JP2014064642A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inhibit execution of a fraud using game balls made of a magnetic substance in an enclosed type game machine.SOLUTION: The game machine includes: a ball circulation mechanism (a shooting ball storage member 73, a relay unit 85, a ball collection unit 91, and a lifting unit 92) that shoots a nonmagnetic game ball enclosed in the machine from a shooting position to a game area, guides the game ball discharged from the game area to the shooting position and circularly uses the game ball. The ball circulation mechanism includes sorting means (a sorting part 88) that is located at a prescribed portion thereof for sorting magnetic game balls from nonmagnetic game balls. The sorting means (the sorting part 88) includes magnetic ball guide means (a guide route member 88a and a conveying body 88b) that, when a magnetic game ball is present in the ball circulation mechanism, attracts the magnetic game ball by magnetic force and guides it outside the ball circulation mechanism.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a so-called seven machine, a winged article, a right article, or a ball-type gaming machine such as an arrangement ball.

  A ball-type gaming machine usually has an outer frame, a main body frame (inner frame), a game board held by the main body frame, and a front surface provided with a transparent plate (glass plate) covering the front portion of the game board. A frame (front door member). In the game area provided on the front side of the game board, various winning holes (large winning holes, starting winning holes, other winning holes, etc.), passing gates, symbol display devices, obstacle nails, etc. are arranged. In the lowermost part of the game area, an out port for discharging the game ball to the outside of the game area (the back side of the game board) is provided.

  Among such gaming machines, a predetermined number of game balls (encapsulated balls) are enclosed in the machine (inside the gaming machine), the game balls are launched from the predetermined launch position into the game area, and the game balls that have flowed down the game area A device that collects and guides it to a launch position and circulates a game ball (hereinafter referred to as “enclosed game machine”) is known (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-104448 A

  By the way, in non-enclosed gaming machines (hereinafter referred to as “conventional gaming machines”), since a game is normally performed using a magnetic game ball, an illegal act called “magnet goto” is performed. May be eligible. In other words, a magnet (permanent magnet) is brought close to the front part of the glass plate held by the front frame (glass door frame), and the “game ball flowing down the game area” is illegally applied to a predetermined winning device using the magnet's magnetic force. There is a case where an illegal act (one aspect of magnet goto) is performed in which the player is guided to win a prize. Further, a plurality of game balls are stopped one after another by using the magnetic force of the magnet close to the front surface portion of the glass plate at a predetermined portion in the vicinity of the predetermined prize winning device, and the A lump like a grape is formed. Then, an illegal act (which is another aspect of the magnet goto) is performed using this block to illegally guide the “game ball flowing down the game area” toward the winning device and make it win. is there.

  In contrast, encapsulated gaming machines generally use non-magnetic game balls (hereinafter referred to as “true balls”), and are therefore unrelated to “magnet goto”. However, if a person who intends to cheat infiltrates a magnetic game ball (hereinafter referred to as “illegal ball”) into the circulation mechanism of the gaming machine, the target is Become. In particular, the enclosed game machine employs a configuration that circulates and uses the enclosed game balls, so that once a fraudulent sphere is mixed into a true sphere, it is difficult to find or eliminate it. However, illegal spheres are mixed with true spheres and circulate semi-permanently, becoming semi-permanently “magnet goto” targets.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to suppress an illegal act using a magnetic game ball in an enclosed game machine. That is.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A non-magnetic game ball enclosed in the machine is launched from a predetermined launch position to the game area, and the game ball discharged from the game area is guided to the launch position to circulate and use the game ball. A gaming machine,
A separation means for separating a non-magnetic game ball and a magnetic game ball into a predetermined part of the ball circulation mechanism,
The separation means includes magnetic sphere guiding means for attracting the magnetic sphere by a magnetic force and guiding it outside the sphere circulation mechanism when a magnetic sphere is present in the sphere circulation mechanism. And

  According to the present invention, when a non-magnetic game ball (true ball) and a magnetic game ball (illegal ball) coexist in a sealed game machine, a non-magnetic game ball (true ball) is played. The magnetic balls (illegal spheres) are separated while remaining in the plane, and the separated magnetic game balls (illegal spheres) are discharged out of the ball circulation mechanism. Ball) can be prevented from being continuously used in games. As a result, it is possible to suppress an illegal act using a magnetic game ball (illegal sphere).

The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
An intrusion detection means for detecting an intrusion of a game ball from a predetermined intrusion portion into the ball circulation mechanism;
The magnetic sphere guiding means includes
The magnetic ball is attracted by a magnetic force, and a transfer body configured to be able to transfer the attracted magnetic game ball, and driving means for driving the transfer body,
The magnetic game ball is attracted to the transfer body, and in that state, the transfer body is driven, and the magnetic game ball is transferred, thereby discharging the magnetic game ball outside the ball circulation mechanism. To the route,
The drive means drives the transfer body until a predetermined drive end condition is satisfied after a drive start condition is satisfied, which is satisfied on the condition that at least the intrusion detection means detects the entry of a game ball. Features.

  Since the present invention to which this limitation is added adopts a configuration in which the transfer body is not driven unnecessarily, the load applied to the transfer body can be reduced as compared with the case where the transfer body is always driven. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the transfer body from aging, it is possible to prevent an illegal act using a magnetic game ball from being performed over a long period of time.

The gaming machine according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 2,
The intrusion part is a replenishment part that is provided at a specific part of the ball circulation mechanism and replenishes the ball circulation mechanism with a game ball,
The sorting means is provided on a route until the game ball replenished from the intrusion portion in the ball circulation mechanism is guided to the launch position.

  When this limitation is provided, even if a magnetic game ball (illegal ball) is supplied from outside the ball circulation mechanism, the magnetic game ball (illegal ball) can be sorted before reaching the launch position. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress an illegal act using a magnetic game ball.

The gaming machine according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to claim 2,
A main body frame for holding a game board in which the game area is provided on the front surface;
A front frame that is arranged in a state that can be opened and closed on the front side of the main body frame, and includes a viewing window that allows the game area to be viewed;
A discharge section for discharging the game ball flowing down the game area toward the rear of the game board;
With
The intrusion part is constituted by the discharge part, and the intrusion detection means detects the entry of the game ball into the ball circulation mechanism by detecting that the game ball has entered the discharge part,
The driving means drives the transfer body when the intrusion detecting means detects the intrusion of the game ball with the front frame opened.

  According to the present invention to which this limitation is added, even if a game ball of magnetic material is illegally mixed from the discharge part (outro or prize opening), it can be reliably separated before the game ball is launched. It is possible to suppress an illegal act using a magnetic game ball.

The gaming machine according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The drive termination condition is satisfied when all the game balls that have entered the ball circulation mechanism through the intrusion unit or the number of game balls that exceed all the game balls have reached the predetermined part.

  Even when this limitation is provided, since the configuration in which the transfer body is not driven unnecessarily is adopted, the load applied to the transfer body can be reduced as compared with the case where the transfer body is always driven. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the transfer body from aging, it is possible to prevent an illegal act using a magnetic game ball from being performed over a long period of time.

The gaming machine according to claim 6 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
After the driving condition is satisfied, when the same number of gaming balls that can be arranged from the intrusion portion to the predetermined site or the number of gaming balls that exceed the number are fired from the firing position, the driving end condition is It is characterized by being established.

  Even when this limitation is provided, a configuration in which magnetic game balls (illegal spheres) can be separated while shortening the drive time of the transfer body is adopted, so that the transfer body is added to the transfer body compared to the case where the transfer body is always driven. The load can be reduced. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the transfer body from aging, it is possible to prevent an illegal act using a magnetic game ball from being performed over a long period of time.

The gaming machine according to claim 7 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A storage means for storing a magnetic game ball guided by the magnetic ball guiding means is provided.

  When this limitation is provided, the game balls of the magnetic material guided by the magnetic ball guiding means are stored in the storage means via the discharge route, so it is possible to confirm later whether or not the illegal balls are mixed in the gaming machine. can do. And since it is possible to take a new measure against fraud based on this confirmation, it is possible to suppress fraud using a magnetic game ball from this point as well.

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

  Further, in this specification, a game ball entering (accepting) a variety of winning holes provided on the game board surface may be referred to as “winning” or “entering”. Of these, “winning” means that a game ball enters a winning opening, which is a premise for paying out a winning ball, and that a gaming ball enters (accepts) a winning opening. Substantially synonymous with “entering ball”. Furthermore, in a winning device that can change between a state where a prize cannot be won (difficult to win) and a state where a prize can be won (easy to win), such as a large winning device and a second start winning device which will be described later, it is impossible to win (difficult to win). The state may be referred to as a first state, and a state where a winning is possible (easy to win) may be referred to as a second state.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an illegal act using a magnetic game ball can be suppressed in an enclosed game machine.

It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example (except Example 5). It is a front view (state which removed the front frame) which shows the game machine concerning each example (except for example 5). It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating a main body frame. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating a main body frame, a guide rail, etc. FIG. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating a main body frame, a guide rail, etc. FIG. It is a front view which shows the game board of the game machine which concerns on each Example (except Example 5). (A) And (b) is a front view which shows schematically the variable start winning device. (A) is a front view schematically showing a lower display device of a gaming machine according to each embodiment, and (b) is a special symbol variable display mode executed by the lower display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. (C) is explanatory drawing which shows the variable display mode of the auxiliary | assistant symbol performed on the display screen of the presentation display apparatus of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a front view which shows roughly the display screen of the presentation display apparatus of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a perspective view which shows a guide rail, a launching ball storage member, etc. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a ball feeding member, a launcher, etc. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a launching apparatus etc., (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st rail member of an Example, (c) is another aspect of a 1st rail member. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating. (A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a 1st rail member, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a 1st rail member. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a 1st rail member. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a guide rail member. It is a schematic plan view of a launching ball storage member. It is aa sectional drawing of FIG. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a ball | bowl feeding member and a launcher. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a ball | bowl feeding member and a launcher. It is a schematic back view for demonstrating the characteristic of the game machine of each Example. (A) And (b) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a ball | bowl circulation mechanism. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a ball | bowl circulation mechanism. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a replenishment part. (A) And (b) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a replenishment part. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a discharge part. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a transfer body etc., (b) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the modification of a transfer body. (A) And (b) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a discharge part. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the other aspect of a ball | bowl circulation mechanism. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating CR unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a normal symbol fluctuation game. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a special symbol fluctuation game. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st success / failure determination) and the data table used by special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd success / failure determination). It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball provision process. It is a flowchart which shows a discharge control process. It is a flowchart which shows value provision control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a value provision basic process. (A) is a flowchart which shows a lifting start process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a lifting completion process. (A) is a flowchart which shows a replenishment preparation process, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the various buttons pressed when performing replenishment. (A) is a flowchart which shows a replenishment management process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a transfer body rotation start process. (A) is a flowchart which shows a transfer body rotation end process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a supply end process. It is a flowchart which shows a ball clogging prevention process. It is a flowchart which shows a card information management process. (A) is a flowchart which shows the transfer body rotation start process of Example 2, (b) is a flowchart which shows the transfer body rotation end process of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 3; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 4; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 4; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 4; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 4; FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a supply management process according to a fourth embodiment. (A) is a flowchart which shows the transfer body rotation start process of Example 4, (b) is a flowchart which shows the transfer body rotation end process of Example 5. FIG. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment. It is a front view (state which removed the front frame and the bulging part) which shows the game machine concerning Example 5. It is a schematic back view for demonstrating the characteristic of the gaming machine of Example 5. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating Example 6. FIG. It is a front view showing a game board of a gaming machine according to Modification 1. It is bb sectional drawing of FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments showing modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, specific examples in which the claimed invention is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” will be described.

a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is a so-called “CR machine” called a “card-type ball game machine”, and a gaming machine system together with a CR unit 80 disposed on the left end side thereof. 80S is configured.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is a so-called “enclosed ball type gaming machine”, and a game ball pre-enclosed in the gaming machine 1 is circulated to play a game. Further, in the gaming machine 1, game value information (payment amount information) generated by inserting cash into the CR unit 80 or inserting a card in which a frequency is stored in advance is used as “the number of game balls that can be used for a game”. Is converted into “information regarding the number of possessed balls”. Based on the converted information, the game ball can be launched into the game area, and the number of possessed balls is subtracted according to the number of game balls that have been fired. It is configured to be added to the number of balls. Here, in the gaming machine 1, the “game ball to be used” is configured using a non-magnetic material, and therefore is not attracted by a magnet or the like.

  The outer frame 2 is used to support the gaming machine main body H while being fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 21 configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 22 that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 21. Yes.

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably mounted on the left end side of the outer frame 2 using the hinges H1 and H2 on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and includes a main body frame 3, a front frame 4, a bulging portion 5 disposed below the front frame 4, and a game board 10 (refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6), a back mechanism panel 102 (refer to FIG. 3), and the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The front frame 4 constitutes a specific example of a front door member. As shown in FIG. 1, a locking device 7 is mounted on the right end side of the main body frame 3.

  The main body frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, and is constituted by a frame-like body as shown in FIG. The main body frame 3 includes a frame main body portion 3b including a window portion 3M (see FIG. 2) in an upper half portion, and a protruding portion 3c protruding in a substantially rectangular frame shape from the back surface portion of the frame main body portion 3b. And the main body frame 3 comprises the holding | maintenance part for hold | maintaining the game board 10 using this protrusion part 3c. That is, the holding tool 3f is mounted on the protruding end surface of the projecting portion 3c in a state where the holding tool 3f can rotate on the left and right sides of the window 3M and the right and left sides of the window 3M. The game board 10 is held by the main body frame 3 by bringing the protruding end of the game board 10 into contact with the back surface part 10G of the game board 10. As shown in FIG. 2, an insertion hole 3 </ b> P for inserting a guide rail 70 described later is provided on the upper left side of the main body frame 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10, the “game area 11 configured on the surface portion 10 </ b> F of the game board 10” can be viewed from the front of the main body frame 3 through the window 3 </ b> M. it can. Further, a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the back surface portion of the game board 10 to cover the back surface portion. The backpack 102 is pivotally supported by the middle frame 3 so as to be openable and closable, and the backpack 102 is mounted with a “case housing various control boards (main control board 200 to be described later)”. .

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 has a visual recognition window 41a at the center thereof. The visual recognition window 41a is provided in a state of penetrating the front and rear of the front frame 4 so that the game area 11 formed on the board surface of the game board 10 (a substantially oval game area 11 in front view) can be seen from the front. When the front frame 4 is closed (opened in a substantially egg shape), the game area 11 located behind the front frame 4 is visible from the front through the visual window 41a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 (see FIG. 3) attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. (Not shown). Further, since the gaming machine 1 is a type in which a gaming ball used for gaming is enclosed in the gaming machine 1, the gaming machine 1 has a member (dish member) that stores the gaming ball in a state exposed to the player. Not.

  As shown in FIG. 1, speakers SP <b> 1 and SP <b> 2 are mounted on the left and right sides of the front side of the front frame 4, and the speakers SP <b> 3 and SP <b> 4 are also built in the left and right ends of the front plate part 22. And in this game machine 1, the sound effect according to a game state and other sounds (sound) are generated using these speakers SP1-SP4. In addition, a ball rental display board 410 (see FIG. 29) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 29) are provided on the back side of the bulging portion 5, and “effect button SW” is displayed on the upper surface of the bulging portion 5. The display device 5a is arranged (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

  As shown in FIG. 1, a firing handle 9 is provided on the right end side of the main part. The firing handle 9 is electrically connected to a launching device 8m (see FIGS. 4 and 5) disposed on the back side of the game board 10. Here, using a predetermined bracket (not shown), the game board 10 is attached to a portion located on the upper end side and on the left end side of the back surface portion. This launching device 8m is for launching a game ball that reaches a vertically upper position through a ball circulation mechanism (described later) and is sent out using a ball feeding device 75 (described later) to the game area 11. It is.

  This launching device 8m is configured using a plunger-type solenoid, and when a built-in solenoid is energized, the projecting end of a striking rod (plunger) 8n connected to the built-in movable iron core is moved from the origin position to the projecting position. The impact rod (plunger) 8n protrudes so as to move (see FIGS. 11 and 12). As a result, the tip of the striking rod (plunger) 8n applies a striking force to the game ball of the guide rail 70 (described later), so that the game ball is launched toward the game area 11. When the energization to the firing solenoid is stopped, the urging force of the built-in return spring causes the projecting end of the striking rod (plunger) 8n to move back to the home position (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

  In this gaming machine 1, a variable resistor (not shown) is adjusted according to the rotation angle of the firing handle 9, and the exciting current of the firing solenoid of the launching device 8m changes. That is, the firing handle 9 is biased to the reference rotational position using a spring, but when the firing handle 9 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the striking rod (plunger) 8n performs an operation of applying a striking force to the game ball. . At this time, the greater the amount of rotation of the firing handle 9 in the clockwise direction, the greater the striking force that the striking rod (plunger) 8n loads on the game ball.

  The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, a launch stop switch 9b for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball. Is installed. The touch switch 9a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal) when the player is in contact with the launching handle 9, and a contact non-detection signal (OFF) when the player is not in contact with the launching handle 9. Signal). The firing stop switch 9b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal) when the player is not operating (not pressed), and a firing stop signal (ON) when the player is operating (pressed). Off signal).

  In this gaming machine 1, the player is touching the launch handle 9 (the touch switch 9a outputs a contact detection signal), and the player is not operating the launch stop switch 9b (the launch stop switch 9b is launched). When the launch handle 9 is rotated by a necessary amount, a game ball is launched into the game area 11. On the other hand, when the player does not touch the launch handle 9 (the touch switch 9a outputs a contact non-detection signal) or when the player operates the launch stop switch 9b (the launch stop switch 9b is When the firing stop signal is output), the game ball is not launched into the game area 11.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the CR unit (card processing unit) 80 is disposed on the left end side of the gaming machine 1 and is installed at an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall. Further, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the CR unit 80 is electrically connected to the gaming machine 1 and is in a state where transmission / reception with the gaming machine 1 is possible. This CR unit 80 is configured to be long in the vertical direction, and has a bill insertion slot 81 and a card slot 84 opened to the front side. Here, when at least one of insertion of a bill into the bill insertion slot 81 and insertion of a card (however, a card storing frequency balance information) into the card slot 84 is performed, the CR unit The value balance (valuable balance) inserted (inserted) in 80 is displayed on the balance display portion 5r (see FIG. 1). At this time, the balance display section 5r displays the value balance (valuable balance) as a maximum of 3 digits.

