JP2009000429A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine capable of making a player interested in a game ball which has not enter an opened winning hole, and capable of retaining the player's interest while the winning hole is opened and after the winning hole is closed. <P>SOLUTION: The pinball game machine comprises a first area 61 including a shooting hole and a second area 62 without including the shooting hole 53 within a play area 31; a border member 55 to prohibit movement of game balls from the first area 61 to the second area 62; a communication path 57 communicating with the first area 61 and the second area 62; an apportioning mechanism to prohibit or permit movement of game balls from the first area 61 to the second area 62 via the communication path 57; a first winning hole 58 disposed in the first area 61; and a first open/close door 70 to open/close the first winning hole 58. When the first open/close door 70 is retained in the closed state, the apportioning mechanism prohibits movement of game balls via the communication path 57, and permits movement of game balls via the communication path 57 as operatively connected with the opening/closing of the first open/close door 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine.

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

JP 2005-323867 A

  However, in the above-mentioned general ball game machines, the player's interest when opening and closing the special prize opening is concentrated on whether or not the game ball wins at the special prize opening. It is difficult to become an object of interest. For this reason, depending on the mode of opening and closing the special prize opening, such as when the number of times of opening and closing is small and the opening time is short, it is not possible to attract the player's interest in opening and closing the special prize opening, making the game monotonous There was a risk of inviting.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of providing a variety of games to a player at the time of opening / closing a prize opening. And

  In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect according to the present invention is a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball and entering the game area on the board from a launch port on the board of the game board. And a first region, a second region, a boundary member, a communication path, a sorting mechanism, a first winning opening, and a first door. The first area is an area within the game area and includes a launch port. The second area is an area within the game area and does not include a launch port. The boundary member prohibits the movement of the game ball from the first area to the second area. The communication path communicates the first region and the second region. The distribution mechanism prohibits or allows the movement of the game ball from the first area to the second area via the communication path. The first winning opening is provided in the first area. The first opening / closing door opens and closes the first winning opening.

  When the first open / close door is maintained in the closed state, the sorting mechanism prohibits the movement of the game ball through the communication path, and in conjunction with the opening / closing of the first open / close door, the game ball through the communication path. Is allowed to move.

  In the above configuration, when the first door is opened and closed, the first winning opening is opened and closed, and the game ball is allowed to move from the first area to the second area via the communication path. Thereby, even if the game ball launched when the first prize opening is opened and closed, the game ball may move from the first area to the second area even if it does not win the first prize opening. Occurs. Therefore, a variety of games can be provided to the player when the first door is opened and closed, and the player's interest can be attracted to the opening and closing of the first door.

  In addition, in conjunction with the opening and closing of the first door, the sorting mechanism allows the game ball to move from the first area to the second area, so that the player's interest is maintained after the first door is closed. be able to. Further, by arranging a winning opening, a through chucker, a movable accessory, etc. in the second area, and changing the behavior of the game ball moved to the second area, the player's interest can be sustained for a long time.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ball game machine according to the first aspect, wherein the first opening / closing door has an inner surface which is not exposed in the closed state and exposed upward in the opened state. The sorting mechanism has an entry hole, a communication path forming part, and a communication path closing part.

  The entry hole is formed in the first opening / closing door and allows the movement of the game ball from the inner surface side to the outer surface side of the first opening / closing door. The communication path forming part is provided integrally on the outer surface of the first opening / closing door, partitions the guide path of the game ball that has moved from the inner surface side to the outer surface side through the entry hole, and opens and closes the first opening / closing door. Along with this, it moves between the communication position and the non-communication position. The guide path communicates with the communication path when the communication path forming part is in the communication position, and allows the game ball to move from the guide path to the communication path. When the communication path formation part is in the non-communication position, the guide path The game ball is prohibited from moving to the communication path. The communication path forming part and the communication path closing part prevent the game ball from moving from the first region to the communication path except when the communication path forming part is in the communication position.

  In the above configuration, when the first opening / closing door is in the open state, the inner surface of the first opening / closing door is exposed, so that the game ball can move from the inner surface side of the first opening / closing door to the guide surface on the outer surface side through the entrance hole. . The game ball that has moved to the guide path moves from the first area to the second area via the communication path when the communication path forming portion moves to the communication position as the first opening / closing door is opened and closed. Thus, the movement of the game ball through the communication path is allowed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the first opening / closing door.

  In addition, when the first door is closed, the inner surface of the first door is not exposed, so that the game ball cannot move from the inner surface side of the first door to the guide path on the outer surface side. Further, when the first opening / closing door is maintained in the closed state, the communication path forming portion is maintained in the communication position or the non-communication position. In such a state, all the game balls in the guide path have moved to the second area or cannot move to the second area, so that the game from the first area to the second area via the communication path. The sphere does not move. Thus, when the first opening / closing door is maintained in the closed state, the movement of the game ball through the communication path is prohibited.

  Thus, since the entrance hole is formed in the 1st opening / closing door which opens and closes the 1st winning opening, it is possible to win the 1st winning opening for the game ball falling toward the opened 1st winning opening In addition to the property, the possibility of moving from the entry hole to the second region is given. That is, the game ball dropped toward the first prize opening can enter the entry hole and move to the second area even if the game ball does not win the first prize opening. Can attract the player's interest.

  Moreover, the 3rd aspect concerning this invention is a ball ball game machine of a 2nd aspect, Comprising: A distribution mechanism has an elastic valve member and a projection part. The elastic valve member is provided in the entry hole. The protrusion is fixed to the board surface and faces the entry hole when the first opening / closing door is closed. The elastic valve member temporarily holds the game ball above the entry hole when the first door is open. The projection presses the game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member when the first opening / closing door is closed. The game ball pressed by the protruding portion elastically deforms the elastic valve member, passes through the entry hole, and moves to the guide path.

  In the above configuration, the game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member is pressed by the projection when the first opening / closing door is closed, elastically deforms the elastic valve member, moves through the entry hole, and moves to the guide path. To do. At this time, the game ball inserted through the entry hole moves to the guide path so as to pass from the inner surface side to the outer surface side of the first opening / closing door that is closed, so the game ball is not available in conventional ball game machines. Behave. Thereby, it is possible to provide a variety of games when the first winning opening is opened and closed, and to attract the player's interest in opening and closing the first opening and closing door without causing the game to become monotonous.

  Further, the game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member does not move to the guide path and the second region until the opened first opening / closing door is closed. Therefore, it is possible to attract the player to the game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member at a timing at which the player's interest may be lost by eliminating the possibility of winning the first winning opening. .

  Moreover, you may form a connection path formation part with a permeable member. Thereby, it becomes possible for the player to visually recognize how the game ball pressed by the protruding portion elastically deforms the elastic valve member and moves through the entry hole to the guide path.

  Moreover, the 4th aspect concerning this invention is a bullet ball game machine of a 1st aspect, Comprising: A distribution mechanism has a movable member. The movable member is interlocked with the opening / closing of the first opening / closing door.

