JP2017196352A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To favorably improve a game machine including an advantageous area of assigning a prescribed privilege by passage of a game ball distributed by distribution means.SOLUTION: The game machine according to the present invention includes a distribution destination change lever 810 that is actuated by a game ball when the game ball enters from a left-side main ball passage 652A to a left-side sub ball passage 653A. A link mechanism 820 acting on a distribution part 620 on the basis of the actuation of an actuation part changes a next distribution destination by the distribution part 620 again to the left-side main ball passage 652A. Though a privilege that may be acquired by the left-side main ball passage 652A as the current distribution destination is lost by entry of the game ball into the sub ball passage, this configuration can provide a chance again of acquiring the privilege by the actuation of the link mechanism 820.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

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

  Conventionally, there is a pachinko machine as a representative example of a gaming machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In addition, the pachinko machine includes a display device, and the display device starts the variable display of the symbols based on the fact that the lottery is performed, and displays the final lottery display of the variable display in the lottery result. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

  In addition, in a conventional pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the start opening while the display device is displaying a change in symbol, hit information used for a big win lottery is predetermined. Some are configured to be stored on hold with an upper limit of the number (for example, 4). At this time, the stored winning information is subjected to a lottery for determining whether or not it is a big hit after the symbol variation display is completed, and the next symbol variation display is started accordingly.

  In recent years, there has been known a gaming machine in which a plurality of start ports (for example, two start ports) are provided, and for each start port, hit information can be stored on hold up to an upper limit number allowed for each start port. . In such a gaming machine, there is provided a winning device comprising a plurality of branch passages connected to each of a plurality of start ports, and a distribution means for distributing game balls that have entered from a predetermined entrance to any one of these branch passages. It is known to use (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

See Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-22214

  However, there is still room for improvement with respect to a gaming machine having an advantageous area in which a predetermined privilege is given by passing the game balls distributed by the distributing means like the conventional gaming machine.

  Accordingly, an object of the gaming machine according to the present invention is to suitably improve a gaming machine having an advantageous region in which a predetermined privilege is given by passing through the game balls distributed by the distributing means.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention
A gaming machine comprising: a detection unit capable of detecting a game ball; and a privilege granting unit for granting a privilege according to the detection unit detecting the game ball based on the detection of the game ball by the detection unit Because
When the game balls that have entered the predetermined distribution entrance are configured to be distributed to any of a plurality of distribution destinations, and when the game balls are distributed to a first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations, A distribution means for setting a next distribution destination to a second distribution destination different from the first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations;
A main sphere passage provided downstream of the distribution means and at the first distribution destination and extending to at least one of the detection units;
A secondary ball path that branches from the main ball path upstream of the detection unit in the main ball path and guides the game ball to a different area from the detection unit;
An actuating part that is actuated by a game ball that has entered the follower ball path from the main ball path;
The allocating unit acts on the allocating unit based on the operation of the operating unit in a state where the game ball is allocated to the second allocating destination, and is a allocating destination different from the second allocating destination. A distribution changing means capable of changing to a distribution destination capable of providing a privilege according to the at least one detection unit that can be entered by the main ball passage;
It is characterized by having.

  If it is the gaming machine which concerns on this invention, the gaming machine provided with the advantageous area | region which provides a predetermined privilege by the game ball distributed by the distribution means passing can be improved suitably.

Front side perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine Perspective view showing pachinko machine in open state Perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in yet another open state Front view of pachinko machine Front view of the pachinko machine with the front block removed Front view of game board Rear perspective view of pachinko machine Rear view of pachinko machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine Flow chart showing an example of main control main processing Flow chart showing an example of main control interrupt processing Exploded perspective view of the middle start winning device as seen from the front Perspective sectional view for explaining the structure between the front cover and the base plate (A) is sectional drawing which looked at the middle starting prize-winning apparatus shown in FIG. 14 from the front, (b) is schematic front sectional drawing of the middle starting prize-winning apparatus cut | disconnected by the plane which passes along a secondary ball path. (A) is sectional drawing of the middle start prize-winning apparatus in the AA line of Fig.15 (a), (b) is schematic sectional drawing for demonstrating the game ball which flows down along a guidance | induction part. Is Sectional drawing of the middle start prize-winning apparatus in the BB line of Fig.15 (a) Sectional drawing for demonstrating the medium start prize-winning apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. Schematic front sectional view cut along a plane passing through each follower ball path in the middle start winning device of the third embodiment. (A) is a front view of a link mechanism, (b) is a side view of the link mechanism seen in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 20 (a). The figure explaining operation | movement of the link mechanism of 3rd Embodiment. Schematic front view of the game area in the pachinko machine of the fourth embodiment It is a figure explaining the structure and operation | movement of the link mechanism of 4th Embodiment.

  With respect to an embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko machine 100 as an example of a ball and ball gaming machine which is a kind of gaming machine will be described, and then a modified example and other types of gaming machines will be described. First, regarding the embodiment of the pachinko machine 100, a structural configuration, an electrical configuration, and various control processes will be described in order.

