JP2015043877A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a fraud using a fraudulent game ball in an enclosed type game machine.SOLUTION: The enclosed type game machine includes: a game board that has a game area with a game ball reception hole; shooting means that shoots game balls from a shooting position to the game area; and guide means that guides a game gall entering the reception hole to the shooting position. The guide means guides the game ball entering the reception hole to the shooting position so as to enable a cyclic use of the prescribed number of game balls enclosed in the machine. When the number of game balls usable for the cyclic use in the machine becomes below the prescribed number, the enclosed type game machine prevents replenishment of game balls from the reception hole to the guide means but allows the replenishment of the game balls from a ball replenishment part provided outside the game area into the guide means.

Description

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

  A ball-type game machine is usually equipped with an outer frame, a main body frame (inner frame), a game board held by the main body frame, and a transparent plate (glass plate) covering the front surface of the game board. A door (front frame). In the game area provided on the front side of the game board, there are various ball entrances (large winning entrance, starting winning entrance, other winning entrances, etc.), passing gates, obstacle nails and the like. In the lowermost part, an out port for discharging the game ball out of the game area is provided.

  In such a gaming machine, a predetermined number of game balls (enclosed balls) are enclosed in the machine (inside the game machine), and the game balls launched from a predetermined launch position into the game area are entered into the entrance, out, etc. A device that circulates and uses game balls (hereinafter referred to as “enclosed game machine”) is known (refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-104448 A

  Also in this enclosed game machine, when a problem such as a ball clogging (for example, a ball clog called “grape”) occurs in the game area, it is necessary to open the front door to eliminate the ball clogging. However, when the front door is in the open state in this way, there is a possibility that an illegal ball is enclosed in the aircraft through a receiving opening (entrance entrance, out-out entrance) opened on the front surface of the game board and used for an illegal act.

  Specifically, there is a possibility that a game ball wound with a thread-like member (fishing line etc.) by a fraudulent person may be inserted from the receiving port. In this case, in a state where the cheating person holds one end of the thread-like member, This game ball with a thread-like member (illegal ball) is launched in the same manner as a normal game ball. When the illegal ball reaches the game area, the fraudulent manipulates the thread-like member and hooks it on the obstacle nail or the like in the game area to stop the illegal ball at a desired part of the game area. After this, using this illegal ball that stops, illegally adjust the flow path of the game ball in the game area, or intentionally clog the ball (such as grapes), to enter the specific entrance There is a possibility that fraudulent acts with the content of artificially improving the probability will be made. In addition, an illegal act of manipulating the thread-like member and causing the detection switch provided in the entrance to detect the illegal ball itself and intentionally generating the entrance to the entrance is repeatedly performed. There is a possibility.

  In addition, if the target enclosed game machine is a game using a non-magnetic game ball (hereinafter referred to as “true ball”), the fraudulent acts as a magnetic illegal ball. By intruding (hereinafter referred to as “magnetic sphere”), there is a possibility that it may become a target of fraudulent behavior called “magnet goto”.

  In other words, a magnet (permanent magnet) is brought close to the front surface of the glass plate that constitutes the front door (front frame), and the “game ball flowing down the game area” is illegally applied to a predetermined entrance using the magnet's magnetic force. There is a possibility that an illegal act of guiding and entering a ball (an aspect of a magnet goto) is performed. In addition, at a predetermined location near a predetermined entrance, a plurality of game balls are stopped one after another by using the magnetic force of the magnet close to the front surface of the glass plate, and intentional ball clogging (grape) is generated. Then, using this ball clogging, a fraudulent act (which is another mode of magnet goto) is performed in which the “game ball flowing down the game area” is illegally guided toward the entrance to enter the ball. It is possible that And, since the enclosed game machine adopts a configuration that circulates and uses the enclosed game sphere, once the magnetic sphere is mixed into the true sphere, it is difficult to find or eliminate it. However, there is a possibility that the magnetic spheres are mixed with the true spheres and circulate semipermanently and become semi-permanently illegal (magnet goot etc.).

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

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming board having a gaming area provided with a receiving port for gaming balls;
Launching means for launching a game ball from the launch position to the game area;
Guiding means for guiding the game ball that has entered the receiving port to the launch position;
With
A gaming machine that enables circulation use of a prescribed number of game balls enclosed in the machine by guiding the game ball that has entered the receiving port to the launch position by the guiding means,
When the number of game balls that can be circulated in the machine is less than the prescribed number, the ball replenishment unit is provided outside the game area, making it impossible to replenish game balls from the receiving port into the guide means. It is possible to replenish game balls into the guiding means.

  In the present invention, when the number of game balls enclosed in the machine is insufficient, it is impossible to replenish the game balls from the receiving port into the guiding means. Therefore, since it is possible to eliminate an act of an unauthorized person or the like causing an unauthorized sphere to enter the guiding means through the reception port, execution of an unauthorized act using the unauthorized sphere can be suppressed.

In the gaming machine of the present invention,
It is good also as providing the sending-out means which sends out the game ball stored as a reserve ball outside the said guidance means to the said ball replenishment part.

  In this case, the game ball can be easily replenished by using the sending means.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present invention,
When the number of game balls that can be circulated in the plane is less than the prescribed number, a notification means for notifying that effect may be provided.

  In this case, if there is a shortage or the like in the game ball enclosed in the machine due to the work to solve the trouble such as ball clogging (grape), the fact is notified. Thereby, the manager of a pachinko hall, etc. can replenish a fair game ball. In addition, when a shortage of the number of game balls occurs, the fact is notified, so that it is easy for an administrator or the like to grasp the occurrence of the shortage of balls. For this reason, taking advantage of the shortage of the number of balls, etc., it is possible to prevent illegal acts from being carried out by reliably preventing unauthorized persons from supplementing the illegal balls.

In the gaming machine of the present invention,
It is arranged in a state that can be opened and closed on the front side of the game board, and includes a front door provided with a viewing window that allows the game area to be viewed from the front,
When the front door is in an open state, it is impossible to replenish game balls from the receiving port into the guiding means by discharging the gaming balls that have entered the receiving port to the outside of the guiding means. It is good.

  In this case, a defect such as a clogged ball (grape) occurred in the game area, the front door was opened, and an action to make an illegal ball enter the entrance was performed while working to eliminate this defect. However, the illegal ball is discharged out of the guiding means so as not to stop in the guiding means. In addition, even when an illegal acter intentionally opens the front door and makes an illegal ball enter the entrance, the illegal ball can be discharged out of the guiding means. Therefore, it is possible to reliably suppress an illegal act from being performed by the illegal sphere replenished from the receiving port.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present invention,
The gaming area is provided with a plurality of the receiving ports,
The guiding means is provided with a common path through which the game balls that have entered each receiving port pass,
The common path includes a switching means for switching the game ball that has entered the common path to the inside of the guiding means toward the launching means or outside the guiding means not directed to the firing means,
The switching means sets the guidance direction of the game ball by the switching means in the guidance means when the front door is closed, and the guidance direction of the game ball by the switching means when the front door is open. May be excluded from the guiding means.

  In this case, when the front door is in the open state, the guidance destination of the game ball is switched out of the guidance means by the switching means provided on the common path. In other words, switching means for switching the guidance destination of the game ball to the inside of the guidance means or outside the guidance means is provided on the common path, and it is commonly used for the game balls received at any of the entrances. The structure for suppressing that it is performed can be obtained easily. Therefore, it is further easy to suppress an illegal act using an illegal sphere.

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

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

  As described above, according to the present invention, fraudulent acts can be suppressed in enclosed game machines.

It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example (except Example 3). It is a front view (state which removed the front frame) which shows the game machine concerning each example (except for example 3). It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating a main body frame. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating a main body frame, a guide rail, etc. FIG. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating a main body frame, a guide rail, etc. FIG. (A) And (b) is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating a locking device. (A) is schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating a locking device, (b) It is schematic explanatory drawing of the control member for controlling the unlocking operation performed to a locking device, (c) is a front surface. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating a frame switch. It is a front view which shows the game board of the game machine which concerns on each Example (except Example 3). (A) is a front view schematically showing a display screen of the effect display device, (b) is a front view schematically showing the information display device, and (c) is a lower part of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variable display mode of the special symbol performed with a display apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows a guide rail, a launching ball storage member, etc. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a ball feeding member, a launcher, etc. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a launching apparatus etc., (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st rail member of an Example, (c) is another aspect of a 1st rail member. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating. (A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a 1st rail member, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a 1st rail member. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a 1st rail member. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a guide rail member. It is a schematic plan view of a launching ball storage member. It is aa sectional drawing of FIG. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a ball | bowl feeding member and a launcher. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a ball | bowl feeding member and a launcher. It is a schematic back view for demonstrating the characteristic of a gaming machine. It is a schematic back view for demonstrating a discharge port, an opening-and-closing member, and a storage container. (A) And (b) is a schematic back view for demonstrating a discharge port, an opening-and-closing member, and a storage container. (A) And (b) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a ball | bowl circulation mechanism. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a ball | bowl circulation mechanism. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a replenishment part. (A) And (b) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating a replenishment part. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating CR unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a normal symbol fluctuation game. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a special symbol fluctuation game. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st success / failure determination) and the data table used by special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd success / failure determination). It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball provision process. It is a flowchart which shows a discharge control process. It is a flowchart which shows value provision control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a value provision basic process. (A) is a flowchart which shows a game start related process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a lifting start process. (A) is a flowchart which shows a lifting completion process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a game stop related process. It is a flowchart which shows a front frame open | release related process. (A) is a flowchart which shows difference ball number addition processing, (b) is a flowchart which shows difference ball number subtraction processing. (A) is a flowchart which shows a difference ball number related process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a discharge port opening / closing process. (A) is a flowchart showing a replenishment process, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a button to be pressed when replenishment. It is a flowchart which shows a card information management process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the front frame open | release related process of the modification 2. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 2; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification example 3; (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 3. FIG. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 3. FIG. It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is a front view (state which removed the front frame and the bulging part) which shows the gaming machine concerning Example 3. It is a schematic back view for demonstrating the characteristic of the game machine of Example 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification example 5; It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 6. FIG.

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

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

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

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

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably mounted on the left end side of the outer frame 2 using the hinges H1 and H2 on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and includes a main body frame 3, a front frame 4, a bulging portion 5 disposed below the front frame 4, and a game board 10 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 8), the back mechanism panel 102 (see FIG. 3), and the like are the main parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The front frame 4 constitutes a specific example of “front door”. As shown in FIG. 1, a locking device 7 is mounted on the right end side of the main body frame 3.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, through holes 3 g and 3 h are provided at two locations on the right end of the main body frame 3. Engaging portions 7K and 7K for locking the front frame 4 to the main body frame 3 are inserted into the through holes 3g and 3h. The through holes 3g and 3h are configured to be vertically long, and the engaging portions 7K and 7K are movable up and down while being inserted into the through holes 3g and 3h. Further, a front frame switch 4 s is disposed on the upper right portion of the front surface of the main body frame 3. The front frame switch 4s is a detecting means for detecting the open / closed state (opening operation) of the front frame 4. Further, an unlocking prevention device 7S is disposed on the front portion of the main body frame 3 and on the side of the through holes 3g and 3h. The details of the front frame switch 4s and the unlocking prevention device 7 will be described later.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 (see FIG. 3) attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. (Not shown). Further, since the gaming machine 1 is a type in which a gaming ball used for gaming is enclosed in the gaming machine 1, the gaming machine 1 has a member (dish member) that stores the gaming ball in a state exposed to the player. Not. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the rear surface portion of the frame body 41 and the portion located on the right side of the opening 41 a is provided with two engagement protrusions 4 </ b> K and 4 </ b> K with a space in the vertical direction. These engaging protrusions 4K and 4K protrude from the rear surface portion of the frame main body 41 and are configured by using a substantially L-shaped plate-like body, with the protruding end portion facing the right side of the frame main body 41. Further, on the back surface of the front frame 4, a pressing protrusion 4X protrudes at a position aligned with the position of the front frame switch 4s described above.

  As shown in FIG. 1, speakers SP <b> 1 and SP <b> 2 are mounted on the left and right sides of the front side of the front frame 4, and speakers SP <b> 3 and SP <b> 4 are also built in the left and right ends of the front plate portion 22. And in this game machine 1, the sound effect according to a game state and other sounds (sound) are generated using these speakers SP1-SP4. In addition, a ball rental display board 410 (see FIG. 27) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 27) are provided on the back side of the bulging portion 5, and “effect button SW” is displayed on the upper surface of the bulging portion 5. The display device 5a is arranged (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 6, the locking device 7 includes a support portion 7 </ b> A that is configured to be vertically long and attached to the back surface portion of the main body frame 3, and a front frame that is supported in a vertically movable state by the support portion 7 </ b> A. The locking part 7B is provided. The locking device 7 also includes a main body frame locking portion (locking structure of the main body frame) for locking the main body frame 3 with respect to the outer frame 2, but in the present embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted. .

