JP2013192709A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing securement of a large game region.SOLUTION: A game machine (Pachinko machine 10) includes: a game board formed with a game region wherein a game ball flows down in the front face; and a front door (front frame set 14) having a first opening part (window part 101) allowing the visual recognition of the game region of the game board from the front, and covering a board face of the game board. In the game machine, the front door is formed with second opening parts (center upper opening part 103C, left upper opening part 103L, right upper opening part 103R) allowing the visual recognition of at least a part of the game region of the game board from the front, outside the first opening part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine.

  A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area in which a launched game ball is guided and flows down is formed on the front surface, and a front frame that covers the board surface of the game board from the front in a state that is visible through glass or the like. And the like (hereinafter, the members that can be opened and closed covering the game board from the front, such as the front frame, etc., are collectively referred to as “front doors”).

  The front door has a substantially circular window (opening) corresponding to the game area of the game board, and the game area can be viewed from the front through the window. It has become common.

JP 2004-65923 A

  Although the dimensions of gaming machines are standardized and constant, liquid crystal devices placed in the gaming area are becoming larger, so various devices (functions) and nails other than liquid crystal devices are placed. There is a problem that it is difficult to secure a space to be played in the game area.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring a large gaming area.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention
A game board in which a game area in which a game ball flows down is formed on the front surface, and a front door having a first opening that allows the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front and covering the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine,
The front door has a second opening on the outside of the first opening so that at least a part of the game area of the game board can be viewed from the front.

  According to the present invention, a large gaming area can be secured on the front surface of the gaming machine.

The front view which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The perspective view of the front side which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The front view which shows an example of a game board. The rear view which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows an example of the electrical constitution of a pachinko machine. The front view which shows the pachinko machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this application. The perspective view of the front side which shows the pachinko machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this application. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. 6. The II-II line | wire part schematic arrow sectional drawing of FIG. The schematic cross-sectional view which shows an example of the conventional front door. The schematic cross section which shows the front door which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this application.

  Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machines”) are listed as gaming machines.

(Configuration of front side of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 that is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. I have. Below, the structure of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 is demonstrated separately.

  The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. The outer frame 11 may be made of a light metal such as resin or aluminum. This is because such a configuration can reduce the weight of the pachinko machine.

  On the other hand, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set so as to extend vertically on the opposite side (left side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1) from the position where the handle (game ball launching handle 18 described later) is installed as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The inner frame 12 can be sufficiently opened to the front side with the opening / closing axis as the axis. If the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is in the vertical direction on the handle installation location side (the right side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1), the game ball launching handle is opened when the inner frame 12 is opened. This is because the 18 heads and the like interfere with adjacent pachinko machines and card units (ball lending units), and the inner frame 12 cannot be fully opened. The inner frame 12 is made of a synthetic resin, specifically, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin. By doing so, the advantages of high viscosity and high impact resistance and low cost production are exhibited.

  The inner frame 12 is roughly divided into a lower pan unit 13 attached to the lowermost portion thereof, and a vertical opening / closing axis on the left side of the inner frame 12 in the range above the lower pan unit 13 as an axis. The front frame set 14 is attached so as to be openable and closable, a resin base (not shown), and a game board 30 (described later) attached to the rear side of the resin base. Each of these configurations will be described in detail below. The configuration of the front frame set 14 will be specifically described later.

  The lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 with a fastener such as a screw. On the front side of the lower tray unit 13, a lower tray 15, a ball release lever 17, a game ball launching handle 18, an ashtray 22, and a sound output port 24 are provided. The lower tray 15 serving as a ball receiving tray is provided at substantially the center of the lower tray unit 13 and plays a role of stopping a game ball discharged from the discharge port 16 when the upper tray described later becomes full. is there. The ball removal lever 17 is for removing a game ball in the lower tray 15, and by moving the ball removal lever 17 to the left in FIG. 1, a predetermined location on the bottom surface of the lower tray 15 is opened. The game ball stopped in the lower plate 15 can be discharged to the player's ball storage box (dollar box) through the opening on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15. The game ball launching handle 18 is disposed so as to protrude to the front side on the right side of the lower plate 15. In accordance with the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player, the game ball is driven toward a game board 30 described later by a game ball launching device having a launch solenoid. The sound output port 24 is an output port for outputting sound from a speaker provided in the lower plate unit 13 or on the back surface. The ashtray 22 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. The right side of the ashtray 22 is supported by the lower plate 15 so as to rotate about the axis in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) as an axis (for example, forwardly toward the front side).

  Note that most of the lower dish unit 13 is molded of ABS resin in the same manner as the inner frame 12.

  On the other hand, an upper plate 19 as a receiving tray for game balls is provided integrally with the front frame set 14 at a lower portion of the front frame set 14 (above the lower plate 15 described above). The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them to the game ball launching device 38 while aligning them in a line. In the conventional pachinko machine, a front decorative frame that can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame is provided below the front frame set, and an upper plate is provided on the front decorative frame. However, in this embodiment, the front decorative frame is omitted. The upper plate 19 is provided directly on the front frame set 14. Similar to the lower plate 15, the upper plate 19 has a structure in which the surface layer is formed of flame-retardant ABS resin. In addition, an effect button 79 for the player to perform an operation such as changing the background of the decorative symbol display device 42 is provided at the lower left of the upper plate 19.

  In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around the front frame set 14 (for example, a corner portion) as will be described later. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state in the big hit game state or the like. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 containing a light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and lighting or blinking in the big hit gaming state, it is in a big hit gaming state It is the structure which alert | reports.

  In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated with a bill or a card inserted in a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is lent according to the operation. Done. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium). Is done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays remaining amount information such as a card. Note that the ball lending operation unit 120 is not required for a pachinko machine in which a game ball is directly rented from the ball lending device unit to the upper plate without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative seal or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. Thereby, the common use of the lending operation unit of the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine can be achieved.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 30. The game board 30 includes a first start port 33 and a second start port 34 (through gate) each comprising a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper starting port 33a and a lower starting port 33b (configured by an operation chuck 33b). A variable display device unit 35 including a special symbol display device 38, a normal symbol display device 41, a decorative symbol display device 42, and the like. The general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the first starting port 33, the second starting port 34, the variable display unit 35 and the like are respectively provided in the through holes formed by the router processing in the game board 30. The game board 30 is attached from the front side with a wood screw or the like. In addition, a pair of opening and closing blades 60 are provided at the entrance of the lower start port 33b, and an open position for guiding the game ball and a closed position where the game ball is difficult to enter the lower start port 33b can be taken. The opening / closing blade 60 is driven by a solenoid SL1 disposed on the back side of the game board 30. In addition, an inlet 61 of the accommodating portion is disposed below the lower start port 33b. The inlet 61 of the housing portion will be described later. The entrance detection switch SW1 is provided in the entrance 61 of the housing portion.

  A game ball enters the above-described general winning port 31, variable winning device 32, and first start port 33, and the received ball is detected by a detection switch (a winning port switch, a count switch, an operation port switch, etc.) described later. Based on the output of the detection switch, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that have not entered the various winning devices etc. are guided through the out port 36 to a ball discharge path (not shown). It has become. A number of nails are implanted in the game board 30 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (instruments) are arranged.

  The special symbol display device 38 variably displays a special symbol as identification information with a winning at the first start port 33 as a trigger, and the decorative symbol display device 42 varies a decorative symbol corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol. The normal symbol display device 41 variably displays the normal symbol with the passage of the second start port 34 as a trigger.

  The special symbol display device 38 is composed of two-color LEDs 38a and 38b, and the display content is controlled by a main control device 261 described later. Each of the LEDs 38a and 38b can be variably displayed in red and green, for example.

  The decorative design display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and display contents are controlled by a display control device to be described later. On the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, symbols as identification information are displayed at three locations, upper, middle, and lower. These symbols are scrolled and variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) is provided with a large liquid crystal display having a size of 10 inches or 12 inches, for example.

  The normal symbol display device 41 includes lamps 41a and 41b for normal symbols. In this embodiment, the normal symbol lamp 41 a is provided, for example, above both display surfaces of the decorative symbol display device 42, and its external shape is “◯”, while the normal symbol lamp 41 b is The lamp 41a is provided adjacent to the upper right side of the lamp 41a. In the normal symbol display device 41, for example, the display symbol (ordinary symbol) by the lamps 41a and 41b is changed every time the game ball passes through the second starting port 34. Specifically, the lamps 41a and 41b are alternately lit. When the lamp 41a stops, the lower start port 33b of the first start port 33 is configured to be activated (opened) for a predetermined time. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the second start opening 34 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times that the game ball is held is displayed on the hold lamp 801a. The lamps 41a and 41b may be a plurality of display units that are variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is repeatedly operated in an open state and a normal closed state in which a game ball is easy to win in a big win. However, the specific configuration will be described later. In short, when the special symbol display device 38 is in a specific display mode (when the confirmed symbol after the decoration symbol display device 42 is stopped is a combination of specific symbols set in advance), the special gaming state Occurs. Then, the variable winning device 32 is in a ball receiving state and allows the winning of game balls. Specifically, the ball receiving state of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly released a predetermined number of times, with a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings taken as one round. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the first start port 33 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times of holding is displayed on the hold lamp 800a. Note that the hold lamp 800a may be configured to be variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 for guiding the game ball launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30 and is fired as the game ball launching handle 18 is rotated. The game balls are guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The configuration of the rail unit 50 will be specifically described later.

