JP2014113216A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing clogging of a game medium by causing a guide member to hold the game medium at an intermediate state between a state of guiding the game medium to a first path and a state of guiding it to a second path.SOLUTION: A distribution device 300 includes a linkage member 305 that reciprocatingly turns, linking with turning of a distribution member 304, between a first position corresponding to a first mode for guiding a game ball to a first guide path 331L and a second position corresponding to a second mode for guiding the game ball to a second guide path 331R. The distribution device further includes turning prevention means (a linkage-side projection 382/a shaft-side projection 392, and the link member 305/a connecting shaft 307) that, when the linkage member 305 is located at the first position or the second position, prevents the linkage member from turning to a third position corresponding to a third mode where the distribution member 304 cannot guide a game ball to either of the first guide path 331L or the second guide path 331R by force smaller than pressing force of the game ball.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of performing a predetermined game.

  Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins in a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prizes are awarded. Some balls are paid out to players. Further, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying the identification information is provided, and the display result of the variable display of the special symbol (identification information) started in the variable display unit based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening is provided. Some are configured to give a predetermined game value to a player when a predetermined display result is obtained.

  In addition, there are those equipped with a sorting device that distributes game balls that have flowed down a game area and flowed into a predetermined inlet into a winning port and a discharging port by a sorting member (guidance member). Specifically, the sorting device is configured to include a rotating portion (induction member) that is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft and includes a first ball receiving portion and a second ball receiving portion. In this first state, the rotating part flows in from the inflow port formed in the upper part and is rotated in one direction by the game ball guided by the first ball receiving part to discharge the game ball from the discharge port. Then, it is possible to change to the second state where the game ball flows in from the inflow port and is rotated in the reverse direction by the game ball guided to the second ball receiving portion to win the game ball at the winning opening. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-237396 A

  As in the sorting device provided in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the rotating state (guidance member) discharges the game ball from the discharge port by the game ball flowing in from the inflow port. In the case where it is possible to change to the second state in which the winning opening is awarded, the game ball guided to one of the first ball receiving portion and the second ball receiving portion is discharged from the discharge opening or the winning opening. A game medium in which a game ball is guided to the other before winning, an impact when the rotation is restricted in the first state or the second state, an external force is applied to the gaming machine, or a game medium flows down the game area When the rotating part is maintained in an intermediate state between the first state and the second state due to factors such as vibration caused by collision with the outer wall or the like of the sorting device, the game ball is removed from the discharge port. Clogged ball that is not discharged and won't win a prize opening But there is a possibility to occur.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such a problem, and the game is performed by maintaining the guide member in an intermediate state between the state in which the guide medium guides the game medium to the first route and the state to guide the game medium to the second route. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can prevent the occurrence of a medium jam.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is:
A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of performing a predetermined game,
An inlet (e.g., inlet 330) through which a game medium (e.g., game ball) flowing down a game area (e.g., game area 7) in the game board (e.g., game board 6) can flow;
A first region (for example, the first start winning port 13a) and a second region (for example, the second start winning port 13b) formed so that the game medium flowing in from the inflow port can pass therethrough,
A first route (for example, the first guide route 331L) for guiding the game medium flowing in from the inflow port to the first region or a second route (for example, the second guide route 331R) for guiding the game medium to the second region. A guide member (for example, a sorting member 304) that guides to either
With
The guide member is pressed by the game medium flowing in from the inflow port to thereby guide the game medium to the first path (for example, the first mode, see FIG. 11A) and the It is provided so as to be rotatable between a second state in which the game medium is guided to the second route (for example, the second mode, see FIG. 12B) (for example, rotatable about the rotation shaft 372). (See FIG. 9 and FIG. 10),
The gaming machine is
In conjunction with the rotation of the guide member, a first position corresponding to the first state (see FIG. 11A) and a second position corresponding to the second state (see FIG. 12B). An interlocking member (for example, an interlocking member 305) provided so as to be capable of reciprocating between them;
When the interlocking member is in the first position or the second position, the guiding member plays a game in either the first route or the second route by a force that is smaller than the pressing force of the game medium. Rotation preventing means for preventing rotation to a third position (see FIG. 12C) corresponding to a third state in which the medium cannot be guided (for example, the third mode, see FIG. 11C). (For example, the interlocking side protrusion 382 and the shaft side protrusion 392 and the interlocking member 305, the connecting shaft 307),
Comprising
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when the guide member is in the first state or the second state, the game medium that has flowed in from the inflow port presses the guide member so that the guide member rotates. Or it is guided to the second route. In addition, the interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with the guide member has a third position that is less than the pressing force with which the game medium presses the guide member when the game medium is in the first position or the second position. For example, an impact when the guide member is restricted from rotating in the first state or the second state, an external force is applied to the gaming machine, or the gaming area flows down. Since the guide member is prevented from rotating to the third state by a force smaller than the pressing force of the game medium, such as vibration caused by the game medium colliding with the outer wall of the path, the guide member is brought into the third state. The game medium can be prevented from being clogged without being guided to the first route or the second route. Further, since the rotation preventing means prevents the interlocking member from rotating, it does not obstruct the flow of the game medium.

The gaming machine of means 1 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A rotating shaft (for example, a swinging shaft 391) for pivotally supporting the interlocking member (for example, the interlocking member 305);
A bearing hole (for example, a bearing hole 381) formed in the interlocking member and into which the rotating shaft is inserted;
With
The rotation preventing means is
A first contact portion (for example, a left inclined surface 392a of the shaft-side protrusion 392) and a second contact portion (for example, a right inclined surface 392b of the shaft-side protrusion 392) formed on the rotation shaft;
It is formed in the bearing hole, and the interlocking member rotates from the first position (see FIG. 11A) to the first contact portion before reaching the third position (see FIG. 12C). The first contacted part to be contacted (for example, the left inclined surface 382a of the interlocking side protrusion 382) and the interlocking member rotate from the second position (see FIG. 12B) until reaching the third position. A second contacted part that contacts the second contact part (for example, the right inclined surface 382b of the interlocking side protrusion 382);
Composed of,
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the first contact part or the second contact part is brought into contact with the first contacted part or the second contacted part before the interlocking member reaches the third position from the first position or the second position. Thus, since the interlocking member can be prevented from rotating by a force smaller than the pressing force of the game medium, the guiding member can be prevented from being maintained in the third state with a simple configuration.

The gaming machine of means 2 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or means 1,
The interlocking member (for example, the interlocking member 305) is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft (for example, a swing shaft 391) on one end (for example, the lower end) side, and the guide member is in the third state. (For example, refer to the third aspect, FIG. 11 (C)), it is positioned substantially immediately above the rotation shaft, and the first state (for example, refer to the first aspect, FIG. 11 (A)) or the first Having an interlocking-side connecting portion (for example, an interlocking-side connecting portion 380) positioned to the side of the rotating shaft when in two states (for example, the second mode, see FIG. 12B),
The guide member has a guide-side connecting portion (for example, a connecting shaft 307) that is connected to the interlocking-side connecting portion so as to be interlocked with each other
The interlocking side connecting portion is
A first interlocking side connecting part (for example, the left connecting part 380a) connected on one side in the rotation direction of the guide side connecting part and a second interlocking side connecting part (for example, the right connecting part 380b) connected on the other side. )
When one of the first interlocking side connecting part and the second interlocking side connecting part is connected to the guiding side connecting part, a predetermined gap is formed between the other and the guiding side connecting part. (For example, see FIG. 9C and FIG. 10C),
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the guide-side connecting portion and the interlocking-side connecting portion are connected with a predetermined gap, so that when the interlocking-side connecting portion is located substantially immediately above the rotation shaft, that is, the guide member is the first member. Even in the three states, the interlocking member is tilted to any one of the predetermined gap, so that the guiding member is biased to be in the first state or the second state, and thus is difficult to be maintained in the third state. Become.

The gaming machine of means 3 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claim 1, means 1, and means 2,
A base portion (eg, base member 301) attached to a game board surface (eg, game board surface 6a) of the game board (eg, game board 6);
A cover portion (for example, a cover member 302) that is disposed to face the base portion and forms the first path (for example, the first guide path 331L) together with the base portion;
With
The base portion has a protruding portion (for example, a protruding plate 315) for guiding a game medium (for example, a game ball) to the cover portion side,
The cover portion has a recess (for example, a guide groove 337) that receives and guides the game medium guided by the protrusion at a position corresponding to the protrusion (see, for example, the modification of FIG. 13).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the game medium guided to each path is guided to the first area by being guided to the cover part side by the projecting part and the flow speed is decelerated and guided by the concave part. Can be made easier.

The gaming machine of means 4 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 and 1-3,
Each can be identified based on the fact that a game medium (for example, a game ball) has passed through the first area (for example, the first start winning opening 13a) or the second area (for example, the second start winning opening 13b). A plurality of types of identification information (for example, a first special symbol, a second special symbol, a production symbol) that perform variable display (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1),
First detection means (for example, a first start port switch 14a) for detecting a game medium that has passed through the first area;
Second detection means (for example, a second start port switch 14b) for detecting the game medium that has passed through the second area;
When the order in which the game media are detected by the first detection means and the second detection means is different from the predetermined order (for example, one start port switch detects a game ball continuously for a predetermined number of balls (for example, four balls) or more) In the case where the game ball is detected by the first start port switch 14a and the second start port switch 14b. A part that is determined to be abnormal when the order is different from the predetermined order), and
Comprising
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since it is possible to determine the abnormality of the sorting apparatus, it is possible to prevent the game from being performed normally due to the abnormality of the sorting apparatus.

It is a front view which shows a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. (A) is the state which looked at the distribution apparatus from diagonally forward, (B) is a perspective view which shows the state seen from diagonally back. It is a six-sided view showing a sorting device. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which looked at the distribution apparatus from diagonally forward. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which looked at the distribution apparatus from diagonally behind. (A) is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 4, (B) is BB sectional drawing, (C) is CC sectional drawing. (A) is EE sectional drawing of FIG. 4, (B) is FF sectional drawing of FIG. 4, (C) is the principal part enlarged view of (B). (A) is a figure which shows an example of a flow-down aspect when a game ball is guide | induced to the 1st start winning opening, (B) is GG sectional drawing of (A), (C) is H- of (B). It is H sectional drawing. (A) is a figure which shows an example of a flow-down mode when a game ball is guide | induced to the 1st start winning opening, (B) is II sectional drawing of (A), (C) is D- of (B). It is D sectional drawing. (A)-(C) are figures which show the operation | movement aspect of a ball | bowl receiving part and a interlocking mechanism when a game ball is guide | induced to the 1st path | route. (A) (B) is a figure which shows the operation | movement aspect of a ball receiving part and a interlocking mechanism when a game ball is guide | induced to the 1st path | route. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the sorting apparatus as a modification, (B) is JJ sectional drawing of (A), (C) is KK sectional drawing of (B).

  A mode for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

  First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration on the main board.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular frame shape, and a game frame (shown) attached to the left side of the outer frame (not shown) so as to be opened and closed. And a glass door frame 102 attached to the upper left side of the game frame so as to be openable and closable, and a lower door frame 103 attached to the lower part of the left side of the game frame so as to be openable and closable. .

  A hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3 is provided on the upper front surface of the lower door frame 103. At a lower position of the hitting ball supply tray 3, an extra ball receiving tray 4 (lower plate) for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball are provided. Yes.

  A game board 6 is detachably attached to the game frame 101 on the back side of the glass door frame 102. The game board 6 is made of a plywood board having a predetermined thickness with a game area 7 formed on the front surface, and on the back side of the game board 6 is a variable display control unit including an effect display device 9 and an effect control board 80 ( (Not shown) are assembled together.

  In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, there is provided an effect display device (effect symbol display device) 9 including a plurality of variable display units each of which displays an effect effect symbol (decoration symbol) in a variable manner. The effect display device 9 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The effect display device 9 performs variable display of the effect symbol as a decorative (for effect) symbol during the special symbol variable display period by the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b. The effect display device 9 that performs effect display variation display is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 80.

