JP2012200339A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lift/lower a decoration device in a well balanced manner, etc., in a game machine including "a movable rendering device for rendering to lift/lower the decoration device having movable decoration members".SOLUTION: The movable rendering device 70 includes: a first gear 75L; a second gear 75R; a rack gear 74 which is arranged in an inclined manner between both gears 75L, 75R, is engaged with the first gear 75L on the upper surface and engaged with the second gear 75R on the lower surface, and displaced in the inclination direction so as to rotate both gears 75L, 75R in different directions; a first cam member 76L having a first pressure part to be lifted in conjunction with the rotation of the first gear 75L in a first rotation direction; a second cam member 76R having a second pressure part to be lifted in conjunction with the rotation of the second gear 75R in the opposite direction of the first rotation direction; and the decoration device (lifting/lowering unit 80) including blade members (movable decoration members) 87A-87C, etc., and to be lifted by being pressurized upward by the first pressure part and the second pressure part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and is applied to a so-called seven machine, a ball-type gaming machine such as a winged article, a right article, or an arrangement ball, and a revolving type gaming machine called a slot machine (or pachislot). can do.

  A ball-type game machine (pachinko machine) is normally held by an outer frame installed at an installation site, a main body frame that can be opened and closed on one side along the left-right direction of the outer frame, and a main body frame A front panel that includes a gaming board, a transparent plate (usually a glass plate) that covers the front part of the gaming board, and that can be opened and closed on the front side of the main body frame; And an upper plate member mounted in a state that can be opened and closed below the mounting position of the front frame.

  This type of ball-type gaming machine has a start prize device, an effect display device (symbol display device), and a big prize device arranged on the game board, and the game ball wins the start prize device. Therefore, it is determined whether or not to generate a big hit (that is, whether or not to win). Then, in the display unit (display screen or the like) of the effect display device, after effect display (design variation display using special symbols, etc.) is performed for a predetermined time, a stop symbol indicating the result of the determination of success or failure is displayed for a certain period of time ( For example, the display is stopped (determined display) for 0.6 seconds.

  When a stop symbol (big hit symbol) indicating that the result of this determination is “big hit” is stopped and displayed on the effect display device, the gaming state of the gaming machine shifts to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state), and the gaming machine Starts a big hit game (special game). Then, when this big hit game (special game) is started, the opening / closing member constituting the big prize device is opened to change the closed big prize device to the open state, and the big prize constituting the big prize device is formed. It is possible or easy to win a game ball in the mouth. Thereafter, when a predetermined number of game balls are won in the grand prize winning opening or a predetermined time elapses, the opening / closing member is temporarily closed to close the grand winning device and applied to the opening / closing member. Complete one unit drive. When this “unit driving of the opening / closing member” is repeated a predetermined number of times (so-called “round number”), the gaming machine ends the big hit game.

  Among such gaming machines (bullet ball type gaming machines, revolving type gaming machines), there is a decoration device that can be moved up and down (moved up and down) on the periphery of the display unit (display screen, etc.) of the effect display device. There is a device that arranges a movable effect device and moves the decoration device up and down to increase the game effect (see Patent Document 1, hereinafter referred to as “conventional example”). For example, a gaming machine has been proposed in which one lifting device is arranged on each side of the decorative member.

  In the gaming machine according to this conventional example, the lifting device disposed on both sides of the decoration device includes a drive motor, a drive gear that is driven to rotate by the drive motor, and a follower that is pivotally supported at one end. A gear, a link member whose one end is pivotally supported by a decoration member, and one end is pivotally supported by a decoration member, and the other end is pivotally supported so as to swing up and down. And an arm. And the drive motor which comprises both raising / lowering apparatuses rotates forward / reversely, and the structure which moves the decoration member up and down is provided by rocking | fluctuating the arm which comprises both raising / lowering apparatuses. In this conventional gaming machine, it is intended that the decoration device is smoothly raised and lowered by arranging the lifting devices on both sides of the decoration member.

JP 2009-306 A

  However, in this conventional example, the structure of the movable rendering device is complicated and the movable rendering device is provided by the amount of lifting devices (drive motor, drive gear, driven gear, link member and arm) on both sides of the decoration device. The space for arranging the device is increased. In particular, the decorative device itself includes a movable decorative member that operates (rotates, vibrates, swings, etc.) in a predetermined manner and its drive source (motor), and operates the movable decorative member in a state where the decorative device is raised. In the case of providing the configuration to be applied, since a large amount of weight, vibration, and the like are applied to the decoration device, it is forced to make the structure of the lifting devices on both sides more complicated.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine including a “movable effect device for performing an effect of moving up and down a decoration device including a movable decoration member”. In this case, the decoration device can be raised and lowered smoothly and supported in a balanced manner, and the structure of the movable effect device can be simplified and the installation space for the movable effect device can be saved.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A gaming machine including a movable effect device for performing an effect on a game,
The movable effect device is:
A first gear disposed so as to be rotatable in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction;
The first rotation direction and the second rotation direction with the rotation axis centered substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the first gear at a position spaced apart from the first gear in the horizontal direction. A second gear arranged in a rotatable state at
A first tooth row is provided between the first gear and the second gear in an inclined manner, and a first tooth row meshing with the first gear is provided on the upper surface portion arranged in an inclined manner. A rack gear that rotates the first gear and the second gear in different directions by being provided with a second tooth row that meshes with the second gear on the lower surface portion,
A first pressing portion that rises in conjunction with rotation of the first gear in the first rotation direction and descends in conjunction with rotation of the first gear in the second rotation direction; A first cam member that
A second cam member that rises in conjunction with the rotation of the second gear in the second rotational direction and descends in conjunction with the rotation of the second gear in the first rotational direction;
It is supported in a state where it can be lifted and lowered by being pressed upward by the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, and the pressing by the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion is released. A decorative device comprising: a movable decorative member that is lowered using its own weight and arranged in an operable state; and a drive means that constitutes a drive source of the movable decorative member
The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are displaced by substantially the same amount along the vertical direction as the rack gear is displaced in the tilt direction.

  In the movable effect device that constitutes the gaming machine of the first aspect of the invention, the decoration device that is supported so as to be movable up and down (up and down), and that includes the movable decoration member and the driving means, is provided with the first pressing portion and the second pressure device. It presses with a press part. For this reason, this decoration apparatus can be raised / lowered smoothly and supported with good balance. Moreover, in this movable production | presentation apparatus, in order to implement | achieve the vertical motion of a decoration member by arrange | positioning few component parts effectively, the structure can be simplified and the installation space can be saved.

  That is, in this movable effect device, the rack gear is disposed in an inclined shape, the first gear is disposed above the rack gear, and the second gear is disposed below the rack gear. That is, the first gear and the second gear are reversed by displacing the “common rack gear” without interposing the intermediate gear between the first gear and the second gear and the rack gear. Can be rotated. Then, the rack gear is displaced in the tilt direction, and the first gear and the second gear are rotated in opposite directions, whereby the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are moved up and down, and the decorative member is moved up and down. Therefore, the structure of the movable effect device can be simplified. In addition, since the rack gear is inclined and disposed between the two gears (between the first gear and the second gear), it is possible to save the space for installing the rack gear and thus the movable effect device. . If two gears (the first gear and the second gear) are arranged in a virtual rectangle with the rack gear as a diagonal line, the installation space for the movable effect device can be saved more reliably. Can be aimed at.

  The mode of displacement of the rack gear in the tilt direction is not limited to a substantially linear displacement, and may be displaced in a substantially arc shape, for example. Further, in conjunction with the rotation of the first gear, the first pressing portion may move up and down while drawing a substantially arcuate path, or may move up and down while drawing a substantially linear path. Similarly, in conjunction with the rotation of the second gear, the second pressing portion may move up and down while drawing a substantially arcuate path, or may move up and down while drawing a substantially linear path. . Further, the gaming machine according to the invention of each claim includes a plurality of first gears, second gears, first cam members (first pressing portions), and second cam members (second pressing portions). You may prepare each.

  As a “movable decorative member”, a member that is supported by other parts constituting the decorative device and that can rotate, swing, move up and down, move in the horizontal direction, or move in an oblique direction is used. Examples of the driving means include various actuators such as a motor and a solenoid. The number of movable decorative members may be plural, in which case drive means may be provided for each movable decorative member, or drive means for driving a plurality of movable decorative members in a lump. May be. The movable decorative member is configured in a “blade shape” and rotates in one rotation direction to “open the blade”, and rotates in the other rotation direction to “closed blade”. The thing can be illustrated.

The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The first cam member is disposed so as to be integrally rotatable with the first gear while providing the first pressing portion at a position away from the rotation axis of the first cam member,
The second cam member is disposed so as to be integrally rotatable with the second gear while providing the second pressing portion at a position away from the rotation axis of the second cam member,
The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion perform the ascending and descending while drawing a substantially arc-shaped path between the first gear and the second gear. And

  In the invention of claim 2, since the space between the first gear and the second gear is used as the operation space of the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, the movable effect device is further compact. Can be achieved. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the installation space for the movable effect device.

The gaming machine according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
In the decoration device, the pressed part pressed by the first pressing part and the second pressing part is arranged substantially horizontally,
The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are substantially symmetrical with respect to a virtual vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the decoration device while rising or lowering as the rack gear is displaced in the tilt direction. It is characterized by pressing.

  In the invention of claim 3, since the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion press the symmetrical position from the center in the decoration device, the decoration device can be moved up and down more smoothly and with good balance. Can be supported.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are virtual vertical lines that pass through the center of gravity of the decoration device among the decoration members while being raised or lowered with the displacement of the rack gear in the inclination direction. It is good also as pressing the position of equidistant from.
Even in this case, since the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion press the position of approximately the same distance from the center of gravity of the decorative member, the decorative member can be raised more smoothly and in a well-balanced manner. It can be supported in a well-balanced manner.

The gaming machine according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the rack gear is displaced in the first displacement direction along the inclination direction, the first gear rotates in the first rotation direction, and the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction. Rotate,
When the rack gear is displaced in the second displacement direction opposite to the first displacement direction, the first gear rotates in the second rotation direction, and the second gear rotates in the first direction. Rotate in the direction of rotation,
A biasing means for loading the rack gear with a biasing force toward the first displacement direction;
The urging force in the first displacement direction is smaller than the load in the second displacement direction applied to the rack gear due to the weight of the decoration device.

  In the movable effect device constituting the gaming machine of the invention of claim 4, there is provided an urging means for applying a specific urging force to the rack gear, and some of the load applied due to the weight of the decorative member (substantially) The full load or a load smaller than the full load) is supported by the urging force of the urging means, so that the decoration device can be raised and lowered in a more balanced manner while reducing the driving force for driving the rack gear. At the same time, it can be supported in a more balanced manner. In particular, even when a decorative device that includes a movable decorative member and driving means and is heavy is moved up and down, it has a great significance in that the driving force for driving the rack gear can be reduced. Note that “the load in the second displacement direction applied to the rack gear due to the weight of the decorative member” is slightly larger than “the urging force of the urging means” (for example, the urging force is 70% of the load). It is more preferable that the weight of the decoration device and the urging force of the urging means are substantially balanced since the torque of the drive motor that drives the rack gear can be further reduced. .

The gaming machine according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The decorative device includes:
A cam arranged in a rotatable state and having a substantially arc shape along a virtual circle drawn concentrically with the rotation axis and a substantially arc-shaped cam path intersecting the virtual circle A drive rotating member comprising:
A driven rotary member disposed behind the drive rotary member in a rotatable state around the same rotational axis as the drive rotary member;
The rear end side can be rotated integrally with the driven rotation member, and an intermediate portion having a width smaller than the transmission hole along the virtual circle is inserted into the transmission hole and forward of the drive rotation member. A transmission member that supports the movable decorative member in a rotatable state on the protruding front end side;
Comprising
The movable decorative member includes a driven protrusion that is engaged with the cam portion and arranged to be slidable along the cam path with respect to the cam portion.
After the drive rotation member is driven by the drive means and starts to rotate, when the inner wall portion forming the end portion along the virtual circle of the transmission hole in the drive rotation member comes into contact with the transmission member, the driven member The rotating member follows the rotation of the driving rotating member and starts rotating,
The driven projection slides on the cam portion so as to keep the distance from the transmission member constant after the drive rotating member starts rotating and before the driven rotating member starts rotating. Thus, the movable decorative member rotates around the axis of the transmission member.

The invention of claim 5 shows a case where the decoration device includes a plurality of drive portions (a drive rotation member, a driven rotation member, and a rotation effect member), and the weight tends to increase and vibration is likely to occur. And according to invention of Claim 5, even in such a case, a decoration apparatus can be raised / lowered with sufficient balance, or it can be supported with sufficient balance.
In the fifth aspect of the invention, the driven rotating member may be constituted by a gear having a tooth portion on the outer peripheral portion, and a load gear may be meshed with the driven rotating member so that resistance to rotation is loaded on the driven rotating member. .
In this case, the rotation of the movable decorative member can be reduced (rapidly) in a tensioned manner.

The gaming machine of the invention of each claim is:
Rotational drive means (motor);
A transmission gear mounted on the drive shaft of the drive means so as to be integrally rotatable, and for transmitting the driving force of the drive means to the rack gear;
Production control means for controlling the drive of the rotation drive means (motor);
May be provided.
In this case, the rack gear is provided with a tooth row different from the first tooth row and the second tooth row, and the transmission gear is meshed with the other tooth row, so that the driving force of the rotation driving means is supplied to the rack gear. Alternatively, the driving force of the rotation driving means may be transmitted to the rack gear by engaging the transmission gear with the first tooth row or the second tooth row.

In this "game machine comprising a rotational drive means (motor), a transmission gear, and an effect control means"
Provided with an effect symbol display device provided with a display unit that is controlled by the effect control means and displays a stop symbol indicating the result of the game through a variable display using a special symbol,
The effect control means drives the movable effect device and the effect symbol display device so that the decorative member ascends in conjunction with performing specific display (for example, performing specific reach display) on the display unit of the symbol display device. May be controlled.
Examples of the “production symbol display device” include a liquid crystal display device (liquid crystal display), a “symbol display device using a 7-segment LED display”, various display devices such as a plasma display and a CRT display. Further, examples of the “movable effect device” include “a device for moving up and down a decorative member having a movable part” and “a device for moving up and down a decorative member having no movable part”. In addition, as a decoration member provided with a movable part, it is supported in the state which can be raised / lowered, it raises by being pressed upward by the 1st press part and the 2nd press part, and the 1st press part and the 2nd press The base body that descends using its own weight when the pressing by the part is released, and the operation (for example, rotation, vertical movement, reciprocating movement in the horizontal direction, reciprocating movement in the oblique vertical direction, vibration) Etc.) A device provided with a production body (movable part) supported in a possible state and a drive source (motor, solenoid, etc.) of the production body can be exemplified.
In addition, the gaming machine of the invention of each claim,
Consistency determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game and a main control unit that controls the basic progress of the game, and display control by the main control unit, the result of the determination of success or failure is displayed in a variable display A main variable display means for confirming and displaying via,
An effect display means (the above-mentioned “" Production design display device ").
In this case, the main variable display means and the effect display means may be configured by separate symbol display devices, or may be configured by different portions of the display units configured by the same symbol display device. Further, in a gaming machine provided with a main variable display means and an effect display means, the display content of the effect display means is usually easier for the player to recognize than the display content of the main variable display means. For example, (a) the effect display means displays a larger symbol than the main variable display means, (b) the effect display means displays a symbol that is established as a character / number, and the main variable display means displays a character / number. (C) Arranging the effect display means closer to the center of the game area than the main variable display means, or two or more of (a) to (c) For example, the display contents of the effect display means are easier to recognize than the display contents of the main variable display means. The display control commands include a variation pattern designation command for specifying the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, a special symbol stop information designation command (described later), a stop symbol designation command (described later), and the like. It can be illustrated.

The invention of each claim can be applied to any of a ball-type game machine (pachinko machine) and a rotary-type game machine. And, in a ball-type game machine (pachinko machine), a start prize device is usually arranged on the front portion of the game board, and a special game (big hit) is caused by a game ball winning in this start prize device. It is determined (whether or not) that the game is to be executed. Then, in the symbol display device, the “stop symbol indicating the determination result (game result)” is fixedly displayed through variable display using a special symbol.
On the other hand, in the rotary type gaming machine,
A gaming machine main body provided with the symbol display device having a plurality of display reels supported in a rotatable manner and having a plurality of symbols arranged along a direction around the outer peripheral surface;
A front door provided with a display window that is mounted on the front side of the gaming machine body so as to be openable and closable and allows a part of the outer peripheral surface of the display reel (a part located on the front side) to be visually recognized by a player; ,
Lottery means for performing lottery to determine whether or not the winning combination is permitted every time the symbol variable game performed by rotating the display reels of the plurality of rows is performed;
Stop means provided corresponding to each display reel and operated when stopping the rotation of each display reel;
When the winning combination confirmation display for confirming the establishment of the winning combination is made by the symbol display device when the rotation of all the display reels is stopped and the symbol variation game is finished, the winning combination determination display mode A game medium giving means for giving the player a number of game media corresponding to the player,
Special game execution means for executing the special game (regular game or big bonus game) when the winning combination confirmation display mode is a special mode (when a so-called “regular bonus combination” or “big bonus combination” is established). When,
It has.
And the said movable production | presentation apparatus can be arrange | positioned in the predetermined | prescribed site | part in which the display window is not provided in the front door.

In this case, the rotary-type game machine may be provided with “an image display device standing on the front door so as to be visible to the player” at a position above the display window in the front door. . In this case, on the front door, the movable effect device can be arranged at a predetermined portion where the display window and the image display device are not provided. Here, in this spinning machine, when a start lever is operated after betting (betting) a predetermined number of game medals, a symbol display game is started and a plurality of rows of display reels start rotating. . For this reason, among the symbols arranged on each display reel, what the player can see through the “front door display section (display window, etc.)” changes from moment to moment, and the variation display of the symbols is displayed. Executed.
Further, the lottery means constituting the spinning-type game machine performs a lottery to determine whether or not the winning combination is permitted every time the symbol display game is executed. Then, the player operates a stop switch provided corresponding to each display reel when stopping each display reel. Then, in consideration of the lottery result of the lottery means and the mode of the stop operation performed by the player on each stop switch, the individual display reels are stopped at a predetermined position (rotation position). Stop control is executed. Further, when the display of all winning reels is stopped and the symbol display game is terminated, a stop symbol that is stopped and displayed along a preset active line is used to indicate that the winning combination has been established (i.e., When the stop symbol indicating the game result is displayed), the number of game medals corresponding to the winning combination determination display mode is given (paid out) to the player.