(Back view of pachinko machine)
Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

  First, an overall outline of the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. On the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 (actually, the back surface of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30), various control boards are arranged so as to be lined up and down, left and right, or stacked in front and back, A game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into two mounting bases to form two control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. . In this case, the main control board (apparatus), the power supply monitoring board (apparatus), and the sub-control board (apparatus) are mounted on one mounting base to form a unit, and the dispensing control board (apparatus) and the launch control board (apparatus) ) And a power supply board (device) are mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit is referred to as “first control board unit 201”, and the latter unit is referred to as “second control board unit 202”.

  Further, since the dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack, the unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203” here. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

  The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured to be detachable without using any tools or the like in units of units. Is provided so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. This is also a device for making it possible to easily check a hidden configuration or the like even if the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one behind the other.

  The first control board unit 201 described above includes a main control board that supervises the progress of the game, a power supply monitoring board that manages power supply monitoring, display control of the decorative symbol display device 42 and an audio lamp according to instructions from the main control board. And a sub-control board for controlling the control. The main control board and the power supply monitoring board are accommodated in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit so that the board cannot be opened. Box 263 is sealed.

  Any configuration can be applied to the sealing unit as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened, and the sealing processing by the sealing unit prevents unauthorized opening after sealing, Even if an unauthorized opening is performed, such a situation can be detected early and easily.

  Next, the second control board unit 202 includes a payout control board, a launch control board, a power supply board, and a card unit connection board. The payout control board controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls, the launch control board controls the launch solenoid according to the operation of the game ball launch handle 18 by the player, and the power supply board requires various control devices and the like. A predetermined power supply voltage is generated and output. Also, the card unit connection board is electrically connected to the ball rental operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front surface of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and receives a command for a ball rental operation by a player and pays it out. Output to the substrate. Note that a card unit connection board is not required in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

  The payout control board is housed in a payout control board case 280 made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the power supply board is housed in a power supply board case 281 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The card unit connection board is housed in a card unit connection board case 314 made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the firing control board is housed in a firing control board case (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the payout control board, the box base and the box cover constituting the board case (encapsulating means) are connected to each other by the sealing unit (sealing means) so as not to be opened, like the main control board described above. Is sealed.

  The payout control board is electrically connected to a state return switch 321. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball clogging in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is slowly adjusted to the normal state. It is rotated to eliminate clogging (return to normal state).

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. The back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a resin-formed back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352 are integrated.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a substantially flat base portion 353 and a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine and has a horizontally long substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the electric accessory unit (center accessory). The sub-control board is also enclosed.) A large number of ventilation holes 354 a are provided on the back surface of the protective cover portion 354. Each of the air holes 354a has a long hole shape, and the air holes 354a are adjacent to each other at a relatively close position. Therefore, the back surface of the back pack 351 can be easily opened by cutting the resin portion between the adjacent vent holes 354a. That is, a predetermined test or the like can be easily performed by cutting the resin portion between the vent holes 354a and exposing the display control device or the like inside the resin portion.

  In addition, a payout mechanism portion 352 is disposed on the base portion 353 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 351, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows (two rows) of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, the tank rail 356 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. A case rail 357 is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 through a payout passage or the like (not shown).

  The tank rail 356 and the vibrator 360 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356 are unitized so as to be integrated, and if a ball clogging occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven. In this way, the clogging of the balls is resolved.

  The payout mechanism 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control board to the payout device 358 and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power from the outside. ing. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, an AC 24V main power via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 382a.

  An inner frame opening detection switch 388 for detecting that the inner frame 12 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12. The signal is output from the open detection switch 388 to the computer for the hall (in the pachinko parlor). Further, a front frame opening detection switch 389 is provided on the left side of the inner frame opening detection switch 388. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the front frame opening detection switch 389 is used for the inside of the hall (in a pachinko shop). Output to computer.

(Electric configuration of pachinko machine and various control processes)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 10 includes a power supply device 313, a power supply monitoring device 540, a main control device 261, a sub control device 262, a payout control device 311, a display control device 45, and the like. In the following, these devices will be described in detail individually. The power supply monitoring device 540 and the main control device 261 are sealed by the sealing unit as described above.

  Next, the configuration of the main controller 261 will be described. The main controller 261 is equipped with an MPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 501 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. A certain RAM 503 and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The RAM 503 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off. The RAM 503 temporarily stores various data and the like. There is an area for.

  Note that the power failure signal SG1 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 501 when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, and the power failure signal SG1 is the MPU 501. Is input immediately, the NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 includes a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub-control device 262, a special symbol display device 38, a normal symbol display device 41, and a special symbol hold display. The device 800, the normal symbol hold display device 801, and other switches not shown are connected. The special symbol display device 38 is composed of the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b as described above, and the normal symbol display device 41 is composed of the normal symbol display lamps 41a and 41b as described above. As described above, the hold display device 800 includes the hold lamp 800a that displays the number of hold balls related to the special symbol, and the normal symbol hold display device 801 holds the number of hold balls related to the normal symbol as described above. The lamp 801a is configured.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by a payout motor 358a. The MPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 is configured to hold (backup) data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261. The RAM 513 is provided with an area for temporarily storing various data.

  As with the MPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SG1 is also input to the NMI terminal of the MPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure. When input to the MPU 511, an NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 via a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A main controller 261 and a payout motor 358a are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch solenoid, and the launch solenoid is permitted to drive when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the sensor signal detects that a connection signal indicating that the payout control device 311 is connected to the card unit is output, and that the player is touching the game ball launching handle 18. The firing control device 312 outputs a firing permission signal to the main control device 261 on the condition that the firing stop switch for stopping the firing is not operated. The main controller 261 that has input the firing permission signal outputs a firing solenoid control signal to the firing controller 312. As a result, the launch control device 312 drives the launch solenoid in response to the launch solenoid control signal, and as a result, the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle.

  The sub-control device 262 controls the ringing control of the effect speaker 810 and the like according to the change display of the decorative symbol based on the command from the main control device 261, the lighting (flashing) control of the effect lamp 811, and the main control device 261. The function to edit the command to the display control device 45 based on the command from and send it to the display control device 45 is achieved. The MPU 550 of the sub-control device 262 includes a ROM 551 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 550, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 552 that is used as a work memory or the like. An input / output port 554 is connected to the MPU 550 via a bus line 553 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 554 is connected to a speaker, a lamp, an effect button 79 for executing a predetermined display effect during variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42, and a main control device 261. Examples of the effect button 79 include a display effect button such as a step-up notice for notifying that the possibility of a big hit state is high depending on the manner in which predetermined characters appear sequentially. When an effect button 79 is pressed, an effect designation command for executing a predetermined effect is generated and transmitted to the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The display control device 45 controls the variation display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42. The display control device 45 includes an MPU 521 having a RAM 523 used as a work RAM, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, and an output port 529. I have.

  The MPU 521 receives a symbol display command (stop symbol command, variation pattern command, confirmation command, etc.) transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or based on the received command. A predetermined calculation process is performed to control the image controller 526 (specifically, generation of an internal command for the image controller 526). The program ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 521 and fixed values, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for background images. The RAM 523 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, and the like that are used when the MPU 521 executes various programs.

  The image controller 526 is configured by a VDP (Video Display Processor). The VDP is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative symbol display device 42. Since it is an IC chip, it is also called a “drawing chip” and its entity is a drawing. It can be said to be a microcomputer chip with built-in processing software. The image controller 526 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc. to intervene in the reading and writing of data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing, and sets the output port 529. And output to the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed by rewriting the content of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. The character ROM 525 holds bitmap image data of various display patterns, a color palette table to be referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image, and the like. In particular, a symbol code (symbol number) is assigned to each symbol image data in the bitmap format, and at the command level, each symbol image can be managed only by the symbol code. Note that a plurality of character ROMs 525 may be provided, and image data and the like may be stored in each character ROM 525 in a shared manner. Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 522 is stored in the character ROM 525.

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operating voltages to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through the power supply path. As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in a voltage of 24 volts AC supplied from the outside, drives a switch, a motor, etc., has a voltage of 12 volts, a voltage of 5 volts for logic, and a RAM backup. A backup voltage or the like is generated, and the 12 volt voltage, the 5 volt voltage, and the backup voltage are supplied to the power supply monitoring device 540, the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311, the display control device 45, and the like. The main control device 261 is supplied with operating voltages (voltages of 12 volts and 5 volts) via the power supply monitoring device 540. In addition, an operating voltage (12 volts and 5 volts) is supplied to the launch controller 312 via the main controller 261.