  An annular stage decoration frame 11 provided with a stage on which a game ball can roll is provided around the opening corresponding to the front surface 9 c of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6. The game board 6 is disposed in front of the front face 9c with a predetermined gap, and an effect unit (not shown) is provided on the periphery of the front face 9c between the game board 6 and the front face 9c. It can move according to the state and the execution of the production.

  A first special symbol display (first variation display means) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as the first identification information is provided at a lower right position on the game board 6. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 8a is realized by a simple and small display device (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. A second special symbol display (second variation display means) 8b for variably displaying the second special symbol as the second identification information is provided above the first special symbol indicator 8a. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. In addition, the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b each variably display a number (or a two-digit symbol) of 00 to 99 using, for example, two 7-segment LEDs. It may be configured.

  Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b may be collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator.

  The variation display of the first special symbol is a variation display start condition (for example, after the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13a) after the first start condition that is the execution condition of the variation display is established (for example, When the number of reserved memories is not 0, the first special symbol variation display is not executed and the big hit game is not executed), and the variation display is started. When time (fluctuation time) elapses, a display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. In addition, the variation display of the second special symbol is after the second start condition which is the execution condition of the variation display is satisfied (for example, that the game ball has won the second start winning opening 13b or the third start winning opening 13c). The start condition of the variable display (for example, the state where the number of reserved memories is not 0, the state where the variable display of the second special symbol is not executed, and the big hit game is not executed) is established. The display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed when the variable display time (variable time) elapses. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying the display result means that the symbol (example of identification information) is finally stopped and displayed.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (effect) during the variable display time of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b. The display of the effect symbol (also referred to as the effect symbol) is performed as a symbol of The change display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the change display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variation display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variation display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Synchronous means that the start point and end point of variable display are substantially the same (may be exactly the same) and the period of variable display is substantially the same (may be exactly the same). In addition, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 causes the jackpot to be recalled. The combination of is stopped and displayed.

  In the game area 7, there is a first start winning opening 13 a and a second starting winning opening 13 b at the center lower position of the effect display device 9, and the game balls flowing down the game area 7 are connected to the first start winning opening 13 a and the second start winning opening 13 a. A distribution device 300 is provided for distribution to any one of the start winning ports 13b. The game ball that has won the first start winning opening 13a is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 14a provided on the back of the game board 6. Similarly, the game ball won in the second start winning opening 13b is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14b provided on the back of the game board 6. The first start winning port 13a and the second start winning port 13b are always kept in a constant open state by having an inflow port having a predetermined size.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a third starting winning port 13c (third starting port) through which game balls can be won is provided on the right side of the allocating device 300. The game ball won in the third start winning opening 13c is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the third start opening switch 14c. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be won in the third start winning opening 13c (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, it is easier for the game ball to win the third starting winning hole 13c than the first starting winning port 13a and the second starting winning port 13b. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the third start winning opening 13c. In the state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured that the winning is possible (that is, it is difficult for the gaming ball to win) although it is difficult to win a prize.

  Hereinafter, the first start winning port 13a, the second start winning port 13b, and the third start winning port 13c may be collectively referred to as a start winning port or a starting port.

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading to the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the third start winning port 13c. Then, the nail is arranged closely around the sorting device 300, or the nail arrangement around the sorting device 300 is difficult to guide the game ball to the inlet 330 of the sorting device 300, and the third start prize is won. The winning rate of the mouth 13c may be made higher than the winning rates of the first starting winning port 13a and the second starting winning port 13b.

  In the upper part of the second special symbol display 8b, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13a, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as the start memory or the start prize memory) is displayed. One special symbol hold memory display unit and the first special symbol hold memory display unit are provided separately, and the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning port 13b and the third start winning port 13c, that is, the second reserved memory. For example, a special symbol reservation storage display 18 including a 7-segment LED provided with a second special symbol reservation storage display unit for displaying the number is provided. The first special symbol reserved memory display unit displays up to four first reserved memory numbers in the order of winning, and increases the number of indicators that are turned on by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one. The second special symbol reserved memory display unit displays up to four second reserved memory numbers in the order of winning, and increases the number of indicators that are turned on by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. And whenever the fluctuation | variation display by the 2nd special symbol display 8b is started, the number of the indicators to light is reduced by one. In this example, an upper limit number (up to 4) is provided for the starting memory number by winning in the first starting winning port 13a and the starting memory number by winning in the second starting winning port 13b and the third starting winning port 13c. However, the upper limit number may be four or more.

  Further, the display screen of the effect display device 9 is provided with a first reserved memory display unit 9a for displaying the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit 9b for displaying the second reserved memory number. . In addition, you may make it provide the area | region (sum total pending | holding memory display part) which displays the total number (sum total pending memory count) which is the sum total of the 1st pending memory count and the 2nd pending memory count. As described above, if the summation pending storage display unit for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that have not met the variable display start condition.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes only with respect to the third starting winning opening 13c is provided. However, the first starting winning opening 13a and the second starting winning opening 13a are provided. A configuration in which a variable winning ball apparatus that performs an opening / closing operation may be provided for any of the winning openings 13b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball device 20 is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes a big prize opening door, and when a specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and on the second special symbol display 8b, a specific display result (big hit) In the specific game state (big win game state) that occurs when the symbol is derived and displayed, the solenoid 21 controls the open door of the big winning opening, so that the big winning opening that becomes the winning area is opened. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  Based on the detection of game balls by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. Thus, when the game ball passes (enters) through the large winning opening which has been opened in the special variable winning ball apparatus 20, for example, the first starting winning opening 13a, the second starting winning opening 13b, the third starting winning opening 13c, and the like. , More prize balls are paid out than when the game balls pass (enter) through other winning holes. Therefore, if the special prize winning ball device 20 is in the open state in the special variable winning ball apparatus 20, the first state advantageous to the player is obtained. On the other hand, if the special prize winning device 20 is closed in the special variable prize winning ball device 20, the game ball cannot be passed through (entered) into the special prize opening to obtain a prize ball, which is disadvantageous for the player. It becomes a state.

  The normal symbol display 10 is provided on the right side of the first special symbol display 8a. The normal symbol display 10 is composed of two lamps, for example. When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the display variation of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized at the time of lighting) are alternately turned on to perform the variable display. For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. When the lamp on the lower side of the normal symbol display 10 is turned on and it is a win, the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. That is, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 is a state advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the lower lamp is lit (a state in which a game ball can win the third start winning opening 13c). ). An upper part of the special symbol storage memory display 18 is provided with a normal symbol storage memory display 41 having four display portions (for example, four segments among seven segment LEDs) for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32. It has been. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of display units to be turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of display units that are lit is reduced by one.

  In addition, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 composed of 7-segment LEDs has four display units (segments) for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 and, for example, the number of times the special variable winning ball device 20 is opened at the time of a big hit. There are two display units (segments) that indicate (the number of big hits) and two display units (segments) that indicate the gaming state, but these display units are separate from the normal symbol hold storage display unit. You may comprise. Further, the normal symbol display 10 may be configured by segment LEDs or the like capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  In the lower part of the game area 7, winning holes 29a to 29d of the normal winning device are provided, and the game balls won in the winning holes 29a to 29d are detected by the winning hole switches 30a and 30b. Each of the winning holes 29a to 29d constitutes a winning area provided in the game board 6 as an area for accepting game balls and allowing winning. The first start winning opening 13a, the second starting winning opening 13b, the third starting winning opening 13c, and the big winning opening also constitute a winning area that accepts game balls and allows winning.

  On the left side of the game area 7, there is provided a decoration member 25 having a decoration LED 25a that blinks and displays during the game, and there is an out port 26 for absorbing a game ball that has not won a prize. In addition, four speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left, right, top, and bottom of the outside of the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decoration LED 25a are examples of a decoration light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In addition, although not particularly illustrated, a prepaid card unit (hereinafter, referred to as “card unit”) 50 that enables lending a ball by inserting a prepaid card is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1. .

  A game ball launched from the hitting ball launching device by the player's operation enters the game area 7 through a shot ball guide passage (not shown), and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first start winning port 13a and is detected by the first start port switch 14a, the first special symbol variation display can be started (for example, the special symbol variation display ends, 1), the first special symbol display unit 8a starts the variable display (variation) of the first special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts the variable display of the effect symbol (effect symbol). Is done. That is, the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13a. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  When a game ball enters the second start winning opening 13b and is detected by the second start opening switch 14b, or when a game ball enters the third start winning opening 13c and is detected by the third start opening switch 14c, the second special If it is in a state where the variable display of the symbol can be started (for example, when the special symbol variable display is completed and the second start condition is established), the second special symbol display unit 8b displays the variable display of the second special symbol ( (Change) is started, and the effect display (effect design) is displayed on the effect display device 9 in a variable manner. That is, the change display of the second special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the second start winning opening 13b. If the variable display of the second special symbol cannot be started, the second reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  The variation display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variation display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b are stopped when a certain time has passed. If the special symbol at stop (stop symbol) is a big hit symbol (specific display result), it will be “big hit”. If the special symbol at stop (stop symbol) is displayed differently from the big hit symbol, "

  After the fluctuation display result in the special figure game becomes “big hit”, the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state in which a round advantageous to the player (also referred to as “round game”) is executed a predetermined number of times.

  In this embodiment, when a big hit symbol corresponding to “probable big hit” or “non-probable big big hit” is stopped and displayed in the special figure game, a big hit state as a specific gaming state (for example, 15 round big hit) State). In the big hit gaming state, the special winning prize opening device 20 opens the big winning opening for a predetermined period (for example, 29.5 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, eight) of winning balls are generated. By setting the state, the round in which the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is changed to the first state (open state) advantageous to the player is executed. In this way, the special prize opening door which opened the special prize opening during the round is specially variable by receiving the game ball falling on the game board surface 6a of the game board 6 and then closing the special prize opening. The winning ball apparatus 20 is changed to the second state (closed state) disadvantageous to the player, and one round is completed. In the 15 round big hit state, the number of executions of the round, which is the opening cycle of the big prize opening, becomes the first round number (for example, “15”). A game in the 15 round big hit state in which the number of round executions is “15” is also referred to as a 15-time open game. In such a 15 round big hit state, every time a game ball wins a big winning opening, 15 balls (prize balls) are obtained.

  After the big hit state is ended based on the fact that the big hit symbol corresponding to “non-probable big hit” is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol in the special figure game, the special figure game is compared with the normal state as one of the special gaming states. The time is controlled to be in a time-short state in which time-shortening control (time-shortening control) in which the variable symbol variable display time (special-figure varying time) is shortened is performed. Here, the normal state is a normal game state as a game state different from a specific game state such as a big hit game state, a probability change state, and a short time state, and an initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, a system reset is performed). As in the case where the initialization process is performed after the power is turned on, the same control is performed. In the short-time state, one of the conditions is established first when a special game (variable display) is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) and the variable display result is “big hit”. Sometimes it ends. The jackpot symbol corresponding to such a “non-probable big hit” is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol in the special figure game, such as a special jackpot symbol corresponding to the fact that it is stopped and displayed as the confirmed special symbol in the special figure game. The jackpot symbol that is controlled to the short-time state after the jackpot state is terminated is called a non-probable variable jackpot symbol (also referred to as “normal jackpot symbol”). Further, the fact that the non-probable variable big hit symbol among the big hit symbols is stopped and displayed and the variable display result becomes “big hit” is called “non-probable big hit” (also referred to as “normal big hit”).

  After the big hit state is ended based on the fact that the big win symbol corresponding to “probable big hit” is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol in the special figure game, as one of the special game states different from the short-time state, for example, to the normal state In comparison with the time-shortening control in which the special figure variation time is shortened, the probability variation state (high probability state) in which the probability variation control (probability variation control) is continuously performed is controlled. In this probabilistic state, the variable display result of each special figure game and decorative design is improved so that the probability that the variable display result will be “big hit” and further controlled to the big hit gaming state will be higher than in the normal state and the short-time state. To do. Such a probability change state continues until the next variable display result is a “big hit”, regardless of the number of executions of the special game. Like the jackpot symbol corresponding to such “probable variation jackpot”, the jackpot symbol controlled to the probability variation state after the first jackpot state based on being stopped and displayed as the confirmed special symbol in the special figure game is the probability variation jackpot symbol. It is called.