  The front frame locking portion 7B is configured in a substantially band plate shape that is long in the vertical direction, and is biased upward by a spring member (not shown) interposed between the front frame locking portion 7B and the support portion 7A. Further, the front frame locking portion 7B has a substantially hook-shaped engaging portion 7K protruding from the front end surface thereof. Further, the engaging portion 7K includes an introducing portion 7M and an engaging main body portion 7N in this order from the front to the rear. Among these, in the introduction portion 7M, the upper end surface 7R is a “downward inclined surface” that becomes downwardly inclined toward the front end portion. Further, the engagement main body portion 7N is configured using an engagement recess portion 7P that is recessed as compared with the introduction portion 7M.

  When the front frame 4 in an open state (hereinafter referred to as “open state”) with respect to the main body frame 3 is brought into a closed state (hereinafter referred to as “closed state”) with respect to the main body frame 3, FIG. ), (B), and FIG. 7A, the upper and lower engaging portions 7K, 7K engage with the engaging protrusions 4K, 4K, and the front frame 4 is locked to the main body frame 3. That is, in the middle of changing the front frame 4 from the open state to the closed state, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the upper engagement projection 4K approaches the upper engagement portion 7K, and the lower engagement frame 4K approaches. The mating protrusion 4K approaches the lower engaging portion 7K. Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the rotation amount of the front frame 4 in the closing direction reaches a predetermined amount, the lower end portion 4D of the upper engagement projection 4K contacts the upper end surface 7R of the upper introduction portion 7N. The lower end portion 4D of the lower engaging projection 4K comes into contact with the upper end surface 7R of the lower introduction portion 7N.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the amount of rotation of the front frame 4 in the closing direction is increased, the lower end portion 4D of the upper engagement projection 4K slides on the upper end surface 7R of the upper introduction portion 7M. The lower end portion 4D of the lower engaging projection 4K slides on the upper end surface 7R of the upper introducing portion 7M. At this time, since the upper end surface 4R of the introduction portion 7M is a “downward inclined surface” heading forward, the amount of rotation of the front frame 4 in the closing direction is further increased, and the front frame 4 approaches the closed state. The engaging portion 7K (front frame locking portion 7B) is pressed downward. That is, the front frame locking portion 7B moves (slides) downward while resisting the biasing force of the spring member. When each engaging projection 4K gets over the corresponding introduction portion 7M, the engaging portions 7K and 7K (front frame locking portion 7B) are raised by the biasing force of the spring member, and the engaging portion 7K is engaged with the engaging projection 4K. And the front frame 4 is locked to the main body frame 3 {see FIG. 7A}.

  On the other hand, when unlocking the front frame 4, the locking device 7 is operated using a predetermined key, and the front frame locking portion 7B (7K, 7K) is moved downward against the urging force of the spring member. The engagement of the joint portion 7K with the engagement protrusion 4K is released. When the front frame 4 is pulled forward in this state, the front frame 4 can be opened with respect to the main body frame 3. Although illustration is omitted, when the key is inserted into the key hole of the locking device 7 and the key is rotated in the first rotation direction, the front frame locking portion 7B is pressed downward by the cam mechanism provided in the locking device 7. The front frame 4 is unlocked. Further, when the key is inserted into the key hole of the locking device 7 and the key is rotated in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the main body frame locking portion is moved upward by the cam mechanism provided in the locking device 7. When pressed, the lock on the outer frame 2 of the main body frame 3 is released.

  However, the gaming machine 1 includes an unlocking prevention device 7S for preventing the front frame 4 from being unlocked. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the unlocking prevention device 7S is configured using a plunger type solenoid as shown in FIG. 7 (b), and is provided on the outer shell 7U. A plunger 7T movably supported by a bearing (not shown), a solenoid coil (not shown) arranged at an outer peripheral position of the plunger 7T inside the outer body 7U, and a protrusion of the plunger 7T from the outer body And an urging means (coil spring, not shown) for urging the amount to increase. When the solenoid coil is not energized, the plunger 7T maximizes the amount of projection from the outer body 7U by the urging force of the urging means, and when the solenoid coil is energized, the solenoid coil changes to the plunger 7T. A traction force proportional to the current is given. For this reason, the plunger 7T minimizes the amount of protrusion from the outer body 7U while resisting the biasing force of the biasing means. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the solenoid coil is not energized, the position of the protruding end portion of the plunger 7T becomes the protruding position, and the plunger 7T is positioned directly below the engaging portion 7K. Unlocking operation for unlocking the front frame 4 cannot be performed on the locking device 7. On the other hand, when the solenoid coil is energized, the position of the protruding end portion of the plunger 7T becomes the retracted position, and the plunger 7T does not exist immediately below the engaging portion 7K. Therefore, the front frame 4 is unlocked with respect to the locking device 7. Unlocking operation can be performed. In the gaming machine 1, when the unlocking of the front frame 4 is permitted, the position of the protruding end of the plunger 7T is set as the protruding position.

  Next, the front frame switch 4s will be described. The front frame switch 4s is configured using a “limit switch” that can output an “ON / OFF signal”. That is, as shown in FIG. 7C, the front frame switch 4s includes a support 4t, a plunger 4p, and a biasing means 4v (spring) for biasing the plunger 4p forward. Yes. Among these, the support 4t is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a lid, and is disposed on the upper right portion of the front surface portion of the main body frame 3 with the opening portion facing rearward and the lid portion 41t facing frontward. Further, the plunger 4p is inserted into the “through hole 4q formed so as to penetrate the lid portion 41t”, and can be moved forward and backward along an axial center directed forward and backward. When no pressing force is applied to the plunger 4p, the plunger 4p is biased forward by the biasing force of the biasing means 4v. At this time, the contact on the plunger 4p side comes into contact with the contact provided on the support 4t and outputs an “ON signal”. On the other hand, when the plunger 4p is retracted and both contacts are separated, an “OFF signal” is output.

  Specifically, when an operation for closing the front frame 4 with respect to the main body frame 3 is performed, the pressing protrusion 4X of the front frame 4 pushes the plunger 4p backward (see FIG. 4). At this time, since an “OFF signal” is output from the front frame switch 4s, the pachinko hall side can confirm that the front frame 4 of the gaming machine 1 (source of the OFF signal) is in a closed state. . On the other hand, when the opening operation is performed on the front frame 4 in the closed state, the pressing of the pressing protrusion 4X of the front frame 4 on the front frame switch 4s is released (see FIG. 5). Accordingly, since the plunger 4p moves forward, an “ON signal” is output from the front frame switch 4s. Therefore, the pachinko hall side can recognize that the opening operation is performed on the front frame 4 of the gaming machine 1 (source of the ON signal).

  Next, the CR unit (card processing unit) 80 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the CR unit (card processing unit) 80 is disposed on the left end side of the gaming machine 1 and is installed at an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall. Further, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the CR unit 80 is electrically connected to the gaming machine 1 and is in a state in which transmission / reception with the gaming machine 1 is possible. This CR unit 80 is configured to be long in the vertical direction, and has a bill insertion slot 81 and a card slot 84 opened to the front side. Here, when at least one of insertion of a bill into the bill insertion slot 81 and insertion of a card (however, a card storing frequency balance information) into the card slot 84 is performed, the CR unit The value balance (valuable balance) inserted (inserted) in 80 is displayed on the balance display portion 5r (see FIG. 1). At this time, the balance display section 5r displays the value balance (valuable balance) as a maximum of 3 digits.

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

  Here, as shown in FIG. 29, the CR unit 80 includes a control unit 80A, a storage unit 80B, a card reader 80C, a card storage unit 80D, a card transport / feeding mechanism unit 80E, and a communication control unit 80F. Prepare. Among these, the communication control unit 80F is a processing unit for controlling communication between the CR unit 80 and other devices (the gaming machine 1, an island computer, etc.). The control means 80A controls the entire CR unit 30, and the storage means 80B stores data and programs necessary for various processes by the control means 80A. The card reader 80C reads information recorded on the prepaid card inserted into the card slot 84, and outputs the read information to the control means 80A.

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 8, the area forming unit 10 </ b> B (part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10) includes a main accessory device 20, a normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16, and a first A start winning device 17a, a second start winning device 17b, a big winning device 31, an information display device 60, two general winning devices 45 and 46, and a number of obstacle nails (not shown in FIG. 6) A windmill 19 and the like are disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21 and an effect display device 27. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and comprises the upper half part center part of the game area | region 11. FIG. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d, and the window portion forming hole 21d constitutes a display window 21e.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a stage portion 21 p is provided at the lower edge portion of the attachment member 21, and the decorative portion 21 </ b> A is attached to the other portion of the peripheral portion of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward. ing. The decorative portion 21A includes a flange portion 21H protruding from the upper edge portion of the mounting member 21, a left decorative portion 21L protruding from the left edge portion of the mounting member 21, and a right decorative portion 21R protruding from the right edge portion of the mounting member 21. And.

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

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

  The effect display device 27 is configured by using a liquid crystal display device, and executes a symbol change effect in accordance with the special symbol change display and stop display in the information display device 60. In the present embodiment, the information display device 60 (the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b) performs a symbol variable game using the special symbol (this symbol), and the effect display device 27 A symbol variation effect is performed using the effect symbol. Here, in the following description, the special symbol (main symbol) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a is referred to as “first special symbol” and the special symbol (book) displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b. Symbol) is referred to as “second special symbol”.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can be displayed so that the player can visually recognize various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. That is, almost the entire display screen 27a becomes a display area, and a pattern indicating a background (hereinafter referred to as background pattern), a background color (ground color of the screen), and the like are displayed in the display area. Then, an effect symbol display area 27b for displaying three (three digits) effect symbols in a state of being superimposed on the front of the background symbols and background colors is provided. In the effect symbol display area 27b, three effect symbols are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, and an effect display using these “effect symbols”, a stop display, and the like are performed. In addition, a pattern (character pattern) indicating a character may be displayed as a background pattern, or a live-action image (not shown) may be displayed. Then, the “display effect” is realized by these “effect design”, “background design”, and “character design”. It should be noted that when the “effect design” is variably displayed in the effect design display area 27b, the background design and the background color can be visually recognized with the effect design display area 27b being watermarked. Then, the “design variation effect” and the “hit effect” are realized by these “effect design”, “background design”, and “character design”.

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

  As shown in FIG. 9A, a first reserved display area 27D and a second reserved display area 27E are provided on the edge side of the display screen 27a. Among these, in the first hold display area 27 </ b> D, the number of holds relating to the “first special symbol” generated on the basis of the ball entering the first start winning device 17 a (hereinafter referred to as “first hold number”) is “4”. “Second” is displayed as the upper limit number, and in the second holding display area 27E, the number of holdings related to the “second special symbol” generated based on the ball entering the second start winning device 17b (hereinafter referred to as “second holding number”). .) Is displayed with “4” as the upper limit. Then, any of the on-hold display areas 27D and 27E is acquired based on the balls entered into the start winning devices 17a and 17b. However, the number of pieces of ball entry information (determination random values) that are undigested (processing conditions are not established). Is indicated by “the number of displayed retained symbols”, and “the number of retained symbols displayed” is sequentially decremented and displayed each time undigested entry information is digested. The “entry information processing condition” refers to a condition for starting processing such as determination of success / failure (judgment) and variable display using the ingress information, and the incoming information storage means (first determination random value described later). Stored in the memory or the second determination random value memory), the number of pieces of entry information for which the processing condition is not satisfied is the “pending number”. In the following description, a game ball entering the first start prize device 17a is referred to as a "first start prize", and a game ball entering the second start prize device 17b is referred to as a "second start prize". Sometimes referred to as “winning”.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first start winning device 17a is a non-variable start winning device, and has a pocket shape in which an opening portion (game ball receiving port) whose size does not change is opened upward. In addition, the size of the opening (game ball receiving port) of the first start winning device 17a is set to allow passage of one game ball, and the size is not enlarged or reduced. . Note that a first start-entrance ball detection switch 17s (see FIG. 27) for detecting the passage of a game ball is disposed inside the first start winning device 17a.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second start winning device 17 b is a variable (opening and closing) start winning device, and is mounted on the surface portion 10 </ b> F of the game board 10 on the right side of the main accessory device 20. The portion is provided with an ordinary electric accessory 17d. The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip type and is formed so that a pair of movable wing pieces 17e and 17f are opened and closed on the left and right. In other words, the second start winning device 17b includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c (see FIG. 27) for operating the pair of movable blade pieces 17e and 17f. In addition, a second start entrance ball detection switch 17t for detecting a game ball won in the second start winning device 17b is disposed inside the second start winning device 17b (see FIG. 27).

  If the normal electric accessory solenoid 17c is not energized, the pair of movable wing pieces 17e and 17f are set up (see the solid line in FIG. 8). As a result, a game ball receiving hole having a size allowing passage of one game ball is provided between the pair of movable wing pieces 17e and 17f, and there is a possibility that the game ball can enter the second start winning device 17b. A low closed state (first mode) is obtained. On the other hand, when the normal electric accessory solenoid 17c is energized, the pair of movable wing pieces 17e and 17f tilts with the lower end side as a fulcrum so as to increase the distance between the upper ends (see the broken line in FIG. 8). See), and an open state (second mode) in which the possibility of entering a game ball is increased. Here, in this gaming machine 1, the second start winning device 17b is provided with a high-frequency state generating means for generating a high-frequency state in which the frequency of becoming the second mode is higher than usual. This is achieved by extending the opening time of the second start winning device 17b (by changing the gaming state to the open extended state). When the gaming state is the open extended state, the time for the second start winning device 17b to be in the open state (second mode) becomes long (for example, “5 seconds”). On the other hand, in the non-open extended state (normally open state), the time during which the second start winning device 17b is in the open state (second mode) is shortened (for example, “0.2 seconds”).