  Here, in this specification, “front” and “front” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine (that is, a direction close to the player)”, and “rear” and “back” indicate gaming machines. "Rear (that is, a direction away from the player)". Further, “left” indicates “left” as viewed from the player, and “right” indicates “right as viewed from the player”. Further, in “a member that can be opened and closed like a door (hereinafter referred to as a“ door type member ”)” such as a main body frame, a front frame, an upper plate member, a lower plate member, etc., “left”, “right” , “Front”, “rear”, etc. are based on the case where these door-type members are in use, that is, in the closed state.

  As described above, according to the invention of each claim, in a gaming machine equipped with a “movable effect device that produces an effect of raising and lowering a decoration device having a movable decoration member”, the decoration device can be raised and lowered smoothly and in a balanced manner, It can be supported in a well-balanced manner, and the structure of the movable effect device can be simplified and the installation space for the movable effect device can be saved.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a main body frame and the like in the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows a game board in the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is a schematic front view which shows a special symbol display part in each Example of this invention, (b) is the outline which shows the display content displayed on the display screen of an effect display apparatus in each Example of this invention. It is a typical front view. It is 1-1 sectional drawing (schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view) of FIG. It is a front view of a movable production | presentation apparatus. It is a front view of a base member. (A) is 5-5 sectional drawing of FIG. 8, (b) is 6-6 sectional drawing of FIG. 8, (c) is 7-7 sectional drawing of FIG. (A) is a front view of a fixing member, (b) is 10-10 sectional drawing of Fig.10 (a). It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (2-2 sectional drawing of FIG. 7) of a movable production | presentation apparatus. It is 3-3 sectional drawing of FIG. (A) And (b) is a partially expanded sectional view of FIG. (A) is 8-8 sectional drawing of FIG. 8, (b) is 9-9 sectional drawing of FIG. It is a front view which shows a base member, a rack gear (rack gear in the lowest position), a first gear, a second gear, a spring, and the like. (A) is a side view of a 1st gearwheel and a 2nd gearwheel, (b) is 11-11 sectional drawing of Fig.16 (a). (A) is a front view of a 1st cam member and a 2nd cam member, (b) is 20-20 sectional drawing of Fig.17 (a), (c) demonstrates the support roller 7 grade | etc.,. FIG. It is a front view which shows a base member, a rack gear (rack gear in the uppermost position), a first gear, a second gear, a spring, and the like. It is the front view which added the fixing member, the 1st cam member, and the 2nd cam member to FIG. It is the front view which added the fixing member, the 1st cam member, and the 2nd cam member to FIG. It is a schematic front view which shows the operating state of a 1st cam member and a 2nd cam member. It is a front view of an outer shell main body. (A) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the lower surface (pressed part) of a to-be-pressed rib, (b) is a front view for demonstrating a connection part, (c) is a connection. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part. It is 30-30 sectional drawing of FIG. (A) is a front view of a rear wall part, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a guide protrusion. It is explanatory drawing (schematic cross-sectional view) for demonstrating functions, such as a guide protrusion, a guide hole, and a slide support member. FIG. 27 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 26. FIG. 12 is a partially exploded longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 11. It is a front view of a front gear member. (A) is a front view showing a blade member and a front gear member when the blade member is in a closed state, and (b) is a front view showing the blade member and the front gear member when the blade member is in an open state. FIG. (A) is a perspective view of a blade member, (b) is a front view of a blade member. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a drive gear, a front gear member, a rear gear member, an intermediate gear, a load gear, a design gear, etc. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process in which a blade | wing member transfers to an open state from a closed state. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process in which a blade member transfers from an open state to a closed state. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the drive aspect of a movable production | presentation apparatus. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the drive aspect of a movable production | presentation apparatus. (A) And (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (longitudinal sectional view along the vertical cross section perpendicular | vertical to a game board surface) for demonstrating the support state of the left side display apparatus part and the right side display apparatus part. It is a back view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the aspect of the stop symbol of this symbol, and the stop symbol of a pseudo symbol in the gaming machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect display performed by the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | presentation aspect using a movable production | presentation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | presentation aspect using a movable production | presentation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | presentation aspect using a movable production | presentation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | presentation aspect using a movable production | presentation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | presentation aspect using a movable production | presentation apparatus. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that a command was output from the main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory game process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a success / failure determination process in the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol change start process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart for demonstrating production control processing in the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol change effect process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows an accessory drive process. It is a time chart for explaining “the first drive pattern for realizing the first special effect”. It is a time chart for explaining "the 2nd drive pattern for realizing the 2nd special production". It is a time chart for explaining “a third drive pattern for realizing the third special effect”. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 2; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 3;

  Hereinafter, an embodiment showing the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each example described below, each specific example in which the invention according to each claim is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” will be described.

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2. Although not shown, the outer frame 2 is fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall and supports the gaming machine main body H. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) configured by a substantially rectangular frame-like body, and a front plate portion 22 that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 21.

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably attached to the left end side of the outer frame 2 using upper and lower hinges H1 and H2 (see FIG. 1) on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIG. 1, the main body frame 3, the front frame 4, the upper dish member 5, and the lower dish member 6. The game board 10 (see FIG. 4), the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 40), and the like are the main parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. A locking device 7 is mounted on the right end side of the main body frame 3.

  The main body frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, and is constituted by a frame-like body as shown in FIG. The main body frame 3 includes a frame main body portion 3b including a window portion 3M in an upper half portion, and a protruding portion 3c protruding in a substantially rectangular frame shape from the back surface portion of the frame main body portion 3b. And the main body frame 3 comprises the holding | maintenance part for hold | maintaining the game board 10 using this protrusion part 3c. That is, the holding tool 3f is mounted on the protruding end surface of the projecting portion 3c in a state where the holding tool 3f can rotate on the left and right sides of the window 3M and the right and left sides of the window 3M. The game board 10 is held by the main body frame 3 by bringing the protruding end of the game board 10 into contact with the rear surface of the game board 10.

  When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10, the “game area 11 configured on the front surface portion 10 a of the game board 10” can be viewed from the front of the main body frame 3 through the window 3 </ b> M. Further, a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 40) is attached to the back surface portion of the game board 10 so as to cover the back surface portion. A game ball payout device 109 for paying out game balls to the upper plate member 5 is disposed on the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 40).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 has a visual recognition window 41a at the center thereof. This viewing window 41a is provided in a state of penetrating the front and rear of the front frame 4, and is opened in a substantially circumferential shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the game area 11 (see FIG. 4) formed on the board surface of the game board 10. When the front frame 4 is closed, the game area 11 disposed behind the front frame 4 can be viewed from the front through the viewing window 41a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder (not shown) for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. Is provided. Speakers SP1 and SP2 (see FIG. 42) are built in on the left and right sides of the upper end portion of the front frame 4, respectively. In the gaming machine 1, speakers SP3 and SP4 (see FIG. 42) are also incorporated in the left and right ends of the front plate portion 22. In the gaming machine 1, sound effects and other sounds (sounds) corresponding to the gaming state are generated using the speakers SP1 to SP4.

  An upper plate member 5 and a lower plate member 6 are provided in a portion below the front frame 4 in the front portion of the gaming machine main body H. In other words, the upper plate member 5 is disposed below the front frame 4 and includes a receiving port 5b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1 inside the container. A ball rental display board 410 (see FIG. 41) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 42) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button SW” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. Is arranged (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower plate member 6 is disposed below the upper plate member 5. At the approximate center of the lower plate member 6, a receiving port 6 a for receiving a game ball discharged from the upper plate member 5 is provided in the inside of the substantially container shape. An ashtray 6 b is provided at the left end of the lower plate member 6, and a firing handle 9 is provided at the right end of the lower plate member 6.

  A launching device unit (not shown) is disposed in a front portion of the main body frame 3, which is located below the game board 10 and located on the left end side. The firing handle 9 is connected to this launcher unit. Here, the launching device unit is for launching a game ball sent out from a ball feeding device (not shown) substantially vertically upward to reach the game area 11. The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, the launch stop for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball is stopped. A switch 9b is attached.

b. Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 10 includes a game board main body 10A configured using a substantially rectangular plywood in front view, and various board components (the outer rail 12, the inner rail 13, and the main accessory attached to the game board main body 10A. Device 20 etc.) is mounted. Note that a sheet-like object on which a cell image is printed is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A, but the illustration is omitted.

  The game board main body 10A includes a region forming portion 10B that is substantially circular in a front view, and a region outside 10C that is positioned around the region forming portion 10B. In addition, an outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 that are both configured using a band-shaped metal plate are disposed on the front surface of the game board main body 10A. And the front surface part of the area | region formation part 10B comprises the game area | region 11, being enclosed by the substantially circular surrounding wall which this outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 form.

  In this area forming part 10B (that is, a part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10), a main accessory device 20, a normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, a start winning device 17, A lower device 30, a lower left display device 50, a lower right display device 60, four general winning devices 40, 41, 43, 44, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), a windmill 19 and the like are arranged. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the main accessory device 20 includes a decorative frame 21, an attachment frame member 28, an effect display device 27, and a movable effect device 70. In addition, a through hole 10K having a substantially rectangular opening is formed in a substantially central portion of the game board main body 10A. Furthermore, the mounting frame member 28 is attached to the back surface portion (rear surface portion) of the region forming portion 10B and accommodates the liquid crystal panel 27P constituting the effect display device 27 and the movable effect device 70 therein.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the decorative frame 21 is configured by a plate-like body that is attached to the front surface portion of the region forming unit 10 </ b> B, and is disposed in a portion other than the left end side in the upper half of the game region 11. ing. The decorative frame 21 is provided with a window forming hole 21d, and the window forming hole 21d constitutes a substantially rectangular display window 21e in front view.

  The part from the top of the decorative frame 21 to the lower end of the right edge is close to the outer rail 12, and the part from the top to the upper end of the left edge is mounted with the upper decorative member 21n protruding forward. Yes. Further, the left decorative member 21q is mounted on the left edge of the mounting member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the stage member 21p is mounted on the lower edge of the mounting member 21 so as to protrude forward. . Furthermore, the left decorative member 21q includes a model 21r in which a game ball passage (not shown) is formed. The entrance of the game ball passage is opened obliquely upward to the left, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 is received at the entrance and enters the main accessory device 20.

  The stage member 21p constitutes a rolling surface of the game ball by its upper surface portion, and this rolling surface is an inclined surface that descends from the left and right end portions toward the central portion. However, the central portion of the rolling surface is a raised portion that slightly rises upward. The stage member 21p is provided with a discharge passage for discharging the game ball on the rolling surface to the outside of the main accessory device 20. The inlet portion of the discharge passage opens at a position continuous with the central portion behind the central portion of the rolling surface, and the outlet portion of the discharge passage opens at a position below the central portion. .

  In the present embodiment, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and entered the main accessory device 20 reaches the left end of the rolling surface, rolls right on the rolling surface, Roll in the direction. When the momentum of the game ball has declined, the game ball passes through the discharge passage and is discharged out of the main accessory device 20 or from the front edge portion of the rolling surface. To be discharged. Note that a start winning device 17 described later is located immediately below the exit.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting frame member 28 is configured in a substantially box shape, the front plate 28 </ b> A having a substantially rectangular front shape, the peripheral wall portion 28 </ b> B raised from the peripheral portion of the back plate 28 </ b> A, and the peripheral wall And an attachment allowance 28C protruding in a bent shape from the protruding end of the portion 28B. Further, a substantially rectangular through hole 28E is provided in a portion located on the upper side of the back plate 28A in front view. The mounting frame member 28 is secured to the game board main body 10A with the opening 28D facing forward and the through hole 28E and the "through hole 10K of the game board main body 10A" aligned in the front-rear direction. ing.

  A protrusion 28F protrudes from a rear surface of the back plate 28A and located at the periphery of the through hole 28E. The projection 28F has a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape corresponding to the opening shape of the through hole 28E, and a portion on the rear side of the liquid crystal panel 27P constituting the effect display device 27 is inserted. This effect display device 27 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, and performs a special symbol variation display and a stop display as in the lower right display device 60 described later.

  However, in this effect display device 27, effect display (symbol variation display) linked to the special symbol variation display and stop display in the lower right display device 60 is executed. In this embodiment, the lower right display device 60 constitutes a symbol display device for displaying the present symbol (a specific example of a special symbol), and the effect display device 27 is a pseudo symbol (a special symbol). Another specific example is shown.) The symbol display apparatus for displaying is comprised.

  The display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can display various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. On this display screen 27a, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d and a background screen display portion 27h composed of other portions may appear. In this case, the three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction on the display screen 27a. In each of the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d that appear in this manner, an effect display (fluctuation display) using “pseudo symbols”, a stop display, and the like are performed. Further, when the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are displayed on the display screen 27a, the background screen display portion 27h is displayed by the other part of the display screen 27a. The background screen display unit 27h can display a symbol indicating a background (hereinafter referred to as a background symbol) or a symbol indicating a character (hereinafter referred to as a character symbol) together with the background symbol. . These “pseudo symbols”, “background symbols”, and “character symbols” indicate specific examples of “effect symbols” displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. These “pseudo symbols” and “ The “design variation effect display” is realized by the “background design” and “character design”.

  As shown in FIG. 6, there is an empty space (hereinafter referred to as “upper empty space”) 28G between the display screen 27a (the front surface portion of the liquid crystal panel 27P) and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the region forming portion 10B. Is provided. Also, an empty space (hereinafter referred to as “lower empty space”) is located between the front surface portion of the back plate 28A and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the region forming portion 10B and located immediately below the upper empty space 28G. 28H is provided, and the lower empty space 28H and the upper empty space 28G are continuous vertically.

  The lower empty space 28H constitutes a space in which the movable effect device 70 is accommodated, and the upper empty space 28G constitutes an effect space in which the elevating unit 80 (described later) appears and disappears. Next, the mechanical structure of the movable effect device 70 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the movable effect device 70 includes a base member 71, a fixed member 72, a slide support member 73, a rack gear 74, a first gear 75L, a second gear 75R, and a first gear 75R. A cam member 76L, a second cam member 76R, a first motor 77, a spring 78, and an elevating unit 80 are provided. The lifting unit 80 constitutes a specific example of “decoration device”.

  The base member 71 is a member fixed to the “peripheral wall portion 28 </ b> B constituting the attachment frame member 28” (see FIG. 6), and supports “other members constituting the movable effect device 70”. As shown in FIG. 8, the base member 71 includes a main body portion 71 a configured in a substantially plate shape, and a rib 71 b protruding from the lower edge portion and the left and right side edge portions of the main body portion 71 a toward the front surface side of the main body portion 71 a. And comprising. And the main-body part 71a is arrange | positioned in the state which orient | assigned the front surface to the front front in the lower empty space 28H, and is made into the state which cannot be visually recognized from the front of the display window 21e (refer FIG. 6).

  Plural kinds of protrusions 71c, 71d, 71e, 71f, 71g, and 71h protrude from the front surface of the main body 71a. Specifically, a protrusion (hereinafter referred to as “spring support protrusion”) 71c for supporting one end of the spring 78 is provided at a position located at the upper left end of the front surface of the main body 71a. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A, a pair of protrusions (hereinafter referred to as “motor protrusions”) 71d for supporting the first motor 77 are diagonally below and to the right of the spring support protrusions 71c. , 71e are provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9B, a rack gear 74 is supported by a portion located right next to the upper motor protrusion 71d and a portion located at the lower right end of the front surface of the main body 71a. Projections (hereinafter referred to as “rack gear projections”) 71f and 71g. 8 and 9C, a plurality of protrusions (hereinafter referred to as “fixed support protrusions”) 71h for supporting the fixing member 72 are provided on the surface of the main body 71a. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 (c), the rotation shaft of the first gear 75L is supported at the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the main body portion 71a and located on the left side of the intermediate portion in the horizontal direction. A bearing portion 71j is formed. Further, a bearing portion 71k for supporting the rotation shaft of the second gear 75R is formed in a portion located on the right side of the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the main body portion 71a. The two bearing portions 71j and 71k are provided in a state of being horizontally aligned at a predetermined interval, and a bearing hole 71m for supporting the rear side portion of the rotating shaft of the corresponding gear 75L or 75R is provided in the main body portion. It prepares for the state which penetrates the front surface and rear surface of 71a.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the fixing member 72 includes a substrate portion 72 a configured in a substantially plate shape, and a rib 72 b that protrudes rearward from the rear peripheral edge portion of the substrate portion 72 a. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fixing member 72 is attached to the base member 71 while the substrate portion 72a and the main body portion 71a are substantially parallel to each other in the front-rear direction. That is, the fixing member 72 is fixed to the base member 71 by bringing the protruding end portions of the corresponding fixing support protrusions 71h into contact with a plurality of locations on the peripheral edge side of the rear surface of the substrate portion 72a and screwing them from the front of the fixing member 72. It is fixed. That is, the fixing member 72 is fixed to the base member 71 by screwing screws into the fixing support protrusions 71 h through the insertion holes 72 c provided at a plurality of positions on the peripheral edge side of the substrate portion 72 a.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, “guide holes 72 e and 72 f for supporting the lifting unit 80 (described later) so as to be slidable up and down” are formed on the left end side and the right end side of the substrate portion 72 a. Is provided. These guide holes 72e and 72f are provided vertically long and penetrate the front and back surfaces of the substrate portion 72a. 11 and 12, when the fixing member 72 is fixed to the base member 71, a space portion 72b is formed between the front surface of the main body portion 71a and the rear surface of the substrate portion 72a. In the space 72b, the rack gear 74, the first gear 75L, the second gear 75R, the first cam member 76L, the second cam member 76R, and the spring 78 (see FIG. 7). Are arranged (not shown in FIG. 11).