  In the probabilistic state and the short time state, the normal symbol display unit 10 controls the normal symbol in the normal symbol game so that the variation time of the normal symbol (ordinary symbol variation time) is shorter than that in the normal state. Control to improve the probability that the display result is “per normal figure” than in the normal state, and tilt control of the movable blade piece in the variable winning ball apparatus 15 based on the fact that the variable display result is “per normal figure”. The second is to make it easier for the game ball to pass (enter) the third start winning opening 13c, such as control for making the tilt control time to be performed longer than in the normal state, and control for increasing the number of tilts than in the normal state. Control that is advantageous to the player is performed by increasing the possibility that the start condition is satisfied. It should be noted that any one of these controls may be performed in the probability variation state or the short time state, or a plurality of controls may be performed in combination. As described above, the control that facilitates the entry of the game ball into the third start winning opening 13c in the probability variation state or the short time state is also referred to as high release control. By performing the high opening control, the frequency at which the third start winning opening 13c is in the expanded opening state is higher than when the high opening control is not performed. As a result, the second start condition for executing the special figure game using the second special figure in the second special symbol display 8b is easily established, and the special figure game can be executed frequently. In addition, the time until the variable display result becomes “big hit” is shortened. Therefore, in the probability variation state and the short time state, it becomes easier to enter the big hit gaming state than in the normal state. The period during which the high opening control can be executed is also referred to as a high opening control period, and this period may be the same as the period during which the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to either the certain change state or the short-time state. . Further, it is also said that the gaming state is in the high base during the high opening control period. On the other hand, when it is not the high opening control period, it is said that the gaming state is in the low base. The short-time state in this embodiment is a gaming state also referred to as a low-probability high-base state, and the normal state is a gaming state also referred to as a low-probability low-base state, which is a probabilistic state that is not a high release control period. The latent probability changing state is a gaming state also called a high probability low base state.

  In the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas provided in the effect display device 9, a special symbol game using the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the first special symbol display 8a. Corresponding to the start of one of the special figure games using the second special figure on the display 8b, the production symbol variation display (variation display) is started. In the period from the start of the variation display of the effect symbol to the end of the variation display due to the stop display of the confirmed effect symbol in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas, The variable display state may be a predetermined reach state. Here, the reach state refers to an effect design (“reach” that is not yet displayed as a temporary stop when the effect design temporarily displayed in the display area of the effect display device 9 forms part of the jackpot combination. "Varying symbols" refers to the display state in which the variation continues, or the display state in which all or part of the design symbol is changing synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot combination. is there. Specifically, a part of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas (eg, “left” and “right” effect symbol display areas) constitutes a predetermined jackpot combination. In the remaining effect symbol display area (for example, “medium” effect symbol display area, etc.) that has not yet been temporarily stopped when the effect symbol (for example, an effect symbol indicating “7” alphanumeric characters) is temporarily stopped. The display state in which the effect symbol is fluctuating, or the effect symbol synchronizes with all or part of the effect symbol display area of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” while constituting all or part of the jackpot combination The display state is fluctuating.

  On the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, an effect control board 80 on which an effect control microcomputer for controlling the effect display device 9 is mounted, a game control board (main board) 31 on which a game control microcomputer and the like are mounted, audio Various substrates such as a control board 70, a lamp driver board 35, and a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control and the like are mounted are installed (see FIG. 2).

  Furthermore, a power supply board (not shown) and a touch sensor board (not shown) on which power supply circuits for generating various power supply voltages such as DC30V, DC21V, DC12V, and DC5V are mounted are provided. On the power supply board (not shown), the game control board 31 and each electrical component control board (production control board 80 and payout control board 37) in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and each electrical component (power) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are provided. A power switch as a power supply permission means for executing or shutting off power supply to a component that operates by being supplied, and a clear switch for clearing the RAM 55 of the game control microcomputer 156 of the game control board 31 Is provided. Further, a replaceable fuse is provided inside the power switch (inside the substrate).

  In this embodiment, the main board 31 is provided on the game board side, and the payout control board 37 is provided on the game frame side. Even in such a configuration, as will be described later, the communication between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 is performed by serial communication, thereby facilitating the routing of the wiring when replacing the game board. .

  Each control board is equipped with control means including a control microcomputer. The control means is an electrical component (game device: ball payout device 97, effect display device 9, light emission from a lamp, LED, etc.) provided in the gaming machine according to a command signal (control signal) as a command from the game control means or the like. Body, speaker 27, etc.). Hereinafter, the main board 31 may be included in the control board for explanation. In that case, the control means mounted on the control board refers to each of the game control means and the means for controlling the electrical components provided in the gaming machine in accordance with a command signal from the game control means or the like. A substrate on which a microcomputer other than the main substrate 31 is mounted may be referred to as a sub-substrate. The ball payout device 97 is a device for paying out a game ball guided by a passage for guiding a game ball and a sprocket driven by a stepping motor or the like to an upper plate or a lower plate. A payout number counting switch for counting prize balls and rental balls is also configured as part of the unit. In this embodiment, the payout detection means is realized by a payout number count switch, and has a function of detecting that a winning ball or a lending ball is actually paid out from the ball payout device 97. In this case, the payout number count switch outputs a detection signal every time one payout of prize balls or rental balls is detected.

  On the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a terminal board 91 having terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed. The terminal board 91 includes, for example, information output signals such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state (start signal, symbol determination frequency 1 signal, jackpot 1 signal, jackpot 2 signal, time-short signal, security signal, prize ball An information output terminal for externally outputting signal 1, gaming machine error status signal) is provided. It should be noted that the gaming machine error status signal does not necessarily have to be output to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and a door indicating that the gaming frame is open from the information output terminal instead of the gaming machine error status signal. An open signal or the like may be output.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. 2 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 156 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 156 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 156. That is, the game control microcomputer 156 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to include at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or internal. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached. The game control microcomputer 156 further includes a random number circuit 60 that generates hardware random numbers (random numbers generated by the hardware circuit).

  In the game control microcomputer 156, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 156 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The game control microcomputer 156 includes a random number circuit 60. The random number circuit 60 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on the display result of the special symbol variation display. The random number circuit 60 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The random number circuit 60 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on the display result of the special symbol variation display. The random number circuit 60 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The random number circuit 60 is configured to select a numeric data update range selection setting function (initial value selection setting function and upper limit selection selection function), numeric data update rule selection setting function, and numeric data update rule selection. It has various functions such as a switching function. With such a function, the randomness of the generated random numbers can be improved.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 156 has a function of setting an initial value of numerical data updated by the random number circuit 60. For example, a predetermined calculation is performed using an ID number of the game control microcomputer 156 stored in a predetermined storage area such as the ROM 54 (an ID number assigned with a different value for each product of the game control microcomputer 156). The numerical data obtained by the setting is set as the initial value of the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 60. By performing such processing, the randomness of the random number generated by the random number circuit 60 can be further improved.

  The game control microcomputer 156 reads the numerical data as random R from the random number circuit 60 when a start winning to the first start port switch 14a or the second start port switch 14b occurs, and starts to change the special symbol and the effect symbol Sometimes it is determined whether or not to make a jackpot display result as a specific display result based on the random R, that is, whether or not to make a jackpot display result. Then, when it is determined to be a big hit, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 156 is used for inputting / outputting (transmitting / receiving) signals to / from the payout control board 37 (the payout control microcomputer) and the effect control board 80 (the effect control microcomputer) by serial communication. A serial communication circuit 61 is incorporated. The payout control microcomputer and the effect control microcomputer also have a serial communication circuit (not shown) for inputting / outputting signals with the game control microcomputer 156 through serial communication.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (such as the value of the special symbol process flag and the pending storage number counter) and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls (specifically, prize balls described later) The value of the command output counter) is stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  A reset signal from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 156. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 156 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 156 and the like become operable, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 156 and the like become inoperative. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 156 or the like is output during a period in which the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer in which the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 156 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). Instead of mounting the power monitoring circuit on the power supply board, it may be mounted on a board that is backed up by a backup power supply (for example, the main board 31). Further, a clear signal indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156.

  Also, an input driver circuit that provides the basic circuit with detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 14a, the second start port switch 14b, the third start port switch 14c, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 30a and 30b. 58 is also mounted on the main board 31, and a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15, a solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball apparatus 20, and an output circuit 59 driven in accordance with a command from the basic circuit are also mounted on the main board 31. An information output signal such as a system reset circuit (not shown) for resetting the game control microcomputer 156 when the power is turned on and a jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state are sent to the hall via the terminal board 91. An information output circuit 64 for outputting to an external device such as a computer is also provided on the main board 31. It has been mounting.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 156 via the relay board 77. The control command is received, and display control is performed with the effect display device 9 that variably displays the effect symbol.

  The effect control board 80 is equipped with an effect control microcomputer (not shown) including an effect control CPU 120 and a RAM (not shown). The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 120 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal (effect) from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77. In response to the control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver and the input port. Further, the effect control CPU 120 causes the VDP (video display processor) to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  The effect control CPU 120 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM is for storing character image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including effect symbols) in advance. The effect control CPU 120 outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP. The VDP performs display control based on data input from the CPU 120 for effect control.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver on the effect control board 80. The input driver allows the signal input from the relay board 77 to pass only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a means.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). A unidirectional circuit (not shown) is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. Furthermore, since the production control command and the production control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the I / O port unit which is a unidirectional circuit, the signal going from the relay board 77 to the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. . That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 156 side).

  Furthermore, the effect control CPU 120 outputs signals for driving various LEDs to the lamp driver board 35 via an output port (not shown). Also, the sound number data is output to the voice control board 70 via the output port.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver via an input driver (not shown). The LED driver supplies a drive signal to each LED provided on the frame side such as the top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, and the right frame LED 28c. Further, a drive signal is supplied to the decoration LED 25a provided on the game board side. When a light emitter other than the LED is provided, a drive circuit (driver) for driving the light emitter is mounted on the lamp driver substrate 35.

  In the voice control board 70, the sound number data is input to a voice synthesis IC (not shown) via an input driver (not shown). The voice synthesizing IC generates voice and sound effects corresponding to the sound number data and outputs them to an amplifier circuit (not shown). The amplifier circuit outputs to the speaker 27 an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the voice synthesis IC to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume. Control data corresponding to sound number data is stored in a sound data ROM (not shown). The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data showing the output form of the sound effect or sound in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, the changing period of the effect design).

  In this embodiment, in order to notify the effect control CPU 120 of the change pattern indicating the change mode such as the change time of the special symbol, the type of reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc. Although the variation pattern designation command is transmitted, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control CPU 120 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notification by two commands, the CPU 56 uses the first command to indicate whether or not there is a pseudo-continuity, whether or not there is a slip effect, etc. before reaching reach (if not reaching, before so-called second stop. ) Command indicating the fluctuation time and fluctuation mode, and the second command has reached reach, such as the type of reach and presence / absence of re-lottery effect (if not reach, after so-called second stop) It is also possible to transmit a command indicating the fluctuation time or fluctuation mode. In this case, the effect control CPU 120 may perform effect control in variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of two commands.

  The CPU 56 may notify the change time by each of the two commands, and the effect control CPU 120 may select a specific change mode to be executed at each timing. When two commands are sent, the two commands may be transmitted within the same timer interrupt. After the first command is transmitted, a predetermined period elapses (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate. Thus, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern designation command can be reduced.

  Next, based on FIGS. 4-12, the detailed structure of the distribution apparatus 300 is demonstrated. 3A is a perspective view showing a state in which the sorting apparatus is viewed from an oblique front, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a six-sided view showing the sorting apparatus. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the sorting apparatus is viewed from an oblique front. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the sorting apparatus is viewed obliquely from behind. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 4, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB, and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC. 8A is an EE cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, FIG. 8B is an FF cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, and FIG. 8C is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow-down mode when a game ball is guided to the first start winning opening, FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 9A, and FIG. FIG. 10A is a view showing an example of a flow-down mode when a game ball is guided to the first start winning opening, FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 10A, and FIG. It is DD sectional drawing of). FIGS. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing operation modes of the ball receiving unit and the interlocking mechanism when the game ball is guided to the first path. FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing operation modes of the ball receiving unit and the interlocking mechanism when the game ball is guided to the first path. In the following description, the distribution device 300 is shown in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-back direction with reference to the case where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the distribution device 300 is a plate shape that is attached to the game board surface 6 a that is the front surface of the game board 6 with screws (not shown) at a position below the stage decoration frame 11 in the game area 7. Base member 301, a cover member 302 that is disposed to face the front side of the base member 301 and is attached to the base member 301 by screws (not shown), and a distribution that is rotatably attached to the base member 301. The member 304 is attached to the back side of the base member 301 so as to be swingable around the lower end, and is attached to the back side of the interlocking member 305 and the interlocking member 305 that swings in conjunction with the rotation of the sorting member 304. A back cover 306 that pivotally supports the interlocking member 305 is mainly configured.