  When a necessary balance is displayed on the balance display portion 5r, when the “lending button 5c (see FIGS. 1 and 3)” is pressed, the frequency (for example, lending operation) effective in one operation (for example, lending operation) The number of game balls for 5 degrees (for example, 125, which is 5 times the reference number for 1 degree) is set as rental balls (described later). Each time the rental of the reference number of game balls is completed, the frequency balance stored in the CR unit 80 (card storing frequency balance information) is rewritten according to the number of loans. The balance is displayed on the balance display portion 5r.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 31, the CR unit 80 includes a control unit 80A, a storage unit 80B, a card reader 80C, a card storage unit 80D, a card transport / feeding mechanism unit 80E, and a communication control unit 80F. Prepare. Among these, the communication control unit 80F is a processing unit for controlling communication between the CR unit 80 and other devices (the gaming machine 1, an island computer, etc.). The control means 80A controls the entire CR unit 30, and the storage means 80B stores data and programs necessary for various processes by the control means 80A. The card reader 80C reads information recorded on the prepaid card inserted into the card slot 84, and outputs the read information to the control means 80A.

  The card storage unit 80D is a storage unit that stores a prepaid card whose remaining number is not valued. A plurality of prepaid cards are stored in advance so that the player can play with cash even if the player does not bring a prepaid card. For example, when a player inserts a banknote into the banknote insertion slot 81, one is drawn out to the position of the card reader 80C, and is set as a target of frequency association with cash. The card transport / feeding mechanism 80E is a mechanism that transports and pays out the prepaid card. That is, (i) transporting the prepaid card inserted from the card entrance / exit 84 to the card reader 80C, (ii) transporting the prepaid card held by the card reader 80C to the card storage unit 80D, (iii) card storage A prepaid card stored in the section 80D (a prepaid card whose remaining number is not valued) is fed out to the card reader 80C, and (iV) a prepaid card held in the card reader 80C is fed out to the card entrance 84. It is a device to perform.

  In this CR unit 80, when the return button 5q (see FIGS. 1 and 3) is pressed in a state where the frequency balance is displayed on the balance display portion 5r, a card (a card in which frequency balance information is stored) is pressed from the card entrance / exit 84. ) Is discharged. That is, this CR unit 80 accepts a return request based on the pressing operation of the return button 5q when the remaining number of prepaid cards is not “0”. When this return request is accepted, the control means 80A instructs the card transport / feeding mechanism 80E to return the prepaid card. Thereby, the prepaid card according to the return instruction is discharged from the card entrance 84. In this gaming machine system S, when the power balance is “zero”, the card is not discharged, but may be discharged.

b. Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 10 includes a game board main body 10A, various board parts (board surface rail 12, main accessory device 20 and the like) and the like mounted on the game board main body 10A. A sheet-like material on which a cell image is printed is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A, but the illustration is omitted. Further, the game board 10 is arranged with the front surface portion (front surface portion) 10F facing forward and the back surface portion (rear surface portion) 10G facing rearward while being held by the main body frame 3 (see FIG. 3).

  The game board main body 10A is configured by using a substantially rectangular plywood in a front view, and an upper left corner is cut away to constitute an insertion portion 10V for inserting a guide rail 70 described later. Further, on the surface portion 10F of the game board main body 10A, a board surface rail 12 constituted by using a belt-like metal plate is arranged in a state of drawing a substantially U-shaped path. Then, on the surface portion 10F of the game board main body 10A, a portion (region forming portion 10B) surrounded by a substantially U-shaped wall body configured by using the board surface rail 12 is a game region 11 where the game ball flows down. Has been. Further, in the surface portion 10F of the game board main body 10A, a portion located outside the game area 11 is defined as an area outside 10C. In the gaming machine 1, the gaming area 11 is formed in a substantially U shape that opens upward, and a ball entrance 11S that is wide in the lateral direction is formed at the upper end.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the area forming unit 10 </ b> B (the part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10) includes a main accessory device 20, a normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, and a first A start winning device 17a, a second start winning device 17b, a large winning device 31, a lower display device 60, two general winning devices 40 and 41, and a number of obstacle nails (not shown in FIG. 6) A windmill 19 and the like are disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21 and an effect display device 27. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and comprises the upper half part center part of the game area | region 11. FIG. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d, and the window portion forming hole 21d constitutes a display window 21e.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the stage member 21 p is attached to the lower edge portion of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the decorative member 21 </ b> A is attached to the other part of the peripheral edge of the attachment member 21. It is mounted in a state of protruding. The decorative member 21A includes a flange portion 21H protruding from the upper edge portion of the mounting member 21, a left decorative portion 21L protruding from the left edge portion of the mounting member 21, and a right decorative portion protruding from the right edge portion of the mounting member 21. 21R.

  A game ball passage (a so-called “warp passage”) 21w is formed inside the left decorative portion 21L. That is, in the left side surface portion of the left decorative portion 21L, the entrance (not shown) of the passage 21w opens obliquely upward to the left, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 is received at this entrance, and the stage It makes it approach on the part 21p (inside the main accessory apparatus 20). Moreover, the stage part 21p comprises the rolling surface of a game ball by the upper surface part. The rolling surface is configured as an inclined surface that descends from the left and right end portions toward the central portion, and is a raised portion that slightly protrudes upward at the central portion of the rolling surface.

  In the gaming machine 1, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and reached the left end of the rolling surface through the passage 21w rolls right on the rolling surface, and further rolls leftward. . Then, when the momentum of the game ball has declined, this game ball is discharged out of the main accessory device 20, but most of the game balls discharged from the center of the rolling surface are first started with a certain probability. The winning device 17a is won (described later). Among the game balls that flow down the game area 11 and win the first start winning device 17a, those that enter the first start winning device 17a without entering the main winning device 17a and the main winning feature There is one that enters the device 20 and rolls on the stage portion 21p and then wins the first start winning device 17a.

  The effect display device 27 shown in FIG. 6 is configured by using a liquid crystal display device, and executes a symbol change effect linked to special symbol change display and stop display in the lower display device 60. In this embodiment, the lower display device 60 (the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b) performs a symbol variable game using the special symbol (this symbol), and the effect display device 27 The symbol variation effect is performed using the pseudo symbol (a specific example of the effect element is shown). Here, in the following description, the special symbol (main symbol) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a is referred to as “first special symbol” and the special symbol (book) displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b. Symbol) is referred to as “second special symbol”.

  The display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can display various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. On this display screen 27a, as shown in FIG. 9, a pseudo symbol display area 27b in which three (three digits) pseudo symbols are displayed and a background in which a symbol indicating the background (hereinafter referred to as background symbol) is displayed. A display area 27c may appear. In the pseudo symbol display area 27b, three pseudo symbols are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction, and effect display and stop display using these “pseudo symbols” are performed. Further, in the background display area 27c, there may be a case where a symbol indicating a character (hereinafter referred to as a character symbol) is displayed as a background symbol, or a live-action image (not shown) is displayed. These “pseudo symbols” and the like indicate specific examples of “effect elements” displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. These “pseudo symbols”, “background symbols”, and “character symbols” indicate “designs”. "Variation production" and "Big hit production" are realized.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a first auxiliary symbol display area A that is variably displayed in conjunction with a first special symbol display unit 62a described later at a position on the right end side near the lower edge on the display screen 27a. Then, a second auxiliary symbol display area B that is variably displayed in conjunction with a second special symbol display unit 62b described later appears. In these auxiliary symbol display areas A and B, after the auxiliary symbol using the mosaic pattern is displayed in a variable manner in conjunction with the corresponding special symbol display portions 62a and 62b (first special symbol and second special symbol). The variable display is stopped simultaneously with the corresponding special symbol display parts 62a and 62b. When the variable display is stopped, the stop symbol of the auxiliary symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the result of the determination of success / failure is displayed based on the stop symbol. However, since there are many types of stop symbols, and each stop symbol is misleading, the player can understand the meaning of the stop symbol (whether it is a big hit, miss, probability change big hit, etc.) Have difficulty. Further, the content specified by the stop symbol that is fixedly displayed in the auxiliary symbol display areas A and B is specified by the stop display of the corresponding special symbol display portions 62a and 62b (first special symbol and second special symbol). The content is the same as the content.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the first reserved display area (D1, D2, D3, D4) appears in the upper position near the left edge of the display screen 27a, and the upper area near the right edge. The second reserved display area (E1, E2, E3, E4) may appear at the position on the side. In the first hold display area (D1 to D4), the number of holds (hereinafter referred to as “first hold number”) related to the “first special symbol” generated due to winning in the first start winning device 17a. “4” is displayed as the upper limit number, and in the second hold display area (E1 to E4), the number of holds (hereinafter referred to as “the second special symbol” caused by winning to the second start winning device 17b) "Second hold number") is displayed with "4" as the upper limit number. Note that a display unit for displaying the first hold number and a display unit for displaying the second hold number can be provided outside the display screen 27a. Further, in the following description, a game ball winning in the first start winning device 17a and a game ball winning in the second start winning device 17b may be referred to as “start winning”.

  The first hold display area (D1 to D4) has a configuration in which the first display unit D1, the second display unit D2, the third display unit D3, and the fourth display unit D4 are arranged from the bottom to the top. Prepare. The second hold display area (E1 to E4) also includes a first display unit E1, a second display unit E2, a third display unit E3, and a fourth display unit E4 arranged from below to above. It has a configuration. Each display unit (D1 to D4, E1 to E4) can display a graphic with a sphere (perfect circle).

  Any of the hold display areas (D1 to D4, E1 to E4) won the start winning devices 17a and 17b, but the number of game balls that have not yet been digested (that is, the number of hold) It is displayed by the number of “D1 to D4, E1 to E4”, and each time an undigested game ball is digested, the number of “undigested game balls” (the number of holds) is sequentially decremented and displayed. is there. Specifically, when the number of holdings is “1”, only the display part (D1, E1) with subscript 1 is used, and when the number of holdings is “2”, the display part with subscript 1 ( D1, E1) and the display part (D2, E2) with the subscript 2 are used. Furthermore, when the number of reservations is “3”, display units other than the display unit with subscript 4 (D1 to D3, E1 to E3) are used, and when the number of reservations is “4”, all display units ( D1-D4, E1-E4) are used. In addition, when the number of holdings decreases from “4” to “3”, the use of the display part (D4, E4) with the subscript 4 is stopped, and when the number of holdings decreases from “3” to “2”, The use of the display part (D3, E3) with the subscript 3 is stopped. In addition, when the number of holds decreases from “2” to “1”, the use of the display part (D2, E2) with the subscript 2 is stopped, and when the number of holds decreases from “1” to “zero”, The use of all the display units (D1 to D4, E1 to E4) is to be stopped. The “undigested game balls (holding balls)” related to each special symbol are won in the start winning devices 17a and 17b, but the symbol changing game accompanying the winning is performed in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b. Refers to a non-playing game ball.

  The first start winning device 17a is a non-variable (fixed) start winning device, and as shown in FIG. 6, has a pocket shape with an opening (a winning device constituting the first start opening) opened upward. I have. And since this 1st starting port is located in the vertical part of the center part of the stage part 21p (rolling surface), the game ball which falls from the center part passes through this 1st starting port, and becomes a 1st start winning prize. The probability of winning the device 17 is increased. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17s (see FIG. 23) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the first start winning device 17. In addition, the size of the opening of the first start winning device 17a is set to allow passage of one game ball, and the size is not enlarged or reduced. For this reason, the winning possibility of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a is fixed.

  The second start winning device 17b is a variable (opening and closing) start winning device (a winning device constituting the second start opening), and as shown in FIG. 10 are attached to the surface portion 10F. As shown in FIG. 7A, the second start winning device 17b is attached to a mounting plate 17c fixed to the game board main body 10A, and a front surface portion of the mounting plate 17c, and the entrance of the second starting winning device 17b. The electric motor accessory 17d which comprises a side part, and the obstruction member 17k with which the front part of the attachment board 17c was mounted | worn are provided.

  The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip-type pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e, and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c for operating the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e (see FIG. 29). ). Among these, the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e can be opened to the left and right so that the upper end sides are separated from each other around the lower support shaft. When the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are in a closed state (first state) where the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are erected, the distance between the upper ends of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e is reduced. Further, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is driven and the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are tilted so that the upper end sides are separated from each other with respect to the lower end side axis, the upper end portions of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e. The interval between them is enlarged, and an open state (second state) is established. Further, the obstacle member 17k is disposed vertically above the ordinary electric accessory 17d. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17t (see FIG. 29) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the second start winning device 17b.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the second start winning device 17b is in the closed state (first state), one game ball passes between the upper ends of the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e. An allowable space K1 is formed, but an obstacle member 17K is disposed vertically above the space K1. For this reason, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b in the closed state (first state). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the second starting prize-winning device 17b is in an open state (second state) and the pair of movable blade pieces 17e, 17e are opened to the left and right, the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e The interval K1 between the upper end portions is expanded more than the full left and right width of the obstacle member 17K. For this reason, it is possible for the game balls that have passed through the left and right of the obstacle member 17K to win the second start winning device 17b.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17b is in the open state (second state), the game balls flowing down the game area 11 can win the second start winning device 17b. Then, when the game mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode (described later) and the time for the second start winning device 17b to be in the open state (second state) becomes long, the game ball becomes the second start winning device 17b. The probability of winning is much higher than the probability of winning the first start winning device 17a. In this embodiment, the opening time of the second start winning device 17b in the open extension mode is set to “5 seconds”, and the opening time of the second start winning device 17b in the non-open extension mode (normal opening mode) is set to “0”. .2 seconds ".

  On the other hand, as described above, when the second start winning device 17b is in the closed state (first state), it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b. When is not in the open extension mode, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b is much lower than the probability that the game ball wins the first start winning device 17a. That is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode, the case where the gaming ball wins the first start winning device 17a becomes a rare case, and when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is not the opening extension mode, the gaming ball is the first The case that wins the 2-start winning device 17b is a rare case.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a big winning device 31 is arranged below the second start winning device 17b. The special winning device 31 includes a mounting plate portion 31k attached to the surface portion 10F of the game board 10. The mounting plate portion 31k is provided with an opening having a substantially band shape in a substantially central portion in a state of passing through the front and back, and the opening constitutes a big prize opening 31a. The rear end portion of the grand prize winning port 31a is connected to a “large prize winning prize winning passage (not shown)”. In addition, the “Grand Prize Entrance Award Passage” is a passage for allowing a game ball to win from the Grand Prize Exit 31a to pass through, and the game ball that has won the Grand Prize Exit 31a passes through the Grand Prize Exit Award Passage and then plays this game. It is discharged outside the machine 1.

  The grand prize winning device 31 includes an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the grand prize winning port 31a, a grand prize winning solenoid 31c (see FIG. 23) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a prize winning passage winning path. A special winning opening winning detection switch 31s (see FIG. 23) provided in the middle of the route or in the route terminal unit is provided. When the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the large winning opening 31a in the large winning device 31, so that it is impossible to win a game ball in the large winning device 31. On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b tilts forward with its lower end as a fulcrum and assumes a forward leaning posture, the prize winning opening 31a is opened and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the opening / closing plate 31b flows down the game area 11. And the guidance part which guide | induces the game ball which reached | attained the big prize apparatus 31 to the big prize opening 31a is comprised.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the lower display device 60 is disposed diagonally to the left of the main accessory device 20. As shown in FIG. 8A, the lower display device 60 includes an attachment plate 61 attached to the surface portion 10F of the game board main body 10A. The mounting plate 61 includes a first special symbol display unit 62a, a second special symbol display unit 62b, a normal symbol display unit 63, a first special symbol hold display unit 64a, and a second special symbol hold display. A part 64b, a normal symbol hold display part 65, and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, each of the first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 is configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, in the first special symbol display section 62a, “stop symbol of the first special symbol” indicating the result of the determination of success / failure executed due to the detection of the game ball by the first start opening winning detection switch 17s. However, the display is stopped after the change display. Further, in the second special symbol display section 62b, a “second special symbol stop symbol” indicating the result of the success / failure determination that is executed due to the detection of the game ball by the second start opening winning detection switch 17t is displayed. Then, stop display after changing display. It should be noted that the result of the symbol variation game displayed on the one special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b (result of the determination of success / failure) and the display result of the symbol variation effect displayed on the effect display device 27 (the determination of success / failure). Result) is considered to be consistent.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the normal symbol display unit 63 is constituted by a “7-segment display”, and the symbol variation start condition is caused by the game ball passing through any of the normal symbol operation gates 16. When established, the normal symbol variation display is started. In this normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display section 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then again displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9”. It consists of “circular display” that repeats the display in order. When the execution time of these variable displays elapses, the normal symbol stop symbol is executed for a certain period of time. At this time, when the stop symbol is “odd number”, it is a winning symbol, and when the stop symbol is “even number”, it is a missed symbol. The lottery means for performing lottery to determine whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d should be in the open state (second state) is configured by a main control unit 200A described later.

  The first special symbol hold display unit 64a and the second special symbol hold display unit 64b are each configured by using two LEDs, and display the so-called “number of hold for special symbols” with an upper limit of 4 each. is there. That is, the first special symbol hold display unit 64a displays the number of game balls that have won the first start winning device 17a but cannot be digested yet (that is, the number of holds) as four upper limit numbers, Each time an undigested game ball (hold) is digested, the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves) is sequentially decremented and displayed. The second special symbol hold display section 64b displays the number of game balls that have won the second start winning device 17b but cannot be digested yet (that is, the hold number) as an upper limit number of four, Each time an undigested game ball (hold) is digested, the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves) is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, hold)” related to the special symbol (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is awarded to the start winning device (17a or 17b), but the special symbol display section ( 62a or 62b) indicates a game ball in which the result of the lottery determination (win / fail judgment) associated with the passage and the fluctuation display preceding this are not displayed.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 65 is also configured by using two LEDs and passes through the normal symbol operation gate 16, but the number of game balls still undigested (holding number) is displayed with the upper limit being four. Each time an undigested game ball is digested, the number of undigested game balls (reserved number) is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (holding ball)” relating to the normal symbol has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 16, but the normal symbol display unit 63 displays the result of the lottery (the lottery result symbol of the lottery result symbol). A game ball in which neither a fixed display nor a variable display preceding this (a display using a 7-segment display in this embodiment) is made.