<Structural structure>
First, the structure of the structural part of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference mainly to FIGS. 1 to 4 are perspective views showing various states of the pachinko machine 100, FIG. 1 shows a closed state of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 2 shows that the front block 102 and the intermediate block 103 are integrated with the outer frame 101. 3 shows a state in which the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the rear block 104 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103. Show. 5 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the front block 102 of the pachinko machine 100 is removed from the state of FIG. Various wirings are omitted in each figure, and a part of the configuration of the game board 400 is omitted in FIGS. 3 and 6.

  The pachinko machine 100 includes, for example, an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104, as shown in FIGS. It is configured to be displaceable.

  The outer frame 101 has a function as a main body support means for supporting the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 101 is a substantially quadrilateral frame in which a top plate portion 111, a bottom plate portion 112, a left side plate portion 113, and a right side plate portion 114 are assembled, and the pachinko machine 100 is installed. The game machine is installed in a game machine installation facility (island facility) provided in the game hall and is firmly fixed by a fixture (not shown). In the pachinko machine 100, the outer frame 101 is not an indispensable configuration, and the main body portion corresponding to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101 has the same inner shape as the outer frame 101 or the outer frame 101. It is good also as a structure with which the island facility was equipped with the support mechanism to support, and a part of locking mechanism which locks the main-body part.

  Intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided on one side of the outer frame 101 in the left-right direction (on the left side plate portion 113 side). The outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 are connected (coupled) by the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, and the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 rotates one end side (left side) in the left-right direction in the front view of the pachinko machine 100. The base end side is configured to be capable of rotating forward with the other end side (right side) serving as a rotating front end side.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided separately at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the outer frame 101. Each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 is configured such that, for example, a shaft portion provided in the intermediate block 103 is supported from below by a shaft support portion provided in the outer frame 101, and a shaft portion is provided in a shaft hole provided in the shaft support portion. It is comprised so that rotation is possible by setting it as the state inserted. In addition, the structure which can rotate the main-body part of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is not limited to the above structure, and a shaft hole is provided on the intermediate block 103 side and a shaft part is formed on the outer frame 101 side. Other configurations may be used.

  The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided with a function of releasing the connection state between the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined removal operation, and the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is attached to the outer frame 101. Removably attached to it. For example, the connection state of the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101 is released by performing a predetermined removal operation of opening the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101 by a predetermined amount or more and moving it upward. The Thereby, the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 can be removed from the outer frame 101.

  The front block 102 is disposed so as to overlap the front side with respect to the intermediate block 103, and the intermediate block 103 and the front block 102 are connected by front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 provided on the left side of the front view. The front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, support the front block 102 so as to be pivotable forward with respect to the intermediate block 103, and remove it by a predetermined removal operation. Is configured to be possible.

  The rear block 104 is arranged on the rear side with respect to the intermediate block 103, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are arranged by rear block support mechanisms 136, 137 (see FIG. 8) provided on the left side in front view. It is connected. The rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131 and 132, and support the rear block 104 so that the rear block 104 can be rotated rearward with respect to the intermediate block 103. And, it is configured to be supported so as to be removable by a predetermined removal operation.

  The pachinko machine 100 also includes an intermediate block locking mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the intermediate block 103 relative to the outer frame 101, a front block locking mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the front block 102 relative to the intermediate block 103, an intermediate block locking mechanism, and a front block There is provided a lock operating mechanism that is operated to unlock and lock the block locking mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate block 103 is provided with a key cylinder 141 as a lock operating mechanism that is exposed to the front side of the pachinko machine 100 through the opening of the front block 102.

  As a predetermined operation on the key cylinder 141, when a right rotation operation is performed with an operation key (not shown), the movable portion 143 of the intermediate block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is activated. As a result, the engagement between the engaged portion 142 provided on the outer frame 101 and the movable portion 143 as part of the intermediate block locking mechanism is released, and the intermediate block 103 is in an open / close permitted state with respect to the outer frame 101. Become.

  On the other hand, the movable portion 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is operated in response to a left rotation operation with a predetermined operation key on the key cylinder 141. As a result, the engaged portion 145 provided on the front block 102 as a part of the front block locking mechanism and the movable portion 144 are disengaged, and the front block 102 is in an open / close permitted state with respect to the intermediate block 103. Become.

  Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a rear block opening / closing regulating mechanism that regulates opening / closing of the rear block 104 with respect to the intermediate block 103. By this rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism, the rear block 104 can be switched with respect to the intermediate block 103 between a state in which opening / closing is prohibited (open / close prohibited state) and a state in which opening / closing is permitted (open / close permitted state) by a predetermined operation. It is said that.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism includes two opening / closing restriction portions 150 </ b> A and 150 </ b> B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one opening / closing restriction portion 150 </ b> C provided in the rear block 104. . The three opening / closing regulating portions 150A to 150C are provided with rotating pieces 151A to 151C that can be rotated. The rotating pieces 151A to 151C change the engagement state with the opening portion arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction in the closed state of the rear block 104 due to the rotation operation, and thereby the open / close prohibited posture corresponding to the open / close prohibited state And an open / close permission posture corresponding to the open / close permission state can be switched. When all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C are in the opening / closing allowable posture, the rotating pieces 151A to 151C can pass through the openings, and the rear block 104 is in an opening / closing allowable state with respect to the intermediate block 103. The open / close prohibited posture and the open / close allowable posture may be switched between the open / close prohibited state and the open / close permitted state by at least one of the positions and orientations of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C. Alternatively, it may be configured to move in a certain direction, or may be configured to operate by a combination of movement and rotation. Hereinafter, the same applies to the change in posture when the constituent members in each apparatus move between a plurality of postures.