The power monitoring device 540 includes a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure or the like, and a reset circuit 544 that outputs a reset signal.
The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power shutdown) occurs when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SG1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. By the output of the power failure signal SG1, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the NMI interrupt process. Note that the power supply unit 541 outputs a voltage of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the NMI interrupt processing even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Is maintained at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt process.

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal SG2 for clearing backup data to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 when the RAM erase switch is pressed. Note that transmission of a signal to the payout control device 311 is performed via the main control device 261.
When the RAM erase signal SG2 is input when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 clear the respective backup data.

  The reset circuit 544 is a circuit that outputs a reset signal in order to initialize the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, the sub control device 262, and the display control device 45. The reset signal from the reset circuit 544 is directly given to the main control device 261, but the payout control device 311, the sub control device 262, and the display control device 45 are connected via the power supply device 313. It has come to be given.

  Here, the display contents of the special symbol display device 38, the normal symbol display device 41, and the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, a special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 38 as a symbol for showing the occurrence of the jackpot to the player, and a decorative symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. Two types are provided. The decorative symbol is a symbol that changes in synchronization with the special symbol. The decorative symbol starts changing at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol starts to change, and at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol changes. To stop the fluctuation. This decorative design is provided in order to provide a player with a variety of display effects so that the player is not bored.

  First, the display contents of the special symbol display device 38 will be described. The special symbol change display is represented by a change in the lighting pattern such as a color change (red / green change) or blinking of the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b. The variation display of the special symbol is started based on the winning of the game ball at the start port 33, and the variation display of the special symbol is simultaneously stopped after a certain time. After the stop, if the special symbols are aligned, that is, if the special symbol display lamps 38a, 38b are in the same color lighting state, it is a big hit, and if the special symbols are not aligned when the variable display is stopped, When the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are turned on in different colors, the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are disengaged and the variable display is performed again based on the winning at the start port 33. The number of times that the game ball has won the start opening 33 is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of times the game ball is held is displayed on the hold lamp 800a of the special symbol hold display device 800. In the present embodiment, if the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are both in a red lighting state when the variable display is stopped, the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are both regarded as a specific symbol (probability variation symbol). If it is a green lighting state, it is regarded as a non-specific symbol (non-probability variation symbol).

  Next, display contents of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. On the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, three decorative symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are displayed in three display areas divided into an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage. These decorative symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are scroll-displayed from right to left. The decorative symbol is composed of, for example, a main symbol composed of numbers “1” to “9” and a sub symbol smaller than the main symbol, and a symbol row of the decorative symbol is formed by each of the main symbol and the sub symbol. In each symbol row formed with decorative symbols, the main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub-designs are arranged between the main symbols. When a winning at the start port 33, that is, when a start winning is generated, the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the variable symbol is stopped after a certain period of time according to the variable pattern. Nine decorative symbols are displayed as display results. In the variable display won in the big win lottery, the display control device 45 controls the three main symbols so that they stop on a vertical or diagonal straight line among the nine decorative symbols. The jackpot is indicated. On the other hand, in the variable display out of the big hit lottery, the display control device 45 controls the game so that three identical main symbols do not stop vertically or diagonally among the nine decorative symbols. The occurrence of detachment is shown to the person.

  Next, display contents of the normal symbol display device 41 will be described. The variation display of the normal symbol is expressed by alternately lighting the normal symbol display lamp 41a (appearance is ◯ shape) and the normal symbol display lamp 41b (appearance is X shape). This variation display of the normal symbol is started on the condition that the game ball passes through the second starting port 34, and the variation display of the normal symbol stops after a certain time. When the display lamp 41a stops, the first start port 33 is configured to be in an activated state (opened) for a predetermined time. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the second starting port 34 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times of holding is displayed on the hold lamp 801a of the normal symbol hold display device 801.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In this embodiment, the MPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses a variety of counter information during the game to perform a jackpot lottery, a symbol display setting of the special symbol display device 38, and the like. Specifically, a counter group related to the special symbol and a counter group related to the normal symbol are provided. First, a counter group related to special symbols will be described. As a group of counters related to the special symbol, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery, the jackpot symbol counter C2 used for the selection of the jackpot symbol of the special symbol display device 38, and the special symbol display device 38 fluctuate. Stop pattern selection counter C3 used for selection of stop patterns (corresponding to reach lottery of reaching or completely losing in the variation of decorative symbols) and initial value setting of jackpot random number counter C1 An initial value random number counter CINI1 and variation type counters CS1 to CS3 for determining a type used for variation pattern selection are provided.

  Here, the variation pattern means each pattern (form) in a case where features having common features of variation display are divided.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI1, CS1 to CS3 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. The RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area 700 composed of one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game ball to the start port 33 is provided. Each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern selection counter C3 is stored in accordance with the winning timing.

Next, the specific contents of each counter will be described in detail.
The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 738, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 738), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. Note that the random number initial value counter CINI1 is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 738), and is updated once every timer interruption and within the remaining time of normal processing. Will be updated repeatedly. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start port 33. The number of random number values that are jackpots is set at low probability and high probability, and the number of random numbers that are jackpots at low probability is 2, and the value is “373, 727” There are 14 random numbers that are big hits at high probability, and the values are “59, 109, 163, 211, 263, 317, 367, 421, 479, 523, 577, 631, 683, 733”. is there. When the probability is high, the special symbol combination is a jackpot depending on the combination of specific symbols that are predetermined probability variation symbols (in this embodiment, the specific symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are both lit in green). As a value added, it means a state in which the subsequent jackpot probability is increased, that is, a so-called probability change, and normal time (low probability) is not such a probability change state (in this embodiment, the specific symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are When both lights in red).

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines a symbol at the time of a jackpot when the special symbol display device 38 stops changing the special symbol. For example, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 4, and the maximum value (that is, 4 ), And then it returns to 0. For example, when the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “0” or “1”, the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are both stopped in green, and the combination of the stopped symbols in this case is a non-specific symbol (normally Of jackpot symbol).

  When the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “2”, “3”, or “4”, the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are both stopped in red, and the combination of the stopped symbols in this case is a specific symbol ( (Probability variation design).

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start opening 33.

  The stop pattern selection counter C3 is, for example, incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 238, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is configured to be expressed by the two display lamps 38a and 38b. Therefore, in the case of the special symbol, there is no concept of reach, and the stop pattern corresponding to reach is a stop pattern. The determination is made by the selection counter C3. On the other hand, in the case of a decorative symbol, since three decorative symbols are stopped, there is a reach. Therefore, in the case of a decorative design, the reach lottery is determined by the stop pattern selection counter C3. That is, in the case of a decorative design, after the reach has occurred, the final stop symbol is shifted by one shift before and after the reach symbol, and the stop symbol is stopped before and after the reach symbol. It is decided to draw “reach other than front / rear off” to stop and “complete out” that does not cause reach. For example, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 0 to 201 corresponds to complete detachment, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 202 to 208 corresponds to anteroposterior detachment reach, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 209 to 238 lies other than detachment anteroposterior. Applicable.

  Here, “reach” refers to a combination of symbols that stop before the decorative symbol displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 starts changing display, and the combination of symbols that stop first is the same symbol (in a decorative symbol having a plurality of effective lines). A combination of jackpot symbols, suggesting to the player that the jackpot will be a big win depending on the display result of the symbols that are the same symbol on any active line) and satisfy the jackpot condition Is a display that makes a player expect the game, and is a type of entertainment production. An interesting effect is that a predetermined symbol represented by reach is displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 in the middle of variable display, a specific sound is output from a speaker, or a vibration motor is used. This is an effect that causes the player to expect that the display result after the change display will be a big hit with the change display, such as vibrating the game ball launch handle 18.

  The stop pattern selection counter C3 is periodically updated (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start port 33.

The variation type counter CS1 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS2 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 240, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240). For example, the variation type counter CS3 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 162, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 162) and then returns to 0.
The variation type counter CS1 determines a rough symbol variation mode such as a reach type such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and the variation type counter CS2 further refines a symbol such as normal reach A, normal reach B, etc. The variation mode is determined, and the variation type counter CS2 determines, for example, the addition / subtraction of the variation time in the case of a slip stop variation. Therefore, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 to CS3.

  The counters CS <b> 1 to CS <b> 3 are updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of the counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired when the variation pattern is determined when the special symbol display device 38 starts the variation of the special symbol and the decorative symbol display device 42.

  Next, a counter group related to normal symbols will be described. The counter group related to the normal symbol includes a winning random number counter C4 used for winning lottery and an initial value random number counter CINI2 used for setting an initial value of the winning random number counter C4.

  The hit random number counter C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. The RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area 701 including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, the second starting port 34 is provided. The value of the hit random number counter C4 is stored in accordance with the passing of the game ball.

  Next, the specific contents of the winning random number counter C4 and the initial value random number CINI2 will be described in detail. The winning random number counter C4 is, for example, incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 250, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). When the winning random number counter C4 makes one round, the value of the winning initial value random number counter CINI2 at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C4. The initial value random number counter CINI2 is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the winning random number counter C4 (value = 0 to 250), and is updated once per timer interrupt and within the remaining time of normal processing. Will be updated repeatedly. The hit random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 701 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball passes through the second start port 34. The number of random number values hit by the hit random number counter C4 is 149, and the value is “5 to 153”.