  The first special symbol hold display unit 64a, the second special symbol hold display unit 64b, and the normal symbol hold display unit 65 display the number of holds in the same manner. That is, (a) two LEDs are turned off to indicate that the “hold number” is “zero”, and (b) one LED is turned off while one LED is turned on, and “hold number”. Is “1”, (c) two LEDs are lit and “holding number” is “2”, (d) one LED is blinking while one LED is blinking It is turned on to indicate that the “holding number” is “3”, and (e) two LEDs are blinked to indicate that the “holding number” is “4”. The display content of the first hold display area (D1 to D4) corresponds to the display content of the first special symbol hold display section 64a, and the display content of the second hold display area (E1 to E4) is the first. 2 corresponds to the display content of the special symbol hold display section 64b.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the two general winning devices 40 and 41 (winning devices constituting the general winning opening) are arranged on the left side of the main accessory device 20. In each of the general winning devices 40 and 41, general winning detection switches 40s and 41s (see FIG. 29) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged. Further, an out port 18 is provided at the lower part of the game area 11. In addition, a large number of obstacle nails are made up of each board component (main accessory device 20, normal symbol operating gate 16, first start winning device 17a, second start winning device 17b, large winning device 31, lower display device 60, general winning). In consideration of the position balance with the devices 40 and 41 and the windmill 19), the game area 11 is provided.

c. Configuration of Ball Launching Mechanism As shown in FIG. 10, the ball launching mechanism of the gaming machine 1 includes the launching device 8m, the guide rail 70, the launching ball storage member 73, and the ball feeding device 75 (see FIG. 11). ).

  The guide rail 70 includes a first rail 71 and a second rail 72. Among these, the first rail 71 is a rail member for guiding the game ball launched by the launching device 8m on the back surface portion 10G side of the game board 10 to the front surface portion 10F of the game board 10, and the second rail 72 Is a rail member that receives the game ball guided by the first rail 71, drops it toward the game area, and discharges it.

  The first rail 71 is constituted by a cylindrical body (for example, a cylindrical tube) whose axis is bent in a substantially U shape, and is supported by the game board 10 or the main body frame 3 using a predetermined bracket (not shown). Yes. A start end portion (end portion on the side receiving the game ball) 71a of the first rail 71 is disposed behind the upper left end of the back surface portion 10G in the game board 10, and the end portion of the first rail 71 (the game ball is discharged). 71b is disposed in front of the upper left end of the front surface portion 10F of the game board 10.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a bottom portion (bottom portion of the inner wall) 71c of the start end portion 71a of the first rail 71 is lowered in a stepped shape, and a ball receiving portion 71d that receives game balls sent out one by one from a ball feeding device 75 described later. Configure. The ball receiving unit 71d constitutes the launch position of the game ball. The first rail 71 is provided with a sensor 71s for detecting that a game ball is held in the ball receiving portion 71d. Examples of the sensor 71s include an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Furthermore, a substantially ring-shaped end wall 71x having a through hole 71y at the center is provided at a portion of the first rail 71 located on the right side of the ball receiving portion 71d.

  The launching device 8m is disposed on the right side of the end wall 71x, and the extension line of the shaft center of the striking rod (plunger) 8n constituting the launching device 8m is the center position of the through hole 71y and the start end portion of the first rail 71. 71a side axial center position. Then, when energization to a solenoid (not shown) built in the launching device 8m is stopped and the projecting end of the impact rod (plunger) 8n is at the origin position, as shown in FIG. 11, the impact rod (plunger) The protruding end portion 8n is located on the right side of the end wall 71x. Further, when energization is performed to the solenoid built in the launching device 8m and the projecting end portion of the impact rod (plunger) 8n is moved from the origin position to the projecting position, as shown in FIG. It passes through the through hole 71y of the end wall 71x and protrudes to the left of the end wall 71x. In this way, when the protruding end of the hitting rod (plunger) 8n moves to the protruding position, if the game ball is held in the ball receiving portion 71d, hitting force is applied to the game ball. In the following description, a portion of the bottom portion (bottom portion of the inner wall) of the first rail 71 excluding the ball receiving portion 71d is hereinafter referred to as a rolling bottom portion 71e.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a connection port 71w to which the ball feeding device 75 is connected is provided at a portion (vertically above the ball receiving portion 71d) facing the ball receiving portion 71d in the first rail 71 in the vertical direction. .

  Of the rolling bottom portion 71e of the first rail 71, the height position of the portion located on the left side of the ball receiving portion 71d is slightly higher (for example, about 2 mm higher) than the height position of the ball receiving portion 71d. Therefore, the game ball held in the ball receiving portion 71d is prevented from moving to the rolling bottom portion 71e without any reason (without being fired by the launching device 8m). In addition, the rolling bottom portion 71 e is a downwardly inclined surface that is downwardly inclined toward the terminal end portion 71 b of the first rail 71. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12B, an example in which the first rail 71 is configured in a substantially tubular shape (substantially cylindrical shape) is illustrated, but a substantially bowl shape that opens the first rail 71 upward is illustrated. You may comprise. Also, as shown in FIG. 12 (c), the first rail 71 is configured in a substantially bowl shape with an opening on the side, and this opening is formed on the back side 10 </ b> G of the game board 10 and the game board 10 side. It is also possible to exemplify a mode of sealing with a bracket or the like attached to the end face (a substantially tunnel structure is constituted by the first rail 71 and a member sealing the opening). As described above, in the present embodiment, the first rail 71 is illustrated in a substantially tubular shape or a substantially bowl shape in which an opening is sealed. According to these configurations, a game ball passing through the first rail 71 is On the back surface 10G side of the game board 10 or on the side of the game board 10, it is prevented from falling (dropping off) from the first rail 71.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the second rail 72 is a rail having a substantially L-shaped cross section with the shaft center being substantially linear. That is, the second rail 72 includes a front plate portion 72a configured in a substantially plate shape that is long in the lateral direction, and a protruding bottom portion 72b that protrudes rearward from the lower end side of the rear surface portion 72c of the front plate portion 72a. The protruding bottom portion 72b has a substantially trapezoidal cross section and the same longitudinal width as the front plate portion 72a. The second rail 72 includes a portion positioned below the protruding portion of the protruding bottom portion 72b (hereinafter referred to as an upper portion 72d) in the rear surface portion 72c of the front plate portion 72a, and an upper surface portion 72e of the protruding bottom portion 72b. Thus, a rolling part 72T for rolling the game ball reaching from the first rail 71 is configured. In other words, the rolling portion 72T is configured by a substantially “<shaped bent surface” using the upper portion 75d and the upper surface portion 72e.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the second rail 72 is fixed to the rear surface portion of the frame main body 41 constituting the front frame 4 at both ends of the front surface portion, and most of the second rail 72 is configured to be a viewing window. It is visible from the front through 41a. Specifically, attachment projections 41m and 41n protrude from both sides of a portion located near the upper end of the viewing window 41a on the rear surface portion of the frame main body 41. One end side of the front plate portion 72a constituting the second rail 72 is fixed to one mounting projection 41m, and the other end side of the front plate portion 72a is fixed to the other mounting projection 41n. Yes. Furthermore, in the 2nd rail 72, the site | part located behind the visual recognition window 41a can be visually recognized from the front through the visual recognition window 41a. The method for fixing the second rail 72 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include adhesion and screwing. Further, the second rail 72 may be fixed to the frame main body 41, the glass plate 43, etc. via an attachment member separate from the frame main body 41, or may be fixed directly to the frame main body 41, the glass plate 43, etc. Good. Further, the second rail 72 may be fixed to game machine parts other than the front frame 4, for example, the main body frame 3 or the game board 10.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a gap S is provided between a portion 721a (see FIG. 15) located between the mounting protrusions 41m and 41n in the front plate portion 72a and the rear surface portion of the glass plate 43. Yes. Further, the projecting length d of the projecting bottom 72b is not more than half the diameter of the game ball (about 11 mm) (for example, any length of 0.35 to 0.48 times the diameter of the game ball). The distance between the lowermost part of the upper surface part 72e and the upper end part of the front plate part 72a is made shorter than the diameter of the game ball. Furthermore, the upper surface portion 72e is a downward inclined surface that descends toward the surface portion 10F of the game board 10, and the distance D between the protruding end portion of the projecting bottom portion 72b and the surface portion 10F of the game board 10 is the diameter of the game ball (about 11 mm) (for example, any distance between 1.05 and 1.20 times the diameter of the game ball). In the present embodiment, the second rail 72 is arranged substantially horizontally in front of the game board 10 and the height position of the upper surface portion 72e is constant along the longitudinal direction of the second rail 72. Unlike the above, the height position of the upper surface portion 72e may be gradually lowered or gradually increased toward the right. Further, the axis of the second rail 72 may be formed in a substantially arc shape, and the height position of the upper surface portion 72e may be changed so as to be highest or lowest at the intermediate portion along the longitudinal direction of the second rail 72.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the entire area of the second rail 72 along the left-right direction is located in front of the upper end side of the game area 11, and “the game ball guided from the back surface 10 G side of the game board 10 is played in the game area. Sphere discharge portion 72k ”that drops and discharges toward 11 is formed.

  In the gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 5, when the front frame 4 is opened, the terminal end portion 71b of the first rail 71 and the starting end portion 72f of the second rail 72 exceed the diameter of the game ball. Since they are separated by a distance, it is impossible to deliver game balls from the first rail 71 to the second rail 72. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, when the front frame 4 is in a closed state, the end portion 71b of the first rail 71 and the start end portion 72f of the second rail 72 are close to each other (for example, the diameter of the game ball). Game balls from the first rail 71 to the second rail 72 can be delivered. A return member (for example, a return rubber) 72v for preventing the game ball from moving further to the right is attached to the end portion (right end portion) of the second rail 72.

  In this way, when the front ball 4 is in the closed state, when the game ball Y held by the ball receiving portion 71d is launched using the launching device 8m, as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 15. The game ball Y rolls on the rolling bottom 71e, then reaches the second rail 72, and rolls on the upper surface 72e. And according to the momentum which this game ball Y has, it falls to the predetermined position of the game area | region 11, and will flow down.

  That is, the momentum of the game ball Y reaching the upper surface portion 72e of the second rail 72 varies depending on the magnitude of the striking force loaded from the striking rod (plunger) 8n. And when the momentum of the game ball Y is weak, it is released to the game area 11 from the part located on the left end side of the ball discharge portion 72k (second rail 72), and when the momentum of the game ball Y is strong, It is discharged to the game area 11 from a portion located on the right end side of the ball discharge portion 72k (second rail 72). In addition, such a release of the game ball Y is smoothly performed using the characteristic structure of the second rail 72.

  Specifically, the projecting length d of the projecting bottom portion 72b is set to be less than half of the diameter of the game ball, and the upper inclined surface 72e of the projecting bottom portion 72b is lowered toward the surface portion 10F of the game board 10 It is said that. For this reason, when the momentum of the game ball Y is weak (when the centrifugal force applied to the game ball Y is weak), the upper surface portion 72e is located at a position located on the left end side of the ball discharge portion 72k (second rail 72). The probability of releasing (falling) toward the game area 11 using the downward slope of the is increased.

  On the other hand, when the momentum of the game ball Y is strong (when the centrifugal force applied to the game ball Y is strong), the game ball Y is positioned on the left end side of the ball discharge portion 72k (second rail 72). Since the part exhibits a behavior that makes close contact with the front plate portion 72a by using the centrifugal force, the probability of releasing (falling) toward the game area 11 at the “part located on the left end side” becomes low. . Then, the game ball Y moves to the right in the ball discharge portion 72k (second rail 72), and when the momentum decreases, the probability that the game ball Y is released (dropped) toward the game area 11 increases. It should be noted that the game ball Y is so strong that the game ball that has reached the right end side of the ball discharge portion 72k (second rail 72) collides with the return member 72v and is released (dropped) toward the game area 11. Alternatively, after colliding with the return member 72v, the ball discharge portion 72k (second rail 72) is moved backward in the left direction, and when the momentum decreases, there is a high possibility that the ball discharge portion 72v is discharged (dropped) toward the game area 11. It has become.

  In this gaming machine 1, since the rolling bottom portion 71e of the first rail 71 is a downward inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the terminal end portion 71b of the first rail 71, the ball receiving portion 71d was once fired. The game ball Y does not reversely move the first rail 71 to the position of the ball receiving portion 71d. Even when the momentum of the game ball Y that has reached the end portion of the first rail 71 is weak, the game ball Y can move to the second rail 72 using the downward slope of the rolling bottom 71e. . Further, although it is a rare case, the momentum of the game ball Y is particularly strong, the game ball Y collides with the return member 72v, and the ball discharge part 72k (second rail 72) moves backward to the left and moves to the first rail. Even if it reverses to 71, the momentum of the game ball is sufficiently reduced when the ball discharge portion 72k (second rail 72) is moved left and right. When the game ball Y reaches the rolling bottom 71e, the momentum has sufficiently decreased, so the game ball Y moves to the second rail 72 using the downward slope of the rolling bottom 71e. Then, it is discharged (dropped) toward the game area 11. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the game ball Y once launched from the ball receiving unit 71d from becoming a foul ball.

  The launching ball storage member 73 is for storing the game ball before being launched by the launching device 8m, and is configured in a substantially container shape that opens upward as shown in FIGS. Is sealed with a lid 73g. In addition, the firing ball storage member 73 includes a member main body 73a having a substantially rectangular planar shape, and a sphere aligning portion 73b integrated in front of the left end side of the member main body 73a. The front end of the member main body 73a and the start end of the ball alignment portion 73b (the end integrated with the front of the left end of the member main body 73a) are in communication with each other. The reached game ball can enter the ball aligning portion 73b. FIGS. 5 and 10 show the firing ball storage member 73 with the lid 73g removed, and FIG. 4 shows the launch ball storage member 73 with the lid 73g attached. Further, in FIG. 3, illustration of the firing ball storage member 73 is omitted.

  The ball alignment portion 73b has a width that allows one game ball to pass therethrough, and draws a substantially L-shaped path starting from the left end front of the member main body 73a. In addition, an outlet 732b that allows the game balls to flow downward is opened at a terminal end portion (an end portion spaced apart from the left end front of the member main body 73a) of the bottom surface 731b of the ball alignment portion 73b. Moreover, the outflow port 732b has an opening area through which one game ball can pass sequentially.

  Here, in FIG. 16, arrows A and B illustrated on the bottom surface portion 731a of the member main body 73a indicate that the bottom surface portion 731a has a downward slope toward the directions of the arrows A and B. That is, the bottom surface portion 731a has a downward slope toward the front and a downward slope toward the left. For this reason, the game ball in the member main body 73a shows a behavior of entering the start end portion of the ball alignment portion 73b using these inclinations.

  In FIG. 16, arrows C and D illustrated on the bottom surface portion 731b of the sphere alignment portion 73b also indicate that the bottom surface portion 731b has a downward slope in the directions of the arrows C and D. That is, the bottom surface portion 731b has a downward slope from the start end side toward the end end side. For this reason, the game ball that has entered the starting end portion of the ball aligning portion 73b from the member main body 73a exhibits a behavior of trying to reach the end portion of the ball aligning portion 73b using this inclination. And since the height position of the opening position of the outflow port 732b is the lowest at the bottom surface portion 731b of the ball alignment portion 73b, the game ball that has reached the end portion of the ball alignment portion 73b will enter the outflow port 732b. The behavior will be shown.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the member main body 73 a has a lower limit sensor 73 </ b> L for detecting that the game ball stored in the firing ball storage member 73 has reached the lower limit amount, and is stored in the firing ball storage member 73. An upper limit sensor 73H is provided for detecting that the played game ball has reached the upper limit amount. As these sensors 73L and 73H, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, optical sensors including light emitting units 731L and 731H and light receiving units 732L and 732H can be exemplified.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the ball feeding device 75 includes an outer body 75a and a rotating ball feeding member 75b. Then, by repeating the rotation and rotation stop of the rotating ball feeding member 75b in conjunction with the launch of the game ball, the game balls are intermittently supplied to the launching device 8m one by one.

  The outer body 75a includes an upper connection port 75c connected to the outflow port 732b of the projecting ball storage member 73 at the upper end and a lower connection port 75d connected to the connection port 71w of the first rail 71 at the lower end. In addition, a holding chamber 75e that holds the rotating ball feeding member 75b in a rotatable state is provided at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction inside the outer body 75a. Furthermore, an inflow side passage 75f that communicates between the upper connection port 75c and the upper end of the holding chamber 75e is provided in the outer body 75a. Further, in the outer body 75a, an outflow side passage 75g that communicates between the right side end of the holding chamber 75e and the lower connection port 75d is provided. Here, the cross sections of the inflow side passage 75f and the outflow side passage 75g are circular with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (for example, a diameter smaller than 1.2 times the diameter of the game ball). The game balls can enter one by one sequentially.

  In addition, the inflow side passage 75f directs the path in the vertical direction, and can receive the game balls flowing out from the outflow port 732b of the shot ball storage member 73 one by one and align them in the vertical downward direction. In addition, the outflow side passage 75g is a passage for drawing the game balls flowing out from the holding chamber 75e one by one to the ball receiving portion 71d of the first rail 71 while drawing an arcuate path.

  The rotating ball feeding member 75b is constituted by a substantially circular plate supported in a rotatable state in the holding chamber 75e. The rotating ball feeding member 75b has a rotational axis oriented in the lateral direction, and recesses 751e and 751e are provided at two locations 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. These concave portions 751e and 751e are opened on the outer circumferential surface and front and rear surfaces of the rotating ball feeding member 75b, and one ball is formed in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the rotating ball feeding member 75b (a direction not coincident with the radial direction). The size that can accept the game ball of. Both concave portions 751e and 751e have a rotationally symmetric shape around the axis of the rotating ball feeding member 75b. The rotating ball feeding member 75b is rotatable using a ball feeding motor 8t (see FIG. 30) (not shown).

  Hereinafter, portions of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating ball feeding member 75b where the concave portions 751e and 751e are not provided are referred to as blocking surfaces 75p and 75p. That is, when following the outer periphery of the rotating ball feeding member 75b, the two concave portions 751e and 751e are sandwiched and the two blocking surfaces 75p and 75p are provided. Note that the ball feed motor 8m is a stepping motor and is connected to the launch control board 260 (see FIG. 30), and the rotation operation (rotation action) and the stop action thereof are control signals transmitted from the launch control board 220. (See FIG. 24).