  As shown in FIG. 10A, a photo sensor (photo interrupter) for determining whether or not the elevating unit 80 is at the lowest position (a “lowering position” to be described later) at the lower left end of the fixing member 72. ) 72g is attached. The photo sensor (photo interrupter) 72g is of a transmissive type, and is connected to a sub control board 220 (described later) through a position detection board 226A. The photosensor 72g has a configuration in which a light emitting element composed of an LED and a light receiving element composed of a phototransistor are arranged facing each other at a predetermined interval. In this photosensor, the space between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is opened upward, and the detected part (not shown) of the elevating unit 80 has a size that allows entry. Then, when the detected part enters the space part and enters a state of “blocking light emitted from the light emitting element (a state in which light from the light emitting element does not enter the light receiving element)”, the lifting unit 80 is moved to “ It is detected that the “downward position” has been reached. However, in this embodiment, since a stepping motor is used as the first motor 77, the sub-control board 220 can also move up and down by counting the total number of drive signals (drive pulses) supplied to the first motor 77. The height position of the unit 80 can be grasped.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a bearing portion 72h for supporting the rotating shaft of the first gear 75L is provided in a portion of the base plate portion 72a that is aligned with the bearing portion 71j in the front-rear direction. A bearing portion 72k for supporting the rotating shaft of the second gear 75R is provided at a position aligned with the bearing portion 71k in the front-rear direction. The two bearing portions 72j and 72k are provided in a state of being horizontally aligned at a predetermined interval, and a bearing hole 72m for supporting the front side portion of the rotating shaft of the corresponding gear 75L or 75R is provided in the substrate portion. It prepares for the state which penetrates the front surface and rear surface of 72a.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the slide support member 73 is a member for supporting the right side portion of the elevating unit 80 (described later) so as to be slidable up and down, and straddles the front of the right end side of the fixing member 72. In this state, it is mounted on the front surface of the substrate portion 72a. As shown in FIG. 14, the slide support member 73 includes leg portions 73a and 73b that protrude from two upper and lower positions on the front side of the left and right intermediate portions, and projecting end portions of both leg portions 73a and 73b. The rear support part 73c spanned between and the front support part 73d with which the front side of the rear support part 73c is mounted | worn are provided.

  The upper leg portion 73 a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, protrudes forward from a portion located above the right end side of the fixing member 72, and the protruding end portion is positioned forward of the front surface of the fixing member 72. Further, the lower leg portion 73 b is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, protrudes forward from a portion positioned below the right end side of the fixing member 72, and the protruding end portion is positioned forward of the front surface of the fixing member 72. .

  The rear support portion 73 c is configured in a substantially plate shape that is long in the vertical direction, and is disposed in front of the right end side of the fixing member 72. For this reason, both leg parts 73a and 73b and the back support part 73c are arrange | positioned in the state straddling the front of the right end side of the fixing member 72, comprising substantially gate shape. Further, the front side of the left end surface of the rear support portion 73c is a concave portion that is recessed in a step shape toward the right side (a portion that is recessed in a step shape in the right direction relative to other portions of the left end surface of the rear support portion 73c, and And “slide rolling surface 73e”). Further, three support protrusions 73f are provided on the right front end side of the rear support portion 73c. These support protrusions 73f are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the vertical direction on the front left end side of the rear support portion 73c.

  The front support portion 73d is configured in a substantially plate shape that is long in the vertical direction, and is screwed from the front of the front support portion 73d in a state where the three right end sides are in contact with the corresponding protrusions of the support protrusion 73f. And is attached to the rear support 73c. This "the rear part of the front support part 73d, the part on the left side of the part supported by the support protrusion 73f (hereinafter referred to as the front slide surface 73g)" and "the front surface of the rear support part 73c, the slide rolling surface 73e. And a portion on the right side (hereinafter referred to as a rear slide surface 73h) "is disposed substantially in parallel. A space portion that is long in the vertical direction is formed between the front slide surface 73g and the rear slide surface 73h, and the lifting unit 80 (described later) does not exceed the approximate “vertical width” of the space portion. The range can be raised and lowered.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the rack gear 74 is provided with bent portions 74a and 74b at two intermediate portions, and can be displaced along the oblique vertical direction (inclination direction) on the front side of the main body portion 71a (inclination). To be slidable). The rack gear 74 includes a first rack gear portion 74c located above (obliquely above) the upper bent portion 74a, and a second rack gear portion 74d located below (obliquely below) the lower bent portion 74b. And an intermediate portion 74v located between the upper and lower bent portions 74a and 74b.

  When the rack gear 74 is mounted on the front surface side of the main body 71a, the inclinations (inclination angles) of the first rack gear part 74c and the second rack gear part 74d are equal (the axis is substantially parallel). The inclination of the intermediate portion 74v (upward inclination angle to the left) is larger than that of both rack gear portions 74c and 74d. In addition, a first tooth row 74e is formed on the lower surface of the first rack gear portion 74c that is arranged in an inclined manner (teeth are continuously arranged), and the upper surface of the first rack gear portion 74c that is arranged in an inclined manner. 74f is a smooth surface (a surface on which no teeth are formed). Further, a second tooth row 74g is formed on the upper surface of the second rack gear portion 74d that is inclined (the teeth are continuously disposed), and the lower surface of the second rack gear portion 74d that is inclined. 74h is a smooth surface (a surface on which no teeth are formed). Further, a protrusion 74j is provided on the lower end side of the upper surface 74f of the first rack gear portion 74c.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the same chipped gear is used as the first gear 75 </ b> L (pinion gear) and the second gear 75 </ b> R (pinion gear). These gears 75L and 75R include a gear main body 75a and a rotation shaft 75b that projects back and forth from the axial center position of the gear main body 75a. Further, the gear body 75a is formed in a substantially disc shape, and is provided with a tooth portion 75d at approximately 2/3 of the outer peripheral portion, and protrudes at a portion (missing tooth portion) of the outer peripheral portion where the tooth portion 75d is not formed. 75v is provided. The protrusion 75v can also be used as an index for detecting the rotational positions of the gears 75L and 75R.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the rotation shaft 75b is different in size and shape before and after the gear body 75a. That is, a portion of the rotating shaft 75b that protrudes rearward of the gear body 75a (hereinafter referred to as “rear protruding portion 75c”) has a substantially cylindrical shape (a cross section is a substantially perfect circle). The rearward projecting portion 75c of the first gear 75L is inserted into the “bearing hole 71m of the left bearing portion 71j provided in the base member 71” and supported in a rotatable state by the bearing portion 71j. . The rear protrusion 75c of the second gear 75R is inserted into the “bearing hole 71m of the right bearing 71k provided in the base member 71” and is supported in a rotatable state by the bearing 71k. (See FIG. 13).

  As shown in FIG. 16, a portion of the rotating shaft 75b that protrudes forward of the gear body 75a (hereinafter referred to as “front protrusion 75c”) has a substantially columnar shape having a larger outer shape than the rear protrusion 75c. Has been. The cross section (cross section perpendicular to the axial center) of the forward projecting portion 75c is not a perfect circle, but is asymmetrical around the axial center (for example, a non-circular cross section in which a part of the outer periphery is cut into a string). doing. The front protrusion 75c of the first gear 75L is inserted into the “bearing hole 72m of the left bearing 72j provided in the fixing member 72” and supported in a rotatable state by the bearing 72j. . Further, the forward projecting portion 75c of the second gear 75R is inserted into the “bearing hole 72m of the right bearing portion 72k provided in the fixing member 72” and supported in a rotatable state by the bearing portion 72k. . However, the projecting end portions 75e and 75f of the both front projecting portions 75c project through the corresponding bearing portions 72j and 72k to the front of the fixing member 72 (see FIG. 13).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the first cam member 76L is screwed and fixed to the “projecting end portion 75e of the front projecting portion 75c constituting the first gear 75L” on the front surface portion of the fixing member 72, The gear 75L can be rotated together with the gear 75L. Further, the second cam member 76R is screwed and fixed to the “protruding end portion 75f of the front projecting portion 75d constituting the second gear 75R” on the front surface portion of the fixing member 72, and is integrated with the second gear 75R. It can be rotated (see FIG. 18). Here, the 1st cam member 76L and the 2nd cam member 76R are provided with the same structure except the point provided with a mirror surface object (line symmetry) structure.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the cam members 76L and 76R include an arm portion 76a, a support shaft 76b, and a support roller 76c. Of these, the arm portion 76a is configured in a plate shape that is wide at one end side and narrowed at the other end side, and includes an attachment portion 76d that swells in a container shape toward the front side. In addition, the internal space of the mounting portion 76d is opened toward the rear of the arm portion 76a, and the shape of the space is a shape that can fit the protruding end portions 75e and 75f of the front protruding portions 75c and 75d (inverted irregularities). Shape).

  The support shaft 76b is provided on the other end side of the arm portion 76a so as to protrude forward while the axial center is directed to the front front. Further, the support roller 76c is supported by the support shaft 76b in a rotatable state (a state in which the support roller 76c can rotate around the axis of the support roller 76c).

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the first cam member 76L, the screw is mounted from the front of the mounting portion 76d in a state where the protruding end portion 75e of the front protruding portion 75c is fitted to the mounting portion 76d. 76d is screwed to the projecting end 75e. As a result, the first cam member 76L can rotate integrally with the first gear 75L in a state where the other end side (support roller 76c) of the arm portion 76a is disposed on the right side of the mounting portion 76d. (See FIG. 18).

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the second cam member 76R, a screw is mounted from the front of the mounting portion 76d in a state where the protruding end portion 75f of the front protruding portion 75d is fitted to the mounting portion 76d. Screwed to the projecting end 75f. Thus, the second cam member 76R can be rotated integrally with the second gear 75R in a state where the other end side (support roller 76c) of the arm portion 76a is disposed on the left side of the mounting portion 76d. (See FIG. 18).

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 15, the first motor 77 is a stepping motor and is supported by motor protrusions 71d and 71e with the drive shaft 77a facing forward. A gear 77b is mounted on the drive shaft 77a so as to be integrally rotatable.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the rack gear 74 is linearly arranged on the front surface of the base member 71 using two guide rollers 71 m and 71 n and a gear 77 b while arranging the axis of the rack gear 74 obliquely upward to the left. It is mounted in a state where it can be displaced (a state in which it can operate linearly). That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, the guide roller 71 m is rotatably mounted on the rack gear protrusion 71 f on the upper left side of the front surface of the base member 71, and the rack gear protrusion on the lower right side of the front surface of the base member 71. The guide roller 71n is also attached to 71g so as to be rotatable.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 71m comes into contact with the upper surface 74f of the first rack gear portion 74c from above, and the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 71n is in contact with the second rack gear portion 74d. The lower surface 74h is in contact with the lower surface 74h. Further, the gear 77b meshes with the first tooth row 74e on the lower surface of the first rack gear portion 74c from below. Further, in the first tooth row 74e, the first gear 75L meshes with the portion below the meshing position of the gear 77b from below, and the second tooth row on the upper surface of the second rack gear portion 74d. The second gear 75R meshes with 74g from above. Note that the pitches of the tooth portions of the first gear 75L and the second gear 75R are made equal, and the pitch of the teeth constituting the first tooth row 74e and the pitch of the teeth constituting the second tooth row 74g. Are also equal.

  In the movable effect device 70, when the driving of the first motor 77 is stopped, the rack gear 74 is directed to the front surface of the base member 71 while its axis is inclined obliquely and supported vertically by the guide rollers 71m and 71n. It is in a stopped state on the side. Then, the drive shaft 77a of the first motor 77 is rotated in one direction of rotation (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 18 and hereinafter referred to as “upward rotation direction”), and the gear 77b is rotated in the “upward rotation direction”. ”, The rack gear 74 is displaced obliquely to the upper left (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 18). On the other hand, the drive shaft 77a of the first motor 77 is rotated in a rotation direction opposite to the “upward rotation direction” (hereinafter referred to as “downward rotation direction”), and the gear 77b is rotated in the “downward rotation direction”. Then, the rack gear 74 is displaced diagonally to the lower right (see FIG. 15).

  In the movable effect device 70, the operation range (displacement range) of the rack gear 74 that is displaced in the tilt direction is kept within a certain range by controlling the driving of the first motor 77. Further, regardless of the position of the rack gear 74 in this operating range (displacement range), the first gear 75L meshes with the first tooth row 74e, and the second tooth row 74g has the second gear. The first gear 75L and the second gear 75R are incorporated in the movable effect device 70 so that the gear 75R of the second gear 75R meshes from above. In other words, “a situation where the missing tooth portion of the first gear 75L faces the first tooth row 74e” and “a state where the missing tooth portion of the second gear 75R faces the second tooth row 74g”. The first gear 75 </ b> L and the second gear 75 </ b> R are incorporated in the movable effect device 70 so as not to occur.

  In this movable effect device 70, the linear displacement of the rack gear 74 ("displacement in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 20, that is, displacement from the position of FIG. 19 to the position of FIG. 20" or "from the position of FIG. With the displacement to the position of FIG. 19), the first gear 75L and the second gear 75R rotate in opposite directions (for example, the direction of arrow D and the direction of F in FIG. 21). At this time, the first cam member 76L rotates integrally with the first gear 75L in the same direction as the first gear 75L, and the second cam member 76R rotates integrally with the second gear 75R. It rotates in the same direction as the gear 75R. From the beginning (whether or not the first cam member 76L and the second cam member 76R are rotated), the support roller 76c of the first cam member 76L and the support of the second cam member 76R are supported. The roller 76c is disposed between the rotation axis of the first gear 75L and the rotation axis of the second gear 75R.

  In addition, the height position of the “support roller 76c of the first cam member 76L” disposed on the left side and the height position of the “support roller 76c of the second cam member 76R” disposed on the right side are always ( Regardless of whether or not the first cam member 76L and the second cam member 76R are rotated), the same height is set in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). Further, the both support rollers 76c constitute a pressing portion for pressing the pressed portion of the elevating unit 80 (the lower surface h1 of the pressed rib 81h, which will be described later). When both the support rollers 76c move up and down, both the support rollers 76c press the pressed part in a well-balanced manner (to press a symmetric position with reference to an imaginary line passing through the center of gravity of the lift unit 80). 80 moves up and down smoothly.

  The spring 78 is a tension spring constituted by using a coil spring, and constitutes a specific example of the urging means. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, one end is fixed to the spring support protrusion 71 c of the base member 71, and the other end is fixed to the protrusion 74 j of the rack gear 74. When the rack gear 74 is displaced obliquely downward to the right and the rack gear 74 reaches the “position where the lifting / lowering unit 80 is at the lowest position”, the spring 78 is moved to the rack gear 74 due to the weight of the lifting / lowering unit 80. The rack gear 74 is configured to apply a biasing force slightly smaller than the “load to be loaded”. That is, as shown in FIG. 21, the weight of the elevating unit 80 is “the support roller 76c of the first cam member 76L” and “the support roller 76c of the second cam member 76R” through the lower surface h1 of the pressed rib 81h. In addition, "a first gear 75L arranged to rotate integrally with the left support roller 76c" and "a second gear 75R arranged to rotate integrally with the right support roller 76c". Communicated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, the weight of the elevating unit 80 is applied to the rack gear 74 as “a load (FW) that displaces the rack gear 74 obliquely downward to the right”. The “left diagonally downward” indicating one of the “linear displacement directions” of the rack gear 74 constitutes a specific example of the “first displacement direction”, and the “linear displacement direction” of the rack gear 74 is “An obliquely lower right” indicating the other of them constitutes a specific example of “second displacement direction”.

  When the drive shaft 77a stops rotating, the rack gear 74 is locked in a non-displaceable state by the gear 77b. However, when the drive shaft 77a starts to rotate, the torque of the drive shaft 77a causes the above-described torque. It is necessary to displace the rack gear 74 diagonally upward to the left while resisting the load (FW). However, as shown in FIG. 20, the spring 78 applies a biasing force (FS) that is directed diagonally upward to the left with respect to the rack gear 74, and this biasing force (FS) is “the aforementioned load (FW)”. Therefore, even if the torque of the drive shaft 77a is small, the elevating unit 80 can be raised smoothly. In other words, in the present embodiment, a motor having a small torque can be used as the first motor 77.

  Next, the lifting unit 80 will be described. The elevating unit 80 includes an outer shell member 81 and a blade opening / closing unit 85. Among these, the outer member 81 includes an outer main body 81A disposed on the front surface side and a rear wall portion 81B disposed on the rear surface side, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the outer shell main body 81A includes a base part 81c configured in a substantially plate shape, and a blade support part 81d configured in a substantially ring shape in front view and disposed above the base part 81c. And comprising.

  On the back surface of the base portion 81c, the left rib 81e protrudes from the portion located on the left edge side, the right rib 81f protrudes from the portion located on the right edge side, and the bottom rib 81g protrudes from the portion located on the lower edge side. (See FIG. 23). In addition, on the back surface of the base portion 81c, a pressed rib 81h protrudes from a portion spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom rib 81g (slightly larger than the diameter of the support roller 76c) (see FIG. 23). . Both the “lower surface h1 of the pressed rib 81h” and the “upper surface h2 of the bottom rib 81g” face each other while being horizontal, and are parallel to each other with an interval slightly larger than the diameter of the support roller 76c. Has been. Note that the lower surface h1 of the pressed rib 81h constitutes a specific example of the pressed portion.

  As shown in FIG. 22, an auxiliary rib 81j is provided in a portion of the back surface of the base portion 81c adjacent to the lower end side of the right rib 81f, and the left support shaft is formed by the auxiliary rib 81j and the lower end side of the right rib 81f. 81k is held. The left support shaft 81k has a left end protruding from the left side of the base portion 81c with the axis being directed to the left and right, and a cylindrical support cylinder 81m is rotatable at the left end. It is attached to.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, the blade support part 81d includes a main body part 81n configured in a substantially cylindrical shape, a front wall part 81p disposed on the front surface part (front opening end) of the main body part 81n, An inner wall portion 81q that protrudes in a substantially ring shape from the inner wall portion of the main body portion 81n. Among these, the inner wall portion 81q protrudes in a substantially ring shape toward the inside along the radial direction of the main body portion 81n at the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the main body portion 81n. Further, the front wall portion 81p protrudes in a substantially ring shape toward the “inner side along the radial direction of the main body portion 81n” at the front end portion of the main body portion 81n, and the radius of the inner peripheral edge is equal to that of the inner wall portion 81q. It is made equal to the radius of the periphery.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, substantially cylindrical support protrusions 81r protrude from four positions (four positions at intervals of approximately 90 degrees) on the front surface of the inner wall 81q. The support protrusion 81r has a support hole 81s opened at the axial center position. Further, in the front wall portion 81p, a support hole 81t is provided at a portion located in front of each support hole 81s. The support member 81u is supported in a rotatable state by using the support holes 81t and 81s opposed to the front and rear.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the support member 81u is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape, and includes a circumferential groove 81v in an outer peripheral portion (a portion located in the middle of the outer peripheral portion along the axial direction). Further, the support shaft 81x is inserted into the insertion hole 81w provided in the shaft center, and the “front end portion exposed to the front of the insertion hole 81w of the support shaft 81x” is fitted into the support hole 81t of the front wall portion 81p. The “rear end portion exposed to the rear of the insertion hole 81w in the support shaft 81x” is fitted into the support hole 81t in the inner wall portion 81q. The support member 81u is supported in a rotatable state at four locations inside the main body 81n and spaced around the axis.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the rear wall portion 81B is attached to the back side of the outer shell main body 81A in a lid shape and constitutes a substantially container-shaped outer member 81 together with the outer shell main body 81A. As shown in FIG. 25, the rear wall portion 81B also includes a base portion 82c configured in a substantially plate shape, and a blade support portion 82d configured in a substantially ring shape in front view and disposed above the base portion 82c. And comprising.

