JP2009005945A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can alter the design and playing functions of the game machine considering cost advantage and moreover, let players know features and attractions of the game machine by renewing impressions per type of game board carried by it. <P>SOLUTION: In a game machine which includes a game machine frame body for housing the game board, a front door openably mounted on the front of the frame body and a shooting operation means which is arrayed on the front side of the front door and capable of shooting game balls onto the game board as operated by players, the shooting operation means is mounted on the game board and so arranged as to be loadable and unloadable from the frame body all with the game board. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that, as represented by a pachinko machine or the like, advances a game by firing a game ball on a game board by an operation of a player.

  Conventionally, a pachinko machine houses a game board and game control means inside a gaming machine frame, and a front door is attached to the front surface of the gaming machine frame so as to be freely opened and closed. And the board | plate material which has translucency like a glass plate is attached to the said front door so that a game board can be visually recognized from the front.

  In addition, the front door is provided with an upper plate and a lower plate for storing game balls to be paid out as prize balls, and next to the lower plate, in order to launch game balls onto the game board surface by the player's operation A firing handle is attached. By operating this launch handle, the player can drive a launch device such as a solenoid or a motor, and launch a game ball onto the game board to advance the game.

  On the other hand, in recent years, in order to reduce the manufacturing cost of pachinko machines, there is a tendency to share parts that can be used even if the models are different. That is, in manufacturing different models, not all parts are newly designed and manufactured, but some parts are made common.

For example, it is conceivable that the gaming machine frame and the components provided integrally therewith can be shared, and Patent Document 1 discloses a ball payout control on a gaming machine frame in which a game board is replaceably mounted. Can be used as a common part for the ball payout control part even if the old gaming board is removed from the gaming machine frame and replaced with a new gaming board as a so-called “board change”. It is described that.
JP 2003-334111 A

If it is possible to change the model by exchanging only the game board by changing the board, it will be extremely advantageous in terms of cost compared to introducing the entire game machine as a new model in the game hall, but as in the conventional game If all the parts that are integrated with the machine frame are shared, it will be easy to imagine the same model.
In other words, even if the model is different, the result is that it will not appear as much as seen from the player side, making it difficult for the player to know the characteristics of the gaming machine that each model should have and its attractiveness. There was one side.

In particular, the launch handle can be considered as a part that can be shared even if the model is different, but if you change the game board that clearly shows the features of the pachinko machine, the launch handle also includes its mounting position and design etc. In some cases, it is preferable to change.
However, when the launch handle is changed in accordance with the game board, a large-scale change work is necessary, which results in conflict with cost reduction. In addition, it can be said that it is impossible to change the design and arrangement of the launch handle independently in the game hall.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can solve the above-described problems.

  (1) The present invention includes a gaming machine frame housing a gaming board, a front door attached to the front of the gaming machine frame so as to be openable and closable, and a front side of the front door. In a gaming machine comprising launching operation means capable of launching a game ball onto the surface of the game board, the launch operation means is attached to the game board, and can be attached to and detached from the gaming machine frame together with the game board.

  (2) The invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the gaming machine described in the above (1), an intermediate member is provided on the gaming board so that the firing operation means can be detachably attached.

  (3) The present invention is the gaming machine according to (1) or (2), wherein the front door is formed with an insertion port that allows at least a part of the firing operation means to be inserted in an exposed state. It is characterized by that.

  (4) The present invention is characterized in that, in the gaming machine according to (3), the insertion port is provided on both right and left sides of the front door.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change the model only by changing the game board, and since it is possible to simultaneously change the firing operation means according to the changed game board, it is possible to change only the game board. , You can fully convey the appeal of the new model to the player, and will not impair the appeal of the new model.

  The gaming machine of this embodiment is arranged on the front side of the front door of the gaming machine frame housing the gaming board, the front door attached to the front of the gaming machine frame so as to be opened and closed, and operated by the player And a launch operation means that can launch the game ball onto the surface of the game board, the launch operation means is attached to the game board, and can be attached to and detached from the game machine frame together with the game board. Is. With such a configuration, it is possible to change the model by simply changing the game board, and since it is possible to simultaneously change the operation means according to the changed game board, it is possible to change only the game board, The appeal of the model can be fully communicated to the player, and the appeal of the changed model can be maintained.