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, if importance is attached to irregularity, the big hit random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, the hit random number counter C4, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case. It is desirable to leave.

The details of each control process executed by the MPU 501 in the main controller 261 will not be described here.
However, in summary, as described above, the main control device 261 wins a lottery with a predetermined probability due to winning at the start port 33, and upon winning, it shifts to a special gaming state. The variable winning device 32 is in a winning ball receiving state.

(Variable winning device and collection unit)
In this embodiment, the variable winning device 32 is configured as follows.
The basic configuration of the variable winning device 32 is to house a winning ball from a large winning opening 61 having a width that allows a plurality of gaming balls to pass in the lateral direction of the game board 30 in a housing portion (not shown). A detection sensor (not shown) is detected from a discharge portion provided in the storage portion.

  A start winning device 33 (33a and 33b: see FIG. 3) is provided in the game area of the game board 30 for entering a game ball flowing down the flow space between the window portion 101 and the game board 30. By entering the starting prize winning device 33, the main control device 261 performs a lottery determination with a predetermined probability, and the game state is shifted to the special game state by the corresponding lottery, and at least once in the special game state. The variable winning device 32 is switched from the non-ball receiving state to the ball receiving state, and in the ball receiving state, a predetermined number of winning balls received in the receiving portion from the large winning opening 61 are detected by the detection sensor. In this way, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

(Feature configuration)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes a front frame set 14 as a front door that covers the board surface of the game board 30. The front frame set 14 is formed with a substantially circular window 101 so as to occupy most of the center. Through the window 101, most of the game area defined by the rail unit 50 on the front surface of the game board 30 is visually recognized from the front. That is, the window 101 is a first opening that allows the game area of the game board 30 to be viewed from the front.

  A middle upper opening 103C, an upper left opening 103L, and an upper right opening 103R are formed in a region between the upper end edge of the front frame set 14 and the window 101. At the center of the upper end edge of the window portion 101, a hook-like portion 101E extending in a substantially flat plate shape is formed along the periphery of the window portion 101 while slightly curving in a substantially arc shape when viewed from the front. The lateral width of the bowl-shaped portion 101E is approximately half the lateral width of the front frame set 14. From both end portions of the bowl-shaped portion 101E, the side walls 101S are erected so as to extend to the upper end edge of the front frame set 14 while being slightly inclined toward the center. The back surface portion of the front trapezoidal region surrounded by the bowl-shaped portion 101E, the side wall 101S, and the upper edge of the front frame set 14 penetrates in the front-rear direction, thereby forming the middle-upper opening 103C. .

  The annular electric decoration portion 102 is disposed at the periphery of the window portion 101. However, the annular electric portion 102 is shielded by the side wall 101S so that the annular electric portion is formed in the central portion of the upper edge of the window portion 101, that is, in the middle upper opening 103C formation region. The decoration part 102 is missing. On both sides of the middle upper opening 103C, that is, on both outer sides of the side wall 101S, the front frame set 14 penetrates in the front-rear direction in most of the region between the upper edge of the front frame set 14 and the annular illumination part 102. Thus, an upper left opening 103L and an upper right opening 103R are formed, respectively. The lower left edge, the center side edge, and the upper edge of the upper left opening 103L and the upper right opening 103R extend along the upper edge of the annular electric decoration part 102, the side wall 101S, and the front frame set 14, respectively, so as to be approximately hexagonal as a whole. Is formed. Through the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R, the upper end portion of the game area on the front surface of the game board 30 is visually recognized from the front. That is, the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R serve as a second opening that allows at least a part of the game area of the game board 30 to be visually recognized from the front.

  A glass plate is fitted to the back side surface of the front frame set 1 so as to cover the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R from the inside (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rail unit 50 in the game board 30 is configured by a metal plate having a band shape [ring shape], and includes an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 integrally formed in an inner and outer double. On the rear edge of the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 (edge facing the game board 30), a plurality of hooks 56 are provided at predetermined intervals, and the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 are The game board 30 is attached to the game board 30 so as to hit the basket 56.

  The inner rail 51 crosses the out port 36 at a position slightly above the lower right corner of the board surface of the game board 30 and slightly inward from the right edge, and slightly inward (slightly above) from the center of the lower edge. And extends in a substantially arc shape from the center of the left edge to a position slightly closer to the inside. Furthermore, it extends slightly upward linearly along the left side edge of the board surface of the game board 30 and extends from the upper end to a position slightly upward to the right while being gently curved in an arc. The outer rail 52 has a shape that is substantially similar to the inner rail 51 with a slight gap from the position slightly to the left of the bottom center of the board surface of the game board 30, that is, from the lower left position of the out port 36 to the outside of the inner rail 51. And extending upward. As described above, the inner rail 51 linearly extends upward along the left side edge of the board surface of the game board 30 and then ends to the right (upper left end). It extends further to the upper right than the outer position corresponding to the end of the inner rail 51, and linearly extends rightward along the upper edge from a position immediately before it hits the upper edge of the board surface of the game board 30. Furthermore, when it extends to the vicinity of the upper right corner of the board surface of the game board 30, it extends while curving loosely in an arc shape to a position slightly below the upper end of the right edge and slightly inward. In such a case, a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and a spherical guide passage is formed by a portion (the left portion facing) where the rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. The ball guide passage is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape in which the front side is opened.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail 51 (upper left portion in FIG. 3). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the ball guide path between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the upper part of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide path again. Yes.

  As described above, the rail unit 50 extends in a substantially semicircular shape in the lower half of the board surface of the game board 30, and the upper right and upper left corners are rounded off in the upper half. The game area extends in a generally rectangular shape, and as a whole, a game area having a shape obtained by rotating the approximate D-shape by 90 ° clockwise (hereinafter also referred to as “falling D-shape”) is partitioned. At this time, in a conventional pachinko machine, it is common that the game area is partitioned into a substantially circular shape. On the other hand, in this pachinko machine 10, the space at the upper end portion of the board surface of the game board 30 is further utilized as much as possible so that the substantially circular shape is bulged upward into a generally rectangular shape. A game area having a letter shape is defined.

  As described above, the front frame set 14 has the substantially circular window portion 101 as the first opening, and this window portion 101 is substantially the same as the conventional one in the above-mentioned roughly fallen D-shaped game area. The circular basic region is visible from the front. On the other hand, as described above, the front frame set 14 has the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R as the second openings, but these middle upper opening 103C and upper left opening 103L. In addition, the upper right opening 103R makes it possible to visually recognize from the front an expanded area that expands the conventional substantially circular basic area upward in the above-described roughly falling D-shaped game area.

  Therefore, according to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10 described above, the game balls flow down into the winning device and enter the winning device in the generally circular basic area common to the conventional fall D-shaped game area. The main situation of the game, such as the situation of being discharged from the out port 36 and the display content on the decorative symbol display device 42, is visually recognized from the front through the window portion 101 which is the first opening. In addition, in the upper extended region, the game ball is guided from the ball guide passage between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 into the game region, or the game ball that is strongly launched from the game ball launching device. The situation where the game flows down through the game area after being pushed up to the upper end or upper right end of the game area is forward through the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R, which are the second openings. Visible from. In other words, the pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which the game area is greatly expanded upward compared to the prior art.

  In the above configuration, for example, the configuration of the front frame set 14 may be left as it is, and the game area of the game board may be changed so as to be formed in a substantially circular shape similar to the conventional one. In other words, the gaming area can be viewed from the front through the window 101, which is the first opening, as in the prior art, while the upper end of the board surface of the gaming board is the middle of the board surface outside the gaming area being the second opening. It may be visible from the front through the upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R. In such a configuration, if the board surface outside the game area at the upper end of the game board is configured with the same design as the board surface in the game area, and more preferably nails or the like are also arranged, this upper edge Even if the game ball does not actually flow down the board surface outside the game area, the game area is expanded through at least the middle opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R that are the second openings. It can appear to be an extended area. Further, in this case, for example, a part of the upper end of the game board or the entire game board is formed of a resin having transparency, and a light emitting part such as an LED lamp is disposed on the back side of the upper end of the game board. A configuration may be adopted in which light is irradiated forward through the board and the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R as the second opening. According to this configuration, it is possible to achieve a light emission mode as if the game board, in particular, the inside and outside of the game area emit light by itself. Therefore, for example, an effective light emission effect that cannot be obtained by a configuration in which light is emitted exclusively from the front surface of the front frame set 14 or the like can be made possible.

(Function)
This pachinko machine 10 has a game board 30 in which a game area where game balls flow down is formed on the front surface, and a window 101 as a first opening that allows the game area of the game board 30 to be viewed from the front. In the configuration including the front frame set 14 as a front door covering the board surface of the game board 30, the front frame set 14 visually recognizes at least a part of the game area of the game board 30 from the front outside the window portion 101. The configuration has a middle upper opening 103C, an upper left opening 103L, and an upper right opening 103R as the second opening that can be made.