  Next, a driving mode of the ball feeding device 75 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 18A shows a state in which the game ball Y1 is arranged at the ball receiving portion 71d (launch position) of the first rail 71. That is, the state where the preparation for launching the game ball Y1 is completed using the launcher 8m is shown. At this time, the launch control board 260 uses the sensor 71s to detect that the game ball Y1 is arranged at the ball receiving portion 71d (launch position). Further, the rotational position of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is such that any one of the blocking surfaces 75p closes the lower end portion of the inflow side passage 75f (blocks the subsequent game balls Y2, Y3, etc. from entering the holding chamber 75e). Closed position).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18B, when the launch control board 260 drives the launch device 8m to launch the game ball Y1 of the ball receiving portion 71d (launch position), the launch control board 260 is turned into the ball receiving portion 71d. It is detected that no game ball is placed at (launch position). As a result, the launch control board 260 drives the ball feed motor 8t, but as shown in FIG. 19A, the rotating ball feed member 75b is rotated (clockwise when viewed from the front) and either one of them is rotated. When the recess 751e is in communication with the lower end of the inflow side passage 75f, only one subsequent game ball Y2 enters the recess 751e, and the game ball Y3 following the game ball Y2 Stop inside.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19 (b), when the amount of rotation of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is increased, the recess 751e holding the game ball Y2 is brought into communication with the upper end of the outflow side passage 75g. Of the surfaces forming the concave portion 751e in the rotating ball feeding member 75b, the one located below the game ball Y2 (surface portion 75w) is inclined downward toward the upper end portion of the outflow side passage 75g. The game ball Y2 reaches the ball receiving portion 71d (launch position) via the outflow side passage 75g. At this time, the launch control board 260 uses the sensor 71s to detect that the game ball Y2 is disposed at the ball receiving portion 71d (launch position). Further, the rotational position of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is such that the lower end portion of the outflow side passage 75g is closed by any one of the other blocking surfaces 75p (the subsequent game balls Y3, Y4, etc. are prevented from entering the holding chamber 75e). Closed position).

  Then, when the ball feeder 75 intermittently supplies the game balls one by one to the launcher 8m by repeating the rotation and rotation stop of the rotating ball feed member 75b in conjunction with the launch of the game balls, A game ball can be continuously fired using the launcher 8m.

d. Configuration of Ball Circulation Mechanism As shown in FIG. 20, the ball circulation mechanism of the gaming machine 1 includes the above-described launch ball storage member 73, a ball assembly unit 91 mounted on the back surface portion 10G of the game board 10, and a game board. 10 is provided with a lifting unit 92 and a relay unit 85 arranged on the back surface portion 10G side. The lifting unit 92 is for lifting a game ball that has flowed down the game board 10 to become a safe ball and a game ball that has become an out ball to the upper part of the gaming machine 1. Further, the relay unit 85 causes the game ball lifted by the lift unit 92 to reach the launch ball storage member 73, replenishes the game ball outside the ball circulation mechanism into the ball circulation mechanism, or outside the ball circulation mechanism. It is intended for discharge. Here, the “safe ball” refers to a game ball that has won a prize at any of the winning openings (the first start winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 40, 41), The out ball refers to a game ball collected in the out port 18 without winning any winning port.

  The ball assembly unit 91 is configured in a substantially container shape that opens at the front surface portion, and a large number of ribs 91b are projected from the back plate portion 91a to thereby each winning device (first starting winning device 17a, second starting winning device 17b). , The bowl-shaped passages A1 to A5 for safe balls corresponding to the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 40, 41), the bowl-shaped passage B1 for out-balls corresponding to the out port 18, and all the bowl-shaped passages A1. -A5 and B1 are formed to form a gathering bowl-shaped passage C1. It should be noted that the safe ball bowl-shaped passages A1 to A5 have detection switches (first start opening winning detection switch 17s, second start opening winning) for detecting a game ball that has entered the corresponding winning apparatus (winning opening). A detection switch 17t, a big winning opening winning detection switch 31s, and general winning detection switches 40s, 41s), and an out ball for detecting that the ball has entered the out port 18 in the bowl-shaped passage B1 for the out ball. An entrance ball detection switch 18s is provided. In the second embodiment to be described later, these switches 17s, 17t, 31s, 40s, 41s, and 18s constitute a specific example of the intrusion detection means.

  Here, on the back surface portion 10G of the game board 10, a lead-out path a1 for guiding the game ball won in the first start winning device 17a to the rear side of the back surface portion 10G and the game ball won in the second start winning device 17b. A lead-out path a2 for guiding the back side 10G rearward, a lead-out path a3 for guiding the game ball won in the big prize device 31 to the back side 10G, and the game ball won in the general prize-winning device 40 behind the back part 10G A lead-out path a4 for guiding the game ball, a lead-out path a5 for guiding the game ball won in the general prize winning device 41 to the rear side of the back surface part 10G, and a guide for guiding the game ball collected in the out port 18 to the rear side of the back side part 10G. The terminal portion of the lead-out passage b1 is open.

  These lead-out passages a1 to a5, b1 are provided in a state of slightly downwardly inclined from the front surface portion 10F side of the game board 10 toward the back surface portion 10G while penetrating the game board 10 in the front and rear (front and back). Yes. In addition, since the path of each bowl-shaped passage A1 to A5, B1 is directed in the vertical direction, the game balls that flow into the bowl-shaped paths A1 to A5, B1 are flown into the bowl-shaped passages A1 to A5, It will flow down in B1.

  The gathering saddle-like passage C1 includes a main passage portion C2 that merges with the lower ends of all the saddle-like passages A1 to A5 and B1, and a delivery passage portion C3 that projects from the lower portion of the main passage portion C2. Further, an intermediate portion in the left-right direction of the passage portion C2 is an opening portion C21, and the upper end of the delivery passage portion C3 is integrated with the opening portion C21. In addition, the delivery passage portion C3 draws a substantially L-shaped path, hangs down below the opening C21, then bends to the right, and connects the lower end to the lower side of the lifting unit 92. It has.

  A game ball that wins any one of the winning openings (the first starting winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 40, 41) or is collected at the out port 18 corresponds. After being led out to the back surface portion 10G side of the game board 10 using the lead-out passages a1 to a5 and b1, it flows into the corresponding bowl-shaped passages A1 to A5 and B1. Thereafter, it flows into the main passage portion C2 of the gathering bowl-shaped passage C1 and further into the delivery passage portion C3, and then flows down in the delivery passage portion C3 toward the lower end side of the lifting unit 92.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the lifting unit 92 includes a case 95 and a lifting screw 96 disposed in a rotatable state in the case 95. Among these, the case 95 includes a case main body 95a configured in a substantially cylindrical shape with its axis oriented vertically, and a supply cylinder 95b protruding from the left side surface portion on the upper end side of the case main body 95a. Further, the left side surface portion on the lower end side of the case main body 95a is provided with a connection port 95c to which the lower end portion of the delivery passage portion C3 is connected.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a discharge port 95h is provided on the outer peripheral surface on the upper end side of the case 95, and the start end portion 85s (85e) of the relay unit 85 is connected to the discharge port 95h. For this reason, the game ball lifted to the upper end side of the case 95 enters the relay unit 85, but the main part of the relay unit 85 is configured by a substantially tubular body that is inclined downward toward the firing ball storage member 73. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the relay unit 85 reaches the launch ball storage member 73.

  Support structures (not shown) for supporting the ends of the lifting screw 96 in a rotatable state are provided at both upper and lower ends of the lifting unit 92. Thus, the lifting screw 96 supported in a rotatable state includes a substantially cylindrical main shaft 96a having an axial center provided vertically and a helical protrusion 96b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main shaft 96a. . Further, since the driving force of the driving motor 96m is transmitted to the main shaft 96a through the driving gear 96c and the intermediate gears 96d and 96e, the lifting screw 96 can be rotated around its axis. . The drive motor 96m is connected to the value assignment control board 240, and the drive is controlled by the value assignment control board 240.

  In the spiral protrusion 96b, a plate-like rib 96R is spanned between a portion 961b located at the lowermost portion and a portion 962b located one turn higher than that, and 963b located at the uppermost portion. A plate-like rib 96F is also spanned between the portion 964b that is one turn lower than that. The lower rib 96R acts effectively when the game ball reaching the delivery passage C3 is received on the spiral protrusion 96b, and the upper rib 96F is connected to the relay unit 85 from the spiral protrusion 96b. It works effectively when discharging to (discharge port 95h).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the lifting screw 96 is moved in a direction in which the spiral protrusion 96b rises and inclines (when the lifting screw 96 in FIG. 21 is observed from above, the rotation direction is recognized as the counterclockwise rotation direction. (Hereinafter, referred to as the forward rotation direction), the game balls that successively reach the lower end of the lifting screw 96 using the downward slope of the delivery passage C3 are transferred to the lifting screw 96. It is pushed up one after another along the upward spiral path. Then, the game balls that successively reach the upper end of the lifting screw 96 pass through the supply cylinder 95 b and are stored inside the firing ball storage member 73.

  In the present embodiment, when the value imparting control board 240 detects that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the lower limit amount by the lower limit sensor 73L, the drive motor 96m is driven to The rotation in the forward rotation direction is started, and the game balls in the ball assembly unit 91 are lifted toward the launch ball storage member 73. On the other hand, when the launch control board 260 detects that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the upper limit amount by the upper limit sensor 73H, the drive motor 96m is stopped and the lift screw 96 is rotated. Stop. For this reason, the amount of game balls stored in the launch ball storage member 73 is kept in application.

  Next, the relay unit 85 will be described. As shown in FIG. 22, the relay unit 85 includes a main pipe part 86, a supply part 87, and a sorting part 88. Among these, the main pipe portion 86 is formed in a substantially tubular body having an inner diameter that allows passage of one game ball, and the first tubular portion 86a disposed in a state of being inclined downward in a direction away from the case 95, and the case 95 A second tubular portion 86c disposed in a state of being inclined downward in a direction away from the second tubular portion 86c. The second tubular portion 86c is longer than the first tubular portion 86a, is located below the first tubular portion 86a, and is disposed at a position away from the case 95, and the case 95 of the first tubular portion 86a. The end portion of the second tubular portion 86c is connected to the end portion of the second tubular portion 86c near the case 95 by a hanging portion 86c.

  That is, the main pipe portion 86 is disposed so as to be inclined downward in the direction away from the case 95, and the intermediate portion is bent. Further, since the end portion 85e disposed on the case 95 side of the first tubular portion 86a is fitted into the above-described discharge port 95h, the game ball lifted to the upper end side of the case 95 is transferred to the first tubular portion. 86a is acceptable. Further, the end of the second tubular portion 86c that is disposed on the side away from the case 95 is a hanging portion 86e, and this hanging portion 86e is fitted into the lid 73g of the firing ball storage member 73 in the connection port 93h. . For this reason, the game ball that has passed through the main pipe portion 86 can enter the launch ball storage member 73 through the opening at the lower end of the hanging portion 86e.

  The replenishment part 87 is provided with the storage part 87a and the ball feeder 87c, as shown in FIG. Among these, the storage part 87a is a member for storing game balls to be replenished to the main pipe part 86, and seals the main body part 871a configured in a substantially container shape opening upward and the opening part of the main body part 871a. And a lid body 872a. In addition, overlap margins 873a and 874a are provided on the peripheral edge of the main body portion 871a and the peripheral edge portion of the lid body 872a. . And the connection pin 875a is mounted | worn in the state which penetrates both the overlap allowances 873a and 874a. Further, in the gaming machine 1, a predetermined number (for example, 200 non-magnetic game balls) is enclosed at the time of shipment.

  If the connection pin 875a is not destroyed, it is impossible to separate the lid 872a from the main body 871a. Further, a sealing seal 876a is attached to both the stacking allowances 873a and 874a. When the lid 872a is separated from the main body 871a, the sealing seal 876a is divided (the overlap allowance 873a). , 874a) or the sealing seal 876a needs to be peeled off. Further, when the sealing seal 876a is peeled off, the adhesive (adhesive) of the sealing seal 876a tends to remain on the main body 871a and the lid body 872a. Therefore, if someone intends to replenish the storage portion 87a with a magnetic game ball afterwards, the replenishment trace (breakage of the connection pin 875a, adhesive (adhesive)) There is a high possibility that a mark or the like will remain, and it is easy to prevent the act. When the game balls in the main body 871a of the replenishment portion 87 are exhausted, the administrator destroys the connection pins 875a and replenishes the non-magnetic game balls in the main body 871a.

  A discharge port 878a is provided at the bottom of the reservoir 87a, and the upper surface of the bottom is inclined downward toward the discharge port 878a. In addition, the storage port 878a is provided in a state of vertically penetrating the bottom, and the game ball discharged from the discharge port 878a enters the ball feeding device 87c.

  Since the ball feeding device 87c has the same configuration as the above-described ball feeding device 75 (see FIG. 11 and the like), the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the ball feeding device 75 (see FIG. 11 and the like). A description will be given. That is, this ball feeding device 87c also includes an outer body 75a and a rotating ball feeding member 75b. Then, by rotating and stopping the rotation of the rotating ball feeding member 75b, game balls can be intermittently supplied to the main pipe portion 86 one by one. The outer body 75a and the rotating ball feeding member 75b have the same configuration as the outer body 75a and the rotating ball feeding member 75b constituting the above-described ball feeding device 75.

  However, in the ball feeder 87c, the upper connection port 75c is connected to the discharge port 878a of the storage portion 87a, and the lower connection port 75d is connected to the connection port 86m of the main pipe portion 86. A holding chamber 75e is also provided inside the outer body 75d, and an inflow side passage 75f that communicates between the upper connection port 75c and the upper end of the holding chamber 75e is provided, and a side end of the holding chamber 75e is provided. An outflow passage 75g that communicates with the lower connection port 75d is provided. Here, the cross sections of the inflow side passage 75f and the outflow side passage 75g are circular with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (for example, a diameter smaller than 1.2 times the diameter of the game ball). The game balls can enter one by one sequentially. A sensor (hereinafter referred to as a “replenishment sensor”) for detecting that a game ball passes toward the main pipe portion 86 (the game ball is supplied to the main pipe portion 86) inside the outflow side passage 75g. .) 87s is provided. As this replenishment sensor 87s, an optical sensor provided with a light emission part and a light-receiving part can be illustrated. The replenishment sensor 87s is connected to a value addition control board 240 described later (see FIG. 30). Here, “replenishment sensor 87 s constitutes a specific example of“ intrusion detection means ”, and replenishment unit 87 constitutes a specific example of“ intrusion part ”.

  In addition, the inflow side passage 75f directs the route in the vertical direction, and can receive the game balls flowing out from the discharge port 878a of the storage portion 87a one by one and align them vertically downward. In addition, the outflow side passage 75g is a flow path for allowing the game ball flowing out from the holding chamber 75e to reach the main pipe portion 86 while drawing an arcuate path. The connection port 86m of the main pipe portion 86 is open on the upper surface located near the end portion on the side close to the case 95 in the second tubular portion 86b.

  The rotating ball feeding member 75b of the ball feeding device 87c is constituted by a substantially circular plate supported in a rotatable state in the holding chamber 75e. The rotating ball feeding member 75b has a rotational axis centered in the front-rear direction, and concave portions 751e and 751e are provided at two locations separated by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. These concave portions 751e and 751e are opened on the outer circumferential surface and front and rear surfaces of the rotating ball feeding member 75b, and one ball is formed in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the rotating ball feeding member 75b (a direction not coincident with the radial direction). The size that can accept the game ball of. Both concave portions 751e and 751e have a rotationally symmetric shape around the axis of the rotating ball feeding member 75b. The rotating ball feeding member 75b is rotatable using a ball feeding motor 8T (see FIG. 30).

  The rotating ball feeding member 75b is also provided with blocking surfaces 75p and 75p. When the outer periphery of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is traced, two blocking surfaces 75p and 75p are sandwiched between the two concave portions 751e and 751e. It will be. Note that the ball feed motor 8T is a stepping motor and is connected to the value assignment control board 240 (see FIG. 30), and the rotation operation (rotation action) and the stop action thereof are controls transmitted from the value assignment control board 240. It is controlled using a signal (see FIG. 30).

  Next, the drive mode of the ball feeding device 87c will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in FIG. 23, the rotational position of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is such that one of the blocking surfaces 75p closes the lower end portion of the inflow side passage 75e (the following game balls Y12, Y13, etc. enter the holding chamber 75e). It will be in a position to close) to prevent this. Next, when the replenishment button B2 (described later with reference to FIG. 41) is pressed under a predetermined condition, the value assignment control board 240 drives the ball feed motor 8T, but as shown in FIG. When the rotating ball feeding member 75b is rotated (rotated clockwise when viewed from the front) and any one of the recesses 751e is in communication with the lower end of the inflow side passage 75f, only one game ball Y11 is present. The game ball Y12 that enters the recess 751e and follows the game ball Y11 stops in the inflow side passage 75f.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24 (b), when the amount of rotation of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is increased, the recess 751e holding the game ball Y11 is in a state of communicating with the upper end portion of the outflow side passage 75g. Of the surfaces forming the concave portion 751e in the rotating ball feeding member 75b, the one located below the game ball Y11 (surface portion 75w) is inclined downward toward the upper end portion of the outflow side passage 75g. The game ball Y11 reaches the main pipe portion 86 (inside the ball circulation mechanism) through the outflow side passage 75g. At this time, the value addition control board 240 detects that the game ball is supplied to the main pipe portion 86 (in the ball circulation mechanism) using the supply sensor 87c. Further, the rotational position of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is such that the lower end portion of the outflow side passage 75g is closed by any one of the other blocking surfaces 75p (following game balls Y12, Y13 and the like are prevented from entering the holding chamber 751e. Closed position). Then, the ball feeding device 87c repeats the rotation and the rotation stop of the rotating ball feeding member 75b, so that the game balls can be intermittently supplied to the main pipe portion 86 (in the ball circulation mechanism) one by one. .

  The sorting unit 88 constitutes a specific example of sorting means, and includes a guide path member 88a, a transfer body 88b, and a storage member 88c as shown in FIG. Among these, the guide path member 88a is configured by a tubular body that draws a substantially L-order path. Specifically, a first guiding portion 88d that draws an arcuate path and a second guiding portion 88e that is arranged in a downwardly inclined manner are provided. In addition, as shown in FIG. 26A, in the first guide portion 88d, the tube wall portion located on the curvature center side is cut away to form an opening 88f. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, the wall portion located on the end side away from the case 95 of the second tubular portion 86c is cut out to form an opening 86x that opens upward. The starting end portion of the first guiding portion 88d is connected to one end side of 86x. A specific example of “magnetic sphere guiding means” is configured by the guide path member 88a and the transfer body 88b, and a specific example of “storage means” is configured by the storage member 88c.

