rotator 52.
The left rotator guiding surface 54d is a rolling surface of a game ball that extends from the lower end of the left rotator guide wall 54c to the vicinity of the left rotator 52, so that the game ball flows backward (toward the left rotator 52). Inclined downward toward the back. As described above, the game ball that has flowed down the left rotating body guiding surface 54d flows into any of the ball holding portions of the left rotating body 52.

The second distribution guide surface 54e is a rolling surface of the game ball that is inclined downward to the left so that the game ball basically flows to the left. The second distribution guide surface 54e extends rightward from the left rotating body guide surface 54d and rotates in the middle. It has reached the front position of the body 51.
The second distribution opening 54f is an opening formed in a position between the second distribution guide surface 54e and the right rotator guide surface 54h (a concave portion with the top and bottom and the front surface opened). It is a part which forms the space arrange | positioned.
The right rotator guiding surface 54h is a rolling surface of a game ball that extends from the front position of the right rotator 53 to the vicinity of the right rotator 53 so that the game ball flows backward (toward the right rotator 53). Inclining down towards the back. As described above, the game ball that has flowed down the right rotating body guiding surface 54 h flows into any of the ball holding portions of the right rotating body 53.

The right allocating ball restricting wall 54g is a wall formed by an inner surface (surface in a substantially vertical direction) of a convex portion formed so as to protrude upward on the front left side of the right rotating body guiding surface 54h. It inclines to the left side toward (see FIG. 6).
The right distribution ball guiding surface 54i is a rolling surface of the game ball that is inclined downward toward the left so that the game ball flowing down the right distribution ball introduction path 60a flows further to the left.

Note that the game ball that has flowed down the left allocating ball guiding surface 54b flows down onto the second allocating guiding surface 54e, and in a protruding state in which a movable piece 81 to be described later protrudes upward, the second allocating guiding surface 54e. Is prevented by the movable piece 81 (see FIG. 18C) and finally returns down the second sorting guide surface 54e to the left rotating body guide wall 54c. It is guided to flow down on the left rotator guiding surface 54 d and flows into one of the sphere holding portions of the left rotator 52. However, in a state in which the movable piece 81 described below is immersed downward (shown in FIG. 6), in some cases, the movable piece 81 passes over the second sorting guide surface 54e, gets over the movable piece 81, and on the right rotating body guide surface 54h. (See FIG. 18D) and flows into any of the sphere holding portions of the right rotating body 53.
On the other hand, the game ball that has flowed down the right allocating ball guiding surface 54i is guided by the right allocating ball regulating wall 54g or the movable piece 81 (see FIGS. 18A and 18B), and the right rotating body guiding surface 54h. It flows upward and flows into one of the sphere holding portions of the right rotating body 53.
It should be noted that the game ball that has flowed down the right distribution ball guiding surface 54i is converted into the flow direction by the right distribution ball regulating wall 54g even when the movable piece 81 is sunk downward, and the right rotating body is guided. It is guided on the surface 54h. Further, even if the right sorting ball restricting wall 54g may be crossed, the first sorting device 35 is prevented by the movable piece 81 in the protruding state so as not to pass through to the second sorting guiding surface 54e side. When the operation timing of the second sorter is set, the game ball that has flowed down the right sorting ball guiding surface 54i surely flows into one of the ball holding portions of the right rotating body 53.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a decorative decorative board 61 is attached to the front end surface of the rotating body base 54. The upper side portion 61a of the decorative plate 61 functions as a guide wall that prevents the game balls flowing on the left sphere guiding surface 54b, the right sphere guiding surface 54i, and the like described above from falling forward. Yes. The decorative plate 61 also functions as a member that covers the front side of the second distribution opening 54f.

Next, the left off-ball guide member 55 will be described. The left off-sphere guide member 55 is a member that is disposed on the left side of the left rotator 52 and is fixed to the left side of the rotator base 54 (behind the left sorting ball guide surface 54b). As shown in FIG. 14, the left-hand off-sphere guide member 55 includes a guide wall 55a, a discharge opening 55b, a mounting guide portion 55c, and a bearing hole 55d.
The mounting guide portion 55c is a semicircular cylindrical portion that fits inside (center axis side) of the left rotating body 52, and a boss (reference number omitted) having a bearing hole 55d formed inside the mounting guide portion 55c. Is formed.
The bearing hole 55d is a hole which is disposed on the rotating body axis and into which the left end 58c of the rotating shaft 58 is fitted via the bearing 58a. The left end 58c of the rotary shaft 58 is rotatably supported by the bearing hole 55d and the bearing 58a.

  The guide wall 55a is a semi-disc-shaped wall that is formed on the left side of the mounting guide portion 55c and projects outward from the mounting guide portion 55c, and is arranged adjacent to the left side of the left rotating body 52. The guide wall 55a has a guide surface 55e on the right side that faces the left side of the outer periphery of the left rotating body 52. The guide surface 55e is a wall surface that prevents the game ball held by the ball holding portion 52e of the left rotating body 52 from flowing out to the left from the ball holding portion 52e during transfer. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide surface 55e moves from the left side surface of the left rotator 52 as it approaches the upper end side (position of the discharge opening 55b) from the lower end side (position of the aforementioned left rotator guide surface 54d). Inclined to the left.

The discharge opening 55b is an opening that receives the game ball from the ball holding portion 52e when the game ball held by the ball holding portion 52e is transferred with the rotation of the left rotating body 52 and reaches the top position. , Formed on the top of the guide wall 55a. The game ball that has flowed into the discharge opening 55b falls below the left off-ball guide member 55, and is discharged from the remaining ball discharge port (not shown) to the outside of the variable winning device 20.
The remaining ball discharge port is provided with a remaining ball discharge port SW65 (shown in FIG. 19) as a sensor for detecting a game ball passing there.
In addition, since the game ball held by the ball holding portion 52e is gradually guided to the left side in the upward transfer process due to the inclination of the guide surface 55e, the holding release after the transfer can be performed without delay. Can be suitably prevented.

