JP2015123103A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of performing a carrying light emission and constituting a light emission area by a simple mechanism.SOLUTION: A game machine is constituted to comprise: an optical member (or a lens 68) arranged along an axis forming a shape containing a curve part; drive means (or a drive unit 66) for driving the optical member on an axis; and light emitting means (or a first LED 73) for irradiating the optical member with light. The optical member is arranged around a flexible linear member (or a flexible shaft 67) preferably extending in a shape containing a curve part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the area occupied by a light emitting area by a lamp or the like arranged on the surface of a game board tends to increase year by year.

JP 2009-11707 A

  However, the variation of the light emission mode by a light source such as a lamp is such that the light source blinks, and the change is poor.

  Therefore, for example, it is conceivable that the light source is configured to be movable so as to have a dynamic light emission mode. However, a somewhat complicated mechanism is required, and a plurality of drive sources may be required depending on the arrangement. This leads to problems such as an increase in installation space and cost.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can emit light with a variety of changes and that can form a light emitting region with a simple mechanism. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention
An optical member disposed along an axis extending in a shape including a curved portion;
Drive means for driving the optical member to rotate about the axis;
And a light emitting means for irradiating the optical member with light.

  According to the present invention, a variety of light emission modes are possible, and a light emission region can be configured by a simple mechanism, and an increase in installation space and cost can be suppressed.

The front view which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The perspective view of the front side of the pachinko machine of FIG. The perspective view of the front frame of the pachinko machine of FIG. The front view which shows an example of a game board. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the back surface of the pachinko machine of FIG. The perspective view of the back side of the game board of FIG. The rear view of the game board of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of the electrical constitution of a pachinko machine. The disassembled perspective view of a movable electrical decoration part (an optical member, a drive means, a light emission means). FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion X1 in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 9. The model perspective view explaining inflexible rotation. The front view of the movable electrical decoration part which concerns on a change aspect (1). II-II line part arrow sectional drawing of FIG. The perspective view of the reflector which concerns on a change aspect (3). The front view of the movable body which concerns on a change aspect (4). The front view of the movable body which concerns on a change aspect (5). The partial front view which shows arrangement | positioning in the game board of the movable accessory which concerns on the change mode (10). The perspective view which shows the movable accessory which concerns on a change aspect (10), and its arrangement | positioning condition. The cross-sectional view which shows the movable accessory which concerns on a change aspect (12), and its arrangement | positioning condition. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the movable body which concerns on a change aspect (15).

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

(Configuration of front side of pachinko machine)
1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a front frame of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 that is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. I have. Below, the structure of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 is demonstrated separately.

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

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

  Further, the inner frame 12 has a lower pan unit 13 at the lowermost part thereof, and a front frame set 14 attached to the left and right sides of the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable about a vertical opening / closing axis, and a resin base 25. (See FIG. 5) and a game board 30 (to be described later) attached to the rear side of the resin base 25. Each of these configurations will be described in detail below.

  The lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the front frame base member as a part of the front frame set 14. On the front side of the lower plate unit 13, a lower plate 15, a ball removal lever 17, a game ball launching handle 18, and an effect button 79 are provided. The lower tray 15 serving as a ball receiving tray is provided at substantially the center of the lower tray unit 13 and plays a role of stopping a game ball discharged from the discharge port 16 when the upper tray described later becomes full. is there. The ball removal lever 17 is for removing a game ball in the lower tray 15, and by moving the ball removal lever 17 to the left in FIG. 1, a predetermined location on the bottom surface of the lower tray 15 is opened. The game ball stopped in the lower plate 15 can be discharged to the player's ball storage box (dollar box) through the opening on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15. The game ball launching handle 18 is disposed so as to protrude to the front side on the right side of the lower plate 15. In accordance with the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player, the game ball is driven toward a game board 30 described later by a game ball launching device having a launch solenoid. A sound output port 24 for outputting sound from a speaker is provided at the upper part of the front frame set 14.

  On the other hand, an upper plate 19 as a receiving tray for game balls is provided integrally with the front frame set 14 at a lower portion of the front frame set 14 (above the lower plate 15 described above). The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them to the game ball launching device 38 while aligning them in a line. In addition, an effect button 79 for the player to perform an operation such as changing the background of the decorative symbol display device 42 is provided at the lower left of the upper plate 19.

  In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around it (for example, a corner portion). These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state in the big hit game state or the like. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 containing a light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and lighting or blinking in the big hit gaming state, it is in a big hit gaming state It is the structure which alert | reports. In particular, a movable electric decoration 62, which will be described later, is disposed so as to extend in an arc shape along the upper right portion at the periphery of the window 101.

  In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button, a return button, and a frequency display unit. When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated with a bill or a card inserted in a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is lent according to the operation. Done. The ball lending button is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. The The return button is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display section displays remaining amount information such as a card. Note that the ball lending operation unit 120 is not required for a pachinko machine in which a game ball is directly rented from the ball lending device unit to the upper plate without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative seal or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. Thereby, the common use of the lending operation unit of the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine can be achieved.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 30. The game board 30 includes a general winning device having a general winning port, a variable winning device 32, a starting winning device 33 having an upper starting port 33a and a lower starting port 33b (configured by an operation chucker 33b), and a pair of opening and closing blades 60, and passing. An operation winning device 34 (including a through gate) having a mouth, a main display unit 371, a variable display device unit 35 having a decorative symbol display device 42, and the like are provided. These general winning devices, variable winning device 32, starting winning device 33, operating winning device 34, variable display device unit 35, etc. are respectively disposed in each through hole formed by router processing in game board 30, It is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. In addition, a pair of opening and closing blades 60 are provided at the entrance of the lower start port 33b, and an open position for guiding the game ball and a closed position where the game ball is difficult to enter (does not enter) into the lower start port 33b. Can be taken. The opening / closing blade 60 is driven by a solenoid SL1 disposed on the back side of the game board 30. In addition, a large winning opening (inlet of the accommodating portion) 61 is disposed below the upper start opening 33a. The special winning opening 61 will be described later. In the special winning opening 61, a ball detection switch SW1 is provided.

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

  The main display unit 371 is a display device unit that is directly controlled by a main control device 261, which will be described later. The right side extends linearly up and down, and the left side extends from the lower end of the right side along the upper right part of the game area. A part having a three-dimensional outer shape that has a generally triangular front shape that is slightly longer in the vertical direction and has a thickness that is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. It has become. The main display unit 371 is screwed to the upper right part of the front surface of the game board 30. The upper left upper surface portion of the main display unit 371 is formed so as to be inclined slightly downward to the lower left, and the central portion thereof is close to the front end portion of the outer rail 52 corresponding to the maximum flying portion of the game ball. Further, a return rubber 371R made of a rubber plate is attached. The return rubber 371R hits and rebounds the game ball launched at a predetermined momentum or more. A display portion 371M having a front shape extending in an arc shape along the left side from the vicinity of the upper left end to the vicinity of the lower end portion and recessed in a step shape inward is formed on the front surface portion of the main display unit 371. Yes.

  The display unit 371M includes a first special symbol display device, a second special symbol display device, a first special symbol hold display device, a second special symbol hold display device, a normal symbol display device, a normal symbol hold display device, and a state notification. Display device is arranged. The first special symbol display device displays a first special symbol that is variably displayed in response to a winning of a game ball in the upper start port 33a, and the second special symbol display device displays the first special symbol display device on the lower start port 33b. A second special symbol that is displayed in a variable manner when a game ball is won is displayed. Each special symbol is not displayed in the first special symbol display device and the second special symbol display device at the same time, but is sequentially displayed according to the winning order. Therefore, the decorative symbol display device 42 uses a common decorative symbol. The display corresponding to the special symbol is performed. The first special symbol hold display device displays the hold number of the first special symbol, and the second special symbol hold display device displays the hold number of the second special symbol. Each of the first special symbol hold display device and the second special symbol hold display device is composed of a plurality of LEDs, and by turning on or blinking some or all of them, the number of hold up to four can be obtained. It is supposed to be displayed. A holding lamp 800a composed of a total of four lamps capable of emitting two colors is arranged along the lower side of the decorative symbol display device 42 at the lower part of the center frame 43, and is displayed by the holding lamp 800a. The number of decoration symbols to be held corresponds to the number of holds displayed by either the first special symbol hold display device or the second special symbol hold display device according to the game state (whether the support state will be described later). It is supposed to be. The normal symbol display device displays a normal symbol that is variably displayed in response to the winning of a game ball at the passing port in the operation winning device 34, and is composed of two LEDs, and only one of the LEDs is lit. In this case, a miss is displayed, and a hit is displayed by lighting both. The normal symbol hold display device displays the number of normal symbols held and is composed of a plurality of LEDs. By lighting or blinking some or all of these LEDs, up to four hold numbers can be displayed. It is supposed to be displayed. The state notification display device displays a type of gaming state, and includes a plurality of LEDs. These LEDs change to any one of light-off, light-on, and light-blink, and there are a number of combinations except for light-off. 1. Normal gaming state (the lottery of the jackpot random number counter C1 has a low probability and is not in a support state). 2. Short-time state (Lottery of jackpot random number counter C1 is low probability and support state); 3. Hidden high probability state (the lottery of the jackpot random number counter C1 has a high probability and is not in the support state). 4. High probability state (lottery of jackpot random number counter C1 is high probability, support state), and One of the jackpot states is displayed. When the jackpot state is displayed, different display is performed depending on the maximum number of rounds of the jackpot.

  The decorative design display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and display contents are controlled by a display control device to be described later. On the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, symbols (decorative symbols) as identification information are displayed at three locations, upper, middle, and lower. These symbols are scrolled and variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) is provided with a large liquid crystal display having a size of 10 inches or 12 inches, for example. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the start winning device 33 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times the game ball is lit is displayed on the hold lamp 800a. The hold number displayed by the hold lamp 800a is as follows: It is also displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42 (specifically, the lower right portion). In this hold display, the number of character images corresponding to the number of holds is displayed in parallel.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is repeatedly operated in an open state and a normal closed state in which a game ball is easy to win in a big win. However, the specific configuration will be described later. In short, when the special symbol display device is in a specific display mode (when the confirmed symbol after the decoration symbol display device 42 is stopped is a combination of specific symbols set in advance), the special gaming state is Occur. Then, the variable winning device 32 is in a ball receiving state and allows a game ball to be won. Specifically, the ball receiving state of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly released a predetermined number of times, with a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings taken as one round.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a rail unit 50 for guiding the game ball launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30 is attached to the game board 30. A game ball launched in accordance with the turning operation is guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is composed of a ring-shaped metal plate, and includes an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 that are integrally formed in an inner and outer double. On the rear edge of the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 (edge facing the game board 30), a plurality of hooks 56 are provided at predetermined intervals, and the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 are The game board 30 is attached to the game board 30 so as to hit the basket 56. The inner rail 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about 1/4 of the upper part, and the outer rail 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side) faces the inner rail 51. In such a case, a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and a spherical guide passage is formed by a portion (the left portion facing) where the rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. The ball guide passage is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape in which the front side is opened.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 51 (upper left portion in FIG. 4). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the ball guide path between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the upper part of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide path again. Yes.