  In a state where the base member 301 is attached to the game board surface 6a, a game area 7 in which the front surface of the base member 301 and the cover member 302 are formed on the front surface of the game board surface 6a and the transparent window 102a (see FIG. 9) of the glass door frame 102. The game balls flowing down the game area 7 can flow in from an inflow port 330 formed at the upper part of the base member 301 and the cover member 302.

  An outlet 332L through which game balls can flow out is formed at the lower position on the left side of the cover member 302 in the sorting apparatus 300, and an outlet 332R through which game balls can flow out is formed at the lower position on the right side. In addition, a downstream outlet 333 through which game balls can flow out is formed at the center of the lower surface.

  The base member 301 is formed of a synthetic resin material symmetrically and is formed between the left and right side walls 321L and 321R protruding from the front left and right upper portions of the plate-like portion, and the distribution member 304 between the left and right side walls 321L and 321R. Is mainly composed of a branch wall 322 projecting at a lower position of the ball, and ball receiving bottom portions 323L and 323R that project from the left and right lower positions of the branch wall 322 and receive a game ball to flow down. Further, the ball receiving bottom portions 323L and 323R are formed in a substantially half-divided shape so as to be continuous with the connecting portions 316L and 316R, and the game ball flowing down to the ball receiving bottom portions 323L and 323R is the first start winning opening. 13a or the second start winning opening 13b.

  The front and rear widths of the side walls 321L and 321R, the branch wall 322, and the ball receiving bottom portions 323L and 323R are formed slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the game ball is interposed between the back surface of the cover member 302 and the front surface of the base member 301. The side walls 321L and 321R, the branch wall 322, the ball receiving bottoms 323L and 323R, and the cover member 302 are made of a synthetic resin material having translucency. The formed game ball flowing between the base member 301 and the base member 301 can be seen through from the outside.

  A concave portion 310 having a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front is formed at the upper center position of the front surface of the base member 301, and the rear portion of the sorting member 304 is accommodated in the concave portion 310. A bearing 311 is formed on the front surface of the back plate 310a of the recess 310, and a communication port 312 penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed at an upper position thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, the upper end sides of the side walls 321L and 321R are arranged with a gap through which a game ball can pass, and are defined by the see-through plate 320, the base member 301, and the upper end sides of the side walls 321L and 321R. An inflow port 330 having a rectangular shape in plan view is formed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the passage wall surface 321a, which is the inner surface of the side walls 321L and 321R, is formed in a substantially C shape in front view.

  The branch wall 322 is disposed at an upper position between the left and right ball receiving bottoms 323L and 323R so that both left and right ends are located immediately above the inner end of the left and right ball receiving bottoms 323L and 323R. Inclined surfaces 340L and 340R that are inclined downward from the center position to the left and right sides are formed. The inclined surfaces 340L and 340R function as guiding surfaces that distribute the game balls flowing in from the inflow port 330 to the left and right, and the rear portion also functions as a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation range of the sorting member 304 described later. Function.

  On the lower left and right sides of the recess 310 in the base member 301, there are formed a first start winning opening 13a and a second starting winning opening 13b having a size that allows a game ball to pass therethrough.

  The ball receiving bottom portions 323L and 323R are formed by a bottom plate 323a and a front plate 323b which are arranged along the lower opening sides of the first start winning port 13a and the second starting winning port 13b and are formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and open upward. It is formed in a bowl shape that opens upward, and is provided horizontally in the front-rear direction so as to protrude to the front side of the base member 301. Further, the connecting portions 316L and 316R are provided horizontally in the front-rear direction so as to protrude from the first start winning port 13a and the second starting winning port 13b on the back surface of the base member 301.

  At the central position in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the bottom plate 323a, the baseball is passed through the first start winning opening 13a and the second starting winning opening 13b formed in the base member 301 on the back side with the game ball flowing down from above. A guide rail 336 that guides to the back side of the member 301 is provided upright. The guide rail 336 is made of a plate-like member and extends in a direction orthogonal to the base member 301. The upper end surface of the guide rail 336 is a guide unit for rolling and guiding the game ball, and an inclined guide unit for changing the flow direction of the game ball falling from above toward the back side at the front part thereof. 336a is formed. The inclined guide portion 336a is a linear rail having a larger inclination angle than the guide rail 336 extending from the rear portion thereof, and changes the flow direction of the game ball to the back side by about 90 degrees.

  From the diameter of the game ball between the outer end of the ball receiving base 323L, 323R and the left and right side walls 321L, 321R and between the inner end of the ball receiving base 323L, 323R and the left and right end of the branch wall 322, respectively. A slightly large gap is formed. A gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball is also formed between the ball receiving bottom portions 323L and 323R.

  Thus, the outflow port 332L is formed by the gap between the first start winning port 13a and the side wall 321L, and the outflow port 332R is formed by the gap between the second start winning port 13b and the side wall 321R. Further, a downstream outlet 333 is formed by a gap formed between the ball receiving bottom portions 323L and 323R. A communication port 335A communicating with the downstream outlet 333 is formed by a gap between the inner end of the ball receiving bottom 323L and the left end of the branch wall 322, and the inner end of the ball receiving bottom 323R and the branch wall 322 are formed. A communication port 335 </ b> B communicating with the downstream outlet 333 is formed by the gap between the right end portion.

  The cover member 302 includes a see-through plate 320 formed in a substantially convex shape in front view, a bearing portion 313 formed at a substantially center position on the back surface of the see-through plate 320, and a lower surface of the branch wall 322 protruding from a lower position of the bearing portion 313. And a protruding wall 314 disposed on the side.

  The distribution member 304 includes a rotating plate portion 370 having a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from the front, and a ball receiving portion 371 that receives a game ball. The rotation plate portion 370 and the ball receiving portion 371 are formed with insertion holes 373 through which the rotation shaft 372 is inserted in the front-rear direction. When the rotation shaft 372 is inserted through the insertion hole 373, the front and rear end portions protrude to the outside, the front end is pivotally supported by a bearing portion 313 formed on the back surface of the see-through plate 320, and the rear end is the base member 301. It is pivotally supported by the bearing portion 311. Accordingly, the distribution member 304 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 372 whose front and rear ends are pivotally supported by the base member 301 and the cover member 302.

  The ball receiving portion 371 has a substantially inverted T shape in front view from a ball receiving piece 371 a extending upward from the rotation shaft 372 and ball receiving pieces 371 b and 371 c extending in the left-right direction from a lower position of the rotation shaft 372. The ball receiving portions for receiving the game balls are formed between the ball receiving pieces 371a and 371b and between the ball receiving pieces 371a and 371c, respectively. Further, the ball receiving piece 371b can come into contact with the inclined surface 340L, and the ball receiving piece 371c can come into contact with the inclined surface 340R. That is, in the ball receiving portion 371, the ball receiving piece 371c is in contact with the inclined surface 340R, the ball receiving piece 371a is inclined to the right side, and the ball receiving piece 371a and the ball receiving piece 371b are arranged in a substantially V shape in front view. In one mode (see FIG. 9A), the ball receiving piece 371b contacts the inclined surface 340L, the ball receiving piece 371a is inclined to the left side, and the ball receiving piece 371a and the ball receiving piece 371c are substantially V-shaped in front view. Between the 2nd aspect (refer FIG. 8 (A)) arrange | positioned, it is provided so that reciprocating rotation is possible.

  A columnar connecting shaft 307 that is connected to the interlocking member 305 protrudes at a position corresponding to the ball receiving piece 371 a in the upper back of the rotating plate portion 370. The connecting shaft 307 passes through the communication port 312, protrudes to the back side of the base member 301, and is connected to the interlocking member 305. In this embodiment, when the distribution member 304 is in the first mode, the connecting shaft 307 is in contact with or close to the left end edge of the communication port 312, and when the distribution member 304 is in the second mode, the connection shaft 307 is It contacts or is close to the right end edge of the communication port 312.

  The distribution member 304 may be restricted from rotation by the connecting shaft 307 and the opening edge of the communication port 312 or may be restricted by contact between the ball receiving pieces 371b and 371c and the inclined surfaces 340L and 340R. May be.

  The interlocking member 305 is constituted by a plate member having a vertically long band shape in front view in which a bifurcated interlocking side connecting portion 380 is formed at an upper end portion and a bearing hole 381 is formed at a lower end portion. The interlocking side connecting portion 380 includes a columnar left connecting portion 380a, a right connecting portion 380b spaced from the left connecting portion 380a, and a connecting shaft formed between the left connecting portion 380a and the right connecting portion 380b. 307 and an insertion portion 380c. The left connecting portion 380a and the right connecting portion 380b are spaced in parallel with each other with a gap wider than the outer diameter of the connecting shaft 307.

  That is, the connecting shaft 307 is inserted with play in the left and right sides into an insertion portion 380c formed between the left connecting portion 380a and the right connecting portion 380b, and selectively connected to either the left connecting portion 380a or the right connecting portion 380b. To be connected to.

  As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the bearing hole 381 formed at the lower end of the interlocking member 305 is formed as a long hole slightly longer in the vertical direction than the perfect circle. An interlocking protrusion 382 having a reverse mountain shape when viewed from the front is provided on the upper portion of the surface so as to protrude toward the center position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the interlocking side protrusion 382 is connected to the left inclined surface 382a inclined downward from the left side to the right side in the front view, and is connected to the right end of the left inclined surface 382a and is upward from the left side to the right side in the front view. And a right-side inclined surface 382b which is inclined in the direction of the front, is formed in an inverted mountain shape when viewed from the front. And this interlocking side protrusion 382 is formed of a continuous curved surface and a flat surface in which a part of the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole 381 bulges gently inward, and there are no steps or sharp corners. .

  A cylindrical rocking shaft 391 (see FIG. 5) protruding from the front surface of the back cover 306 is inserted into the bearing hole 381 from the back side. Further, on the upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rocking shaft 391 (a position directly above the shaft center), a front-side mountain-shaped shaft-side protruding portion 392 protrudes upward. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the shaft-side protrusion 392 is connected to the left inclined surface 392a inclined upward from the left side to the right side in the front view and the lower side from the left side to the right side in the front view connected to the right end portion of the left inclined surface 392a. And a right inclined surface 392b which is inclined in a front view. The shaft-side protrusion 392 is formed of a continuous curved surface and a flat surface in which a part of the outer peripheral surface of the rocking shaft 391 gently bulges outward, and there are no steps or sharp corners. .

  As shown in FIG. 8C, the bearing hole 381 has a lateral width L3 that is substantially the same as the outer diameter L4 of the swing shaft 391 (L3≈L4), and the longitudinal width L1 is longer than the lateral width L3. (L1> L3). Further, the longitudinal width L1 is formed to be approximately the same size as the length obtained by adding the protrusion height L5 of the shaft side protrusion 392 and the protrusion height L2 of the interlocking protrusion 382 to the outer diameter L4 of the swing shaft 391. (L1≈L4 + L5 + L2).

  In the interlocking member 305 configured in this way, the upper interlocking side connecting portion 380 can swing in the left-right direction around the swinging shaft 391. Specifically, the interlocking member 305 corresponds to the first position (see FIG. 11A) corresponding to the first mode of the sorting member 304 and the second mode in conjunction with the rotation of the sorting member 304. It is provided so as to be able to reciprocate left and right between the second position (see FIG. 12B).