  Among the three rotating pieces 151A to 151C, two rotating pieces 151A and 151B corresponding to a part of them are formed in the rear block 104 in the open / close prohibited state of the rear block 104 as shown in FIG. One rotating piece 151C exposed to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 through the opening and corresponding to the remaining portion is exposed to the front side of the intermediate block 103 as shown in FIG. For this reason, it is not possible to switch all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C to the opening / closing allowable posture only by an operation from one side such as the back side of the pachinko machine 100 or the front side of the intermediate block 103. Has been increased.

  Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a game ball movement restricting mechanism for restricting the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, for example, the game ball movement restriction mechanism is configured by a combination of a flow restriction piece 161 provided in the intermediate block 103 and a restriction changing unit 162 provided in the front block 102. The flow restricting piece 161 is biased by a coil spring (not shown) toward the front side where the front block 102 is located.

  In a state in which the front block 102 is closed with respect to the intermediate block 103 (a closed state of the front block 102), the flow-down restricting piece 161 is in a movement-permitted state that allows the game ball to flow down. The change unit 162 is pushed and pushed to the rear side of the intermediate block 103. The flow restricting piece 161 is arranged to be shifted rearward with respect to a guide passage (not shown) for guiding the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 in the movement-permitted state. Thereby, in the closed state of the front block 102, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is permitted.

  On the other hand, in the state where the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103 (open state of the front block 102), the pressure of the flow restricting piece 161 by the restriction changing unit 162 is released, and compared with the closed state of the front block 102. Accordingly, the movement restriction state in which the flow restriction piece 161 protrudes toward the front block 102 is set. The flow restriction piece 161 protrudes into the guide passage in the movement prohibited state, and prevents the game ball from flowing down to the downstream side. Thereby, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the previous block 102 is prohibited.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the intermediate block 103 is closed with respect to the outer frame 101 at the lower end portion on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rotation front end side (left side in rear view). An open / close detection switch 108 for detecting whether or not the intermediate block 103 is provided is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. An open / close detection switch 109 for detecting whether or not the front block 102 is closed with respect to 103 is provided.

  Next, each structure of the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the back block 104 is demonstrated in order.

 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front block 102 forms a substantially entire front surface of the pachinko machine 100 and is a substantially rectangular member having a thickness in the front-rear direction, and decorates the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 100. It functions as a front decoration means. The front block 102 is mainly configured by a base frame 201 made of synthetic resin, and is configured by attaching a plurality of functional parts before and after the base frame 201. On the front side of the base frame 201, a front decorative body 210 that forms the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 surrounds the opening 210A along the outer edge of the opening 210A that is formed to include the front-view center portion of the front block 102. It is attached. In a state where the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 constituting the front block 102 are combined, the opening 210A is formed through the wide area excluding the outer periphery to which the front decorative body 210 is attached. The intermediate block 103 including the game board 400 located on the rear side of the front block 102 is configured to be visible to the player through the opening 210A.

  1 and 3, the front block 102 includes a central panel 220 provided on the back side of the base frame 201 so as to close the opening 210A, a main storage mechanism 230 for storing game balls, An auxiliary storage mechanism 240 that stores game balls and a launch operation device 250 that is operated by a player to launch game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 are provided.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the front block 102 has an opening peripheral portion 211 that surrounds the periphery of the opening 210A as a part of the front decorative body 210, and projects forward on the lower side with respect to the opening 210A. An upper projecting portion 217, a lower projecting portion 218 located below the upper projecting portion 217 and projecting forward, and an upper projecting portion 217 and a lower projecting portion on the right side of the lower projecting portion 218. A flat portion 219 is formed which is configured by a substantially flat region located on the back side from 218 and on which the firing operation device 250 is disposed. The main storage mechanism 230 is disposed on the upper protrusion 217, and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is disposed on the lower protrusion 218.

  The center panel 220 has a function as a cover body that allows the rear side to be visually recognized while closing the opening 210 </ b> A formed penetrating in the front-rear direction in a state where the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 are combined. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the center panel 220 includes a panel frame 221 (see FIG. 3) attached from the rear side of the base frame 201, and a light transmitting property fitted on the front side of the panel frame 221. 1 and a light transmitting rear plate 223 (see FIG. 3) fitted substantially parallel to the front plate 222 with a predetermined gap on the rear side of the panel frame 221. Yes.

  The main storage mechanism 230 has a function of storing game balls acquired as the game progresses and game balls lent out from the game hall. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the main storage mechanism 230 includes a storage portion 231, a ball removal mechanism (not shown), and a ball removal operation member 232 that operates the ball removal mechanism. The storage unit 231 includes an inflow port 231 </ b> A that allows game balls to flow into the storage unit 231 from the inside of the pachinko machine 100, and an outflow port (not shown) that allows game balls to flow out from the storage unit 231 into the pachinko machine 100. A discharge port (not shown) formed upstream from the outflow port is provided. By releasing the discharge port, the game ball is released from the storage unit 231 to the player side without being taken into the pachinko machine 100. The ball removal mechanism has a function of switching the discharge destination of the game ball between the outlet and the outlet.