  The game area is partitioned into a substantially circular shape by the inner peripheral portion (inner / outer rail) of the rail unit 50 and the oblique side of the main display unit 371. In particular, in this embodiment, the game area is partitioned on the board surface of the game board 30. The game castle is much larger than before.

  Further, a side end rail 50 </ b> S is disposed on the right edge of the game board 30. The side end rail 50 </ b> S is configured as a separate body from the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and is disposed independently from the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, but is substantially the same as the outer rail 52. It is located on the circumference and demarcates the right end portion of the game area, that is, constitutes a part (right end portion) of the rail unit 50. The configuration and mounting structure of the side end rail 50S will be described later.

(Back view of pachinko machine)
Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10.

  First, an overall outline of the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. On the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 (actually, the back surface of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30), various control boards are arranged so as to be lined up and down, left and right, or stacked in front and back, A game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a resin back cover (protective cover), and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into three mounting bases to form three control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30. . In this case, the main control device 261 composed of a main control board, a power supply monitoring board, a board box that accommodates these boards, and a sealing unit that seals the board box is unitized into one unit, and the display control board and the display control board A display control device 45 composed of a substrate box for housing the decorative design display device 42 and a sub control device 262 composed of a sub control substrate and a substrate box for housing the sub control substrate are mounted on an outer packaging member 82 to be described later. A payout control board 311 comprising a payout control board, a board box (payout control board case) for housing the payout control board, and a sealing unit for sealing the board box; a power supply board; a launch control board; It consists of a board box (power supply / launch control board case 203A) that houses these boards. It is unitized by mounting a power-firing controller in a single mount. Here, for convenience, each unit will be referred to as a “first control board unit 201”, a “second control board unit 202”, and a “third control board unit 203” in the order described above.

  Further, the payout mechanism and the back cover (protective cover) are also integrated with the third control board unit 203, and the resin part is generally referred to as a back pack. Also referred to as “pack unit 203”. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

  As will be described later, the first control board unit 201 is configured to be able to be attached without using a fastener such as a screw or a tool, although it is necessary to release the sealed state with a tool when removing the first control board unit 201. The second control board unit 202 and the back pack unit 203 are configured to be detachable without using any tools or the like in units. Further, in addition to this, each of the units 201 to 203 has a structure in which a support shaft portion is provided in part and can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. This is also a device for making it possible to easily check a hidden configuration or the like even if the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one behind the other.

  The first control board unit 201 described above has a main control board that controls the progress of the game and a power supply monitoring board that manages power supply monitoring. The main control board and the power monitoring board are housed in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box includes a box base having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit so that the board box cannot be opened. Is sealed.

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

  The second control board unit 202 includes a display control device 45 that controls display of the decorative symbol display device 42 according to an instruction from the main control board, and a sub control board that controls sound lamp control according to an instruction from the main control board. The display control device 45 includes a decorative symbol display device 42 and a display control board as a unit, is accommodated in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like, and is attached to the back side of an outer packaging member 82 described later. The sub control board is accommodated in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like, and is attached to the back side of the display control device 45.

  Next, the third control board unit (back pack unit) 203 has a payout control board, a power supply board, a firing control board, and a card unit connection board. The payout control board controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls, and the power supply board and the launch control board generate and output predetermined power supply voltages required by various control devices and the like, and the game ball launch handle 18 by the player The firing solenoid is controlled according to the operation. Also, the card unit connection board is electrically connected to the ball rental operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front surface of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and receives a command for a ball rental operation by a player and pays it out. Output to the substrate. Note that a card unit connection board is not required in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

  The payout control board is housed in a payout control board case (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the power supply board and the fire control board are a power supply / fire control board case 203A made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is stored inside. The card unit connection board is housed in a card unit connection board case (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the payout control board, the box base and the box cover constituting the board case (encapsulating means) are connected to each other by the sealing unit (sealing means) so as not to be opened, like the main control board described above. Is sealed.

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

  The back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a resin-formed back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352 are integrated.

  The back pack 351 is formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a substantially flat base portion 353 and a back cover portion (protective cover portion) 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine and has a horizontally long substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The back cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the electric accessory display control device 45 (however, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned sub The control device 262 is also enclosed. A large number of ventilation holes are provided on the back surface of the back cover portion 354. Each of the vent holes has a long hole shape, and the vent holes are provided adjacent to each other at a relatively close position. Therefore, the back surface of the back pack 351 can be easily opened by cutting the resin portion between the adjacent vent holes. That is, a predetermined test or the like can be easily performed by cutting the resin portion between the air holes and exposing the display control device and the like inside the resin portion.

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

  The tank rail 356 and a vibrator 359 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356 are unitized so as to be integrated. If a ball is clogged near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 359 is driven. In this way, the clogging of the balls is resolved.

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

  An inner frame opening detection switch (not shown) for detecting that the inner frame 12 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12 so that the inner frame 12 is opened. And output from the inner frame open detection switch to the computer for the hall (in the pachinko parlor). In addition, a front frame opening detection switch (not shown) is provided on the left side of the inner frame opening detection switch. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the front frame opening detection switch is opened in the hall (in the pachinko store). ) Is output to the computer.

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

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

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

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

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 includes a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub control device 262, a main display unit 371 (first special symbol hold display device, first special display device) in the power supply monitoring device 540. Symbol display device, second special symbol hold display device, second special symbol display device, normal symbol display device, normal symbol hold display device, status notification display device), and other winning detection switch group and fraud detection switch group not shown Etc. are connected. The decorative symbol hold display device 800 (hold lamp 800a) is connected to a display control device 45 subordinate to the sub control device 262.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  First, the display content of the special symbol performed by the first special symbol display device and the second special symbol display device will be described. The variation display of the special symbol is expressed by the change of the lighting pattern of the eight LED segments. This variable display of the special symbol is started by either the first special symbol display device or the second special symbol display device based on the winning order when the game ball is awarded to the start winning device 33 and stops after a predetermined time. . Specifically, after performing the all-extinguishing process to stop the lighting state of the corresponding special symbol display device on the corresponding side, the change is started by executing the switching process of sequentially lighting each LED segment in a predetermined order, When the variable display time determined by the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 described later elapses, the switching process described above is interrupted and the all-off process is performed, and determined based on the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the jackpot symbol counter C2 described later. Each LED segment is turned on according to the mode, and when displaying the result of losing in the jackpot lottery, only one dot-shaped LED segment is lit up, while when displaying the jackpot result Depending on whether or not the winning is to generate a high-probability gaming state after the jackpot, different numbers are arranged in the shape of “8” 7 Lit display using LED segments. Note that during the period when one special symbol display device is in the variable display state, the other special symbol display device does not perform the variable display, and the lighting display of the symbol that has been stopped and displayed when the last variable display is performed is continued. The The number of times that a game ball has won the upper start port 33a and the lower start port 33b of the start winning device 33 is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of hold times corresponds to the number of holds corresponding to winning in the upper start port 33a. The number of holds corresponding to the winning for the lower start port 33b is displayed in the predetermined areas of the first special symbol hold display device and the decorative symbol display device 42, respectively. The second special symbol hold display device and the decorative symbol display device 42 In addition, it is displayed in a predetermined area, and in addition, the holding lamp 800a of the decorative symbol holding display device 800, depending on the gaming state, the number of holdings corresponding to the winning to the upper start opening 33a or the lower start The number of times of holding corresponding to winning in the mouth 33b is lit up.

  Next, display contents of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. On the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, three decorative symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are displayed in three display areas divided into an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage. These decorative symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are scroll-displayed from right to left. The decorative symbol is composed of, for example, a main symbol composed of numbers “1” to “9” and a sub symbol smaller than the main symbol, and a symbol row of the decorative symbol is formed by each of the main symbol and the sub symbol. In each symbol row formed with decorative symbols, the main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub-designs are arranged between the main symbols. When a winning to the start winning device 33, that is, a start winning occurs, the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the variable display is stopped after a lapse of a certain time according to the changing pattern. 3 nine decorative symbols are displayed as a display result. In the variable display won in the big win lottery, the display control device 45 controls the three main symbols so that they stop on a vertical or diagonal straight line among the nine decorative symbols. The jackpot is indicated. On the other hand, in the variable display out of the big hit lottery, the display control device 45 controls the game so that three identical main symbols do not stop vertically or diagonally among the nine decorative symbols. The person is shown an outbreak. When the gaming state does not include a support state (a state in which the pair of opening and closing blades 60 is easier to open than usual and the opening time is longer than normal), the holding lamp 800a of the decorative symbol holding display device 800 is used. While the number of holdings corresponding to the winning at the upper starting port 33a is lit and displayed with red light emission, the lower starting port is set by the holding lamp 800a of the decorative symbol display device 800 when the gaming state includes the support state. The number of times of holding corresponding to the winning to 33b is lit and displayed.

  Next, the display contents of the normal symbol performed in the normal symbol display device will be described. The normal symbol variation display is expressed by alternately lighting the two LEDs described above. The variation display of the normal symbol is started on the condition that the game ball passes through the passing port of the operation winning device 34, and the variation display of the normal symbol is stopped after a predetermined time. When both LEDs are stopped in the lighting state, the start winning device 33 is configured to be in an operating state for a predetermined time (the pair of opening / closing blades 60 are opened). The number of times that the game ball has passed through the opening of the operation winning device 34 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times of the hold is lit and displayed on the normal symbol hold display device.

(When power is turned on)
When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, various parts such as a speaker, a liquid crystal screen of the decorative symbol display device 42, various LEDs arranged on the frame, various LEDs arranged on the game board 30 are specified as operation confirmation and power-on notification. It is set to perform a predetermined operation over a period of time (in this embodiment, 30 seconds). For this reason, it can be visually confirmed whether or not each of these parts functions normally. At this time, it can also be confirmed whether or not the pachinko machine 10 has been illegally modified.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the MPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses various counter information during the game to set up a jackpot lottery or a symbol display setting of a special symbol display device. Specifically, a counter group related to the special symbol and a counter group related to the normal symbol are provided. First, a counter group related to special symbols will be described. As a group of counters related to the special symbol, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery, the jackpot symbol counter C2 used for the selection of the jackpot symbol of the special symbol display device, and the special symbol display device when the special symbol display device is out and fluctuates. Stop pattern selection counter C3 used for selection of stop patterns (corresponding to reach lottery for reaching or completely disabling in the variation of decorative symbols), and initial values used for setting initial values of the jackpot random number counter C1 A random number counter CINI1 and variation type counters CS1 to CS3 for determining a type used for variation pattern selection are provided.