  The second guiding portion 88e is arranged in a downwardly inclined manner with its starting end being integrated with the terminal end of the first guiding portion 88d, and the terminal end is opened in the storage member 88c. The storage member 88c includes an opening 88h on the upper wall portion, and is configured by a transparent container body. The end portion of the second guide portion 88e is fitted into the opening 88h. The second guiding portion 88e is a portion that constitutes a discharge path, and a magnetic ball is attracted to the transfer body 88b and guided to the second guiding portion 88e, whereby the ball circulation mechanism (73, 85, 91, 92). Here, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the magnetic game balls are discharged out of the ball circulation mechanism (73, 85, 91, 92) through the discharge path (second guide portion 88e). Without passing through such a path, the magnetic game ball can be discharged out of the ball circulation mechanism (73, 85, 91, 92). For example, the terminal of the first guiding portion 88d is an open portion (opening portion), and a magnetic game ball is discharged directly from the open portion (opening portion) to the outside of the ball circulation mechanism (73, 85, 91, 92). You can also.

  As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 (a), the transfer body 88b is a rotating body that is arranged in a rotatable state with its axial center facing forward and backward, and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The transfer body 88b includes a member main body 88m configured using a resin, and a permanent magnet 88n disposed in a portion near the outer periphery of the member main body 88m. When the game ball made of a magnetic material reaches a distance within twice the diameter (11 mm) of the game ball from the outer peripheral surface 88p of the transfer body 88b, the game ball is attracted and attracted to the outer peripheral surface 88p. be able to. The permanent magnet 88n is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the distance from the outer peripheral portion to the outer peripheral surface 88p of the transfer body 88b is constant over the entire outer periphery of the transfer body 88b.

  In addition, as described above with reference to FIG. 26A, the side wall portion on one end side (side away from the case 95) of the first guide portion 88d is cut out to form an opening portion 88f. And the transfer body 88b is arrange | positioned in the state which substantially seals the opening part 88f, turning the axial center back and forth. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, in a portion of the outer peripheral surface 88p of the transfer body 88b that does not protrude forward or backward of the first guide portion 88d, about one third of the arcuate portion P1 is formed through the opening 88f to the first guide portion 88d. The other arc-shaped portion P2 of about 1/3 is positioned in the second tubular portion 86c through the other end side of the opening 86x, and the remaining arc-shaped portion P3 is connected to the first guide portion 88d and the first guide portion 88d. It is located outside the two tubular portions 86c. In addition, the arc-shaped portion Q1 facing the arc-shaped portion P1 of the first guide portion 88d and the arc-shaped portion P1 have a width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (for example, 1. An arcuate path through which a game ball can pass is formed. Furthermore, the portion Q2 of the second tubular portion 86c that faces the arc-shaped portion P2 and the arc-shaped portion P2 have a width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (for example, 1.2 times the diameter of the game ball). A path through which the game ball can pass is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, a shaft portion 88s that rotates integrally with the member main body 88m while penetrating the member main body 88m is attached to the axial center position of the member main body 88m. The axial center of the shaft portion 88s is directed front and rear, and both end portions are supported in a rotatable state by a predetermined bearing member (not shown). A gear 88t is mounted on the shaft 88s so as to be integrally rotatable, and a drive gear 88v mounted on the drive motor 88w is engaged with the gear 88t. Here, the drive motor 88w is a stepping motor and is connected to the value assignment control board 240 (see FIG. 30), and the rotation operation (rotation action) and the stop action thereof are transmitted from the value assignment control board 240. It is controlled using a signal (see FIG. 30).

  Next, the drive mode of the transfer body 88b is demonstrated using FIG. Here, a sensor (hereinafter referred to as “tamper detection sensor”) for detecting the passage of a game ball at a portion located on the terminal side of the second tubular portion 86c with respect to the transfer body 88b in the second tubular portion 86c. ) S2 is provided. The second guiding portion 88e is also provided with a sensor (hereinafter referred to as “authentication detection sensor”) S1 for detecting the passage of the game ball. In addition, as fraud detection sensor S1 and authenticity detection sensor S2, an optical sensor provided with a light emission part and a light-receiving part can be illustrated. The fraud detection sensor S1 and the authenticity detection sensor S2 are connected to the value assignment control board 240.

  In the present embodiment, when the game ball is replenished, the damming plate 86z protrudes on the start end side of the second tubular portion 86c (the side closer to the case 95 than the connection port 86m) (see FIG. 24). The game ball to be reached from the case 95 side is blocked. Thereby, in the main pipe part 86, the game ball remaining in the part located on the side farther from the case 95 than the retaining plate 86z enters the firing ball storage member 73 using the downward inclination of the main pipe part 86. Is possible. In the present embodiment, the retaining plate 86z can be projected and retracted into the second tubular portion 86c using an actuator such as a solenoid V1 (a state in which it protrudes into the second tubular portion 86c and is closed, and retracts from the second tubular portion 86c). And can be displaced to an open state). The solenoid V1 is connected to the value assignment control board 240, and the drive is controlled by the value assignment control board 240. The operation configuration of the damming plate 86z is not limited to a configuration performed using an actuator, and may be a configuration performed manually by an administrator.

  When the supply sensor 87s detects the passage of the game ball (supply of the game ball to the main pipe portion 86), the value addition control board 240 starts to drive the drive motor 88w as shown in FIGS. The transfer body 88b is rotated in the direction of arrow A in the figure. If the game ball detected by the replenishment sensor 87s is a non-magnetic game ball, as shown in FIG. Pass through and pass to the launch ball storage member 73. At this time, since the authenticity detection sensor S2 detects the passing of the game ball, the transfer body 88b stops rotating.

  If the game ball detected by the replenishment sensor 87s is a magnetic game ball, it is attracted to the transfer body 88b as shown in FIG. For this reason, after rotating integrally with the transfer body 88b and passing through the inside of the first guide portion 88d, it contacts the bottom wall 88z on the start end side of the second guide portion 88e. As a result, the magnetic game ball moves to the second guiding portion 88e, rolls downward in the second guiding portion 88e using the downward slope of the second guiding portion 88e, and reaches the storage member 88c. Thus, when rolling down the inside of the 2nd guidance part 88e, since fraud detection sensor S1 detects passage of a game ball, transfer object 88b stops rotation.

  In the main pipe part 86, the clogging detection sensor S3 is located in a part located immediately below the axial position of the transfer body 88b and a part located on the start end side of the main pipe part 86 by one game ball from the part. S4 is arranged. For example, when a game ball of magnetic material is mixed in a game ball circulating in the ball circulation mechanism, and this game ball reaches below the transfer body 88b whose rotation has stopped, it can be adsorbed to the transfer body 88b. is there. In this case, the game ball that reaches the lower part of the transfer body 88 b following the magnetic game ball is blocked from reaching the game ball adsorbed on the transfer body 88 b and is stopped in the main pipe portion 86. However, in this case, the clogging detection sensor S3 detects a game ball made of magnetic material, and the clogging detection sensor S4 detects a game ball behind it. Thus, when both clogging detection sensors S3 and S4 detect a game ball, in this embodiment, the value-adding control board 240 rotates the transfer body 88b once to stop it. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being clogged in the main pipe portion 86. In addition, as clogging detection sensors S3 and S4, an optical sensor provided with a light emission part and a light-receiving part can be illustrated. Further, the clogging detection sensors S3 and S4 are connected to the value addition control board 240 (see FIG. 30). Further, unlike the present embodiment, a sensor for detecting the adsorption of the game ball on the transfer body 88b (for example, the fact that the game ball has been transferred 88b by detecting that the weight of the game ball is loaded on the transfer body 88b) It is also possible to use a detection sensor or the like as a clogging detection sensor.

  The mode of the transfer body 88b is not limited to that shown in the present embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 26 (b), a plurality of recesses 88v are provided along the direction around the outer peripheral surface of the member main body 88m. It may be configured by embedding a magnet 88x in the recess 88v. Further, the entire transfer body 88b may be composed of a magnet, or the transfer body 88b may move by adsorbing a magnetic game ball in a mode other than rotation (for example, forward and backward movement, pendulum movement, etc.). Further, the configuration of the lifting unit 92 is not limited to that shown in the present embodiment. For example, as shown in the modified example of FIG. 28, a lifting sprocket 97a is provided in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the delivery passage C3, and the gaming balls can enter one above the lifting sprocket 97a. A passage 97b (for example, an internal space of a tubular body is used) is provided. Then, by using the motor to rotate the lifting sprocket 97a (rotation in the clockwise direction when viewed from the back side of the gaming machine, rotation in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine), a game ball It is good also as pumping up one after another. In other words, the game balls pushed up later by the lifting sprocket 97a may push up the gaming balls pushed up earlier by the lifting sprocket 97a and lift the game balls one after another. Further, since the upper end portion of the lifting passage 97b communicates with the supply cylinder 95b similar to the present embodiment, the game ball reaching the upper end portion of the lifting passage 97b passes through the supply cylinder 95b and fires. It flows into the inside of the sphere storage member 73.

  Since the gaming machine 1 includes the above-described ball launching mechanism and the ball circulation mechanism, it is possible to play a game by circulating the game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 in advance.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is configured by using the main control board 200 and controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not it is related to the winning ball, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A). 240A, 260A). The sub-control unit is configured using (a) the sub-control board 220 and the sub-control unit 220A that controls various effects, and (b) is configured using the effect display control board 222. A production control unit 222A that controls various productions, (c) a value addition control unit 240A that is configured using the value addition control board 240 and controls a rental ball and a prize ball, and (d) a launch control board. And a launch control unit 260A that controls the launch of the game ball.

  The control boards (200, 220, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 240A, 260A) are a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and various programs and data executed by the CPU. ROM in which the CPU is stored, the RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, the peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the peripheral device, and the clock for the CPU to perform operations are output Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that performs CPU, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates an interrupt signal. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 29 and 30 indicate the directions in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 29, only the CPU 201, RAM 202, and ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and further the CPU mounted on another control board. Further, illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) includes a normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, start opening winning detection switches 17s and 17t, general winning detection switches 40s and 41s, a large winning opening winning detection switch 31s and the like. After receiving the detection signal and determining whether or not the basic progress of the game and the winning ball are involved, the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220), the value-adding control unit 240A (value-adding control board 240), launch control Various signals (commands) to be described later are output toward the unit 260A (the launch control board 260) and the like. The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball fired from the launcher unit. In addition, an out-entry ball detection switch 18s is also connected to the main controller 200A (main control board 200).

  Further, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) directly controls these operations by outputting signals to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the big prize opening solenoid 31c, and the lower display device 60. That is, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) functions as a success / failure determination unit and a big hit game execution unit. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the value assignment control board 240, respectively.

  When the sub-control unit 220A receives various signals (commands) from the main control unit 200A, the sub-control unit 220A analyzes the contents of the signals (commands) and produces a game according to the result. That is, the sub control unit 220A is responsible for controlling the effect of the game based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A. The sub-control unit 220A is electrically connected to an effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), an amplifier board 224, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228, respectively.

  Although not shown, the sub control board 220 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. In addition, the CPU of the sub control board 220 receives control signals from the main control board 200 and controls each board such as the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. The ROM stores data necessary for controlling each board (particularly information relating to game decoration). The CPU 220a receives a display control command (that is, a display control signal) sent from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) and analyzes it according to a program stored in the ROM. Then, the CPU configuring the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) can display a predetermined display control command determined by the CPU, or a display control command that has been transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). Is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222).

  Although not shown, speakers SP1 to SP4 that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier substrate 224. Further, the decoration driving board 226 is connected to various LED boards on which various decoration LEDs (lamps) provided on the front frame 4 and the game board 10 are mounted. The decoration drive board 226 receives signals from the sub-control board 220A and performs control related to game decoration. Furthermore, an effect button SW is electrically connected to the effect button board 228.

  As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, a launch control unit 260A and the like are connected to the value assignment control unit 240A. In addition, the CR unit 80 is connected to the value assignment control unit 240A so that bidirectional communication is possible, and a rental button 5c, a return button 5q, and a display device 5r are connected via a ball rental display board 410. . Further, the main control unit 200A is connected to the payout control unit 240A so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

  The value assignment control unit 240A is responsible for various controls related to so-called ball rental and game value assignment. For example, when the player operates the lending button 5c or the return button 5q, the operation signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 410 to the value addition control board 240, and the ball lending information is acquired based on the operation signal, Add to the number of balls. Here, the “number of possessed balls” is the number of game balls that can be launched by the player. When the main control unit 200A outputs the prize ball information, the value assignment control unit 240A receives the prize ball information and adds it to the number of possessed balls. Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the value assignment control board 240 constituting the value assignment control unit 240A includes a replenishment sensor 87s, a fraud detection sensor S1, an authenticity detection sensor S2, a clogging detection sensors S3 and S4, a lower limit sensor 73L, An upper limit sensor 73H, a ball feed motor 8T, a drive motor 88w, a drive motor 96m, and a solenoid V1 are connected.

  As shown in FIG. 30, a launch control board 260 that constitutes a launch control unit 260A is connected to the value assignment control board 240. The launch control board 260 has a launch solenoid 8m, a touch switch 9a, and a launch stop. A switch 9b, a ball feed motor 8t, and the like are connected. The touch switch 9 a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal) to the firing control unit 260 </ b> A when the player is in contact with the launch handle 9, and touches when the player is not in contact with the launch handle 8. A non-detection signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A. The firing stop switch 8b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal) to the launch control unit 260A when the player is not operating (not pressed), and the player is operating (pressed). The firing stop signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A.

  In the firing control unit 260A, when the touch switch 9a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal), the firing stop switch 9b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal), and the firing handle 9 is rotated. The firing solenoid 8m is driven. Thereby, according to the amount of rotation applied by the player to the launch handle 9, the hitting force is applied from the hitting bar 8n to the game ball (game ball at the launch position). On the other hand, even when the launch handle 9 is in a rotated state, when the player operates the launch stop switch 9b (when the launch stop switch 9b outputs a launch stop signal (off signal)), the launch control unit 260A launches. The drive of the solenoid 8m is stopped.

(3) Outline of the game by the gaming machine 1 Next, an outline of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

a. Normal Symbol Fluctuation Game As shown in FIG. 32, the normal symbol variation game is started when a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 16 (S1, S2). This normal symbol variation game is a game whose content is to execute the variation display of the ordinary symbol in the ordinary symbol display unit 63, and ends when the stop symbol is fixedly displayed on the ordinary symbol display unit 63. And when the stop symbol fixedly displayed on the normal symbol display part 63 is a winning symbol (S3), the result of the normal symbol changing game is a winning symbol, and the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (first 2 state) (S4), and when the stop symbol that is fixedly displayed on the normal symbol display unit 63 is out of the symbol (S5), the result of the normal symbol variable game is out (S6), and the second start winning prize The device 17b maintains the closed state (first state).

  Here, when the stop symbol that is fixedly displayed on the normal symbol display unit 63 is a winning symbol, when the normal extension mode in which the release extension function does not operate is in the normal opening mode, the opening time of the second start winning device 17b is short ( For example, 0.2 seconds). For this reason, the tendency for the player to launch a game ball toward the left side of the game area 11 (left side of the main accessory device 20) (the tendency to make a left strike) is increased. For example, the operation amount (rotation operation amount) of the launch handle 9 is decreased, and the game ball is dropped into the game area 11 from a position closer to the left end in the ball discharge portion 72k, and the left area ( After flowing down on the right side of the main accessory device 20, the first start winning device 17a below the main accessory device 20 is tried to win.

  When the stop symbol that is fixedly displayed on the normal symbol display unit 63 is a winning symbol, when the release extension function is activated, the release time of the second start winning device 17b is long (for example, 5 Second). In addition, since the normal symbol operating gate 16 is arranged in the right area (right side of the main accessory device 20) in the game area 11, the player is in the right area (main actor apparatus in the game area 11). The tendency to launch game balls toward the right side of 20) (the tendency to make a right strike) becomes stronger. For example, the operation amount (rotation operation amount) of the launch handle 9 is increased, and the game ball is dropped to the game area 11 from the position closer to the right end in the ball discharge unit 72k, and the right area ( It is attempted to make the second start winning device 17b on the right side of the main accessory device 20 win a prize while increasing the passing frequency of the normal symbol operating gate 16 by flowing down on the right side of the main accessory device 20).

  Further, in this gaming machine 1, the big winning device 31 is arranged in the right area (right side of the main game apparatus 20) in the game area 11, so that the player plays the game during the big hit game. The tendency (the tendency to perform a right hit) of a game ball to go to the right side area in area 11 (right side rather than main actor device 20) becomes strong.

b. Special Symbol Floating Game As shown in FIG. 33, the special symbol variable game is started when a game ball wins a prize (hereinafter referred to as a start prize) in the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b. (S11, S12). This special symbol variation game is a game whose content is to execute a special symbol variation display in the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the corresponding special symbol display unit 62a, 62b. The process ends when the stop symbol is fixedly displayed. Then, when the stop symbol determined and displayed on the special symbol display parts 62a and 62b is a big hit symbol (S14), a big hit game in which the big prize winning device 31 is in an open state (second state) is executed (S15). ). In addition, when the stop symbol that is confirmed and displayed on the special symbol display portions 62a and 62b is an out symbol (S17), it is out (S18), and the big hit game is not executed.

  When the jackpot game is ended (S16), if the jackpot that triggered the ended jackpot game is “probable bonus jackpot”, “the probability of jackpot occurrence is a high probability (1/40) and is released. The “high probability open extension mode in which the extension function operates” continues until the next big hit. In addition, when the big hit that triggered the execution is “normal big hit”, the “low probability open extension mode in which the probability of occurrence of the big hit is low (1/400) and the open extension function operates” is The special symbol variation game is continued until “100 times” is performed, after which “low probability normal release mode in which the extension extension function does not operate with a low probability that the probability of jackpot occurrence is low (1/400)” is started. The

  Here, whether or not the result of the special symbol variation game is a big hit, in other words, whether or not to be executed in response to the start winning is executed by a random number lottery using a determination random number acquired at the time of starting winning, The type of jackpot (whether it is a promiscuous jackpot or a normal jackpot) is determined by random number lottery using a random number for symbol determination acquired at the time of starting winning.