Next, the right off-sphere guide member 56 will be described. The right off-sphere guide member 56 is a member that is disposed on the right side of the right rotator 53 and is fixed to the right side of the rotator base 54 (behind the right allocating ball guiding surface 54i). As shown in FIG. 14, the right off-sphere guide member 56 includes a guide wall 56a, a discharge opening 56b, a mounting guide portion 56c, and a bearing hole (not shown).
The mounting guide portion 56c is a semicircular cylindrical portion that fits inside (on the center axis side) of the right rotating body 53, and a boss (not shown) in which the bearing hole is formed inside the mounting guide portion 56c. Is formed.
The bearing hole is a hole that is disposed on the axis of the rotating body and in which the right end 58d of the rotating shaft 58 is fitted through the bearing 58b. The right end 58d of the rotating shaft 58 is rotatably supported by the bearing hole of the right off-sphere guide member 56 and the bearing 58b.

  The guide wall 56 a is a semi-disc-shaped wall that is formed on the right side of the attachment guide portion 56 c and projects outward from the attachment guide portion 56 c, and is disposed adjacent to the right side of the right rotating body 53. The guide wall 56 a has a guide surface 56 e on the left side that faces the right side of the outer peripheral portion of the right rotator 53. The guide surface 56e is a wall surface that prevents the game ball held by the ball holding portion 53e of the right rotating body 53 from flowing out from the ball holding portion 53e to the right during transfer. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide surface 56e moves from the right side surface of the right rotator 53 as it approaches the upper end side (position of the discharge opening 56b) from the lower end side (position of the right rotator guide surface 54h described above). Inclined to the right.

The discharge opening 56b is an opening that receives the game ball from the ball holding portion 53e when the game ball held by the ball holding portion 53e is transferred along with the rotation of the right rotating body 53 and reaches the top position. , Formed at the top of the guide wall 56a. The game ball that has flowed into the discharge opening 56b falls below the right off-ball guide member 56, and is discharged from the remaining ball discharge port to the outside of the variable winning device 20.
In addition, since the game ball held by the ball holding portion 53e is gradually guided to the right side in the upward transfer process due to the inclination of the guide surface 56e, the holding release after the transfer can be performed without delay. Can be suitably prevented.

Next, the center front guide member 57 will be described. The center front guide member 57 is a member fixed to the upper surface of the front portion of the rotating body base 54 (behind the second sorting guide surface 54e) so as to cover the front surfaces of the middle rotating body 51 and the inter-rotating body guide member 70. It is. On the upper surface of the central front guide member 57, a guiding surface 57a is formed which is inclined downward toward the center as a whole so that game balls flowing in from the left and right direction flow into the central portion. A guide groove 57b that is inclined downward toward the back side is formed at the center of the guide surface 57a in the left-right direction (center portion in the left-right direction). In addition, a guide wall 57c is provided at the front end and both side ends of the guide surface 57a to prevent the game ball from flowing down forward or sideward from the guide surface 57a.
The center front guide member 57 is made of a clear material (transparent or translucent material), and the middle rotating body 51 and the like can be seen through from the front through the center front guide member 57.

Next, the rotating member guide member 70 will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, the inter-rotor guide member 70 is disposed between the middle rotator 51 and the left rotator 52, and between the intermediate rotator 51 and the right rotator 53. And a guide part 72.
A rolling surface 71a of a game ball that is inclined forward is formed on the front side of the upper surface of the guide portion 71, and a rolling surface of the game ball that is inclined downward is provided on the rear side of the upper surface of the guide portion 71. 71b is formed, and a partition wall 71c is erected at the boundary between the rolling surface 71a and the rolling surface 71b. In addition, a rolling surface 72a of a game ball that is inclined downward and forward is formed on the front side of the upper surface of the guide portion 72, and a rolling surface of the game ball that is inclined downward and backward is formed on the rear side of the upper surface of the guide portion 72. 72b is formed, and a partition wall 72c is erected at the boundary between the rolling surface 72a and the rolling surface 72b.

Here, the rolling surface 72b constitutes a winning area (a specific area of the present invention) that is a big hit when a game ball flows in.
Further, the rolling surface 71b constitutes a winning area (general area of the present invention) that does not become a big hit even if game balls flow in.
The game balls that have flowed down to the rolling surface 71b and the rolling surface 72b fall from the rear of the inter-rotating body guide member 70, and finally, from the remaining ball discharge port described above to the outside of the variable prize winning device 20. Discharged.

Moreover, the guide part 71 has the guide surface 71d facing the right side surface of the outer peripheral part of the left rotator 52 on the left side surface. The guide surface 71d is a wall surface that prevents the game ball held by the ball holding portion 52d of the left rotating body 52 from flowing out of the ball holding portion 52d to the right during transfer.
Note that the game ball held in the ball holding portion 52d of the left rotating body 52, when the ball holding portion 52d comes to the position of the rolling surface 71a (a position ahead of the partition wall 71c) as the left rotating body 52 rotates, It flows down on the rolling surface 71a, flows down on the above-mentioned guiding surface 57a via this rolling surface 71a, and further passes through the above-mentioned guiding groove 57b to any one of the ball holding portions of the intermediate rotating body 51. It is configured to flow in.

Moreover, the guide part 72 has the guide surface 72d facing the left side of the outer peripheral part of the right rotator 53 on the right side. The guide surface 72d is a wall surface that prevents the game ball held by the ball holding portion 53d of the right rotating body 53 from flowing out from the ball holding portion 53d to the left during transfer.
Note that the game ball held in the ball holding portion 53d of the right rotating body 53, when the ball holding portion 53d comes to the position of the rolling surface 72a (a position ahead of the partition wall 72c) as the right rotating body 53 rotates, It flows down on the rolling surface 72a, flows down on the above-mentioned guiding surface 57a via this rolling surface 72a, and further passes through the above-mentioned guiding groove 57b to any one of the ball holding portions of the intermediate rotating body 51. It is configured to flow in.