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

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

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

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines a symbol at the time of a jackpot when the special symbol display device stops changing the special symbol. For example, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is incremented by one within a range of 0 to 4, and the maximum value (that is, 4) After reaching this value, it returns to 0. For example, when the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “0” or “1”, nine LED segments are stopped at a specific lighting pattern, and the combination of stop symbols in this case is a non-specific symbol (normally Of jackpot symbol).

  When the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “2”, “3”, “4”, the nine LED segments stop in a specific lighting pattern different from the above, and the stop symbol of this case The combination means a specific symbol (probability variation symbol).

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 0 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start winning device 33.

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

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

  The stop pattern selection counter C3 is periodically updated (once every timer interruption in this embodiment) and stored in the reserved ball storage area 0 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start winning device 33.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Then, a start winning device 33 (33a and 33b: see FIG. 4) is provided in the game area of the game board 30 for entering a game ball flowing down the flowing space between the window portion 101 and the game board 30. By entering the starting prize winning device 33, the main control device 261 performs a lottery determination with a predetermined probability, and the game state is shifted to the special game state by the corresponding lottery, and at least once in the special game state. The variable winning device 32 is switched from the non-ball receiving state to the ball receiving state, and in the ball receiving state, a predetermined number of winning balls received in the receiving portion from the large winning opening 61 are detected by the detection sensor. In this way, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

(Feature configuration)
In the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, as described above, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the movable electrical decoration extends in an arc shape along the upper right portion at the periphery of the window 101 of the front frame set 14. A portion 62 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the movable electrical decoration unit 62 includes a movable body 63, a case 64, a cover 65, and a drive unit 66. The movable body 63 has a configuration in which most of the movable body 63 except for both ends of a round bar-shaped flexible shaft (flexible shaft member) 67 extending linearly is surrounded by a lens 68. As shown in FIG. 10, the flexible shaft 67 is a rod-shaped shaft member formed by winding a winding closely in a spiral shape, in other words, a shaft member in the form of a contact coil spring (or a tension coil spring), Even when bent or curved, the difference between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion is absorbed by expansion and contraction by the spring structure, so that the bent shape or curved shape can be maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the lens 68 is made of a transparent rubber-like resin having a rectangular cross section and extending linearly from a position slightly closer to the inner side than the one end portion of the flexible shaft 67 (toward the center in the length direction). A large number of wires 69 are arranged adjacent to each other so as to be in contact with each other in the circumferential direction of the flexible shaft 67 so as to surround and cover the peripheral surface of the flexible shaft 67, and each of them has an irregular spiral shape. While being overlapped with each other, it is wound to a position slightly closer to the inside than the other end along the length direction, and in this state, the vicinity of both ends of the wire rod 69 is bound and fixed by a binding band 70, respectively. . As a result, the other end of the lens 68 has the same configuration (not shown).

  The vicinity of both ends of the lens 68 is fixed so as to be in close contact with the peripheral surface of the flexible shaft 67 by binding with the binding band 70 as described above. As shown, a slight gap is formed between the inner surface of the lens 68 and the peripheral surface of the flexible shaft 67.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, one end portion of the flexible shaft 67 (the upper left end portion in FIGS. 9 and 10; hereinafter also referred to as “shaft support end portion”) is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible shaft 67. An inflexible shaft portion 71 made of a metal pipe having a large inner diameter is fitted and fixed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a case 64 is disposed behind the movable body 63. As shown in FIG. 11, the case 64 has a trapezoidal shape in which the front end edge is a relatively long lower side and the rear end edge is a relatively short upper side, and is narrowed to the rear (back side). A groove-shaped member that has a front surface open, both side surfaces and back side surfaces are closed, and extends long in an arc from the lower right to the upper left while curving so as to bulge to the upper right when viewed from the front. It has become. Both ends of the case 64 are closed by a trapezoidal end plate having the same cross-sectional shape, and each end plate is formed with a shaft support notch 72 that is recessed in a substantially U shape from the center of the front end edge to the rear. ing.

  The side walls of the case 64, the back side walls, and the inner surfaces of both end plates are plated to finish a mirror surface. Further, on the inner surface of the rear side wall, a plurality of (seven) first LEDs 73 capable of emitting three colors are arranged at equal intervals at a position corresponding to almost the entire length of the lens 68 of the movable body 63, as shown in FIG. As schematically shown by the arrow A1, light is irradiated forward.

  In the case 64, the movable body 63 is bent into the same shape and fitted from the front side, and both end portions of the flexible shaft 67 protruding from the both side ends of the lens 68 are fitted into the shaft support cutouts 72, respectively, so as to be freely rotatable. Be supported. On the back side of the front frame set 14 (see FIG. 3), as shown in FIG. 9, a vertical plate-like shaft support piece 74 having a shaft insertion hole is provided so as to extend rearward. The non-flexible shaft portion 71 is fitted into the shaft insertion hole of the shaft support piece 74 and is rotatably supported.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a cover 65 is fitted and fixed to the case 64 in which the movable body 63 is inserted as described above. As shown in FIGS. 14 is arranged so as to be exposed on the front surface of 14. The cover 65 has a substantially congruent shape with the front side surface of the case 64, and is a diffusion sheet made of a light-transmitting resin having fine irregularities formed on the entire surface.

  A drive unit 66 is coupled to an end of the flexible shaft 67 opposite to the shaft support end (the lower right end in FIG. 9; hereinafter, also referred to as “drive end”). The drive unit 66 is disposed and fixed at a position below the movable body 63 on the back side of the front frame set 14, and the rotation of the motor 75 that can rotate forward and backward is transmitted to the rotary shaft 77 extending in the vertical direction by the gear box 76. It has become. The tip of the rotating shaft 77 is connected to the driving end of the flexible shaft 67 by a coupling (shaft coupling) 78. As a result, when the rotation shaft 77 of the drive unit 66 is rotated in either the forward or reverse direction as schematically shown by the arrow A2 in FIG. 9, the flexible shaft 67 is moved as shown schematically by the arrow A3. It is driven to rotate around the axis.

Hereinafter, the operation of the movable electric decoration 62 will be described.
(1) Rotation Operation As described above, when the rotary shaft 77 is driven to rotate in either the forward or reverse direction by the motor 75 as indicated by the arrow A2 in FIG. 9, the flexible shaft 67 is pivoted as indicated by the arrow A3. Driven to rotate around.

  At this time, as described above, even if the flexible shaft 67 is bent, the difference between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion is absorbed by the expansion and contraction due to the spring structure. As shown, it can rotate around the axis while maintaining a constant shape curved in an arc. Here, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 12, when a shaft 81 that does not have flexibility is used to have a curved shape similar to that of the flexible shaft 67 described above, this inflexibility It is difficult to rotate the shaft 81 around the axis. When such an inflexible shaft 81 is used, even if it is to be rotationally driven, as shown by an arrow A4 in FIG. 12, the spindle as a whole around an imaginary straight line L1 connecting the support points S1 and S1 at both ends. It is only possible to make a structure that rotates so as to form an orbit of a three-dimensional shape (hereinafter, such rotation is also referred to as “inflexible rotation”).

  Further, a lens 68 is fixed to the peripheral surface of the flexible shaft 67 so as to surround the flexible shaft 67. However, since the lens 68 is also made of a rubber-like resin as described above, it has sufficient flexibility. Therefore, even if it is curved, the difference between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion is absorbed by the expansion and contraction due to the deformability of the rubber. Thereby, together with the flexible shaft 67, it can be rotated around the axis while maintaining a constant shape curved in an arc shape as schematically shown by an arrow A3 in FIG. Further, at this time, as described above, a slight gap is formed between the inner surface of the lens 68 and the peripheral surface of the flexible shaft 67 between the fixed positions of both ends of the lens 68. The deformation is absorbed, and this also enables rotation around the axis while maintaining the curved shape. Here, for example, if a non-flexible lens is used, or if the peripheral surface of the flexible shaft is tightly surrounded by the lens without a gap, the curved shape is still maintained. Rotation around the axis becomes difficult, and only the inflexible rotation as described above can be performed.

  Furthermore, more specifically, the flexibility of the lens 68 is equal to or higher than the flexibility of the flexible shaft 67. If the flexibility of the lens 68 is lower than the flexibility of the flexible shaft 67, it is difficult to rotate around the axis while maintaining the curved shape, and only inflexible rotation is likely to occur.

  As described above, the movable body 63 as a whole can rotate around the axis while maintaining a constant shape curved in an arc as schematically shown by an arrow A3 in FIG. Expression is possible. Furthermore, since the movable body 63 is configured to form a lens 68 by winding a large number of wire rods 69 on the peripheral surface of the flexible shaft 67 in an irregularly spiral shape so as to overlap each other, the lens 68 is formed. By rotating as described above, the appearance is slightly changed, and a graceful operation is expressed, thereby improving the decorativeness.

  In particular, since the movable body 63 is a flexible linear member that extends in a curved shape as a whole, a narrow curved space extending around the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 can be efficiently used. It is possible to effectively perform an operation effect by using it.

  Further, the lens 68 is configured by arranging a large number of wire rods 69 adjacent to each other so as to contact each other in the circumferential direction of the flexible shaft 67 so as to surround and cover the peripheral surface of the flexible shaft 67. Therefore, it has a substantially uniform shape with little difference in appearance at any position in the circumferential direction. For this reason, it is not necessary to set an initial position when rotating as described above.

  For example, in the case of a structure having an unequal shape such as a triangular prism shape or a quadrangular prism shape, the appearance differs greatly depending on the position in the circumferential direction. It is necessary to perform an operation of setting the position and returning it to the initial position for each operation. On the other hand, according to the lens 68 according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to set the initial position as described above, and accordingly, an operation of returning to the initial position is also unnecessary.

  More specifically, for example, a gaming machine may be configured to start or stop a rotation operation at an arbitrary timing by a player's button operation or the like. In this case, in the case of a structure having an unequal shape, a lug is likely to occur slightly if it tries to return to the initial position by a stop operation. On the other hand, according to the lens 68 according to the present embodiment, since the lens 68 may be stopped at any position, there is no need to return to the initial position and no lag occurs.

  Further, for example, during a demonstration state described later, there may be a configuration in which a staging character or the like configured to move in and out is performed for the purpose of attracting customers. In such a case, for example, sudden and brutal motion control is often required, for example, when a game suddenly starts and a character or the like appears and moves rapidly. Therefore, according to the lens 68 according to the present embodiment, it is easy to cope with such a sudden and brutal operation. In other words, the start and stop timings of the operation can be set arbitrarily (however).