  That is, in this gaming machine 1, when the determination result indicating the big hit is derived in the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b, a “hit” is generated and the big hit game is executed. When the big hit game is started, the main control unit 200A drives and stops the big prize opening solenoid 31c, whereby "opening / closing operation for opening and closing the big prize opening 31a" is executed. Here, “opening the grand prize winning device 31” drives the grand prize winning solenoid 31c to bring the open / close plate 31b in the standing posture into the forward tilting posture and to change the special winning winning mouth 31a to the open state (second state). The “close the prize winning device 31” is to stop the driving of the prize winning solenoid 31c, return the open / close plate 31b to the standing posture, and return the prize winning opening 31a to the closed state (first state). It is realized by. In each round game during the big hit game, an open / close operation is performed on the big prize device 31 to change the big prize opening 31a to the open state (second state) only once. In addition, when a predetermined number (10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 31a or when the opening time of the big winning opening 31a reaches the opening limit time (30 seconds), the round end condition is satisfied. To finish the current round game (big hit round). When the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated a plurality of times with a predetermined interval in between, the big hit game is finished.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the gaming state shifts to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state), a “round game” is executed for a predetermined number of times (8 rounds or 16 rounds). When the final “round game” is finished, the big hit game is finished. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, the big hit executed according to the mode of the big hit symbol that is stopped and displayed (determined display) on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b. The contents of the game (round game) and the game state of the gaming machine 1 after the jackpot game are different. Here, in the following description, “16R probability variable jackpot” and “16R normal jackpot” are jackpots that trigger the start of a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “jackpot game A”) in which “16 rounds” of the round game are performed, “8R probability variable jackpot” and “8R normal jackpot” are jackpots that trigger the start of a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “jackpot game B”) in which the round game is “8 rounds”. In any jackpot game, a game value equivalent to “150” game balls is given to the player when a predetermined number (10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 31a in each round game. Therefore, the game value scheduled to be granted in “hit game A” is “game value (held ball) for 2,400 prize balls”, and the game value to be given in “hit game B” is “2, The game value for 400 award balls (held ball) ”.

  When the determination result indicating “big hit” is derived by the winning / incoming determination (hereinafter referred to as “first winning / non-winning determination”) due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a, the main control unit 200A determines the type of the big win ( The type of jackpot symbol) is determined by random number lottery (that is, distribution lottery). Then, by this random number lottery (distribution lottery), as shown in the upper chart of FIG. 34 (special figure 1 big hit symbol determination table), the “big hit type” is “16R normal big hit”, “8R probability big hit” and One of “8R normal big hit” is determined. A random number for performing “lottery lottery” (hereinafter referred to as “symbol for determining symbols”) is acquired at the timing at which the start winning is generated, similarly to random numbers for determination of success / failure (random numbers for jackpot lottery, etc.). The

  Even when the determination result indicating “big hit” is derived by the determination of winning / failing due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b (hereinafter referred to as “second winning / non-winning determination”), the main control unit 200A is not limited to the type of the big hit (Type of jackpot symbol) is determined by random lottery (distribution lottery). Also, as shown in the lower chart of FIG. 34 (special chart 2 big hit symbol determination table), the “big hit type” is “16R probability variable big hit”, “16R normal big hit”, and “8R normal big hit”. Is determined. The “design determination random number” for performing the “distribution lottery” is also acquired at the timing when the start winning is generated, similarly to the random number for determination of success / failure (such as a random number for big hit lottery). It should be noted that the “lottery lottery” when the result of the second winning / failing determination is “big hit” is more for the player than the “sort lottery” when the result of the first winner / failure is “big hit”. An advantageous distribution is made.

  When “16R probability variation big hit” or “8R probability variation big hit” occurs, the probability that the result of the success / failure determination (the first success / failure determination and the second success / failure determination) becomes a big hit after executing the corresponding jackpot game is high. At the same time, after the corresponding jackpot game is executed, the game mode in which the release extension means and the fluctuation time reduction means operate, that is, the “open extension mode” is set. This open extension mode is continued until the cumulative number of special symbol variable games that are executed without generating a big hit after the corresponding big hit game ends becomes “10,000 times”. However, in consideration of the jackpot winning probability (hit probability) that is normally determined for gaming machines (pachinko machines), the extended extended mode continues until this “10,000 times”, which is essentially “next jackpot. This means that the open extension mode continues until “ Therefore, hereinafter, the case is simply expressed as “the open extension mode continues until the next jackpot occurs” (see FIG. 34).

  On the other hand, when “16R normal big hit” or “8R normal big hit” occurs, the probability that the result of the success / failure determination (the first winning / failing determination and the second winning / failing determination) becomes a big hit after executing the corresponding jackpot game is low ( Normal probability). The release extension mode is continued until the cumulative number of special pattern variation games that are executed without causing a big hit after the corresponding big hit game ends is “100”.

(5) Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, each process such as a prize ball grant process (S10), a normal symbol game process (S20), a normal electric game game process (S30), a special symbol game process (S40), a big hit game process (S50), etc. Is executed repeatedly. Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S10 to S50 in FIG. 35 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 4 msec occurs after the power is turned on. In each process constituting the game control process, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. In the following, only the prize ball giving process (S10) in the process shown in FIG. 35 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 is a game to the winning device (the first starting winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 40, 41). Based on the winning of the ball, a process for giving a game value to the player is performed (S10). That is, the CPU 201 detects the state of the “start opening winning detection switches 17 s, 17 t”, the “general winning detection switches 40 s, 41 s”, and the “large winning opening detection switch 31 s” to determine whether or not a game ball has entered. Judgment is made (S11, S13, S15). If the game ball has been won, the winning information corresponding to the winning devices 17a, 17b, 40, 41, and 31 that have been won is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. (S12, S14, S16).

  That is, when winning the start winning devices 17a and 17b (S11; YES), the winning information corresponding to the starting winning device is stored (S12), and when winning the general winning devices 40, 41 and 43 ( (S13; YES), winning information corresponding to the general winning devices 40, 41, 43 is stored (S14). If the prize winning device 31 is won (S15; YES), the winning information corresponding to the prize winning device 31 is stored (S16).

  Then, the CPU 201 outputs a game value grant signal to the value grant control board 240 based on the winning information stored on the RAM 202 (S17). If the winning information for the start opening winning detection switch 17s or the like has already been stored on the RAM 202, the payout signal is output by designating an appropriate number including the previously stored information. To do. Here, when a winning is awarded to the start winning devices 17a and 17b, a “granting signal designating addition of six balls” is output, and when winning is awarded to the general winning devices 40, 41 and 43, “ An “giving signal designating to add 10 balls” is output. Further, when winning the grand prize winning device 31, a “granting signal designating addition of 15 balls” is output. Here, the “number of possessed balls” indicates the number of game balls permitted to be fired by the launching device 8m.

(5) Launch control control process by launch control unit 260A (S100)
Next, the launch control process performed by the launch control board 260 constituting the launch controller 260A will be described with reference to FIG. The launch control control process (S100) is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec cycle).

  When the launch control control process (S100) is activated, a CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 determines whether or not a ball is present (S105). S105; NO), the launch control control process (S100) is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a ball is present (S105; YES), the process proceeds to S110.

  If there is a possessed ball (S105; YES), it is determined whether or not a game ball exists in the ball receiving unit 71d (S110). If a game ball exists in the ball receiving unit 71d (S110; YES), the process proceeds to S130 as it is. Here, in the processing of S110 and S120 described later, if the sensor 71s detects a game ball, a positive determination is made, and if not, a negative determination is made.

  In the process of S110, if it is determined that there is no game ball in the ball receiving unit 71d (S110; NO), the ball feed motor 8m is driven and the process of sending the game ball to the ball receiving unit 71d is performed. (S115), it is determined whether or not a game ball exists in the ball receiving unit 71d (S120). If a game ball is present in the ball receiving unit 71d (S120; YES), the process proceeds to S130. If no game ball is present (S120; NO), an error notification is performed (S125). In S120, when it is determined that there is no game ball, since there is no game ball in the launch ball storage member 73, even if the ball feed motor 8m is driven, the ball receiving unit 71d The case where a game ball cannot be sent out can be illustrated.

  In the process of S130, it is determined whether or not the firing handle 9 has been operated (S130). If the operation has been performed (S130; YES), the firing solenoid constituting the firing device 8m is driven (launch solenoid). And the game ball of the ball receiving portion 71d is launched toward the rolling bottom portion 71e (S135). When the game ball of the ball receiving unit 71d is launched (S135), the CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 determines whether or not the launch of the game ball has been completed (S140). Specifically, if the sensor 71s does not detect a game ball, it is determined that the game ball has been launched (S140; YES).

  When the CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 determines that the launch of the game ball has been completed in the process of S140 (S140; YES), it transmits a launch signal to the main controller 200 (S145). .

(6) Main Processing by Value Assignment Control Unit 240A FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of value addition control processing (S180) performed by the value addition control board 240 constituting the value addition control unit 240A. This value assignment control process (S180) includes value addition basic process (S200), lift start process (S300), lift end process (S350), replenishment preparation process (S400), replenishment management process (S450), and transfer rotation. Each process such as the start process (S500), the transfer rotation end process (S550), the replenishment end process (S600), and the ball clogging prevention process (S650) is repeatedly executed. Note that the time required for one round of the process in FIG. 38 is approximately 2 msec, and therefore these processes are repeatedly executed about every 2 msec.

a. Value addition basic processing (S200)
As shown in FIG. 39, when the value addition basic process (S200) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value addition control board 240 determines whether or not “payment information” is received from the CR unit 80. Judgment is made (S205). If the “payment information” is received (S205; YES), the deposit information is stored (stored) in a predetermined storage area of a RAM (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240. (S210), the process proceeds to S220, and if “payment information” is not received (S205; NO), the process proceeds to S220 as it is. Here, “payment information” refers to frequency information corresponding to the amount of a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 81 or frequency information stored in a card inserted into the card slot 84.

  In the process of S220, it is determined whether or not “rental information” is received from the CR unit 80 (S220). If the “rental information” is received (S220; YES), the remaining amount is calculated and displayed on the display device 5a, and the number of balls possessed is “the number of balls specified by the rental information”. The display device 5a adds and stores the number of balls in a predetermined storage area (hereinafter referred to as “the number of balls held”) of the RAM mounted on the value assignment control board 240 and the number of balls after adding the number of balls. (S230), the process proceeds to S235. Further, when the “rental information” has not been received (S220; NO), the process proceeds to S235 as it is.

  In the process of S235, it is determined whether or not a firing signal has been received from the launch control board 260 (S235). If it has been received (S235; YES), it is stored in the aforementioned “ball number memory”. After performing the process of “−1” on the number of possessed balls and the process of displaying the new number of possessed balls after being “−1” on the display device 5a, the process proceeds to S250. On the other hand, when the firing signal has not been received (S235; NO), the process proceeds to S250 as it is.

  In the processing of S250, it is determined whether or not a grant signal has been received from the main control board 200 (S250). If it has been received (S250; YES), it is stored in the aforementioned “ball number memory”. After the process of adding the number of possessed balls and the process of displaying the new number of possessed balls after being added to the display device 5a (S240), the process proceeds to S260. On the other hand, when the firing signal is not received (S250; NO), the process proceeds to S260 as it is.

  Here, the grant signal is a signal (S17 in FIG. 36) generated based on winning in the winning device (the first starting winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 40, 41). The number of balls to be added is specified by this signal.

  In the process of S260, it is determined whether or not the return button 5q is operated (S260). If the return button 5q is not operated (S260; NO), the value addition control process (S200) is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the return button 5q is operated (S260; YES), after the “game end information” is transmitted to the CR unit 80, the value addition control process (S200) is ended. Here, the “game end information” is information indicating the “number of possessed balls” at the end of the game (information specifying the number of possessed balls stored in the “number of possessed balls” memory).

  In this embodiment, the gaming machine 1 that does not generate a foul ball is illustrated, but the invention of each claim can also be applied to a gaming machine that generates a foul ball. In this case, a foul ball sensor for detecting a foul ball is provided in the gaming machine. Each time a game ball is fired, the “number of held balls” is “−1”, but when the foul ball sensor detects a game ball, the “number of held balls” is “+1”.

b. Lifting start processing (S300)
As shown in FIG. 40A, when the lifting start processing (S300) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 indicates that the lifting unit 92 has stopped lifting. It is determined whether or not (S305). And if it is during a pumping (S305; NO), a pumping start process (S300) will be complete | finished as it is, and it will return to the value provision control process (S180) shown in FIG. (S305; YES), the process proceeds to S310 and subsequent steps. In addition, it can be judged by whether the drive motor 96m (refer FIG. 30) is driving whether it is in the midst of lifting.

  In the process of S310, it is determined whether or not it is in the dammed state (see FIG. 24) (S310). That is, whether or not the game ball to be reached from the case 95 side is blocked by protruding the dam valve 86z on the start end side of the second tubular portion 86c (the side closer to the case 95 than the connection port 86m). Is determined (S310). Then, if it flows into the second tubular portion 86c in the state of damming, there is a possibility that ball clogging may occur in the main pipe portion 86. ) As it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  It can be determined whether the solenoid V1 (see FIG. 30) is driven or not. For example, when the energization of the solenoid V1 is stopped, the plunger is retracted by the biasing force of the built-in return spring, and accordingly, the damming plate 86z integrated with the plunger is retracted from the main pipe portion 86 (the main pipe portion). 86 is secured), and when energization is started, the plunger is advanced by the biasing force of the built-in return spring, and the dam plate 86z protrudes into the main pipe portion 86 (the communication of the main pipe portion 86 is cut off). Can be determined by whether or not the solenoid V1 is energized.

  On the other hand, if it is not clogged (S310; NO), it is determined whether or not the lower limit sensor 73L has detected that the game ball stored in the firing ball storage member 73 has reached the lower limit amount ( S315). That is, when the lower limit sensor 73L has not detected a game ball (S315; YES), it is determined that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the lower limit amount. Then, when the lower limit sensor 73L has not reached the lower limit amount of the game balls stored in the firing ball storage member 73 (S315; NO), the lifting start processing (S300) is terminated and shown in FIG. The process returns to the value addition control process (S180). On the other hand, if the lower limit amount has been reached (S315; YES), after starting the lifting (S320), the lifting start process (S300) is terminated, and the value addition control process (FIG. 38) ( The process returns to S180).

c. Lifting completion processing (S350)
As shown in FIG. 40 (b), when the lifting end process (S350) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines whether or not the lifting unit 92 is being lifted. Judgment is made (S355). If it is not being lifted (S355; NO), the lifting completion process (S350) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. 38, and if it is being lifted (S355). YES), the process proceeds to S360 and subsequent steps.

  In the process of S360, it is determined whether or not the upper limit sensor 73H detects that the game ball stored in the firing ball storage member 73 has reached the upper limit amount (S360). That is, when the upper limit sensor 73H detects a game ball (S360; YES), it is determined that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the upper limit amount. If the upper limit sensor 73H does not detect that the game balls stored in the launch ball storage member 73 have reached the upper limit amount (S360; NO), the lifting end process (S300) is temporarily ended. Then, the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the upper limit amount has been reached (S360; YES), after stopping the lifting (S320), the lifting end processing (S350) is ended, and the value addition control processing (FIG. 38) ( The process returns to S180).

d. Replenishment preparation process (S400)
As shown in FIG. 41 (a), when the replenishment preparation process (S400) is started, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 is executing the damming state (see FIG. 24). (S405; YES), the replenishment preparation process (S400) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, if not being executed (S405; NO), the process proceeds to S410 and subsequent steps.

  In the process of S410, it is determined whether or not the preparation button has been pressed (S410). Here, as shown in FIG. 41 (b), a preparation button B 1, a supply button B 2 and an end button B 3 are arranged on the back surface portion 10 G of the game board 10. Among these buttons, the preparation button B1 is a button that is pressed in the preparation stage for supply, and the supply button B2 is a button that is pressed when the game ball is supplied. The end button B3 is a button that is pressed after the replenishment is completed.

  If the pressing of the preparation button B1 cannot be detected in the process of S410 (S410; NO), the replenishment preparation process (S400) is once ended and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the preparation button B1 is pressed (S410; YES), it is determined whether or not currently being lifted (S430), and when it is being lifted (S430; YES), the lifting is stopped. (S440), the dammed state (the state in which the inside of the main pipe portion 86 is dammed with the dammed plate 86z) is started (S445). When the pumping is not in progress (S430; NO), the dammed state is started as it is ( S445). In any case, after the damming state is started (S445), the replenishment preparation process (S400) is terminated, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

e. Supply management process (S450)
As shown in FIG. 42A, when the replenishment preparation process (S450) is started, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 stores the upper limit sensor 73H in the firing ball storage member 73. It is determined whether or not it is detected that the game ball has reached the upper limit amount (S455). That is, when the upper limit sensor 73H detects a game ball (S455; YES), it is determined that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the upper limit amount. When the upper limit sensor 73H detects that the game balls stored in the launch ball storage member 73 have reached the upper limit amount (S455; YES), the replenishment unit 87 to the ball circulation mechanism (main pipe unit 86). Therefore, the supply management process (S450) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the upper limit sensor 73H does not detect that the game balls stored in the launch ball storage member 73 have reached the upper limit amount (S455; NO), whether or not the supply button B2 has been pressed. If it is not pressed (S465; NO), the replenishment management process (S450) is once terminated and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is pressed (S465; YES), it is determined whether or not the transfer body 88b is stopped (S470). If it is not stopped (S470; NO), the replenishment management process (S450) is temporarily performed. Is completed, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Further, when the vehicle is stopped (S470; YES), after the process of supplying one game ball from the supply unit 87 to the main pipe unit 86 (S475), the supply management process (S450) is terminated. Then, the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

f. Transfer body rotation start processing (S500)
As shown in FIG. 42 (b), when the transfer body rotation start process (S500) is started, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 is currently in the dammed state (the dammed plate 86z with the main pipe portion). It is determined whether or not it is in the state of clogging 86 (S505). And when it is not a coughing state (S505; NO), a transfer body rotation start process (S500) is complete | finished as it is, and it returns to the value provision control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is in the damming state (S505; YES), it is determined whether or not the replenishment sensor 87c has detected a game ball (S510). That is, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been supplied from the supply unit 87 to the ball circulation mechanism (main pipe unit 86) (S510). If the game ball has not been supplied yet (S510; NO), the transfer body is temporarily rotated. The start process (S500) ends, and the process returns to the value assignment control process (S180) shown in FIG. Then, when replenished (S510; YES), after the rotation of the transfer body 88b is started (S515), the transfer body rotation start process (S500) is terminated, and the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Return to).

g. Transfer body rotation end processing (S550)
As shown in FIG. 43A, when the transfer body rotation end process (S550) is started, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines whether or not the transfer body 88b is rotating. Is determined (S555). If not rotating (S555; NO), the transfer body rotation end process (S550) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is rotating (S555; YES), it is determined whether the fraud detection sensor S1 or the authenticity detection sensor S2 has detected a game ball (S560), and it has not been detected yet. In the case (S560; NO), the transfer body rotation end process (S550) is once ended, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. And if detected (S560; YES), after stopping rotation of the transfer body 88b (S565), a transfer body rotation completion | finish process (S550) will be complete | finished, and value addition control processing (S180) shown in FIG. Return to.