  As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, guide protrusions 82d and 82e protrude from the left end side and the right end side on the lower end side of the back surface of the base portion 82c. The left guide protrusion 82d is inserted through the left guide hole 72e, and the right guide protrusion 82e is inserted through the left guide hole 72f. In addition, the guide protrusions 82d and 82e are provided with retaining members 82f and 82g for preventing “the guide protrusions 82d and 82e from slipping out of the guide holes 72e and 72f” at portions protruding rearward of the board portion 72a. Is done. When the elevating unit 80 (outer shell member 81) is moved up and down, the guide protrusions 82d and 82e can slide up and down in the corresponding guide holes 72e and 72f.

  As shown in FIG. 26, on the lower right side of the outer member 81 (an integral part of the outer body 81A and the rear wall 81B), below the mounting position of the left support shaft 81k, a support shaft 82h is provided. The shaft center is mounted in a state of penetrating back and forth (FIG. 22 shows a state in which the front end portion of the support shaft 82h protrudes forward of the base portion 81c). Further, in the support shaft 82h, a rolling support member 82j configured in a disc shape is mounted in a rotatable state at a rear end portion protruding rearward of the rear wall portion 81B.

  And the right end side of the outer shell member 81 is supported by the slide support member 73 so as to be vertically slidable using the support cylinder 81m and the rolling support member 82j. That is, as shown in FIG. 27, the support cylinder 81m is inserted between the front slide surface 73g and the rear slide surface 73h so as to be slidable up and down. The rolling support member 82j has an outer peripheral surface in contact with the slide rolling surface 73e, and the sliding rolling surface 73e can roll as the outer member 81 moves up and down.

  As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the elevating unit 80 (outer member 81) can slide the guide protrusions 82d and 82e up and down with respect to the guide holes 72e and 72f on the left and right sides of the outer member 81. In addition to being mounted, on the right end side of the outer shell member 81, it is supported so as to be slidable up and down using a support cylinder 81m and a rolling support member 82j. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 19, when the rack gear 74 is positioned at the lowermost position, “the support roller 76c of the first cam member 76L” and “the support roller 76c of the second cam member 76R”. ”Is in contact with the“ lower surface h1 of the pressed rib 81h ”from below while being positioned at the lowest position (see the solid line cam members 76L, 76R, etc. in FIG. 21).

  In this state, when the drive shaft 77a of the first motor 77 is rotated in the upward rotation direction and the rack gear 74 is displaced obliquely upward to the left, the first gear 75L and the first cam member 76L are viewed from the front. The second gear 75R and the second cam member 76R rotate in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21, the “support roller 76c of the first cam member 76L” rises while drawing a rotation locus in the left rotation direction when viewed from the front, and “the second cam member 76R The support roller 76c ascends while drawing a rotation locus in the right rotation direction.

  Here, when the first motor 77 is driven, the height positions of the support rollers 76c and 76c change, but the amount of change in the height positions of the support rollers 76c and 76c is always equal. That is, the height position of the right support roller 76c and the height position of the left support roller 76c change by the same amount corresponding to the drive of the first motor 77 (the amount of displacement in the vertical direction is always constant). Identical.) Moreover, the left and right support rollers 76c and 76c are always in contact with the lower surface h1 of the pressed rib 81h regardless of whether or not the first motor 77 is driven, and the left and right support rollers 76c and 76c are in contact with each other. The contact position is equidistant from the position of the center of gravity of the elevating unit 80. That is, on the lower surface h1 of the pressed rib 81h, the position where the left and right support rollers 76c and 76c contact is based on the imaginary line passing through the center of gravity regardless of the driving amount of the first motor 77 or the presence or absence of driving. It is a symmetrical position.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, when the “support roller 76c of the first cam member 76L” and the “support roller 76c of the second cam member 76R” rise while rotating in opposite directions, the lifting unit 80 (outer member 81) rises. Thereafter, when the rack gear 74 is displaced obliquely downward to the right, the “supporting roller 76c of the first cam member 76L” descends while drawing a rotation locus of the right rotation when viewed from the front, and “the second cam member Since the support roller 76c "of 76R descends while drawing a rotation locus in the left rotation direction when viewed from the front, the elevating unit 80 (outer member 81) is lowered.

  The blade support portion 82d of the rear wall portion 81B is attached to the opening portion on the rear side of the blade support portion 81d of the outer member 81 and seals the opening portion. Further, as shown in FIG. 25A, the blade support portion 82d includes a through hole 82v penetrating in the front-rear direction at its axial center, and projects a substantially cylindrical inner wall 82w from the peripheral portion of the through hole 82v. I am letting.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the blade opening / closing unit 85 includes a rear gear member 85a, a support disk 85b, a front gear member 85c, a load gear 85d, a transmission member 86, and three blade members 87A, 87B, 87C (see FIG. 7), a second motor 88 (see FIGS. 7 and 26), a drive gear 88c, an intermediate gear 88d, and a design gear 88e (see FIG. 7). Here, the front gear member 85c constitutes a specific example of “driving rotation member”, and the rear gear member 85a constitutes a specific example of “driven rotation member”. Further, the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C constitute a specific example of “movable decorative member”, and the second motor 88 constitutes a specific example of “driving means constituting a drive source of the movable decorative member”.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 24, the rear gear member 85a is supported in a rotatable state inside the outer member 81 using a support disk 85b. That is, the rear gear member 85a is configured in a substantially disc shape with the axis centered in the front-rear direction, and has a main body portion 85f provided with teeth on the outer peripheral portion, and a main body portion 85f on the rear surface of the main body portion 85f. A projecting portion 85g projecting concentrically into a substantially cylindrical shape and an engaging projection 85h projecting on the front surface of the main body portion 85f are provided. In addition, connecting holes 85j are provided at four locations on the outer peripheral side of the main body portion 85f (four locations separated by approximately 90 degrees around the axis).

  As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the support disk 85b is configured by using a disk having an outer diameter slightly larger than that of the main body 85f, and is attached to the front surface of the rear gear member 85a. It can be rotated integrally with 85a. That is, the support disc 85b is provided with a screw hole 85k that is aligned with the connection hole 85j of the main body 85f and an engagement hole 85m that can engage (fit) the engagement protrusion 85h. Yes. Then, the engaging protrusion 85h is engaged (fitted) with the engaging hole 85m, and a screw 85n is mounted from the rear of the main body 85f, and the screw 85n is screwed into the screwing hole 85k, thereby supporting. The disc 85b and the rear gear member 85a are integrated.

  As shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, in the support disc 85b, there are blade members 87A, 87B, which will be described later, in “sites located on the outer side along the radial direction of the support disc 85b” from the screw hole 85k. A connection hole 85p that is involved in connection with 87C is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 29, when the support disc 85b is mounted on the front surface of the rear gear member 85a, the outer edge portion G2 of the support disc 85b is more “support disc than the outer edge portion G1 of the rear gear member 85a. It is located on the “outside along the radial direction of 85b”. When the support disc 85b is mounted on the front surface of the rear gear member 85a, the rotation axis of the support disc 85b and the rotation axis of the rear gear member 85a are aligned on the same line. And since four places of the outer edge part G2 of the support disc 85b are put into the "circular groove 81v of the rotatable support member 81u" (see FIG. 24), the rear gear member 85a and the support circle The integrated product of the plates 85b is rotatable around their axis.

  The load gear 85d is a gear for loading the rear gear member 85a with resistance to rotation. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, it is supported between the front-and-back base | substrate parts 81c and 82c in the state which can rotate using the bearing member 85p arrange | positioned with an axial center facing front and back. The load gear 85d is located directly below the rear gear member 85a, and meshes the teeth provided on the outer periphery thereof with the teeth of the rear gear member 85a.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the front gear member 85c is arranged on the front surface portion of the blade support portion 81d in a state in which the rotation axis is concentrically aligned with the rotation axis of the rear gear member 85a, and the transmission member 86. And is supported in a state where it can be displaced relative to the support disk 85b. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, the front gear member 85 c includes a main body portion 85 p configured in a substantially ring shape and having a tooth portion 85 q formed on the outer peripheral portion, and on the inner side of the inner peripheral edge of the main body portion 85 p. A lens portion 85r that swells in a substantially dome shape toward the top.

  The main body portion 85p is provided with three transmission holes D1 and three cam grooves D2 each in a state of penetrating in the thickness direction (front-rear direction). The transmission hole D1 is mainly intended to transmit the driving force applied to the front gear member 85c to the rear gear member 85a, and the cam groove D2 rotates to the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C. The main purpose is to add. The cam groove D2 constitutes a specific example of the “cam portion”. In this embodiment, a hole-like cam portion (cam groove D2) that penetrates the front gear member 85c in the thickness direction is illustrated, but the cam portion is configured by a recess recessed backward from the front surface of the front gear member 85c. (Cam groove D2) and the cam part comprised by the protrusion which protrudes in a substantially circular arc shape from the front part of the front gear member 85c can also be illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 30, three transmission holes D1 are provided at equal intervals (approximately 120 degrees) around the rotation axis N of the front gear member 85c. The transmission hole D1 is formed in a substantially arc shape (an arc having a length of about 1/36 of the imaginary circle C1) along the imaginary circle C1 centering on the “rotational axis of the front gear member 85c”. Here, the transmission hole D1 has an opening shape in which the long axis of the long hole is curved in an arc shape, and is an end portion positioned in the right rotation direction (front view) around the rotation axis N with reference to the center portion. (Hereinafter referred to as “first end portion”) E1 and an end portion (hereinafter referred to as “second end portion”) E2 positioned around the rotation axis N in the left rotation direction (front view).

  Three cam grooves D2 are also provided around the rotation axis N at equal intervals (approximately 120 degrees). The cam groove D2 is provided in a substantially arc shape in the vicinity of the first end E1 (in the vicinity of the rotation hole N1 around the rotation axis N and in the clockwise direction). However, the center of curvature of the cam groove D2 is provided outside the outer periphery of the front gear member 85c, and the intermediate portion intersects the virtual circle C1. The cam groove D2 also has an opening shape in which the long axis of the long hole is curved in an arc shape, and is an end portion (hereinafter referred to as an “inner end portion”) located closer to the rotational axis N than the virtual circle C1. P1 and an end portion (hereinafter referred to as “outer end portion”) P2 located on the side farther away from the virtual circle C1 toward the rotational axis N.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C are supported by the support disk 85b via the transmission member 86. And as shown to Fig.31 (a), when the front gear member 85c rotates to the right rotation direction by front view, the three blade members 87A, 87B, 87C will be in the closed state (closed state), Three blade members 87A, 87B, 87C are integrated to form a ring-shaped body 87D. Further, as shown in FIG. 31 (b), when the front gear member 85c rotates in the left rotation direction when viewed from the front, the three blade members 87A, 87B, 87C are in an open state (open state).

  As shown in FIG. 32, the blade members 87A, 87B, and 87C include a blade body 87a shaped like a bird's blade. Here, the blade main body 87a is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the front. The one end portion 87v is referred to as “the end portion positioned in front of the lens portion 85r” and the other end portion 97d. Further, in the blade main body 87a, “an edge portion constituting the inner peripheral edge of the ring-shaped body 87D” is referred to as an inner edge portion 87e, and “an edge portion constituting the outer peripheral edge of the ring-shaped body 87D” is referred to as an outer edge portion 87f.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the blade body 87a is configured in a substantially container shape, and includes a front wall portion 87s disposed on the front surface and a peripheral wall portion 87t protruding rearward from the peripheral edge portion of the front wall portion 87s. Further, the blade main body 87a has a shape (front view) imitating a “blade tip” on the one end 87v side. Then, at the protruding end portion of the peripheral wall portion 87t, the engaging protrusion 86b is protruded from a portion located on the inner edge portion 87e side and intermediate between the one end portion 87v and the other end portion 87d. The engaging protrusion 86b has a substantially cylindrical shape, is inserted into the cam groove D2 described above, and is movable in a sliding state within the cam groove D2. The engaging protrusion 86b constitutes a specific example of a driven protrusion and is integrated with other parts of the blade body 87a.

  In the front wall portion 87s, it is an intermediate portion between the inner edge portion 87e and the outer edge portion 87f, and is located on the “other end portion 97d side of the blade main body 87a side” than the “portion from which the engagement protrusion 86b protrudes”. The part is provided with a mounting hole 87u (see FIG. 28). And as shown to Fig.32 (a), this mounting hole 87u is provided in the state which penetrates the front wall part 87s back and forth, provided with a substantially circular opening shape. The transmission member 86 is mounted on the blade body 87a using the mounting hole 87u.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the transmission member 86 includes a shaft body portion 86a and a connecting portion 86c, and is fixed to the blade body 87a using a retaining member 86x on the front end side (so that the blade body 87a can be rotated). And is fixed to the support disk 85b at the connecting portion 86c at the rear end. The shaft body portion 86a constitutes a front-side portion of the shaft body portion 86a and has a large-diameter portion 86d having a flange portion 86v on the front end portion side and a rear-side portion of the shaft body portion 86a. A small-diameter portion 86e having an outer diameter smaller than that of the rear end portion of the portion 86d. Further, “a portion of the large-diameter portion 86d that is located closer to the front end portion of the shaft body portion 86a than the flange portion 86v (hereinafter referred to as“ insertion portion 86w ”) is slidable with respect to the mounting hole 87u. The size can be inserted. Further, the outer diameters of the large retaining member 86x attached to the front end portion of the shaft body portion 86a and the flange portion 86v are made larger than the inner diameter of the attachment hole 87u. Unlike the present embodiment, the shaft body portion 86a and the connecting portion 86c may be provided integrally (for example, integrally formed).

  As shown in FIG. 23B, the connecting portion 86 c is a plate-like body that is substantially “8-shaped” in a front view. And as shown in FIG. 29, it interposes between the rear-end part of the shaft body part 86a, and the support disc 85b. Further, as shown in FIG. 23C, the connecting portion 86c has a configuration in which two through holes 87f and 87g are arranged in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the connection part 86c is arrange | positioned at the front side of the support disc 85b, directing the longitudinal direction to the radial direction of the support disc 85b.

  The transmission member 86 is attached to the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C and the support disc 85b as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 29, the insertion portion 86w is inserted into the mounting hole 87u, and the front surface portion of the flange portion 86v is brought into contact with the rear surface portion of the front wall portion 87s. The front end portion (the front end portion of the large diameter portion 86d) and the front surface portion of the front wall portion 87s are substantially flush. Then, a retaining member 86x is attached to the front end portion of the shaft body portion 86a, and the retaining member 86x and the flange portion 86v sandwich the front wall portion 87s in the front-rear direction. At this time, “between the mounting hole 87u and the insertion portion 86w”, “between the front surface portion of the flange portion 86v and the rear surface portion of the front wall portion 87s” and “between the rear surface portion of the retaining member 86x and the front wall portion 87s”. Since the clearance is provided between the front surface portion and the front surface portion, the blade body 87 a is rotatable around the axis of the transmission member 86. Further, in this state, the rear end side of the large diameter portion 86d and the small diameter portion 86e are in a state of protruding rearward of the blade body 86a.

  A small-diameter portion 86e protruding rearward of the blade body 86a is inserted into the transmission hole D1, and can move in a sliding state in the transmission hole D1. Further, the rear end portion (rear end portion of the small diameter portion 86e) of the shaft body portion 86a reaches the vicinity of the support disc 85b, and the connecting portion 86c is interposed between the rear end portion and the support disc 85b. In this state, the rear end portion and the support disc 85b are screwed. That is, the screw hole opened at the rear end portion (rear end portion of the small diameter portion 86e) of the shaft body portion 86a, the through hole 87f of the connection portion 86c, and the connection hole 85p of the support disc 85b are aligned in the front-rear direction. By attaching the screw 86h from the rear side of the support disk 85b, the transmission member 86 can be rotated integrally with the support disk 85b. Note that the tip end portion of the screw 85n screwed into the screw hole 85k is also screwed into the through hole 87g of the connecting portion 86c.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the second motor 88 is attached to the base portion 82c with the drive shaft 88a disposed rearward (see FIG. 12). In addition, a drive gear 88c is mounted on the drive shaft 88a so as to be integrally rotatable, and an intermediate gear 88d is mounted on the front left end side of the base portion 82c so as to be rotatable. Since the intermediate gear 88d is interposed between the drive gear 88c and the front gear member 85c (the drive gear 88c and the intermediate gear 88d mesh with each other, the intermediate gear 88d and the front gear member 85c mesh with each other. Therefore, the driving force of the second motor 88 is transmitted to the front gear member 85c. In addition, while the design gear 88e is mounted in a rotatable state on the front right end side of the base portion 82c, and the design gear 88e meshes with the front gear member 85c, the front gear member 85c rotates. The design gear 88e also rotates. The second motor 88 is a stepping motor, and is connected to a sub-control board 220 (described later) via a decorative drive board 226. The rotation operation (rotation action) and the stop operation of the second motor 88 are sub-control boards. Control is performed using a control signal transmitted from 220 (described later).

  Next, opening and closing modes of the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C constituting the lifting unit 80 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 31A, when the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C are in the closed state, the drive shaft 88a of the second motor 88 is rotated in a first predetermined rotational direction (hereinafter referred to as “closed state rotation”). When the front gear member 85c is rotated in the left rotation direction when viewed from the front, the front gear member 85c is more than the transmission member 86, the blade body 86a, the support disc 85b, and the rear gear member 85a. The rotation in the left rotation direction is started slightly before. That is, the front gear member 85c precedes and rotates counterclockwise by the phase corresponding to the arc length of the transmission hole D1.