  According to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10, in addition to the game area being visible from the front by the window 101 that is the first opening, the middle upper opening 103C that is the second opening, the upper left opening Since the upper end of the board surface of the game board 30 corresponding to the part 103L and the upper right opening 103R is visible from the front, the part corresponding to the second opening is also secured as a space constituting a part of the game area. Has been. That is, the game area is effectively expanded by disposing the second opening. Further, even when the portion corresponding to the second opening is not used as the game area, by making the board surface of the game board 30 visible from the front, at least the part corresponding to the second opening is regarded as the game area. It can be set as the structure which looks like.

  Further, if the portion corresponding to the second opening on the board surface of the game board is not used as the game area, the board area corresponding to the second opening is configured as the board surface in the game area. The part can be made to look more like a game area.

  Furthermore, at least a portion corresponding to the second opening in the game board is molded with a resin having transparency, and a light emitting portion is disposed on the back side of this portion, and light is transmitted forward through the game board and the second opening. If it is set as the structure which irradiates, it can be set as the light emission aspect as if the game board itself is light-emitting, Therefore, an effective light emission effect is attained.

(Modification)
Various modifications can be made to the above embodiment, for example, as shown below.

(1) Second Embodiment In the above-described embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as the first embodiment), the first opening is a substantially circular window 101 similar to the conventional one. As in the modification shown in FIG. 7, the first opening may be configured to be larger than the conventional one (hereinafter also referred to as the second embodiment).

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pachinko machine 10 </ b> C according to the second embodiment includes a front frame set 27 as in the case of the first embodiment. However, while the front frame set 14 according to the first embodiment is a front door that can be freely opened and closed in a range above the lower plate unit 13, the front frame set 27 according to the second embodiment is It is a front door that can be freely opened and closed within the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 10C. That is, the front frame set 27 according to the second embodiment is a front door that is maximally expanded downward than the front frame set 14 according to the first embodiment.

  The front frame set 27 according to the second embodiment has a height h11 (see FIG. 6) corresponding to about 1/4 of the height of the pachinko machine 10C, and a rectangular lower end portion that is horizontally long when viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 7, an overhanging portion 27 </ b> P is formed by projecting while being curved forward so as to form a substantially C shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 6, the front surface of the overhanging portion 27 </ b> P has a wide center at the top and bottom, gradually narrows gradually toward the lower right and lower left, and has a rounded corner. A mountain-shaped lower plate opening 27S is formed, and the inside of the lower plate opening 27S is a lower plate (the internal configuration is not shown). At a position near the lower right end of the lower dish opening 27S, a game ball launching handle 28 is disposed so as to protrude forward. A lower speaker portion 29 is disposed between the vicinity of the right end and the left end of the lower dish opening 27S and the upper end edge of the overhang portion 27P. A cylinder lock 37 for opening the front frame set 27 is disposed at the upper right corner of the overhang portion 27P.

  As shown in FIG. 7, on the inner side of the upper end edge portion of the overhang portion 27P, the inner wall is similar to the overhang portion 27P, is smaller than the overhang portion 27P, and has a height of about several game balls. The portion 27N is formed so as to project while curving forward so as to form a substantially C-shape in plan view, like the projecting portion 27P. A bottom wall portion 27B is formed between the lower end edge of the inner wall portion 27N and the inner side surface of the overhang portion 27P, and the bottom wall portion 27B also serves as an upper wall portion that closes the upper surface portion of the overhang portion 27P. . The upper end edge portion, the inner wall portion 27N and the bottom wall portion 27B of the overhang portion 27P form a substantially C-shaped plan view on the upper surface portion of the overhang portion 27P at a depth of about several game balls from above. An upper dish portion 27T that is recessed is formed. The inside of the inner wall portion 27N is a roughly crescent-shaped (partial circular) void portion 27C in plan view. A payout opening 27D is disposed in the back wall portion at the left end of the upper plate portion 27T, and a game ball is paid out from the payout port 27D to the upper plate portion 27T.

  Above the overhanging portion 27P in the front frame set 27 is a decorative portion 27M that covers the peripheral edge portion of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C. The decorative portion 27M is basically formed into a slightly complicated shape configured by combining portions extending while curving in a curved shape.

  A side edge front side piece 271 extends from the portion directly above the cylinder lock 37 in the overhang portion 27P to the upper end portion along the right side edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C. The side edge front side piece 271 extends from the upper part of the cylinder lock 37 to the vicinity of the center in the height direction of the pachinko machine 10C so as to cover the right edge of the front part of the pachinko machine 10C from the front. From there, it extends away from the right edge of the pachinko machine 10C and extends slightly forward to the upper left, and then gently curls round slightly to the upper right and back to return to the right edge of the pachinko machine 10C. A side edge projecting portion 271P is formed in the middle portion of the side edge front side piece 271 so as to project to the left front in a generally arcuate shape. As described above, the side edge projecting portion 271P extends while curving up and down in a generally arcuate shape, and projects from the right edge of the pachinko machine 10C to the left front, while curving outward in a schematic arc shape in plan view. From the upper end portion of the side edge projecting portion 271P, the right edge portion of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C extends from the front to the upper end portion. The right edge of the upper and lower sides of the side edge front piece 271 excluding the side edge projecting portion 271P extends vertically while matching the right edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C. The left side edge of the entire side edge front piece 271 including the side edge protruding portion 271P extends while curving leftward and forward at the position of the side edge protruding portion 271P, and on the contrary, the right side at the upper and lower positions of the side edge protruding side piece 271. It extends while curving backward, and as a whole it extends vertically while meandering gently in a wavy shape.

  An upper corner covering portion 272 is formed at the upper right corner of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C. The upper corner covering portion 272 extends from the upper right end portion of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10 </ b> C in the center direction, that is, the lower left direction, while expanding in the shape of a general bell in a front view. The upper corner covering portion 272 extends from the upper right end portion to the lower left direction while gently bulging forward with a gently curved surface, and extends to the lower left end edge while slightly retracting backward in the lower left portion. Yes. The upper corner covering portion 272 is formed with a plurality of (four) cleavage portions extending from the upper right end portion to the left lower end edge while slightly expanding along the front shape of the upper corner covering portion 272, A speaker is arranged and fixed on the back side to form an upper speaker unit 39.

  The upper right half of the right edge in the upper corner covering portion 272 is integrated with the upper end of the side edge front piece 271. From the lower right end of the upper corner covering portion 272, a side edge rear piece 273 extends so as to hang down. The side edge rear side piece 273 is a belt-like shape that extends slightly forward and backward in the cross section, and passes from the right lower end portion of the upper corner covering portion 272 to the rear of the front end portion of the side edge protruding portion 271P of the side edge front side piece 271. Thus, it extends substantially linearly and almost vertically up to a height position in the vicinity of the overhanging portion 27P, and expands in a curved wall shape forward and leftward at the lower end portion thereof, and the overhanging portion 27P and the side edge front side piece 271 Continuously integrated. The upper bridge piece 274T extends from the vicinity of the upper end of the side edge rear side piece 273 toward the front right upper side while curving outward in a substantially arc shape in plan view, and extends from the side edge protruding portion 271P of the side edge front side piece 271. It is integrated in the upper position. The lower bridging piece 274B extends from the vicinity of the lower end of the side edge rear side piece 273 toward the lower right front side while curving outward in a substantially arc shape in plan view, and the side edge protruding portion 271P of the side edge front side piece 271 extends. It is integrated at a lower position.

  An upper edge front piece 275 extends along the upper edge of the front surface of the pachinko machine 10C between the upper right corner and the upper left corner of the front surface of the pachinko machine 10C. The upper edge front piece 275 extends from the upper right half of the left edge of the upper corner covering portion 272 so as to cover approximately one third from the right edge of the upper edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C. From the upper edge of the pachinko machine 10C, it extends so as to protrude slightly to the lower left and forward, and then gently curves round to the upper left and back to return to the upper edge of the pachinko machine 10C. An upper edge overhanging portion 275P is formed in the middle portion of the upper edge front side piece 275 so as to protrude in the forward and downward direction in a generally arcuate shape. As described above, the upper edge overhanging portion 275P extends while curving in a substantially arcuate shape to the left and right, and projects from the upper edge of the pachinko machine 10C to the front and lower side while curving outward in a longitudinal arc in a generally arc shape. From the left end portion of the upper edge overhanging portion 275P, it extends to the left end portion while covering the upper edge portion of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C from the front. The upper edges of the left and right sides of the upper edge front piece 275 except for the upper edge overhanging portion 275P extend to the left and right while matching the upper edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C. The lower edge of the entire upper edge front piece 275 including the upper edge overhanging portion 275P extends while curving forward and downward at the position of the upper edge overhanging portion 275P, and conversely at the left and right side portions of the upper edge front piece 275. It extends while curving backward and upward, and extends to the left and right while gently meandering in a wavy shape. The upper edge front piece 275 is generally shaped such that its length is shortened by rotating the side edge front piece 271 by 90 ° counterclockwise. From the center of the upper edge portion of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C, the central bridging piece 276 extends so as to be curved outward in a substantially arc shape in a side view and slightly tapered in a front view toward the front and lower side. The front side piece 275 is integrated with the central portion of the upper edge overhanging portion 275P.