  The connecting shaft 307 is inserted with play in the insertion portion 380c between the left connecting portion 380a and the right connecting portion 380b constituting the interlocking side connecting portion 380, so that the left connecting portion 380a is at the first position. Is connected to the left side of the connecting shaft 307 (see FIG. 11A), and in the second position, the right connecting portion 380b is connected to the right side of the connecting shaft 307 (see FIG. 12B). ).

  Further, even when the connecting shaft 307 is at an arbitrary position in the communication port 312 (for example, when the connecting shaft 307 is directly above the rotation shaft 372), the interlocking side connecting portion 380 tilts to the left or right. The connecting shaft 307 contacts and connects only to either the left connecting portion 380a or the right connecting portion 380b.

  Further, when the interlocking side connecting portion 380 is tilted to the left or right, the interlocking side protrusion 382 is shifted to the left or right with respect to the shaft side protrusion 392, and the interlocking side protrusion 382 is located on the outer peripheral surface of the swing shaft 391. It contacts the left and right sides of the shaft side protrusion 392. In addition, when the interlocking side connecting portion 380 is in an upright posture that does not tilt to the left or right, the interlocking side protrusion 382 comes into contact with the shaft-side protrusion 392 at a position immediately above. In this case, the interlocking member 305 is pivotally supported at a position slightly raised above the swing shaft 391 compared to when the interlocking side connecting portion 380 is tilted to the left or right.

  That is, the interlocking member 305 swings in conjunction with the reciprocating rotation of the distributing member 304, so that the interlocking-side protrusion 382 is directed toward the shaft-side protrusion 392 while being in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the swinging shaft 391. Slide. Then, when the shaft side protrusion 392 is reached, it slides over the shaft side protrusion 392. Here, the interlocking member 305 rises with respect to the swinging shaft 391 when riding on the shaft-side protrusion 392, and descends with respect to the swinging shaft 391 when it gets over the shaft-side protruding portion 392.

  In this embodiment, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 has a protrusion length slightly larger than the shaft-side protrusion 392 (L2> L5), but the shaft-side protrusion 392 has an interlocking length of the protrusion. It may be slightly larger than the side protrusion 382 (L5> L2).

  In a state where the base member 301, the cover member 302, and the sorting member 304 configured as described above are assembled, the first guiding path for guiding the game ball to the first start winning opening 13a from the left side to the bottom of the sorting member 304 331L is formed, and a second guide path 331R for guiding the game ball to the second start winning opening 13b is formed from the right side to the bottom of the sorting member 304.

  In addition, the concave ball receiving portion formed between the ball receiving piece 371a and the ball receiving piece 371b and the ball receiving piece 371a and the ball receiving piece 371c receives the game balls one by one and distributes them to the left and right. Two or more game balls including them are not guided to the first guide route 331L or the second guide route 331R together. That is, the game ball is not guided continuously to the first guide route 331L or the second guide route 331R.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in the first mode, the tip of the ball receiving piece 371a is disposed immediately below the right side of the inflow port 330, and the tip of the ball receiving piece 371a and the passage between the right side wall 321R. The space between the wall surface 321a is smaller than the diameter of the game ball, so that the game ball flowing in from the inflow port 330 passes between the tip of the ball receiving piece 371a and the passage wall surface 321a of the right side wall 321R. Without being guided to the left ball receiving piece 371b side. 10A, in the second mode, the tip of the ball receiving piece 371a is disposed immediately below the left side of the inflow port 330, and the passage of the tip of the ball receiving piece 371a and the left side wall 321L. Since the space between the wall surface 321a is smaller than the diameter of the game ball, the game ball flowing in from the inflow port 330 passes between the tip of the ball receiving piece 371a and the passage wall surface 321a of the left side wall 321L. Without being guided to the right ball receiving piece 371c side.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, when a game ball flows in the first mode, it is guided by the ball receiving piece 371a toward the left ball receiving piece 371b. When the game ball reaches the ball receiving piece 371b, the ball receiving piece 371b is pressed downward by the game ball, and the sorting member 304 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the front. That is, the distribution member 304 is rotated by the weight of the game ball and the kinetic energy due to the drop being applied to the ball receiving piece 371b.

  Further, as the distribution member 304 rotates, the connecting shaft 307 moves from the right end of the communication port 312 toward the left end, so that the left connecting portion 380a in contact with the connecting shaft 307 is moved toward the left side. The That is, as the distribution member 304 rotates, the interlocking member 305 swings (interlocks) toward the left with the lower end as the center via the connecting shaft 307 and the left connecting portion 380a.

  Further, when the connecting shaft 307 reaches the approximate center position in the left-right direction of the communication port 312, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 starts to ride on the shaft-side protrusion 392, and the interlocking-side protrusion 382 rides on the shaft-side protrusion 392. Sometimes a predetermined resistance is generated. In the present embodiment, the interlocking protrusion 382 can get over the shaft protrusion 392 by the force with which the game ball presses the ball receiving piece 371b. In other words, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 cannot get over the shaft-side protrusion 392 with a force smaller than the pressing force with which the game ball presses the ball receiving piece 371b, and the swinging is prevented. And the connection shaft 307 moves to the left end of the communication port 312 because the distribution member 304 switches from the first mode to the second mode.

  Although not particularly shown, when a game ball flows in the second mode, the ball is guided by the ball receiving piece 371a toward the right ball receiving piece 371c. When the game ball reaches the ball receiving piece 371c, the ball receiving piece 371c is pushed downward by the weight of the game ball, and the sorting member 304 rotates clockwise in front view.

  At this time, the connecting shaft 307 moves from the left end of the communication port 312 toward the right end, so that the right connecting portion 380b in contact with the connecting shaft 307 is moved toward the right side. That is, as the distribution member 304 rotates, the interlocking member 305 swings (interlocks) toward the right side with the lower end as the center through the connecting shaft 307 and the left connecting portion 380a.

  Further, when the connecting shaft 307 reaches the approximate center position in the left-right direction of the communication port 312, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 starts to ride on the shaft-side protrusion 392, and the interlocking-side protrusion 382 rides on the shaft-side protrusion 392. Sometimes a predetermined resistance is generated. In the present embodiment, the interlocking protrusion 382 can get over the shaft protrusion 392 by the force with which the game ball presses the ball receiving piece 371b. In other words, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 cannot get over the shaft-side protrusion 392 with a force smaller than the pressing force with which the game ball presses the ball receiving piece 371b, and the swinging is prevented. And the connection shaft 307 moves to the right end of the communication port 312 because the distribution member 304 switches from a 2nd aspect to a 1st aspect.

  In addition, the guide path Y (refer FIG. 10 (B)) etc. which are provided in the back surface of the game board 6 etc. are connected to the rear end of the connection parts 316L and 316R. The guide path Y is provided with a first start port switch 14a and a second start port switch 14b.

  As described above, the interlocking-side protrusion 382, the shaft-side protrusion 392, and the interlocking member that give predetermined resistance when the connecting shaft 307 passes through the center position in the left-right direction of the communication port 312 from the right side to the left side or from the left side to the right side. 305 and the connecting shaft 307 are arranged such that when the distribution member 304 is in the first position or the second position, the distribution member 304 is less than the pressing force of the game ball by the distribution member 304 by the first guide path 331L. And a rotation blocking means for blocking the rotation to the third position (see FIG. 12C) corresponding to the third mode in which the game ball cannot be guided to any of the second guiding path 331R. ing.

  In the state where the base member 301 is attached to the game board surface 6a, the distribution device 300 configured as described above is arranged in the game area 7 where the base member 301 and the cover member 302 are formed on the front side of the game board surface 6a. The game balls flowing down the game area 7 can be introduced from an inflow port 330 formed in the upper part of the sorting apparatus 300 and opening upward. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the game ball that has flowed into the distribution device 300 from the inflow port 330 is guided to the first start winning opening 13a by the distribution member 304, or the first start path 331L or the second start. It is distributed to one of the second guiding paths 331R that guides to the winning opening 13b.

  That is, the guide path of the game ball is formed downward from the inflow port 330 and is branched into the left and right first guide paths 331L and the second guide path 331R in the sorting member 304, so that the front view is substantially reverse Y It is formed in a letter shape (see arrow in FIG. 8). As described above, the first guide path 331L is a path for guiding the game ball flowing in from the inflow port 330 to the first start winning opening 13a, and the second guide path 331R is the second start of game ball flowing in from the inflow port 330. This is a route that leads to the winning opening 13b, and is surrounded by the base member 301, the cover member 302, the left and right side walls 321L and 321R, and the ball receiving bottoms 323L and 323R, respectively. For example, in FIG. The distribution member 304 is extended from the left and right sides to the first start winning port 13a and the second starting winning port 13b below, and on the back side in front of the first start winning port 13a and the second start winning port 13b. It is bent.

  The first guiding path 331L and the second guiding path 331R are not limited to the cylindrical path in which the regions other than the outlets 332L and 332R and the communication ports 335A and 335B are all surrounded by the wall surface. If it is formed so that it can be guided, it may not be a cylindrical path surrounded by wall surfaces.

  Next, an example of the flow-down mode of the game ball and the operation mode of the interlocking member in the sorting apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the flow mode when the game ball is guided to the first guide path 331L and the operation mode of the interlocking member will be described based on FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the distribution member 304 is in the first mode, the game ball flows in from the inlet 330 and reaches the distribution member 304, and the ball reception piece 371a moves toward the left ball reception piece 371b. Be guided. When the game ball reaches the ball receiving piece 371b, the ball receiving piece 371b is pushed downward by the weight of the game ball and the kinetic energy due to dropping, and the sorting member 304 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, when the sorting member 304 is in the first mode, the connecting shaft 307 is located at the right end of the communication port 312 in a front view. Further, the interlocking member 305 is tilted to the right side, and the left connecting portion 380a is maintained in contact with and supported by the left side of the connecting shaft 307. Then, when the connecting shaft 307 moves from the right end to the left end of the communication port 312, the left connecting portion 380 a in contact with the connecting shaft 307 is moved toward the left side. That is, as the distribution member 304 rotates, the interlocking member 305 swings (interlocks) toward the left with the lower end as the center via the connecting shaft 307 and the left connecting portion 380a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the sorting member 304 is in the first mode, the interlocking member 305 is in contact with the interlocking side protrusion 382 on the right side of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft side protrusion 392. Is in a state. That is, since the interlocking member 305 is supported by the swinging shaft 391 via the interlocking protrusion 382, there is a gap between the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the swinging shaft 391 and the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole 381. Has occurred. When the interlocking member 305 swings to the left with the lower end as the center, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 moves (slids) toward the left in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-side protrusion 392. .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, the interlocking side protrusion 382 is an inclined lower portion of the right inclined surface 392 b of the shaft side protrusion 392 before the connecting shaft 307 reaches the center position in the left-right direction of the communication port 312. As a result, the left inclined surface 382a of the interlocking protrusion 382 and a part of the right inclined surface 392b of the shaft protrusion 392 come into contact with each other. As the connecting shaft 307 further moves to the left side, the interlocking side protrusion 382 slides along the right inclined surface 392b. Here, when the left inclined surface 382a and the right inclined surface 392b are in contact with each other, a predetermined resistance is generated in the swing of the interlocking member 305, and the interlocking-side protrusion 382 slides along the right inclined surface 392b. Thus, a resistance is generated by a load that causes the interlocking-side protrusion 382 to ride on the shaft-side protrusion 392 to slightly raise the interlocking member 305.

  However, since the pressing force by which the game ball presses the ball receiving piece 371a and rotates the sorting member 304 is larger than the resistance generated when the interlocking side protrusion 382 rides on the shaft side protrusion 392, The interlocking side protrusion 382 rides on the shaft side protrusion 392.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the connecting shaft 307 reaches a substantially central position in the left-right direction of the communication port 312, that is, a position directly above the rotating shaft 372, the sorting member 304 is moved to the first guide. This is a third mode in which game balls cannot be distributed (guided) to either the path 331L or the second guide path 331R. Here, in the interlocking member 305, since the left connecting portion 380a is pressed by the connecting shaft 307 and a predetermined gap is generated between the connecting shaft 307 and the right connecting portion 380b, the right connecting portion 380b is The third position is slightly shifted to the right side from directly above the swing shaft 391.