  A game ball acquired according to the progress of the game and a game ball lent according to a lending operation to a lending operation device 292 described later mainly flow into the storage unit 231 through the inflow port 231A. The storage portion 231 is formed with an opening on the upper side, and a game ball owned by a player is manually inserted through the opening, or a game ball lent out at a game hall is supplied.

  The game balls that have flowed into the storage unit 231 are sequentially guided to the side where the outflow port and the discharge port are formed (upper right side in FIG. 1) while being aligned in a row. When a ball removing operation (for example, a pressing operation) is not performed on the ball removing operation member 232, the game ball is guided to a launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) described later through an outlet. On the other hand, when the ball removal operation is performed on the ball removal operation member 232, the game ball is guided to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 1) through the discharge port.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 opens and closes the storage unit 241 having the inflow ports 241A and 241C (see FIG. 5) and the discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1) of the game ball, and the discharge port 241B. And a ball removal operation member 242 for operating the ball removal mechanism 243. A game ball or the like acquired as the game progresses mainly flows into the main storage mechanism 230, but flows into the storage unit 241 through the inlet 241A if the storage unit 231 is full. Further, even in response to the ball removal operation on the ball removal operation member 232, the game ball flows from the storage unit 231 to the storage unit 241 through the inflow port 241C.

  The bottom surface of the storage unit 241 is inclined downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the discharge port 241B is opened by a ball removal operation (for example, a pressing operation) with respect to the ball removal operation member 242, all the game balls stored in the storage unit 241 can be sequentially released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. In addition, when the discharge port 241B is completely opened by the ball removal operation on the ball removal operation member 242, the release state is kept until a return operation (for example, a pressing operation again) is performed on the ball removal operation member 242. Maintained. A ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 10) for detecting whether or not game balls are excessively stored in the storage unit 241 is provided at the back of the inflow port 241A.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the firing operation device 250 includes a pedestal 251 projecting forward from the flat portion 219 of the front decorative body 210, a rotatable firing handle 252 provided around the pedestal 251, A variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 10) for detecting the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 10) for detecting that a player is in contact with the firing handle 252, and the firing handle 252 It includes a firing stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) that invalidates the injection of the game ball accompanying the rotation operation by the player's operation. When the launch handle 252 is rotated by the player, a game ball is ejected from the launch device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) with an intensity corresponding to the rotational operation amount. When the contact between the firing handle 252 and the player is not detected by the contact sensor 254, or when the firing operation is invalidated by the operation of the firing stop switch 255, the firing handle 252 is rotated. However, the game ball is not ejected from the launching device 330.

  In addition, frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 (see FIG. 10) are provided at the back of the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102. The frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 are arranged so as to overlap the opening peripheral portion 211 of the front decorative body 210 and are attached to the base frame 201. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening peripheral edge 211 includes an upper central edge 211A, an upper left edge 211B and an upper right edge 211C located on both the left and right sides of the upper central edge 211A, and an upper left edge. The left side edge portion 211D positioned below 211B and the right side edge portion 211E positioned below the upper right side edge portion 211C as light emitting portions, and frame light emission corresponding to each light emitting portion Devices 271 to 275 are installed.

  The frame light-emitting devices 271 to 275 include an upper center frame light-emitting device 271 corresponding to the upper central edge portion 211A, a left upper frame light-emitting device 272 corresponding to the left upper edge portion 211B, and an upper-right frame light emission corresponding to the upper right side edge portion 211C. The apparatus 273 includes a left frame light emitting device 274 corresponding to the left edge 211D, and a right frame light emitting device 275 (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the right edge 211E. Each of the frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 integrates and electrically connects a light emitting diode (LED) as one or a plurality of light emitting means, an electronic component such as a resistor for controlling the LED, and the electronic components. And a printed circuit board.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the front block 102 is provided with, for example, an upper left acoustic output port 211F and an upper right acoustic output port 211G at the upper portion of the opening peripheral edge 211, and these upper left acoustic output ports 211F. In addition, an upper left acoustic device 281 and an upper right acoustic device 282 (see FIGS. 3 and 10) are provided corresponding to each of the upper right acoustic output ports 211G. The upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 are attached to the base frame 201 so as to be located behind (in the rear of) the opening peripheral edge 211 of the front decorative body 210.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with a game ball lending device 290, for example, on the upper right portion of the upper protrusion 217. The game ball lending device 290 includes a frequency display device 291 that displays a numerical value corresponding to the remaining amount of banknotes, cards, and the like placed in a card unit (not shown) arranged side by side in the pachinko machine 100, and a game ball lending A lending operation device 292 operated by the player when receiving the card, and a return operation device 293 operated by the player when returning the bills, cards, etc. inserted into the card unit. When a lending operation is performed on the lending operation device 292 in a valid state in which bills or cards are inserted into the card unit and numerical values corresponding to those amounts are displayed on the frequency display device 291, the lending operation is performed. In response, a predetermined number of game balls are lent out from the payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) of the rear block 104, and the display of the frequency display device 291 is updated as the game balls are lent out. On the other hand, when a return operation is performed on the return operation device 293 in the valid state, a card in which the equivalent of the banknote corresponding to the remaining amount or the remaining amount is recorded is returned from the card unit according to the returning operation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input operation device 260 capable of an input operation different from the shooting operation by the player. The input operation device 260 includes, for example, a push operation device 261 that can perform a push operation, a rotation operation device 262 that can perform a rotation operation, and a selection operation device 263 that can perform an up / down / left / right direction operation. With these operation devices 261 to 263, an effect selection operation for selecting an effect to be executed in the pachinko machine 100, an apparatus setting operation for setting the volume and light amount of each device for executing the effect of the pachinko machine 100, or a player It is possible to execute a production setting operation or the like that enables execution of the performance of the pachinko machine 100 according to the game before the previous time by inputting information, and these operations can be performed by the player or the game hall manager as necessary. It is said that. Note that an input operation unit (for example, an annular rotation operation unit in the rotation operation device 262) that the player contacts in the input operation device 260 is rotated, moved up and down by an input operation unit driving means such as a motor or a solenoid, or It is preferable that an operation such as vibration is executed by control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, control of the sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10)), either before or after the input operation, or during the input operation, By operating the input portion at a plurality of timings, it is possible to diversify the effects accompanied by the input operation, such as actively prompting the input operation.