Arc-shaped notches 71e and 72e for avoiding interference with gears 95 and 96 (see FIG. 15) to be described later are formed on the inner side (lower surface side) of the guide portions 71 and 72.
In FIG. 14, reference numeral 62 denotes a specific area SW for detecting the game ball before the game ball flowing down the rolling surface 72b is discharged from the remaining ball discharge port. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 63 denotes an attachment member for attaching the specific area SW 62 to the rotating body base 54.
Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a decorative plate 64 that is visible from the front of the game board is attached to the rear upper surface side of the rotating body guide member 70, and a predetermined position of the decorative plate 64 (above the rolling surface 72b). Is provided with a letter “V” 64a indicating a winning area that is a big hit.

In the above description, the game ball composed of the left distribution channel 38, the left distribution ball introduction path 59a, the left distribution ball guide surface 54b, the second distribution guide surface 54e, and the left rotating body guide surface 54d. The passage route (route toward the left rotating body 52) constitutes the first passage (passage with a low probability that the game ball received by the movable member is guided to the specific area) of the present invention.
In addition, a game ball passing path (a path toward the right rotating body 53) including the right distributing path 39, the right distributing ball introduction path 60a, the right distributing ball guiding surface 54i, and the right rotating body guiding surface 54h is It constitutes the second passage of the invention (a passage with a high probability that a game ball received by the movable member is guided to a specific area).
Here, the second distribution guiding surface 54e extends to the right side from the center in the left-right direction of the variable winning device 20, and the position of the second distribution opening 54f (movable piece 81) is more than the center in the left-right direction. It is significantly biased to the right. For this reason, when the distance from the 1st distribution apparatus 35 to the 2nd distribution apparatus 80 (movable piece 81) is compared with the said 1st channel | path and the 2nd channel | path, the said 1st channel | path becomes much longer. ing.
Thus, when the game ball flows down through the path of the first passage and the game ball flows down through the path of the second passage, the flow down from the first sorting device 35 to the second sorting device 80 The time is shorter when the game ball flows down by the route of the second passage.
Therefore, by setting the switching order of the passages in the order of the second passage and the first passage, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the game balls flowing down the respective routes approach in the second sorting device 80 with a sufficient margin time. be able to.

Next, the second sorting device 80 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 10 (b), the second sorting device 80 includes a prismatic movable piece 81 supported so as to be vertically movable while being fitted in the second sorting opening 54f. A floor solenoid (floor SOL) 82 which is a driving source for driving the movable piece 81, a link mechanism 83 for driving the movable piece 81 by the output of the floor solenoid 82, a link mechanism 83 and the like are attached to the rotating body base 54. And a magnetic sensor 85 that is held by the mounting member 84 and disposed on the lower surface side of the second sorting guide surface 54e.
Here, the magnetic sensor 85 is a sensor for detecting an illegal act by a magnet, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 6, the movable piece 81 is moved up and down by the operation of the floor solenoid 82. The movable piece 81 is immersed in the second distribution opening 54f as shown in FIG. The position can be changed to a protruding state protruding upward from the distribution opening 54f.
Note that the upper surface of the movable piece 81 has an upwardly inclined shape toward the right, so that game balls from the left can easily get over, and game balls from the right are difficult to get over.

The floor solenoid 82 is disposed obliquely below the movable piece 81 and has an output shaft 82a that moves back and forth.
As shown in FIG. 10B, the link mechanism 83 includes a drive link member 83a and a driven link member 83b. The drive link member 83a is a member fixed to the output shaft 82a of the floor solenoid 82. The driven link member 83b is an L-shaped link member that is rotatably supported by a left-right rotation shaft 83c disposed behind the movable piece 81. One end of the driven link member 83b is connected to the drive link member 83a by a pin 83d so as to be relatively rotatable, and the other end is connected to the lower end of the movable piece 81 so as to be relatively rotatable by a pin 83e (shown in FIG. 14). . With this structure, when the floor solenoid 82 is turned off and the output shaft 82a moves forward, the driven link member 83b rotates in the direction in which the other end of the driven link member 83b moves upward, thereby pushing the movable piece 81 upward. Then, it moves to the position of the aforementioned protruding state. Further, when the floor solenoid 82 is turned on and the output shaft 82a is retracted, the driven link member 83b is rotated in a direction in which the other end of the driven link member 83b is moved downward, whereby the movable piece 81 is pulled downward. It descends and moves to the position of the above-mentioned sunk state.

Next, the rotating body drive unit 90 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11 and FIGS. 13 to 15, the rotating body drive unit 90 includes drive gears 91 and 92, transmission gears 93 and 94, driven gears 95 and 96, drive gear support members 97 and 98, and transmission gear support members. 99, a motor sensor (rotating body C motor sensor 101 and rotating body LR motor sensor 102, shown in FIG. 13), and a sensor support member 103.
As shown in FIG. 11, the driven gear 95 is arranged on the right side of the middle rotating body 51 around the rotating body axis and is fixed to the middle rotating body 51.
As shown in FIG. 11, the driven gear 96 is arranged on the right side of the left rotating body 52 around the rotating body axis, and is fixed to the left rotating body 52.
The transmission gear 93 is disposed behind the driven gear 95, is rotatably attached to the rear right side surface of the transmission gear support member 99, meshes with the driven gear 95 and the drive gear 91, and rotates.

The transmission gear 94 is disposed behind the driven gear 96, is rotatably attached to the rear left side surface of the transmission gear support member 99, meshes with the driven gear 96 and the drive gear 92, and rotates.
The drive gear 91 is a gear that is disposed behind the transmission gear 93, is rotatably attached to the drive gear support member 97, meshes with the transmission gear 93, and rotates. The drive gear 91 is driven by a motor (rotary body C motor 104 shown in FIG. 19) attached to the right side surface of the drive gear support member 97.
The drive gear 92 is a gear that is disposed behind the transmission gear 94, is rotatably attached to the drive gear support member 98, meshes with the transmission gear 94, and rotates. The drive gear 92 is driven by a motor (rotating body LR motor 105 shown in FIG. 19) attached to the left side surface of the drive gear support member 98.