  The gaming machine can be suitably applied to a pachinko machine, and various control units for realizing a lottery process and an effect process in the game are provided as game control means in the gaming machine frame. Similarly, a gaming area in which a gaming ball can be rolled is formed on the gaming board of the gaming machine housed and disposed in the gaming machine frame, and in this gaming area, an obstacle for rolling the gaming ball is formed. Nails and various accessories are arranged. In addition, in the pachinko machine, the game ball is launched into the game area at a predetermined speed via a launch handle for launching the game ball into the game area of the game board.

The gaming machine frame is a substantially rectangular frame for storing game control means and a gaming board, and the gaming board is provided on the gaming machine frame via a predetermined mounting member. It is designed to be detachable.
The game control means controls the progress of the game, and the function is carried by a control unit that includes a CPU, a memory, and the like and manages the entire gaming machine.

  The front door is a front-side opening / closing member that holds a glass plate or the like attached to the front-side portion of the gaming machine frame body on which the gaming board is arranged via a hinge member, etc. By opening this front door for machine maintenance, etc., it is possible to put in and out the game board attached to the gaming machine frame.

The firing operation means includes a handle portion that can be gripped by the player, a handle portion that rotatably supports the handle portion, a connecting shaft portion that becomes a connecting portion with the game board, and an operation detection portion that detects the amount of rotation of the handle portion. In this embodiment, it is attached to a game board and is detachable from the game machine frame together with the game board.
Then, in response to a detection signal from the operation detection unit, a launch motor, a solenoid, and the like for driving the game ball are driven.

In this way, the launch handle as the launch operation means is integrally attached to the lower side of the game board, or the launch handle itself is detachably attached as a separate body so that it can be detached from the game machine frame together with the game board. Yes.
An operation signal from the operation detection unit is transmitted to a control unit that manages the gaming machine via a connector unit provided on the game board. In addition, as a form of the launch handle, for example, a rotary design type or a lever operation type such as a joystick is set to have a predetermined design corresponding to the type of gaming board mounted on the gaming machine frame. be able to.
In addition, the launch operation means graphically displays not only a member that exhibits the original function of launching a game ball, but also a display unit such as an LED lamp and game board information according to the model of the game machine. It can also be provided as a package part in which a liquid crystal display unit for playing or a sounding unit such as a speaker for producing a production sound is set in response to a change in the gaming state.

The gaming machine can be provided with an intermediate member that allows the operation means to be detachably attached to the gaming board. By changing this intermediate member, it becomes possible to easily cope with differences in the shape of the front door, etc., and maintenance related to the firing operation means can be easily performed, and the firing operation means is made an independent member. It can be assembled on a production line, and various types of gaming machines can be produced efficiently and inexpensively.
The intermediate member is a member whose upper end is connected and fixed to the game board, and the other end is capable of detachably attaching the firing operation means, and a signal cable of the firing operation means is attached to the mounting portion for attaching the firing operation means. A device including a detachable connector for connecting to a control unit of a gaming machine may be applied.

Further, the front door may have a configuration in which an insertion port is formed in which at least a part (for example, a handle portion) of the firing operation means can be inserted in an exposed state. Thus, the player can easily operate the firing operation means exposed from the insertion opening of the front door, and the front door side design does not need to be changed greatly. Moreover, if the game board is changed due to a model change, etc., the change of the model will be changed to the optimal launch handle for the game board together with the change, so the player will be strongly impressed with the model change. Can do.
The insertion port is a through-hole such as an opening or a notch provided in the front door for fitting the distal end side of the firing operation means, and has a substantially rectangular shape on the front door according to the outer shape of the firing operation means. It is drilled in a shape such as a substantially circular shape.