  As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, during the preceding rotation of the front gear member 85c, the transmission hole D1 is inserted with the small-diameter portion 86e, and the cam groove D2 is inserted through the engagement protrusion 86b. Rotate ahead of. Here, in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35, “transmission hole D1 (B) and cam groove D2 (B)” indicated by solid lines indicate positions before the start of the preceding rotation, and “transmission hole D1 (A) and cam indicated by broken lines”. The groove D2 (A) "indicates the position after the preceding rotation.

  During the preceding rotation of the front gear member 85c, the transmission hole D1 rotates in the left rotation direction prior to the small diameter portion 86e, and the cam groove D2 rotates in the left rotation direction prior to the engagement protrusion 86b. At this time, since the small diameter portion 86e and the engagement protrusion 86b are stopped, the insertion position of the small diameter portion 86e is shifted to the first end E1 side of the transmission hole D1. However, the transmission hole D1 draws a substantially arc-shaped path centering on the rotation axis of the front gear member 85c, but the cam groove D2 intersects with an imaginary line centering on the rotation axis of the front gear member 85c. However, on the left rotation direction side, a path in which the rotation axis of the front gear member 85c is close to the center of curvature is drawn.

  That is, the cam groove D2 has the center of curvature on the outer side of the outer edge of the front gear member 85c, and the rotation axis of the front gear member 85c is close to the center of curvature on the left rotation direction side, and the front side on the right rotation direction side. A path is drawn that moves the rotational axis of the gear member 85c away from the center of curvature. Then, during the preceding rotation of the front gear member 85c, when the insertion position of the small diameter portion 86e shifts to the first end E1 side, the engagement protrusion 86b that tries to maintain the distance from the small diameter portion 86e is a cam groove. The inside of D2 is shifted to the outer end portion P2.

  At this time, since the engaging protrusion 86b rotates in the counterclockwise direction around the axis of the small-diameter portion 86e, the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C tend to shift to the open state. When the small-diameter portion 86e contacts the first end E1 (that is, the inner wall portion forming the first end E1) and the engaging projection 86b contacts the outer end P2, the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C. Shifts to an open state (fully open state). Thereafter, when the rotation of the front gear member 85c in the counterclockwise direction is continued, the front gear member 85c, the transmission member 86, the blade body 86a, the support disc 85b, and the rear gear member 85a rotate integrally, so that the blade member 87A, 87B and 87C rotate in the left rotation direction (front view) while maintaining the open state.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 31B, when the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C are in the open state, the drive shaft 88a of the second motor 88 is moved in the direction opposite to the first predetermined rotation direction (hereinafter, “ When the front gear member 85c is rotated in the right rotation direction when viewed from the front, the front gear member 85c is connected to the transmission member 86, the blade body 86a, the support disc 85b, and the rear gear member 85a. The rotation in the right rotation direction (front view) is started slightly before. That is, as shown in FIG. 36, the front gear member 85c is preceded by the amount corresponding to the arc length of the transmission hole D1 and rotates in the clockwise direction (the transmission hole D1 and the cam groove D2 are indicated by solid lines). Move from the position to the position indicated by the dashed line.)

  During the preceding rotation of the front gear member 85c, the transmission hole D1 rotates through the small-diameter portion 86e and the cam groove D2 passes through the engaging projection 86b, respectively, and rotates in the clockwise direction. That is, the transmission hole D1 rotates in the clockwise direction before the small-diameter portion 86e, and the cam groove D2 rotates in the clockwise direction before the engaging protrusion 86b. At this time, since the small diameter portion 86e and the engagement protrusion 86b are stopped, the insertion position of the small diameter portion 86e is shifted to the second end E2 side of the transmission hole D1, and the insertion position of the engagement protrusion 86b is the cam position. Transition to the inner end P1 of the groove D2.

  During the preceding rotation of the front gear member 85c, when the insertion position of the small diameter portion 86e shifts to the second end portion E2 side, the engagement protrusion 86b that tries to maintain the distance from the small diameter portion 86e is formed in the cam groove. The inside of D2 moves to the inner end P1 side. At this time, since the engagement protrusion 86b rotates in the clockwise direction around the axis of the small diameter portion 86e, the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C tend to shift to the closed state. When the small diameter portion 86e comes into contact with the second end portion E2 (that is, the inner wall portion forming the second end portion E2) and the engaging projection 86b comes into contact with the inner end portion P1, the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C. Shifts to the closed state (fully closed state). Thereafter, when the rotation of the front gear member 85c in the right rotation direction (front view) is continued, the front gear member 85c, the transmission member 86, the blade main body 86a, the support disc 85b, and the rear gear member 85a rotate integrally. The blade members 87A, 87B, 87C rotate in the clockwise direction (front view) while maintaining the closed state.

  Next, the drive mode of the movable effect device 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38. First, when the effect by the movable effect device 70 is not performed, as shown in FIG. 37A, the elevating unit 80 is set to the lowest position (lower position) and the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C are opened and closed. The aspect is kept closed. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the height position of the rack gear 74 is maintained at the lowest position (downward position) (the first motor 77 is maintained in the drive stopped state), and the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C. Is maintained in the closed state (second motor 88 is maintained in the drive stopped state). In the following description, a state where the height position of the movable effect device 70 is the lowermost position and the opening / closing mode of the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C is maintained in the closed state is referred to as a “basic state”. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 37B, when performing the effect of raising the elevating unit 80, the first motor 77 is driven, and the open / close modes of the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C are maintained in the closed state. That is, with the driving of the second motor 88 stopped, the drive shaft 77a of the first motor 77 is rotated in the upward rotation direction, and the height position of the rack gear 74 is displaced to the uppermost position (upward position) ( (See FIG. 18). Accordingly, the first gear 75L and the first cam member 76L rotate in the left rotation direction, and the second gear 75R and the second cam member 76R rotate in the right rotation direction. As shown in FIG. 21, the “support roller 76c of the first cam member 76L” rises while drawing a rotation locus of left rotation, and the “support roller 76c of the second cam member 76R” The lift unit 80 moves upward while drawing the rotation trajectory. In the following description, the state where the movable rendering device 70 is at the uppermost position and the open / closed state of the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C is maintained in the closed state may be referred to as an “ascending state”. .

  When performing an effect of rotating the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C to the right (hereinafter referred to as “right rotation effect”), the second motor 88 is maintained with the height position of the movable effect device 70 maintained at the uppermost position. The drive shaft 88a is rotated in the “closed state rotation direction”, and the front gear member 85c is rotated in the right rotation direction. Accordingly, the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C rotate in the right direction while maintaining the closed state.

  When performing the effect of rotating the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C counterclockwise (hereinafter referred to as “left rotation effect”), the second motor 88 is maintained with the height position of the movable effect device 70 maintained at the uppermost position. The drive shaft 88a is rotated in the rotation direction opposite to the “closed state rotation direction”, that is, the “open state rotation direction”, and the front gear member 85c is rotated in the left rotation direction. Accordingly, the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C change from the closed state to the open state, and rotate leftward while maintaining the open state.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the normal symbol operation gate (ordinary symbol operation port) 16 is disposed in a portion located on the left side of the main accessory device 20 in the game area 11. Further, a normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s (see FIG. 41) is disposed in the normal symbol operation gate 16. When the “normal symbol variation start condition (normal symbol lottery execution condition)” is established on the assumption that the game ball is detected by the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, the lower left display device 50 (described later). The normal symbol variation display (specifically, the blinking display of the lamp device for the normal symbol) is started. Then, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed after the start of normal symbol fluctuation, the normal symbol is confirmed (lit or extinguished). When the normal symbol hit display (lighted display) is performed, the normal electric accessory 17d (described later) is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

  The start winning device 17 is disposed at a position located directly below the discharge path of the stage portion 21d. The first start winning portion 17a and the second start winning portion 17b are arranged vertically. Among these, the first start winning portion 17a is provided with a pocket shape with an opening, that is, a first start opening opened upward. Since the first start port is located directly below the outlet portion 21v of the discharge passage, the probability that the game ball that has passed through the discharge passage will win the start winning device 17 through the first start port is increased. Yes.

  The second start winning portion 17b is located substantially directly below the first start winning portion 17a, and includes an ordinary electric accessory 17d at the entrance side portion. The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip type and is formed so that a pair of wing pieces are opened and closed on the left and right. That is, the second start winning portion 17b includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c (see FIG. 41) for operating the pair of blade pieces. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state, and the pair of wing pieces are erected so that the game ball is less likely to enter. It becomes.

  Inside the start winning device 17, there is provided a start winning port winning ball detection switch 17s (see FIG. 41) for detecting the passage of the game ball through the first start winning portion 17a or the second start winning portion 17b. Has been. That is, the game ball won in the first start winning portion 17a and the game ball won in the second start winning portion 17b pass through the same passage (not shown) in the start winning device 17, and this passage This is detected by a start winning opening winning ball detection switch 17s disposed in the middle of the path.

  The lower device 30 is arranged below the start winning device 17 and is constituted by a variable winning device (large winning device) 31. The variable winning device 31 includes an attachment plate portion 31k attached to the front surface portion of the game board 10. The mounting plate portion 31k has an opening having a substantially band shape in a substantially central portion in a state of penetrating the front and back, and this opening constitutes a big prize opening 31a. The rear end portion of the grand prize winning port 31a is in communication with “a grand prize winning prize winning passage (a passage through which a game ball to be won from the big prize winning opening 31a passes, not shown)”. . The variable winning device 31 includes an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the large winning opening 31a, a large winning opening solenoid 31c (see FIG. 41) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a large winning opening winning. A special winning opening winning ball detection switch 31s (see FIG. 41) provided in the middle of the path of the passage or in the route terminal section.

  In the variable winning device 31, when the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the large winning opening 31a, so that it is impossible to win a game ball in the variable winning device 31. On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b tilts forward with its lower end as a fulcrum and assumes a forward leaning posture, the prize winning opening 31a is opened and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the opening / closing plate 31b flows down the game area 11. And the guidance part which guides the game ball which reached | attained the variable winning apparatus 31 to the big winning opening 31a is comprised.

  The lower left display device 50 is arranged on the left side of the variable winning device (large winning device) 31. As shown in FIG. 39A, the lower left display device 50 is configured in a substantially arc shape and includes a mounting plate 51 that is attached to the front portion of the game board 10. The mounting plate 51 is provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 52, a special symbol hold display unit 53, a game state display unit 55, and a normal symbol display unit 56.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 52 is configured by using two LEDs, and displays a so-called “number of hold for a normal symbol” with an upper limit of four. In other words, “the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16 but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of reserved balls)” is displayed as the upper limit number of four and undigested games. Each time a ball is digested, the “number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves)” is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, the holding ball)” relating to the normal symbol has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 16, but the normal symbol display unit 56, which will be described later, shows the result of the lottery result associated with the passage. This indicates a game ball in which neither display nor change display preceding this (in this embodiment, blinking display using an LED) is made.

  The special symbol hold display section 53 is also configured by using two LEDs, and displays a so-called “number of hold for a special symbol” with an upper limit of four. That is, “the number of game balls that have been won in the start winning device 17 but are still undigested (ie, the number of reserves)” is displayed as the upper limit number of 4 and every time an undigested game ball is digested "The number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves)" is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, the holding ball)” related to the special symbol is won in the start winning device 17, but in the special symbol display unit 62 to be described later, whether or not the lottery is performed (whether or not is determined). This indicates a game ball in which the result display and the change display preceding the result are not made.

  In the normal symbol hold display unit 52 and the special symbol hold display unit 53, the number of holds is displayed in the same manner. That is, (a) two LEDs are turned off and “holding number” is “zero”, (b) one LED is turned on, one LED is turned off and “holding number” is It is “1”, (c) two LEDs are turned on and “holding number” is “2”, (d) one LED is blinked and one LED is turned on. The “hold number” is “3”, and (e) two LEDs are blinked to indicate that the “hold number” is “4”.

  The gaming state display unit 55 is composed of one LED, and is used to display a gaming state (game mode) when the gaming machine 1 is turned on (when the gaming machine 1 is activated). Specifically, turning off the LED indicates that “the gaming state is the normal gaming state (normal mode)”, and turning on the LED indicates that “the gaming state is the probability variation gaming state (high probability mode)”. Is displayed. In other words, the LED of the game state display unit 55 is lit only when the game mode is in the high probability mode when the power is turned on (when activated). In this case, when “hit” is obtained as a result of the special symbol winning / rejecting determination, the LED of the gaming state display unit 55 is turned off thereafter. And even if the gaming state is in the probability changing mode until the gaming machine 1 is turned off (while the gaming machine 1 is operating), the LED of the gaming state display unit 55 is not lit.

  Here, in this embodiment, when the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the “normal mode” to the “high probability mode”, the probability variation means (the probability that the big hit determination is made in the determination of success / failure is higher than normal). A means for setting a probability) and a fluctuation time shortening means (a means for increasing the possibility of setting the fluctuation time of a special symbol or a normal symbol to a shorter time than normal (when the fluctuation time shortening means is not in operation)), The opening extension means (means for setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to a longer time than usual or setting the number of times of opening to a higher number than usual) is activated. When the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the “high probability mode” to the “time reduction mode”, the fluctuation time shortening means and the opening extension means continue to operate, and only the probability changing means stops operating. Further, when the game mode of the gaming machine 1 is returned from the “time reduction mode” to the “normal mode”, the operation of the variable time shortening means and the opening extension means stops. The “probability changing means” is a means for changing the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 from “a low probability mode in which determination of success / failure is performed with a low probability” to “a high probability mode of performing determination of success / failure with a high probability”. The “opening production means” changes the game mode of the gaming machine 1 from “the normal opening mode in which the opening time of the starting winning portion device (second starting winning portion 17b) is not extended” to “the starting winning portion device (second starting winning portion). This is means for changing to the "open extension mode for extending the opening time of the part 17b)". Furthermore, the variation time shortening means (time shortening means) changes the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 from “normal variation mode not shortening the special symbol variation time” to “shortened variation mode shortening the special symbol variation time”. It is a means to change.

  The lower right display device 60 is arranged on the right side of the variable winning device (large winning device) 31. As shown in FIG. 39 (b), the lower right display device 60 is configured in a substantially arc shape and includes a mounting plate 61 that is attached to the front surface portion of the game board 10. The mounting plate 61 is provided with a special symbol display unit 62 and a big hit mode display unit 63.

  The special symbol display unit 62 is configured by using “seven LEDs 62a to 62g” arranged in a substantially oval shape, and “game ball winning to the start winning device 17 (hereinafter referred to as“ start winning ”). The display of the result of the success / failure determination associated with “)” is executed through the variable display (in the present embodiment, lighting display using a plurality of LEDs). That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the execution time of the “variable display preceding the display of the result regarding the determination of success / failure” comes, “seven LEDs 62a to 62g” are sequentially turned on. Then, this variable display (hereinafter referred to as “circular display using the LEDs 62b to 62g”) is executed, and when the execution time of “display of the result related to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is reached” comes, the special symbol display unit 62 A special symbol stop display (confirmed display) is executed.

  The big hit mode display unit 63 is configured by using two LEDs 63a and 63b, and mainly displays “the type of big hit that is generated based on the result when the determination result of special symbol is a win (big hit)”. Used to do. That is, when the big symbol display is not performed in the special symbol display unit 62, the two LEDs 63a and 63b are turned off. When the special symbol display unit 62 performs a big hit display, any of the LEDs 63a and 63b is turned on to display the type of the big hit.

  As shown in FIG. 39 (a), the two general winning devices 40 and 41 are integrated with the mounting plate 51 constituting the lower left display device 50, and the remaining two are shown in FIG. 39 (b). The general winning devices 43 and 44 are integrated with a mounting plate 61 constituting the lower right display device 60. In each of the general winning devices 40, 41, 43, 44, winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s (see FIG. 41) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged.

  Returning to FIG. 4, a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for a pachinko game in consideration of the positional balance with each board component described above, and below the game board 10. Is provided with an outlet 18. Further, a back ball preventing member (not shown) is provided below the out port 18. And the game ball which returned without reaching the game area 11 is prevented from returning to the launch position again. On the other hand, the foul ball preventing member 15 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 13.

c. Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 is a structure in which various devices are mounted on the large back pack 102, and the back pack 102 is pivotally supported by the pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. Yes.

  The back pack 102 stores a game ball tank 105 in which game balls are stored, a game ball payout device 109 for paying out game balls as prize balls or rental balls, and a main control board 200 constituting the main control unit 200A. A main control board case, a launcher control board case 130 storing a launch control board 260 for controlling the launcher unit, and a payout control board case storing a payout control board 240 for controlling the game ball payout device 109. 118, a relay terminal board for relaying the main control board 200 and various switches, and the like are mounted. In addition, the game ball tank 105 is provided with a tank switch at the bottom, and can detect a broken ball. The game ball tank 105 and the game ball payout device 109 are connected by a tank rail 106. Further, in FIG. 40, a ball removal lever is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106, and a refilling ball breakage detection switch is provided on the downstream side of the tank rail 106.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 41 and FIG. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 200A and a plurality of sub control units (220A, 240A, 260A). That is, the main control unit 200A that is configured using the main control board 200 and controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is involved, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 240A, 260A) I have.

  The sub-control unit is composed of (a) the sub-control board 220 and “sub control that controls various effects of the game using symbol display, lamp emission, sound effects, movement of moving objects, etc.” The control unit 220A is configured using the (b) effect display control board 222, and (b) the effect display control board 222 is configured using the effect display control board 222. An effect display control unit 222A for controlling, (c) a payout control unit 240A for controlling the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, and (d) a launch control board 260. And a launch control unit 260A that controls the launch of the game ball and includes a primary sub-control unit (220A, 240A) directly connected to the main control unit 140, and the sub-control unit. This first Second sub-control unit which is connected to the main control unit 200A via the sub-control unit and the (260A) exists.

  The control board (200, 220, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 240A, 260A) is a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and various programs and data executed by the CPU. ROM in which the CPU is stored, the RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, the peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the peripheral device, and the clock for the CPU to perform operations are output Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that performs CPU, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates an interrupt signal. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 41 and 42 indicate the directions in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 41, only the CPU 201, the RAM 202, and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and further the CPU mounted on another control board. Further, illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is a game from the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, the start opening winning detection switch 17s, the general winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s, the big winning opening winning detection switch 31s, etc. After receiving the detection signal of the ball and determining the basic progress of the game and whether or not it is related to the prize ball, the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 220), the payout control unit 240A (payout control board 240), launch control Various signals (commands) to be described later are output toward the unit 260A (the launch control board 260) and the like. The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball fired from the launcher unit.