(2) Light emission operation As schematically shown by an arrow A1 in FIGS. 9 and 11, when light is emitted forward from the first LED 73, the light A1 is incident on the lens 68 of the movable body 63 immediately ahead. As described above, the lens 68 has a configuration in which a large number of wire rods 69 made of a transparent rubber-like resin are irregularly spiraled and bundled so as to overlap each other. While being refracted at a point, dispersed, concentrated, etc., it diffuses around the lens 68 as schematically shown by the arrow A5 in FIG. 11, so that the lens 68 generally emits light slightly. At this time, as a large number of wire rods 69 are irregularly overlapped, light and dark are formed so as to have an irregular and slightly dense distribution on the whole, and thereby the irregular shape inside and outside the lens 68 is formed. The emphasis is emphasized and the decoration effect becomes better.

  Further, at this time, as indicated by an arrow A6 in FIG. 11, when the movable body 63 is rotated around the axis as described above, the light emission from the lens 68 is also dynamic, thereby causing the above-described effect. The rotating effect with the light emission and the light emission effect emphasize each other, and the production effect becomes better. That is, the decoration effect is further improved by synergistically and effectively combining the operation effect by the rotation of the lens 68 and the light emission effect by the optical action.

  Of the light diffused from the lens 68 to the surroundings, the light directed to the side or the rear is reflected on the inner surfaces of the side wall and the back side wall of the case 64 and travels forward as indicated by an arrow A7 in FIG. Since the inner surface of the case 64 is finished in a mirror shape as described above, the light is effectively reflected, thereby improving the light emitting effect. In addition, as described above, the shape and appearance of the movable body 63 that performs the rotation operation (or stillness), the light emission operation (or extinguishment), or both of these operations (or neither of them) is the inner surface of the case 64. This effectively reflects the visual effect.

  At this time, in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, the light irradiation from the first LED 73 is schematically shown only by the arrow A1 that is directed straight forward, but in practice, the LED is generally, for example, 10 to 120 ° ( Or a directivity angle of about 60 to 110 °, and as shown by an arrow A8 in FIG. 11, the first LED 73 irradiates diagonally forward and directly does not enter the lens 68 of the movable body 63. There is also some light that strikes the inner surface of the case 64 and reflects toward the front.

  Of the light A5 diffused from the lens 68 to the surroundings, the light directed forward, the light A7 reflected by the inner surface of the case 64 toward the side and the rear and directed forward, and the first LED 73 obliquely forward and directly irradiated. The light A8 reflected by the inner surface of the case 64 and traveling forward passes through the cover 65 and travels forward of the movable electric decoration 62, that is, forward of the pachinko machine 10, as schematically indicated by an arrow A9 in FIG. It is injected. At this time, since the cover 65 has light diffusibility as described above, the light A9 transmitted through the cover 65 is diffused, and the decoration effect is further improved.

  The light A9 emitted forward from the movable illumination part 62 is finally diffused by the cover 65 in particular, so that when the first LED 73 is turned off, the inside of the movable illumination part 62, particularly the shape of the movable body 63 is obtained. The appearance and appearance of the movable body 63 that emits light and the reflected light from the inner surface of the case 64 are further improved by the diffusion effect when the first LED 73 is turned on. It is visually recognized from the outside in the state. Furthermore, when the movable body 63 is rotated around the axis as described above in this state, the movable body 63 in which the stunning rotational operation and the light emission effect are emphasized with each other as described above and the rendering effect is improved. Is visually recognized from the outside in a state where the visual effect is further improved by the diffusion effect. At this time, when the movable electrical decoration unit 62 is viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, the surface and contour of the movable body 63 irregularly undulated by the numerous wire rods 69 rotate so as to lightly swell while shining so to speak. The appearance is an eye-catching appearance, which provides a good performance effect.

(Function)
As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is configured such that the lens 68 that is an optical member disposed along an axis extending in a curved shape that includes a curved portion, and the lens 68 rotate about the axis. The driving unit 66 is a driving unit for driving, and the first LED 73 is a light emitting unit for irradiating the lens 68 with light.

  According to the above configuration, the lens 68 is driven to rotate around an axis extending in a shape including a curved portion, and the light A1 is irradiated to the lens 68 by the first LED 73. Therefore, the light A1 is irregularly transmitted through the lens 68. Dynamic change will be shown. As a result, it is possible to obtain a light emission mode that is rich in changes and improved in expressive power. At this time, since the mechanism is simply configured, an increase in installation space and cost is suppressed. Furthermore, light emission rich in change is effectively performed around the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 which is a narrow space including a curved portion.

  The lens 68 is arranged around a flexible linear member, that is, a flexible shaft 67 that extends in a curved shape that includes a curved portion. According to this configuration, since the flexible shaft 67 has flexibility, the lens 68 can be easily and reliably rotated around the axis while maintaining the curved shape by rotationally driving the flexible shaft 67 around the axis. Can be rotated.

  Further, the lens 68 is made of a rubber-like resin having optical transparency and flexibility. According to this configuration, since the lens 68 has flexibility, it can be rotated around the axis while maintaining the curved shape. At this time, since the lens 68 has light transmittance, The light emitted from the first LED 73 can be transmitted like a lens, so that the light can exhibit an irregular dynamic change. Further, the lens 68 is easily formed into a desired shape at a low cost.

  In addition, since the lens 68 has a concavo-convex shape on the peripheral surface, light is diffused by the concavo-convex shape, so that the light can exhibit a more irregular dynamic change.

  Further, since the inner surface of the case 64 that is mirror-finished is disposed in the vicinity of the lens 68 as a surrounding reflection surface that can reflect light, the light A8 or lens irradiated from the first LED 73 is arranged. The light A5 transmitted through or reflected by 68 is reflected by the inner surface of the case 64, thereby further improving the light emitting effect. In addition, the state of the lens 68 that rotates while transmitting or reflecting light is reflected on the inner surface of the case 64, which also improves the visual effect.

  In addition, since the lens 68 is covered with the cover 65 that is a light diffusing member, the light A8 emitted from the first LED 73 or the light A5 transmitted or reflected through the lens 68 is diffused by the cover 65. As a result, the light emission mode is further changed.

(Modification)
The pachinko machine 10 can be variously modified as listed below, for example. In the following modifications, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts and members as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted unless necessary.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the lens 68 is used as the optical member. However, as the optical member, for example, a component having a movable portion reflecting surface, such as the movable electric decoration portion 83 shown in FIG. It may be.

  The movable body 84 according to this modification (1) has a configuration in which a reflector 85 is disposed on the same flexible shaft 67 as that in the movable body 63 according to the above-described embodiment. In the reflector 85, disc-shaped end plates 87 are integrally formed at both ends of a columnar shaft portion 86 extending along the axial direction of the flexible shaft 67, and between the both end plates 87, FIG. As shown, a reflector 88 is integrally formed from the shaft portion 86 so as to extend radially in three directions (i.e., at 120 ° intervals) in parallel to the shaft portion 86 at regular intervals. The resin is molded so as to have a generally short cylindrical shape, that is, a drum-like outer shape as a whole. The shaft portion 86 is externally fitted and fixed to the flexible shaft 67. The surfaces (exposed surfaces) of the shaft portion 86, the end plate 87, and the reflecting plate 88 are plated to be finished in a mirror shape.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of reflectors 85 having the same configuration (six in this modification (1)) are prepared, and are arranged and fixed on the flexible shaft 67 at equal intervals in the axial direction. The movable body 84 is fitted into the case 89. The case 89 has basically the same configuration as the case 64 according to the above embodiment, but as shown in FIG. 14, the inner diameter side wall (the left side wall in FIG. 14) has a front-view arc-shaped outer shape. The outer side wall (the right side wall in FIG. 14) is formed in a tapered shape that is inclined outward toward the front as in the case 64 according to the above embodiment. That is, as a whole, the cross-sectional shape that is trapezoidal with the front side edge being a relatively long lower side and the rear side edge being a relatively short upper side and narrowing to the rear (back side) The case 64 is the same as the case 64 according to the embodiment, except that the left side of the trapezoidal cross section is a vertical side.

  On the inner surface of the inner diameter side wall of the case 89, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, second LEDs 90 are arranged toward the outer diameter side at positions facing the reflectors 85, respectively. As schematically shown by an arrow A10, light is emitted from each second LED 90 toward each reflector 85.

  When the flexible shaft 67 is rotationally driven by the drive unit 66 (not shown in FIGS. 13 and 14), the flexible shaft 67 maintains the constant shape curved in an arc as shown in FIG. Rotate around the axis. At this time, as described above, each reflector 85 is configured to be short, and is disposed and fixed to the flexible shaft 67 at equal intervals in the axial direction. Therefore, even if the reflector 85 itself does not have flexibility, The flexible shaft 67 can be rotated around the axis without inhibiting the rotation around the axis while maintaining the curved shape of the flexible shaft 67. That is, as indicated by an arrow A11 in FIGS. 13 and 14, the movable body 84 rotates around the axis while maintaining a constant shape curved in an arc as a whole.

  As schematically shown by arrows A10 in FIGS. 13 and 14, when light is irradiated from the second LEDs 90 toward the reflectors 85, the irradiated light A10 is shown on the front side of the reflector 85 in FIG. As shown, the light is reflected by the reflector 88 and travels forward. On the other hand, on the rear side (back side) of the reflector 85, as shown by an arrow A 13 in FIG. 14, the light is reflected by the reflecting plate 88 and travels backward, and is reflected by the inner surface of the back side wall in the case 89 and travels forward. Further, as indicated by an arrow A14 in FIG. 14, each second LED 90 irradiates diagonally forward (or diagonally rearward), passes through the side without hitting the reflector 85, and directly enters the inner surface of the outer-diameter side wall in the case 89. There is little light that reflects on the sun and moves forward.

  The light A12 reflected forward by the reflector 88 of the reflector 85, the light A13 sequentially reflected by the reflector 88 of the reflector 85 and the back side wall of the case 89, and the second LED 90 are obliquely irradiated. The light A14 that is directly reflected by the outer diameter side wall of the case 89 and travels forward is diffused and transmitted through the cover 65, and the front of the movable electric decoration 83 is schematically shown by an arrow A15 in FIG. That is, it is injected forward of the pachinko machine 10.

  At this time, when light is emitted from the second LED 90 in a state where the movable body 84 is rotated about the axis as described above, the reflected light A12 and A13 reflected by the above-described reflector 85 is irradiated forward. And the reflector 85 can be seen from the front as if it is emitting light while rotating like a revolving light called “Patlite (registered trademark)”. An eye-catching luminescence effect is made.