  As described above, the interlocking member 305 is tilted with the center of gravity slightly shifted to the right, so that the top of the interlocking protrusion 382 is slightly shifted to the right with respect to the top of the shaft protrusion 392 and is positioned on the right inclined surface 392b. Therefore, the top of the interlocking side protrusion 382 reverses on the right inclined surface 392b and descends, and the center of gravity of the interlocking member 305 is applied to the right side, so that the distribution member 304 is in the third mode. The distribution member 304 is hardly maintained in the third mode. Therefore, it is prevented that the game balls that have flowed in are not distributed to any of the first guide path 331L and the second guide path 331R, and a ball clogging occurs. Here, since the pushing force of the game ball is larger than the force with which the interlocking member 305 presses the connecting shaft 307 toward the right side, the interlocking member 305 moves to the left side. When the sorting member 304 is further rotated by the pressing force of the game ball, the sorting member 304 is switched from the first mode to the second mode through the third mode (see FIG. 10A).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12A, the interlocking side protrusion 382 descends on the left inclined surface 392a after getting over the top of the axis side protrusion 392 in accordance with the movement of the connecting shaft 307. The interlocking member 305 descends while swinging. And when the distribution member 304 switches to the 2nd mode, the interlocking side protrusion 382 is located in the inclined lower part of the left inclined surface 392a.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, when the sorting member 304 is switched to the second mode and the connecting shaft 307 is positioned at the left end of the communication port 312, there is a gap between the connecting shaft 307 and the right connecting portion 380b. Thus, the interlocking member 305 tilts further to the left due to its own weight. As a result, the connecting shaft 307 contacts and is connected to the right connecting portion 380b. Further, by the movement of the gap, the interlocking side protrusion 382 slides on the outer peripheral surface of the swing shaft 391 and comes into contact with the left side position of the shaft side protrusion 392.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, the game balls that are distributed (guided) to the first guide path 331L by the distribution member 304 and flow downward are inclined guides at the upper part of the guide rail 336. By falling to the part 336a and being guided by rolling by the guide rail 336 including the inclined guide part 336a, the direction is smoothly changed toward the back side while flowing down. Then, after rolling on the guide rail 336 and passing through the first start winning opening 13a, passing through the ball receiving bottom portion 323L and being guided to the back side of the game board 6, it is provided on the back side of the game board 6. It flows into the guide path Y and is detected by the first start port switch 14a.

  The game balls distributed to the first guide path 331L in this manner flow down, and then are changed in direction by about 90 degrees toward the back side in the inclined guide portion 336a, and roll on the guide rail 336 to play the game board surface. It is guided to the first start winning opening 13a formed in the base member 301 attached to 6a.

  In addition, since the outlet 332L and the communication port 335A are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the inclined guide portion 336a constituting the direction changing portion in the first guide path 331L, the outlet 332L is distributed to the first guide path 331L and flows downward. When the game ball reaches the guide rail 336 and is changed in direction toward the back side by the inclined guide portion 336a, the center of the game ball is shifted to the left or right with respect to the guide rail 336. , It may flow out of the first guiding path 331L from the outflow port 332L or the communication port 335A (see the dotted line arrow in FIG. 10A). The game ball that has flowed out of the communication port 335A falls from the downstream outlet 333.

  As described above, the game balls distributed to the first guide path 331L are not necessarily guided to the first start winning opening 13a, and depending on the flow-down mode of the game balls, the downstream exit from the outlet 332L or the communication port 335A. It may flow out to the outside through 333.

  That is, the communication port 335A that communicates with the outflow port 332L and the downstream outlet 333 changes the flow direction of the game ball that has flowed downward toward the back side where the first start winning port 13a is formed. Since it is formed in the vicinity of the inclined guide portion 336a, for example, as described above, the center position of the game ball is changed by the impact when it flows down or falls on the guide rail 336. When shifting to the left and right sides with respect to the center position of the guide rail 336 at the time of conversion, it easily flows out from the communication port 335A communicating with the outflow port 332L or the downstream outlet 333.

  Next, the flow mode when the game ball is guided to the second guide path 331R and the operation mode of the interlocking member will be described, but the flow mode when the game ball is guided to the first guide path 331L and the link member Since this is the reverse of the operation mode, the illustration is omitted.

  When the distribution member 304 is in the second mode (see FIG. 10A), a game ball flows in from the inflow port 330 and reaches the distribution member 304. The ball reception piece 371a causes the right ball reception piece 371c to enter. Be directed towards. When the game ball reaches the ball receiving piece 371c, the ball receiving piece 371c is pushed downward by the weight of the game ball and the kinetic energy due to the fall, and the sorting member 304 rotates in the clockwise direction in front view.

  When the distribution member 304 is in the second mode, the connecting shaft 307 is located at the left end of the communication port 312 in front view. Further, the interlocking member 305 is tilted to the left side, and the right connecting portion 380b is maintained in a state of being in contact with and supported by the right side of the connecting shaft 307. Then, when the connecting shaft 307 moves from the left end to the right end of the communication port 312, the right connecting portion 380 b in contact with the connecting shaft 307 is moved toward the right side. That is, as the distribution member 304 rotates, the interlocking member 305 swings (interlocks) toward the right with the lower end as the center through the connecting shaft 307 and the right connecting portion 380b.

  When the distribution member 304 is in the second mode, the interlocking member 305 is in a state where the interlocking-side protrusion 382 is in contact with the left side position of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-side protrusion 392 (see FIG. 12B). ). That is, since the interlocking member 305 is supported by the shaft-side protrusion 392 via the interlocking-side protrusion 382, there is a gap between the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the swing shaft 391 and the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole 381. Has occurred. When the interlocking member 305 swings toward the right side with the lower end as the center, the interlocking side protrusion 382 moves (slids) toward the right side in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft side protrusion 392. .

  Next, when the interlocking-side protrusion 382 reaches the inclined lower portion of the left inclined surface 392a of the shaft-side protrusion 392 just before the connecting shaft 307 reaches the center position in the left-right direction of the communication port 312, the interlocking-side protrusion 382. Part of the right inclined surface 382b and the left inclined surface 392a of the shaft-side protrusion 392 abut each other (see FIG. 12A). As the connecting shaft 307 moves further to the right, the interlocking protrusion 382 slides along the left inclined surface 392a. Here, when a part of the right inclined surface 382b and the left inclined surface 392a contact each other, a predetermined resistance is generated in the swing of the interlocking member 305, and the interlocking protrusion 382 slides along the left inclined surface 392a. Thus, a resistance is generated by a load that causes the interlocking-side protrusion 382 to ride on the shaft-side protrusion 392 to slightly raise the interlocking member 305.

  However, since the pressing force by which the game ball presses the ball receiving piece 371a and rotates the sorting member 304 is larger than the resistance generated when the interlocking side protrusion 382 rides on the shaft side protrusion 392, The interlocking side protrusion 382 rides on the shaft side protrusion 392.

  Then, when the connecting shaft 307 reaches a substantially central position in the left-right direction of the communication port 312, that is, a position directly above the rotation shaft 372, the sorting member 304 is either the first guiding path 331 </ b> L or the second guiding path 331 </ b> R. In this case, the game ball cannot be distributed (guided). Here, in the interlocking member 305, the right connecting portion 380b is pressed by the connecting shaft 307, and a predetermined gap is generated between the connecting shaft 307 and the left connecting portion 380a. It is in a third position slightly shifted to the left from directly above the swing shaft 391 (a state where FIG. 11C is reversed left and right).

  As described above, the interlocking member 305 is tilted with the center of gravity slightly shifted to the left side, so that the top of the interlocking protrusion 382 is slightly shifted to the left with respect to the top of the shaft-side protrusion 392 and is positioned on the left inclined surface 392a. Therefore, the top of the interlocking protrusion 382 tries to go back and descend on the left inclined surface 392a, and the center of gravity of the interlocking member 305 is applied to the left side, so that even when the distribution member 304 is in the third mode. The distribution member 304 is hardly maintained in the third mode. Therefore, it is prevented that the game balls that have flowed in are not distributed to any of the first guide path 331L and the second guide path 331R, and a ball clogging occurs. Here, since the pushing force of the game ball is larger than the force with which the interlocking member 305 presses the connecting shaft 307 toward the left side, the interlocking member 305 moves to the right side. When the sorting member 304 is further rotated by the pressing force of the game ball, the sorting member 304 is switched from the second mode to the first mode through the third mode (see FIG. 9A).

  Further, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 moves over the top of the shaft-side protrusion 392 in accordance with the movement of the connecting shaft 307 and then descends on the left inclined surface 392a, so that the interlocking member 305 descends while swinging. (See FIG. 11B). Finally, when the connecting shaft 307 is positioned at the right end of the communication port 312, the interlocking member 305 is in a state where the interlocking side protrusion 382 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface right side position of the shaft side protrusion 392 (FIG. 11 ( A)).

  The game balls that are distributed (guided) by the distribution member 304 to the second guide path 331R and fall downward fall on the tilt guide part 336a at the upper tilt part of the guide rail 336, and include the tilt guide part 336a. By being guided by rolling by the guide rail 336, the direction is smoothly changed toward the back side while flowing down. Then, after rolling on the guide rail 336 and passing through the second start winning opening 13b, passing through the ball receiving base 323R and being guided to the back side of the game board 6, it is provided on the back side of the game board 6. It flows into the guide path Y and is detected by the second start port switch 14b.

  The game balls distributed to the second guide path 331R in this manner flow downward, and are then changed in direction by about 90 degrees toward the back side in the inclined guide portion 336a, and roll on the guide rail 336 to play the game board surface. It is guided to a second start winning opening 13b formed in a base member 301 attached to 6a.

  In addition, since the outflow port 332R and the communication port 335B are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the inclined guide portion 336a constituting the direction changing portion in the second guide path 331R, the flow is distributed downward to the second guide path 331R. When the game ball reaches the guide rail 336 and is changed in direction toward the back side by the inclined guide portion 336a, the center of the game ball is shifted to the left or right with respect to the guide rail 336. , It may flow out of the second guide path 331R from the outflow port 332R or the communication port 335B. The game ball that has flowed out of the communication port 335B falls from the downstream outlet 333.

  As described above, the game balls distributed to the second guide route 331R are not necessarily guided to the second start winning opening 13b, and depending on the flow-down mode of the game balls, the downstream exit from the outlet 332R or the communication port 335B. It may flow out to the outside through 333.

  That is, the communication port 335B communicating with the outflow port 332R and the downstream outlet 333 changes the flow direction of the game ball flowing down toward the back side where the second start winning port 13b is formed. Since it is formed in the vicinity of the inclined guide portion 336a, for example, as described above, the center position of the game ball is changed by the impact when it flows down or falls on the guide rail 336. When shifting to the left and right sides with respect to the center position of the guide rail 336 during conversion, the air easily flows out from the communication port 335 </ b> B communicating with the outflow port 332 </ b> R or the downstream outlet 333.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sorting device 300 is linked to the rotation of the sorting member 304 in the first position corresponding to the first mode. And the second position corresponding to the second mode, when the interlocking member 305 provided so as to be able to swing back and forth is in the first position or the second position, the interlocking member 305 is pressed by the game ball. The distribution member 304 is prevented from rotating to the third position corresponding to the third mode in which the game ball cannot be guided to either the first guide path 331L or the second guide path 331R by a smaller force. An interlocking side protrusion 382, a shaft side protrusion 392, an interlocking member 305, and a connecting shaft 307 are provided as rotation preventing means.

  In the sorting apparatus 300 configured as described above, when the sorting member 304 is in the first mode or the second mode, the game ball flowing in from the inflow port 330 presses the sorting member 304, thereby the sorting member 304. Since 304 rotates, the game ball is guided to the first guide path 331L or the second guide path 331R. In addition, the interlocking member 305 that swings in conjunction with the distributing member 304 has a pressing force (game) that the game ball presses the distributing member 304 when the game ball is in the first position or the second position. The rotation to the third position by the force smaller than the weight of the sphere and the kinetic energy due to the fall) (preventing the interlocking-side protrusion 382 from climbing on the shaft-side protrusion 392) is prevented. When rotation of the member 304 is restricted in the first mode or the second mode, specifically, an impact when the ball receiving pieces 371b and 371c come into contact with the inclined surfaces 340L and 340R or an external force is applied to the pachinko gaming machine 1. The interlocking member 305 is moved to the third position by a force smaller than the pressing force of the game ball, such as vibration generated when the game ball flowing down the game area 7 collides with the side walls 321L, 321R, etc. of the sorting device 300. The distribution member 304 is maintained in the third mode and the game medium is also transferred to the first guide path 331L. It is possible to prevent the game ball from being clogged in the vicinity of the inflow port 330 without being guided to the second guide path 331R.