  When the second start winning device 17b is in the closed state (first mode), a space portion that allows passage of one game ball is formed between the upper ends of the pair of movable wing pieces 17e and 17f. However, obstacle members and other winning devices (the first start winning device 17a, the general winning devices 45, 46, etc.) are arranged vertically above the space portion to prevent the game ball from entering the space portion. It is good as well. In this case, when the second start winning device 17b is in the closed state (first mode), it is impossible for a game ball to enter the second start winning device 17b, and the second start winning device 17b is opened. By becoming (the second mode), it is possible for a game ball to enter the second start winning device 17b.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a big winning device 31 is arranged diagonally to the left of the second start winning device 17b. The grand prize winning device 31 includes a big prize opening (variable ball opening) 31a that opens at the front portion of the game board 10, an opening / closing plate 31b for opening and closing the big winning opening 31a, and the opening / closing plate 31b. A big winning opening solenoid 31c (see FIG. 27) for driving and a big winning opening entering detection switch 31s (see FIG. 27) for detecting a game ball that has entered the big winning device 31 are provided.

  When the open / close plate 31b is in the standing posture, the open / close plate 31b closes the large winning port 31a in the large winning device 31, so that it is impossible to enter a game ball into the large winning port 31a (impossible to enter) State). On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b is tilted forward with its lower end portion as a fulcrum and assumes a forward tilted posture, the grand prize opening 31a is opened, so that a game ball can enter the grand prize opening 31a ( It is possible to enter the ball. At this time, the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the opening / closing plate 31b flows down the game area 11, and constitutes a guiding portion that guides the game ball that has reached the big prize device 31 to the big prize opening 31a.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the information display device 60 is arranged diagonally to the left of the main accessory device 20. As shown in FIG. 9B, the lower display device 60 includes an attachment plate 61 attached to the surface portion 10F of the game board main body 10A. The mounting plate 61 includes a first special symbol display unit 62a, a second special symbol display unit 62b, a normal symbol display unit 63, a first special symbol hold display unit 64a, and a second special symbol hold display. A part 64b, a normal symbol hold display part 65, and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, each of the first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 is configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, the first special symbol display unit 62a displays the variation of the first special symbol based on the “first start winning”, and the result of the determination of the success (first determination of success / failure) is constant when the execution time of the variation display elapses. Time (for example, 0.6 seconds) is displayed. Further, the second special symbol display unit 62b displays the variation of the second special symbol based on the “second start winning”, and when the execution time of the variation display elapses, the result of the determination (second determination of success / failure) is a predetermined time. (For example, 0.6 seconds) is displayed. In addition, the result of the determination of whether or not to be displayed on the one special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b and the display result of the symbol variation effect displayed on the effect display device 27 (result of the determination on whether or not to match). It is said.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the normal symbol display unit 63 is constituted by a “7-segment display”, and the symbol variation start condition is established based on the game ball passing through one of the normal symbol operation gates 16. Then, the normal symbol variation display is started. In this normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display section 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then again displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9”. It consists of “circular display” that repeats the display in order. When the execution time of these variable displays elapses, the normal symbol stop symbol is executed for a certain period of time. At this time, when the stop symbol is “odd number”, it is a winning symbol, and when the stop symbol is “even number”, it is a missed symbol.

  The first special symbol hold display unit 64a and the second special symbol hold display unit 64b are each configured by using two LEDs, and display the so-called “number of hold for a special symbol” with an upper limit of 4 each. is there. That is, the first special symbol hold display unit 64a displays the number of game balls that have been won for the first start but cannot be digested yet (that is, the number of reserves) as an upper limit number of four, and the undigested game balls ( Each time (holding) is digested, the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of holdings) is sequentially decremented and displayed. The second special symbol hold display unit 64b displays the number of game balls that have been won for the second start but cannot be digested yet (that is, the number of reserve balls) as an upper limit number of four, and undigested game balls ( Each time (holding) is digested, the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of holdings) is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (holding)” relating to the special symbol (the first special symbol, the second special symbol) entered the start winning device (17a or 17b), but the special symbol display section (62a) Or 62b) indicates a game ball in which the result of the success / failure lottery (acceptance judgment) associated with the passage is not displayed and the variation display preceding this is not performed.

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

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

  Returning to FIG. 8, the two general winning devices 45 and 46 are arranged on the left side of the main accessory device 20. In each of the general winning devices 45 and 46, general winning detection switches 45s and 46s (see FIG. 27) for detecting the entering of a game ball are arranged. In addition, an out port 18 is provided at the lower part of the game area 11, and an out port entrance detection switch 18 s for detecting the entrance of a game ball is disposed inside the out port 18. In addition, a large number of obstacle nails are made up of each board component (main accessory device 20, normal symbol operating gate 16, first start winning device 17a, second starting winning device 17b, grand prize winning device 31, information display device 60, general winning award. In consideration of the position balance with the devices 45 and 46 and the windmill 19), the game area 11 is provided.

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 11, a connection port 71w to which the ball feeding device 75 is connected is provided at a portion (vertically above the ball receiving portion 71d) facing the ball receiving portion 71d in the first rail 71 in the vertical direction. . In addition, in the first rail 71, a launch detection switch 71t for detecting a game ball launched from the ball receiving portion 71d (launch position) is disposed in a portion adjacent to the ball receiving portion 71d. The launch detection switch 71t can be exemplified by an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Note that a specific example of the “firing position” is configured by the ball receiving unit 71d.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The rotating ball feeding member 75b is constituted by a substantially circular plate supported in a rotatable state in the holding chamber 75e. The rotating ball feeding member 75b has a rotational axis oriented in the lateral direction, and recesses 751e and 751e are provided at two locations 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. These concave portions 751e and 751e are opened on the outer circumferential surface and front and rear surfaces of the rotating ball feeding member 75b, and one ball is formed in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the rotating ball feeding member 75b (a direction not coincident with the radial direction). The size that can accept the game ball of. Both concave portions 751e and 751e have a rotationally symmetric shape around the axis of the rotating ball feeding member 75b. The rotating ball feeding member 75b is rotatable using a ball feeding motor 8t (not shown) (see FIG. 28).

  Hereinafter, portions of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating ball feeding member 75b where the concave portions 751e and 751e are not provided are referred to as blocking surfaces 75p and 75p. That is, when following the outer periphery of the rotating ball feeding member 75b, the two concave portions 751e and 751e are sandwiched and the two blocking surfaces 75p and 75p are provided. The ball feed motor 8m is a stepping motor, and is connected to the launch control board 260 (see FIG. 28). The rotation operation (rotation action) and the stop action are control signals transmitted from the launch control board 220. (See FIG. 24).

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

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

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

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

d. Configuration of Ball Circulation Mechanism As shown in FIG. 20, the ball circulation mechanism of the gaming machine 1 includes the above-described launch ball storage member 73, a ball assembly unit 91 mounted on the back surface portion 10G of the game board 10, and a game board. 10 is provided with a lifting unit 92 and a relay unit 85 arranged on the back surface portion 10G side. The lifting unit 92 is for lifting a game ball that has flowed down the game board 10 to become a safe ball and a game ball that has become an out ball to the upper part of the gaming machine 1. Further, the relay unit 85 causes the game ball lifted by the lift unit 92 to reach the launch ball storage member 73, refills the ball circulation mechanism with a game ball outside the ball circulation mechanism, or outside the ball circulation mechanism. It is intended for discharge. Here, the “safe ball” refers to a game ball that has entered one of the winning openings (the first start winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 45, 46). The out ball refers to a game ball collected in the out port 18 without entering any winning port. It should be noted that a winning opening (a first starting winning opening constituting the first starting winning apparatus 17a, a second starting winning opening constituting the second starting winning apparatus 17b, a large winning opening constituting the large winning apparatus 31, and a general winning apparatus 45). , 46 and the general winning opening) and the out opening 18 constitute a specific example of "accepting entrance". In this embodiment, the game balls discharged from the game area 11 are again fired by the ball assembly unit 91, the lifting unit 92, the relay unit 85, the launch ball storage member 73, and the ball feeder 75. "Guiding means for guiding to a position" is configured.

  The ball assembly unit 91 is configured in a substantially container shape that opens at the front surface portion, and a large number of ribs 91b are projected from the back plate portion 91a to thereby each winning device (first starting winning device 17a, second starting winning device 17b). , The bowl-shaped passages A1 to A5 for safe balls corresponding to the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 40, 41), the bowl-shaped passage B1 for out-balls corresponding to the out port 18, and all the bowl-shaped passages A1. -A5 and B1 are formed to form a gathering bowl-shaped passage 91d. It should be noted that the safe ball bowl-shaped passages A1 to A5 have detection switches (first start entrance entrance detection switch 17s, second start entrance) for detecting a game ball entered in the corresponding winning device (winning entrance). A ball entry detection switch 17t, a grand prize entry ball detection switch 31s, and a general ball entry detection switch 45s, 46s) are provided, and it is detected that the ball has entered the out port 18 in the bowl-shaped passage B1 for the out ball. An out-entry ball detection switch 18s is provided.

  Here, on the back surface portion 10G of the game board 10, a lead-out path a1 for guiding the game ball that has entered the first starting prize-winning device 17a to the rear side of the back surface portion 10G and a game that has entered the second starting prize-winning device 17b. A lead-out path a2 for guiding the ball to the back side 10G rear, a lead-out path a3 for guiding the game ball that has entered the big winning device 31 to the back side 10G, and a game ball that has entered the general prize-winning device 40 A lead-out passage a4 for guiding the rear surface portion 10G to the rear, a lead-out passage a5 for guiding the game balls that have entered the general winning device 41 to the rear surface of the rear surface portion 10G, and the game balls collected in the out port 18 are provided on the rear surface portion 10G. A terminal portion of the lead-out passage b1 for leading backward is opened.

  These lead-out passages a1 to a5, b1 are provided in a state of slightly downwardly inclined from the front surface portion 10F side of the game board 10 toward the back surface portion 10G while penetrating the game board 10 in the front-rear direction (front and back). Yes. In addition, since the path of each bowl-shaped passage A1 to A5, B1 is directed in the vertical direction, the game balls that flow into the bowl-shaped paths A1 to A5, B1 are flown into the bowl-shaped passages A1 to A5, It will flow down in B1. Here, the gaming machine 1 receives a game ball that has flowed down the game area 11, and serves as a receiving port for discharging (collecting) the game ball from the game area 11, as “first start constituting the first start winning device 17 a. "Winning opening", "second starting winning opening constituting the second starting winning apparatus 17b", "large winning opening constituting the large winning apparatus 31", "general winning opening constituting the general winning apparatus 45", "general winning prize" A “general winning opening” and an “out opening 18” constituting the device 46 are provided.

  The gathering saddle-shaped passage 91d constitutes a common path (so-called “aggregate bowl”) through which game balls received in any of the receiving ports pass. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the gathering saddle-shaped passage 91d includes a main passage portion 91e that merges with the lower ends of all the saddle-like passages A1 to A5 and B1, and a lower portion of the main passage portion 91e. And a protruding delivery passage portion 91g. Further, the intermediate portion in the left-right direction of the passage portion 91e is an opening portion 91f, and the upper end of the delivery passage portion 91g is integrated with the opening portion 91f. In addition, the delivery passage portion 91g draws a substantially L-shaped route, hangs down below the opening portion 91f, then bends to the right, and connects the lower end to the side surface on the lower end side of the lifting unit 92. I have.

  A game ball that enters a winning port or is collected at the out port 18 is guided to the back surface 10G side of the game board 10 using the corresponding lead-out passages a1 to a5, b1, and then corresponds. It flows into the bowl-shaped passages A1 to A5, B1. Thereafter, it flows into the main passage portion 91g of the gathering bowl-shaped passage 91d, and further flows into the delivery passage portion 91g, and then flows down in the delivery passage portion 91g toward the lower end side of the lifting unit 92.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a discharge port 91h is provided in a portion located on the opening 91f side of the bottom 91z of the delivery passage 91g. In addition, the upper end portion of the discharge rod 91x is connected to the discharge port 91h, and the opening portion 91p of the storage container 91n is connected to the lower end portion of the discharge rod 91x. In addition, an opening / closing member 91t is attached to a portion of the delivery passage portion 91g located on the periphery of the discharge port 91h. The opening / closing member 91t constitutes a specific example of the “switching means”, and one end portion thereof is pivotally supported to be rotatable. The opening / closing member 91t is rotatable using a driving force of a motor 91m (not shown) (see FIG. 28). In this embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the motor 91m. Further, the motor 91m is connected to the value assignment control board 240 (see FIG. 28), and its rotation operation (rotation action) and stop operation are controlled using control signals output from the value assignment control board 240. . In addition, an actuator other than a motor such as a solenoid can be used to drive the opening / closing member 91t. The storage container 91n constitutes a specific example of “storage means”.