The drive gear support member 97 has a plate-like portion standing on the right side of the drive gear 91 and is fixed to the rear right side of the rotating body base 54.
The drive gear support member 98 has a plate-like portion standing on the left side of the drive gear 92 and is fixed to the left side of the rear portion of the rotating body base 54.
The transmission gear support member 99 is a member that is disposed behind the middle rotator 51 and is fixed to the rear center side of the rotator base 54. The transmission gear support member 99 extends forward and faces the left side surface of the middle rotator 51 with a slight gap, and the guide wall 99a extends forward and faces the right side surface of the middle rotator 51 with a slight gap. And a wall 99b.

The guide wall 99a is a wall that prevents the game ball held by the ball holding portion 51e of the middle rotating body 51 from flowing out from the ball holding portion 51e to the left during transfer. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 14, the guide wall 99a is provided from the position of the guide groove 57b to the position of the rolling surface 71b, thereby entering the ball holding portion 51e from the guide groove 57b. As shown in FIG. 16A, the game ball is transferred to the upper back side as the middle rotator 51 rotates, and flows down onto the rolling surface 71b.
The guide wall 99b is a wall that prevents the game ball held by the ball holding portion 51d of the middle rotator 51 from flowing out of the ball holding portion 51d to the right during transfer. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, the guide wall 99b is provided from the position of the guide groove 57b to the position of the rolling surface 72b, and thus enters the ball holding portion 51d from the guide groove 57b. As shown in FIG. 16 (b), the game ball is transferred to the upper back side as the middle rotator 51 rotates, and flows down onto the rolling surface 72b as shown in FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b). It has become.

The sensor support member 103 is a member that has a plate-like portion erected between the drive gears 91 and 92 (behind the gear support member 99) and is fixed to the rear center back side of the rotating body base 54.
The rotating body C motor sensor 101 is an optical sensor fixed to the right side surface of the plate-like portion of the sensor support member 103, and detects the rotational position and rotational speed of the drive gear 91 (that is, the middle rotating body 51). Therefore, a protrusion 91a (shown in FIG. 11A or FIG. 15) protruding from the outer peripheral portion of the drive gear 91 is detected.
The rotating body LR motor sensor 102 is an optical sensor that is fixed to the left side surface of the plate-like portion of the sensor support member 103, and the rotational position and rotational speed of the drive gear 92 (that is, the left and right rotating bodies 52 and 53). In order to detect this, a protrusion 92a (shown in FIG. 11A) protruding from the outer periphery of the drive gear 92 is detected.

C. Next, the control system of the pachinko machine of this example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the control system.
In FIG. 19, a game control device 200 is a control device that performs overall control of a game (including control of game progress and direct or indirect control of each controlled device for that purpose), which is necessary for pachinko games and the like. A game microcomputer 201 (a game microcomputer: manufactured as an IC for a so-called amuse chip), an input interface 202, an output interface 203, and an external communication terminal 204 are configured. ing.

Here, the input interface 202 of the game control device 200 includes a middle start port SW66, a left start port SW67, a right start port SW68, a left sleeve winning port SW75, a right sleeve winning port SW76, the aforementioned count SW34, a specific area SW62, Detection signals from the remaining ball discharge port SW65, the rotating body C motor sensor 101, and the rotating body LR motor sensor 102 are input.
Here, the middle start port SW66 is a sensor that detects a game ball won in the aforementioned start winning port 11, and the left start port SW67 is a sensor that detects a game ball won in the aforementioned start winning port 12. The right starting port SW68 is a sensor that detects a game ball won in the starting winning port 13 described above. The left sleeve winning opening SW75 is a sensor that detects a game ball won in the left sleeve winning opening 14, and the right sleeve winning opening SW76 detects a game ball won in the right sleeve winning opening 15. It is a sensor.
In the specification and drawings of the present application, “SW” means a switch (for example, a kind of sensor whose output changes when a game ball or the like is detected).

On the other hand, from the output interface 203 of the game control device 200, the gaming state display LED 16, the continuous operation number display LED 17, the left large winning opening solenoid 22b, the right large winning opening solenoid 23b, the left and right passing switching solenoid 37a, and the big hit passage switching solenoid. 38e, floor solenoid 82, rotating body C motor 104, rotating body LR motor 105, board external information terminal 205 for transmitting board external information (for example, a big hit signal, etc.) A signal is output at.
In the present specification and drawings, “SOL” means a solenoid (an actuator using an electromagnet).

The output interface 203 outputs a signal such as prize ball data to the discharge control device 206. That is, when the game control device 200 detects the winning of the game ball by the above-described switches provided for each winning opening of the game board 1, the award set in advance corresponding to the winning value of the winning opening. Information on the number of balls (prize ball data) is transmitted to the discharge control device 206. Then, the discharge control device 206 receives the prize ball data and performs prize ball discharge control according to the received prize ball data.
In addition, control information is transmitted from the output interface 203 to an effect control device 207 that controls output of sound effects from various decorative lamps and speakers that are not described. The round indicator 26 described above is controlled by, for example, an effect control device 207.

D. Control of Variable Winning Device Next, control of the variable winning device will be described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS.
FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing the operating states of the main control devices in the operation in which the game ball is won in the start winning opening 12 or 13 and the movable members 22 and 23 are opened once (operation of the auxiliary game that is opened once). is there. FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing the operating states of the main control devices in the big hit state.