  The movable member closes the communication path when the first opening / closing door is in a closed state and prohibits the movement of the game ball through the communication path, and moves the communication path through the communication path when the first opening / closing door is in an open state. Open and allow game balls to move through the communication path.

  In the above configuration, when the first opening / closing door is in the open state, even if the game ball falls into an area where the first winning opening cannot be won, it can enter the entry hole. It can attract players' interest in opening and closing.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ball game machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a second winning opening, a second opening / closing door, and a control means are provided. Prepare. The second winning opening is provided in the first area. The second opening / closing door opens and closes the second winning opening. The control means performs electronic lottery triggered by a predetermined condition, and at least one of a plurality of gaming states including the first gaming state and the second gaming state is determined according to the result of the lottery. Occur selectively.

  The control means opens and closes the first door in the first gaming state and opens and closes the second door in the second gaming state.

  In the above configuration, the movement of the game ball to the second area is prohibited in the second game state or the normal game state, and the movement of the game ball to the second area is allowed in the first game state. Therefore, for example, even when the opening time of the first opening / closing door opened in the first gaming state is set shorter than the second opening / closing door opened in the second gaming state, the first game The player's interest can be attracted to the state.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is possible to provide the ball game machine which can provide a game full of change with respect to a player at the time of opening and closing of a winning opening.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine) installed at a place such as a game machine installation sales office and allowing a player to play a game based on supply of game media (for example, game balls, medals, etc.) The structure and operation of the game machine will be described.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 is a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store paying cash or the like. The configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball to be used for a game by being read into the game will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, this gaming machine is electronic when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined winning opening (start chucker, starting winning opening) 2 and enters a winning state. If the result of the lottery is selected and the result of the lottery is a win, the special winning opening (large winning opening, second winning opening) 3 or 1 so that the gaming state is advantageous from the normal gaming state to the player. This is a gaming machine that makes it easy for a game ball to win a winning opening 58.

[First embodiment]
[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 includes, as an external structure, an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an opening frame door 6, a game board 7, and a door 8 with a ball tray. , A ball receiving tray 9, a rotary operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation section 11, a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9, and the like are provided on the front side thereof. In addition, this gaming machine has, as an internal structure, a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, a payout control device 52, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described in detail in the order of the external structure, the internal structure, the configuration of the gaming area, and the electrical configuration.

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

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

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

  The opening frame door 6 has a lock function 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26, and is configured in a frame shape. This is a door member having an opening 27 inside thereof. The opening frame door 6 is provided with a transparent plate member 28 made of glass or resin so as to face the opening 27, and an electric decoration 29 and a speaker 30 are attached in the vicinity of the opening 27. Yes.

  The game board 7 has a game area 31 on its board surface, and is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 5. The game area 31 can be observed from the opening 27 after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 23 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 having a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device 23 to a game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7. .
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9 for allowing the player to discharge the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 9 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

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

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

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

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

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

  The movable object control device 17 includes a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, a movable door 45, a first opening / closing door 70, a winning prize) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Area distribution object, production moving object, etc.), and is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. The movable object control device 17 of the present embodiment includes a movable piece driving device that drives the movable piece 44, a movable door driving device that drives the movable door 45, and a first opening / closing door driving device 64 that drives the first opening / closing door 70. And a winning area distribution driving device and a moving object driving device for effects.

  The collection passage member 18 is a passage for collecting the game balls that have been launched into the game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7 by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7 (common name, collective bowl). It is the member which becomes. The first opening / closing door driving device 64 has a motor 65, and the motor 65 is fixed to the back side of the game board 7.

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

  The power supply device 21 is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When an operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 launches 100 play balls in one minute. And the like, and the launching intensity of the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device 23 is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31.

  The payout control device 52 is a device that controls the game ball payout device 15 to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. In addition, the payout control device 52 refers to the data information stored in the prepaid card read into the CR unit 1 via the ball lending signal control device 16 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, and performs predetermined processing. It is a device that performs control to pay out a number of rented balls and counts and manages the number of lent out balls.

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

  The game area 31 is partitioned and formed so as to be substantially circular by a guide rail 32 and a game ball regulation rail 33 for sliding the game ball, and regulates the movement range of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. It is an area. The game ball regulation rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32, and the guide rail 32 and the game ball regulation rail 33 are spirally arranged on the board surface of the game board 7 as a whole. .

  Further, in the game area 31, a launch port 53, a boundary member 55, a communication path 57, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 34, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device 35, a stage 36, a predetermined winning port (general) (Winning entrance) 37, predetermined passage openings (through chuckers) 38, 46, out opening 39, game nails (not shown), windmill 40, specific reservation number display lamp 41, passage reservation number display lamp 42, effect display lamp 43 Etc. are provided. The game area 31 is provided with the distribution mechanism of the present invention.

  The launch port 53 is defined by the end of the game ball regulating rail 33 and the guide rail 32, and is an entrance to the game area 31 of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. The launch port 53 is provided with a backflow prevention valve 54 that prevents backflow of the game ball from the game area 31 to the game ball regulation rail 33.

  The boundary member 55 is disposed to the left of the center of the game area 31, extends in the vertical direction, the upper end contacts the game ball regulation rail 33, and the game area 31 is launched from the first area 61 including the launch port 53. The boundary member 55, which is partitioned into the second region 62 that does not include the mouth 53, prohibits the movement of the game ball from the first region 61 to the second region 62. The lower end of the boundary member 55 defines a collection area 56 that is the only area in which the game ball moves from the second area 62 to the first area 61.

  The communication path 57 is an opening provided in the boundary member 55, and communicates the first region 61 and the second region 62. The communication path 57 is the only area where the game ball can move from the first area 61 to the second area 62.

  The variable display device 34 is disposed in the first area 61, and is executed electronically in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, winning a game ball into a predetermined winning opening). In accordance with the result of the lottery determination, the display control device stops and displays identification display information (for example, symbols, characters, background images, etc.) as identification information. The variable display device 34 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device. .

  The LED display device 35 is a device that displays various information to the player using LEDs. For example, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball passes through a predetermined passage, etc.). In accordance with the result of the electronic winning lottery executed according to the above, the identification lighting information as identification information is variably displayed by the LED and then stopped and displayed.

  The stage 36 is a structure provided with a landing that allows the game ball to stay temporarily below the variable display device 34 and then allows the game ball to fall.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having openings for receiving the falling game balls. The predetermined winning port 2, the special winning port 3, and the first winning port 58 are also included in the predetermined winning port 37.