  When the motor 91m is not driven, the opening / closing member 91t closes the discharge port 91h, as shown in FIG. 22A, so that the game ball reaching the delivery passage 91g from the main passage 91e is at the lower end of the lifting unit 92. Flow down to the side. For this reason, this game ball is guided toward the ball receiving portion 71d (launch position). As shown in FIG. 22B, when the motor 91m is driven and its drive shaft is rotated in a predetermined direction, the discharge port 91h is opened, and the rotated opening / closing member 91t is connected to the main passage portion. Of 91e, the lower side than the outlet 91h is closed. For this reason, the game ball reaching the delivery passage 91g from the main passage 91e is discharged to the storage container 91n through the discharge basket 91x (discharged outside the circulation mechanism). When the discharge port 91h is in the open state, the motor 91m is driven and its drive shaft is rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, so that the discharge port 91h is closed, and the delivery passage portion 91g from the main passage portion 91e. The game ball that reaches is guided toward the lower end side of the lifting unit 92.

  As will be described later, in the gaming machine 1, when the front frame 4 is changed from the open state to the closed state with respect to the main body frame 3, the value-adding control board 240 (see FIG. 28) and the discharge port 91h are closed. Thus, the drive of the motor 91m is controlled. Further, when the front frame 4 is changed from the closed state to the main body frame 3, the motor 91m is driven so that the value-adding control board 240 (see FIG. 28) and the discharge port 91h are opened. Control.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a receiving detection switch 91w for detecting a game ball received in the receiving port is provided in a portion of the delivery passage portion 91g that is located closer to the lifting unit 92 than the discharge port 91h. ing. As the acceptance detection switch 91w, an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit can be exemplified. In this embodiment, the number of times that the reception detection switch 91w detects a game ball (the number of collected game balls) is smaller than the number of times that the above-described launch detection switch 71t has detected a game ball (the number of game balls that are fired). Then, it is determined that the number of game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 has fallen below a prescribed number (the game balls have been discharged outside the machine due to a ball clogging operation or the like).

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 23, the lifting unit 92 includes a case 95 and a lifting screw 96 disposed in a rotatable state in the case 95. Of these, the case 95 includes a case main body 95a configured in a substantially cylindrical shape with its axis oriented vertically. Further, the left side surface portion on the lower end side of the case main body 95a is provided with a connection port 95c to which the lower end portion of the delivery passage portion 91g is connected.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a discharge port 95h is provided on the outer peripheral surface on the upper end side of the case 95, and a start end 85s (85e) of the relay unit 85 is connected to the discharge port 95h. For this reason, the game ball lifted to the upper end side of the case 95 enters the relay unit 85, but the main part of the relay unit 85 is configured by a substantially tubular body that is inclined downward toward the firing ball storage member 73. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the relay unit 85 reaches the launch ball storage member 73.

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

  In the spiral protrusion 96b, a plate-like rib 96R is spanned between a portion 961b located at the lowermost portion and a portion 962b located one turn higher than that, and 963b located at the uppermost portion. A plate-like rib 96F is also spanned between the portion 964b that is one turn lower than that. The lower rib 96R effectively acts when the game ball reaching from the delivery passage portion 91g is received on the spiral protrusion 96b, and the upper rib 96F is connected to the relay unit 85 from the spiral protrusion 96b. It works effectively when discharging to (discharge port 95h).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the lifting screw 96 is moved in a direction in which the spiral protrusion 96b rises and inclines (when the lifting screw 96 in FIG. 23 is observed from above, the rotation direction is recognized as the counterclockwise rotation direction. (Hereinafter, referred to as a forward rotation direction), the game balls that successively reach the lower end of the lifting screw 96 using the downward slope of the delivery passage 91g are transferred to the lifting screw 96. It is pushed up one after another along the upward spiral path. Then, the game balls that successively reach the upper end of the lifting screw 96 pass through the supply cylinder 95 b and are stored inside the firing ball storage member 73.

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

  Next, the relay unit 85 will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, the relay unit 85 includes a main pipe portion 86 and a replenishment portion 87. Among these, the main pipe portion 86 is formed in a substantially tubular body having an inner diameter that allows passage of one game ball, and the first tubular portion 86a disposed in a state of being inclined downward in a direction away from the case 95, and the case 95 A second tubular portion 86c disposed in a state of being inclined downward in a direction away from the second tubular portion 86c. The second tubular portion 86c is longer than the first tubular portion 86a, is located below the first tubular portion 86a, and is disposed at a position away from the case 95, and the case 95 of the first tubular portion 86a. The end portion of the second tubular portion 86c is connected to the end portion of the second tubular portion 86c near the case 95 by a hanging portion 86c.

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

  As shown in FIG. 25, the replenishment unit 87 includes a reserve ball storage unit 87a and a ball feeding device 87c. Among these, the reserve ball storage portion 87a is a member for storing game balls to be replenished to the main pipe portion 86, and includes a main body portion 871a configured in a substantially container shape that opens upward, and an opening portion of the main body portion 871a. And a lid body 872a for sealing. In addition, overlap margins 873a and 874a are provided on the peripheral edge of the main body portion 871a and the peripheral edge portion of the lid body 872a. . And the connection pin 875a is mounted | worn in the state which penetrates both the overlap allowances 873a and 874a. Further, in the gaming machine 1, a predetermined number (for example, 200 non-magnetic game balls) is enclosed at the time of shipment.

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

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

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

  However, in the ball feeding device 87c, the upper connection port 75c is connected to the discharge port 878a of the spare ball storage unit 87a, and the lower connection port 75d is connected to the connection port 86m of the main pipe unit 86. A holding chamber 75e is also provided inside the outer body 75d, and an inflow side passage 75f that communicates between the upper connection port 75c and the upper end of the holding chamber 75e is provided, and a side end of the holding chamber 75e is provided. An outflow passage 75g that communicates with the lower connection port 75d is provided. Here, the cross sections of the inflow side passage 75f and the outflow side passage 75g are circular with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (for example, a diameter smaller than 1.2 times the diameter of the game ball). The game balls can enter one by one sequentially. A sensor (hereinafter referred to as a “replenishment sensor”) for detecting that a game ball passes toward the main pipe portion 86 (the game ball is replenished to the main pipe portion 86) inside the outflow side passage 75g. .) 87s is provided. As this replenishment sensor 87s, an optical sensor provided with a light emission part and a light-receiving part can be illustrated. The replenishment sensor 87s is connected to a value addition control board 240 described later (see FIG. 28). Here, the connection port 86m (connection port 86m of the main pipe portion 86) shown in FIG. 25 constitutes a specific example of the “ball replenishment portion”, and the reserve ball storage portion 87a is a reserve ball (a game ball that can be used in circulation in the machine). A game ball replenished when a shortage occurs in the number of balls is referred to as a reserve ball). Further, the ball feeding device 87c constitutes a specific example of “sending means for feeding a game ball stored as a spare ball to the ball replenishing unit”.

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

  The rotating ball feeding member 75b of the ball feeding device 87c is constituted by a substantially circular plate supported in a rotatable state in the holding chamber 75e. The rotating ball feeding member 75b has a rotational axis centered in the front-rear direction, and concave portions 751e and 751e are provided at two locations separated by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. These concave portions 751e and 751e are opened on the outer circumferential surface and front and rear surfaces of the rotating ball feeding member 75b, and one ball is formed in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the rotating ball feeding member 75b (a direction not coincident with the radial direction). The size that can accept the game ball of. Both concave portions 751e and 751e have a rotationally symmetric shape around the axis of the rotating ball feeding member 75b. The rotating ball feeding member 75b is rotatable using a ball feeding motor 8T (see FIG. 28).

  The rotating ball feeding member 75b is also provided with blocking surfaces 75p and 75p. When the outer circumference of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is traced, two blocking surfaces 75p and 75p are sandwiched between the two recesses 751e and 751e. It will be. Note that the ball feed motor 8T is a stepping motor and is connected to the value assignment control board 240 (see FIG. 30). It is controlled using a signal (see FIG. 28).

  Next, a driving mode of the ball feeding device 87c will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in FIG. 25, the rotational position of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is such that one of the blocking surfaces 75p closes the lower end portion of the inflow side passage 75e (the following game balls Y12, Y13, etc. enter the holding chamber 75e). It will be in a position to close) to prevent this. Next, when the replenishment button B (which will be described later with reference to FIG. 43) is pressed under a predetermined condition, the value assignment control board 240 drives the ball feed motor 8T, as shown in FIG. When the rotating ball feeding member 75b is rotated (rotated clockwise when viewed from the front) and any one of the recesses 751e is in communication with the lower end of the inflow side passage 75f, only one game ball Y11 is present. The game ball Y12 that enters the recess 751e and follows the game ball Y11 stops in the inflow side passage 75f.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 26 (b), when the amount of rotation of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is increased, the recess 751e that holds the game ball Y11 is in communication with the upper end portion of the outflow side passage 75g. Of the surfaces forming the concave portion 751e in the rotating ball feeding member 75b, the one located below the game ball Y11 (surface portion 75w) is inclined downward toward the upper end portion of the outflow side passage 75g. The game ball Y11 reaches the main pipe portion 86 (inside the ball circulation mechanism) through the outflow side passage 75g. At this time, the value addition control board 240 detects that the game ball is replenished to the main pipe portion 86 (inside the ball circulation mechanism) using the replenishment sensor 87c. Further, the rotational position of the rotating ball feeding member 75b is such that the lower end portion of the outflow side passage 75g is closed by any one of the other blocking surfaces 75p (following game balls Y12, Y13 and the like are prevented from entering the holding chamber 751e. Closed position). Then, the ball feeding device 87c repeats the rotation and the rotation stop of the rotating ball feeding member 75b, so that the game balls can be intermittently supplied to the main pipe portion 86 (in the ball circulation mechanism) one by one. .

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

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

  The control boards (200, 220, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 240A, 260A) are a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and various programs and data executed by the CPU. ROM in which the CPU is stored, the RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, the peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the peripheral device, and the clock for the CPU to perform operations are output Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that performs CPU, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates an interrupt signal. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 27 and 28 indicate the directions in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 27, only the CPU 201, the RAM 202, and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and further the CPU mounted on another control board. Further, illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) includes a normal symbol actuating gate passage detection switch 16s, start opening ball detection switches 17s and 17t, general entrance detection switches 45s and 46s, a grand opening entrance detection switch 31s, and the like. After receiving the detection signal of the game ball and determining whether or not the basic progress of the game and the winning ball are involved, the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 220) and the value addition control part 240A (value addition control board 240) Various signals (commands) to be described later are output toward the launch control unit 260A (launch control board 260) and the like. The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball fired from the launcher unit. Furthermore, an out-entry ball detection switch 18s is also connected to the main controller 200A (main control board 200).

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, a launch control unit 260A and the like are connected to the value assignment control unit 240A. In addition, the CR unit 80 is connected to the value assignment control unit 240A so that bidirectional communication is possible, and a rental button 5c, a return button 5q, and a display device 5r are connected via a ball rental display board 410. . In addition, the main control unit 200A is connected to the value assignment control unit 240A in a state where bidirectional communication is possible.

  The value assignment control unit 240A is responsible for various controls related to so-called ball rental and game value assignment. For example, when the player operates the lending button 5c or the return button 5q, the operation signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 410 to the value addition control board 240, and the ball lending information is acquired based on the operation signal, Add to the number of balls. Here, the “number of possessed balls” is the number of game balls that can be launched by the player. When the main control unit 200A outputs the prize ball information, the value assignment control unit 240A receives the prize ball information and adds it to the number of possessed balls. Further, as shown in FIG. 28, the value addition control board 240 constituting the value addition control unit 240A includes a replenishment sensor 87s, a lower limit sensor 73L, an upper limit sensor 73H, a ball feed motor 8T, a motor 91m, a front frame switch 4s, An unlocking prevention device 7S, an error notification device 4E, an acceptance detection switch 91w, and the like are connected.

  As shown in FIG. 28, a launch control board 260 constituting a launch control unit 260A is connected to the value assignment control board 240, and the launch solenoid board 8m, the touch switch 9a, and the launch stop are connected to the launch control board 260. A switch 9b, a ball feed motor 8t, a drive motor 96m, a firing detection switch 71t, and the like are connected. The touch switch 9 a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal) to the firing control unit 260 </ b> A when the player is in contact with the launch handle 9, and touches when the player is not in contact with the launch handle 8. A non-detection signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A. The firing stop switch 8b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal) to the launch control unit 260A when the player is not operating (not pressed), and the player is operating (pressed). The firing stop signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A.

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

  The front frame switch 4 s is connected to the value assignment control board 240. In addition, the value assignment control board 240 and the main control board 200 are connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. For this reason, the detection signal output from the front frame switch 4s (the detection signal indicating that the front frame 4 has been opened) is transmitted to the main control board 200 via the value assignment control board 240. .