As can be seen from FIGS. 22 and 23, in the normal state, the game control device 200 turns off the left and right big prize opening solenoids 22b and 23b and holds the movable members 22 and 23 in the closed state. In the normal state, the distribution member 37 of the first distribution device 35 is maintained in the left distribution state by turning off the left / right passage switching solenoid 37a. Further, in the normal state, by turning off the big hit passage switching solenoid 38e, the aforementioned passage switching member 38d is maintained in the bypass closed state. In the normal state, the movable piece 81 is maintained in the protruding state by turning off the floor solenoid 82.
In this normal state, the distribution notification members 41 and 42 are in a state indicating the left distribution state of the distribution member 37 (shown in FIG. 5A) by the above-described operation, and left to the player. Clarify that it is in the distribution state.

  In addition, the game control device 200 always rotates the rotating body LR motor 104 and the rotating body C motor 105 in the opposite directions (the rotating body LR motor 104 is rotated in the reverse direction and the rolling body C motor 105 is rotated in the forward direction. The mounting directions of the motors are different. Therefore, by rotating the motor in the opposite direction and rotating the middle rotating body 51 and the left and right rotating bodies 52 and 53 in the same direction, the rotating bodies 51 to 53 are always in the same direction (upward when viewed from the front). Rotate to The rotational speed of each rotating body may be a constant rotational speed, for example, but may be changed. Even in the case of a constant speed, the left and right rotating bodies 52 and 53 or the ball holding section of which the held game ball wins a specific area (that is, enters the ball holding section 51d of the middle rotating body 51) are specific. In order to prevent the player from deliberately aiming for the V prize (big hit) in the auxiliary game by adjusting the timing of the game ball firing, the left and right rotating bodies 52, It is preferable that the rotational speed of 53 and the intermediate | middle rotary body 51 differ. For example, the left and right rotating bodies 52 and 53 are rotated at a period of 4.2 seconds per rotation, and the middle rotating body 51 is rotated at a period of 1.4 seconds per rotation.

  Then, when the game ball is won at the start winning opening 12 or 13 and the left start opening SW67 or the right start opening SW68 is turned on, the game control device 200 has a predetermined stop time (for example, 1 second) as shown in FIG. After the elapse of time, the left and right large winning opening solenoids 22b and 23b are turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 0.8 seconds) to temporarily open the movable members 22 and 23 (that is, the large winning opening is set for a predetermined time). Only open and realize auxiliary games). Next, when a predetermined time (for example, 0.6 seconds) elapses after the special prize opening is opened, the left and right passage switching solenoid 37a is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds), thereby The distribution member 37 is temporarily placed in the right distribution state. Further, when a predetermined time (for example, 1.2 seconds) elapses after the special winning opening is opened, the movable piece of the second sorting device 80 is turned on by turning on the floor solenoid 82 for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). 81 is temporarily submerged. As a result, a so-called one-time auxiliary game is realized.

Here, the period in which the left and right passage switching solenoid 37a is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) and the first sorting device 35 is kept in the right sorting state corresponds to the first sorting device on period.
In addition, a period in which the floor solenoid 82 is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) and the movable piece 81 of the second sorting apparatus 80 is in the submerged state corresponds to the second sorting apparatus on period.
A sufficient delay time (0.1 second in the case of FIG. 22) is provided between the first distribution device ON period and the second distribution device ON period. This delay time is determined by the position of the game ball that has flowed down the second passage (in this case, the game ball distributed to the right side by the first distribution device 35) at the position of the second distribution device 80 (in this case, the right rotor guiding surface). 54h) is set as a sufficient time. In the case of this example, since the distance to the second sorting device 80 is much shorter in the right passage (second passage) as described above, this delay time may be shorter.
Further, during the above-described first distribution device on-period, the distribution notification members 41 and 42 are in a state (shown in FIG. 5B) indicating the right distribution state of the distribution member 37 by the operation described above. Indicate to the player that the player is in the right-handed state.

  Although not shown, when a game ball wins the start winning opening 11 and the medium start opening SW66 is turned on, the game control device 200 executes the same control as the control shown in FIG. , Control for opening the winning a prize opening (winning opening into the variable winning apparatus 20 composed of the movable members 22 and 23) for a predetermined time, and temporarily suspending the first distribution device 35 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the big winning opening. In other words, the control for making the right-handed distribution state and the control for temporarily moving the movable piece 81 in the submerged state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the big prize opening is repeated one more time. As a result, a so-called two-fold auxiliary game is realized. Note that the second winning opening is opened for a predetermined time (for example, after the first winning opening is released in consideration of the operation of the first distribution device 35 and the second distribution device 80 described above). After 2 seconds).

In addition, when any of the start winning ports 11 to 13 has won and the auxiliary game is started as described above, the game control device 200 causes the start winning ports 11 to 13 (the middle start port SW66, the left start port). The function of the SW67 and the right start opening SW68) is invalidated (that is, even if a winning is made at any start winning opening, the aforementioned auxiliary game control is not executed for the starting winning). This is because if starting winnings such as during the execution of an auxiliary game are made effective, the control becomes complicated, and the probability that the number of executions of the auxiliary game will increase and become a big win will be excessively increased.
The state where the start winning is invalidated as described above is canceled when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, if there is no winning in the variable winning device 20 (detection of a game ball by the count SW 34) within 3 seconds after the big winning opening is released, the starting winning is returned to valid. Further, when there is a prize (detection of game balls by the count SW 34) to the variable prize winning device 20, all the game balls that have won the prize have passed through the remaining ball discharge port (that is, detected by the remaining ball discharge port SW65). The starting prize is reactivated.

  Note that the game control device 200 always has the function of the count SW 34 (the function to detect and count the game balls to be won in the big prize opening), whether in the auxiliary game or the big win, and there is a remaining ball in the variable winning device 20. In the state (the number of game balls counted by the count SW 34> the number of game balls counted by the remaining ball discharge port SW 65), the function of each start winning port is invalidated. Further, if there is a remaining ball when 30 seconds have passed since the count SW 34 was turned on last time, for example, the operation of the variable winning device 20 is stopped and an error occurrence notification process is executed as an error occurrence. This is because, for example, the remaining ball that has been stuck in the variable winning device 20 after winning the winning prize in one auxiliary game changes in the falling direction of the gaming ball won in the winning prize in the next or subsequent auxiliary game. This is to prevent the jackpot probability (V winning rate) from changing abnormally.