  Next, the intermediate block 103 will be described. The intermediate block 103 is a substantially rectangular member having substantially the same size as the front block 102, and the front block 102 and the rear block 104 are attached so that the main body of the pachinko machine 100 is integrated. have. The intermediate block 103 is configured by attaching a plurality of functional components including the game board 400 to the base frame 301.

  3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 includes a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see FIG. 3) that is attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, and a base frame A game board support mechanism that rotatably and detachably supports the game board 400 with respect to the 301, a game board fixing mechanism that fixes the position of the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, and a game ball on the game board 400. Based on a command from the launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) to be ejected, a main control device 370 (see FIG. 4) that is attached to the back side of the game board 400 and controls the progress of the game in an integrated manner. And a sub-control device 390 (see FIG. 4) for controlling game effects and state notifications.

  In the base frame 301, as shown in FIG. 3, a guide passage portion 301A in which a guide passage for guiding a game ball released from a payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) described later to the front block 102 is formed, A plurality of wirings (not shown) and an opening 301B where the signal relay device 311 is located are provided. The opening 301B has a shape penetrating in the front-rear direction below the game board 400, and a plurality of wires inserted into the opening 301B are various devices provided in the front block 102 (for example, frame light emitting devices 271 to 271). 275, an upper left acoustic device 281 and an upper right acoustic device 282) and devices (for example, the main control device 370 and the sub control device 390) provided on the back side of the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 The signal relay device 311 includes a wiring, and has a function as a relay board that relays a part of the wiring.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 includes a flat base 401 having a through-hole through which a game ball such as a discharge port 401A can pass back and forth, and an outer rail that curves smoothly from the lower left to the upper right of the base 401. 402, the inner rail 403 that curves smoothly from the lower right to the upper left of the base body 401, the return ball prevention mechanism 404 attached to the upper left end of the inner rail 403, and the upper right end of the outer rail 402 And a rebound preventing member 405 to be attached. The outer rail 402 guides a game ball launched from a launch device 330 described later into the game area. The return ball prevention mechanism 404 prevents the game ball once released into the game area from the launch passage 401B formed at a portion where the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 are opposed in parallel from returning to the launch passage 401B. The recoil prevention member 405 has a shock absorption property that prevents a significant recoil of the game ball that has passed the upper center of the game board 400 and directed to the right side through the upper center and returns to the left side again. For example, it is made of a material such as vibration damping rubber.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a return ball passage portion 163 is formed in the lower portion on the back side of the front block 102. There is a gap between the guide member 335 for guiding the game ball from the launcher 330 in the direction of the launch path 401B and the outer rail 402, and the launcher 330 was launched but launched without exceeding the return ball prevention mechanism 404. The game ball returning backward in the passage 401B is returned to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 5) from the inlet 241A (see FIG. 5) via the return ball passage portion 163 arranged below the gap.

  The game ball that has advanced beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reaches the game area, and moves (flows down) while falling in the game area by its own weight. The game area has a substantially circular outer peripheral shape, and is divided into a shape having a large area in the front-rear width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The game area is generally divided into an outer peripheral portion by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403, the front side is substantially planar by the rear plate 223 of the central panel 220, and the rear side is substantially planar by the base body 401 of the game board 400. It is divided into. Various structures provided in the game area will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the launching device 330 sequentially sends out game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to the launch position, and a ball feed solenoid 332 that drives the ball feed mechanism 331 (FIG. 10). A launching mechanism 333 for injecting a game ball arranged at the launch position, a launching solenoid 334 for driving the launching mechanism 333 (see FIG. 10), and a game ball launched from the launching mechanism 333 on the game board 400. And a guide member 335 for guiding to the firing passage 401B. As described above, the launch device 330 operates in response to the launch operation on the launch operation device 250, and the drive control of the launch solenoid 334 changes in accordance with the launch operation on the launch operation device 250 to adjust the launch force.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 370 includes a main control board 920 (see FIG. 10) and a board case 371 having a split structure that accommodates the main control board 920. The main control board 920 is housed in a light-transmitting board case 371 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace.