  The left side portion of the decorative portion 27M is configured to be symmetric with the right side portion described above. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted. An upper edge rear piece 277 extends integrally between the left end portion of the right upper corner covering portion 272 and the right end portion of the left upper corner covering portion 272. The upper edge rear side piece 277 has a belt shape that is slightly long in the longitudinal direction in the longitudinal section, and extends substantially horizontally in a straight line from side to side through the rear of the tip of the upper edge protruding portion 275P in the upper edge front side piece 275. .

  As described above, the decorative portion 27M extends while the side edge front side pieces 271 and 271 and the upper edge front side piece 275 meander so as to cover the peripheral edge portion of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C from the front. Further, upper corner covering portions 272 and 272 are formed so as to cover the upper left corner portion from the front, respectively, and in front view, these side edge front side pieces 271 and 271, the upper edge front side piece 275 and both upper corner portion covering portions. The two side edge rear side pieces 273 and 273 and the upper edge rear side piece 277 are configured to extend slightly behind them so as to connect the inner ends of 272 and 272. That is, the decorative portion 27M is a frame-like shape that covers an area of a certain width, that is, a peripheral area from the front, from the left and right side edges and the upper edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C to a position slightly closer to the inner side (center side). The first opening is formed by opening a region on the inner side (center side) of the decorative portion 27M. The decorative portion 27M extends from the left and right side edges and the upper edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C while curving so as to bulge forward, and is therefore generally hollow. In addition, substantially crescent-shaped (partially circular) openings 271S, 271S, and 275S formed on the inner sides of the side edge protruding portions 271P and 271P and the upper edge protruding portion 275P, and both side edge front side pieces 271 and 271, respectively. And a frame-like region occupied by the decorative portion 27M, such as a portion between the rear edge 273 and 273 on both side edges, and a large number of regions penetrating in the front-rear direction and visible in the rear. Thus, a second opening is formed.

  The front frame set 27 is attached to the base frame member 43 from the front as schematically shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the front frame set 27, for example, the decorative portion 27M has a peripheral edge (outermost edge) extending rearward in the shape of a peripheral wall. The front frame set 27 is attached to the base frame member 43 so as to abut the peripheral wall portions of the peripheral end edge portion (outermost end edge portion) forward in a peripheral wall shape. The left side portion of the front frame set 27 is attached to be pivotable about a vertical axis by a hinge structure (not shown), whereby the front frame set 27 is attached to the base frame member 43 as indicated by an arrow A11 in FIG. On the other hand, it is attached so as to be openable and closable in the form of an open door with the left edge as an axis. The right side portion of the front frame set 27 is configured to be able to be engaged and locked with the right side portion of the base frame member 43 by the engaging claw and the engaging projection, and this lock is unlocked by the cylinder lock 37. Can be released (not shown).

  An attachment rail 27R extending inward is formed in the front frame set 27 in the vicinity of the central portion in the front-rear direction of the peripheral wall-shaped portion, and the glass panel 44 is attached and fixed so as to be fitted to the attachment rail 27R. Yes. The glass panel 44 is a transparent panel that covers the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 10C with a posture parallel to the glass panel 44C.

  On the inner side of the base frame member 43, a mounting step 43S that protrudes inward in a rectangular shape is formed at a position slightly inward from the front end, so that the game board 46 is fitted into the mounting step 43S. And fixed by a fixing means (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the game board 46 has an upper end edge and both side edges as close as possible to the upper end edge and both side edges of the decorative portion 27 </ b> M in the front frame set 27, and the lower end edge is the front surface. The frame set 27 is adjusted to have a size so as to enter slightly below the upper end edge of the overhanging portion 27P. With this, the board surface of the game board 46 greatly expands upward and both sides, and the overhanging portion A gaming area is formed that extends downward to the extent that it enters the back side of 27P. Further, the game board 46 is formed of a resin having transparency, and a coating layer including a printing layer designed to be visible from the front is formed on the back surface (not shown). This coating layer makes it possible to visually recognize the design of the printed layer from the front and hides the situation behind the game board 46 so that it is difficult to visually recognize from the front. It is designed to emit light from the rear. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, reference numeral 48 denotes a decorative symbol display device.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a recess is formed inside the base frame member 43 from the mounting step 43 </ b> S, and an LED substrate 47 is disposed and fixed as a light emitting portion on the inner back surface of the recess. Light is emitted from the LED board 47 to the front game board 46, so that the game board 46 is brightly lit and viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10C.

(Operation by Second Embodiment)
The pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment includes a game board 46 in which a game area where game balls flow down is formed on the front surface, and a decoration portion as a first opening that allows the game area of the game board 46 to be visually recognized from the front. In the configuration including the front frame set 27 as a front door that covers the board surface of the game board 46 having an area inside 27M, the front frame set 27 is occupied by the outside of the first opening, that is, the decorative portion 27M. In the frame-like area, the openings 271S, 271S, 275S and the like are provided as second openings that allow at least a part of the game area of the game board 46 to be visually recognized from the front.

  According to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, in addition to the gaming area being visible from the front by the area inside the decorative part 27M which is the first opening, the second opening Since the peripheral part of the board surface of the game board 46 corresponding to a certain opening 271S, 271S, 275S, etc. is visible from the front, the part corresponding to this second opening also constitutes a part of the game area As ensured. That is, the game area is effectively expanded by disposing the second opening. Further, even when the portion corresponding to the second opening is not used as a game area, by making the board surface of the game board 46 visible from the front, at least the game area and the portion corresponding to the second opening are provided. It can be set as the structure which looks like.

  Further, if the portion corresponding to the second opening on the board surface of the game board is not used as the game area, the board area corresponding to the second opening is configured as the board surface in the game area. The part can be made to look more like a game area.

  Furthermore, at least a portion corresponding to the second opening in the game board 46, that is, the whole of the game board 46 is formed of a resin having transparency, and an LED board 47 is disposed as a light-emitting portion on the back side of this portion. Since light is irradiated forward through the board 46 and the first and second openings, it is possible to achieve a light emission mode as if the game board 46 itself is emitting light, and thus effective. A lighting effect is possible.

  In addition, a projecting portion 27P projecting forward is formed at the lower end of the front frame set 27, and a void portion 27C is formed inside the projecting portion 27P, so that a void portion 27C on the board surface of the game board 46 is formed. The area behind is visible to the player. Therefore, the game area is expanded downward using this area.

  That is, in general, at the lower end portion of the pachinko machine, as shown in FIG. 2 showing the pachinko machine 10 according to the first embodiment, for example, in the portion below the arrangement position of the upper plate 19 in the front frame set 14. Basically, the situation on the back side (rear side) is concealed so that it cannot be seen from the front. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. 9, the overhanging portion 27P in which the upper plate portion 27T is disposed is formed to protrude forward, Accordingly, a gap 27 </ b> C is formed in front of the glass panel 44 disposed immediately behind the front frame set 27. Here, since the eyes of the player in the normal game posture are at a position higher than the upper plate part 27T, even the situation on the back side (rear side) of the overhang part 27P is indicated by an arrow A12 in FIG. Thus, it can be visually recognized from the front upper side through the gap portion 27C. That is, as shown by the arrow A12 in FIG. 9, even on the board surface of the game board 46, even in the lower end region R1 below the height position equal to the upper end of the overhanging portion 27P where the upper plate portion 27T is disposed. Since the player's line of sight from the front upper side can reach through the gap portion 27C, the player can visually recognize from the front. Therefore, the game area can be expanded downward so as to extend to the lower end area R1 on the board surface of the game board 46. That is, as described above, the overhanging portion 27P is formed so as to project forward, and the gap portion 27C is formed, so that the game area is expanded downward so as to extend to the back side of the overhanging portion 27P. It has become.

  Thereby, in the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, by forming the openings 271S, 271S, 275S and the like as the second openings as described above, both sides and the upper side of the front part of the pachinko machine 10C are formed. The game area is secured larger than before, and the overhanging portion 27P is formed so as to protrude forward to form the gap portion 27C, so that the game area is lowered downward in the front portion of the pachinko machine 10C. Bigger than that. That is, a game area that is significantly expanded in all directions on the board surface of the game board 46 is formed.

  Furthermore, the decorative portion 27M is configured to locally cover the peripheral edge portion of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C, thereby forming a region inside the decorative portion 27M, which is the first opening, to be greatly opened. Has been. As a result, the visibility and openness of the game area are greatly improved.