Moreover, the insertion opening can be provided on both the left and right sides of the front door. As a result, it is possible to cope with a launch handle provided on either the left or right side of the game board. In addition, what is necessary is just to block | close the insertion port which is not used with a member suitably. For example, in the case of providing a so-called “slopchi” model in which a reel-type variable display means such as a pachislot machine is provided on a game board, the stop button for stopping the rotation of the reel is a right hand if it is right-handed. In order to make the right hand free in consideration of the convenience of the player, a launch handle can be provided in advance on the left side of the game board. Therefore, even in such a model, if the insertion openings are provided on both the left and right sides of the front door, the game board can be easily replaced in a game hall or the like.
Also, by making the launch handle detachable with respect to the intermediate member, the launch handle can be positioned at a predetermined insertion port on the game hall side, and can be arranged on either the left or right side of the gaming machine, Regardless of whether the player is right-handed or left-handed, it is possible to easily and inexpensively provide gaming machines corresponding to these players.

  By the way, in the insertion openings provided on the left and right sides of the front door, for example, a screw fixing type that fixes the firing handle with a screw, an elastic fixing type that is simply fixed with an elastic protrusion or a locking piece, or a mount for an interchangeable lens of a camera A bayonet type or the like that is fixed by inserting a cylindrical object into the insertion hole and twisting it can be applied. In that case, it is preferable to provide a lock device or the like that can be released only by the staff of the game hall so that the player cannot remove the launch handle without permission.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically based on the drawings. Note that the gaming machine according to the present invention is a pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine.

[Composition of gaming machine]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gaming machine frame 12 having an opening 12 a formed on the front surface, and a front door 11 that is pivotally attached to the front of the gaming machine frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. And the base door 11a. The front door 11 is for closing the game board 14 and various electronic boards disposed inside the opening 12a from the front side. A game is played with the front door 11 closed, and maintenance work such as replacement of the game board stored in the gaming machine frame can be easily performed in the opened state (see FIG. 6). ).
Circular insertion ports 11L and 11R penetrating across the front and back are provided on the left and right sides below the front door 11 (the left and right sides of the upper plate 20) (see FIG. 6).
When the front door is closed as shown in FIG. 1, the tip of the firing handle 26 that constitutes the firing operation means that protrudes from the game board 14 is fixedly arranged on the front side of the gaming machine. In the present embodiment, the firing handle 26 of the firing operation means is positioned at the right insertion slot 11R with respect to the game board 14, and the left insertion slot 11L to which the firing handle 26 is not attached is blocked by a sheet member or the like. ing.

  The launch handle 26 having a round cylindrical tip and a substantially bowl-like shape has a handle portion 26a that can be gripped by the player, and supports the handle portion 26a in a freely rotatable manner. An intermediate member formed in a leg shape on each of the left and right lower portions of the game board 14 as shown in FIG. 2, and a connecting shaft portion 26 b and an operation detection portion (not shown) for detecting the rotation amount of the handle portion 26 a. It is attached to the game board 14 via one of 14a and 14a, and is detachable from the game machine frame 12 together with the game board 14.

  By the way, the intermediate member 14a can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the front door 11 and the like. By using the intermediate member 14a, the firing handle 26 can be attached to the game board 14 so that the firing handle 26 is in an appropriate position.

As described above, by simply changing various game boards 14 having different functions and designs, it is possible to change the launch handle 26 that is optimal for the game board 14 at the same time. The appearance including the firing handle 26 can be easily changed by exchanging the game board 14.
Since the launch handle 26 can be changed in accordance with the changed game board 14 at the same time, it is possible to effectively appeal the appeal of the new model to the player simply by replacing only the game board 14. There is no loss of appeal.

  The launch handle 26 may have a design configuration corresponding to the type of the gaming board 14 that is fixedly or detachably attached to the gaming machine frame 12. In the present embodiment, a rotary launch handle 26 that controls the launch intensity of a game ball launched to the game board 14 according to the rotation angle of the handle portion 26a is applied as the launch operation means.