  In addition, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 and the shaft-side protrusion 392 that constitute a part of the rotation preventing means are formed on the interlocking member 305 and the swinging shaft 391 instead of the distribution member 304. That is, since it is formed on the back side of the base member 301 that is outside the guide path through which the game ball flows down, each member or the like that constitutes such a rotation prevention means may interfere with the flow of the game ball. Absent.

  In this embodiment, the interlocking protrusion 382 and the axial protrusion 392 that constitute a part of the rotation preventing means are not the distributing member 304 but the interlocking member 305 and the swinging member that are connected to the distributing member 304. Although formed on the shaft 391, it may be formed on the distributing member 304 and the base member 301, for example.

  In addition, the swinging shaft 391 that pivotally supports the interlocking member 305 and a bearing hole 381 that is formed in the interlocking member 305 and into which the swinging shaft 391 is inserted. A left inclined surface 392a of a shaft side protrusion 392 as a first contact portion formed on the shaft 391, a right inclined surface 392b of the shaft side protrusion 392 as a second contact portion, and a bearing hole 381 formed with an interlocking member 305 The interlocking protrusion 382 is tilted to the left as the first contacted portion that rotates from the first position (see FIG. 11A) and contacts the left inclined surface 392a before reaching the third position (see FIG. 12C). The slope 382a and the interlocking member 305 are rotated from the second position (see FIG. 12B) and tilted to the right of the interlocking protrusion 382 as the second contacted part that contacts the right inclined surface 392b before reaching the third position. By being composed of slope 382b By bringing the left inclined surface 392a or the right inclined surface 392b into contact with the left inclined surface 382a or the right inclined surface 382b until the interlocking member 305 reaches the third position from the first position or the second position, a force smaller than the pressing force of the game ball Therefore, it is possible to prevent the interlocking member 305 from swinging, so that the distribution member 304 can be prevented from being maintained in the third mode with a simple configuration.

  Further, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 and the shaft-side protrusion 392 are each formed by an inclined surface, so that not only a predetermined resistance is given to the swing of the interlocking member 305 but also the interlocking-side protrusion 382 If it does not get to the top of the shaft side protrusion 392, a force to return to the opposite side works, so that even when the interlocking member 305 reaches the third position, it is difficult to maintain the third position.

  In this embodiment, the interlocking-side protrusion 382 and the shaft-side protrusion 392 are applied as an example of the rotation prevention means, but the interlocking member 305 is moved to the third position with a force smaller than the pressing force of the game ball. As long as it is possible to prevent the rocking from moving up to, for example, it may be constituted by a concave portion and a convex portion, and the peripheral surface of the interlocking side protrusion 382 or the shaft side protrusion 392 is not an inclined surface, You may form by the standing surface etc. which stand up with respect to a surrounding surface.

  In addition, without providing such protrusions and uneven portions, for example, as long as it can prevent swinging with a force smaller than the pressing force of the game ball by applying a predetermined frictional resistance force, A friction surface may be formed on a part of the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole 381 and the outer peripheral surface of the swing shaft 391 so that resistance can be applied.

  Further, a locked portion is formed on one of the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole 381 and the outer peripheral surface of the swing shaft 391, and an elastic locking portion or the like that can be elastically engaged with and disengaged from the locked portion on the other side. In this case, the elastic locking part is locked to the locked part with a force smaller than the pressing force of the game ball, and the locked part cannot be exceeded. The elastic locking portion may be elastically deformed by the pressing force of the game ball so as to exceed the locked portion.

  Further, the interlocking member 305 is provided so as to be rotatable about the swinging shaft 391, and is positioned substantially immediately above the swinging shaft 391 when the sorting member 304 is in the third mode, and the first mode or the second mode. In this aspect, the coupling member 380 is located on the side of the swing shaft 391, and the distribution member 304 is a coupling member that is a guide-side coupling unit that is coupled to the coupling-side coupling unit 380 so as to be interlocked. The interlocking side connecting portion 380 has a shaft 307, and the interlocking side connecting portion 380 is connected to the left connecting portion 380a which is a first interlocking side connecting portion connected on one side in the rotational direction of the interlocking side connecting portion 380 and the second side connected to the other side. When the one of the left connecting portion 380a and the right connecting portion 380b is connected to the connecting shaft 307, the predetermined gap is provided between the other connecting shaft 307 and the right connecting portion 380b. Connected by being formed 307 and the interlocking side connecting portion 380 are connected to each other with a predetermined gap (play). Therefore, when the interlocking side connecting portion 380 is positioned substantially immediately above the swing shaft 391, that is, the distribution member 304 is third. Even when the mode is the mode, the interlocking member 305 is tilted to the left or right by a predetermined gap, so that the sorting member 304 is biased to be in the first mode or the second mode. It becomes difficult to maintain.

  In this embodiment, the interlocking side connecting portion 380 is constituted by the columnar left connecting portion 380a and the right connecting portion 380b which are separated from each other, but is configured so as to be able to selectively contact the connecting shaft 307. For example, you may be comprised by the connection hole larger than the outer diameter of the connection shaft 307, etc. In this case, the inner peripheral surface left and right sides of the connection hole constitute the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, a sorting apparatus 300 as a modification will be described. 13A is a cross-sectional view showing a sorting apparatus as a modification, FIG. 13B is a JJ cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A, and FIG. 13C is a KK cross-sectional view of FIG.

  In the distribution device 300 of this modification, the base member 301 as the base portion is above the inclined guide portions 336a of the ball receiving bottom portions 323L and 323R which are direction changing portions in the first guide path 331L and the second guide path 331R. A projecting plate 315 as a projecting portion for guiding the game ball to the cover member 302 side as a cover portion is provided at a position, and the cover member 302 is a game ball guided by the projecting plate 315 at a position corresponding to the projecting plate 315. By having the guide groove 337 as a recess that receives and guides the flow down, the game ball guided to the first guide path 331L or the second guide path 331R protrudes as a protrusion at a position higher than the inclined guide part 336a. The flow speed is reduced by being guided toward the cover member 302 by the plate 315 and is guided by the guide groove 337. (Rectification effect with a), it is possible to easily induced to the first start winning port 13a or the second start winning opening 13b.

  Further, the game ball guided to the front side enters the guide groove 337, and when passing through the protruding plate 315, the front and rear sides are guided by the front and rear sides by the guide groove 337 and the front end surface 315a. Since the swing of the direction is restricted and it is easy to fall to the middle position of the guide rail 336 (see FIG. 13C), the game ball is moved to the right or left outlet 332L by the inclined guide part 336a which is the direction changing part. Since it becomes difficult to flow out from 332R and the downstream exit 333, it can be made easy to be guided to the first start winning opening 13a or the second starting winning opening 13b.

  In this embodiment, the game ball is guided down by the protruding plate 315 and the guide groove 337, so that the center of the game ball easily falls onto the guide rail 336. Therefore, the first guide is provided by the distribution member 304. The game balls distributed to the path 331L or the second guide path 331R are guided to the first start winning opening 13a or the second starting winning opening 13b (for example, with a probability of about 90% or more). The first start winning opening 13a or the second starting winning opening 13b).

  In addition, the inclination guide part 336a as a direction changing part is connected to the lower part of the guide groove 337, and changes the direction of the game ball received and guided downward toward the first start winning opening 13a or the second starting winning opening 13b. Since the inclined guide portion 336a is included, the game ball guided down by the guide groove 337 can be smoothly guided directly toward the first start winning opening 13a or the second starting winning opening 13b. It can be easily guided to the 2-start winning prize opening 13b.

  In particular, the presence of the inclined guide portion 336a reduces the impact when the game balls distributed to the first guide route 331L or the second guide route 331R fall on the guide rail 336, so that the game balls are less likely to jump. By jumping, it becomes difficult to flow out from the left and right outlets 332L, 332R and the downstream outlet 333.

  Further, the inclined guide part 336a is formed continuously from the guide groove 337, so that the game ball flowing down along the guide groove 337 can be smoothly detached from the guide groove 337 and changed in direction to the back side. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the protruding plate 315, the guide groove 337, the guide rail 336, and the inclined guide portion 336a are provided in both the first guide path 331L and the second guide path 331R, but the first guide path 331L. And at least one of the second guide paths 331R.

  Further, in this embodiment, the second guiding path for guiding the game ball that has flowed in from the inflow port 330 by the distribution member 304 to the first starting winning port 13a and the first guiding path 331L. 331R was configured to be distributed to any one of 331R, but provided with a plurality of three or more areas (such as a prize opening) and a plurality of guidance paths for guiding the game ball in each of these areas, and any one of the plurality of guidance paths It may be configured to be capable of being guided.

  Further, in this embodiment, the first start winning opening 13a and the second starting winning opening 13b are described as an example of the first area and the second area through which the game ball can pass. (For example, a big winning opening or a general winning opening) or a gate may be applied.

  In the sorting apparatus 300, the game balls flowing down the game area 7 flow into the inflow port 330, and the game balls flowing in from the inflow port 330 are moved by the sorting member 304 to the first guide path 331L or the second guide path 331R. Are not necessarily guided to the first start winning port 13a or the second starting winning port 13b, and the outlets 332L, 332R and the downstream outlet 333 are not changed when the flow direction is changed by the direction changing unit. Since it may flow out from the communication ports 335A and 335B communicating with the game, the interest of the game is improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first start winning opening 13a or the second starting winning opening 13b is formed in the base member 301 on the game board surface 6a side on the back side of the first guide path 331L and the second guide path 331R. ing. That is, by forming in the direction orthogonal to the first guide path 331L and the second guide path 331R, for example, the game ball is positioned below the left and right outlets 332L and 332R and the downstream outlet 333 in the game area 7. However, it is not necessary to form a winning opening that opens upwards.

  Therefore, since the vertical width dimension of the sorting apparatus 300 (cover member 302) can be shortened as much as possible, for example, the stage decoration frame 11 is expanded by expanding the lower part of the stage decoration frame 11 in accordance with the enlargement of the effect display device 9. Even if the vertical width of the game area 7 extending below 11 may be narrowed, the distribution device 300 can be provided, so the degree of freedom in designing the game area 7 is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the first start winning opening 13a and the second starting winning opening 13b are formed in the base member 301 on the game board surface 6a side and open to the front, but the left and right outer outlets 332L, 332R may be the first start winning port 13a and the second start winning port 13b, and the left and right inner communication ports 335A and 335B may be outlets, and the left and right inner communication ports 335A and 335B may be the first start winning port 13a and the first start winning port 13a. It is also possible to use the two start winning ports 13b and the left and right outer outlets 332L and 332R as outlets. In these cases, the first guiding path 331L and the second guiding path 331R have direction changing sections for guiding the distributed game balls to the first start winning opening 13a and the second starting winning opening 13b on the left and right sides. It is not necessary to form a winning opening at a position below the outflow ports 332L and 332R or the downstream outlet 333, and the same operations and effects as described above are obtained. When the outlets are the left and right outer outlets 332L and 332R or the left and right inner communication ports 335A and 335B, it is preferable that the outlet is provided at a position slightly above the direction changing portion.

  Further, in the case where the first start winning port 13a and the second start winning port 13b are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the first guide path 331L and the second guide path 331R as described above, the outlets are the first start winning prizes on the left and right side surfaces. It is not limited to what is formed in the opposing surface of the opening | mouth 13a and the 2nd start winning opening 13b, The front surface (for example, cover member 302) and / or rear surface (for example, cover member 302) of the 1st guidance path | route 331L and the 2nd guidance path | route 331R. The base member 301) may be formed.