  In addition, in the conventional front door, light emitting means such as an LED board is often disposed inside the area outside the central opening that allows the game area to be visually recognized. In the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, as described above, the LED board 47 that is a light emitting unit is arranged behind the light-transmitting game board 46 (back side), and the decorative part 27M of the front frame set 27 is Except for the upper corner covering portions 272 and 272, the components are basically not hollow and are generally hollow, so that the second openings such as the openings 271S, 271S, and 275S as described above. A large opening area can be secured. In addition, the decorative portion 27M does not need to be provided with components in the inside and is a member intended to increase the opening area. A design in which 271 and the upper edge front piece 275 extend while meandering in a wavy manner is preferable. In other words, contrary to the case of a conventional front door that is intended to place parts inside or cover the inside so as to conceal the inside, the linear part forms an arbitrary curve while forming many gaps. A design that extends in a shape is preferable. Therefore, the decorative portion 27M is irregular, has higher designability (decorativeness), has a visual impact, and is easy to draw. Yes. In addition, since the volume of the member is small, the cost is reduced because there are few constituent materials. That is, the decorative portion 27M is low in cost, has a large opening area, and has a bold and innovative design and excellent design.

  In particular, in the decorative portion 27M, the side edge overhanging portions 271P and 271P protrude from the left front and right front, that is, while gradually bulging forward toward the center, so that the line of sight from the next player is Both side edge overhang | projection parts 271P and 271P are prevented. Thereby, for example, the state of the game in the center of the game area is difficult to be seen by the next player, and therefore, the psychological effect that it is easy to settle down and concentrate on the game without worrying about the line of sight from the next player The shape is also obtained. That is, the both side edge projecting portions 271P and 271P of the decorative portion 27M not only improve the design (decorative property) but also have a function such as a blindfold (a concealing member).

  In addition, the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment has a game board 46 in which a game area where a game ball flows down is formed on the front surface, and a first opening that allows the game area of the game board 46 to be viewed from the front. In the configuration including the front frame set 27 as a front door having a region inside the decoration portion 27M and covering the surface of the game board 46, the front frame set 27 is at least one of the inner peripheral edges of the first opening. And a configuration in which both side edge rear pieces 273 and 273 and an upper edge rear piece 277 of the decorative portion 27M constituting the part are disposed so as to form a gap 27G between the game board 46 and the board surface. It has become.

  According to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, as shown by an arrow A13 in FIG. 8, the board surface of the game board 46 is visually recognized from the front through the gap portion 27G even in the region outside the first opening. It is easy to do. That is, as shown by an arrow A13 in FIG. 8, the player's line of sight extends obliquely outward from the front center through the gap portion 27G, and on the outer peripheral portion of the game board 46 outside the first opening. Can be extended.

  In other words, in addition to disposing the openings 271S, 271S, 275S, etc., which are the second openings, a gap 27G is provided between at least a part of the inner periphery of the first opening and the board surface of the game board 46. Also, the peripheral portion of the board surface of the game board 46 can be viewed from the front, and this peripheral portion is also secured as a space constituting a part of the game area.

  In addition, the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment includes a game board 46 in which a game area where game balls flow down is formed on the front surface, and a front frame set 27 as a front door that covers the board surface of the game board 46. The front frame set 27 is a front member on the front side and is supported by a base frame member 43 which is a base member on the rear side, and the front frame set 27 is light transmissive. The structure is integrated with a glass panel 44 which is a supporting member.

  As a conventional front door, for example, like a front door 149 shown in FIG. 10, a front member 157 molded in a decorative shape is supported and fixed to a base member 158 on the rear side (back side). It has become common. When the light emitting unit is provided, a light source such as an LED board 162 is usually disposed on the base member 158 as shown in the figure.

  In the case of the front door 149 having the above-described configuration, the configuration of the base member 158 such as the arrangement of the LED substrate 162 is greatly restricted by the configuration of the front member 157. For example, in particular, in order to stably support the front member 157 on the base member 158 and sufficiently ensure the rigidity or strength of the front door 149 as a whole, as shown in FIG. It is necessary to support the base member 158 even in the middle portion. In the front door 149 shown in FIG. 10, a central support protrusion 157 </ b> C is formed at the center of the front member 157 so as to extend rearward, and the tip of the center support protrusion 157 </ b> C is supported and fixed to the center of the base member 158. It is like that. For this reason, it is inevitably necessary to dispose the LED board 162 on the base member 158 so as to avoid the formation position of the central support protrusion 157C. Therefore, for example, when the design of the front side member 157 on the front side is changed, the base member 158 on the rear side also needs to be changed together with the LED board 162. This also contributes to the high manufacturing cost of the front door 149 as a whole.

  Further, in the configuration as described above, the front member 157 is supported so as to be close to the base member 158 to some extent in order to ensure sufficient rigidity or strength as the entire front door 149. For this reason, the distance d11 between the front wall 157T of the front member 157 and the LED board 162 is small, and light is emitted forward from the LED board 162 immediately behind the front wall 157T. Since the light emitting part is the LED substrate 162, the arrangement position of the light emitting part is shining strongly, and the light emitting part is shining weakly at a position away from the light emitting part. There is also a problem.

  On the other hand, according to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, the front frame set 27, which is a front member, is integrated with the glass panel 44, which is a support member. It has a certain degree of structural independence with respect to the base frame member 43 which is a member. Thereby, even if the configuration of the front frame set 27 is changed, the base frame member 43 does not need to be changed, and the original base frame member 43 can be used as it is in combination with the changed front frame set 27 material. Become. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 10C as a whole can be reduced.

  Further, since the front frame set 27 has a certain degree of structural independence with respect to the base frame member 43, the front frame set 27 can be disposed so as to largely protrude forward from the base frame member 43. Accordingly, the light emitting part can be arranged at a position spaced rearward from the front surface of the front frame set 27. In the pachinko machine 10 </ b> C according to the second embodiment, the game board 46 has transparency, and as shown in FIG. 8, the LED board 47, which is a light emitting unit, is arranged behind (on the back side of) the game board 46. Therefore, the LED board 47 which is a light emission part can be arrange | positioned in the position spaced apart from the front of the front frame set 27 largely backwards now. In addition, since light is irradiated forward from the LED board 47 behind the game board 46, the coating layer of the game board 46 can also emit light effectively.

  The front door is usually provided with a transparent plate such as a glass plate that covers the game area in a visible state. In the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, the glass panel 44 also functions as a support member. It is supposed to be. That is, the glass panel 44 as a transparent plate, which is an existing member, is configured to also function as a support member. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost associated with the change in configuration as described above without increasing the number of parts, and to obtain the front frame set 27 that can emit light uniformly as a whole. It has become.

(2) Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, the front frame set 27 that is a front door is a front member on the front side, and the front frame set 27 as the front member is a rear base. It was the structure supported by the base frame member 43 which is a member. That is, the front frame set 27 itself that is the front door is supported by the base frame member 43 that is a base member different from the front door. On the other hand, for example, a front door 49 having a configuration in which the front member 57 on the front side is supported by the base member 58 on the rear side may be used as in the modification shown in FIG. In other words, the front door 49 may include a front member 57 on the front side and a base member 58 on the rear side that supports the front member 57 (hereinafter also referred to as a third embodiment).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the front member 57 is made of a resin having optical transparency, and is a cover-like member having a substantially vertically long rectangular front shape that covers the front surface of the gaming machine. It is formed in a shape that rises so as to wave. A peripheral wall 57 </ b> P extends rearward from the peripheral edge of the front member 57. In the inner surface portion (rear surface portion) of the front member 57, the central support protrusion 57C extends rearward from the left-right direction center portion of the front wall portion 57T, that is, the position between the left-right direction center portion and the peripheral edge of the front wall portion 57T, that is, An intermediate support protrusion 57M extends rearward from a position between the central support protrusion 57C and the peripheral wall 57P. The front-rear position of the extension end of the central support protrusion 57C is substantially the same as the front-rear position of the extension end of the peripheral wall 57P, and the front-rear position of the extension end of the intermediate support protrusion 57M is the front-rear position of the extension end of the peripheral wall 57P. Is more forward than.

  A support member 59 is interposed on the back side (rear side) of the front member 57. The support member 59 is made of a light-transmitting hard resin and has a substantially vertically long rectangular front shape that is substantially the same as the front member 57. The peripheral edge portion of the support member 59 extends laterally to form a narrow flange portion 59F, and the flange portion 59F comes into contact with the extension end of the peripheral wall 57P of the front member 57 from the rear. The inside of the flange portion 59F extends forward while slightly tilting toward the center side to form a side wall portion, and extends from the front end of the side wall portion to the center side in parallel with the front surface of the gaming machine to form a front wall portion 59T. As a whole, the shape is recessed in a generally dish shape from the extending end of the peripheral wall 57P of the front member 57 to the inside (front side). A central recessed portion 59C that is recessed from the front to the rear so as to include the central support protrusion 57C is formed at a position corresponding to the central support protrusion 57C of the front member 57 in the front wall portion 59T.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the support member 59 is fitted on the inner side (rear surface side) of the front member 57 so that the front wall portion 59T enters inside, and the flange portion 59F extends from the peripheral wall 57P of the front member 57. It is fixed to the end by fixing means (not shown). Thereby, the front member 57 is integrated with the support member 59. At this time, the front end of the central support protrusion 57C in the front member 57 abuts the inner back surface of the central recess 59C in the support member 59, and the front end of the intermediate support protrusion 57M in the front member 57 is the front wall portion 59T in the support member 59. It strikes against the surface (front side). As a result, the central support protrusion 57C and the intermediate support protrusion 57M function as a replacement, and the front wall portion 57T of the front member 57 is supported by the support member 59.