  Here, the specific winning opening 2 includes an electric movable piece 44 that is disposed in the first area 61 and below the variable display device 34, and expands and contracts the opening range of the winning opening. Is a winning opening that allows the variable display device 34 to variably display the identification display information and to allow the player to acquire a winning ball in response to winning a winning opening. The special winning opening 3 is disposed in the first region 61 and below the specific winning opening 2, and is an electric movable that generates an open state that exposes the winning opening and a closed state that closes the winning opening. The winning opening is provided with a door (second opening / closing door) 45 and allows the player to acquire more prize balls than other winning openings in accordance with the winning of the game balls in the winning opening. The first winning opening 58 is disposed in the first area 61 and above the variable display device 34. As the game balls enter from the opening formed on the board surface and win a lot, This is a prize opening to be awarded to the player. The first winning opening 58 is set by the first opening / closing door 70 to an open state in which the opening is exposed and a closed state in which the opening is closed. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls for one game ball won in the first prize opening 58 and the special prize opening 3 is the same, but the first prize opening 58 and the special prize opening 3 correspond to the prizes. You may make it the structure from which the number of prize balls differs. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the specific winning port 2, the special winning port 3, and the first winning port 58 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  The first opening / closing door 70 is a plate-like member that opens and closes the first winning opening 58, and includes a lower end portion 71, an upper end portion 72, an outer surface portion 73, and an inner surface portion 74. The first opening / closing door 70 has a lower end 71 fixed to the movable shaft 63 in the vicinity of the lower end of the first winning opening 58. The first opening / closing door 70 is in a closed state (shown in FIG. 7) in which the upper end 72 is positioned above the lower end 71 by the motor 65 of the first opening / closing door driving device 64 connected via the movable shaft 63. The upper end portion 72 is set to an open state (shown in FIG. 8) where the upper end portion 72 is positioned in front of the lower end portion 71. The outer surface portion 73 is substantially flush with the board surface when in the closed state, and faces downward when in the open state. The inner surface portion 74 has a winning opening guide portion 75 and is not exposed in the closed state, and is exposed facing upward in the open state. The inner surface portion 74 is slightly inclined downward toward the board surface in the open state. The winning opening guide 75 is an area of the inner surface 74 facing the first winning opening 58 in the closed state, and inclines in the opened state to guide the game ball to the first winning opening 58.

  The motor 65 of the first opening / closing door driving device 64 rotationally drives the movable shaft 63 provided along the lower end of the first winning opening 58 inside the board surface, and the first opening / closing door 70 is opened and closed. And set to The motor 65 sets the first opening / closing door 70 in the closed state in the normal gaming state, and sets the first opening / closing door 70 in the opened state when a predetermined gaming condition is satisfied.

  The entrance hole 80, the elastic valve member 81, the communication path forming part 83, and the communication path closing part 88 constituting the distribution mechanism of the present invention are provided in the first opening / closing door 70, and the protrusion 90 is formed on the board surface. Provided. In the present embodiment, the first opening / closing door 70 is provided with a movement restricting member 82 that constitutes a sorting mechanism in addition to the above configuration. When the first opening / closing door 70 is maintained in the closed state, the sorting mechanism prohibits the movement of the game ball through the communication path 57 and links the communication path 57 in conjunction with the opening / closing of the first opening / closing door 70. The game ball is allowed to move through.

  The entry hole 80 is an opening formed in the first opening / closing door 70 and allows the game ball to move from the inner surface 74 side to the outer surface 73 side of the first opening / closing door 70.

  The elastic valve member 81 is provided in the entry hole 80 and is configured by a plurality of rubber piece-like members. The plurality of piece-like members extend from the periphery of the entry hole 80 toward the center of the entry hole 80, and external force is applied. In the state where it is not, the entrance hole 80 is closed.

  When the first opening / closing door 70 is in the open state, the game ball guided or dropped to the upper side of the entry hole 80 is depressed by the elastic valve member 81 by its own weight and temporarily held by the elastic valve member 81. When the game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member 81 is pressed from the inner surface 74 side to the outer surface 73 side of the first opening / closing door 70, the elastic valve member 81 is elastically deformed and inserted into the entry hole 80. . The elastic valve member 81 closes the entry hole 80 again after the game ball is inserted. Note that the game ball that has fallen vigorously above the entry hole 80 when the first opening / closing door 70 is open can be inserted into the entry hole 80 by elastically deforming the elastic valve member 81 as it is.

  The elastic valve member 81 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the elastic valve member 81 has a hole having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and when the game ball is pushed in, the hole is expanded to allow the insertion of the game ball. It may be. Further, the elastic valve member 81 may be made of resin or metal instead of rubber.

  The movement restricting member 82 is a rubber member provided on the inner surface 74 of the peripheral edge of the entry hole 80 except for the front side in the opened state of the first opening / closing door 70, and the inner surface of the first opening / closing door 70. The game ball dropped to the part 74 is guided to the upper side of the entry hole 80, and the movement is restricted so that the game ball dropped to the upper side of the entry hole 80 does not roll.

  The communication path forming portion 83 is a sphere passage member made of a permeable resin, is integrally provided on the outer surface portion 73 of the first opening / closing door 70, has an entrance 84 and a delivery port 85, and has a guide path 86. Partition.

  The entrance 84 is an opening facing the entry hole 80 on the outer surface 73 side of the first opening / closing door 70.

  The delivery port 85 is an opening that faces the boundary member 55 and moves along the first region 61 side of the boundary member 55 as the first opening / closing door 70 is opened and closed. In this embodiment, the delivery port 85 is closed by the boundary member 55 when the first opening / closing door 70 is in the open state, and faces the communication path 57 when the first opening / closing door 70 is in the closed state.

  The guide path 86 is a passage section defined inside the communication path forming section 83, and communicates the entrance 84 and the delivery port 85, and guides a game ball that has entered from the entrance 84 to the delivery port 85. Further, in the communication path forming portion 83 that divides the guide path 86, the inclined surface 87 that forms the lower surface when the first opening / closing door 70 is in the closed state is inclined downward toward the delivery port 85 in the closed state.

  The communication path forming unit 83 moves between the communication position and the non-communication position as the first opening / closing door 70 is opened and closed. The communication position is a position where the guide path 86 communicates with the communication path 57 and allows a game ball to move from the guide path 86 to the communication path 57, and the non-communication position is a game from the guide path 86 to the communication path 57. This is the position where the movement of the sphere is prohibited. In the present embodiment, when the first opening / closing door 70 shown in FIG. 7 is closed, the communication path forming portion 83 is set to the communication position, and when the first opening / closing door 70 shown in FIG. The path forming unit 83 is set to the non-communication position.

  When the communication path forming portion 83 is in the communication position, the guide path 86 communicates with the communication path 57 to allow the game ball to move from the guide path 86 to the communication path 57, and the communication path formation section 83 is in the non-communication position. The game ball is prohibited from moving from the guide path 86 to the communication path 57. In this way, the guide path 86 temporarily holds the game ball moved from the inner surface 74 side of the first opening / closing door 70 to the outer surface 73 side through the entry hole 80 when it is set at the non-communication position. When the position is set, the communication path 57 is guided.