  In this modified mode (1), six reflectors 85 are arranged and fixed on the flexible shaft 67 at equal intervals in the axial direction, but the angular positions of the reflectors 88 of the reflectors 85 are aligned with each other. Alternatively, they may be shifted from each other. For example, with respect to the angular position of the reflector plate 88 of the reflector 85 located at one end, the angular position of the reflector plate 88 of the reflector 85 adjacent thereto is shifted by a predetermined angle (for example, a predetermined angle of about 10 to 110 °). In the same manner, the reflectors 85 adjacent to each other are arranged so as to be shifted by a predetermined angle in the same manner. According to this, it is possible to obtain a light emission mode as if the reflected light sequentially propagates in a wave shape from the reflector 85 located at one end to the adjacent reflector 85. Or the aspect etc. which were arrange | positioned so that the angular position of the reflecting plate 88 of each reflector 85 may mutually shift | deviate randomly (irregularly) are also possible. Thus, the light emission mode can be further changed by appropriately shifting the phase of the reflection plate 88 of the reflector 85.

(Function)
According to this change mode (1), the reflector 85, which is an optical member, has a configuration having the surface of the reflecting plate 88 as a movable part reflecting surface that reflects light, and thus is irradiated from the second LED 90, which is a light emitting means. The reflected light A1 is reflected by the surface of the reflecting plate 88 that rotates about the axis, so that an irregular dynamic change can be shown.

  In addition, since the optical member is configured by arranging a plurality (six) of reflectors 85, which are parts having the surface of the reflecting plate 88 as a movable part reflecting surface, at intervals in the axial direction, flexibility is achieved. The optical member that is not provided is arranged along a shaft including a curved portion, that is, a curved shape, and is configured to be rotatable around the shaft. In addition, since the reflector 85, which is an optical member, does not have flexibility, it is excellent in resistance to external force, heat, and the like and hardly deteriorates as compared with an optical member made of rubber or the like.

(2) In the above modification (1), the six reflectors 85 are arranged and fixed on the flexible shaft 67 at equal intervals in the axial direction. However, the size, number, arrangement interval, etc. of the reflectors are around the axis. Any one can be used as long as it is rotatable, and can be appropriately set according to the dimensions and shape of the shaft, the arrangement space, and the like.

(3) In the above modification (1), the reflector 85 has a reflection plate 88 extending radially in three directions at regular intervals from the shaft portion 86. However, as a configuration of the reflection plate, However, any material can be used as long as it can reflect light. For example, a reflection plate that extends radially in two directions at a predetermined interval or a single reflection plate can be used. is there. Furthermore, for example, the reflector may be configured in a polygonal column shape, and its side surface may be a mirror surface to be a movable portion reflecting surface. In this case, for example, the shape may be a polygonal column having many side surfaces. According to this, the more the side surfaces are subdivided and the closer to the cylinder, the more the subdivided reflected light is continuously recognized and rotated. Impression is weakened. Therefore, from this point of view, it is desirable that the number of side surfaces is small. For example, a polygonal column shape having about 6 or less side surfaces, more preferably a quadrangular column shape, for example, a triangular column shape as shown in FIG. It is desirable to have a configuration that can be visually recognized by rotating. The reflector 91 shown in FIG. 15 is formed in a triangular prism shape having a regular triangular cross section extending in the axial direction of the flexible shaft 67, and the three side surfaces and both end surfaces are finished in a mirror shape by plating to form a movable portion reflecting surface 92. The arrangement of the reflector 91, the fixing structure with respect to the flexible shaft 67, and the like are the same as in the case of the above-described modification (1).

(4) In the above embodiment, the movable body 63 is supported in an arcuately curved shape so as to be rotatable around the axis, and the movable electric decoration part 62 as a whole is also configured to have an arcuately curved front shape. As the shape of the movable body and the shape of the movable electric decoration part associated therewith, various other shapes can be used. For example, like a movable body 93 shown in FIG. 16, it extends in an arc shape so as to bulge to one side, and then curves in an arc shape so as to be inverted and bulge to the opposite side. A shape in which a plurality of curved portions having different bending directions, curvatures, and the like are appropriately combined, such as a shape meandering in an approximately S shape extending in a straight line, is also possible. As shown in FIG. 16, the movable body 93 according to this modification (4) is not only rotatably supported by the end plate of the case, the shaft support piece, etc. at both ends of the flexible shaft 94, but also at the center portion. The support piece 95 is rotatably supported by the support piece 95, so that it can rotate around the axis while maintaining a substantially S-shape. In the curved portions 93T and 93B disposed on both sides of the shaft support piece 95, lenses 96T and 96B that are basically the same as the lens 68 according to the embodiment are respectively disposed in the same manner as in the embodiment. It is fixed.

(5) In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modified modes (1) to (4), the shape of the movable body and the shape of the movable electrical decoration portion associated therewith are configured only from the curved portion. It is good also as a structure which also contains a linear part other than a curved part like the movable body 97 shown. A movable body 97 shown in FIG. 17 has a first curved portion 97T that is curved in an arc shape so as to bulge in one side direction at one end portion (left end portion in FIG. 17), and the other end portion (in FIG. 17). A second bending portion 97B that is curved in an arc shape so as to bulge in a direction opposite to the first bending portion 97T is formed at the right end portion), and between the first bending portion 97T and the second bending portion 97B, A linear portion 97M that extends in a straight line is formed, and is configured to have a substantially S-shape including a straight line in the middle as a whole.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the movable body 97 according to the modified mode (5) is not only rotatably supported by the end plate of the case, the shaft support piece, or the like at both ends of the flexible shaft 98 but also the linear portion 97 </ b> M. The shaft support pieces 99 are also rotatably supported by the shaft support pieces 99 even at positions between both ends and the first bending portion 97T and the second bending portion 97B, so that they can rotate around the axis while maintaining the general S-shaped overall shape. It is like that. The first bending portion 97T, the second bending portion 97B, and the straight portion 97M disposed at both ends and the intermediate portion with the shaft support piece 99 interposed therebetween are respectively the first basically similar to the lens 68 according to the embodiment. The lens 111T, the second lens 111B, and the third lens 111M are arranged and fixed in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

  Note that the third lens 111M has the same configuration as that of the above embodiment together with the first lens 111T and the second lens 111B in the modified mode (5), but is arranged and fixed in, for example, a linear portion. As for the lens, it is possible to use a lens that does not have flexibility. According to this, it is possible to make the molding easier and to obtain a light emitting mode different from the curved portion in the straight portion. As a whole, the light emission mode can be changed.

  According to the configuration of the modification mode (5), a single movable body 97 can cope with more various layouts. For example, a movable body can be arranged so as to cover two curved portions that are slightly separated from each other and a linear portion therebetween, and the movable body can be driven by a single driving means (not shown). Therefore, the light emitting region can be efficiently configured with a simple configuration.

  Furthermore, by appropriately combining a curved portion and a straight portion, for example, a shape extending in an inverted U shape from the left lower end portion through the upper end central portion to the right lower end portion along the outer periphery of the gaming machine, or a game It is also possible to arrange the movable body so as to have a shape that makes one round along the outer periphery of the machine, and to drive the movable body with a single driving means (not shown).

(6) In the above-described embodiment, the flexible shaft (flexible shaft member) 67, which is a close-contact coil spring-shaped shaft member, is used as the shaft member on which the optical member is disposed. However, the optical member is disposed. Any shaft material can be used as long as it can be rotated around the axis while maintaining the shape including the curved portion. For example, in addition to the close-contact coil spring-shaped shaft member, a shaft member substantially made of rubber or the like may be used, and this also causes a difference between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion when bent or curved. Is absorbed by expansion and contraction due to elastic deformation, the bent or curved shape can be maintained.

(7) In the above embodiment, the front side surface of the movable electric decoration 62 is covered with the cover 65 made of a diffusion sheet. However, the cover is made of an optical member other than the diffusion sheet, such as a lens. It is good also as composition which becomes. Furthermore, for example, a transparent plate that does not substantially have the function of dispersing, concentrating, refraction, reflecting, or the like may be used, or the movable body is located on the front side without covering the movable illumination part with a cover or the like. It is good also as a structure exposed to. Furthermore, for example, the movable electric decoration part may be configured to be openable and closable with a cover configured as described above or an opaque cover, and a further effect can be achieved by opening and closing the cover according to changes in the gaming state. An improved configuration is also possible.

(8) In the above-described embodiment, the movable electrical decoration unit 62 is configured to perform the rotation operation and the light emission operation. However, the rotation operation and the light emission operation of the movable electrical decoration unit can be performed in various modes. These operation modes can be combined, and can be set to be controlled as various operation patterns according to changes in the gaming state.

  As a mode of the rotation operation of the movable body, for example, intermittent rotation by starting, stopping, repeating start and stop, reversing the forward / reverse rotational direction, setting of multiple stages of rotational speed, stepwise or during rotation Various rotational motion patterns can be set by combining gradual speed changes and the like. On the other hand, as a mode of the light emission operation, for example, start (lighting) of light emission, stop (light extinction), intermittent light emission (flashing) by repeated start and stop, multi-level setting of light emission luminance, stepwise or during light emission Various light emission operation patterns can be set by combining gradual luminance change, setting of a plurality of emission colors, change of emission color during emission, and the like. Furthermore, by combining the above-described various rotation operation patterns and light emission operation patterns, more various operation patterns can be set.

  The gaming state in the pachinko machine changes from a “demonstration state” in the case where the game is not played for a certain period of time to several different states based on the entry of the gaming ball into the winning opening in the gaming area. That is, “symbol fluctuation state” in which symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and “non-reach fluctuation state” in which reach has not occurred after the start of symbol variation display and reach has occurred as this symbol fluctuation state. “Reach state”, “Big hit state”, which is advantageous to the player because the display of symbols changes is stopped, “Support state” where the game ball is easy to win at the starting port, “High probability state (high probability state) where the jackpot lottery has a high probability ) ", Or" a state in which the support state and the probability change state are combined ", etc. In the" demonstration state ", for example, in order to enhance the effect of attracting customers, various effects can be achieved by the display screen, LED lamps, etc. In the `` non-reach fluctuation state '' in the stage before reaching the reach state, various productions are performed to suggest the degree of expectation to develop to the reach state. In the “state”, various presentations are made to suggest the expectation that a jackpot will be generated, and in the “state where there is no clear notification of whether or not it is in a probable state after the jackpot” Various performances are performed to indicate the degree of expectation. On the display screen, display effects corresponding to these are performed.

  Furthermore, when a reach occurs after the start of symbol variation display and the state shifts from the non-reach variation state to the reach state, this is used as an opportunity to cause the movable illumination unit to perform a rotation operation and / or a light emission operation as one aspect of the production. can do.