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

a. Normal Symbol Fluctuation Game As shown in FIG. 30, the normal symbol variation game is started based on the passing of the game ball through the normal symbol operation gate 16 (S1, S2). This normal symbol variation game is a game whose content is to execute the variation display of the ordinary symbol in the ordinary symbol display unit 63, and ends when the stop symbol is fixedly displayed on the ordinary symbol display unit 63. And when the stop symbol fixedly displayed on the normal symbol display part 63 is a winning symbol (S3), the result of the normal symbol changing game is a winning symbol, and the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (first 2 state) (S4), and when the stop symbol that is fixedly displayed on the normal symbol display unit 63 is out of the symbol (S5), the result of the normal symbol variable game is out (S6), and the second start winning prize The device 17b maintains the closed state (first state).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the determination result indicating “big hit” is derived by the winning determination based on the first start winning (hereinafter referred to as “first winning determination”), the main control unit 200A selects the type of jackpot (type of jackpot symbol) by random lottery ( That is, it is determined by a distribution lottery). Then, by this random number lottery (distribution lottery), as shown in the overview of FIG. 32 (special figure 1 big hit symbol determination table), the “big hit type” is “16R normal big hit”, “8R probability big hit” and One of “8R normal big hit” is determined. A random number for performing “lottery lottery” (hereinafter referred to as “symbol for determining symbols”) is acquired at the timing at which the start winning is generated, similarly to random numbers for determination of success / failure (random numbers for jackpot lottery, etc.). The

  Even when the determination result indicating “big hit” is derived by the determination of winning / failing based on the second start winning prize (hereinafter referred to as “second winning / non-winning determination”), the main control unit 200A selects the type of jackpot (type of jackpot symbol) by random number lottery. It is decided by (sort lottery). Also, by this random number lottery, as shown in the lower chart of FIG. 32 (special figure 2 big hit symbol determination table), “type of big hit” is “16R probability variable big hit”, “16R normal big hit” and “8R normal big hit” Is determined. The “design determination random number” for performing the “distribution lottery” is also acquired at the timing when the start winning is generated, similarly to the random number for determination of success / failure (such as a random number for big hit lottery). It should be noted that the “lottery lottery” when the result of the second winning / failing determination is “big hit” is more for the player than the “sort lottery” when the result of the first winner / failure is “big hit”. An advantageous distribution is made.

  When “16R probability variation big hit” or “8R probability variation big hit” occurs, the probability that the result of the success / failure determination (the first success / failure determination and the second success / failure determination) becomes a big hit after executing the corresponding jackpot game is high. At the same time, after the corresponding jackpot game is executed, the game mode in which the release extension means and the fluctuation time reduction means operate, that is, the “open extension mode” is set. This open extension mode is continued until the cumulative number of special symbol variable games that are executed without generating a big hit after the corresponding big hit game ends becomes “10,000”. However, in consideration of the jackpot winning probability (hit probability) that is normally determined for gaming machines (pachinko machines), the extended extended mode continues until this “10,000 times”, which is essentially “next jackpot. This means that the open extension mode continues until “ Therefore, hereinafter, the case is simply expressed as “the open extension mode continues until the next jackpot occurs” (see FIG. 32).

  On the other hand, when “16R normal big hit” or “8R normal big hit” occurs, the probability that the result of the hit / no-go judgment (first hit / no-go judgment and second hit / no-go judgment) will be a big hit after executing the corresponding big hit game is low ( Normal probability). The release extension mode is continued until the cumulative number of special pattern variation games that are executed without causing a big hit after the corresponding big hit game ends is “100”.

(4) Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, each process such as a prize ball grant process (S10), a normal symbol game process (S20), a normal electric game game process (S30), a special symbol game process (S40), a big hit game process (S50), etc. Is executed repeatedly. Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S10 to S50 in FIG. 33 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 4 msec occurs after the power is turned on. In each process constituting the game control process, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. In the following, only the prize ball giving process (S10) in the process shown in FIG. 33 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 is a game to the winning device (the first starting winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31 or the general winning devices 40, 41). Based on the entry of the ball, a process for giving a game value to the player is performed (S10). That is, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a game ball has entered based on the states of the “start entrance ball detection switches 17s, 17t”, the “general entrance detection switches 45s, 46s”, and the “large entrance entrance detection switch 31s”. It is determined whether or not (S11, S13, S15). If a game ball has entered, the winning information corresponding to the winning devices 17a, 17b, 40, 41, 31 that have entered the game is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Store (S12, S14, S16).

  That is, when the start winning devices 17a and 17b are entered (S11; YES), the winning information corresponding to the start winning device is stored (S12) and the general winning devices 45, 41, and 46 are entered. (S13; YES), the winning information corresponding to the general winning devices 45 and 46 is stored (S14). If the player has entered the big winning device 31 (S15; YES), the winning information corresponding to the big winning device 31 is stored (S16).

  Then, the CPU 201 outputs a game value grant signal to the value grant control board 240 based on the winning information stored on the RAM 202 (S17). In addition, when winning information for the start entrance ball detection switch 17s or the like has already been stored on the RAM 202, an appropriate giving number including the previously stored information is designated and a grant signal is sent. Output. Here, when entering the start winning devices 17a and 17b, a “granting signal designating that the number of possessed balls is added” is output, and when entering the general winning devices 45 and 46, “ An “giving signal designating to add 10 balls” is output. In addition, when a player has entered the grand prize winning device 31, a “granting signal designating that the number of held balls is to be added” is output. Here, the “number of possessed balls” indicates the number of game balls permitted to be fired by the launching device 8m.

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

  When the launch control control process (S100) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 “releases the replenishment flag (sets it to OFF) and outputs an OFF signal from the front frame switch 4s. It is determined whether or not it is “the state being performed” (S101). Here, when the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines that there is no specified number (for example, 200) of game balls in the gaming machine 1, the replenishment flag is set (ON) (Refer to the process of S575 in FIG. 42A). Information (data) specifying that the replenishment flag is set (set to ON) and information (data) specifying that the replenishment flag is released (set to OFF) are emitted from the value assignment control board 240. It is transmitted to the control board 260. Then, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 determines whether or not a prescribed number (for example, 200) of game balls exist in the game machine 1 based on the information (data). Can be determined.

  When the front frame 4 is in a closed state with respect to the main body frame 3, an OFF signal is output from the front frame switch 4s, and when the front frame 4 is in an open state with respect to the main body frame 3, an ON signal is output from the front frame switch 4s. Is output. Since the information (data) specifying the OFF signal and the ON signal is transmitted from the value assignment control board 240 to the launch control board 260, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 It is possible to determine whether or not the front frame 4 is in a closed state with respect to the main body frame 3 based on the information (data). Then, when the front frame 4 is closed with respect to the main body frame 3 and a prescribed number (for example, 200) of game balls exist in the game machine 1, an affirmative determination is made in S101. .

  If a CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 makes a negative determination in the process of S101, the launch control control process (S100) is terminated as it is. That is, at least one of the front frame 4 being in an open state with respect to the main body frame 3 and the fact that there is no prescribed number (eg, 200) of game balls in the gaming machine 1. If satisfied, the firing control control process (S100) is terminated without performing the process of S105. In contrast, when a CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 makes a negative determination in the process of S101, the process proceeds to S105 and subsequent processes.

  A CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 determines whether or not a ball is present in the process of S105 (S105). Then, when there is no holding ball (S105; NO), the firing control control process (S100) is ended as it is. On the other hand, if a ball is present (S105; YES), the process proceeds to S110. Unlike the present embodiment, even when a prescribed number (for example, 200) of game balls does not exist in the gaming machine 1, the game balls may be fired (a positive determination is made in the processing of S101). You may do it.) Further, when there are more than a predetermined number (for example, 200) of game balls in the game machine 1, the game balls may not be fired (a negative determination is made in the processing of S101). It's also good.)

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

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

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

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

(6) Main Processing by Value Assignment Control Unit 240A FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of value addition control processing (S180) performed by the value addition control board 240 constituting the value addition control unit 240A. This value assignment control process (S180) includes a value assignment basic process (S200), a game start related process (S280), a transfer start process (S300), a transfer end process (S350), a game stop related process (S400), Front frame opening / closing related processing (S450), difference ball number addition processing (S500), difference ball number subtraction processing (S520), difference ball number related processing (S550), outlet opening / closing processing (S600), replenishment management processing (S550) Etc. are repeatedly executed. Note that the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 36 is approximately 2 msec, and therefore these processes are repeatedly executed about every 2 msec.

a. Value addition basic processing (S200)
As shown in FIG. 37, when the value assignment basic process (S200) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines whether or not “payment information” is received from the CR unit 80. Judgment is made (S205). If the “payment information” is received (S205; YES), the deposit information is stored (stored) in a predetermined storage area of a RAM (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240. (S210), the process proceeds to S220, and if “payment information” is not received (S205; NO), the process proceeds to S220 as it is. Here, “payment information” refers to frequency information corresponding to the amount of a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 81 or frequency information stored in a card inserted into the card slot 84.

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

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

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

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

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

  In addition, although the present Example illustrated the game machine 1 which does not produce a foul ball, this invention is applicable also to the game machine which produces a foul ball (refer Example 3). In this case, a foul ball sensor for detecting a foul ball is provided in the gaming machine. Each time a game ball is fired, the “number of held balls” is “−1”, but when the foul ball sensor detects a game ball, the “number of held balls” is “+1”.

b. Game start related processing (S280)
As shown in FIG. 38 (a), when the game start related process (S280) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180) transmits based on the front frame switch 4s. It is determined whether or not the signal has been switched from an ON signal to an OFF signal (whether or not it is time to perform switching) (S282). That is, it is determined whether or not the front frame 4 that has been in the open state is in the closed state, and the timing for switching the signal output from the front frame switch 4s from the ON signal to the OFF signal has arrived (S282). If a negative determination is made in the process of S282 (S282; NO), the game start related process (S280) is terminated as it is and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when a positive determination is made in the process of S282 (S282; YES), the above-described unlocking prevention mechanism 7S is brought into the unlocking prevention state, and the unlocking of the front frame 4 is prevented (S286). ). Specifically, the position of the protruding end portion of the plunger 7T constituting the unlocking prevention mechanism 7S is set as the protruding position (the protruding amount of the plunger 7T is set as the maximum amount), and the downward movement of the engaging portion 7K is restricted. Thereby, the operation for unlocking the front frame 4 cannot be performed on the locking device 7, and the position of the protruding end of the plunger 7 </ b> T is executed until the process of S <b> 450 (see FIG. 40) is executed. Is maintained in the protruding position. When the process of S286 is completed, the game start related process (S280) is terminated, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the downward movement of the engaging portion 7K is restricted to prevent the front frame 4 from being unlocked. For example, (i) a cam (front frame) constituting the locking device 7 is used. A mode in which the front frame 4 is unlocked by locking (a cam for pressing the locking portion 7B downward) and (ii) an OFF signal is transmitted from the front frame switch 4s. A mode (mode which hides unlocking) etc. which seal the keyhole of locking device 7 with the shutter etc. which accompanies and block unlocking front frame 4 etc. can be illustrated.

c. Lifting start processing (S300)
As shown in FIG. 38 (b), when the lifting start processing (S300) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 indicates that the lifting unit 92 has stopped lifting. It is determined whether or not (S305). And if it is during a pumping (S305; NO), a pumping start process (S300) will be complete | finished as it is, and it will return to the value provision control process (S180) shown in FIG. (S305; YES), the process proceeds to S315 and subsequent steps. Note that whether or not the pump is being lifted can be determined by whether or not the drive motor 96m (see FIG. 28) is being driven.

  In the process of S315, it is determined whether or not the lower limit sensor 73L has detected that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the lower limit amount (S315). That is, when the lower limit sensor 73L has not detected the game ball (S315; YES), it is determined that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the lower limit amount. Then, when the lower limit sensor 73L has not reached the lower limit amount of the game balls stored in the firing ball storage member 73 (S315; NO), the lifting start processing (S300) is terminated and shown in FIG. The process returns to the value addition control process (S180). On the other hand, when the lower limit amount has been reached (S315; YES), after starting the lifting (S320), the lifting start process (S300) is terminated, and the value addition control process (FIG. 36) ( The process returns to S180).

d. Lifting completion processing (S350)
As shown in FIG. 39 (a), when the lifting completion process (S350) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines whether or not the lifting unit 92 is being lifted. Judgment is made (S355). If it is not being lifted (S355; NO), the lifting completion process (S350) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. 36. If it is being lifted (S355). YES), the process proceeds to S360 and subsequent steps.

  In the process of S360, it is determined whether or not the upper limit sensor 73H has detected that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the upper limit amount (S360). That is, when the upper limit sensor 73H detects a game ball (S360; YES), it is determined that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the upper limit amount. When the upper limit sensor 73H does not detect that the game balls stored in the launch ball storage member 73 have reached the upper limit amount (S360; NO), the lifting end process (S300) is temporarily ended. The process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the upper limit amount has been reached (S360; YES), after stopping the lifting (S320), the lifting end processing (S350) is ended, and the value addition control processing (FIG. 36) ( The process returns to S180).

e. Game stop related processing (S400)
As shown in FIG. 39 (b), when the game stop related process (S400) is activated, the CPU (not shown) installed in the value assignment control process (S180) determines whether or not the touch switch 9a is turned off. It is determined whether or not the touch switch 9a has changed from a state of outputting a contact detection signal to a state of outputting a contact non-detection signal (S401). Then, when the touch switch 9a is ON (when the contact detection signal is output), the game stop related process (S400) is finished as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Information (data) indicating that the touch switch 9a is ON (contact detection signal) and information (data) indicating that the touch switch 9a is OFF (non-contact detection signal) are valuable from the launch control board 260. Since it is transmitted from the assignment control board 240, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 can grasp the ON / OFF switching of the touch switch 9a based on these pieces of information (data). .