  Further, the main control device 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the game board 400. Specifically, an attachment portion 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the base 401 of the game board 400 on the back side, and the main controller 370 is attached to the attachment portion 372. As a result, not only the rear side (front side) of the main control device 370 but also the front side (back side) of the main control device 370 is operated on the game board 400 by rotating the mounting portion 372. It can be easily confirmed while attached. The main control device 370 may be connected to the attachment portion 372 so that it cannot be removed without leaving a trace, and the removal state of the main control device 370 may be easily managed.

  The sub-control device 390 includes a sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10) and a board case 391 having a split structure that accommodates the sub-control board 940. For example, the sub-control board 940 is housed in a translucent board case 391 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace, like the main control board 920. It is attached to the back side.

  Here, in the game board 400, various structures arranged in the game area will be described with reference mainly to FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board 400.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 includes a base body 401, flow-down changing members such as nails 411 and windmills 412 that change the flow direction and flow speed of the game ball, and a center disposed at the center of the base body 401. The structure 420, the middle start winning device 431 disposed on the lower side with respect to the central structure 420, and the starter according to the second special symbol disposed on the lower right side with respect to the central structure 420 (specifically The right start winning device 432), the big winning devices 433 and 434 (specifically, the lower big winning device 433 and the upper big winning device 434) disposed below the right start winning device 432, and the right start. Arranged on the upper side (upstream side) of the winning device 432, the starting device 436 related to the normal design, and on the upper right side of the game board 400, and above (upstream side) the upper and lower big winning devices 433,434. And a combination actuating device 435 Located on the left and right sides of the middle starting winning device 431 a regular winning device 439A, and a 439B.

  The middle start winning device 431 is a winning device in which two winning devices (specifically, the left middle start winning device 431A and the right middle start winning device 431B) are integrated. The left middle start winning device 431A is a start device related to the first special symbol, and the right middle start winning device 431B is a start device related to the second special symbol similar to the right start winning device 432. That is, the middle start winning device 431 is a winning device having two functions as a starting device related to the first special symbol and a starting device related to the second special symbol.

  The middle start winning device 431 includes a distribution unit 620 that distributes the game ball that has entered from the entrance 611 to either the left middle start winning device 431A or the right middle start winning device 431B. The distribution unit 620 is configured such that each time a game ball enters from the entrance 611, the winning devices 431A and 431B serving as game ball distribution destinations are alternately switched. Thereby, the game balls that have entered the middle start winning device 431 basically alternately enter the left middle start winning device 431A or the right middle start winning device 431B.

  The middle start winning device 431 has a function of discharging a part of the game balls that have entered from the entrance 611 from the middle start winning device 431 with very low probability without entering any of the middle start winning devices 431A and 431B. Details thereof will be described later. The probability that the game ball that has entered from the entrance 611 will be discharged without entering the start winning devices 431A and 431B is, for example, about 1/100, and preferably about 1/1000.

  In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball corresponding to the above-mentioned left middle start winning device 431A or the like (see FIG. 10), and corresponds to each switch. The entry of a game ball into a predetermined area can be detected. For example, a middle start prize switch (left middle start prize switch 441A) that detects a game ball that has entered the left middle start prize device 431A, and a middle start prize switch (middle on the right side) that detects a game ball that has entered the right middle start prize device 431B. A start winning switch 441B), a right starting winning switch 442 for detecting a game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432, a lower great winning switch 443 for detecting a game ball that has entered the lower winning device 433, and an upper winning device 434. Upper prize winning switch 444 for detecting a game ball that has entered, a combination actuating switch 445 for detecting a game ball that has entered the consecutive action device 435, a start switch 446 for detecting a game ball that has entered the starter 436, and a lower prize winning A non-specific passage switch 447 for detecting a game ball that has entered a non-specific passage (not shown) formed inside the device 433; A specific path switch 448 for detecting a game ball that has entered a specific path (not shown) formed inside the grand prize winning device 433, and a general prize switch 449A for detecting each of the game balls that have entered the general winning devices 439A and 439B. 449B and the like are installed on the game board 400.

  The entrance portion of the game ball of the central structure 420 and the starter 436 constitutes a ball entrance, and the game ball that has entered each ball entrance is discharged into the game area. Game balls of each winning device, specifically, left middle starting winning device 431A, right middle starting winning device 431B, right starting winning device 432, lower major winning device 433, upper major winning device 434 and general winning devices 439A, 439B. The entrance portion of each constitutes a winning opening, and the game balls that have entered each winning opening are guided through a through-hole formed in the base 401 to a recovery / discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base 401. In addition, the game balls that have not entered each winning device are guided to the collection / discharge passage through the discharge port 401A provided in the most downstream portion of the game area. The game balls guided to the collection discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided in the game hall. When a game ball enters one of the winning devices, a predetermined number of gaming balls corresponding to the type of the winning device are paid out from the payout device 540 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Each winning device may be configured separately from the other winning devices, or two or more winning devices (for example, the left middle starting winning device 431A and the right middle starting winning device) like the middle start winning device 431. The winning device may be constituted by a device integrated with 431B). In addition, the starter such as the middle start prize-winning device 431A does not necessarily have to be a winning opening through which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when a game ball enters, and the game ball is released again into the game area without being paid out. It is good also as the entrance to be played.