Next, when the game ball wins the specific area (rolling surface 72b) and the specific area SW62 is turned on, the game control device 200 performs a lottery lottery (round lottery) by random number extraction, for example, The number is determined to be, for example, 3, 8, or 16, and the process of displaying on the round indicator 26 (the process of transmitting control information for the effect control device 207) is executed.
Further, when the specific area SW62 is turned on and the jackpot is reached, the game control apparatus 200 waits for a predetermined fanfare time (for example, 5 seconds) as shown in FIG. It also performs processing such as sound output. After the fanfare time has elapsed, the left and right large winning opening solenoids 22b, 23b are turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 0.8 seconds), and the movable members 22, 23 (large winning opening) are temporarily opened. The control for turning off the movable members 22 and 23 temporarily by turning off for a predetermined time (for example, 0.8 seconds) is repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times), thereby realizing one round of jackpot. However, if the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 20 during this jackpot round (the number of game balls detected by the count SW 34) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), the number of times the large winning opening is opened is a predetermined number of times. End the round even if you have not reached.

  Such a jackpot round is repeatedly executed by the number of rounds determined by the aforementioned round lottery with a predetermined wait time. Here, the wait time is set to a prescribed time (for example, 3 seconds) when there is no winning in the big winning opening (detection of the game ball by the count SW 34) in the previous round, and the big winning in the previous round. When there is a winning in the mouth, the waiting time is a period until all winning game balls pass through the remaining ball discharge port (that is, detected by the remaining ball discharge port SW65). This is to confirm that there are no remaining balls at the end of each round, and then to open the next big prize opening to reliably avoid the problems described above due to the remaining balls.

In addition, during the jackpot round (specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, during the period in which the jackpot is repeatedly opened), the game control device 200 turns on the jackpot path switching solenoid 38e to turn on the path described above. The switching member 38d is in a bypass open state. This has the advantage that the period of the big hit round is shortened (details will be described later).
Also, in this example, during the jackpot round, the big prize opening is repeatedly opened and closed as described above without continuously maintaining the big prize opening in the open state. There is an effect that overheating prevention of the large winning opening solenoids 22b, 23b for driving the movable members 22, 23 to be realized can be realized with high reliability.

E. Game Flow and Flow of Game Ball in Fluctuation Display Device Next, a flow of game and a flow of game ball in the variation display device 20 of this example will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the flow of game balls related to the variable prize apparatus in the auxiliary game and the jackpot derivation result thereby in a flowchart format. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the flow of game balls in the variable winning device during the jackpot round in a flowchart format.

First, in a normal state where no auxiliary game is being performed, the movable members 22 and 23 are in a closed state (that is, the big prize opening is in a closed state), so that the game ball is in the variable prize winning device 20 (ie, a big prize). In the mouth) will not win. In this state, when the game ball that has been placed wins any of the start winning holes, an auxiliary game in which the big winning hole is temporarily opened is executed by the control as described above (step in FIG. 20). S1).
In this auxiliary game, if there is no game ball that is received by the movable members 22 and 23 and wins in the variable winning device 20, the auxiliary game ends with a miss (see step S2 in FIG. 20). In this auxiliary game, when there is a game ball that is received by the movable members 22 and 23 and wins in the variable winning device 20, the game ball flows in the variable winning device 20 as follows.

  That is, the game balls received by the movable members 22 and 23 first fall on the sorting member 37 of the first sorting device 35 via the winning ball guide shelf 32 and the winning ball drop hole 33 described above. . If the distribution member 37 is in the left distribution state, the game ball passes through the left distribution channel 38, the left distribution ball introduction path 59a, and the left distribution ball guide surface 54b, and then the second distribution ball. It flows on the minute guide surface 54e. If the movable piece 81 of the second distribution device 80 is in a protruding state, the game ball that has flowed on the second distribution guide surface 54e flows on the left rotation body guide surface 54d and either of the left rotation body 52 If the movable piece 81 enters the sphere holding portion and is in the submerged state, it flows on the right rotator guiding surface 54h and enters any sphere holding portion of the right rotator 53 in some cases. On the other hand, when the game ball falls from the winning ball drop hole 33 while the distribution member 37 is in the right distribution state, the game ball is divided into the right distribution channel 39, the right distribution ball introduction path 60a, and the right distribution. It enters one of the sphere holders of the right rotator 53 via the sphere guide surface 54i and the right rotator guide surface 54h (see steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 20).

Next, the game ball that has flowed into the sphere holder of the left rotator 52 or the right rotator 53 depends on the type of the sphere holder, as described above, and is a detaching ball (specifically specified) from the discharge opening 55b or the discharge opening 56b. Game balls that have not won the game) or flow into the ball holding portion of the intermediate rotating body 51 through the guide groove 57b and the like (see steps S5 and S6 in FIG. 20).
Then, as described above, the game ball that has flowed into the ball holding portion of the middle rotating body 51 flows down on the rolling surface 71b and is discharged as a detached ball depending on the type of the ball holding portion, or the rolling surface. It flows down to 72b and becomes a winning in a specific area (a so-called V winning that generates a big hit) (see step S7 in FIG. 20).

  Next, when there is a V win and a big win is won, a big win game (special game) is executed in which a big win round in which the opening and closing of the big prize opening is repeated a predetermined number of times as described above. During the big hit, the first distribution device 35 is controlled to the left distribution state, and the passage switching member 38d is controlled to the bypass open state. For this reason, the game balls won in the variable winning device 20 during the jackpot are distributed to the left side and flow to the left distribution channel 38 in the first distribution device 35 (see step S11 in FIG. 21). And it falls to the discharge opening 55b through the bypass flow path 38c from the middle of the left distribution flow path 38 (see step S12 in FIG. 21), and is discharged from the remaining sphere discharge port through the discharge opening 55b.