  Further, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) outputs signals to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the middle and large prize opening solenoid 31c, the right large prize opening solenoid 35c, the lower left display device 50, and the lower right display device 60. By doing so, these operations are directly controlled. That is, the main control unit 200A (the main control board 200) determines whether or not a winning game is determined based on whether or not a big hit is caused by the start winning prize and a big hit game executing means for executing a big hit game (special game) ( Special game execution means) ”. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively.

  When the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) receives various signals (commands) from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), it analyzes the contents of the signals (commands) and plays games according to the results. The production of. That is, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) controls the game effects based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). The sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) functions as a display control unit that controls the display of the effect display device 27 in cooperation with the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222). As shown in FIG. 27, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) includes an effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), an amplifier board 224, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228. And are electrically connected to each other. The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a ROM 220b, and a RAM 220c.

  As shown in FIG. 42, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives each control signal from the main control board 200 and displays each board such as the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. Control. The ROM 220b stores data (especially information related to game decoration) necessary for controlling each board. The CPU 220a receives a display control command (that is, a display control signal) sent from the main controller 200A (main control board 200) and analyzes it according to a program stored in the ROM 220b. Then, the CPU 220a configuring the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) can display a predetermined display control command determined by the CPU 220a or a display control command that has been transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). Is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222).

  Speakers SP1 to SP4 that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier board 224. In addition, various LED boards mounted with various decorative LEDs (lamps) provided on the front frame 4, the game board 10 and the like are connected to the decorative driving board 226. That is, the LED boards 4b to 4h, 4j to 4r, the first motor 77, and the second second motor 88 are connected. The decoration drive board 226 receives signals from the sub-control board 220A and performs control related to game decoration. Furthermore, six photosensors are connected to the sub-control board 220 via the position detection board 226A. That is, the photo sensor 72g is connected.

  As shown in FIG. 41, the payout control unit 240A is connected to a relay terminal board, a firing control unit 260A, a lower pan full switch 6s, and the like. The payout control unit 240A is connected to a payout motor 109m, a front payout switch 109a, and a rear payout switch 109b constituting a game ball payout device (payout device) 109 via a relay terminal plate. Further, the main control unit 200A is connected to the payout control unit 240A so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

  The payout control unit 240A is responsible for various types of control related to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the lending button 5c or the return button 5q, the operation signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 410 to the payout control board 240 via the relay terminal board, and the payout motor 109m is based on the operation signal. A drive signal for driving the game ball is transmitted to the game ball payout device (payout device) 109 (the payout motor 109m).

  When the main controller 200A outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control part 240A receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. The game balls to be paid out are detected by two payout switches (the front payout switch 109a and the rear payout switch 109b) and are input to the payout control unit 240A. Further, the number of prize balls paid out is also detected by the count switch 109c and counted by the main controller 200A.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) will be described. As described above, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is connected to the effect display control board 222 and various boards such as the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. Further, as described above, when the sub-control unit 220A receives various effect commands (display control commands, etc.) from the main control unit 200A, the sub-control unit 220A interprets the content of the command and (a) the effect display device 27 (B) Sound effects output from the speakers SP1 to SP4, (c) Various LEDs (41H, 87n) mounted on various LED boards (4b to 4h, 4j to 4r), etc. , 89n) and the specific mode of lighting or blinking of other lamps. Further, the driving mode of the first motor 77 and the second motor 88 is also determined.

  Next, a drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display control unit 222A to perform variable display and stop display of effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.). At this time, display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) of the displayed effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.) is built in the effect display device 27 or the effect display control board 222. The data stored in the display ROM (not shown) is used.

  Sound effects are output from the speakers SP <b> 1 to SP <b> 4 by outputting sound signals to the amplifier substrate 224 in accordance with the pseudo symbol variation display and stop display. In addition, by supplying a signal to the decorative drive board 226 and outputting drive signals of the various LED lamps 4b to 4h, 4j to 4r) from the decorative drive board 226, various lamps (LEDs, etc.) can be turned on / off. Control blinking operation. Further, when the player operates the effect button SW provided on the front side of the upper plate member 5, this operation signal is supplied to the sub-control unit 220A. The sub-control unit 220A is configured to be able to reflect the operation result on various effect contents including the effect display device 27 based on the supplied operation signal.

(3) Game Flow by the Gaming Machine 1 As described above, in the gaming machine 1, a final display (stop display) indicating the result of the special symbol winning lottery (winning determination) and the stage before this finalizing display are performed. The effect display (fluctuation display) is performed simultaneously on two types of symbol display devices (lower right display device 60 and effect display device 27). Here, the special symbol (special symbol indicated by turning on and off the LEDs 62a to 62g) displayed on the lower right display device 60 (that is, the special symbol display unit 62) is “main symbol”. In the gaming machine 1, the display mode (at least “stop symbol” and “variation time”) is determined in the “main control unit 200A (described later)” that governs the basic progression of the game.

  On the other hand, the special symbol displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is “pseudo symbol”. ) "Determines the variation mode and the stop symbol. Usually, this “pseudo symbol” is displayed for the same amount of time as this symbol, and the “display contents (big hit, miss, etc.)” of this “pseudo symbol” stop symbol is the stop symbol of this symbol. It is assumed that there is no contradiction with “display contents (big hit, miss, etc.)”. In the present embodiment, when symbol variation effect display (variable game) such as reach display using a special symbol is performed, the symbol variation effect display is performed on the effect display device 27 (pseudo symbol).

  Further, in the gaming machine 1, in the low probability mode (normal probability mode), when the winning / failing determination is made due to the winning of the game ball to the start winning device 17, the probability that the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived. Is about “1/315”. When the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the big hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes the big hit gaming state (special gaming state). As a result, the main control unit 200A drives the large winning opening solenoid 31c, changes the open / close plate 31b in the standing position to the forward inclined position, changes the closed large winning opening 31a to the open state, and the big hit game is performed. Be started. The open prize opening 31a in the open state has a predetermined time even if a predetermined number (for example, eight) of game balls enter the big prize opening 31a or a predetermined number of game balls do not enter. When the time has elapsed, the closed state is restored and one round is completed. When the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated a plurality of times with a predetermined interval in between, the big hit game is terminated. Hereinafter, the display content of the present symbol and the pseudo symbol will be briefly described.

a. The jackpot display in this symbol When the winning / nothing judgment is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the start winning device 17 and the judgment result indicating the jackpot is derived, the main control unit 200A determines that “the type of jackpot (the jackpot symbol of the jackpot symbol) Type) ”is determined by random number lottery (hereinafter referred to as“ sort lottery ”). Then, as shown in FIG. 43, the mode (type) of jackpot is set to one of “normal jackpot”, “first probability variation jackpot”, and “second probability variation jackpot” by this random number lottery. Note that the random number (big hit symbol determination random number) for performing the “lottery lottery” is acquired at the timing when the start winning is generated, in the same manner as the random number for determining whether or not it is successful (such as the random number for the big hit lottery).

  Here, when the “ordinary big hit” occurs, the first big hit game in which the possibility of winning a prize ball is extremely high is executed, and the probability of the success / failure determination result being a big hit after the end of the first big hit game. Is a low probability (normal probability). The first jackpot game is a type of jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “first game”) in which the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is repeated 15 times (15 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. Is called a big hit game.) At this time, the time (first opening time) for which the grand prize winning device 31 is open in each round is set to “25 seconds”. In this way, the gaming state in which the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit is a low probability (normal probability) is the “low probability mode (low probability state)”. In addition, “the main symbol indicating a normal big hit (stop symbol)” is displayed by turning on two LEDs as shown in the column in FIG. Note that the probability variation means will not operate after the special game related to the “normal jackpot” (the first jackpot game) ends, but the number of times the special symbol changes will be “100” or the next jackpot Until this occurs, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means are in an operating state.

  When the “first probable big hit” is generated, the first big hit game is executed, and after the first big hit game is executed, the probability of the success / failure determination being a big hit is high until the next big hit is generated. Probability. In this way, a gaming state in which the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit is a high probability (a winning probability that is approximately five times the normal probability) is the “high probability mode (high probability state)”. In addition, as shown in the column in FIG. 43 (c), the “design (stop symbol)” indicating “first probability variation big hit” is displayed by lighting three LEDs.

  When the “second probability variation big hit” is generated, the second big hit game is executed, and after the second big hit game is finished, until the next big hit is generated, there is a high probability that the result of the determination is a big hit. It is said. However, as the second jackpot game resulting from the “second probability variation jackpot”, the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is repeated twice (two rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. It is. In the second jackpot game, the time (second opening time) for which the winning device 31 is open in each round is set to “0.2 seconds”. In addition, as shown in the middle column of FIG. 43 (d), “this symbol (stop symbol)” indicating “second probability variation big hit” is displayed by turning on four LEDs. In addition, if a “first probable big hit” or “second probable big hit” is generated, after the big hit game related to the big hit, the special symbol changes to “10,000 times” or the next big hit Until it occurs, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means are in an activated state.

b. Detachment display with the present symbol The stop display (definite display) of the present symbol is performed by turning on one LED of the “special symbol display section 62” as shown in the middle column of FIG. The stop symbol (determined symbol) displayed by the lighting of this one LED becomes a “disappearing symbol” indicating that the result of the special symbol winning lottery is “disappearing”. In this case, the big hit game execution means does not operate.

c. Pseudo design (directing design)
Also in the effect display device 27, each time a special symbol variation start condition (presence / absence determination execution condition) is satisfied, a pseudo symbol variation display (symbol variation effect display) is started on the display screen 27a. Then, when this variable display period (that is, a predetermined time) elapses, pseudo symbol stop display (determined display) is executed. At this time, the pseudo symbol stop display also displays the result of the lottery determination as in the case of the stop symbol of the main symbol.

  On the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), when the pseudo symbol variable display is started, three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d appear, and each pseudo symbol display portion is displayed. In 27b to 27d, variable display using “pseudo symbols”, stop display, and the like are performed. This pseudo-pattern variation display shows that the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed in this order, and then the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed again in this order. It consists of repeated “circular display”. Further, when the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d start the variable display, the background screen display unit 27h is displayed by other parts of the display screen 27a. And on this background screen display part 27h, a background design can be displayed or a character design can be displayed with this background screen.

  The confirmed symbols that are fixedly displayed on the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d include the modes shown in FIGS. 43 (a) to 43 (d). That is, there are a “stop symbol indicating a disengagement (disconnection display)” in FIG. 43A and a “stop symbol indicating a big hit (big hit display)” in FIGS. That is, as shown in FIGS. 43B to 43D, the “normal jackpot symbol” is configured by arranging three “even identical numbers” on the display screen 27a, and the “first probability variation jackpot symbol” is the display screen 27a. The “second odd odd numbers” are arranged side by side, and the “second probability variation big hit symbol” is constituted by arranging “different odd numbers” in ascending order from left to right. Further, the “off symbol” is obtained by removing the “second probability variation big hit symbol” from the stop symbols configured by displaying different numbers on at least one of the three pseudo symbol display units.

  In the effect display device 27, when any “big hit symbol” is displayed, reach display is performed in the middle of the variable display which is the premise. In addition, when the “stop symbol to show off” is displayed on the effect display device 27, the reach display is not performed in the middle of the fluctuation display (that is, the deviation fluctuation) as a premise thereof (hereinafter referred to as “simple deviation”). And reach display (hereinafter referred to as “reach out”). In addition, the reach display of the present embodiment is such that two of the pseudo symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 are stopped at the same symbol and the other one of the pseudo symbols is changing. It is a display as content. However, when the “stop symbol indicating the second probability variation big hit” or the “stop symbol indicating the special big hit” is stopped and displayed, the reach display may not be performed during the change.

(4) Outline of Symbol Fluctuation Effect The symbol variation effect includes “an effect performed without driving the movable effect device 70 (hereinafter referred to as a general effect)” and “with a drive of the movable effect device 70”. Production (hereinafter referred to as special production). Hereinafter, after describing the outline of the general effects, the special effects will be described. The general effect is performed in the state of the movable effect device 70 in the “basic state (a state in which the height position of the elevating unit 80 is maintained at the“ lowermost position ”)”.

a. In the case of a general effect When a game ball wins (start winning) to the start winning device 17, a special symbol variation start condition (presence / absence determination execution condition) is satisfied. Thereby, the special symbol display unit 62 starts the symbol variation of the main symbol and, as shown in FIGS. 44A to 44C, the display screen 27a (pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d) of the effect display device 27. The symbol variation effect display using the pseudo symbol is started.

  The execution time of this symbol variation effect display varies depending on the variation pattern (normal variation pattern, shortened variation pattern) determined at the start of symbol variation in the special symbol display unit 62 (described later), but when this execution time elapses. The stop symbol of the main symbol is fixedly displayed on the special symbol display unit 62, and the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is fixedly displayed on the display screen 27a.

  Note that the “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 44A is “out-of-range display without a reach effect (so-called“ normal out ””), and the “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 44B is “reach”. This is an out-of-direction display (so-called “out-going reach”). Here, the reach display (reach effect) refers to, for example, a symbol other than a symbol that finally stops (hereinafter referred to as “final stop symbol”) in the middle of the variation display (effect display) as a predetermined symbol. This is a stunning display that indicates that there is a possibility that a jackpot display may be made depending on the type of the final stop symbol. For example, if the “hit display” is completed when the stop symbols of multiple symbols are the same symbol, the symbols other than the final stop symbol are stopped at the same symbol and the game machine “ This indicates an indication that there is a possibility of occurrence.

  As shown in FIG. 44 (c), when a stop display (a big win display) is made using the “special symbol (pseudo symbol) stop symbol” to the effect that “the result of the determination is a big hit”, After the “reach display” is performed in the middle of the symbol variation display (variation display) of the special symbol (pseudo symbol), this fixed display is performed. When this “big hit display” is made, after executing “shift display for shifting to big hit” or the like, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the big hit state, and the big hit game is started.

b. In the case of special effects Next, “special effects” will be described with reference to FIGS. 45 to 49. This “special effect” is set to reach display during the change of the special symbol, and the change time of the special symbol is set to a specific time or more (a sufficient time for performing the effect using the movable effect device 70). It is an effect made in some cases. Also in this special effect, the effect contents until reach display is the same as the normal effect, so the effect contents after the reach display is described.

  By the way, in this embodiment, three types of special effects are performed. That is, a special effect (hereinafter referred to as a “first special effect”) performed by driving the movable effect device 70 according to the first drive pattern and a special effect (hereinafter referred to as “first special effect”) driven by the movable effect device 70 according to the second drive pattern. , “Second special effect”) and a special effect (hereinafter referred to as “third special effect”) performed by driving the movable effect device 70 according to the third drive pattern. Hereinafter, each special effect will be briefly described. In any special effect, the state of the movable effect device 70 is set to the “basic state” at the start and end of the symbol variation effect (when the special symbol is confirmed and displayed).

  In any special effects, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) performs the reach display on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 as shown in FIG. Is driven to change the height position of the movable effect device 70 to the raised position, and the state of the movable effect device 70 is set to the “rise state” (A2). At this time, since the elevating unit 80 is in a state of protruding largely in front of the display screen 27a, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d (see FIG. 5) are reduced and moved to the corners of the display screen 27a, thereby “pseudo”. It is prevented that the symbol display portions 27b to 27d are difficult to visually recognize.

  In the case of the first special effect, as shown in FIG. 46, after the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) sets the state of the movable effect device 70 to the “rising state” (A2), The first motor 77 is driven to return the height position of the elevating unit 80 to the lowered position, and the state of the movable effect device 70 is set to the “basic state” (B1). Then, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are returned to their original sizes, moved to the center of the display screen 27a, and when the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed, the symbol variation display is completed, and the result indicating the result of the determination of validity is stopped. The symbol is stopped (determined) (B2 or B3).

  In the case of the second special effect, as shown in FIG. 46, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) sets the state of the movable effect device 70 to the “ascending state” (A2), and then at a predetermined timing, The drive shaft of the second motor 88 is rotated in the “closed state rotation direction” to produce a clockwise rotation effect (C1). When the right rotation effect is finished, the drive shaft 77a of the first motor 77 is rotated in the downward rotation direction, the height position of the elevating unit 80 is returned to the lowered position, and the state of the movable effect device 70 is changed to the “basic state”. (C2). Then, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are returned to their original sizes, moved to the center of the display screen 27a, and when the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed, the symbol variation display is completed, and the result indicating the result of the determination of validity is stopped. The symbol is stopped (determined) (C3 or C4).

  In the case of the third special effect, as shown in FIG. 48, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) sets the state of the movable effect device 70 to the “ascending state” (A2), and then at a predetermined timing, The drive shaft 88a of the second motor 88 is rotated in the “closed state rotation direction” to produce a clockwise rotation effect (D1). When the right rotation effect is finished, the drive shaft 88a of the second motor 88 is rotated in the “open state rotation direction” to perform the left rotation effect (D2). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 49, the drive shaft 77a of the first motor 77 is rotated in the descending rotation direction, the height position of the elevating unit 80 is returned to the lowered position, and the state of the movable effect device 70 is changed to the “basic state”. (D3). Then, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are returned to their original sizes, moved to the center of the display screen 27a, and when the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed, the symbol variation display is completed, and the result indicating the result of the determination of validity is stopped. The symbol is stopped (determined) (D4 or D5).

(5) Command transmission The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment performs various controls in order to realize the above-described “design variation effect display” and the like. When executing this control, various commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220). Next, how the command is transmitted will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The main control unit 200A and the sub control unit 220A are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable. Of these, one bit is allocated for outputting a strobe signal, and the remaining eight bits are allocated for command output. When a command is output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A, first, command data for 8 bits is output to an 8-bit signal cable assigned for command output, and then A 1-bit strobe signal is output. Further, the sub control unit 220A can reliably read the command transmitted from the main control unit 200A by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal. Here, examples of commands output from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) include those illustrated in FIG. 50B. That is, there are (A) a variation pattern designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CHP”), (B) a special symbol stop information designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CJS”), and the like. . The variation pattern designation command is a command for starting the variation of the pseudo symbol and designating the variation time of the pseudo symbol.