  On the other hand, when the touch switch 9a is turned off (S401; YES), a timer for measuring the time during which the touch switch 9a is turned off is set (S405). If the touch switch 9a remains OFF (S407; NO), the game stop related process (S400) is terminated and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. After the timer is set (S405), when the touch switch 9a is turned on (when the touch switch 9a is in a state of outputting a contact detection signal from a state of outputting a contact non-detection signal), the timer is reset (initialized). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S413.

  In the process of S413, it is determined whether or not the unlocking prevention mechanism 500 has shifted to the unlocking permitted state (S413). Specifically, whether or not the protrusion amount of the plunger 7T constituting the unlocking prevention mechanism 7S is minimized (the plunger 7T is retracted from below the engaging portion 7K and the downward movement of the engaging portion 7K is prevented. It is determined whether or not an operation for unlocking the front frame 4 on the locking device 7 can be executed (S413). If the unlocking prevention mechanism 7S is in the unlocking restricted state (S413; NO), the game stop related process (S400) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the unlocking prevention mechanism 7S is in the unlocking permitted state (S413; YES), after the unlocking prevention mechanism 7S is set to the unlocking restricted state (S418), the game stop related process (S400) is performed. The process ends and returns to the value assignment control process (S180) shown in FIG.

f. Front frame opening related processing (S450)
As shown in FIG. 40, when the front frame opening related process (S450) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180) outputs an OFF signal by the front frame switch 4s. It is determined whether or not (S455). That is, it is determined whether or not the front frame 4 is in a closed state with respect to the main body frame 3 (S455). When the front frame 4 is in an open state (S455; NO), the front frame opening related processing (S450) is performed as it is. And the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the front frame 4 is in the closed state (S455; YES), it is determined whether or not the touch switch 9a is OFF (S460). That is, it is determined whether or not the player has stopped the game (S460). If the player has not stopped (the touch switch 9a is ON) (S460; NO), the front frame opening related processing is performed. (S450) is ended, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in the process of S460 that the touch switch 9a is turned off (S460; YES), the above-described timer (see the process of S405 in FIG. 39) is referred to and the touch switch 9a is turned off. The elapsed time is acquired (S465). Here, in the present embodiment, the maximum time for the game ball launched from the ball receiving unit 71d (launch position) to be detected by the acceptance detection switch 91w is set to “15 seconds”. Therefore, there is a possibility that the ball receiving portion 71d (launch position) exists in the game area 11 in a time shorter than “15 seconds” after the touch switch 9a is turned off. For this reason, in this embodiment, the front door 4 is in an open state until a time exceeding the “15 seconds” (a predetermined time, for example, 20 seconds) has elapsed after the touch switch 9a is turned off. We are going to regulate that.

  A CPU (not shown) installed in the value assignment control process (S180) performs the process of S465, and then the elapsed time after the touch switch 9a is turned OFF becomes a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds). It is determined whether or not (S470). If the predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) has not been reached (S470; NO), the front frame opening related process (S450) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. . On the other hand, if the predetermined time (20 seconds) has been reached (S470; YES), after the above-described timer reset process (see the process of S405 in FIG. 39) is performed (S475), is it currently being transported? It is determined whether or not (S480). If the pumping is in progress (S480; YES), the pumping is stopped (S482), and then the process proceeds to S485. If the pumping is not in progress (S480; NO), the process proceeds to S485. Transition to processing.

  The process of S485 is a process for bringing the unlocking prevention mechanism 500 into the unlocking permitted state. When the CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180) executes the process in S485, the front frame opening related process (S450) is terminated and the value assignment control process (S180) shown in FIG. Return to). Here, in the process of S485, since the unlocking prevention mechanism 7S is brought into the unlocking permitted state, the front frame 4 can be brought into the unlocked state. For this reason, a store clerk or the like of the pachinko hall can open the front frame 4.

g. Difference ball number addition processing (S500) and difference ball number subtraction processing (S520)
The CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180) includes a difference ball number addition process (S500) shown in FIG. 41A and a difference ball number subtraction process (S520) shown in FIG. ) To grasp the change in the number of game balls enclosed in the aircraft (whether or not a difference ball is generated). Here, the RAM (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180) is provided with a difference ball number counter. The value of the difference ball number counter is obtained from the ball receiving unit 71d (launch position). When one game ball is fired, it is “+1”, and when one game ball is discharged from the game area 11, it is “−1”. Specifically, every time a game ball launched from the ball receiving unit 71d (launch position) is detected by the launch detection switch 71t, “+1” is detected, and this launched game ball is detected by the acceptance detection switch 91w. "-1" every time.

  That is, when the difference ball number addition process (S500) is activated, it is determined whether or not the firing detection switch 71t has detected a game ball (S505). If not detected (S505; NO), the difference ball number is added as it is. The process (S500) is terminated and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is detected (S505; YES), after the value of the difference ball number counter is incremented by “+1” (S510), the difference ball number addition process (S500) is terminated and the value addition control process (FIG. 36) ( The process returns to S180). Information (data) specifying that the launch detection switch 71t has detected a game ball is transmitted from the launch control board 260 to the value addition control board 240. Therefore, a CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 can grasp that the launch detection switch 71t has detected a game ball based on such information (data).

  When the difference ball number subtraction process (S520) is activated, it is determined whether or not the acceptance detection switch 91w has detected a game ball (S525). If not detected (S525; NO), the difference ball number is subtracted as it is. The process (S520) is terminated and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is detected (S525; YES), after the value of the difference ball number counter is set to “−1” (S510), the difference ball number subtraction process (S520) is terminated and the value addition control process shown in FIG. Return to (S180).

h. Difference ball number related processing (S550)
As shown in FIG. 42A, when the difference ball number related process (S550) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180) outputs an ON signal by the front frame switch 4s. It is determined whether it has been performed (S555). That is, it is determined whether or not the front frame 4 is in an open state (S555). If the front frame 4 is in a closed state (S555; NO), the difference ball number related processing (S550) is terminated as it is, and FIG. The process returns to the value assignment control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the front frame 4 is in an open state (S555; YES), after obtaining the difference ball number at that time from the difference ball number counter (S560), the difference ball stored in the difference ball number counter is stored. It is determined whether or not the number (count value of the difference ball number counter) is “zero” (S560). If it is “zero” (S560; YES), the difference ball number related process (S550) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is not “zero” (S560; NO), after performing the process of setting the replenishment flag (set to ON) and the process of notifying the error by causing the error notification device 4E to emit light (S575). Then, the difference ball number related process (S550) is terminated and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. The error notification device 4E can be configured by an LED display device (dot LED display device, 7-segment display device), a liquid crystal display device, or the like. In the process of S575, an error notification signal is output, and the error notification signal is transmitted to the sub control board 220 via the main control board 200, and the error notification is performed using the effect display device 27 and the speakers SP1 to SP4. Or the number of difference balls may be displayed on the effect display device 27. Note that the processing of S560 and S570 constitutes a specific example of processing as “ball number specifying means” performed by a CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control processing (S180), and the processing of S575 is performed by the CPU. A specific example of the process as “notification means” performed by is configured.

  Here, in this embodiment, in principle, there is no game ball in the game area 11 (there is no game ball in the game area 11 if there is no defect such as a ball clogging). (Refer to the process of S485 after the positive determination of S470 in FIG. 40). Since the difference ball number is calculated when the front frame 4 is in the open state (refer to the processes of S560 and S570 after the positive determination of the process of S555), this calculation can be accurately performed. . The replenishment flag is a flag indicating that it is necessary to replenish game balls in the plane. That is, when the number of game balls that can be circulated in the machine (the number of game balls existing in the machine) is less than the prescribed number (200), the refill flag is set (set to ON), and the number of game balls that can be circulated in the machine ( When the number of game balls present in the plane) satisfies the specified number (200), the replenishment flag is canceled (set to OFF) (see the process of S685 in FIG. 43). If the number of game balls that can be circulated in the machine (the number of game balls present in the machine) is less than the prescribed number (200), the difference ball number acquired in S560 is a “positive number”.

i. Discharge port opening / closing process (S600)
As shown in FIG. 42 (b), when the discharge opening / closing process (S600) is activated, the CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180) turns off the signal output by the front frame switch 4s. It is determined whether or not the signal has been switched to the ON signal (S605). That is, it is determined whether or not the front frame 4 has changed from the closed state to the open state (S605). When a positive determination is made (S605; YES), the motor 91m is driven to change the state of the opening / closing member 91t from a state in which the discharge port 91h is closed to a state in which the discharge port 91h is opened ( S610), the outlet opening / closing process (S600) is terminated, and the process returns to the value assignment control process (S180) shown in FIG. Thus, the lower side of the main passage portion 91e than the discharge port 91h is closed, and the game ball reaching the delivery passage portion 91g from the main passage portion 91e is discharged to the storage container 91n through the discharge basket 91x (guidance means) Discharged outside).

  If a negative determination is made in the process of S605 (S605; NO), it is determined whether or not the signal output from the front frame switch 4s has been switched from the ON signal to the OFF signal (S615). That is, it is determined whether or not the front frame 4 has changed from the open state to the closed state (S615). When a positive determination is made (S615; YES), the motor 91m is driven to change the state of the opening / closing member 91t from a state where the discharge port 91h is opened to a state where the discharge port 91h is closed ( S620), the outlet opening / closing process (S600) is terminated, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. Thereby, the discharge port 91h is closed, and the game ball that reaches the delivery passage 91g from the main passage 91e is guided toward the lower end side of the lifting unit 92 (within the guiding means). Guidance continues.)

  Further, when the signal output from the front frame switch 4s is not the timing for switching from the OFF signal to the ON signal or the timing for switching from the ON signal to the OFF signal (S605; NO, 615; NO), the outlet opening / closing process is performed as it is. (S600) is ended, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. That is, if the front frame 4 maintains the open state, the state of the discharge port 91h is maintained in the open state, and if the front frame 4 maintains the closed state, the state of the discharge port 91h is maintained in the closed state.

j. Replenishment process (S650)
As shown in FIG. 43A, when the replenishment process (S650) is started, it is determined whether or not the replenishment flag is set (set to ON) (S652). If the replenishment flag is released (set to OFF) (S652; NO), the replenishment process (S650) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. When the refill flag is set (set to ON) (S652; YES), the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value-adding control board 240 has a game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73. It is determined whether or not it is detected that the upper limit amount has been reached (S655).

  In the process of S655, when the upper limit sensor 73H detects a game ball (S655; YES), it is determined that the game ball stored in the launch ball storage member 73 has reached the upper limit amount. When the upper limit sensor 73H detects that the game balls stored in the launch ball storage member 73 have reached the upper limit amount (S655; YES), the replenishment unit 87 to the ball circulation mechanism (main pipe unit 86). Since it is determined that the game ball cannot be replenished, an error notification is made (S660). However, when the replenishment flag is set (set to ON), the upper limit sensor 73H should not detect the game ball in principle because there are not enough game balls in the plane. And even if the replenishment flag is set (set to ON), the game ball stored in the shot ball storage member 73 reaches the upper limit amount in the shot ball storage member 73 or the like. A case where a ball is clogged is assumed. In this case, the clerk of the pachinko hall, etc. will resolve this error manually, but when this resolution is completed, the upper limit sensor 73H will not detect the game ball.

  If the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 determines that the upper limit sensor 73H has not detected a game ball in the process of S655 (S655; NO), whether or not the replenishment button B has been pressed. Is determined (S665), and if not depressed (S665; NO), the replenishment process (S650) is once terminated, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, when pressed (S665; YES), after the processing of replenishing one game ball from the replenishing portion 87 to the main pipe portion 86 (S670), the value of the difference ball number counter is set to “−1”. After that (S675), it is determined whether or not the value of the difference ball number counter has become “zero” (S680). The CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 may perform the process of S680 every time the replenishment sensor 87s detects a game ball to be replenished. Further, as shown in FIG. 43 (b), a replenishment button B is disposed at the corner of the front surface portion 10F of the game board 10, the front surface portion of the main body frame 3, the back surface portion G of the game board 10, or the like. Button B is pressed when game balls are replenished based on the processing of S665.

  When the value of the difference ball number counter becomes “zero” (S680; YES), a process of canceling the replenishment flag and a process of ending the error notification (error notification of the process of S575) were performed. Later (S685), the replenishment process (S650) is terminated, and the process returns to the value assignment control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the value of the difference ball number counter is not “zero” (S680; NO), the replenishment process (S650) is once ended and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. . Then, the CPU (not shown) mounted on the value assignment control board 240 repeatedly performs the value assignment control process (S180) of FIG. 36 and performs the processes of S675 and S675 a predetermined number of times. When the value becomes “zero” (S680; YES), the process of S685 is performed, the replenishment process (S650) is terminated, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. When displaying the difference ball number in the process of S575, the process ends in the process of S685.