  The gaming board 14 is detachably attached to the gaming machine frame 12 as shown in FIG. The game board 14 can be incorporated as a package member provided with a firing handle 26 as a firing operation means when replacing or maintaining the pachinko gaming machine 10. As a result, handling during work can be facilitated, and the efficiency of the assembly can be improved. Note that it is also possible to further secure stability and robustness as a gaming apparatus by integrally fixing the game board and the launch operation means without using an intermediate member.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the firing handle 26 and the intermediate member 14a, and FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including the firing handle. As shown in FIG. 7, the firing handle 26 is attachable to and detachable from the socket portion 14b of the intermediate member 14a via the connector portion 26c.
Here, as shown in the figure, the firing handle 26 can be mounted on the socket portion 14b of the intermediate member 14a by a bayonet system such as a single lens reflex camera interchangeable lens or a spiral ring system. In the fixed state, the connector portion 26c of the firing handle 26 is electrically connected to the terminal portion 14c provided on the intermediate member 14a. Although not shown, the socket portion 14b is provided with a locking means so that the player cannot attach or detach the firing handle 26 without permission.
Thus, the firing handle 26 can be appropriately replaced, and the optimum firing handle 26 can be selected and attached according to the type of game board to be applied and the game form. As shown, the firing handle 26 may be a lever operation type, a cross button operation type, or the like, in addition to the rotation operation type. Moreover, it can also be positioned in the left or right or both insertion ports 11L, 11R provided in the front door 11.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a firing operation means according to a modified example. As shown in the figure, the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the modified example projects the firing handle 26 from the insertion port 11L on the left side of the front door 11. In this way, even left-handed players can enjoy the game without inconvenience.

  In this way, by providing the left and right intermediate members 14a, 14a, for example, in a game hall or the like, a left-handed corner or the like is provided, and the launch handle 26 is disposed on the left side toward the game board 14 or the like. Therefore, the position can be easily changed. At this time, the firing handle 26 may be changed in the design of the handle portion 26a.

The other structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, inside the opening 12a of the gaming machine frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32 for displaying images, a spacer 31, a game board 14 and the like are disposed on the base door 11a. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted in order to make an understanding easy about various components (not shown) other than the game board 14, the spacer 31, and the liquid crystal display device 32. FIG.
The base door 11a is hinged so as to be fixed or openable with respect to the gaming machine frame 12, and a liquid crystal display device 32 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, a front door 11 having a protective plate 19 such as glass is attached to the front side of the base door 11a so as to be freely opened and closed.

The game board 14 is disposed on the base door 11a, and all of the game board 14 is formed of a light-transmitting plate-shaped resin (light-transmitting member). Examples of the translucent member include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin. The game board 14 has a game area 15 in which a game ball launched by operating the launch handle 26 can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by the guide rails 30 where the game ball can roll. Also, a plurality of obstacle nails 13 (FIG. 2) are driven into the game area 15 of the game board 14.
Then, an intermediate member 14a formed in a leg shape for fixing the firing handle 26 is attached to the lower side of the gaming board 14 formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and the firing handle 26 is attached via the intermediate member 14a. Is arranged (see FIG. 7).

  Further, by providing the liquid crystal display device 32 behind the translucent area in the game board 14, for example, the area where the game member such as the obstacle nail planting area, the accessory, and the decorative member is provided can be enlarged, and the degree of freedom of layout is increased. Can be further increased.

  The spacer 31 is disposed on the rear side (back side) of the game board 14 and on the front side (front side) of the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the spacer 31 is sandwiched between the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32. The spacer 31 is made of a light-transmitting material, and has a large through hole 31a at the center.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the electrical decoration unit 53 provided on the upper portion of the spacer 31. The special symbol display 33, the normal symbol display 35, the special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d and the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 33 accommodated in the display device case 37 is composed of 7-segment LEDs 41. The 7-segment LED 41 is repeatedly turned on and off when a predetermined special symbol variation display start condition is satisfied. When the 7-segment LED 41 is turned on / off, 10 numeric symbols from “0” to “9” are variably displayed as special symbols. In the present embodiment, the process from the change display of special symbols to the stop display is called a “special symbol game”.

  On both the left and right sides of the display case 37, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. The special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d display the number of executions of the special symbol variation display held by turning on or off (so-called “number of special symbols on hold ball”).

  A normal symbol display 35 is provided on the right side of the special symbol display 33. The normal symbol display 35 is composed of two display lamps (not shown). When these display lamps are alternately turned on and off, symbols such as “O” and “X” are displayed. Fluctuated display as a normal symbol.

  Under the display case 37, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d are provided. As will be described later, the normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d display the number of executions of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol held by turning on or off (so-called “the number of holding balls of the normal symbol”).