  Each of the general winning device 439A and the general winning device 439B guides the entered game ball to the back side of the base 401 without changing the approach probability of the game ball to them. Although the middle start winning device 431 does not change the entrance probability to the entrance 611, as described above, a part of the game balls that have entered the middle start winning device 431 are placed in either of the left and right middle start winning devices 431A and 431B. Without being entered (that is, without being guided to the back side of the base body 401), it is discharged onto the game board 400 (that is, the game area).

  Further, the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the entrance probability of the game ball into the inside. The mechanism for changing the probability of entering the game ball need not be provided only in the starting device related to the second special symbol. Instead of or in addition to that, the starting device and the general winning device related to the first special symbol. 439A, 439B may be provided in any one or a plurality of winning devices such as a middle start winning device 431 including a starting device related to the first special symbol and a starting device related to the second special symbol. In addition, the mechanism for changing the entrance probability of the game ball may be constituted by a drive means such as an electrically driven solenoid, and is represented by a mechanism that operates by the weight of the game ball that has entered the predetermined area. You may comprise by the mechanism which operate | moves mechanically.

  The right start prize winning device 432 according to the second special symbol includes a right entry restriction mechanism 452 that changes an entry probability of a game ball to the inside by a transition between an entry allowable attitude and an entry prohibited attitude, and a right entry restriction mechanism A right entry restricting solenoid 462 (see FIG. 10) for driving 452. The right entry restriction mechanism 452 includes two movable pieces that are driven by the right entry restriction solenoid 462. When the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibition posture, the two movable pieces are the entrance (award opening). The game ball cannot enter the right start prize-winning device 432 by adopting an arrangement that narrows (or closes)), but when the right entry restricting mechanism 452 is in the approaching allowable posture, the two movable pieces are at their tips. The game ball can enter the right start winning device 432 by arranging the parts so that the interval between the parts is increased. The right entry restriction mechanism 452 enters the right when a game ball that has entered the starter 436 related to the normal symbol is won by a lottery based on detection by the start switch 446 (hereinafter also referred to as “normal symbol lottery”). In accordance with the drive by the restriction solenoid 462, the posture is allowed to enter the predetermined allowable number of times and for a predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the lower grand prize winning device 433 includes a lower entry restriction mechanism 453 for restricting the entry of a game ball into the inside by a transition between an allowable entry position and an prohibited entry attitude, and a lower entry restriction mechanism. The lower entry restriction solenoid 463 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the mechanism 453 and the transition between the non-guidance posture and the guidance posture causes the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 to be a non-specific passage or a specific passage. A sorting mechanism (not shown) for sorting and a switching solenoid 465 (see FIG. 10) for switching the guidance destination of the game ball by changing the attitude of the sorting mechanism are provided. When the lower entry restricting mechanism 453 is in the entry prohibition posture, the lower entry restricting mechanism 453 closes the entrance (winning entrance), so that the game ball cannot enter the lower outstanding prize device 433. When the lower entry restricting mechanism 453 is in the approach permitting posture, the lower entry restricting mechanism 453 opens the entrance, so that the game ball can enter the lower prize-winning device 433. In addition, the game ball that has entered the lower prize-winning device 433 is guided to a non-specific path when the distribution mechanism is in a non-guided posture protruding forward, and is in a guided posture in which the distribution mechanism is immersed backward. It is guided to a specific passage. The specific passage, the non-specific passage, and the distribution mechanism are provided to diversify the game state transition, and when a game ball enters the specific passage, an advantageous game state is given to the player as a privilege. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, the upper prize winning device 434 includes an upper entry restriction mechanism 454 that restricts the entry of a game ball into the inside by a transition between an entry allowable attitude and an entry prohibited attitude, and an upper entry restriction. An upper entry restriction solenoid 464 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the mechanism 454 is provided. When the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry prohibition posture, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 closes the entrance (winning port) so that the game ball cannot enter the upper prize winning device 434, but the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 Is in the allowance for entering position, the upper entry restricting mechanism 454 opens the entrance to allow the game ball to enter the upper prize winning device 434.

  In addition, as an approach allowable posture and an entry prohibition posture as a mechanism for changing the probability of entering a game ball into the right entry restricting mechanism 452 or the like, each mechanism is configured to receive a winning opening (or a winning opening) of each device. In response to a change in posture of the operation member that switches between a special state in which a game ball can enter and a normal state in which the game ball cannot enter, at least one of the position and orientation of the operation member differs depending on each posture I need it. Further, as a mechanism for changing the entrance probability of a game ball such as the right entry restriction mechanism 452, it is not always necessary to set the game ball in an inaccessible state, and the game ball is allowed to enter even in the normal state. In the state, the posture of the operation member may be changed so that the game ball can enter more easily than the normal state.