  In other words, due to the action of the passage switching member 38d and the bypass flow path 38c, during the big hit, a path that is much shorter (including rotational movement by the rotating body) (including rotational movement by the rotating body) during the auxiliary game. In other words, the game ball is instantaneously discharged from the variable winning device 20. For this reason, the time required for checking the above-mentioned remaining sphere is shortened, the above-mentioned wait time is shortened, and consequently the period of the big hit round is shortened, and effects such as an improvement in the operating rate of the gaming machine can be obtained. By the way, if the game ball flows through the same route as in the auxiliary game at the time of the big hit, whether or not the game ball will win the V even during the big hit even though the V win is not a requirement for continuing the round. Since the game ball needs to flow through such a relatively long path (including the rotational movement path by the rotating body), the detection of the remaining sphere by the remaining sphere outlet SW65 is delayed, and the above-mentioned at the end of the round is often delayed. The wait time becomes longer than a specified time (for example, 3 seconds). And when the wait time becomes longer in this way, the round cycle becomes longer, which causes adverse effects such as a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine or a player's awakening. However, with the configuration of this example, such an adverse effect is avoided.

  According to the gaming machine of the present example described above, as described above, there is a possibility that the game ball that has flowed (winned) into the variable winning device 20 will be guided to the middle rotating body 51 (and thus a V winning possibility). ) On the left side passage (first passage) leading to the left rotation body 52 and the right passage (second passage) leading to the right rotation body 53 that is likely to be guided by the middle rotation body 51. If it is distributed by the first sorting device 35 and the like, if it is lucky, it reaches the middle rotating body 51 via the ball holding part 53d of the right rotating body 53 or the ball holding part 52d of the left rotating body 52, and if it is lucky. A highly interesting auxiliary game is executed in which the player flows into the ball holding portion 51d of the middle rotator 51 and wins a specific area (V prize) to win a big win.

In addition, according to the gaming machine of this example, the distribution member 37 is made invisible to the player by the concealing member 40, so that the player can pay attention to the distribution notification members 41 and 42, and as a result, the distribution state Can be reported easily. In addition, since the distribution notification members 41 and 42 are provided on the concealing member 40 (in front of the distribution member 37), it is easy to confirm the flow-down state of the game balls before and after the distribution member 37.
Further, the concealing member 40 (in this case, inside or behind the concealing member 40) is a link mechanism (link member 43) that operates the distribution notification members 41 and 42 in conjunction with the conversion state of the distribution member 37. An arrangement space is provided in which is arranged. For this reason, the space of the concealment member 40 is effectively used, the distribution notification members 41 and 42 are interlocked with the distribution member 37 with a compact structure, and the actuator for separately driving the distribution notification members 41 and 42 is omitted. Therefore, it is possible to realize a compact configuration and cost reduction for distribution notification.

In this example, the distribution member 37 moves left and right to distribute the game balls, and the distribution notification members 41 and 42 are operated in conjunction with this movement. For this reason, the distribution member 37 and the distribution notification members 41 and 42 can be driven only by directly connecting the distribution member 37 with a simple direct acting solenoid (left / right passage switching solenoid 37a) in which the output shaft 37g moves linearly. .
In addition, although the distribution member 37 moves to the left and right, the distribution notification members 41 and 42 rotate around the rotation shafts 41a and 42a in the substantially front-rear direction in conjunction with the movement of the distribution member 37. It works by moving. For this reason, a simple direct acting solenoid (left-right passage switching solenoid 37a) can notify the distribution state by turning along the board surface. In addition, if the distribution notification member rotates along the board surface, for example, as compared with a case where the distribution notification member simply moves to the left and right, a distribution that imitates the bat blade of this example. Like the notification members 41 and 42, different interests can be notified, and the player can be more focused on the movement of the distribution notification member.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible.
For example, the left and right positional relationship between the first passage and the second passage may be reversed in the embodiment.
Further, in order to make it easier for the player to see the game balls flowing, held or transferred in the center case 10 and to produce the state of the game balls, for example, light is irradiated from the back surface of the center case 10. However, the lighting state and color of the light may be variously controlled.