  The communication path closing portion 88 is provided integrally with the first opening / closing door 70 and moves along the first region 61 side of the boundary member 55 as the first opening / closing door 70 is opened / closed. When the first opening / closing door 70 is opened, the communication path closing portion 88 covers a part of the communication path 57 on the first area 61 side so that the game ball cannot move from the first area 61 to the second area 62. When the first opening / closing door 70 is closed, the first opening / closing door 70 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 89 opened in the panel surface. Note that the communication path forming portion 83 may cover part of the communication path 57 when the first opening / closing door 70 is open. Further, in the opened state of the first opening / closing door 70, as shown in FIG. 8, a part of the communication path 57 is not covered with the communication path closing part 88 and the communication path forming part 83 and opens to the first region 61. ing. However, since the size of the communication path 57 opened in the opened state of the first opening / closing door 70 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball, the game ball moves from the first area 61 to the second area 62 via the communication path 57. Is prohibited.

  In this way, the communication path forming part 83 and the communication path closing part 88 prevent the game ball from moving from the first region 61 to the communication path 57 except when the communication path forming part 83 is in the communication position. .

  In addition, the communication position where the movement of the game ball from the guide path 86 to the communication path 57 is allowed may occur in any state between the open state and the closed state of the first opening / closing door 70. Therefore, in addition to the configuration that is set to the communication position when the first opening / closing door 70 is in the closed state as in the present embodiment, the configuration that is set to the communication position when the first opening / closing door 70 is in the open state, The configuration may be such that the communication position is set at a predetermined position during the movement of the open / close door 70 between the open state and the closed state. In this configuration, the communication path forming portion 83 and the communication passage closing portion 88 are configured to be able to face the boundary member 55 at the same location as the delivery port 85 when the first opening / closing door 70 is opened and closed. The movement of the game ball from the first area 61 to the second area 62 is prohibited. Further, when the first opening / closing door 70 is maintained in the closed state, the communication path forming portion 83 is maintained in the communication position or the non-communication position. In this state, all the game balls in the guide path 86 have moved to the second area 62 or cannot move to the second area 62. The game ball does not move to the second area 62.

  The protrusion 90 is disposed adjacent to the first winning opening 58, is fixed inside the board surface, and protrudes in the direction crossing the board surface inside the board surface. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 90 protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the board surface. The protrusion 90 is exposed together with the first winning opening 58 when the first opening / closing door 70 is opened, and is not exposed when the first opening / closing door 70 is closed. The protrusion 90 faces the entry hole 80 when the first opening / closing door 70 is in the closed state, and is close to the elastic valve member 81. When there is a game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member 81 when the first opening / closing door 70 is closed, the protrusion 90 moves the game ball from the inner surface 74 side of the first opening / closing door 70 to the outer surface. Press toward the part 73 side. In other words, when the first opening / closing door 70 is closed and moved from the open state to the closed state, the temporarily held game ball is moved toward the tip of the protrusion 90, so that the game is fixed to the fixed protrusion 90. The sphere is pressed. The game ball pressed by the protrusion 90 elastically deforms the elastic valve member 81 and passes through the entry hole 80 and moves to the guide path 86.

  The predetermined passages 38 and 46 are structures provided with a predetermined number at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and gates through which the falling game balls pass.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged. The game ball moving from the second area 62 to the first area 61 enters the out port 39 through the collection area 56.

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

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

  The croon 91 is a sorting member that is fixed to the second region 62 in three stages and has three communication holes 92 through which game balls can be inserted. The croon 91 rolls the game ball on the upper surface and drops the game ball from any one of the three communication holes 92, thereby suppressing the falling speed of the game ball and making the moving direction of the game ball irregular. The game ball that has moved to the second region 62 via the communication path 57 falls above the uppermost crune 91. The game ball descends by passing through three stages of the Kroon 91 one by one through each of the communication holes 92. When the game ball that has fallen on the lowermost cron 91 enters the communication hole 92 above the predetermined winning opening 37, it is easy to win the predetermined winning opening 37. The boundary member 55 may be provided with a ball passage on the second region 62 side so as to drop from the communication passage 57 to a desired position of the croon 91.

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

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

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

[Electrical configuration]
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as an electrical configuration, a CR unit 1, a main control device 13, a sub control device 14, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a power supply device 21, and a launch control device 22. , A firing drive device 23, a detection sensor 47, a centralized management device 48, a payout control device 52, and the like. The configurations of the CR unit 1, the ball lending signal control device 16, the movable object control device 17, the power supply device 21, the launch control device 22, the launch drive device 23, and the payout control device 52 are as described above. Then, the explanation is omitted.

  The main controller 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13b for storing a predetermined control program (computer program), and a generated process. It consists of a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13c that temporarily stores information and deletes the stored information, a frequency generation circuit unit 13d that generates a periodic signal, and the like, and performs main information processing in the gaming machine. This is a device that performs processing and generates processing information to be input to the sub-control device 14.

  The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, and a sound control device 14c, and performs predetermined output mode processing according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. The sub-control device 14 may be configured as a device for each output mode process, or may be configured by combining a plurality of output mode processes. Each control device constituting the sub-control device 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM so that the processing can be executed independently according to the processing information.

  Here, the symbol control device 14a is identified by controlling the variable display device 34 or the LED display device 35 via the video display processor (VDP) 50 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that performs control to stop and display after lighting information or identification display information is variably displayed.

  The lamp control device 14b is used for effects provided in the electrical decorations 29 (including effect notification lamps, payout lamps, trouble lamps) and the game area 31 of the opening frame door 6 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that controls lighting of the display lamp (electric decoration) 43, the specific hold number display lamp 41, the passing hold number display lamp 42, or the like. The information represented by the specific hold number display lamp 41 or the passing hold number display lamp 42 may be notified as identification display information by the variable display device 34.

  The voice control device 14c is a device that controls the voice generation device 51 such as the speaker 30 and the sound processor according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13 to generate voice.

  The detection sensor 47 includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error detection. It is constituted by a sensor 47g. Each detection sensor includes a specific winning port 2, a special winning port 3, a first winning port 58, a winning specific region (for example, a region on the right side from the approximate center of the special winning port 3), predetermined passing ports 38, 46, In addition, it is provided in the vicinity of the ball path 49a of the ball path member 49 where the winning hole 37, the prize ball port 20, and the ball path member 49 are likely to be clogged, and detects whether or not a game ball passes at each place. Further, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball may be provided in the communication path 57. In this case, when the sensor detects a game ball in the communication path 57, the main control device 13 generates processing information to be notified by the lamp control device 14b or the voice control device 14c.

  The centralized management device 48 is a device that manages processing information generated by the main control device 13 outside the gaming machine.

[Game machine operation]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into the operations of the main control device 13, the sub control device 14, and the movable object control device 17.

[Operation of main controller]
First, the operation of the main controller 13 that performs main game control will be described.

  The main routine process in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in a ROM 13b provided in the main controller 13. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs, as main routine processing, random number update processing, input detection reception processing, input management processing, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp management processing, and preparation ball payout processing. External information management processing and output management processing are performed.