  In each embodiment, an embodiment in which a game ball is replenished by the ball feeding device 87c is illustrated, but an embodiment in which an operator manually replenishes through a replenishment port as will be described later can also be exemplified. Further, in each of the embodiments, an example in which the ball feeding device 87c is driven according to an operation performed on the button B by the operator and the game ball is replenished is illustrated. However, the CPU or the like of the value addition control process (S180) has a predetermined value. A mode in which driving of the ball feeding device 87c is controlled based on the control program to replenish the game ball can also be exemplified. For example, instead of S665 in FIG. 43A, a process of specifying the difference ball number is performed, and a process of driving the ball feeding device 87c to replenish game balls by the number corresponding to the difference ball number is executed. Then, a process of subtracting the value of the difference ball number counter by the number of game balls to be replenished is performed, and if a positive determination is made in the process of S680, the process may proceed to S685.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(8) Effects of the embodiment According to the gaming machine 1, troubles such as ball clogging have occurred in the gaming area 11, and therefore, work to eliminate this trouble is performed while the front frame (front door) 4 is opened. Sometimes, even if an act of causing an illegal ball to enter the receiving port is performed, the illegal ball is guided to the guiding means (ball assembly unit 91, lifting unit 92, relay unit 85, firing ball storage member 73, ball feeding device 75. ) Can be discharged outside. In addition, even when an illegal acter intentionally opens the front frame (front door) 4 and makes an illegal ball enter the entrance, the illegal ball can be discharged out of the guiding means. . Therefore, according to this gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress an illegal act using an illegal ball.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the front frame 4 is in an open state, the game ball is guided to the outside of the guiding means by the switching means (opening / closing member 91t) provided in the collecting basket (the collecting bowl-shaped passage 91d). Can be switched. That is, a switching means for switching the guidance destination of the game ball to the inside of the guidance means or outside the guidance means is provided in the collective cage (aggregate bowl-shaped passage 91d), and is common to the game balls received at any of the receiving ports. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain a configuration for suppressing illegal acts. In addition, since the gaming machine 1 includes a storage unit (storage container 91n) that stores the game ball discharged outside the guide unit, the game ball guided outside the guide unit is prevented from being scattered or lost. it can. In addition, since it is possible to confirm whether or not the game ball received at the entrance when the front frame (front door) 4 is in an open state, there is evidence that an illegal act has been attempted. It can be determined whether or not exists. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the illegal act while preventing the illegal act. In addition, if there is a shortage in the game balls enclosed in the machine due to work to resolve defects such as ball clogging, it will be informed so that the pachinko hall manager etc. Can be replenished. Furthermore, when a shortage of the number of game balls occurs, the fact is notified, so that it is easy for an administrator or the like to grasp the occurrence of the shortage of balls. For this reason, taking advantage of the shortage of the number of balls, etc., it is possible to prevent illegal acts from being carried out by reliably preventing unauthorized persons from supplementing the illegal balls.

  In the first embodiment, the mode in which the replenishment unit 87 is provided in the relay unit 85 is illustrated. However, as illustrated in the first modification example in FIG. In this modification 1, the aspect which connects the replenishment part 87 to the site | part of the delivery unit 92 side rather than the discharge port 91h in the delivery passage part 91g is illustrated. Moreover, in this modification 1, since the part which the replenishment part 87 replenishes a game ball toward the delivery passage part 91g is made between the discharge port 91h and the acceptance detection switch 91w in the delivery path part 91g, The game ball replenished by the replenishing unit 87 is detected by the acceptance detection switch 91w. Therefore, every time the game ball is replenished by the replenishment unit 87, the value of the difference ball number counter is “−1” (because it can be handled by the processing of S530 in FIG. 41B), and therefore, from FIG. 43 to S675. Processing can be omitted. Also, in the first modification, similarly to the first embodiment, when the discharge port 91h is opened, the opened and closed member 91t causes the main passage portion 91e to have a lower side and an upstream side than the discharge port 91h. Therefore, the game ball replenished by the replenishing portion 87 is not accidentally discharged from the discharge port 91h.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the number of game balls that can be used in a circulating manner is specified on the condition that the front frame 4 is in an open state, and it is determined that the specified number of game balls is less than a prescribed number (difference ball When the value of the number counter is determined to be a positive number), a mode of performing notification by setting a replenishment flag is illustrated. However, as in Modification 2 shown in FIG. 46, when the front frame 4 is in the closed state, processing for specifying the number of game balls that can be used in circulation, processing for setting a replenishment flag, or the like may be performed. Here, the second modification is different from the first embodiment in that FIG. 46 is used instead of FIG. 40 and FIG.

  Also in the front frame opening related processing (S450) of Modification 2, the processing of S455, S460, S465, S470, and S475 is the same as the front frame opening related processing (S450) of the first embodiment. However, in the front frame opening related processing (S450) of Modification 2, the processing after S476 is performed following the processing of S475. That is, in the process of S476, the CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180) acquires the current difference ball number from the difference ball number counter (S476). Next, it is determined whether or not the difference ball number (count value of the difference ball number counter) stored in the difference ball number counter is “zero” (S477). If it is “zero” (S477; YES), the process proceeds to S480 as it is. On the other hand, when it is not “zero” (S560; NO), after performing the process of setting the replenishment flag (set to ON) and the process of outputting the error notification signal (S478), the process proceeds to S480. . The processes after S480 are the same as the front frame opening related process (S450) of the first embodiment.

  In the second modification, when the front frame 4 is in the closed state, the number of game balls that can be used in circulation is specified, and if the number of game balls that can be used in circulation is insufficient, an error notification is made. For this reason, if an action that causes a “ball jam such as grapes” or an intentional “ball jam such as grapes” occurs during the game, the front frame 4 may not be opened (for example, illegal This can be detected or notified even if an illegal act by the actor is in progress or a game by the player is continuing).

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The gaming machine of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the circulation mechanism is modified as shown in FIGS. 47 (a) and (b).

  As described above, in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment, the number of balls to be fired from the ball receiving unit 71d (launch position) (the number of detections by the launch detection switch 71t) and the number of game balls to be collected (detection by the reception detection switch 91w). If there is no difference between the two, each process is executed assuming that the number of game balls existing in the plane (the number of game balls that can be recycled) is a specified number. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the actual number of game balls (the number of game balls that can be used in circulation) existing in the aircraft is directly calculated, and it is determined whether or not the calculated number of game balls is a specified number. .

  In Example 2, as shown in FIGS. 47 (a) and 47 (b), each part constituting the guiding means (launching ball storage member 73, ball assembly unit 91, lifting unit 92, relay unit 85, ball feeding device) 75), weight sensors W1 to W4 for measuring the weight of the game ball are arranged. Then, the CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180), when the elapsed time after the touch switch 9a is turned OFF reaches a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds), the game in the circulation mechanism The number of spheres is calculated based on the measured values of the weight sensors W1 to W4 and the like. When the game ball is held in the ball receiving unit 71d (when the sensor 71s detects the game ball), a value obtained by adding “+1” to the calculated value based on the measured values of the weight sensors W1 to W4 and the like. Is specified as the number of game balls that can be circulated in the plane. Further, when the game ball is not held in the ball receiving unit 71d (when the sensor 71s detects the game ball), the calculated value is specified as the number of game balls that can be circulated in the plane. The process for specifying the number of game balls may be executed on condition that the front frame 4 is in an open state as in the first embodiment, or the front frame 4 is closed in the same manner as in the second modification. Even in a state, it may be executable.

  In the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, in the second embodiment, if error notification can be executed even when the number of game balls enclosed in the machine exceeds the prescribed number, an illegal ball is added and the number of game balls enclosed in the machine is the prescribed number. It has a great significance in that it can respond accurately even when exceeding.

  Next, a modified example of the second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “modified example 3”) will be described with reference to FIGS. 48 to 50. In the third modification, the number of game balls existing in each part (the launch ball storage member 73, the ball assembly unit 91, the lifting unit 92, the supply unit 95B, and the ball feeder 75) constituting the circulation mechanism is specified. The point provided with sensors P1-P8 differs from Example 2. In the third modification, the configuration of the lifting unit 92 is different from those in the first and second embodiments. As the sensors P1 to P8, an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit can be exemplified.

  In the third modification, as shown in FIG. 49, a lifting sprocket 97a is provided in the vicinity of the lower end of the delivery passage 91g, and a lifting ball in which a game ball can enter one by one above the lifting sprocket 97a. A passage 97b (for example, an internal space of a tubular body is used) is provided. Further, a direction changing sprocket 97c is provided at the upper end of the lifting passage 97b, the upper end portion of the lifting passage 97b communicates with the supply cylinder 95b, and the game ball reaching the upper end portion of the lifting passage 97b is The feed tube 95b is guided while being guided by the direction changing sprocket 97c. The supply cylinder 95b constitutes a supply unit 95B, and is arranged in a downward slope toward the ball feeding device 75. The game ball reaching the upper end of the lifting passage 97b passes through the supply cylinder 95b and flows into the ball feeder 75.

  Further, both the lifting sprocket 97a and the direction changing sprocket 97c are rotated using a motor (rotation in the clockwise direction when viewed from the back side of the gaming machine, and counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine). Rotating), the game balls are successively sent out (a structure in which the lifting sprocket 97a lifts and a direction changing sprocket 97c). In other words, the game balls pushed up later by the lifting sprocket 97a push up the gaming balls pushed up first by the lifting sprocket 97a in the lifting passage 97b, and lift the game balls one after another. The game ball that has reached the upper end of the lifting passage 97b is pushed by the direction changing sprocket 97c and sent out to the supply cylinder 95b. The supply cylinder 95b has a cross section into which one game ball can be inserted, and allows the game ball to reach the ball feeding device 75 while aligning the game balls in a line.

  Also, in the third modification, similarly to the first modification described above, in the delivery passage portion 91g, the replenishment portion 87 is connected to the portion closer to the lifting unit 92 than the discharge port 91h. And the sensors P1-P8 are arrange | positioned downstream from the site | part which the replenishment part 87 replenishes a game ball toward the delivery passage part 91g.

  In Modification 3, as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50 (a), when the ball feeder 75 sends the game ball Y1 to the ball receiver 71d (launch position), one game ball is placed at the upper end of the supply cylinder 95b. Minute space R is formed. In addition, since the sensor Q1 (an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit) is disposed at the upper end of the supply cylinder 95b, a CPU (not shown) mounted on the launch control board 260 It can be detected by the sensor Q1 that one game ball has been removed from the upper end of the supply cylinder 95b. When this CPU (not shown) detects that one game ball has been removed from the upper end of the supply cylinder 95b, as shown in FIG. 50 (b), it rotates the lifting sprocket 97a, While pushing up one game ball in the lifting passage 97b, the direction changing sprocket 97c is rotated to supply one game ball Y2 to the upper end portion (in the space R) of the supply cylinder 95b.

  As described above, the game ball enclosed in the machine is circulated and used by repeating the delivery of the game ball to the ball receiving portion 71d (launch position) and the supply of the game ball to the upper end of the supply cylinder 95b. The In the gaming machine of the third modification, the supply cylinder 95b and the lifting unit 92 are always filled with game balls that are continuously arranged in one row, so that when the game is stopped (the touch switch 9a is turned off). The number of game balls that can be circulated in the cabin can be determined by specifying (detecting) the number of game balls arranged in the delivery passage portion 91g using the sensors S1 to S8. Can be identified.

  Also in the third modification, the CPU (not shown) mounted in the value assignment control process (S180) circulates when the elapsed time after the touch switch 9a is turned OFF reaches a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds). The number of game balls in the mechanism can be counted. For example, as shown in FIG. 48, when P1 to P3 detect a game ball, if the game ball is held in the ball receiving portion 71d (if the sensor 71s detects the game ball), the in-flight It can be determined that the number of game balls that can be circulated is less than the prescribed number, and if the game ball is not held in the ball receiving portion 71d (if the sensor 71s does not detect the game ball), it is circulated in the aircraft. It can be determined that the number of possible game balls is less than the prescribed number. Although illustration is omitted, when P1 to P5 detect the game ball and the game ball is not held in the ball receiving portion 71d (when the sensor 71s does not detect the game ball), circulation is possible in the aircraft. It can be determined that the number of active game balls is the specified number. In the third modification, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

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

  In the gaming machine of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51, the vertical width of the bulging portion 5 is reduced and the bulging portion 5 is mounted in a state that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 3. Also, a substantially rectangular plate-like body 6 is attached to the lower part of the bulging portion 5, and a firing handle 9 is attached to the right end side of the plate-like body 6. Here, FIG. 54 shows a state in which the front frame 4 and the bulging portion 5 are removed from the gaming machine of the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 52, in the front portion of the main body frame 3, the firing rail 3R is arranged in a state where it rises in the left direction and is inclined at a portion located behind the bulging portion 5. The game board 10 is configured by using a substantially rectangular plywood in front view, and an outer rail 12A and an inner rail 13A, both of which are formed by using a band-shaped metal plate, are arranged on the front surface. It is installed. A game area 11 is configured on the front portion of the game board by being substantially surrounded by a substantially circular peripheral wall formed by a substantially arc-shaped portion 12B located above the outer rail 12A and the inner rail 13A. Yes. Further, the remaining portion 12C of the outer rail 12A and the portion 13B located on the left end side of the inner rail 13A form a launch path 11Y that rises in a substantially arc shape.