  As shown in FIGS. 42 (b) and 43 (a), in this embodiment, when one game ball is supplied from the supply unit 87 to the ball circulation mechanism (main pipe unit 86), the transfer body 88b rotates. A configuration is adopted in which the rotation of the transfer body 88b is terminated when the separation of the game balls is started. However, a plurality of game balls may be supplied from the supply unit 87 to the ball circulation mechanism (main pipe unit 86) at a time. In this case, for example, when the leading game ball is detected by the replenishment sensor 87c, the transfer body 88b starts to rotate, and then the total number of game balls detected by the fraud detection sensor S1 and the authenticity detection sensor S2 is calculated. The rotation of the transfer body 88b may be stopped by reaching the replenished number.

h. Supply end processing (S600)
As shown in FIG. 43 (b), when the supply end process (S600) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines whether or not the transfer body 88b is in a stopped state. If it is not stopped (S605; NO), the replenishment end process (S600) is terminated and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the stop state (S605; YES), after the transfer body 88b has stopped rotating, a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed, and the end button B3 has been pressed. It is determined whether or not one of the above is satisfied (S610).

  If none of them is satisfied (S610; NO), the replenishment end process (S600) is once terminated, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Then, if any of them is satisfied (S610; YES), after releasing the dammed state (the state in which the inside of the main pipe portion 86 is blocked by the damming plate 86z) (S615), the replenishment ending process (S600) is terminated, and FIG. The process returns to the value assignment control process (S180) shown.

i. Ball clogging prevention process (S650)
As shown in FIG. 44, when the ball clogging prevention process (S650) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines whether or not the transfer body 88b is in a stopped state ( In S655), when it is not in the stopped state (S655; NO), the ball clogging prevention process (S650) is terminated, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is in the stopped state (S605; YES), it is determined whether or not the game ball is hanging from the transfer body 88b (S660). Here, in this embodiment, as described above, when a plurality of (two) “clogging detection sensors S3 and S4” arranged in succession detect a game ball, the value assignment control board 240 hangs the game ball ( It is determined that a ball clogging has occurred.

  If the game ball is hung (S660; YES), the transfer body 88b is rotated once and then stopped (S665), and then the ball clogging prevention process (S650) is terminated. Then, the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 44 may be performed using a sensor or the like that detects the adsorption of the game ball on the transfer body 88b as a clogging detection sensor.

(7) Card information management processing by CR unit (S1000)
Next, the card information management process (S1000) executed by the CPU (not shown) constituting the control means 80A of the CR unit 80 will be described with reference to FIG. The card information management process (S1000) is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec cycle).

  When the card information management process (S1000) is activated, the CPU constituting the control means 80A inserts a bill into the bill insertion slot 81 and loads a card into the card slot 84 (however, a card storing frequency balance information). It is determined whether at least one of insertion and insertion has been performed (S1005). If a positive determination is made in S1005 (S1005; YES), processing for sending the deposit information to the gaming machine (S1010), and frequency information or a card corresponding to the amount of the bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 81 The frequency information (frequency balance information) stored in the card inserted into the entrance / exit 84 is saved (stored) in the storage means 80B constituting the CR unit 80, and then the card information management process (S1000) is terminated. At this time, the balance display portion 5r displays the value balance (valuable balance) as a maximum of three digits.

  If the CPU constituting the control means 80A makes a negative determination in S1005 (S1005; NO), it determines whether or not the lending button 5c has been operated (S1020), and if it has been operated (S1020; YES), it is determined whether or not the remaining frequency necessary for the storage means 80B (remaining frequency necessary for lending a ball and 5 degrees in this embodiment) is stored (S1022), and negative If the determination is made (S1022; NO), the card information management process (S1000) is terminated as it is.

  When the necessary remaining frequency is stored in the storage unit 80B (S1022; YES), the frequency information (frequency balance information) stored (stored) in the storage unit 80B is updated (as much as a rented ball). , Subtracting) processing (S1025) and processing for transmitting the lending information to the gaming machine 1 (S1030), the card information management processing (S1000) is once ended. Here, every time a valid operation of the lending button 5c is performed, the number of game balls for “5 degrees (for example, 125)” is lent, and information for specifying the number of lent balls (Rental information) is transmitted to the gaming machine 1.

  When the gaming machine 1 receives the ball rental information transmitted from the CR unit 80, the number of game balls specified by the ball rental information is added to the number of balls held (see S230 in FIG. 32). That is, the number of game balls that can be fired by the launching device 8m increases by the number of possessed balls to be added. When the ball rental information is transmitted to the gaming machine 1, the frequency balance information decreases by the frequency information (frequency balance information) corresponding to the number specified by the ball rental information (S1025 in FIG. 33).

  When the CPU constituting the control means 80A makes a negative determination in S1020 (S1020; NO), it determines whether or not game end information has been received from the gaming machine 1 (S1060). If the game end information is not received (S1060; NO), the card information management process (S1000) is ended as it is. If the game end information has been received (S1060; YES), a process for reflecting the data related to the ball specified by the game end information in the card frequency information is performed (S1065). If the card frequency information is “zero degree” (S1070; NO), the card information management process (S1000) is terminated without returning the card to the player. On the other hand, when the card frequency information is not “zero degree” (S1070; YES), after the card is ejected from the card slot 84 (S1075), the card information management process (S1000) is terminated.

(8) Effects of the embodiment According to this embodiment, in the enclosed gaming machine 1, when a non-magnetic game ball (true sphere) and a magnetic game ball (illegal sphere) are mixed, non-magnetic While the game balls (true spheres) of the body are left in the gaming machine 1, only the game balls (illegal spheres) of the magnetic material are separated, and the separated game balls (illegal spheres) of the magnetic bodies are separated into the ball circulation mechanism (73 , 85, 91) By discharging to the outside, it is possible to prevent magnetic game balls (illegal balls) from being continuously used in games. As a result, it is possible to suppress an illegal act using a magnetic game ball (illegal sphere).

  Moreover, since the structure which does not drive the transfer body 88b beyond necessity is employ | adopted, the load added to a transfer body can be made small compared with the case where the transfer body 88b drives constantly. Therefore, since the aging of the transfer body 88b can be prevented, it is possible to suppress an illegal act using a magnetic game ball for a long period of time.

  Furthermore, in this gaming machine 1, the ball circulation mechanism (73, 85, 91) is provided on the route until the game ball replenished from the refilling unit (intrusion unit 87) is guided to the launch position (ball receiving unit 71d). Therefore, even if a magnetic game ball (illegal ball) is replenished from outside the ball circulation mechanism (73, 85, 91), the magnetic game ball before reaching the launch position (ball receiving portion 71d). Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress an illegal act using a magnetic game ball.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with storage means (storage member 88c) for storing the magnetic game balls guided by the magnetic ball guiding means (88a, 88b) via the discharge path (second guiding portion 88e). . For this reason, in order to store the game ball of the magnetic body induced | guided | derived by the magnetic ball guidance | induction means (88a, 88b) with the storage means (storage member 88c) via the discharge | emission path | route (2nd guidance | induction part 88e), the gaming machine 1 It is possible to confirm later whether or not the illegal ball is mixed in. And since it is possible to take a new measure against fraud based on this confirmation, it is possible to suppress fraud using a magnetic game ball from this point as well.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The gaming machine of the second embodiment is the same as the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment except that FIG. 46 (a) is used instead of FIG. 42 (b).

  The transfer body rotation start process (S500) of the second embodiment is different from the transfer body rotation start process (S500) of the first embodiment in that the process of S511 is performed instead of the process of S510. That is, in the transfer body rotation start process (S500) of the second embodiment, when a positive determination is obtained in the process of S505 (S505; YES), when the front frame 4 is in the open state, When it is detected that the game ball has entered the intrusion part), the transfer body 88b starts to rotate.

  Here, each winning device (the first starting winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 40 and 41) and the out port 18 constitute a specific example of the discharge unit. Whether the front frame (glass frame) 4 is closed or open is determined by whether the glass frame switch 4s (see FIG. 29) is a closed signal (for example, a signal indicating that the switch 4s is OFF). Or whether an open signal (for example, a signal indicating that the switch 4s is ON) is transmitted. In addition, the fact that a game ball has entered one of the discharge sections means that the first start opening winning detection switch 17s, the first starting opening winning detection switch 17t, the general winning detection switches 40s and 41s, the big winning opening winning detection switch 31s and It can be detected by determining whether any of the out-ball entering detection switches 18s has detected a game ball. The glass frame switch 4s constitutes a specific example of “intrusion detection means”.

  In the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, in the second embodiment, the front frame (glass frame) 4 is opened, and each winning device (the first starting winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 40, 41) or It is possible to accurately cope with an act of inserting a magnetic game ball into the out port 18 (an act of entering a ball by an actor's hand or the like). In the present embodiment, out of each winning device and out port 18, only the out port 18 can be used as a discharge unit (intrusion unit).

  As a modification of the second embodiment, a specific example in which the transfer body rotation start process (S500) is performed according to FIG. The transfer body rotation start process (S500) of this modification is different from the transfer body rotation start process (S500) of the second embodiment in that the process of S512 is performed instead of the process of S511. That is, in the transfer body rotation start process (S500) of this modification, when a positive determination is obtained in the process of S505 (S505; YES), as in the first embodiment, when the front frame 4 is in the open state. When it is detected that a game ball has entered one of the discharge units, the transfer body 88b starts to rotate (S512; YES, S515). In addition, as in the first embodiment, when the replenishment sensor 87c detects a game ball, the transfer body 88b starts to rotate (S512; YES, S515). According to this modification, it is possible to deal with more various fraudulent acts.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. The gaming machine of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that FIG. 47 is used instead of FIG. That is, in the third embodiment, (a) the guide tube 73A is used instead of the projecting ball storage member 73, and (b) the end of the main tube 86 and the start end of the guide tube 73A are connected. The point from which the upper end part of the ball feeder 75 similar to Example 1 is connected to the connection port 73H provided in the bottom wall of the terminal part of the induction pipe 73A differs from Example 1.

  The guide tube 73A is a tube that has a diameter that allows one game ball to pass therethrough and that is arranged in a downwardly inclined manner toward the connection port 73H. For this reason, in Example 3, game balls can be aligned in series in the order of the main pipe portion 86, the guide pipe 73A, and the inflow side passage 75f. That is, the main pipe portion 86, the guide pipe 73A, and the inflow side passage 75f constitute an alignment portion that aligns the game balls in series toward the ball receiving portion (launch position) 71d.

  In the third embodiment, for example, the upper limit sensor 73H can be provided on the start end side of the main pipe portion 86, and the lower limit sensor 73L can be provided on the end side of the guide pipe 73A, for example (see FIG. 48). In this case, among the game balls in which the game balls are arranged in series in the order of the main pipe portion 86, the guide pipe 73A, and the inflow side passage 75f, the position of the last one is a range from the position of the lower limit sensor 73L to the position of the upper limit sensor 73H. It becomes. In the third embodiment, every time one game ball is launched, a configuration is adopted in which game balls aligned in series in the main pipe portion 86, the guide pipe 73A, and the inflow side passage 75f are sent out one by one. The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The gaming machine of the fourth embodiment corresponds to a modification of the third embodiment.

  Also in the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 48, the main pipe portion 86, the guide pipe 73A, and the ball feeder 75 are arranged in a continuous state (arranged in series), and the main pipe portion 86, the guide The game balls can be arranged in series in the order of the pipe 73A and the inflow side passage 75f. The start end (upstream end) of the guide pipe 73A and the terminal end (downstream end) of the main pipe 86 are inserted and connected (one connected to the other).

  The replenishment part 87 of Example 4 is also provided with the storage part 87a and the ball feeder 87c, and the storage part 87a is the same as the storage part 87a of Example 1. FIG. Further, the ball feeding device 87c of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the ball feeding device 87c of the first embodiment except that the path of the outflow side passage 75V is lengthened.

  The outflow side passage 75 </ b> V describes a substantially arcuate path that is inclined downward toward the main pipe portion 86. The outflow side passage 75V also has a diameter that allows one game ball to pass therethrough, and allows the damming plate 75W to appear and disappear in an intermediate portion along the path direction. When the dam plate 75W protrudes into the outflow side passage 75V, the game ball located closer to the storage portion 87a than the dam plate 75W cannot pass through the outflow side passage 75V, and from the inside of the outflow side passage 75V. When the user retreats, the game ball can pass toward the main pipe portion 86. Here, the dam plate 86W can also appear and disappear in the outflow side passage 75V using an actuator such as a solenoid (can protrude so as to close the outflow side passage 75V and open the first outflow side passage 75V). Can be retreated). This solenoid is connected to the value addition control board 240, and the drive is controlled by this value addition control board 240.

  A connection port 8M to which the outflow side passage 75V is connected is opened on the upper surface of the main pipe portion 86, but on the upstream side of the connection port 86M in the main pipe portion 86 (upstream side along the passing direction of the game ball). Is provided with a damming plate 86Z for damming the inside of the main pipe portion 86. A broken line X shown in FIG. 48 indicates a position (hereinafter referred to as “adsorption position”) that is adsorbed by the transfer body 88 b in the main pipe portion 86. The damming plate 86Z is also capable of appearing and retracting in the main pipe portion 86 using an actuator such as a solenoid (can project so as to close the main pipe portion 86 and retract so as to open the main pipe portion 86). It can be illustrated. This solenoid is connected to the value addition control board 240, and the drive is controlled by this value addition control board 240.

  In the fourth embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 49, a game ball is launched in a state where the inside of the main pipe portion 86 is blocked by the damping plate 86Z, and the downstream side of the “damping plate 86Z” inside the main pipe portion 86. The position of the game ball located at the end of the game ball (numbered 1) is located one position downstream of the suction position (hereinafter referred to as “preparation position”). (Hereinafter referred to as “prepared state”). When the second specific sensor S6 disposed in the “adsorption position” does not detect the game ball and the first specific sensor S5 disposed in the “preparation state” detects the game ball, the preparation state is entered. It can be judged that there is. In addition, as 1st specific sensor S5 and 2nd specific sensor S6, an optical sensor provided with a light emission part and a light-receiving part can be illustrated.

  Thereafter, the ball feeding device 87c is driven in a state where the inside of the outflow side passage 75V is blocked by the blocking plate 75W, and the desired number (for example, five) of the game balls A to D are blocked in the lower connection passage 75V. It flows out to the site | part of the storage part 87a side rather than the board 75W. As shown in FIG. 50, when the clogging inside the outflow side passage 75V by the baffle plate 75W is released, the desired number of game balls A to D flow into the main pipe portion 86, but these game balls A to D Among these, the first one (indicated by reference symbol A) reaches the “suction position”. At this time, the replenishment sensor 87c disposed in a portion located downstream of the damming plate 75W in the outflow side passage 75V detects the game ball. Furthermore, the internal damping of the main pipe portion 86 by the damping plate 86Z is released.

  Thereafter, as the game ball is fired, the transfer body 88b starts rotating as shown in FIG. 51. If there is a magnetic game ball in the game balls A to D, After passing through the first guiding portion 88d, the magnetic game ball comes into contact with the bottom wall 88z on the start end side of the second guiding portion 88e. As a result, the magnetic game ball moves to the second guiding portion 88e, rolls downward in the second guiding portion 88e using the downward slope of the second guiding portion 88e, and reaches the storage member 88c. Then, when the same number of game balls A to D supplied to the main pipe portion 86 from the storage portion 87a are fired, the rotation of the transfer body 88b is stopped. In view of safety, the rotation of the transfer body 88b may be stopped after waiting for the number (for example, twice the number) of the supplied game balls A to D to be fired.

  Next, in the value assignment control process (S180) of the fourth embodiment, the replenishment management process (S450) is performed using FIG. 52, and the transfer body rotation start process (S500) is performed using FIG. 53 (a). The point which performs and the point which performs a transfer body rotation completion process (S550) using FIG.53 (b) differ from Example 1. FIG.

  In the replenishment management process (S450) of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52, when the replenishment preparation process (S450) is activated, it is determined whether or not the clogging inside the main pipe portion 86 by the baffle plate 86Z is being executed. (S457). If the coughing is not executed (S457; NO), the replenishment management process (S450) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  When the dam is being executed (S457; YES), it is determined whether or not the first specific sensor S5 has detected a game ball (S459), and when it has not been detected (S459; NO), After performing the error notification (S485), the supply management process (S450) is terminated, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Here, the case where the first specific sensor S5 does not detect a game ball is a case where no game ball exists in the ready state. The error notification can be performed, for example, by emitting a warning sound and turning on or blinking a warning lamp.

  When the first specific sensor S5 detects a game ball (S459; YES), it is determined whether or not the second specific sensor S6 is in a state where no game ball is detected (S461). That is, it is determined whether or not there is a game ball at the “adsorption position” and the “adsorption position” is empty (S461). If the “suction position” is not empty (S461; NO), a firing process is performed to make the “suction position” empty (S480). That is, a process of creating a state in which game balls are fired one by one to obtain an affirmative determination in the processes of S459 and S461 is performed.

  If the “adsorption position” is empty (S461; YES), it is determined whether or not the supply button B2 has been pressed (S465). If not (S465; NO), the supply management process ( S450) is ended, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is pressed (S465; YES), it is determined whether or not the transfer body 88b is stopped (S470). If it is not stopped (S470; NO), the replenishment management process (S450) is temporarily performed. Is completed, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. In addition, when it is stopped (S470; YES), after the process of replenishing 5 game balls from the replenishment part 87 to the main pipe part 86 (S476), the replenishment management process (S450) is terminated. Then, the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Here, in the process of S476, in the state where the inside of the outflow side passage 75V is blocked by the damming plate 75W, the ball feeding device 87c is driven, and “5” game balls A to D are placed in the lower connection passage 75V. It is caused to flow out to “a part closer to the reservoir 87a than the damming plate 75W”. And it is the process which cancels | releases the inside of the outflow side channel | path 75V by the damming plate 75W, and makes the said "5 game balls AD" flow into the main pipe part 86. FIG. However, the ball feeding device 87c may be driven to cause “five” game balls A to D to flow into the main pipe portion 86 without blocking the inside of the outflow side passage 75V.