  The main routine processing is to generate a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) by frequency division setting based on a periodic signal generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, and to match the generated timing pulse. The CPU 13a is a basic routine that repeatedly executes a control execution process including reading and updating of each of the processes, writing and storing, or deletion of the memory.

  Hereinafter, among the main routine processes, an input detection reception process, an input management process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, and an output management process will be described in detail.

"Input detection reception process"
The input detection reception processing includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error. This is a process of monitoring whether there is input information generated by the detection sensor 47g according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) and receiving the input information from the sensor.

"Input management process"
The input management process analyzes the input information received by the input detection reception process, and, for example, according to the analysis result such as from which detection sensor the input signal is, Performs processing such as count management of the number of game balls and time management from reception of winning detection to the start of control processing based on the winning, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing to be described later In the lamp management process and the prize ball payout process, the process result can be used as appropriate.

"Special symbol control process"
In the special symbol control process, an electronic winning / losing lottery is performed in response to receiving input information from the specific winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the specific winning opening 2, and in the case of winning, a normal game This is a process for making it easier for a game ball to win a special winning opening 3 or a first winning opening 58 so that a game state (a big win game state, a small win game state) advantageous to the player from the state. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also performs a process related to display control of identification display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) by the variable display device 34.

  Here, the special symbol is a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols of left, middle, and right) that variably display the result of the success / failure lottery based on the winning of the game ball in the specific winning port 2. When the lottery result is a win, a plurality of identification information is displayed in a display mode stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, a state where all three symbols of left, middle, and right are aligned with the same symbol) Thereby, it is informed that the game state (big hit game state, small hit game state) that is advantageous to the player has been entered. When the game state shifts to a game state advantageous to the player, for example, the display mode is such that the identification information is arranged in different patterns in the big hit game state and the small hit game state, and it has changed to the big hit game state and the small hit game state, respectively. Broadcast in a different manner. In such a gaming state, a state in which more prize balls can be acquired in a shorter time than in the normal gaming state occurs continuously. On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of place, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of the three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

By the special symbol control process, the following information is generated as process information obtained after winning a prize at the specific winning opening 2.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) A plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing that temporarily stop display (including fine motion display) for a predetermined variable display area.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for making a stop display mode for a plurality of special symbols that are temporarily stopped.
(4) A jackpot or jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the plurality of special symbol numbers to the sub-control device 14 side through an output management process described later, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 sets the control processing execution time corresponding to the determined variation pattern. Set the timer to update the timer that performs the count calculation process. It should be noted that the fixed stop instruction number and the big hit or small hit transition instruction number in the case of winning / failing determination are transmitted via the output management process at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control processing execution time by the timer.

  Also, in this special symbol control process, the result of the determination of whether or not to shift to the advantageous gaming state (big hit gaming state or small hit gaming state) is a hit, and the special symbol is notified in order to notify the winning result. When executing a predetermined stop display mode by a combination of the above, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the following processing. In other words, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 is provided with (a) the special winning opening 3 to be closed in order to shift to the advantageous game state of the jackpot gaming state corresponding to the winning. The movable door 45 is opened, and (b) a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are awarded to the special winning opening 3. The movable door 45 is controlled to be closed on the condition that any one of the above conditions is satisfied, and (c) any one of the game balls won in the open state is provided in the special winning opening 3 The movable door 45 is continuously opened in the condition that it has been detected by the winning specific area detection sensor 47c after passing through the area, and (d) Open and close a predetermined upper limit number of times For example, to generate processed information to instruct to repeat up to 16 times) is achieved. Further, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 is provided to close the first winning port 58 in order to shift to the advantageous game state of the small winning game state corresponding to the winning. The first opening / closing door 70 that has been opened is set to an open state, and (b) processing information that instructs to control the closing of the first opening / closing door 70 on condition that the predetermined time (for example, 1.8 seconds) elapses. Is generated.

  Further, at the time of the validity determination by comparing the acquisition random number for the success and the table of comparison values for the success / failure, the acquired random number is “corresponding to a predetermined special value (for example, corresponding to the transition to the hit probability increasing fluctuation state”). If it is determined that the winning is based on “the numerical value)”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 uses, for example, a winning probability of 1/350 to 1/75 for the table used after the advantageous gaming state ends. The reference table is changed to a table with a high probability of winning, and then the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning port 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times) or special When the condition determined to be a symbol control hit is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change is generated. A gaming state controlled by such processing information is referred to as a privilege gaming state.

"Normal design control processing"
The normal symbol control process is a process for making the game state advantageous to the player, and electronic determination of lottery in response to receiving input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d provided in the vicinity of the predetermined passing port 38. In the case of winning, the movable pieces 44 provided on both sides of the entrance of the specific winning port 2 are expanded to expand the opening range thereof, and the launched game ball can easily enter the specific winning port 2 . In this normal symbol control process, the LED display device 35 also performs a process of controlling display of identification information called a normal symbol.

  Here, the normal symbol is a predetermined number of pieces of identification information for variably displaying or blinking the result of the success / failure lottery according to the input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d (for example, “O · −” → winning symbol, “ − · × ”→ off symbol). When the lottery result is a win, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are displayed in a specific combination that is stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, “O · −”), and thereby a gaming state advantageous for the player (for example, , It is informed that it has moved to the usual map). In such a gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state, a state in which the launched game ball is likely to win is generated once or continuously. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information becomes a display mode (eg, “− · ×”) that is stopped in a combination other than a predetermined specific combination, and thus the normal gaming state continues. Is informed. In the present invention, instead of the LED display device 35 that controls the display of the identification information, the variable display device 34 or a drum-type or dot-matrix type display device may be used, regardless of the display method.

By the normal symbol control process, the following information is generated as process information obtained after the passage state at the predetermined passage port 38 is achieved.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) Normal symbol number for winning or losing.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for setting a stop display mode for a normal symbol that is variably displayed or blinked.
(4) A transition instruction number per common figure in the case of winning in the determination of success or failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the normal symbol number to the sub-control device 14 side through the output management processing described later, the variation control processing execution time of the variation pattern is set corresponding to the determined variation pattern. The timer that is set by the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 and performs count calculation processing is updated. It should be noted that the fixed stop instruction number and the transition instruction number for the normal figure in the case of winning / failing determination are transmitted via the output management process at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control process execution time by the timer.

  Further, in the normal symbol control process, when a win / no-go determination is made as to whether or not the gaming state is advantageous for the player, the winning result is notified. The notification method is performed by executing a predetermined stop display mode based on blinking display of normal symbols. In this case, the following processing is also performed.

That is, in order to achieve the advantageous gaming state corresponding to the win,
(A) The pair of movable pieces 44 that are configured to reduce the opening range with respect to the specific winning opening 2 are operated to expand the opening range for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) (specific winning opening) 2)
(B) Then return to the original state,
Processing information for instructing to perform the above process a predetermined number of times (for example, once) is generated.