Returning to FIG. 3, the description of the overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be continued.
Decorative lamps 133a and 133b are arranged outside the light-transmitting area of the game board 14, and display a predetermined light emission mode according to the game state. In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14, an effect image related to the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33 is displayed.

The front door 11 is provided with a protective plate 19 having translucency. The protective plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board 14 with the front door 11 closed.
The front door 11 can be divided into an upper front door portion having a protective plate 19 and a lower front door having an upper plate 20 and insertion ports 11L and 11R so that the front door 11 can be opened and closed or attached to and removed from the gaming machine frame 12. (See FIG. 2), and as shown in FIG. 6, both the upper front door portion and the lower front door portion may be integrally formed.
An operation panel 27 having selection buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R that allow the player to select the type of effect in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided at the lower part of the upper front door where the protective plate 19 is disposed. Yes.

  The operation panel 27 is also fixedly or detachably attached to the game board 14 in the same manner as the firing handle 26 described above, and an opening for projecting the operation panel 27 is formed in the front door 11 to play the game. The operation panel 27 can be changed simultaneously with the panel 14. In this case, when the front door 11 is closed, the operation surface of the operation panel 27 is exposed on the front side of the front door 11, and when the front door is open, the game board 14 having the operation panel 27 is exposed. It is arranged so as to be detachable from the gaming machine frame 12. Note that the type, number, design configuration, and the like of each operation button on the operation panel 27 can be set appropriately according to various game boards mounted on the gaming machine. In addition to the original operation buttons, the operation panel has a display unit such as an LED lamp, a liquid crystal display unit for graphically displaying game board information, and a change in game state. It can also be provided as a package part in which a sounding part such as a speaker for producing a production sound is set. In this way, workability and convenience when replacing the game board 14 can be further enhanced.

  During the variation display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 33, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, it is a decorative symbol consisting of numbers, symbols, etc. in a single symbol row (also identification information for effect). For example, “0” to “9” are displayed in a variable manner. In addition, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 33 is stopped and displayed, and the decorative symbol for effect is also stopped and displayed on the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  In addition, when a special number symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, an effect image that allows the player to grasp that it is a big hit is displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Specifically, when a specific numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, a combination of effect decorative symbols displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is a specific display. This is a mode (for example, a mode in which all of “1” to “9” are stopped and displayed).

  Next, game members provided on the game board 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 14 is provided with a guide rail 30 including an outer rail 30 a and an inner rail 30 b, obstacles 55 and 57, a passage gate 54, a start port 25, and a big prize port 39. In addition, in the upper part of the game board 14, the electrical decoration units 53 (refer FIG. 4), such as the special symbol display 33 and the normal symbol display 35, can be visually recognized. An obstacle 55 is provided in the upper part of the game board 14, and an obstacle 57 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 14. A starting port 25 is provided below the obstacle 57.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 is subjected to a lottery to determine whether or not to shift to a game advantageous to the player when the game ball enters the start opening 25, and the special symbol display 33 displays the variation of the identification symbol. In the liquid crystal display device 32, the decorative symbol variation display as an effect and the accompanying effect display are performed, and when the lottery is won, the game shifts to a jackpot game advantageous to the player. In the present embodiment, the effect display including the variable display of the decorative symbols is referred to as a variable display game.

  That is, the game ball launched by the player's gripping operation of the launch handle 26 is caused by a collision with a plurality of obstacle nails 13 (see FIG. 2), obstacles 55, 57, etc. provided on the game board 14. It flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing the traveling direction.

  When a game ball wins at the start opening 25, a special symbol change display by the special symbol display 33, that is, a special symbol game and a variable display game are started. If the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display of the special symbol, the special symbol game based on the winning of the game ball to the start opening 25 is stopped until the special symbol during the variation display is stopped. Execution (start) is put on hold. Then, after the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the reserved special symbol game is started. That is, the special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d (see FIG. 4) provided in the illumination unit 53 are lit in order from the left in accordance with the number of executions of the reserved special symbol game. When is finished and the next reserved special symbol game is started, the corresponding special symbol holding lamp is turned off. Note that an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol game is put on hold. For example, the special symbol game is put on hold with an upper limit of four times (pieces).