In the pachinko machine, for example, four types of reach (reach variation pattern) are set according to the expectation level of jackpot, and the operation pattern of the movable illumination unit is set to be controlled by these four types of reach. . More specifically, for example, as follows. That is, a lottery of a big hit random number is performed based on the timing of entering the start winning device (start opening), and the contents of the effect such as the display of the variation of the symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device are determined according to the result of the lottery. The Symbols with variable display may or may not include reach. For example, reach may include normal reach (reach state with a low probability of jackpot), super reach (probability of jackpot). A reach type such as a reach state with a medium probability), a special reach (a reach state with a high probability of jackpot), a premium reach (a reach state with a 100% probability of a jackpot), or the like is set. Depending on the type of reach, one of the following four operation patterns a) to d) is controlled to be selectively performed.
a) In the case of normal reach, the movable body rotates at a low speed, and the light emitting means lights up with a predetermined light emission color and low brightness. C) Lights with high brightness c) In the case of special reach, the movable body rotates at a low speed and reverses in the forward and reverse directions at predetermined long intervals, and the light emitting means lights with a predetermined light emission color and a predetermined low brightness d) Premium In the case of reach, the movable body rotates at high speed and reverses in the forward and reverse directions at predetermined short time intervals, and the light emitting means blinks with a predetermined light emission color and a predetermined high brightness.

  In this way, as the result of the internal lottery, as the reach type with a high probability of winning a jackpot, the operation of the movable lighting part becomes more lively (gross), so the expectation degree of the jackpot is the operation of this moving lighting part. It can be easily predicted from the stage, and as the degree of expectation increases, the dynamic operation of the movable electric decoration part becomes lively (large), and the sense of tension is enhanced. In other words, depending on the level of expectation, the lottery expectation is one of four stages from a) low to d) altitude, depending on the operation pattern of the movable lighting part. Based on the result, control is performed so that one of these operation patterns is selected.

  At this time, even in the decorative symbol display device, it is possible to perform a display effect such that the effect pattern of the content is as large as the reach type with a high probability of being a big hit, such a decorative symbol display device, Not only the display effect by the liquid crystal display device but also the operation of the actual movable illumination part as described above, the effect is produced with the operation pattern corresponding to the reach type, so that the contents of the expected effect, especially the difference in the expectation level, can be visually recognized. In particular, it is easier to understand.

  As described above, the gaming state in the pachinko machine changes from a “demonstration state” when the game is not performed for a certain period of time to several different states based on the entry of the gaming ball into the winning area in the gaming area. To do. That is, “symbol fluctuation state” in which symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and “non-reach fluctuation state” in which reach has not occurred after the start of symbol variation display and reach has occurred as this symbol fluctuation state. It changes to “reach state”, “big hit state” that is advantageous to the player because the display of symbols changes is stopped, “support state” where the game ball is easy to win at the starting port, etc. In addition to controlling to start and end the pattern in which the movable lighting part operates along with the start and end, any one of the timings at which the gaming state changes is arbitrarily selected, and this The operation pattern can be controlled according to the selected timing. For example, the rotation of the movable body is started at a predetermined speed in the demonstration state or the non-reach fluctuation state, the rotational speed of the movable body is increased at the start of the reach state, and the movable body is moved at the end of the reach state. You may make it control so that a rotational speed may be returned. Alternatively, in addition to simply returning the rotational speed of the movable body to the original state upon completion of the reach state, for example, the movable body is repeatedly reversed during the moment when the final symbol stops and the big hit or during the big hit state. In this way, interest may be further increased.

  As the light emission operation, for example, as the simplest operation pattern, the light emission operation is continuously performed in a predetermined manner by the light emission means throughout the operation of the gaming machine, thereby improving the decoration effect of the movable illumination part. Such a pattern is also possible. Alternatively, for example, a pattern in which a plurality of light emission operation patterns having different modes is set and the plurality of light emission operation patterns are periodically repeated in a predetermined order is also possible.

  On the other hand, as described above, pachinko machines have game state transitions and reach types, and it is effective from the viewpoint of stage effects that excite the game if the operation pattern of the light emission operation is controlled according to this. .

  As the light emission operation, for example, the light emission means may be blinked in synchronization with the reversal operation of the movable body. Or conversely, the cycle of the reversing operation of the movable body and the cycle of the blinking operation of the light emitting means may be deliberately shifted.

(9) In the above-described embodiment, the movable electrical decoration 62 is disposed along the upper right part of the periphery of the window 101 of the front frame set 14. Can be arranged in position. For example, it can be suitably arranged also on the center frame 43 and the like constituting the frame portion of the variable display device unit 35 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the variable display device unit 35 is arranged at the center of the game area and is also called an electric accessory unit or a center accessory, and has a decorative symbol display device 42 in the center. The decorative symbol display device 42 is configured to surround the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side with the center frame 43, and is a large-sized accessory that occupies a large area in the game area. The center frame 43 includes an upper frame portion 43T, a lower frame portion 43B, a left frame portion 43L, and a right frame portion 43R that are decorated. A flange 43F having a screw hole is provided on the outer periphery of the center frame 43, and is fixed on the game board 30 with a wood screw or the like.

  The upper frame portion 43T of the center frame 43 has a front shape that is slightly gently raised in a mountain shape so as to gradually widen upward from both ends to the center. An upper end surface that extends forward from the board surface by a width slightly larger than the diameter of one game ball is formed.

  A right frame portion 43R and a left frame portion 43L extend downward from the right end and the left end of the upper frame portion 43T, respectively. The right frame portion 43R and the left frame portion 43L are formed so as to be continuous with the upper frame portion 43T, and are continuously integrated with the upper frame portion 43T, the right frame portion 43R, and the left frame portion 43L as a whole. Decorated to be.

  Inside the right frame portion 43R is formed a warp route (ball guide path) extending from a height position just below the operation winning device 34 to the vicinity of the lower end, and the upper end portion of the warp route is directed rightward. The lower entrance of the warp route communicates with a sleeve opening (not shown) that opens to the left. A warp route having a similar configuration including the entrance 431L is formed in the left frame portion 43L so as to be substantially symmetrical with the right frame portion 43R.

  From the lower ends of the right frame portion 43R and the left frame portion 43L, the lower frame portion 43B extends while gently tilting downward toward the center, and is formed to have a valley-like front shape as a whole. On the upper surface of the lower frame portion 43B, a stage 432 is formed that is bent in a generally valley shape when viewed from the front so as to be recessed downward as a whole. A central portion, that is, a lower end portion of the stage 432 is slightly raised upward, and a recess (not shown) that is recessed downward from the upper surface is formed on the inner back side of the raised portion. Further, a discharge port 436 that opens toward the front is provided in the lower portion of the center of the stage 432, and the recess and the discharge port 436 communicate with each other inside the lower frame portion 43B.

  As described above, only a part of the game balls guided to the upper part of the game area through the rail unit 50 passes above the center frame 43 and flows down directly to the right side of the center frame 43. Most of them hit the upper end surface of the upper frame portion 43T of the center frame 43 and roll on the upper frame portion 43T, and flow down from the right end or the left end to the right side or the left side of the center frame 43. As described above, some of the game balls that flow along the right or left side of the center frame 43 with or without being guided by the center frame 43 enter the entrances 431R and 431L on the way, and others The game ball of the center of the center frame 43 separates to the lower right or lower left and further flows down the game area.

  The game balls that have entered the entrances 431R and 431L of the right frame portion 43R or the left frame portion 43L flow down the warp route and are guided to the stage 432 through the sleeve openings. The game balls thus coming out from both sides (both sleeves) of the stage 432 roll on the stage 432 and reciprocate to the left and right, and many of them fall to the front side along the way, and some of them are well in the center. Then, it is discharged from the discharge port 436 to the front side, and enters the first start port 33 located immediately below with a high probability.

  The movable electrical decoration part can be disposed, for example, on at least a part of the front surface part of the upper frame part 43T, the lower frame part 43B, the left frame part 43L, and the right frame part 43R of the center frame 43. In particular, among these four frame parts, when the movable electric decoration part is disposed so as to straddle two or more adjacent frame parts, the movable electric decoration part inevitably becomes a shape that bends in front view, and therefore includes a curved part. The advantage of the configuration of the movable electric decoration portion in which an optical member such as a lens or a reflector is driven so as to rotate around an axis extending in a shape is particularly effectively exhibited.

(10) In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modified modes (1) to (9), the movable electrical decoration portion contacts a game ball such as a region outside the game region or a front surface portion in the frame portion of the center frame. Although it is a decorative part that is arranged in an area where there is no effect and performs effects by rotating operation and light emitting operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. A part (a combination) that may be arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the game ball and can be involved in the flow-down situation of the game ball may be configured.

  In this modification (10), as shown in FIG. 18, the movable accessory 112 is arranged at a position below the center frame 43 that constitutes the variable display device unit 35. In the center frame 43, a plurality of nails 113 are placed at positions slightly spaced downward from the lower frame portion 43B so as to form an oblique row parallel to the lower frame portion 43B having a valley shape when viewed from the front. A gap where the nail 113 is not arranged at a distance slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball at a plurality of locations in the row of the nail 113, although the gaps are arranged so as to be close to each other so as not to pass. Is formed, and the movable accessory 112 is disposed in the missing portion.

  As shown in FIG. 19, a rectangular through hole 114 extending slightly along the direction of the nail 113 is formed in the missing portion of the nail 113 in the game board 30. A movable body 115 is mounted. Similar to the movable body 63 according to the above-described embodiment, the movable body 115 is configured such that the lens 117 is disposed and fixed so as to surround the peripheral surface of the flexible shaft 116, and the movable body 115 can be inserted into the through hole 114 as a whole. It has an outer diameter. The movable body 115 is bent into a substantially U-shaped loop shape (or hairpin shape) in plan view so that the bent portion protrudes from the back side of the game board 30 through the through hole 114 to a position substantially aligned with the head of the nail 113. Has been placed. On the back side of the game board 30, a ball assembly board including a ball passage for guiding the game balls that have entered the various winning devices is arranged so as to overlap the back side of the game board 30 (see FIG. Not shown), both ends of the flexible shaft 116 are rotatably supported by the spherical aggregate plate, and one end is connected to a drive unit to be rotationally driven. In addition, a third LED is disposed at a position behind the through hole 114 in the spherical assembly plate, and light is irradiated forward through the through hole 114 (not shown).

  In the movable accessory 112 according to this modification (10), as shown by arrows A16 and A17 in FIG. 19, the movable body 115 can be rotated around the axis while maintaining the shape bent in a loop shape. However, by changing the forward and reverse rotational directions A16, A17 or the rotational speed, it is possible to variously change the manner in which the game ball is involved in the flow-down situation.