"Output management process"
The output management process is an output for transmitting processing information generated by the abnormality monitoring process, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, the lamp management process, and the preparation ball payout process to the sub-control device 14 side. This is a process of editing the data and transmitting the output edited storage information together with a strobe (STB) signal for notifying the output timing of the processing information.

[Operation of sub-control unit]
Next, the operation of the sub control device 14 will be described.

  The sub-control device 14 performs an initial setting at the start of activation upon power-on, and performs a check process for necessary confirmation items. If the check processing result is normal, the shift to the main routine processing in the sub-control device 14 is permitted, and main control activation start information, which is stored information transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13, is received. .

  The main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 refers to a main control program stored in advance in a ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, and the sound control device 14c, and a frequency generation circuit. This is a basic routine that repeatedly executes control execution processing including read update, write storage, deletion of the storage, or the like in accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the unit 13d. Hereinafter, an example of basic processing in the main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 will be described.

  First, the sub-control device 14 monitors whether or not the processing information transmitted in the output management processing has been received according to the timing pulse, and if it is being received, the sub-control device 14 stores it in the storage means (for example, RAM). Remember. Next, the sub-control device 14 performs an analysis process on the received process information, and in any gaming state, any of an abnormality monitoring process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and a ball payout process It is determined which processing information (preceding command) and what kind of output mode the processing information (subsequent command number) is executed.

  Then, the sub-control device 14 sets a flag according to the result of the analysis process, sets a timer for counting based on the control process execution time according to the output mode, and stores a predetermined control program A control process for reading out and executing a control program for an output mode corresponding to the result of the analysis process from (for example, ROM) is performed.

[Operation of movable object control device]
Next, the operation of the movable object control device 17 will be described by dividing it into operations of a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, a first opening / closing door drive device, and a winning area distribution drive device.

"Operation of movable piece drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece drive device reduces the opening range of the specific winning opening 2 in accordance with the generation of the transition instruction number per normal drawing in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a drive unit such as a solenoid provided in the movable piece drive device so that the pair of movable pieces 44 is expanded for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and then contracted again. ) Is applied to generate a command for instructing to perform a predetermined number of times (for example, once).

  Further, in the processing by the main control device 13, when the transition instruction number per game in the gaming state or the privilege gaming state advantageous for the player for normal symbol control is generated, the movable piece driving device may A solenoid provided in the movable piece driving device so that the pair of movable pieces 44 whose opening range is reduced with respect to the mouth 2 is enlarged from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds and then enlarged and reduced again. A command for transmitting a predetermined voltage to a drive unit such as the above, and generating an instruction to perform an enlargement execution process from one to two times, for example, is generated.

  Further, in the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece driving device is provided with a solenoid provided in the effect moving object driving device in response to generating processing information including lamp management control or prize ball payout control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to the driving unit such as and the like, and a command for performing a rendering operation that is in an appropriate fluctuation state for a predetermined time is generated.

"Operation of movable door drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable door drive device is a solenoid provided in the movable door drive device in response to generating a jackpot transition instruction number in the normal game state or the special game state for special symbol control. A predetermined voltage is transmitted to a drive unit such as. And the said movable door drive device operates the movable door 45 closed with respect to the said special winning opening 3, and makes it an open state, and predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) passes since it becomes an opening, or If any condition for winning a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is awarded to the special winning opening 3, a command for instructing execution processing for closing again is generated.

  Further, on the condition that any of the game balls won during the opening state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3 and is detected by the winning specific area detecting sensor 47c, The movable door driving device causes the movable door 45 to be closed again and repeats opening and closing the movable door 45 when the same condition as described above is satisfied until a predetermined upper limit is reached. A command for instructing application of a predetermined voltage is generated.

  When a jackpot transition instruction number in a gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control is generated during execution of the opening / closing process in the movable door driving device, the jackpot transition is performed until the opening / closing process is completed. The control process based on the generation of the instruction number is not performed and is put on hold.

“Operation of the first door drive device”
In the processing by the main control device 13, the first opening / closing door drive device 64 is predetermined with respect to the motor 65 in response to generating the small hit transition instruction number in the normal game state or the special game state for special symbol control. Apply voltage. Then, the first opening / closing door driving device 64 operates the first opening / closing door 70 that has been in the closed state to open the first winning door 58, and opens the predetermined opening time (for example, 1.. (8 seconds) When the condition to elapse is satisfied, a command for instructing execution processing to return to the closed state is generated again.

  When the opening / closing process in the first opening / closing door drive device 64 is executed, if a small hit transition instruction number in a gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control is generated, the opening / closing process ends. Until then, the control process based on the generation of the small hit transition instruction number is not performed and is put on hold.

"Operation of winning area distribution drive device"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the prize area allocation driving device is provided in the prize area distribution in the special prize opening 3 in response to generating a command for opening the special prize opening 3. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a driven object such as a solenoid, and a command to move the open-state so as to be a seesaw motion corresponding to a specific winning area allocation is generated.

  In the present embodiment, the first opening / closing door 70 is set to an open state and a closed state, whereby the following state is obtained.

  When the first opening / closing door 70 is moved from the closed state to the opened state, the first winning opening 58 is opened. Further, the entry hole 80 is exposed. Further, the guide path 86 is moved from the communication position to the non-communication position.

  When the first opening / closing door 70 is in the open state, the game ball can win a prize to the first winning opening 58. In addition, the game ball can be temporarily held by the elastic valve member 81 above the entry hole 80. The game ball can move to the guide path 86 through the entry hole 80 by elastically deforming the elastic valve member 81 when the game ball drops vigorously on the elastic valve member 81. In addition, the game ball is held in the guide path 86 when it moves to the guide path 86 because the guide path 86 is set to the non-communication position.

  When the first opening / closing door 70 is moved from the open state to the closed state, the first winning opening 58 is closed. Further, the entry hole 80 is moved to the board surface side, and the elastic valve member 81 comes close to the protrusion 90. Further, the guide path 86 is moved from the non-communication position to the communication position.

  When the first opening / closing door 70 is moved from the open state to the closed state, the game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member 81 is pressed by the projection 90 to elastically deform the elastic valve member 81 and The entrance hole 80 is inserted from the inner surface 74 side of the opening / closing door 70 to the outer surface 73 side, and moves from the entrance hole 80 to the guide path 86 of the communication path forming portion 83.

  When the first opening / closing door 70 is in the closed state, the game balls in the guide path 86 of the communication path forming portion 83 are secondly moved from the first area 61 through the outlet 85 and the communication path 57 by the inclined surface 87. Move to region 62. Since the game ball is quickly moved to the second region 62 by the inclined surface 87, when the first open / close door 70 is maintained in the closed state, there is no game ball already in the guide path 86 at the communication position, It does not move from the first area 61 to the second area 62.