(6) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, each process such as a prize ball payout process (S80), a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric game game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), a big hit game process (S700), etc. Is executed repeatedly. Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of the present embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S80 to S600 of FIG. 51 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 4 msec occurs after the power is turned on. That is, the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. 51 is repeatedly executed every 4 msec.

  The above-mentioned CTC (counter / timer circuit) is set to generate an interrupt every about 2 msec. When an interrupt is generated by CTC, various random numbers are updated and various game balls are detected. The process of detecting the state of the switches (normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, start winning opening winning ball detection switch 17s, winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s, etc.) is performed. In the game control shown in FIG. 34, the normal symbol game processing (S100), the normal electric power generation are performed while the interrupts are generated almost twice during the round of the control to update various random numbers and detect the game state. An accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), a big hit game process (S600), and the like are performed. During these processes, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. Hereinafter, the game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. However, a detailed description of the big hit game process (S600) is omitted among the processes constituting the game control process shown in FIG.

A. Prize ball payout processing (S80)
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of paying out game balls as prize balls (prize ball payout process) (S80). That is, the state of the start winning opening winning ball detection switch 17s or the winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s and 44s is detected to determine whether or not a game ball has entered. If a game ball has entered, this information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Based on the information stored on the RAM 202, a prize ball payout signal is output toward the payout control board 240. If the winning information for the start winning detection switch 17s or the like has already been stored on the RAM 202, an appropriate payout number including the previously stored information is specified and a payout signal is output. To do.

  When outputting a payout signal from the main control unit 200A to the payout control unit 240A, first, a strobe signal is output toward the payout control unit 240A (payout control board 240), and then signal data is output. On the other hand, when the CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the prize ball payout device 109. Is output and award balls are paid out. The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (front payout switch 109a and rear payout switch 109b) for detecting the payout game balls. While detecting each one, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal is performed. The game ball payout device 109 constitutes a specific example of a “payout device”.

B. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
In the normal symbol game process (S100), the normal symbol display of the lower left display device 50 is triggered by the detection of the game ball by the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s (detection that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 16). In part 56, the normal symbol variation display is started. When the CPU 201 determines that the execution time of the normal symbol variation display has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 51, the CPU 201 performs the stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. Furthermore, when the CPU 201 determines that the stop symbol stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 51, the stop symbol activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d. It is determined whether it is a symbol to be activated (a normal symbol hit symbol) or not a symbol to be actuated (ordinary symbol deviating symbol).

  If the stop symbol is a symbol that activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) (a normal symbol winning symbol), whether or not the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is activated. (That is, whether or not the opening extension means is in operation) is determined, and when the opening extension means is in operation, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is set to “open extension. After setting the opening time at the time of function operation (for example, 5 seconds), the normal symbol game process (S100) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening extension means is not in operation, after setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to “opening time when the opening extension function is not operated (for example, 0.5 seconds as described above)”, the normal symbol game process Is finished and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Note that the CPU 201 does not execute the normal symbol variation display in the normal symbol display unit 56, and the normal symbol stop display is not performed in the normal symbol display unit 56 when the normal electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is not operating. If it is determined that the number of holds for the normal symbol is not “0”, the normal symbol variation display is started. Further, the number of holdings for the normal symbol is “+1” when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 16 and the number of holdings for the normal symbol is less than a predetermined number (four in this embodiment). It is set to “−1” every time the symbol variation display is started.

C. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric accessory game process. When the ordinary electric accessory game process is activated while the CPU 201 performs the game control process of FIG. 51, the ordinary electric accessory 17d ( It is determined whether or not the second start winning portion 17b) is in operation (whether or not the second start winning portion 17b is in an open state). If it is determined that the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (S201; YES), the operation time (second second) of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is determined. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time for maintaining the start winning device 17b in the open state has elapsed (3 seconds in the open extension mode and 0.5 seconds in the normal open mode) (S202). When it is determined that the operation time has passed the predetermined time (S202; YES), the second start winning device in the open state is stopped by stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b). 17b is brought into a closed state (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated.

  However, when the CPU 201 determines that a predetermined number (for example, 8) of game balls have entered the second start winning device 17b while the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is opened. Even when the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has not reached the predetermined time, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory 17d game processing is performed. Terminate. Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the ordinary electric accessory 17d is operated, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c provided therein is driven, and a pair of wing pieces of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is driven. The portion rotates outward, and the second start winning portion 17b is opened.

D. Special Symbol Game Processing Next, an outline of the special symbol game processing will be described with reference to FIGS. When the special symbol game process is activated, as shown in FIG. 53, it is first determined whether or not a game ball has won the start winning device 17 (S302). If a negative determination (determination that no game ball has been won) is made in the process of S302 (S302; NO), the process proceeds to S308 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball has won the start winning device 17 (S302; YES), it is determined whether or not the “special symbol hold count” is less than a predetermined number (in this embodiment, less than 4). Determination is made (S304). In the process of S304, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304; YES), a determination random number (lottery random number) related to winning in the start winning device 17 is acquired, and this determination random number (lottery random number) is acquired. ) Is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and the "number of special symbols reserved" is incremented by "+1" (S306).

  Here, as the determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306, (a) whether or not to determine whether or not to make a big hit (whether a big hit is caused or not) caused by winning a game ball to the start winning device 17 (B) Random number for lottery used at the time of determination) (b) Random number for determination for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62 (hereinafter referred to as “symbol determined random number”), (c) Effect display There is a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo symbol variation display displayed on the apparatus.

  In the process of S308, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, if the big hit game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 54) is set (set to ON), a positive determination is made in the process of S308. The jackpot game flag indicates that the jackpot game execution means (a control program, which is stored in the ROM 203) is in operation.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the big hit game is being executed (S308; YES), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of S308 that the big hit game is not being executed (S308; NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S310). If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (in this embodiment, this stop display time is set to 0.6 seconds) (S312). If the special symbol is not variably displayed (S310; NO), and is not within the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S312; NO), whether or not the variable display can be started. Is determined (S314).

  The “condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol” is that “the number of holds regarding the special symbol” is not “zero”. Then, when “the number of holds regarding the special symbol” is “zero” (S314; YES), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the “number of reserved symbols related to special symbol” is not “zero”, the oldest determination random number (obtained in S306) is read from a predetermined address in the RAM 202 (S316), and a correctness determination process is performed (S320b). In this success / failure determination process (S320), as shown in FIG. 55, it is first determined whether or not the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability mode (S322), and when it is a high probability mode (S322; (YES), “Winning determination (lottery to determine whether or not to generate a big hit)” is performed using the “high probability data table” and the “determination random number read in the process of S316” (S324). When the game mode of the machine 1 is the low probability mode (normal probability mode) (S322; NO), the determination of success / failure is made by using the “low probability data table” and the “determination random number read in the process of S316”. (Lottery of whether or not to generate a big hit) "is performed (S326). In the high probability mode, the fluctuation shortening function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol as compared with the normal is operated, and the opening extension function of the second start winning portion 17b (ordinary electric accessory 17d) is provided. Operate.

  If the win / no-go determination made in the process of S324 or S326 is a big hit (S330; YES), after setting the big hit flag (set to ON) (S332), the win / no-go determination process (S320) is terminated and the symbol variation start process The process proceeds to (S500). In addition, when the result of the determination is wrong (S330; NO), “after setting a set off flag (a flag indicating that no big hit has occurred) (set to ON) (S339), the success / failure determination process (S320) is performed. The process ends, and the process proceeds to the symbol variation start process (S500).

  In the symbol variation start processing (S500), as shown in FIG. 56, first, variation setting processing (S510, S540) and the like are performed based on the result of the success / failure determination processing (S320). That is, in the process of S502, when it is determined that the result of the success / failure determination process (S320) is “big hit” (S502; YES), the process proceeds to S510 and “big hit fluctuation setting process” is performed. In this jackpot variation setting process (S510), the symbol determination random number acquired in the process of S306 (see FIG. 53) is read, and the symbol (hit symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62 is set (determined). Thereafter, a process of setting (determining) a variation pattern by random number lottery using a “variation pattern table selected in consideration of the determined jackpot symbol aspect and the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1” I do.

  That is, when the determined jackpot symbol is “a jackpot symbol indicating a normal jackpot” or “a jackpot symbol indicating a first probability variation jackpot”, the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 is taken into consideration. A variation pattern table is selected from among (a) to (c), and a variation pattern is set (determined). That is, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”, the variation pattern table (high probability shortening variation pattern table) in FIG. select. Further, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state with a low probability and a shortening variation (low probability shortening variation mode)”, the variation pattern table (low probability shortening variation pattern table) of FIG. ) Is selected. Furthermore, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state with low probability and normal variation (low probability normal variation mode)”, the variation pattern table (low probability normal variation pattern table) of FIG. ) Is selected.

  In addition, when the determined jackpot symbol is “a jackpot symbol indicating a second probability variation jackpot”, the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1 is taken into consideration, among the figures (d) to (f) of FIG. The variation pattern table is selected, and the variation pattern is set (determined). That is, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”, the variation pattern table (high probability shortening variation pattern table) in FIG. select. Further, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state with low probability and performing shortening variation (low probability shortening variation mode)”, the variation pattern table (low probability shortening variation pattern table) of FIG. ) Is selected. Furthermore, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state with low probability and normal variation (low probability normal variation mode)”, the variation pattern table (low probability normal variation pattern table) of FIG. ) Is selected.

  On the other hand, in the process of S502, if it is determined that the result of the success / failure determination process (S320) is not “big hit” (S502; NO), the process proceeds to S540, and “outgoing fluctuation setting process” is performed. In this outlier variation setting process (S540), the variation pattern is determined by random lottery using “a variation pattern table selected in consideration of the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 and whether or not the reach effect is performed”. The process of setting (determining) is performed. Thereafter, a symbol determination random number is acquired, and a process of setting a stop symbol is performed. The presence / absence of execution of the reach effect is determined based on the reach random number acquired in the process of S306 (see FIG. 56) and the read reach random number.

  That is, the CPU 201 has a gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1 that is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”, and the reach is determined in the symbol variation to be started based on the read reach random number. If it is determined not to be performed, the “variation pattern table for non-reach” in FIG. 58 (c) is selected, and if it is determined that the reach is performed, the “variation pattern table for reach” in FIG. 58 (c). ”Is selected. In addition, the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with low probability (low probability shortening variation mode)”, and the reach is not performed in the starting symbol variation based on the read reach random number. If it is determined, the “variation pattern table for non-reach” in FIG. 58B is selected, and if it is determined that the reach is performed, the “variation pattern table for reach” in FIG. 58B is selected. To do. Further, the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal fluctuation is performed with a low probability (low probability normal fluctuation mode)”, and the reach is not performed in the starting symbol variation based on the read reach random number. If it is determined, the “variation pattern table for non-reach” in FIG. 58 (a) is selected, and if it is determined that the reach is performed, the “variation pattern table for reach” in FIG. 58 (a) is selected. To do.

  In this embodiment, the “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” refers to a state in which the variable time shortening function (short time function) is in operation, and is a game mode in which the opening extension means operates, that is, “ In the “high probability open extension mode” and the “normal probability open extension mode”, the variable time reduction function (time reduction function) operates. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” can be read as “open extension mode”. 57 and 58, a plurality of variation patterns are stored in association with the “random number value”. Based on the random number lottery, the “variation pattern used for symbol variation” is any one. It is determined. For convenience of explanation, FIGS. 57 and 58 show a variation pattern table storing a small number of variation patterns. Actually, these variation pattern tables include a large number of variation patterns (for example, 20 types). , 50 types, 100 types).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 58, when the determination result is “out”, the “variation time specified by the shortened variation pattern (shortened variation pattern)” is “normal variation pattern (normal variation pattern)”. There is a high possibility of being shortened compared to the “variation time specified by”. Further, in the present embodiment, when the result of the determination is “displaced”, the number of reserved special symbols is considered. That is, when the number of reserved special symbols is further considered and the number of held is small (for example, when the number of held at the time of determining the variation pattern is “1”), a variation pattern that specifies a longer variation time is selected, When the number of holdings is large (for example, when the number of holdings at the time of determining the variation pattern is “3” to “4”), a variation pattern that specifies a shorter variation time tends to be selected. In addition, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach display is not performed is compared with the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach display is determined. There is a tendency to be shortened.

  57 and 58, among the fluctuation patterns for specifying the fluctuation time of the symbol fluctuation accompanied by the reach display, the fluctuation time exceeding 20 seconds is specified (in the figure, "triangle mark", "circle mark" or “Variation patterns with“ double circles ”” are “specific variation patterns” that trigger the execution of special effects. Then, among the “specific variation patterns”, the one specifying the variation time of less than 25 seconds (the variation pattern with “triangle mark” in the figure) becomes the trigger for the execution of the first special effect. Specified variation pattern ", which specifies a variation time of 25 seconds or more (variation patterns with" circle "or" double circle "in the figure) added to the second special effect and the third special effect. This is a “second specific variation pattern” that triggers the execution of. Each “variation pattern table” described in this embodiment is preset in the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200.

  After the processing of S510 or S540, the CPU 201 starts the variation of the special symbol in the special symbol display unit 62 (S590) and indicates the start of the symbol variation toward the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 220). A predetermined command (design variation start command) is transmitted (S592). That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a “variation pattern designation command (command for designating a fluctuation pattern)”, a “special symbol stop information designation command”, and the like to the sub control board 220. Further, the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting “1” from the “number of reserved special symbols” and a process of transmitting a command for specifying the number of held after the subtraction to the sub-control board 220 (S595). ), The symbol variation start process (S500b) is terminated, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Next, if it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S310; YES) in the process of S310 of the special symbol game process (S300) (see FIG. 56), the change pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol are already present. Is determined, and the change of the special symbol is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S341; YES), the changing special symbol is stopped (S344), the stop symbol is displayed, and a symbol stop command is sent to the sub-control board 220. (S346). The symbol stop command is transferred to the effect display control board 222 via the sub control board 220. Then, after setting the stop display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (S348), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S350).

  If it is determined in S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S350; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the game control process shown in FIG. 51 is resumed. . On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S350; YES), it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode that represents a big hit (big hit symbol) (S352 in FIG. 50).

  If an affirmative determination is made in the process of S352, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 displays the current game progress status in a buffer (reference buffer at the end of the big hit game) for reference at the end of the “big hit game”. The information shown is set (stored) (S354). Specifically, “type of jackpot (whether or not it is a promising big hit)” and “game state flag state” are set (stored) (S354). Here, the “game state flag” is a flag (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, release extension flag, etc.) indicating “the game state of the gaming machine 1”. In the process of S354, these flags are set to “ON”. Whether “set” or “set to OFF” is set. In addition, a specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer (buffer for reference at the end of the big hit game) used in the process of S354.

  Subsequent to the process of S354, the process proceeds to S356 and subsequent processes, and the mode of “big hit game” is distributed according to the type of big hit that has occurred. First, when the generated “big hit is“ second probable big hit (2R big hit) ”(S372; YES), after setting the“ opening pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the second big hit game ”(S374) , The process proceeds to S378, and if the generated big hit is “ordinary big hit or first probability variation big hit” (S372; NO), after setting the “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the first big hit game” (S376), the process proceeds to S378.

  In the process of S378, a process of setting a big hit game flag (set to ON) is performed. The game state of the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the “hit game state” by setting the “hit game flag” (the jackpot game execution means starts operating). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, While the “big hit game flag” is set (that is, when the big hit game execution means is in operation), the probability changing function, the time shortening function (variable time shortening function), and the opening extension function are not activated. For this reason, after the process of S378, the special symbol game process (S300) is completed through a series of processes after S380.

  That is, in the process of S378, if the “big hit game flag” is set, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S380), and if not set (S380; NO), it remains as it is. When the process proceeds to S384 and is set (S380; YES), the probability variation flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S382), and then the process proceeds to S384. Then, in the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited. Returning to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S384 that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), after the fluctuation shortening flag and the open extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) ( S386, S387), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 51, the big hit game process (S700) is started, and the aforementioned big hit game (the first big hit game or the second big hit game) is executed.

  When the jackpot game is ended, by referring to the above-mentioned “Big hit game end reference buffer (refer to S354 in FIG. 50)”, “the jackpot symbol (hereinafter referred to as“ the jackpot game ”) Information on the type of “this jackpot symbol” (normal jackpot symbol, first probability variation jackpot symbol, second probability variation jackpot symbol) is acquired, and based on this information, the game mode after the jackpot game ends The process which sets etc. is performed. In other words, when “this big hit symbol” is “ordinary big hit symbol”, processing for setting “100” in the variation shortening counter, processing for setting the variation shortening flag, and processing for setting the release extension flag And do. As a result, after the special game (the first jackpot game) related to the “normal jackpot” is finished, the special symbol is changed to “100 times” (until the value of the fluctuation shortening counter becomes zero). The extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means are activated. However, when the next big hit occurs, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means stop operating. When the big hit game related to the normal big hit is finished, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 sends a mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “low probability shortening variation mode” to the sub control board 220. Send to.

  In addition, when the current big hit symbol is “probable big hit symbol (first probable big hit symbol or second probable big hit symbol)”, the process of setting the probability variable flag (set to ON) and “ The process of setting “10,000”, the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag, and the process of setting the release extension flag are performed. In other words, if a “first probability change big hit” or “second probability change big hit” occurs, the probability that the result of the success / failure determination will be a big hit is high after the big hit game related to the big hit is completed until the next big hit is generated. It is said. In addition, after the jackpot game related to the jackpot is over, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means are in an operating state until the number of changes of the special symbol becomes “10,000 times” (until the value of the fluctuation shortening counter becomes zero). It becomes. However, when the next big hit occurs, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means stop operating. When the big hit game related to the “first probability variation big hit” or “second probability variation big hit” is finished, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 sets the game mode of the gaming machine 1 to “high probability shortening variation mode”. ”Is sent to the sub-control board 220.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 56 will be described. That is, when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62 is “out-of-line symbol” (S352; NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398). If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set (S398; NO), that is, if the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is the “high probability normal fluctuation mode”, the special symbol game process (S300) is left as it is, Returning to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES), that is, when the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is “low probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability shortening variation mode” After the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “−1” (S400), it is determined whether or not the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S404). If it is not “zero” (S404; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited as it is and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S404 that the value of the variation shortening counter has become “zero” (S404; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the low probability shortening variation mode to the low probability normal variation mode. Will be switched to. For this reason, the process of canceling the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) (S410), the process of canceling the release extension flag (setting to OFF) (S416), and the process of transmitting the mode designation command to the sub control board 220 (S416). After performing S430), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the process of S430, a “mode designation command” that designates the low-probability normal variation mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220.