  For example, as shown by arrows A18 and A19 in FIG. 19, it is assumed that the game balls M1 and M2 are flying in the same position on the upper surface of the linear portion on the downstream side of the movable body 115 at the same position. As shown by arrow A16 in FIG. 19, when the upper surface of the movable body 115 is rotated so as to move inward (hereinafter also referred to as inner rotation), as shown by arrow A20 in FIG. The sphere M1 is likely to bounce back to the inside of the movable body 115 and fall downward through the inside of the loop-shaped bent portion. On the other hand, as shown by an arrow A <b> 17 in FIG. 19, when the upper surface of the movable body 115 rotates so as to move outward (hereinafter also referred to as an outer rotation), as shown by an arrow A <b> 21 in FIG. 19. The game ball M2 is likely to bounce off the movable body 115 and roll on the adjacent nail 113. In the case of this outward rotation, the game ball is likely to rebound to the outside of the movable body 115 on the upstream side of the movable body 115 as well, but in this case, the game ball is rebounded to the upstream side. In any case, in the case of the outside rotation, the game ball that has come into contact with the movable body 115 is likely to bounce back toward the outside of the movable body 115, so that it falls downward at least at the position of the movable accessory 112. It ’s hard to be. As a result, it is possible to continue to roll on the adjacent nail 113, and the chances of successfully winning the starting prize-winning device 33 beyond that will be higher. Therefore, it can be configured to increase the chance of winning in cooperation with the configuration of the electric tulip in the start winning device 33. Further, for example, it is possible to increase the chance of winning with the movable accessory 112 exclusively. Thus, the electric tulip can be omitted.

  In this way, by changing the rotation direction A16, A17 of the movable body 115, the game ball is dropped downward at the position of the movable accessory 112, or it is continuously rolled on the adjacent nail 113. Sorting becomes possible. At this time, the higher the rotation speed of the movable body 115, the more the game balls are repelled, so this distribution can be made more reliable, and the change in the flow situation becomes larger and the production The effect is also great. Further, since the lens 117 according to this modification (10) is made of a rubber-like resin like the lens 68 according to the above-described embodiment, the game ball is more likely to rebound due to its frictional force and elasticity. As a result, the distribution can be made more reliably. As described above, the manner of participation of the game ball in the flow-down situation can be changed also by selecting the material constituting the surface of the movable body.

  Further, even when the movable body 115 is stopped without rotating, when the game ball comes into contact with the movable body 115, the rebound method differs from the case where it comes into contact with, for example, a nail due to its frictional force and elasticity. Will be. Therefore, the movable body 115 can be considerably involved in the flow-down situation of the game ball regardless of the operating state. Furthermore, the manner of involvement of the game ball with respect to the flow-down situation can be changed in various ways depending on the operation mode such as rotating or stopping the movable body 115 and at what speed when rotating the movable body 115. Can be done.

  In addition, the loop-shaped bent part of the movable body 115 is formed so that one game ball can pass through with sufficient margins on the inside thereof. Therefore, regardless of whether it is in a stopped state or in a rotating state, It is also possible for the game ball that has come to the movable body 115 from above to pass through the inside of the loop-shaped bent portion and fall downward without contacting the movable body 115. Therefore, the movable body 115 is capable of passing a game ball, and when touched, the movable body 115 is greatly involved in the flow situation of the game ball as compared to a nail or the like, and further, the manner of involvement varies depending on the operation mode. It can also be said that the part is a part having a gate shape that can be changed.

  Furthermore, since the movable combination 112 is arranged at a plurality of places, particularly in the case of the present modification (10), a total of four places are arranged. Therefore, by making the operation modes of the plurality of movable combinations 112 different from each other. It is possible to change the manner in which the game ball is involved in the flow-down situation. That is, an operation mode is possible in which some of the movable combinations 112 are rotated inward while the remaining movable combinations 112 are rotated outward. In this case, the movable combination is rotated outward. The greater the number 112, the higher the chance of winning the start prize device 33. On the other hand, the greater the movable accessory 112 rotated inward, the lower the chance of winning the start prize device 33. Therefore, it is possible to set the combination of the operation modes between the plurality of movable accessories 112 so as to change according to the change in the gaming state. For example, in the short-time state, among the plurality of movable accessories 112, the one that rotates inside and the one that rotates outside are halved (two in the case of this change mode (10)). There is an operation mode in which the movable combination 112 (four in the case of this change mode (10)) is rotated outward.

  Furthermore, it is possible to make the change in the gaming state easier to understand visually by combining the light emitting mode by the third LED, and to make the entertainment more exciting. For example, in the case of combining with the above-described operation mode, in the short time state, the third LED in the half (two) movable accessories 112 rotating outward is turned on with a predetermined emission color and a predetermined low luminance, and the probability change is changed. In a state, the light emission aspect of blinking the 3rd LED in all the (four) movable objects 112 rotated outside by predetermined | prescribed luminescent color and predetermined | prescribed high brightness | luminance is mentioned.

  Since the movable body 115 according to this modification (10) has the same configuration as that of the movable body 63 according to the above-described embodiment, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained by irradiating light from the third LED. Light emission effect is made.

(11) In the above-described modification (10), the movable body 115 is further driven to reciprocate back and forth by a driving means such as a solenoid, for example, and the protruding position protruding forward as described above and the penetration It is good also as a structure which can move between the retreat positions evacuated in the hole 114, ie, a structure which can go in and out from the through-hole 114 (not shown). According to this, for example, the movable body 115 is normally retracted into the through-hole 114, and the movable body 115 advances when the state changes to the certain change state, and retracts again into the through-hole 114 when the certain change state ends. As described above, the operation modes can be further diversified. In this case, for example, instead of the movable body 115 described above, a configuration in which a rectangular plate-shaped piece is projected and retracted may be considered, but according to this, for example, the plate-shaped piece advances from the retracted position to the protruding position. On the way of coming, it is easy to cause troubles such as a game ball clogged with surrounding nails. On the other hand, according to the movable body 115 according to the above-described modification (10), as described above, the game ball easily rebounds due to the frictional force and elasticity, and when it is driven to rotate, the game ball rebounds more greatly. As a result, the game ball is promptly guided out of the movable accessory 112, and therefore it is difficult for the game ball to become jammed.

(12) In the above-described modification (10), for example, as shown in FIG. 20, a single movable body 119 is arranged for a plurality of through holes 118 to constitute a movable accessory 121. (However, here, only the configuration of one of the right half and the left half of the gaming machine will be described, and the description of the configuration of the other half will be omitted).

  In this modified mode (12), as shown in FIG. 20, as in the modified mode (10) described above, through holes 118 are formed in the game board 30 at the plurality of missing portions in the row of nails 122, respectively. It is installed. On the other hand, a ball assembly plate 127 is disposed on the back side of the game board 30, and the front side portion of the ball assembly board 127 includes all through holes 118 at positions facing the through holes 118 of the game board 30. A shaft insertion space 128 extending in the shape of a hollow passage is formed over the length. On the front surface of the ball assembly plate 127, a peripheral wall portion 129 is integrally formed extending to the board surface of the game board 30 so as to form a rectangular shape in front view along the inner surface of each through hole 118 with almost no gap. The ball assembly plate 127 is attached to the back side surface of the game board 30 so that the respective peripheral wall portions 129 are inserted into the respective through holes 118, and accordingly, the peripheral wall portion 129 can be positioned.

  A movable body 119 is mounted in the shaft insertion space 128 of the ball assembly plate 127. The movable body 119 has a small outer diameter that can be inserted into the through-hole 118, similarly to the movable body 115 according to the above-described modification (10). A flexible shaft 123 having an overall length longer than the distance between them is provided, and is arranged so as to extend over all through holes 118. Both end portions of the flexible shaft 123 are rotatably supported by both end shaft support pieces 124 integrally formed slightly closer to the inside than the both ends of the shaft insertion space 128, and one end portion is coupled to the drive unit 125. Are driven to rotate.

  In the shaft insertion space 128 of the ball assembly plate 127, left and right axial support pieces 126 extending in the form of a standing plate in the front-rear direction are integrally formed at positions slightly outward from both sides of each through hole 118. The wall is integrally formed with front and rear shaft support pieces 130 that extend inward (center side of the peripheral wall portion 129) in parallel to the board surface of the game board 30. The flexible shaft 123 is rotatably supported so as to be inserted into the both-end shaft support piece 124, the left and right shaft support pieces 126, and the front and rear shaft support pieces 130, and as shown in FIG. As viewed, it extends linearly from one end along the back side of the game board 30 in the lateral direction, passes through the through hole 118 and protrudes forward in an arc from the board surface of the game board 30. The shape of returning to the back side and extending again on the same straight line as the above-described linear portion and projecting forward in the same manner as described above at the adjacent through-hole 118 is repeated, and as a whole, it is locally disposed at a plurality of locations at intervals. It is arranged so as to have a bent shape extending in the lateral direction along the back side surface of the game board 30 while projecting forward in a round and wave shape.

  A portion between each pair of front and rear shaft support pieces 130 in the flexible shaft 123, that is, a portion protruding forward from each through hole 118 in a planar view arc shape is basically the same as the lens 68 according to the embodiment. The lens 131 is arranged and fixed in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

  A fourth LED 132 is disposed at a position behind each through hole 118 in the shaft insertion space 128 of the ball assembly plate 127, and light is irradiated forward through the through hole 118.

  When the flexible shaft 123 is rotationally driven by the drive unit 125, the movable body 119 rotates around the axis while maintaining the constant overall shape bent as described above, and protrudes forward from each through-hole 118 in a plan view arc shape. In each portion, the lens 131 rotates around the axis. Thereby, the protrusion part of the movable body 119 in each through-hole 118 functions similarly to the case of the movable body 115 which concerns on the above-mentioned change aspect (10).

  At this time, since the projecting portion of the movable body 119 in all the through holes 118 is rotated by the single flexible shaft 123, there is no other way than performing the same rotation operation all at once (synchronously). Unlike the case of the movable body 115 according to 10), for example, the operation modes of the plurality of through holes 118 cannot be different from each other. However, on the other hand, since the single flexible shaft 123 and the single drive unit 125 can simultaneously perform the operations in the plurality of through holes 118, the configuration is simplified and the cost is reduced. In addition, the fourth LED 132 disposed at a position behind each through hole 118 can be controlled so that the light emission modes in the plurality of through holes 118 are different from each other.

(13) In the above modification (12), for example, the shaft insertion space 128 is configured as a separate unit from the ball assembly plate 127, and this unit is solenoided in a state where the movable accessory 121 is mounted. For example, it may be configured to reciprocate back and forth, and according to this, the operation mode can be further diversified. In this case, as in the case of the above-described change mode (11), it is difficult to cause a problem that the game ball is clogged.

(14) In the above modification modes (10) to (13), the movable accessory 112, 121 is arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the game ball in the game area and can be involved in the flow-down situation of the game ball Since it is a (useful), the light emitting means such as the third LED and the fourth LED 132 may be omitted, and the cost may be reduced.