  The game ball that has moved from the communication path 57 to the second area 62 can fall above the crune 91 and win a predetermined winning opening 37. The game balls that have not won the predetermined winning opening 37 in the second area 62 are collected at the out opening 39 through the collecting area 56.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, a boundary partition member 95 is provided instead of the boundary member 55 of the first embodiment. Further, in place of the entrance hole 80, the elastic valve member 81, the communication path forming part 83, the communication path closing part 88, the projecting part 90, and the movement restricting member 82 constituting the distribution mechanism of the first embodiment, a second embodiment is provided. Then, a movable member 98 is provided as a distribution mechanism. The first winning opening 58 and the first opening / closing door 70 have substantially the same configuration, although the shapes are different from those of the first embodiment.

  Detailed descriptions of configurations common to the first embodiment are omitted.

  The boundary partition member 95 is made of a transparent resin having a U-shaped cross section, and partitions a rectangular cross section space extending in the vertical direction together with the board surface. The upper end portion 96 of the boundary partition member 95 is positioned at substantially the same height as the inner surface portion 74 of the first opening / closing door 70 in the opened state, and the left end of the upper end portion 96 of the boundary partition member 95 (left and right direction in front view of the panel surface) is , Close to the right end of the inner surface 74 of the opened first opening / closing door 70. The upper end portion 96 of the boundary partition member 95 opens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the board surface so that a game ball falling from above can be inserted, thereby forming the communication path 57 of the second embodiment. The lower end portion 97 of the boundary partition member 95 faces the upper end portion 96 and opens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the board surface.

  A movable member 98 that is a sorting mechanism in the second embodiment is a plate-like member that opens and closes the communication path 57, and includes a front end portion 99, a rear end portion 100, an outer surface portion 101, and an inner surface portion 102. The rear end 100 of the movable member 98 is fixed to the movable shaft 63 in the vicinity of the communication path 57 on the board surface. The movable member 98 is moved together with the first opening / closing door 70 by the motor 65 of the first opening / closing door driving device 64 connected via the movable shaft 63. The movable member 98 has a closed position (shown in FIG. 10) in which the front end portion 99 is located in front of the rear end portion 100, and an open position (shown in FIG. 11) in which the front end portion 99 is located below the rear end portion 100. Set to The outer surface portion 101 is substantially flush with the board surface when in the open position, and faces upward when in the closed position. The inner surface portion 102 is housed in a housing portion 103 provided on the board surface when in the open position, and faces downward when in the closed position.

  It should be noted that the outer surface portion 101 may be provided with an inclined surface so that the game ball dropped on the outer surface portion 101 at the closed position may be guided to the outside of the boundary partition member 95. Specifically, a game in which an inclined surface that is inclined toward the front surface side at the closed position or an inclined surface that is inclined toward the left-right direction is provided on the outer surface portion 101 and falls on the outer surface portion 101 at the closed position. A configuration may be adopted in which the sphere is less likely to be stored on the outer surface portion 101 and is rolled and dropped to the outside of the boundary partition member 95.

  The second region 62 in the present embodiment is a region partitioned by the boundary partition member 95 and does not include the launch port 53. The first area 61 is an area of the game area 31 excluding the second area 62 and includes a launch port 53.

  The movable shaft 63 is provided along the lower end of the first winning opening 58 inside the board surface, and the gear 104 is fixed.

  The motor 65 of the first opening / closing door drive device 64 drives the drive shaft 105 of the motor 65, via a gear 106 fixed to the drive shaft 105, a gear 107 provided inside the board surface, and a gear 104. The movable shaft 63 is rotationally driven. The motor 65 rotationally drives the movable shaft 63 to set the first opening / closing door 70 to an open state and a closed state. The motor 65 sets the first opening / closing door 70 in the closed state in the normal gaming state, and sets the first opening / closing door 70 in the opened state when a predetermined gaming condition is satisfied.

  The movable member 98 is set to a closed position when the first opening / closing door 70 is in a closed state, and is closed from the first area 61 to the second area 62 via the communication path 57 in a state where the communication path 57 is closed. The movement of game balls is prohibited. In the present embodiment, the game ball that has dropped onto the outer surface portion 101 of the movable member 98 in the closed state rolls on the outer surface portion 101 of the movable member 98 and falls to the outside of the boundary partition member 95. Further, the movable member 98 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 103 of the panel surface when the first opening / closing door 70 is in the open state and is set to the open position, and the communication passage 57 is opened via the communication passage 57 in a state where the communication passage 57 is opened. The game ball is allowed to move from the first area 61 to the second area 62. In the second embodiment, the angle between the opening of the board surface of the first winning opening 58 and the opening of the communication path 57 is approximately 90 degrees, and the first opening / closing door 70 and the movable member 98 are viewed from the lateral direction. Since it is fixed to the movable shaft 63 at an angle of about 90 degrees as viewed, the first winning opening 58 and the communication passage 57 can be simultaneously opened and closed by driving the movable shaft 63.

  In the second embodiment, the first opening / closing door 70 is set to an open state and a closed state, whereby the following state is obtained.

  When the first opening / closing door 70 is in the opened state, winning of the game ball into the first winning opening 58 is allowed, and movement of the game ball into the second region 62 is allowed through the communication path 57.

  Since the right end of the inner surface portion 74 of the opened first opening / closing door 70 and the left end of the upper end portion 96 of the boundary partition member 95 are close to each other and located at substantially the same height, they fall onto the first opening / closing door 70 in the opened state. Then, the game ball that has rolled to the right can move to the second region 62 via the communication path 57.

  A game ball that has entered the second area 62 rolls on the clown 91 and can win a predetermined winning opening 37. The game balls that have not won the predetermined winning opening 37 in the second area 62 are collected at the out opening 39 through the collecting area 56. In the present embodiment, the opening time of the first opening / closing door 70 is short, and since the plurality of crunes 91 are provided in the second area 62, the first opening / closing door 70 has moved from the first area 61 to the second area 62 in the open state. The game ball does not move immediately and can see whether or not to win the predetermined winning opening 37 in the second area 62 after the first opening / closing door 70 is closed.

  When the first opening / closing door 70 is in the closed state, winning of the game ball to the first winning opening 58 is prohibited, and movement of the game ball to the second area 62 via the communication path 57 is prohibited.

  In the first and second embodiments, when the first opening / closing door 70 is driven to open and close, the first winning opening 58 is opened and closed, and from the first area 61 to the second area 62 via the communication path 57. The game balls are allowed to move. As a result, even if the gaming ball launched when the first winning opening 58 is opened and closed does not win the first winning opening 58, the gaming ball moves from the first area 61 to the second area 62. There is a possibility of movement. Therefore, a variety of games can be provided to the player when the first opening / closing door 70 is opened / closed, and the player's interest can be attracted to the opening / closing of the first opening / closing door 70.