  In addition, the upper left part of the game area 11 (the part located obliquely upward to the left with respect to the central part of the game area 11) is opened to constitute the entrance part 11V. And the game area | region 11 and the discharge path | route 11Y are continuing via the entrance part 11V, and the game ball which passed the launch path | route 11Y enters the game area | region 11 through the entrance part 11V. It should be noted that in the technique area 11, a main accessory device (so-called center accessory) 20, a normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16, a first start prize device 17 a, and a second start prize The device 17b, the special winning device 31, the general winning devices 45 and 46, the out port 18, the information display device 60, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), a windmill and the like are arranged.

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

  As shown in FIG. 53, a ball feeding device 3W is disposed on the back surface of the main body frame 3 at a position located behind the firing rail 3R. Also, on the back side of the gaming machine of the fifth embodiment, a winning device (the first starting winning device 17a, the second starting winning device 17b, the big winning device 31, and the general winning devices 45 and 46) or the out port is also provided. 18, launch a ball assembly unit 91A for collecting the game balls guided to the back side of the game board 10, a launch ball storage member 73A for storing the launch ball, and a game ball discharged from the ball assembly unit 91A And a relay unit 85A for transferring to the ball storage member 73A.

  Although detailed illustration is omitted, the relay unit 85A includes a main pipe portion 86A and a replenishment portion 87A. Also, as shown in FIG. 53, in the main body frame 3, a portion located vertically above the launch position 3S is provided with an outlet 3T penetrating the main body frame 3 back and forth, and from the launch ball storage member 73A. The game balls entering the ball feeding device 3W reach the front surface of the main body frame 3 through the outlet 3T one by one and then drop downward. Thereby, this game ball reaches the launch position 3S. Each time a game ball is launched from the launch position 3S, the ball is fed to the launch position 3S one by one by the ball feeding device 3W.

  Further, among the game balls launched from the launch position 3S, those that have not reached the entrance 11V are so-called “foul balls”. That is, the launch path 11Y is sent back (moves in the direction opposite to the launch direction) and falls to the foul ball collection port 110W provided between the lower end of the launch path 11Y and the upper end of the launch rail 3R. The foul ball collection port 110W and the launch ball storage member 73A are connected to each other by a foul ball collection passage 111V, and the foul ball collection passage 111V has a downward slope toward the launch ball storage member 73A. Yes. For this reason, the game balls (foul balls) falling to the foul ball collection port 110W pass through the foul ball collection passage 111V and are collected by the firing ball storage member 73A.

  As shown in FIG. 52, a firing detection switch 71t is disposed on a surface portion of the main body frame 3 and located in the vicinity of the firing rail 3R. As shown in FIG. 53, an acceptance detection switch 91w is arranged in the relay unit 85A. Further, although not shown, a foul ball detection switch is disposed in the foul ball collection passage 111V.

  Also in the third embodiment, the difference ball number addition process (S500) is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment based on FIG. On the other hand, the difference ball number subtraction process (S520) of the third embodiment is executed as follows based on FIG. That is, when the difference ball number subtraction process (S520) is activated, it is determined whether the acceptance detection switch 91w or the foul ball detection switch has detected a game ball (S525), and if not detected (S525; NO), The difference ball number subtraction process (S520) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the acceptance detection switch 91w or the foul ball detection switch detects a game ball (S525; YES), the value of the difference ball number counter is set to “−1” (S510), and then the difference ball number subtraction process (S520). ) And the process returns to the value addition control process (S180) shown in FIG.

  Further, the difference ball number related process (S550) of the third embodiment is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, based on FIG.

  The gaming machine according to the third embodiment employs a method of launching a game ball from below to above. In Example 3, the same effect as in Example 1 can be obtained. In the third embodiment, the method of launching the game ball from the lower right side of the game area 11 is exemplified. However, the third embodiment is also applied to the method of launching the game ball from the lower left side of the game area 11 substantially upward. Applicable.

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

  That is, in an enclosed game machine, a normal game ball (magnetic game ball) may be used instead of a non-magnetic game ball.

  Moreover, the modification 4 shown in FIG. 54 can also be illustrated. In this gaming machine, a board surface rail 12 constituted by using a belt-like metal plate constitutes a substantially circular gaming area 11 having an opening 11W in the upper left portion, and a point where the second rail 72 is constituted in a belt shape. The point that the terminal end side of the second rail 72 draws a substantially arc-shaped path and the point that the second rail 72 is attached to the game board 10 are different from the first embodiment. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

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

  Also in the gaming machine of the first modification, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, although the gaming machine of the first modification has a configuration in which a gaming ball is launched from the upper part of the gaming board 10, the player can play a game with the same feeling as a conventional gaming machine (the gaming machine of the third embodiment). It can be carried out.

  Further, in each embodiment, “a reserve ball storage portion 87a for storing game balls” and “a ball feed for sending game balls stored in this reserve ball storage portion 87a toward the main pipe portion 86 (ball circulation mechanism)”. Although the replenishment part 87 provided with the apparatus 87c "was illustrated, the modification which simplified the structure of this replenishment part can also be illustrated. For example, the replenishing unit may be configured with a replenishment port (simple replenishment port) for replenishing the game ball toward the ball circulation mechanism, and the game ball may be replenished to the ball circulation mechanism by an operator's manual operation or the like. . For example, a mode in which an opening (for example, an opening that opens upward or laterally) is provided in the main pipe portion 86 and the replenishing port is configured by this opening can be exemplified. Further, a mode in which a replenishing tubular portion that branches off and protrudes from the main pipe portion 86 while communicating with the inside of the main pipe portion 86 is provided in the main pipe portion 86, and an opening portion at the protruding end of the replenishing tubular portion is used as a replenishment port is also exemplified. it can. In any aspect, it is desirable to provide a lid for preventing dust and the like from entering the ball circulation mechanism at the replenishing port.

  Next, a gaming machine according to Modification 5 will be described. The gaming machine of the fifth modification is the same as that of the first embodiment except that FIG. 56 is used instead of FIG. That is, in the modified example 5, (a) the guide tube 73A is used in place of the projecting ball storage member 73, and (b) the end of the main tube 86 and the start end of the guide tube 73A are connected. The point from which the upper end part of the ball feeder 75 similar to Example 1 is connected to the connection port 73H provided in the bottom wall of the terminal part of the induction pipe 73A differs from Example 1.

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

  In Modification 5, for example, the upper limit sensor 73H can be provided on the start end side of the main pipe portion 86, and the lower limit sensor 73L can be provided on the end side of the guide pipe 73A, for example (see FIG. 48). In this case, among the game balls in which the game balls are arranged in series in the order of the main pipe portion 86, the guide pipe 73A, and the inflow side passage 75f, the position of the last one is a range from the position of the lower limit sensor 73L to the position of the upper limit sensor 73H. It becomes. In the third embodiment, every time one game ball is launched, a configuration is adopted in which game balls aligned in series in the main pipe portion 86, the guide pipe 73A, and the inflow side passage 75f are sent out one by one. The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In each of the embodiments, an example in which the opening / closing of the discharge port 91h is performed using an actuator is illustrated. However, as in Modification 6 shown in FIGS. 56A and 56B, the discharge port 91h is not used. It can also be opened and closed. In the sixth modification, the axial center is directed front and rear at the lower end side of the game board 10, and a through hole 10K having a substantially circular cross section is provided. Further, at the rear end of the through hole 10K, the inner diameter is reduced in a step shape to form a stepped portion 10D.

  In addition, a pair of slide grooves 91M and 91M extending in the front-rear direction are provided at a portion that forms the discharge port 91h on the bottom 91z of the delivery passage portion 91g. Further, the opening / closing member 91t includes a member main body 911t having a substantially rectangular planar shape, and a flange portion 912t integrated with a front end portion of the member main body 911t. Furthermore, slide protrusions 913t and 913t that are slidably fitted to the slides 91M and 91M are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the member main body 911t. Also, a substantially disc-shaped protrusion 920 is provided at a lower end side of the front frame 4 and at a position located in front of the discharge port 91h when the front frame 4 is in a closed state.

  In the modified example 6, the left slide protrusion 913t is fitted into the left slide groove 91M so as to be slidable, and the right slide protrusion 913t is fitted into the right slide groove 91M so as to be slidable. At this time, since the coil spring 91K is interposed between the step portion 10D and the flange portion 912t, the opening / closing member 91t is urged forward. When the front frame 4 is opened, the opening / closing member 91t slides forward using the urging force of the coil spring 91K and retracts from above the discharge port 91h. For this reason, the discharge port 91h is in an open state. In this case, the game ball entering the delivery passage portion 91g is discharged out of the guiding means through the discharge port 91h.

  On the other hand, when the front frame 4 is in a closed state, the flange portion 912t is pressed backward by the protrusion 4X. Then, the opening / closing member 91t slides backward while facing the urging force of the coil spring 91K, and closes the upper portion of the discharge port 91h. In this case, the guidance destination of the game ball entering the delivery passage portion 91g is in the guidance means, and is guided toward the launch position. The effect similar to each Example is acquired also by this modification 6. In addition, since the discharge port 91h is opened and closed without using an actuator, the structure and control can be simplified.

  In each of the embodiments, a reception opening (a first start winning opening constituting the first starting winning apparatus 17a, a second starting winning opening constituting the second starting winning apparatus 17b, and a large winning opening constituting the large winning apparatus 31). , An example in which a discharge port 91h and an opening / closing member 91t are provided in a portion (a bowl-shaped passage 91d for gathering) where the game balls received at the general prize-winning device 45 and 46 constituting the general winning devices 45 and 46 are gathered. However, you may provide the discharge port 91h and the opening-and-closing member 91t in places other than illustrated in an Example. For example, the aspect which provides the discharge port 91h and the opening-and-closing member 91t for every each receiving port can be illustrated. More specifically, a discharge port 91h and an opening / closing member 91t may be provided for each of the bowl-shaped passages A1 to A5, B1. In addition, when the front frame 4 is in an open state, the game ball may not be allowed to enter the receiving port. For example, a lid, a shutter, and the like are disposed for each entrance in the front surface portion 10F of the game board 10, and when the front frame 4 is in an open state, the lid, the shutter, etc. seal the entrance, It may be impossible to enter.

  In each embodiment, the mode in which the game ball entering from the receiving port is stored in the storage means when the front frame 4 is opened is illustrated. However, the entered game ball is stored in the storage means as it is outside the machine (outside the game machine). In this case, the game ball discharged to the outside of the guiding means may flow out of the gaming machine as it is, but the gaming ball is discharged to the outside of the guiding means. A discharging means for discharging the game balls out of the gaming machine may be provided, and when the front frame 4 is opened, the game balls entering from any of the receiving ports may be a bowl-shaped passage B1 (out port) for the out balls. In this case, it may be discharged out of the machine from the bowl-shaped passage B1 (the route).

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

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
4; Front frame (front door),
8m; launching device (launching means),
10: Game board,
11: Game area.
71d; ball receiving part (launch position),
73; Launch ball storage member,
85; Relay unit,
86; main section,
86m; connection port (ball replenishment part),
87; replenishment part,
87c; ball feeding device (feeding means),
87s; replenishment sensor,
91; ball assembly unit,
91t; opening and closing member (switching means),
91n; storage container (storage means),
92; Lifting unit,
73, 75, 85, 91 and 92; guiding means.

Claims (5)

A gaming board having a gaming area provided with a receiving port for gaming balls;
Launching means for launching a game ball from the launch position to the game area;
Guiding means for guiding the game ball that has entered the receiving port to the launch position;
With
A gaming machine that enables circulation use of a prescribed number of game balls enclosed in the machine by guiding the game ball that has entered the receiving port to the launch position by the guiding means,
When the number of game balls that can be circulated in the machine is less than the prescribed number, the ball replenishment unit is provided outside the game area, making it impossible to replenish game balls from the receiving port into the guide means. A game machine characterized in that the game ball can be replenished into the guiding means.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a sending unit that sends out a game ball stored as a reserve ball outside the guide unit to the ball replenishing unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies that when the number of game balls that can be circulated in the machine is less than the specified number. It is arranged in a state that can be opened and closed on the front side of the game board, and includes a front door provided with a viewing window that allows the game area to be viewed from the front,
When the front door is in an open state, it is impossible to replenish the game ball from the receiving port into the guiding unit by discharging the gaming ball that has entered the receiving port to the outside of the guiding unit. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The gaming area is provided with a plurality of the receiving ports,
The guiding means is provided with a common path through which the game balls that have entered each receiving port pass,
The common path includes a switching means for switching the game ball that has entered the common path to the inside of the guiding means toward the launching means or outside the guiding means not directed to the firing means,
The switching means sets the guidance direction of the game ball by the switching means in the guidance means when the front door is closed, and the guidance direction of the game ball by the switching means when the front door is open. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the game machine is outside the guide means.

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