  Also, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, when a game ball is won in the start opening 25 described above, a variation display of the decorative pattern for production is started in accordance with the start of the special symbol game. . In addition, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display related to the special symbol, the game ball to the start opening 25 is stopped until the decorative symbol which is the identification information for effect during the variation display is stopped. Execution (start) of the decorative symbol variation display based on the winning is suspended. At this time, the effect display by other effect images may be continued. Thereafter, when the decorative symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, variably displaying the decorative symbol that has been suspended is started.

  A passing gate 54 is provided on the left side of the approximate center of the game board 14. The passing gate 54 is provided with a passing ball sensor 114 (see FIG. 5) described later. The passing ball sensor 114 detects that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 54. When the passing of the game ball is detected by the passing ball sensor 114, the normal symbol variation display is started on the normal symbol display 35, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol variation display is stopped. As described above, this normal symbol is a symbol such as “◯” or “×”.

  When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, the blade members (so-called normal electric accessories) 23 provided on both the left and right sides of the start port 25 are changed from the closed state to the open state, It becomes easy for a game ball to enter the start opening 25. Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 23 is opened, the blade member 23 is closed to make it difficult for a game ball to enter the start port 25. As described above, a game in which the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the open / closed state of the blade member 23 differs depending on the result is referred to as a “normal symbol game”.

  Similarly to the special symbol game, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 54 during the normal symbol variation display in the normal symbol game, the passing gate 54 is displayed until the normal symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed. The execution (start) of the normal symbol game based on the passing of the game ball to is suspended. That is, the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d (see FIG. 4) provided in the lighting unit 53 are lit in order from the left in accordance with the number of executions of the held normal symbol game, and the fluctuation is stopped. When displayed, the next held normal symbol game is started, and the corresponding normal symbol holding lamp is turned off. It should be noted that an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the normal symbol game is suspended, for example, the upper limit is 4 times (pieces).

  The big prize opening 39 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front side). In the shutter 40, a specific numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, and the gaming state is shifted to the jackpot gaming state (that is, 15R probability variation big hit, 2R probability variation big hit and 15R normal big hit state). If it is, it is driven so as to be in an open state where it is easy to accept the game ball. As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in an open state where it is easy to accept a game ball.

  On the other hand, the special winning opening 39 provided on the back side (rear side) of the shutter 40 has a game ball passage area (not shown) having a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 5). The shutter 40 is driven to the open state until the number (for example, 10) passes or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. When a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in a closed state where it is difficult to accept a game ball.

  A game from an open state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is easy to accept game balls to a closed state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is difficult to accept game balls is called a round game. Therefore, the shutter 40 is opened during the round game and is closed between the round games. Since the round game is counted as the number of rounds such as “1” round, “2” round, etc., the first round game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round.

  The shutter 40 that is driven from the open state to the closed state is again driven to the open state, and proceeds to the next round game. In this way, a game in which the shutter 40 is repeatedly opened and closed until the final round game is finished is referred to as a jackpot gaming state. That is, the jackpot gaming state is a gaming state advantageous for the player.

  In addition, when game balls are won in the start opening 25, the general winning openings 56a to 56d, and the large winning opening 39, the number of game balls set in advance according to the type of each winning opening is the upper plate 20 or It is paid out to the lower plate 22.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
Here, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, a control circuit included in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

The control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 mainly includes a main control circuit 60 that functions as game control means and a sub-control circuit 200 that serves as effect control means. The main control circuit 60 includes a payout / firing control circuit 126 that controls the firing driving unit 130 based on an operation signal input via the firing handle 26, and controls the game.
The sub-control circuit 200 controls the production according to the progress of the game (for example, image display control, sound output control, decoration lamp control, etc.).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68. In this way, the main CPU 66 functions as, for example, a jackpot game execution means or a lottery means executed by the game program.

The main ROM 68 stores a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66. In addition, various tables such as a jackpot determination table that is referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery. Is remembered.
In such a jackpot lottery table, probability data of “out of” and “big jackpot” are registered, and a lottery process using random numbers is performed based on these probability data. Thus, by appropriately setting the probability data in this lottery table, the advantageous and unfavorable states in the pachinko game can be controlled.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute the system timer interrupt process. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub control circuit 200).