  Further, it should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view of a variable winning apparatus. It is a figure explaining a 1st distribution apparatus, a concealment member, etc., (a) is a front view of the part which provided the 1st distribution apparatus, a concealment member, etc., (b) is XX sectional drawing in (a). (Excluding the part other than the cross section), (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in (a) (the part other than the cross section is also shown). (A) is the perspective view of the location which provided the 1st distribution apparatus, the distribution notification member, etc., (b) is the exploded perspective view of the location which provided the 1st distribution device, the distribution notification member, etc. (A) The front view which shows the 1st state of a 1st distribution apparatus and a distribution alerting | reporting member (a concealment member is included), (b) is the 2nd of a 1st distribution device and a distribution alerting member (a concealment member is included). The front view which shows a state, (c) is a perspective view which shows the 1st state of a 1st distribution apparatus and a distribution notification member (except for a concealment member), (d) is a 1st distribution apparatus and a distribution notification member (concealment) It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd state of a member except). It is a perspective view which shows the rotary body unit of a variable prize apparatus. It is a principal part perspective view of a rotary body unit similarly. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the variable winning apparatus by the surface parallel to the game board surface. It is a figure which shows each rotary body and its drive system, (a) is a top view, (b) is BB sectional drawing in (a), (c) is CC sectional drawing in (a), (d ) Is a DD cross-sectional view in (a). It is a figure which shows a rotary body unit, (a) is a top view, (b) is AA sectional drawing in (a). It is a figure which shows each rotary body and its drive system, (a) is a top view, (b) is EE sectional drawing in (a). It is a figure which shows each rotary body and its drive system, (a) is a top view, (b) is FF sectional drawing in (a), (c) is GG sectional drawing in (a). It is a disassembled perspective view which shows each rotary body and its drive system. It is a disassembled perspective view of a rotary body unit. It is a perspective view which shows each rotary body and its drive system. It is a front view which shows the transfer state of the game ball by the ball | bowl holding | maintenance part of a middle rotary body, (a) is a ball | bowl holding part guided to a general area, (b) is a ball | bowl holding part guided to a specific area. Show the case. It is a front view which shows the state which a game ball flows in into a specific area | region from the ball | bowl holding | maintenance part of a middle rotary body, (a) is the state where the game ball began to flow out from a ball | bowl holding part, (b) flows into a specific area | region. Indicates the state. It is a figure explaining the flow of the game ball in a 2nd distribution apparatus, (a) is the state in which the game ball flowed in from the right side, and the movement was controlled by the right distribution ball control wall 54g, (b) is a game ball A state in which movement is restricted by the movable piece 81 from the right side, (c) is a state in which the game ball flows from the left side and a movement is restricted by the movable piece 81, and (d) is a state in which the game ball flows from the left side and is movable. A state where the vehicle has passed 81 and flows to the right is shown. It is a block diagram of a control system. It is the figure explaining the flow of the game ball relevant to the variable prize apparatus in an auxiliary game, and the jackpot derivation result by it in the form of a flowchart. It is the figure explaining the flow of the game ball in the variable winning device during the jackpot round in the form of a flowchart. It is a timing chart which shows the operating state of the main control equipment in an auxiliary game. It is a timing chart which shows the operation state of the main control equipment in a big hit state.

Explanation of symbols

1 Game board 3 Game area 10 Center case 11-13 Start prize opening (predetermined prize division)
20 Fluctuating prize winning device 22, 23 Movable member 35 First distribution device 37 Distribution member 37b Left inclined surface 37c Right inclined surface 37d Driving slit 38 Left distribution channel (first passage)
39 Right distribution channel (second passage)
40 Concealing member 40d Bearing part 41 Distribution notification member 41a Rotating shaft (Rotating shaft of the distribution notification member)
41b Driving projection 42 Distributing notification member 42a Rotating shaft (Rotating shaft of the distributing notifying member)
42b Driving projection 43 Link member 43a Rotating shaft (Rotating shaft of link member)
43c Sliding projection 43b Driving engagement portion 59a Left sorting ball introduction path (first path)
54b Left distribution ball guide surface (first passage)
54e Second distribution guide surface (first passage)
54d Left rotator guide surface (first passage)
54h Right rotator guide surface (second passage)
54i Right distribution ball guide surface (second passage)
55b Discharge opening (general area)
56b Discharge opening (general area)
60a Right-handed ball introduction path (second passage)
71b Rolling surface (general area)
72b Rolling surface (specific area)

Claims (2)

A movable member that performs an auxiliary game by converting from a closed state that does not accept a game ball to an open state that can accept a game ball based on the winning of a game ball to a predetermined winning portion, and a game ball that is received by the movable member A variable prize apparatus having an inflowing game space portion and a specific area disposed downstream of the game space portion;
When a game ball received by the movable member during the auxiliary game wins the specific area, the gaming machine performs a special game that converts the movable member to the open state in a manner that is more advantageous to the player than the auxiliary game. In
The variable winning device is:
A first passage with a low probability that a game ball received by the movable member is guided to the specific area;
A second passage with a high probability that a game ball received by the movable member is guided to the specific area;
The game ball is converted into a first state in which the game ball received by the movable member is guided to the first passage and a second state in which the game ball received by the movable member is guided to the second passage. A sorting member for sorting,
A concealing member disposed in front of the sorting member and concealing the sorting member from being seen by a player in front of the sorting member;
A distribution notification member that operates in conjunction with the conversion state of the distribution member and notifies a player of the conversion state of the distribution member;
The distribution notification member is provided on the concealment member,
The game machine characterized in that the concealing member is provided with a disposition space in which a link mechanism for operating the distribution notifying member in conjunction with the conversion state of the distribution member is disposed. The starting ends of the first passage and the second passage are disposed at a dropping position where the game ball received by the movable member falls, and one of the first passage and the second passage is located to the left of the dropping position. The other of the first passage and the second passage is provided to the right from the drop position,
The concealing member is disposed in front of the first end portion of the first passage and the second passage,
The distribution member has a mountain-shaped upper surface composed of a left inclined surface inclined downward to the left and a right inclined surface inclined downward to the right. In the first state, one of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface is located at the falling position, and in the second state, the left inclined surface And the other of the right inclined surfaces is configured to be located at the falling position,
In the first state, the game ball falls to one of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface, is guided to one of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface, and is distributed to the first passage,
In the second state, the game ball falls to the other of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface, and is guided to the other of the left inclined surface and the right inclined surface to be distributed to the second passage. And
The distribution notification member is attached to the concealment member so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis in a substantially front-rear direction, and has a driving protrusion extending on the back side,
The link mechanism comprises a link member attached to the concealment member so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis in a substantially horizontal direction,
The link member has a driving engagement portion that engages with the driving protrusion on one end side that extends to one side from the rotation shaft, and on the other end side that extends to the other side from the rotation shaft. , Having a sliding projection that fits into a driving slit formed on the front surface of the sorting member,
The drive slit extends obliquely with respect to the left-right direction in which the sorting member moves,
When the distribution member moves to the left and right, the sliding protrusion relatively slides in the driving slit and moves in the vertical direction, whereby the link member rotates, and the link member rotates. Along with this, the drive engagement portion moves in the vertical direction, and the drive projection also moves in the vertical direction due to the movement of the drive engagement portion, and as a result, the distribution notification member rotates. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the distribution notification member operates in conjunction with a conversion state of the distribution member.

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