  Further, in conjunction with the opening / closing of the first opening / closing door 70, the sorting mechanism allows the movement of the game balls from the first area 61 to the second area 62. Therefore, after the first opening / closing door 70 is closed, the player's Can keep interests. In the above embodiment, the predetermined winning opening 37 is arranged in the second area 62 and a plurality of the crunes 91 are arranged above the predetermined winning opening 37, so that the game ball moved to the second area 62 is the clune 91. It is possible to make the player interested in whether or not to decelerate and roll and win a predetermined winning opening 37. Further, in addition to the predetermined winning opening 37 and the Kroon 91 in the second area 62, a through chucker, a movable accessory, etc. are arranged, and the behavior of the game ball moved to the second area 62 is changed, so that the player Can keep your interests long.

  Here, conventionally, in a gaming state in which the opening time of the winning opening is set to be short, such as a small hit gaming state, it has been difficult to make a game ball enter the winning opening, so there is a possibility that the player's interest may be cut off. .

  However, in the first and second embodiments, the movement of the game ball to the second area 62 is prohibited in the big hit game state or the normal game state, and the game ball to the second area 62 is in the small hit game state. Since movement is allowed, the player's interest can be attracted to the small hit gaming state.

  In the first embodiment, since the entry hole 80 is formed in the first opening / closing door 70 that opens and closes the first winning opening 58, the game ball that has dropped toward the opened first winning opening 58 is In addition to the possibility of winning the first winning opening 58, the possibility of moving from the entry hole 80 to the second region 62 is given. That is, the game ball dropped toward the first winning opening 58 can enter the entry hole 80 and move to the second region 62 even if it has not won the first winning opening 58. It is possible to attract the player's interest in opening and closing the opening / closing door 70.

  Further, the game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member 81 is pressed by the protrusion 90 when the first opening / closing door 70 is closed, and elastically deforms the elastic valve member 81 to be inserted through the entrance hole 80 and guided. Move to path 86. At this time, the game ball that passes through the entry hole 80 moves from the inner surface 74 side of the first opening / closing door 70 that moves to close to the outer surface portion 73 side to the guide path 86, so that the game ball is Behaves differently from a ball game machine. Thereby, it is possible to provide a variety of games when the first winning opening 58 is opened and closed, and to attract the player's interest in opening and closing the first opening and closing door 70 without causing the game to become monotonous. .

  In addition, the game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member 81 does not move to the guide path 86 and the second region 62 until the opened first opening / closing door 70 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to attract the player to the temporarily held game ball at a timing at which the player's interest can be lost by eliminating the possibility of winning the first winning opening 58.

  Further, since the communication path forming portion 83 is formed of a permeable member, the game ball pressed by the protrusion 90 elastically deforms the elastic valve member 81 and moves to the guide path 86 through the entry hole 80. The player can visually recognize how to do.

  In the second embodiment, when the first opening / closing door 70 is in the open state, the game ball enters the entry hole 80 even if the game ball falls into an area where the first winning opening 58 cannot be won. Therefore, the player's interest can be attracted to the opening / closing of the first opening / closing door 70.

[Other Embodiments]
As mentioned above, although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited by the discussion and the drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention according to this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the first opening / closing door 70 and the sorting mechanism of the present invention may be used in a gaming state other than a small hit.

  In order for the sorting mechanism to be linked to the opening / closing of the first opening / closing door 70, in addition to the configuration connected to the same driving source as in the first and second embodiments, different driving sources can be used. It is also possible to use a structure that is linked by control.

  Moreover, the structure which makes the communicating path 57 a communication state and a non-communication state may be comprised by a sheet-like member other than a plate-like member like the said 1st and 2nd embodiment, for example.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a rear view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a front schematic diagram of the game board of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a principal part perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a principal part perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a front schematic diagram of the game board of the gaming machine of the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal part perspective view of the game machine of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part perspective view of the game machine of 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  3 ... Special prize opening (Large prize opening, 2nd prize opening), 7 ... Game board, 13 ... Main control device, 31 ... Game area, 53 ... Launch port, 55 ... Boundary member, 57 ... Communication passage, 58 ... No. 1 winning opening, 61 ... 1st area, 62 ... 2nd area, 70 ... 1st opening / closing door, 80 ... entrance hole, 81 ... elastic valve member, 83 ... communication path formation part

Claims (5)

A ball game machine that launches a game ball and enters a game area on the board surface from a launch port on the board surface of the game board to play a game,
A first region in the gaming region including the launch port;
A second region in the gaming region that does not include the launch port;
A boundary member that prohibits the movement of the game ball from the first region to the second region;
A communication path communicating the first region and the second region;
A distribution mechanism for prohibiting or allowing the movement of the game ball from the first area to the second area via the communication path;
A first prize opening provided in the first area;
A first door that opens and closes the first winning opening,
When the first opening / closing door is maintained in the closed state, the sorting mechanism prohibits the movement of the game ball through the communication path, and interlocks with the opening / closing of the first opening / closing door. A ball game machine characterized by allowing a game ball to move through The ball game machine according to claim 1,
The first open / close door has an inner surface that is not exposed in a closed state and exposed upward in an open state;
The sorting mechanism has an entry hole, a communication path forming part, and a communication path closing part,
The entry hole is formed in the first opening / closing door, and allows the movement of the game ball from the inner surface side to the outer surface side of the first opening / closing door,
The communication path forming portion is integrally provided on the outer surface of the first opening / closing door, divides a guide path for a game ball that has moved from the inner surface side to the outer surface side through the entry hole, and 1 Move between the communication position and the non-communication position as the door opens and closes.
The guide path communicates with the communication path when the communication path forming portion is in the communication position, and allows a game ball to move from the guide path to the communication path. When in the communication position, prohibit the movement of the game ball from the guide path to the communication path,
The communication path forming part and the communication path closing part prevent movement of a game ball from the first region to the communication path except when the communication path formation part is in the communication position. A ball game machine to play. A ball game machine according to claim 2,
The sorting mechanism includes an elastic valve member provided in the entry hole, and a protrusion that is fixed to the panel surface and faces the entry hole when the first opening / closing door is closed,
The elastic valve member temporarily holds a game ball above the entry hole when the first opening / closing door is in an open state,
The protruding portion presses the game ball temporarily held by the elastic valve member when the first opening / closing door is closed and moved,
The game ball pressed by the projecting portion elastically deforms the elastic valve member, passes through the entry hole, and moves to the guide path. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
The sorting mechanism has a movable member that interlocks with opening and closing of the first opening and closing door,
When the first opening / closing door is in a closed state, the movable member closes the communication path and prohibits movement of a game ball through the communication path, and when the first opening / closing door is in an open state. Is a bullet ball gaming machine characterized in that the communication path is opened to allow a game ball to move through the communication path. A bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A second winning opening provided in the first area;
A second door for opening and closing the second prize opening;
Electronic lottery is performed in response to a predetermined condition, and one of a plurality of gaming states including at least a first gaming state and a second gaming state is selectively selected according to the result of the lottery. Control means to occur,
The bullet ball game machine, wherein the control means opens and closes the first door in the first gaming state and opens and closes the second door in the second gaming state.

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