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, the passing ball sensor 114, the starting winning ball sensor 117, and the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118, a prize winning solenoid 120, and a backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening 39. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area at the special winning opening 39.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a to 56d, respectively. The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins each of the general winning ports 56 a to 56 d.

  The passing ball sensor 114 is provided in the passing gate 54. The passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the passing gate 54.

  A start winning ball sensor 117 for detecting a game ball is provided at the start port 25. The start winning ball sensor 117 detects that a game ball has won the start opening 25 and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 23 via a link member (not shown), and makes the blade member 23 open or closed according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. .

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 3 and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to make the big prize opening 39 open or closed.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power failure or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126 having a function of controlling the launch of the game ball. The payout / firing control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 for paying out a game ball and a launch handle 26 for sending an operation signal from the player, and has a ball mechanism such as a solenoid, a motor, and a spring. A launch driving unit 130 that launches a sphere and a card unit 150 are connected.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. The paying device 128 pays out the game ball.

  Such a payout / firing control circuit 126 functions as a firing drive control unit, and supplies a predetermined firing signal to the firing drive unit 130 based on an operation signal sent from the firing handle 26, thereby playing a game ball. The control to fire is to be performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the main control circuit 60 is connected to a display control circuit 76 for controlling the illumination unit 53, and the display control circuit 76 is specially adapted according to an instruction from the main CPU 66. The symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d, the normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d, the special symbol display 33 (7 segment LED 41), the normal symbol display 35 (display lamp), and the like are controlled.

  On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of the decoration lamps 133a and 133b, and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60.

  The main control circuit 60 is configured not to supply a predetermined command to the sub control circuit 200 and to supply a signal from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this. There is no problem even if it is configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 is generated from a variable display control means, a sub CPU 206 as sound generation control means, a program ROM 208 as storage means, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, and a speaker 46. The voice control circuit 230 controls the sound to be generated, and the lamp control circuit 240 controls the lamps 133a and 133b such as decorative lamps. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means.

  In the program ROM 208, the sub CPU 206 relates to a plurality of types of effect image data associated with the image display of the liquid crystal display device 32 executed in association with the variable display of the special symbol of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and related to the round game during the jackpot game A plurality of types of effect image data to be executed are stored, and in addition, various tables such as a reach time table in which a display period of reach effect for indicating a shift to a jackpot game is indicated by effect display are also provided. It is remembered.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables such as a timer variable for controlling the reach effect time, an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern, and the like are positioned.

  The display control circuit 250 is executed in association with a plurality of types of effect patterns that are supplied from the sub CPU 206 and accompanied by the progress of effect display that is executed in relation to the variable display of special symbols, and in the round game during the jackpot game. Control is performed to cause the liquid crystal display device 32 to display images of effect image data such as a plurality of types of effect patterns.

  The sound control circuit 230 generates sound from the speaker 46 in response to a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  The lamp control circuit 240 performs light emission control of the decorative lamps 133a and 133b according to a program stored in the program ROM 208 supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  In the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the main control circuit 60 for managing and controlling the entire game and the sub control circuit 200 as effect control means are separately configured. However, the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200 are configured separately. May be configured on the same substrate.

[Game machine operation]
The game state in the present embodiment includes a general game state (consumes game balls while performing a lottery lottery, a so-called disadvantageous state for a player) and a jackpot game state (a large amount of game balls can be expected in a short time, And so-called advantageous state for the player). Further, even in the general game state, game states such as a normal mode, a probability change mode, and a time reduction mode are provided. These game states are executed according to a game program stored in the main ROM 68 of the main control circuit 60 in the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  For example, in the main process in this game program, a game mode setting in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a lottery process by winning a game ball, and the like are processed. The main process is started when the power is turned on, and an initial setting process including a RAM access permission process, a backup recovery process, a work area initialization process, and the like is executed. In this way, the special symbol game is advanced, and the special symbol control process related to the control of the special symbol and the decorative symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the special symbol display 33 is executed. Then, the normal symbol game is advanced, and the normal symbol control process related to the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 35 is executed. In this way, after the initial setting process is completed, various game states in the pachinko gaming machine 10 are provided by repeatedly executing the special symbol control process and the normal symbol control process.