(7) Effect Control Processing Using FIG. 59, sub-control unit 220A (CPU 220a of sub-control board 220 constituting sub-control unit 220A) cooperates with effect display control unit 222A (CPU 222a of effect display control board 222). The outline of the “effect control process” performed in this way will be described. Note that FIG. 59 shows only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process. In this effect control process, when the gaming machine 1 is turned on or the reset switch is pressed (S950; YES), first, an initialization process is performed (S960). Thereafter, until the power is turned off (until an affirmative determination is made in S2300), the main components such as the symbol variation effect process (S1100), the accessory driving process (S1500), the big hit game effect process (S1800), etc. The process is executed repeatedly. Here, the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S1100 to S2300 in FIG. 59 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 2 msec occurs after the power is turned on. . That is, the processing of S1100 to S2300 in FIG. 59 is repeatedly executed every 2 msec. The effect control process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that, among the processes constituting the effect control process of FIG. 59, the description of the “big hit game effect process” is omitted.

a. Symbol variation effect processing (S1100)
In the symbol variation effect process (S1100), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 receives the “symbol variation start command” as shown in FIG. 60 (S1105; YES), S1110. The process is executed. Here, the “design variation start command” is a command transmitted from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A when the symbol variation of the special symbol is started, and includes a variation pattern designation command (CHP) The symbol stop information designation command (CJS) corresponds to this command.

  In the processing of S1110, the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A determines whether the result of the determination of success / failure executed in the main control unit 200A based on the “special symbol stop information designation command received in the processing of S1005” is a big hit (winning). It is determined whether or not (S1110). When it is determined that the game is a big hit (S1110; YES), based on the received “variation pattern designation command”, “execution mode of effect display (variable display of pseudo symbol displayed on display screen 27a of effect display device 27) After performing the process of determining the “hit, reach display mode, etc.” ”and“ hit stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode in which the jackpot is confirmed and displayed) ”(S1115), the process proceeds to S1160. On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the determination is not successful (successful selection) (S1110; NO), based on the received “variation pattern designation command”, “effect display execution mode (pseudo symbol variation display mode, reach) After performing the process of determining whether or not display is performed, the reach display mode when performing the reach display, etc.) and “outage stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode for confirming the outage)” (S1120), the process of S1160 Migrate to

  In the process of S1125, the sub-control unit 220A transfers the received variation pattern designation command (CHP) to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), and the “effect display execution mode determined in S1115 or S1120” ”And“ pseudo symbol stop symbol ”(effect display detail command) are transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), and display is started on the effect display device 27 (S1160).

  When the sub control unit 220A receives the symbol stop designation command (CZE) transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) (S1165; YES), the sub control unit 220A receives the symbol stop designation command received. Is transferred to the effect display control unit 222A, and the “special fluctuation display on the effect display device 27” is stopped. Thereby, the player visually recognizes a stop symbol (determined display) of effect symbols such as a pseudo symbol and a background symbol via the reflecting surface 77c (S1170).

b. The accessory driving process (S1500)
Next, the accessory driving process (S1500) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the accessory driving process (S1500), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 also determines that the sub-control unit 220A “design variation has started” as shown in FIG. 61 (S1505; YES). , S1510 is executed. In the process of S1510, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation pattern designation command received in the process of S1105 is a command for designating a specific fluctuation pattern. If the command is not a command for designating a specific variation pattern (S1510; NO), the accessory driving process (S1500) is terminated without performing the processes after S1515, and the process returns to the effect control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 220a determines that the “variation pattern designation command received in S1105” is a command for designating a specific variation pattern (S1510; YES), the specific variation pattern is expressed as “first specific variation pattern (FIG. 57 and FIG. 57). 58, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation pattern designation command received in S1505 is the first specific fluctuation pattern (in FIGS. 57 and 58). If it is “variation pattern with“ triangle mark ”added (S1515; YES), random lottery (for example, the winning probability is set to 50%) is performed (S1516), and if it is a loss (S1817; NO), The accessory driving process (S1500) is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the result of the random number lottery (S1516) is a win (S1817; YES), the movable effect device 70 is driven according to the first drive pattern (S1518), and then the accessory driving process (S1500) is terminated.

  The process of S1518 executes the main part of the aforementioned “first special effect”, and is performed as follows according to FIG. That is, after reach display is performed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the drive shaft 77a of the first motor 77 is rotated in the “upward rotation direction”. Thereby, the raising / lowering apparatus 80 raises vertically upwards, and moves to the uppermost part in the movement range. Then, when a predetermined time (time before the special symbol variation display ends) elapses, the first motor 77 is rotated in the “downward rotation direction”. Thereby, the raising / lowering device 80 descends vertically downward, and the state of the movable effect device 70 is set to the “basic state”.

  On the other hand, when the “variation pattern designation command received in S1105” is the second specific variation pattern (variation pattern with “circle” or “double circle” in FIGS. 57 and 58) ”(S1515). NO), the process proceeds to S1520. Then, in the process of S1520, the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A determines that the result of the success / failure determination executed in the main control unit 200A based on the “special symbol stop information designation command received in the process of S1105” is a big hit (winning). It is determined whether or not (S1520).

  If it is determined that the game is a big hit (S1520; YES), a random number lottery is performed (S1525), and a drive pattern is selected. And when the result of this random number lottery is winning (S1530; YES), after driving the movable production | presentation apparatus 70 according to a 3rd drive pattern (S1535), an accessory drive process (S1500) is complete | finished. If the result of random lottery is a loss (S1530; NO), the movable effect device 70 is driven according to the second drive pattern (S1540), and then the accessory driving process (S1500) is terminated.

  In addition, when it is determined that the result of the determination is wrong (S1520; NO), random number lottery is performed (S1545), and a drive pattern is selected. If the result of the random number lottery is winning (S1550; YES), the movable effect device 70 is driven according to the third drive pattern (S1555), and the accessory driving process (S1500) is terminated. If the result of random lottery is a loss (S1550; NO), the movable effect device 70 is driven according to the second drive pattern (S1560), and then the accessory driving process (S1500) is terminated.

  The processing of S1540 and S1560 executes the main part of the aforementioned “second special effect”, and is performed as follows according to FIG. That is, after reach display is performed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the drive shaft 77a "of the first motor 77" is rotated in the "upward rotation direction". Next, the drive shaft 88a of the second motor 88 is rotated in the “closed state rotation direction” to perform a clockwise rotation effect. Then, after a right rotation effect is finished, when a predetermined time (a time before the special symbol fluctuation display is finished) elapses, the drive shaft 77a of the first motor 77 is rotated in the downward rotation direction, and The height position is returned to the lowered position, and the state of the movable effect device 70 is set to the “basic state”.

  The processing of S1535 and S1555 is to execute the main part of the aforementioned “third special effect”, and is performed as follows according to FIG. That is, after reach display is performed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the drive shaft 77a "of the first motor 77" is rotated in the "upward rotation direction". Next, the drive shaft 88a of the second motor 88 is rotated in the “closed state rotation direction” to perform a clockwise rotation effect. Next, as soon as the right rotation effect is finished, the drive shaft 88a of the second motor 88 is rotated in the “open state rotation direction” to perform the left rotation effect. Note that the left rotation effect is performed for a longer time than the right rotation effect.

  Then, after the end of the left rotation effect, when a predetermined time (time before the end of the special symbol variation display) has elapsed, the drive shaft 77a of the first motor 77 is rotated in the downward rotation direction, The height position is returned to the lowered position, and the state of the movable effect device 70 is set to the “basic state”. That is, in the “third special effect”, after the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C are rotated in a closed state for a certain time, the rotation direction of the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C is suddenly reversed, and the blade members 87A, 87B are rotated. , 87C is rotated and a rotating effect is executed.

  By the way, in this embodiment, (i) when the result of the determination is a big hit, the probability (for example, 80%) that the random number lottery of S1525 is won and the “third special effect” is executed is (ii) ) If the result of the determination is wrong, the random number lottery of S1545 is won and the “third special effect” is set to be higher than the probability (for example, 20%). That is, the “third special effect” is a premium effect with high reliability of the big hit. Therefore, when the right rotation effect is started, the player subsequently watches whether or not the effect develops to the left rotation effect, so that according to the gaming machine 1, the player Can be effectively enhanced.

  And in this gaming machine 1, it has a great significance in that such an effective performance can be easily performed only by selecting the driving mode of the second motor 88. In other words, the gaming machine 1 includes a unique support structure for the blade members 87A, 87B, and 87C (a support structure that uses the transmission hole D1, the cam groove D2, the small-diameter portion 86e, and the engagement protrusion 86b), and thus is simple. It is possible to effectively enhance the interest of the player while using simple drive control.

(8) Effects of Example In the movable effect device 70 constituting the gaming machine 1, a plurality of blade members 87A, 87B, 87C (movable decorative members), a second motor 88 (driving means), and other movable members Since the members (front gear member 85c, rear gear member 85a, etc.) are mounted on the lifting / lowering unit 80 (decorative member), the lifting / lowering unit 80 (decorative member) increases in weight and has blade members 87A, 87B, 87C and others A structure in which vibration or the like is easily transmitted while the movable member is movable is provided. However, in this movable effect device 70, the lower surface h (pressed portion) of the pressed rib 81h of the elevating unit 80 (decorative member) supported so as to be movable up and down is provided with two support rollers 76c (first pressing portion). And the second pressing portion), the lifting / lowering unit 80 can be lifted / lowered with good balance and supported in good balance (particularly while the blade members 87A, 87B, 87C are moving).

  Further, in this movable effect device 70, since the vertical movement of the lifting unit 80 is realized by effectively arranging few components, the structure can be simplified and the installation space can be saved. That is, in this movable effect device 70, the rack gear 74 is disposed in an inclined manner, the first gear 75L is disposed above the rack gear 74, and the second gear 75R is disposed below the rack gear 74, so that The gears 75L and 75R can be rotated in the reverse direction by displacing the common rack gear 74 without the gears. Then, the rack gear 74 is displaced in the inclined direction, and the first gear 75L and the second gear 75R are rotated in opposite directions, whereby two support rollers 76c (first pressing portion and second pressing portion). Can be moved up and down and the elevating unit 80 can be moved up and down, so that the structure of the movable effect device 70 can be simplified.

  Further, since the rack gear 74 is inclined and disposed between the two gears 75L and 75R, the space for installing the rack gear 74 and, consequently, the movable effect device 70 can be saved. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the two gears 75L and 75R are arranged in a virtual rectangle with the rack gear 74 as a diagonal line, the installation space for the movable effect device 70 can be more reliably saved. it can. Further, the movable effect device 70 includes a spring 78 that loads the rack gear 74 with an urging force that is inclined obliquely upward to the left. The load of the rack gear 74 due to the weight of the lifting unit 80 is Since some (about 90%) is supported by the pulling force (biasing force) of the spring 78, the lifting unit 80 can be raised smoothly while reducing the driving force for driving the rack gear 74.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 65, the two gears 75L and 75R are not arranged at the same height in the horizontal direction, and the two cam members 76L and 76R are arranged at the same height in the horizontal direction. The difference from the first embodiment is that they are not arranged in the first embodiment. The two support rollers 76c and 76c are not positioned at the same height in the horizontal direction.

  However, in the second embodiment, depending on the height difference between the two support rollers 76c and 76c, the pressed portion h5 with which one support roller 76c abuts and the pressed portion h6 with which the other support roller 76c abuts. There is a height difference between them. FIG. 65 shows a case where the rack gear 74 is slid to the uppermost position and the lifting unit 80 (not shown) is positioned at the uppermost position in the lifting range (when the lifting unit 80 is in the raised state). Yes.

  According to the second embodiment, the effect of the first embodiment (however, the first embodiment in which the pressed portion is horizontal and the two support rollers 76c and 76c are arranged at the same height in the horizontal direction is more effective than the first embodiment. In addition, the lifting unit 80 can be lifted and lowered with a better balance.) In addition, the following effects can be obtained. That is, even when there is a situation in which a pressed part that is entirely horizontal cannot be provided on the lifting unit 80 side, this can be dealt with accurately.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 66, the two support rollers 76c and 76c are not moved up and down between the two gears 75L and 75R, but are moved up and down outside the two gears 75L and 75R. This is different from the first embodiment.

  According to the third embodiment, the effect of the first embodiment (however, the movable effect device 70 according to the first embodiment in which the two support rollers 76c and 76c are moved up and down between the two gears 75L and 75R is the embodiment. In addition to the movable production device 3, the following effects can be obtained. That is, even when there is a situation in which it is not possible to provide a space for raising and lowering the support rollers 76c and 76c between the gears 75L and 75R, this can be dealt with accurately.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Can be easily replaced by these, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.

  As an effect using the movable effect device of the invention of each claim, examples other than the “effect during special symbol variation” shown in each example can be exemplified. For example, an effect for notifying a gaming state (high probability state, short-time state) advantageous for the player in the current gaming state of the gaming machine, or a period of gaming state (high probability state, short-time state) advantageous for the player An effect or the like showing the remaining time can be exemplified. Specifically, the sub-control unit 220A determines that the gaming mode of the gaming machine (“a probability mode indicated by a high probability mode in which the determination of success / failure is performed with a high probability or a low probability mode in which the determination of success / failure is performed with a low probability”), An opening extension mode for extending the opening time of the club unit (second start winning portion 17b), or an opening mode indicated by a normal opening mode that does not extend ", a shortened variation mode for shortening the variation time of a special symbol, or Further, a drive mode selection unit that selects a drive mode of the movable effect device 70 based on a normal mode that is not shortened) may be provided.

  For example, if the sub-control unit 220A determines that the probability mode is the high probability mode, it repeatedly rotates the drive shaft 88a of the second motor 88a little by little in the forward and reverse directions every time the symbol changes. The members 87A to 87C can be vibrated.

  The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing and selling gaming machines.

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
10: Game board,
27; production display device (symbol display device),
70; movable production device,
71; a base member;
72; a fixing member,
73; a slide support member;
74; rack gear,
75L; first gear,
75R; second gear,
76L; first cam member;
76R; second cam member;
77; a first motor;
78; spring 78;
80; lifting unit (decoration device),
85a; rear gear member (driven rotation member),
85c; front gear member (drive rotation member),
87A, 87B, 87C; blade member (movable decorative member),
88; a second motor (driving means),
220A; sub-control unit,
222A; production display control unit,
D1; transmission hole,
D2: Cam groove (cam portion).

Claims (5)

A gaming machine including a movable effect device for performing an effect on a game,
The movable effect device is:
A first gear disposed so as to be rotatable in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction;
The first rotation direction and the second rotation direction with the rotation axis centered substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the first gear at a position spaced apart from the first gear in the horizontal direction. A second gear arranged in a rotatable state at
A first tooth row is provided between the first gear and the second gear in an inclined manner, and a first tooth row meshing with the first gear is provided on the upper surface portion arranged in an inclined manner. A rack gear that rotates the first gear and the second gear in different directions by being provided with a second tooth row that meshes with the second gear on the lower surface portion,
A first pressing portion that rises in conjunction with rotation of the first gear in the first rotation direction and descends in conjunction with rotation of the first gear in the second rotation direction; A first cam member that
A second cam member that rises in conjunction with the rotation of the second gear in the second rotational direction and descends in conjunction with the rotation of the second gear in the first rotational direction;
It is supported in a state where it can be lifted and lowered by being pressed upward by the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, and the pressing by the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion is released. A decorative device comprising: a movable decorative member that is lowered using its own weight and arranged in an operable state; and a drive means that constitutes a drive source of the movable decorative member
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are displaced by substantially the same amount in the vertical direction in accordance with the displacement of the rack gear in the tilt direction. The first cam member is disposed so as to be integrally rotatable with the first gear while providing the first pressing portion at a position away from the rotation axis of the first cam member,
The second cam member is disposed so as to be integrally rotatable with the second gear while providing the second pressing portion at a position away from the rotation axis of the second cam member,
The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion perform the ascending and descending while drawing a substantially arc-shaped path between the first gear and the second gear. The gaming machine according to claim 1. In the decoration device, the pressed part pressed by the first pressing part and the second pressing part is arranged substantially horizontally,
The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are substantially symmetrical with respect to a virtual vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the decoration device while rising or lowering as the rack gear is displaced in the tilt direction. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is pressed. When the rack gear is displaced in the first displacement direction along the inclination direction, the first gear rotates in the first rotation direction, and the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction. Rotate,
When the rack gear is displaced in the second displacement direction opposite to the first displacement direction, the first gear rotates in the second rotation direction, and the second gear rotates in the first direction. Rotate in the direction of rotation,
A biasing means for loading the rack gear with a biasing force toward the first displacement direction;
The urging force in the first displacement direction is smaller than the load in the second displacement direction applied to the rack gear due to the weight of the decoration device. The gaming machine according to any one of the above. The decorative device includes:
A cam arranged in a rotatable state and having a substantially arc shape along a virtual circle drawn concentrically with the rotation axis and a substantially arc-shaped cam path intersecting the virtual circle A drive rotating member comprising:
A driven rotary member disposed behind the drive rotary member in a rotatable state around the same rotational axis as the drive rotary member;
The rear end side can be rotated integrally with the driven rotation member, and an intermediate portion having a width smaller than the transmission hole along the virtual circle is inserted into the transmission hole and forward of the drive rotation member. A transmission member that supports the movable decorative member in a rotatable state on the protruding front end side;
Comprising
The movable decorative member includes a driven protrusion that is engaged with the cam portion and arranged to be slidable along the cam path with respect to the cam portion.
After the drive rotation member is driven by the drive means and starts to rotate, when the inner wall portion forming the end portion along the virtual circle of the transmission hole in the drive rotation member comes into contact with the transmission member, the driven member The rotating member follows the rotation of the driving rotating member and starts rotating,
The driven projection slides on the cam portion so as to keep the distance from the transmission member constant after the drive rotating member starts rotating and before the driven rotating member starts rotating. Accordingly, the movable decorative member rotates about the axis of the transmission member, and the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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