  Further, when the first start winning port 13a and the second start winning port 13b are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the first guide path 331L and the second guide path 331R, the above-described protruding plate as the protruding portion and the guide groove as the concave portion are provided. If it is formed above the direction changing portion on the left and right side surfaces, the same operations and effects as described above are obtained.

  Further, when the left and right inner communication ports 335A and 335B are used as the outlets as in the present embodiment, they continuously flow from the inlet 330 and are distributed to the first guiding path 331L and the second guiding path 331R, In order to prevent the game balls flowing out from the inner communication ports 335A and 335B from colliding with each other and preventing the outflow from being hindered, at least twice the diameter of the game ball between the communication ports 335A and 335B as in this embodiment. It is preferable to provide a clearance, or provide a collision prevention wall or the like for preventing a collision between game balls between the communication ports 335A and 335B.

  Further, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 (abnormal winning order) that makes an abnormality determination based on the fact that a predetermined number of game balls have passed continuously through one of the first start winning opening 13a and the second starting winning opening 13b. By providing the determination means), it is determined that the abnormality in guidance by the distribution member 304 (guidance member) is determined, so that it is possible to prevent a normal game from being performed.

  In the present embodiment, a distribution device 300 for distributing game balls is provided in the game area 7. In the sorting apparatus 300, based on the game ball flowing in from the inflow port 330, the sorting member 304 switches between the first mode and the second mode in a predetermined order (in this example, the weight and fall of the game ball). Depending on the kinetic energy of each other). The first start winning opening 13a is provided in such a manner that the game balls distributed to the first guiding path 331L can easily pass through, and the second starting winning opening 13b is distributed to the second guiding path 331R. It is provided in such a manner that game balls can easily pass through. Then, the game control microcomputer 560 determines that the order in which the game balls are detected by the first start port switch 14a and the second start port switch 14b is different from the predetermined order (for example, one start port switch has a predetermined number of balls). By determining an abnormality (in this example, a winning order abnormality) when a game ball is detected continuously (for example, four balls or more), the abnormality determination of the sorting apparatus 300 can be performed. Therefore, it can be prevented that the game cannot be normally performed due to the abnormality of the sorting apparatus 300.

  Specifically, it may be configured to determine that the winning order is abnormal when four or more game balls have successively won in any one of the first start winning opening 13a and the second starting winning opening 13b. Although it is conceivable, for example, it is illegal to repeat the work of winning one game ball in the first start winning port 13a after winning three game balls in the second start winning port 13b. The act becomes possible. Therefore, for example, every time 10 start prizes are generated, the number of start prizes to the first start prize slot 13a and the number of prizes to the second start prize slot 13b among the ten start prizes are determined. In other words, it may be determined that the winning order is abnormal when the winning at one start winning opening is biased by a predetermined ratio (for example, 70%) or more. Specifically, when 10 start winnings are generated, if 7 or more are won in any one of the first starting winning port 13a and the second starting winning port 13b, it is determined that the winning order is abnormal. You may make it do.

  Moreover, although it was distributed by the distribution member 304, it may flow out from the outlets 332L and 332R and the downstream outlet 333 and may not be detected by the first start port switch 14a or the second start port switch 14b. It is conceivable that the first start port switch 14a or the second start port switch 14b detects two consecutive game balls, but four or more consecutive game balls are detected, that is, four or more consecutive outflows. Since the probability of playing is extremely low, it is determined that the game ball is abnormal when four or more game balls are continuously detected.

  In addition, the determination method of determining the winning order abnormality by detecting the deviation of the winning ratio to one of the starting winning ports as described above is that a predetermined number (4 in this example) or more consecutive winnings are given to one starting winning port. It may be executed instead of the process for determining that the winning order is abnormal based on the detection, or the process for determining the winning order is abnormal by detecting a bias in the winning ratio to one of the starting winning ports, It may be configured to execute both the process of detecting a predetermined number or more consecutive winnings at the starting winning award and determining that the winning order is abnormal.

  In addition, the distribution member 304 is configured to switch between the first mode and the second mode almost alternately, and when the game ball passes through the second start winning port 13b, the first starting winning port 13a is switched. When the percentage controlled to an advantageous gaming state (for example, 15R probability variation big hit with a large number of rounds) is high compared to the case where the game ball has passed, the game ball does not pass through the first start winning opening 13a. By determining that there is an abnormality based on the fact that game balls have passed continuously through the second start winning opening 13b (in this example, four or more consecutive wins are made in the second starting winning opening 13b), the advantageous first It is possible to prevent an illegal act of intentionally passing the game ball through the 2 start winning opening 13b.

  For example, in a gaming machine that is advantageously configured to win in the second start winning opening 13b, there is a risk that a fraudulent act such as winning a game ball continuously in the second starting winning opening 13b may be performed. If it is determined that the winning order is abnormal based on four or more consecutive winnings at the start winning opening 13b, and the winning order abnormality is notified, it is possible to prevent such an illegal act from being performed.

  In addition, the distribution member 304 of the distribution device 300 distributes the game balls to the first start winning port 13a and the second start winning port 13b alternately so that the winning ball can be won. When some sort of failure occurs in the sorting apparatus 300, such as sticking to the game ball, the game ball continuously wins the first start winning port 13a or the game ball wins the second start winning port 13b continuously. May occur. In particular, when a game ball continuously wins at the second start winning opening 13b, an advantageous state continues more than necessary, so that a state unnecessarily disadvantageous for the game store occurs. There is a risk that. Therefore, since it is determined that the winning order is abnormal based on four or more consecutive winnings in the first starting winning opening 13a or the second starting winning opening 13b, and the winning order abnormality is notified, the failure of the distribution device 300 is detected early. It is possible to prevent a situation that is unnecessarily disadvantageous for the game store.

  Moreover, although the case where the state of the distribution apparatus 300 switches alternately was shown in this Example, what is necessary is just to switch according to a predetermined | prescribed order, and it does not necessarily need to switch alternately. For example, the first start winning port 13a → the first starting winning port 13a → the second starting winning port 13b → the first starting winning port 13a → the first starting winning port 13a → the second starting winning port 13b. It may be switched, and the sorting apparatus 300 only needs to switch according to some determined order. Even in such a case, if the start winning according to the determined order cannot be detected, it may be determined that the winning order abnormality has occurred and the winning order abnormality notification is executed. Even in such a case, if the start winning according to the determined order is not detected, it is not determined immediately that the winning order is abnormal, but the start winning according to the determined order is determined a predetermined number of times. It may be determined that the winning order is abnormal on the condition that it has not been detected continuously over the start winning prizes, and a winning order abnormality notification may be executed (that is, with some margin until the winning order is abnormal) Also good).

  Moreover, although the case where the determination of winning order abnormality and the notification of winning order abnormality is performed in one stage of processing has been shown, it may be configured to perform in multiple stages of processing. For example, based on the fact that four consecutive winnings are made in either one of the first start winning opening 13a and the second starting winning opening 13b as the first stage process, the game control microcomputer 560 performs an effect control command. As a result, a winning order abnormality notification designation command indicating that a winning order abnormality of the game ball has been detected is transmitted to the effect control CPU 120, and the effect control CPU 120 receives the winning order abnormality notification designation command. Lamp / LED lighting control is performed as an order abnormality notification, and lamp / LED lighting control and abnormality notification sound are performed based on the fact that eight consecutive winnings are made at the same starting prize opening as the second stage processing. Output control of the lamp and LED based on the fact that as the third stage of processing, 16 consecutive winnings are made at the same starting winning opening. The prize balls paid out in addition to an output control of the lighting control and the abnormality notification sound may be stopped.

  Further, a winning order abnormality signal may be output to a hall computer or the like (not shown) of the game hall based on the reception of the award order abnormality notification designation command. As described above, when a winning order abnormality occurs in the second starting winning opening 13b or the first starting winning opening 13a, the above-mentioned illegal acts are performed by notifying that the winning order abnormality has occurred. This makes it possible for a shop clerk or the like to find out what happened and deal with it at an early stage.

  In addition, when such a prize order abnormality occurs, not only the prize order abnormality notification is given, but also the progress of the game is disabled, for example, the game ball cannot be fired by operating the hitting operation handle 5. The variation display based on the start winning may not be started.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the variation display of the second special symbol is such that after the game ball has won the second start winning opening 13b or the third start winning opening 13c, the start condition of the variable display (for example, the number of reserved memories is 0). And the second special symbol variation display is not executed, and the big hit game is not executed) is started, A variable winning device (in this example, a variable winning ball device 15) that can be changed to a state (in this example, an open state) in which a game ball can easily pass through the third start winning opening 13c is provided.

  The winning order abnormality notification target is the continuous winning to the first starting winning port 13a and the second starting winning port 13b, and the continuous winning to the third starting winning port 13c is not the target. Even when controlled, there is no continuous winning at the second start winning opening 13b, but for example, the game ball flowing down the second guiding path 331R flows out from the lower surface of the sorting device 300, In the case where the second start winning opening 13b is provided at a position below the distribution device 300 and the second starting winning opening 13b is provided with a variable winning device, during the operation period of the variable winning device (in this example, the probability variation state) What is necessary is just not to judge that it is abnormal during the opening operation of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 (that is, during the high base state). By doing in this way, it is possible to prevent the waste that unnecessary abnormality determination is performed. Specifically, when the probability changing state (that is, the high base state) or during the opening operation of the variable winning ball apparatus 15, the game ball may win continuously at the second start winning hole 13b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary determination of the winning order order abnormality by not determining the winning order order abnormality to the second start winning opening 13b.

  As described above, regardless of the detection result of the third start port switch 14c, when the order in which the game balls are detected by the first start port switch 14a and the second start port switch 14b is different from the predetermined order, it is determined as abnormal. Therefore, the abnormality determination is performed regardless of the third start port switch 14c, which is not restricted in the order of winning game balls, so that the necessary abnormality determination can be performed.

  In this embodiment, as a big hit type, a normal big hit that is controlled only in the high base state (time-short state) is provided in addition to the positive probability big hit that is controlled to the positive change state after the big hit game is finished. It is always controlled to the probability variation state (high probability state) after the completion, and the probability variation state (high probability state) is terminated based on the fact that the predetermined number of times (70 times in this example) the variation display is terminated after the end of the big hit game. You may apply the structure which performs detection and alert | report of the said winning order abnormality to a gaming machine.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  In the above embodiment, a spherical pachinko ball (game ball) is applied as an example of a game medium. However, the present invention is not limited to a spherical game medium. For example, a non-spherical game medium such as a medal is used. There may be.

  In the above embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine is applied as an example of a gaming machine. For example, a predetermined number of balls are encapsulated inside the gaming machine so that they can be circulated, and a rental request by a player Also in so-called enclosed game machines, the number of balls lent out according to the number of prizes and the number of prize balls awarded according to a prize is added, while the number of game balls used in the game is subtracted and stored. The present invention is applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 13a 1st start winning port 13b 2nd starting winning port 13c 3rd starting winning port 14a 1st starting port switch 14b 2nd starting port switch 14c 3rd starting port switch 300 Sorting device 304 Sorting member 331L 1st 1 guide path 331R 2nd guide path 380 Interlocking side connecting part 380a Left connecting part 380b Right connecting part 380c Inserting part 381 Bearing hole 382 Interlocking side protrusion 391 Swing shaft 392 Shaft side protrusion

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of performing a predetermined game,
An inflow port through which game media flowing down the game area in the game board can flow,
A first region and a second region formed so that the game medium flowing in from the inflow port can pass therethrough;
A guide member for guiding the game medium flowing in from the inflow port to either the first path for guiding to the first area or the second path for guiding to the second area;
With
The guide member is pressed by the game medium flowing in from the inflow port, thereby causing the first state to guide the game medium to the first path and the second state to guide the game medium to the second path. Is provided to be rotatable between
The gaming machine is
In conjunction with the rotation of the guide member, an interlocking member provided to be reciprocally rotatable between a first position corresponding to the first state and a second position corresponding to the second state;
When the interlocking member is in the first position or the second position, the guiding member plays a game in either the first route or the second route by a force that is smaller than the pressing force of the game medium. A rotation preventing means for preventing the medium from rotating to a third position corresponding to the third state;
Comprising
A gaming machine characterized by that.

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