FIG. 10 is an exploded explanatory view showing another embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine provided with launch operation means, and FIG. 11 is a front view thereof. In FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.
As shown in the drawing, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a reel-type variable display device 3 such as a pachislot machine is provided on a game board 14. This is a so-called “slopchi” model, and, like pachislot machines, three types of reels 3L, 3C, and 3R on the left, middle, and right on which a plurality of types of reel symbols, each of which serves as identification information, are drawn. I have. When the game ball enters the start opening 25, the three types of reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate. This rotation is stopped when the player presses three kinds of stop buttons 27L ′, 27C ′, and 27R ′ arranged on the operation panel 27 provided on the front door 11.

That is, in this pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball enters the start opening 25, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to shift to a game advantageous to the player, and the variable display device 3 performs variable display device. 3 is displayed by the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and accompanying this, the liquid crystal display device 32 performs effect display with effect symbols.
Then, if a lottery is won, and the reel symbol of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination as a result of the operation of the stop buttons 27L ', 27C', 27R 'by the player, it is advantageous to the player. Transition to jackpot game.

  In this case, the stop buttons 27L ′, 27C ′, and 27R ′ for stopping the rotation of the reel are easy to perform a stop operation with the right hand if right-handed. This allows the left-handed player to enjoy the game without inconvenience.

The following gaming machines are realized from the embodiment described above.
A gaming machine frame 12 containing a gaming board 14, a front door 11 attached to the front of the gaming machine frame 12 so as to be openable and closable, and disposed on the front side of the front door 11, and a game ball operated by a player In a game machine equipped with launch operation means (e.g., launch handle 26) capable of launching on the game board surface, the launch operation means is attached to the game board 14, and together with the game board, the gaming machine frame 12 A game machine (pachinko machine 10) that can be detached from the machine.

  A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) provided with an intermediate member 14a on which the firing operation means (for example, firing handle 26) can be detachably attached to the gaming board 14.

  The front door 11 is a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) in which insertion ports 11L and 11R are formed so that at least a part of the firing operation means (for example, the firing handle 26) can be inserted in an exposed state.

  The insertion ports 11L and 11R are gaming machines (pachinko gaming machines 10) provided on the left and right sides of the front door 11.

  As described above through the embodiments, the gaming machine of the present invention has a launch operation means for launching a game ball attached to the game board and is detachable from the game machine frame together with the game board. The gist is that the model can be changed by simply changing it. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously and easily change the firing operation means according to the changed game board. Furthermore, it is possible to convey the appeal of the new model to the player simply by replacing the game board, and the appeal of the changed model can be maintained.

  Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, only the specific example and effect of this invention were illustrated, and this invention is not limited by this. That is, the specific configuration of the gaming machine can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the present embodiment, the design of the firing handle in the firing operation means is not limited to a substantially hemispherical shape as in the above-described embodiment. In addition, by configuring the electrical connection portion between the launch operation means and the gaming machine frame by wireless means, the wiring portion can be simplified to improve workability in maintenance, or the launch operation means can be detached from the game machine remotely. It can be used as a controller to enhance its convenience.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general appearance of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the general view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the electrical decoration unit of the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit of the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a perspective view which shows the front door open state of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a detailed perspective view of the launch operation means in the pachinko gaming machine. It is side surface sectional drawing of the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine provided with the launch operation means of the modified example. It is a disassembled perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine concerning other embodiments. It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Front door 11L, 11R Insertion slot 12 Game machine frame 14 Game board 14a Intermediate member 14b Socket part 14c Terminal part 26 Launch handle (launch operation means)
26a Connector part

Claims (4)

A gaming machine frame housing a gaming board;
A front door attached to the front of the gaming machine frame so as to be freely opened and closed;
A firing operation means arranged on the front side of the front door and capable of launching a game ball onto the game board surface by a player's operation;
In a gaming machine equipped with
A gaming machine characterized in that the firing operation means is attached to the gaming board, and is detachable from the gaming machine frame together with the gaming board.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an intermediate member is provided on the game board so that the firing operation means can be detachably attached.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front door is formed with an insertion port that allows at least a part of the firing operation means to be inserted in an exposed state.   The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the insertion port is provided on both left and right sides of the front door.

Images