  The base member 58 is a resin plate-like member having a substantially vertically long rectangular front shape that is substantially the same as the front member 57. A front member 57 integrated with the support member 59 is fitted to the base member 58 from the front, and is fixed by a fixing means (not shown) at the periphery. As a result, the front member 57 on the front side is supported by the base member 58 on the rear side, and the front door 49 is configured. The left side edge of the base member 58 is pivotally attached to the left side edge of the inner frame of the gaming machine so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis so that the front door 49 can be opened and closed in a hinged manner. It is pivotally supported by the gaming machine (the pivotal support structure is not shown).

  On the front surface of the base member 58, an LED substrate 62 is disposed and fixed as a light emitting unit. The LED board 62 is disposed so as to be contained inside the support member 59.

(Operation by Third Embodiment)
The pachinko machine according to the third embodiment includes a game board in which a game area where a game ball flows down is formed on the front surface, and a front door 49 that covers the board surface of the game board. The front member 57 on the side is supported by the base member 58 on the rear surface side, and the front member 57 is integrated with a support member 59 having optical transparency.

  According to the configuration of the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment, since the front member 57 is integrated with the support member 59, the front member 57 has some degree of structural independence with respect to the base member 58. It has become. For example, in particular, the central support protrusion 57 </ b> C and the intermediate support protrusion 57 </ b> M of the front member 57 are configured to be supported by the support member 59 and are not supported by the base member 58. Therefore, for example, unlike the case of the conventional front door 149 as shown in FIG. 10 described above, the base member 58 is not limited by the formation positions of the central support protrusion 57C and the intermediate support protrusion 57M, and the LED substrate. 62 can also be arranged. Therefore, even if the configuration of the front member 57 is changed, the base member 58 does not need to be changed, and the original base member 58 can be used in combination with the changed front member 57 as it is. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the front door 49 as a whole is reduced. Further, since the front member 57 has a certain degree of structural independence with respect to the base member 58, the front member 57 is disposed so as to largely protrude forward from the base member 58. A large gap S11 between the member 59 and the base member 58 is also secured. Therefore, it is difficult for the support member 59 and the base member 58 to interfere with each other, which makes it easy to cope with a large change.

  In addition, as the front member 57 is disposed so as to largely protrude forward from the base member 58, the LED substrate 62 as a light emitting portion is disposed at a position spaced rearward from the front wall portion 57T of the front member 57. Has been. That is, the distance d12 between the front wall portion 57T of the front member 57 and the LED substrate 62 is the distance between the front wall portion 157T of the front member 157 and the LED substrate 162 in the conventional front door 149 as shown in FIG. It is secured larger than d11. Therefore, the front door 49 is configured to be able to emit light uniformly and uniformly throughout.

  In addition, the front door is usually provided with a transparent plate such as a glass plate that covers the game area in a visible state. In the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment, the support member 59 has light transmittance. Therefore, the support member 59 can also function as a transparent plate. In other words, by adopting a configuration that also provides a function as a support member to a transparent plate that is an existing member, it is possible to reduce the cost associated with the configuration change as described above without increasing the number of components. At the same time, the front door 49 capable of uniformly emitting light as a whole can be obtained.

  Further, a peripheral wall 57P is formed on the peripheral edge of the front member 57, a flange 59F is formed on the peripheral edge of the support member 59, and the flange 59F of the support member 59 is fixed to the extending end of the peripheral wall 57P of the front member 57. Therefore, the front member 57 and the support member 59 are stably and easily integrated with a simple structure.

  Further, the front support member 57 is formed with a central support protrusion 57 </ b> C extending toward the support member 59, and the support member 59 is formed with a central recess 59 </ b> C that can contain the central support protrusion 57 </ b> C. The central portion of the front member 57 is more stably and reliably supported by the support member 59.

  The present specification discloses all of the following contents.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is as means A1.
A game board in which a game area in which a game ball flows down is formed on the front surface, and a front door having a first opening that allows the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front and covering the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine,
The front door has a second opening on the outside of the first opening so that at least a part of the game area of the game board can be viewed from the front.

  In the present invention, “a board surface of a game board” implies both a game area and an area other than the game area.

  According to the configuration of the means A1, in addition to making the game area visible from the front through the first opening, at least a part of the game area of the game board corresponding to the second opening can be seen from the front. Therefore, it can be ensured as a space constituting a part of the game area up to a portion corresponding to the second opening.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means A1 as means A2.
In the game board, at least a part corresponding to the second opening is formed of a resin having transparency, and a light emitting part is disposed on the back side of the part, and light is transmitted forward through the game board and the second opening. Is characterized by being irradiated.

  According to the configuration of the means A2, it is possible to achieve a light emission mode as if the game board itself emits light, and thus an effective light emission effect is possible.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means A1 or means A2 as means A3.
The front door is formed with a projecting portion projecting forward, and a gap is formed inside the projecting portion.

  According to the configuration of the means A3, the player can visually recognize the area behind the gap on the board surface of the game board. Therefore, the game area can be expanded using this area.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is the means B1.
A game board in which a game area in which a game ball flows down is formed on the front surface, and a front door having a first opening that allows the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front and covering the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine,
It is characterized in that at least a part of the inner peripheral edge of the first opening portion has a gap portion with the board surface of the game board.

  According to the configuration of the means B1, the board surface of the game board can be easily seen from the front through the gap also in the region outside the first opening. That is, the player's line of sight extends obliquely outward from the center of the front through the gap, and can extend to the outer periphery of the board surface of the game board outside the first opening.

  In other words, by forming a gap between at least a part of the inner periphery of the first opening and the board surface of the game board, the peripheral part of the board surface of the game board can be viewed from the front, and this peripheral part is also played by the game. It can be secured as a space constituting a part of the region.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention, as means C1,
A gaming machine comprising a gaming board in which a gaming area in which a gaming ball flows down is formed on the front surface, and a front door that covers the board surface of the gaming board,
The front door has a configuration in which a front member on the front side is supported by a base member on the rear side,
The front member is integrated with a support member having optical transparency.

  In the present invention, the “base member” implies both a base member constituting the front door and a base member different from the front door. That is, the base member on the rear surface side may constitute a front door together with the front member on the front side, or the front door itself is a front member on the front side. You may be the structure supported by the base member of the rear surface side which is a member different from a door.

  According to the configuration of the means C1, since the front member is integrated with the support member, the front member has a certain degree of structural independence with respect to the base member. Thereby, even if the configuration of the front member is changed, the base member does not need to be changed, and the original base member can be used in combination with the changed front member as it is. Therefore, the manufacturing cost as the whole front door can be reduced. Further, since the front member has a certain degree of structural independence with respect to the base member, the front member can be disposed so as to largely protrude forward from the base member. A large gap between the members can be secured. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the support member and the base member to interfere with each other, thereby making it easy to cope with a large change.

  Further, as the front member can be disposed so as to largely protrude forward from the base member, the light emitting portion can be disposed at a position spaced rearward from the front surface of the front member. Therefore, the front door can emit light uniformly and uniformly.

  In addition, the front door is usually provided with a transparent plate such as a glass plate that covers the game area in a visible state, but according to the configuration of the means C1, the support member is light transmissive. Therefore, the support member can also function as a transparent plate. In other words, by adopting a configuration that also provides a function as a support member to a transparent plate that is an existing member, it is possible to reduce the cost associated with the configuration change as described above without increasing the number of components. In addition, it is possible to obtain a front door capable of uniformly emitting light as a whole.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means C1, as means C2.
A peripheral wall is formed at the peripheral edge of the front member, a flange is formed at the peripheral edge of the support member, and the flange of the support member is fixed to the extending end of the peripheral wall of the front member. Features.

  According to the configuration of the means C2, the front member and the support member can be stably and easily integrated with a simple configuration.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means C1 or means C2 as means C3.
The front member is formed such that a central support protrusion extends toward the support member, and the support member is formed with a central recess that can contain the central support protrusion.

  According to the configuration of the means C3, the central portion of the front member is more stably and reliably supported with respect to the support member.

  The means A1 to means A3, means B1, and means C1 to C3 may be implemented in combination.

  The present invention can be suitably implemented in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

10: Pachinko machine (game machine)
14: Front frame set (front door)
101: Window (first opening)
103C: Middle upper opening (second opening)
103L: Upper left opening (second opening)
103R: Upper right opening (second opening)

Claims (3)

A game board in which a game area in which a game ball flows down is formed on the front surface, and a front door having a first opening that allows the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front and covering the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine,
The gaming machine, wherein the front door has a second opening on the outside of the first opening so that at least a part of the game area of the game board can be viewed from the front.   In the game board, at least a part corresponding to the second opening is formed of a resin having transparency, and a light emitting part is disposed on the back side of the part, and light is transmitted forward through the game board and the second opening. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is adapted to be irradiated.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an overhang portion that protrudes forward is formed on the front door, and a gap portion is formed inside the overhang portion.

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