(15) In the above-described embodiment, the movable body 63 has a configuration in which most of the flexible shaft (flexible shaft material) 67 is surrounded by the lens 68, that is, the lens 68 is supported around the flexible shaft 67 as a core material. However, as shown in FIG. 21, for example, the movable body may be configured by a lens that is not entirely supported by the core material. The movable body 133 shown in FIG. 21 has a configuration in which the lens 134 is supported by the rotating shaft 135 at both ends, and is configured by only the lens 134 without being supported by other members between the both ends. .

  The lens 134 has a hollow cylindrical (tube-like) main body part 134B that extends slightly longer in the axial direction, and a reduced diameter part 134C is formed at both ends of the main body part 134B so that the diameter is locally reduced. Each has a formed shape and is formed of a transparent rubber-like resin. On the outer surface of the main body 134B, ridges 134R irregularly curved while meandering so as to undulate are densely formed over the entire surface, thereby having light diffusibility and decorativeness. A short rotating shaft 135 made of metal is inserted into each of the reduced diameter portions 134C and fixed by an adhesive or the like, and both the rotating shafts 135 are rotatably supported by an end plate or a shaft support piece of the case. One rotating shaft 135 is connected to a drive unit and is driven to rotate (not shown).

  According to the movable body 133 according to the present modification (15), the main body part 134B has no other member such as a core, so that the transmission of light is not blocked. Therefore, the whole main body part 134B is more effective. Light can be transmitted. However, since it is not supported by the core material, it tends to be damaged or deteriorated by the operation, and when trying to suppress the damage or deterioration, for example, use a material that is not easily damaged or deteriorated, and increase the curvature radius of the curved shape as much as possible. Constraints such as rotating at a low speed as much as possible and avoiding a rotation operation that is likely to be loaded such as frequent reversals are necessary. Therefore, in view of such disadvantages, it is desirable that the movable body is constituted by a lens supported by a core material, like the movable body 63 according to the embodiment.

  Furthermore, although the lens 134 according to the modification (15) is formed hollow as described above, the lens may be formed solidly.

(16) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotation shaft 77 of the drive unit 66 is connected to the drive end of the flexible shaft 67 so as to be coaxial from below. However, for example, the rotation axis of the drive unit may be connected so as to have a posture that intersects the drive end of the flexible shaft at a predetermined angle. More specifically, for example, a configuration in which the rotation shaft of the drive unit is interlocked and connected from the lateral direction to the drive end portion of the flexible shaft disposed along the vertical direction via a bevel gear or the like.

  According to the said structure, a drive unit can be arrange | positioned not on the extension line | wire of a flexible shaft but on the side. For example, as in the case of the flexible shaft 67 according to the above-described embodiment, the rotation shaft of the drive unit is linked to the driving end of the flexible shaft arranged along the vertical direction from the back (back side) instead of from below. According to this, since the space below the flexible shaft is not occupied by the drive unit, it can be used effectively, for example, by arranging a lamp or the like to be used as a light emitting region. it can.

  Further, by arranging the driving shaft of the flexible shaft so as to be interlocked and connected to the driving end of the flexible shaft from the side, for example, a plurality of directions along the surface direction orthogonal to the tip of the rotating shaft of the driving unit. A configuration in which a plurality of flexible shafts arranged so as to extend in two directions (for example, two directions such as up and down, left and right, and three or more directions extending in a radial direction) is interlocked is also possible. According to this, since a plurality of flexible shafts can be driven by one drive unit, the configuration is simplified and the space can be saved.

(17) In the above-described embodiment, the flexible shaft 67 is a close-contact coil spring-shaped shaft member that is formed by winding a winding closely in a spiral shape. You may make it do. For example, in the case of a coil spring-like flexible shaft, a configuration is possible in which the coil can be expanded and contracted by increasing or decreasing the interval between the windings.

  According to the above configuration, for example, not only the flexible shaft can be rotated but also the operation of expanding and contracting can be performed, and the arrangement posture can be changed by expanding and contracting the flexible shaft. Furthermore, for example, even if there are some differences in the size and shape between the flexible shaft and the mounting position, the size and shape of the mounting position can be easily adjusted by expanding and contracting the flexible shaft. In other words, it is possible to adopt a configuration that absorbs surplus or deficiency of dimensions relative to the mounting position of the flexible shaft, displacement of the shape, and the like by expansion and contraction.

(18) In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 is exemplified, but as the gaming machine, a slot machine and a gaming machine in which the pachinko machine and the slot machine are fused are exemplified as well.
The basic configuration of the slot machine is “variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string made up of a plurality of identification information, resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The dynamic display of the identification information is started, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. The game machine is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the confirmed identification information is the specific identification information.
In this case, examples of valuable objects include coins and medals.
As a basic configuration of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, “a variable display means for confirming and displaying identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and a starting operation means ( For example, the dynamic display of the identification information is started due to the operation of the operation lever), the dynamic display of the identification information is caused by the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button), or when a predetermined time elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the display is stopped and the confirmed identification information at the time of the stop is specific identification information, and a ball is used as a valuable object In addition, a gaming machine is configured so that a predetermined number of balls are required at the start of dynamic display of the identification information, and many balls are paid out when a special gaming state occurs. It made.

  This specification discloses all of the following inventions.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention provides means A1,
An optical member disposed along an axis extending in a shape including a curved portion;
Drive means for driving the optical member to rotate about the axis;
And a light emitting means for irradiating the optical member with light.

  In the present invention, the “optical member” broadly implies a member that can disperse, concentrate, refract, reflect, and the like, and includes, for example, a lens, a reflecting mirror, a prism, and the like.

  According to the configuration of the means A1, the optical member is driven so as to rotate around an axis extending in a shape including a curved portion, and light is emitted to the optical member by the light emitting means, so that the light passes through the optical member. An irregular dynamic change will be shown. As a result, it is possible to obtain a light emission mode that is rich in changes and improved in expressive power. At this time, since the mechanism can be configured simply, an increase in installation space and cost can be suppressed. Furthermore, for example, light emission rich in change can be effectively performed even in a narrow space including a curved portion.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means A1 as means A2.
The optical member is arranged around a flexible linear member extending in a shape including a curved portion.

  According to the configuration of the means A2, since the linear member has flexibility, the optical member is maintained while maintaining the shape including the curved portion by rotating the linear member around the axis. It can be easily and reliably rotated around the axis.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means A1 or means A2 as means A3.
The optical member is made of resin or rubber having light transparency and flexibility.

  According to the configuration of the means A3, since the optical member has flexibility, the optical member can be rotated around the axis while maintaining the shape including the curved portion. At this time, the optical member is light transmissive. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting means can be transmitted like a lens, and the light can exhibit an irregular dynamic change. Further, the optical member can be easily formed into a desired shape and at a low cost.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means A3 as means A4.
The optical member has an uneven shape on a peripheral surface.

  According to the configuration of the means A4, light is diffused by the concavo-convex shape, whereby the light can exhibit a more irregular dynamic change.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means A1 or means A2 as means A5.
The optical member has a movable part reflecting surface that reflects light.

  According to the configuration of the means A5, the light emitted from the light emitting means is reflected by the movable portion reflecting surface that rotates around the axis, and thus an irregular dynamic change can be shown.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means A5 as means A6.
The optical member is configured by arranging a plurality of parts having a movable portion reflecting surface at intervals in the axial direction.

  According to the configuration of the means A6, even an optical member that does not have flexibility is arranged along an axis extending in a shape including a curved portion and can be rotated around the axis. Can do. Moreover, since it does not need to have flexibility, the optical member can be made hard to deteriorate.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means A1 to A6 as the means A7.
An ambient reflection surface capable of reflecting light is disposed in the vicinity of the optical member.

  According to the configuration of the means A7, the light emitted from the light emitting means or the light transmitted through or reflected by the optical member is reflected by the surrounding reflection surface, thereby further improving the light emitting effect. In addition, the state of the optical member that rotates while transmitting or reflecting light is reflected on the surrounding reflection surface, which also improves the visual effect.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of any one of the means A1 to A7 as the means A8.
The optical member is covered with a light diffusing member.

  According to the configuration of the means A8, the light emitted from the light emitting means or the light transmitted through or reflected by the optical member is diffused by the light diffusing member, whereby the light emission mode is further changed.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of any one of means A1 to means A8 as means B1.
The gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

  As a basic configuration of a pachinko machine, an operation handle is provided, and a ball, which is an example of a valuable object, is launched into a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the operation handle, and the ball is disposed at a predetermined position in the game area. In other words, the identification information (such as symbols) that is dynamically displayed on the display device is determined and stopped after a predetermined time on the condition that a winning (or passing through the operation gate) is required for the operation port. In addition, when a special gaming state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is obtained. Examples include values to which values (including not only premium spheres but also data written on a magnetic card, etc.) are given.

  In a pachinko machine, an optical member is driven to rotate around an axis extending in a shape including a curved portion, and light is emitted to the optical member by a light emitting means, so that light emission rich in change can be obtained. A pachinko machine capable of configuring the light emitting region by a simple mechanism is possible.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of any one of the means A1 to A8 as the means B2.
The gaming machine is a slot machine.

The basic configuration of the slot machine is “variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string made up of a plurality of identification information, resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The dynamic display of the identification information is started, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. The game machine is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the confirmed identification information is the specific identification information.
In this case, examples of valuable objects include coins and medals.

  In the slot machine, the optical member is driven so as to rotate around an axis extending in a shape including a curved portion, and light is emitted to the optical member by light emitting means, so that a variety of light emission is performed. A slot machine capable of forming the light emitting area by a simple mechanism is possible.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of any one of means A1 to means A8 as means B3.
The gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined.

  As a basic configuration of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, “a variable display means for confirming and displaying identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and a starting operation means ( For example, the dynamic display of the identification information is started due to the operation of the operation lever), the dynamic display of the identification information is caused by the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button), or when a predetermined time has elapsed. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the display is stopped and the confirmed identification information at the time of the stop is specific identification information, and a ball is used as a valuable object In addition, a gaming machine is configured so that a predetermined number of balls are required at the start of dynamic display of the identification information, and many balls are paid out when a special gaming state occurs. It made.

  In a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined, an optical member is driven to rotate around an axis extending in a shape including a curved portion, and light is emitted to the optical member by light emitting means. As a result, a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine can be combined, which can emit light with a variety of changes and can form a light emitting area with a simple mechanism, can be obtained.

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

66: Drive unit (drive means)
67: Flexible shaft (flexible linear member)
68: Lens (optical member)
73: 1st LED (light emitting means)

Claims (1)

An optical member disposed along an axis extending in a shape including a curved portion;
Drive means for driving the optical member to rotate about the axis;
And a light emitting means for irradiating the optical member with light.

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