  The transfer body rotation start process (S500) of the fourth embodiment is executed according to FIG. 53 (a). When this transfer body rotation start process (S500) is activated, a CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines whether or not the internal pipe section 86 is blocked by the blocking plate 86Z. (S505). Then, when the damming is not executed (S505; NO), the transfer body rotation start process (S500) is finished as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is in the damming state (S505; YES), it is determined whether or not the replenishment sensor 87c has detected a game ball (S510). That is, it is determined whether or not the game ball is supplied from the supply unit 87 to the ball circulation mechanism (main pipe unit 86) (S510). If the game ball has not been supplied yet (S510; NO), the transfer body is temporarily rotated. The start process (S500) ends, and the process returns to the value assignment control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  If it has been replenished (S510; YES), it is determined whether or not the game ball has been fired (S513). If it has not been fired (S513; NO), the transfer body rotation start process ( S500) is ended, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it has been launched, after the rotation of the transfer body 88b is started (S515), the transfer body rotation start process (S500) is terminated and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  The transfer body rotation end process (S550) of the fourth embodiment is executed as follows according to FIG. 53 (b). That is, when the transfer body rotation end process (S550) of the fourth embodiment is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines whether or not the transfer body 88b is rotating ( S555). If not rotating (S555; NO), the transfer body rotation end process (S550) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is rotating (S555; YES), it is determined whether or not a unit supply number (5 in this embodiment) of game balls has been fired (S561), and it is still fired. If not (S561; NO), the transfer body rotation end process (S550) is once ended, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Then, when fired (S561; YES), after stopping the rotation of the transfer body 88b (S565), the transfer body rotation end process (S550) is ended, and the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Return to.

  The ball clogging prevention process (S650) of the fourth embodiment can also be executed according to FIG. However, in S660, it is determined whether or not the suspension is caused by detecting the load applied to the transfer body 88b by the adsorption of the game ball, detecting the contact of the game ball with the transfer body 88b, or the like. Can do.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The gaming machine of the fifth embodiment is of a type in which a game ball is launched from below the game area 11 toward the game area 11.

  In the gaming machine of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 54, the vertical width of the bulging portion 5 is reduced and the bulging portion 5 is mounted in a state that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 3. Also, a substantially rectangular plate-like body 6 is attached to the lower part of the bulging portion 5, and a firing handle 9 is attached to the right end side of the plate-like body 6. Here, FIG. 55 shows a state where the front frame 4 and the bulging portion 5 are removed from the gaming machine of the fifth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 55, in the front portion of the main body frame 3, the firing rail 3R is arranged in a state where it rises in the left direction and is inclined at a portion located behind the bulging portion 5. The game board 10 is configured by using a substantially rectangular plywood in front view, and an outer rail 12A and an inner rail 13A, both of which are formed by using a band-shaped metal plate, are arranged on the front surface. It is installed. A game area 11 is configured on the front portion of the game board by being substantially surrounded by a substantially circular peripheral wall formed by a substantially arc-shaped portion 12B located above the outer rail 12A and the inner rail 13A. Yes. Further, the remaining portion 12C of the outer rail 12A and the portion 13B located on the left end side of the inner rail 13A form a launch path 11Y that rises in a substantially arc shape.

  In addition, the upper left part of the game area 11 (the part located obliquely upward to the left with respect to the central part of the game area 11) is opened to constitute the entrance part 11V. And the game area | region 11 and the discharge path | route 11Y are continuing via the entrance part 11V, and the game ball which passed the launch path | route 11Y enters the game area | region 11 through the entrance part 11V. It should be noted that in the technique area 11, a main accessory device (so-called center accessory) 20, a normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16, a first start prize device 17 a, and a second start prize The device 17b, the big winning device 31, the general winning devices 40 and 41, the out port 18, the lower unit 60, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), a windmill and the like are arranged.

  The lower end portion of the launch rail 3R is set at the launch position 3S, and when the game ball disposed at the launch position 3S is hit with the launch device 8m obliquely below and to the right of the launch rail 3R, the game ball at the launch position 3S is , And is launched diagonally upward to the left along the launch rail 3R. After this, the upper end of the launch rail 3R shifts to the launch path Y, and the launch path Y is raised while rolling the inner peripheral surface of the outer rail 12A while utilizing centrifugal force. Then, the player enters the game area 11 through the entrance 11V, and flows down in the game area 11.

  As shown in FIG. 56, a ball feeding device 3W is disposed on a back surface portion of the main body frame 3 at a portion located behind the firing rail 3R. Also, on the back side of the gaming machine of the fifth embodiment, a winning device (the first starting winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31, and the general winning devices 40 and 41) or the out port is provided. 18, launch a ball assembly unit 91A for collecting the game balls guided to the back side of the game board 10, a launch ball storage member 73A for storing the launch ball, and a game ball discharged from the ball assembly unit 91A And a relay unit 85A for transferring to the ball storage member 73A.

  Although not shown in detail, the relay unit 85A includes a main pipe portion 86A, a replenishment portion 87A, and a sorting portion 88A. In the sorting portion 88A, a non-magnetic game ball and a magnetic game ball are provided. Separation can be performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 55, in the main body frame 3, a portion located vertically above the launch position 3S is provided with the outlet 3T penetrating the main body frame 3 back and forth, and from the launch ball storage member 73A. The game balls entering the ball feeding device 3W reach the front surface of the main body frame 3 through the outlet 3T one by one and then drop downward. Thereby, this game ball reaches the launch position 3S. Each time a game ball is launched from the launch position 3S, the ball is fed to the launch position 3S one by one by the ball feeding device 3W.

  The gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment employs a method of launching a game ball from below to above. In Example 5, the same effect as in Example 1 can be obtained.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment will be described. By the way, in the first embodiment, a mode in which a magnetic game ball is attracted to the magnetic means (transfer body 88b) to separate the non-magnetic game ball from the magnetic game ball is illustrated. However, as in the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 57, this separation can be executed without being attracted to the magnetic force means.

  As shown in FIG. 57, in the fifth embodiment, the main passage member 86G that constitutes a passage for causing the game ball lifted by the lifting unit 92 to reach the shot ball storage member 73 (or the ball feeding device 75). Are provided so as to be inclined downward toward the direction of the projecting ball storage member 73 (or the ball feeding device 75). Further, the guide path member 88a is provided in a downward slope toward the storage member 88c, and the slope of the guide path member 88a is made gentler than the slope of the main passage member 86G.

  The main passage member 86G and the guide path member 88a are configured in a substantially bowl shape opened upward, and the start end portion 881a of the guide path member 88a is disposed above the intermediate portion 861G of the main path member 86G. Further, an interval (for example, an interval corresponding to three to five game balls) is provided between the starting end portion 881a of the guide path member 88a and the intermediate portion 861G of the main passage member 86G, and the starting end portion 881a and the intermediate portion In the part 861G, the magnet 88J is disposed in a portion located above the portion (for example, a portion spaced by two to three game balls).

  In Example 6, if the game ball flowing down the main passage member 86G is a non-magnetic material, as shown in FIG. 57 (a), it reaches the end of the main passage member 86G, and the launching ball storage member 73 ( Or it moves to the ball feeding device 75). On the other hand, if the game ball flowing down the main passage member 86G is a magnetic body, as shown in FIG. 57 (b), when it reaches the intermediate portion 861G of the main passage member 86G, it is lifted upward by the magnetic force of the magnet 88J. It moves to the guide path member 88a and reaches the storage member 88c. Thus, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to separate the non-magnetic game balls from the magnetic game balls without attracting the magnetic game balls. In the sixth embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

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

  That is, in the first to fifth embodiments, the mode in which the rotation of the transfer body 88b is not performed is illustrated. However, this rotation may be performed all the time. In addition, the mode is such that it is rotated when the lifting unit 92 is driven and stopped when the drive is stopped, rotated for a predetermined time every predetermined time, and entered into the number of game balls discharged to the rear of the game board 10 (ball assembly unit 91). A mode of rotating for a specific time each time the number of game balls to be sphered becomes a certain number can be exemplified.

  As described above, in an enclosed game machine, a non-magnetic game ball is used for the purpose of preventing fraud, but this game ball is more effective than a normal game ball (magnetic game ball) (for example, 20 Times). Moreover, since the non-magnetic game ball and the normal game ball (magnetic game ball) have substantially the same weight and outer shape, after shipping the enclosed game machine, someone can use the magnetic material. There is also a risk of replenishing the game balls. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, since a magnetic game ball and a non-magnetic game ball can be easily separated, so-called “magnet goto” can be easily suppressed. Moreover, in each Example, although the aspect which blocks the main pipe part 86 grade | etc., Using the damping plate 86z was illustrated, the member which blocks the channel | path of a game ball is not limited to a plate-shaped body.

  In each embodiment, the aspect in which the storage means is provided in the machine (inside the gaming machine) is illustrated. However, the aspect in which this storage means is provided outside the machine (outside the gaming machine) can also be illustrated. In each embodiment, a magnet is provided. In this case, the magnet may be an electromagnet. In this case, when the power to the gaming machine is turned on, the electromagnet is energized to generate a magnetic force, and when the gaming machine is turned off, the electromagnet The energized state may be canceled. In addition, when the intrusion detection means (for example, the replenishment sensor 87s) detects the intrusion of the game ball into the ball circulation mechanism, it is possible to exemplify a mode in which the electromagnet is energized for a certain period of time.

  The driving timing of the transfer body 88b is not limited to each embodiment, and for example, it may be configured to be continuously driven while the main power source of the gaming machine is ON, or from outside the ball circulation mechanism to inside the ball circulation mechanism. A configuration may be adopted in which the transfer body 88b is continuously driven after all the game balls existing in the ball circulation mechanism have made a round after it is detected that the game ball has entered. Note that “until all the game balls existing in the ball circulation mechanism make a round” means “until the upper limit number + α pieces of game balls enclosed in the ball circulation mechanism are detected by the sensor s4”. For example, “until a time (for example, 30 minutes) during which all the game balls existing in the ball circulation mechanism will take a round” elapses.

  In addition, as in each embodiment, when adopting a configuration in which the transfer body 88b is driven and stopped, a magnetic game ball is mixed in a game ball circulating through the ball circulation mechanism, When the game ball reaches below the transfer body 88b whose rotation has stopped, the game ball may be adsorbed to the transfer body 88b and stopped in the main pipe portion 86, causing the main pipe portion 86 to be clogged. And in each Example, it decided to prevent clogging of the main pipe part 86 by performing the ball clogging prevention process (S650) shown in FIG. However, instead of taking a measure for preventing clogging, it is also possible to adopt a method for notifying when the main pipe portion 86 is clogged. For example, when there is a value balance (valuable balance) and a predetermined launch intensity is detected by the launch handle 9, a first start opening prize detection switch 17s, a first start opening prize detection switch 17t, a general prize detection switch The notification may be made when the 40s, 41s, the big winning opening winning detection switch 31s or the out winning ball detection switch 18s is not detected for a predetermined period of time (has a value balance and continues to be idle).

  Further, a proximity sensor for detecting the magnetic body is disposed at a predetermined portion (preferably a gentle slope) of the path through which the game ball circulates, and when the proximity sensor detects a magnetic game ball, the blocking means for blocking the path A specific example in which the circulation of game balls is stopped can also be illustrated. That is, it is possible to adopt a configuration that makes subsequent games impossible.

  In addition, a proximity sensor for detecting a magnetic material is disposed at a predetermined portion (preferably a gentle slope) of a passage through which a game ball circulates. May be notified to the person, and the hall computer may be notified of the abnormality by an external terminal. In this case, a magnet may be provided as a decelerating means on the bottom surface of the slope portion, and the game ball may be stopped or decelerated so that it can be detected accurately by the proximity sensor.

  Moreover, the modification 1 shown in FIG.58 and FIG.59 can also be illustrated. In this gaming machine, a board surface rail 12 constituted by using a belt-like metal plate constitutes a substantially circular gaming area 11 having an opening 11W in the upper left portion, and a point where the second rail 72 is constituted in a belt shape. The point that the terminal end side of the second rail 72 draws a substantially arc-shaped path and the point that the second rail 72 is attached to the game board 10 are different from the first embodiment. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

  In the gaming machine of the first modification, the second rail 72 configured in a belt shape is in a standing state with respect to the surface portion 10F while a long side end surface is brought into contact with the surface portion 10F of the game board 10. Be placed. When the game ball Y launched by the launching device 8m passes through the first rail 71 and moves to the second rail 72, the game ball Y includes the lower surface 72U of the second rail 72 and the surface portion 10F of the game board 10. Roll while touching. Further, the game ball Y rolls along the path of the second rail 72 and falls to the game area 11 when it loses momentum.

  Also in the gaming machine of the first modification, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, although the gaming machine of the first modification is configured to launch a gaming ball from the upper part of the gaming board 10, the player plays a game with the same feeling as a conventional gaming machine (the gaming machine of the fifth embodiment). It can be carried out.

  Further, in each embodiment, “a storage part 87a for storing game balls” and “a ball feeding device 87c for sending game balls stored in the storage part 87a toward the main pipe part 86 (ball circulation mechanism)” However, it is also possible to exemplify a modified example in which the configuration of the supply unit is simplified. For example, the replenishing unit may be configured with a replenishment port (simply replenishment port) for replenishing game balls toward the ball circulation mechanism, and the game ball may be replenished to the ball circulation mechanism manually by an operator. . For example, an opening (for example, an opening that opens upward or laterally) in a portion (hereinafter referred to as “upstream portion”) on the upstream side (lifting unit 92 side) of the main pipe portion 86 from the sorting portion 88. A mode in which a replenishing port is configured by this opening can be illustrated. In addition, there is also a mode in which a replenishing tubular portion that branches from and projects from the main pipe portion 86 while communicating with the inside of the main pipe portion 86 is provided from the upstream side portion, and the opening at the projecting end of the replenishing tubular portion is a replenishment port It can be illustrated. In any aspect, it is desirable to provide a lid for preventing dust and the like from entering the ball circulation mechanism at the replenishing port. And, when adopting a configuration in which the game ball is replenished to the ball circulation mechanism manually by the worker in this way, due to the mistake of the operator or the act of the fraudulent person, the supply port to the ball circulation mechanism Even if a game ball of magnetic material enters, this game ball reaches the sorting section 88 and is therefore guided outside the ball circulation mechanism.

  In addition, in this "mode which supplies a game ball to a ball circulation mechanism by an operator's manual work" and the mode shown in each embodiment, the ball circulation mechanism (in the main pipe portion 86) is not blocked. It is good also as supplying a game ball in the main pipe part 86). In particular, the portion of the ball circulation mechanism that receives the replenishment (main pipe portion 86) is inclined downward toward the downstream side, and the game ball does not stop at the “site that receives the replenishment (main pipe portion 86)” (the case where it does not accumulate). ), Or even when a game ball stays in the “replenished portion (main pipe portion 86)”, a game ball replenished through a refill port or the like can be interrupted between the stopped game balls, etc. Therefore, it is not necessary to stop the inside of the ball circulation mechanism (in the main pipe portion 86).

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

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
2; outer frame,
8m; launcher,
10: Game board,
11: Game area.
71d; ball receiving part (launch position),
73; Launch ball storage member,
85; Relay unit,
86; main section,
87; Replenishment part (invasion part),
87s; replenishment sensor (intrusion detection means),
88; Sorting part (sorting means),
88a; guide path member,
88b; transfer body,
88a and 88b; magnetic sphere guiding means,
88c; storage member (storage means),
91; ball assembly unit,
92; Lifting unit,
73, 85, 91 and 92; ball circulation mechanism.

Claims (7)

A non-magnetic game ball enclosed in the machine is launched from a predetermined launch position to the game area, and the game ball discharged from the game area is guided to the launch position to circulate and use the game ball. A gaming machine,
A separation means for separating a non-magnetic game ball and a magnetic game ball into a predetermined part of the ball circulation mechanism,
The separation means includes magnetic sphere guiding means for attracting the magnetic sphere by a magnetic force and guiding it outside the sphere circulation mechanism when a magnetic sphere is present in the sphere circulation mechanism. A gaming machine. An intrusion detection means for detecting an intrusion of a game ball from a predetermined intrusion portion into the ball circulation mechanism;
The magnetic sphere guiding means includes
The magnetic ball is attracted by a magnetic force, and a transfer body configured to be able to transfer the attracted magnetic game ball, and driving means for driving the transfer body,
The magnetic game ball is attracted to the transfer body, and in that state, the transfer body is driven, and the magnetic game ball is transferred, thereby discharging the magnetic game ball outside the ball circulation mechanism. To the route,
The drive means drives the transfer body until a predetermined drive end condition is satisfied after a drive start condition is satisfied, which is satisfied on the condition that at least the intrusion detection means detects the entry of a game ball. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is characterized. The intrusion part is a replenishment part that is provided at a specific part of the ball circulation mechanism and replenishes the ball circulation mechanism with a game ball,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the sorting unit is provided on a path until the game ball replenished from the intrusion unit in the ball circulation mechanism is guided to the launch position. A main body frame for holding a game board in which the game area is provided on the front surface;
A front frame that is arranged in a state that can be opened and closed on the front side of the main body frame, and includes a viewing window that allows the game area to be viewed;
A discharge section for discharging the game ball flowing down the game area toward the rear of the game board;
With
The intrusion part is constituted by the discharge part, and the intrusion detection means detects the entry of the game ball into the ball circulation mechanism by detecting that the game ball has entered the discharge part,
3. The drive unit according to claim 2, wherein the driving unit drives the transfer body when the intrusion detecting unit detects the intrusion of the game ball in a state where the front frame is opened. 4. Gaming machine.   The driving end condition is satisfied when all of the game balls that have entered the ball circulation mechanism through the intrusion unit or the number of game balls that exceed all of the game balls have reached the predetermined part. Item 5. The gaming machine according to any one of Items 2 to 4.   After the driving condition is satisfied, when the same number of gaming balls that can be arranged from the intrusion portion to the predetermined site or the number of gaming balls that exceed the number are fired from the firing position, the driving end condition is The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the gaming machine is established.   The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising storage means for storing a game ball of a magnetic material guided by the magnetic ball guiding means.

Images