  A game ball can enter the lower prize-winning apparatus 433 and the upper prize-winning apparatus 434 when winning a lottery. Specifically, the lottery based on the fact that the game ball that has entered the left middle start winning device 431A related to the first special symbol is detected by the left middle start winning switch 441A (hereinafter also referred to as “first special symbol lottery”). Or a game ball that has entered the right middle start winning device 431B or the right start winning device 432 according to the second special symbol is detected by the right middle start winning switch 441B or the right start winning switch 442. When a lottery (hereinafter also referred to as “second special symbol lottery”) is won, at least one of the lower entry restriction solenoid 463 and the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 is activated. By this operation, at least one of the lower approach restricting mechanism 453 and the upper approach restricting mechanism 454 takes the approach permitting posture for a predetermined time for a predetermined number of times. Further, the distribution mechanism shifts to the guidance posture in accordance with the operation of the switching solenoid 465 after a predetermined time from the transition of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 to the allowable entry posture, and further switches after the predetermined time from the transition to the guidance posture. The non-guided posture is returned in response to the stop of the solenoid 465.

  The combination operating device 435 is a device for setting conditions necessary for the lower prize winning device 433 and the upper prize winning device 434 to start operating. After winning the big win lottery, either the lower big prize device 433 or the upper big prize device 434 starts operation on condition that the game ball of the combination operating device 435 passes. For this reason, when a player wins a big hit, the player can start a special gaming state at the timing he / she intends. Note that it is not always necessary that either the lower prize-winning device 433 or the upper prize-winning device 434 start the operation on condition that the game ball of the combination actuating device 435 passes, instead of or In addition, either the lower prize-winning device 433 or the upper prize-winning device 434 may be activated when a predetermined time elapses.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 is integrated with display devices 471 to 473 for displaying symbol change display and lottery results, and display devices 476 to 478 for displaying the number of times a game is held. A display device having a plurality of light emitting units is provided in a lower left portion corresponding to a part of the game board 400. The plurality of light emitting units are partitioned in advance into light emitting areas corresponding to each device, and the state of each device is displayed according to the light emitting state.

  Specifically, the first special symbol is variably displayed on the game board 400 in accordance with the first special symbol lottery, or the first special symbol is fixedly displayed with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result. The special symbol display device 471 related to the special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed in a variable manner in accordance with the second special symbol lottery, or the second special symbol is displayed with the stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result. Special symbol display device 472 related to the special symbol, special symbol hold display device 476 that displays the number of times the unit game is held according to the first special symbol, and special symbol hold that displays the number of times the unit game is held related to the second special symbol A display device 477 is provided. The right of the unit game related to the first special symbol and the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol are each reserved up to four times. Here, the unit game is a game for one time executed based on one start prize, and whether or not a lottery is executed based on one start prize and a lottery based on the determination A series of games including the start and end of variable display until the result is displayed.

  When the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol is held up to the maximum number of times, it is assumed that the game ball that has entered the left middle start winning device 431A is detected by the left middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10). However, the unit game right related to the first special symbol is not added. Similarly, when the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, the game ball that has entered the right middle start winning device 431B or the right start winning device 432 is the right middle start winning switch 441B (FIG. 10) or the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is not added.

  Each of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is composed of a plurality of light emitting units, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). . Each of the display of the first special symbol and the display of the second special symbol is represented by a light emission pattern of the plurality of light emitting units (a combination of a light emission state including a light emission color (off, on, flashing)). The special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol have the number of times of holding depending on the combination of the light emission states (off, on, flashing) of the two single color light emitting units. indicate.

  In addition, the game board 400 includes a normal symbol display device 473 that displays a normal symbol in a variable manner or a normal symbol that is fixedly displayed in accordance with a lottery result according to the normal symbol. A normal symbol hold display device 478 for displaying the number of hold times of the right of the unit game is provided. The right to unit games related to normal symbols is reserved up to 4 times. When the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is held up to the maximum number of times, the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is not added even if the game ball that has entered the starter 436 is detected by the start switch 446.

  The normal symbol display device 473 includes a plurality of light emitting units, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). A normal symbol is expressed by a light emission pattern of a plurality of light emitting units. Further, the normal symbol hold display device 478 displays the number of hold times by a combination of the light emission states (off, on, flashing) of the two single color light emitting units.

  In addition, the game board 400 is displayed so as to overlap the rear of the central structure 420, so that the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner or the decorative symbols are displayed in a unit game related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol. A decorative symbol display device 479 is provided. The variation display and confirmation display of the decorative symbols are controlled by the sub-control board 940, and are synchronized with the variation display and confirmation display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol by the main control board 920. In the variation display of the decorative symbol, more complicated and various effects are executed than the variation display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It should be noted that the variation display and final display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol and the variation display and final display of the decorative symbol always start to change at the same timing or stop display as the final display. It is not necessary, and the setting may be such that the change is started at substantially the same timing while providing a slight time difference at each timing, and the final display is performed at substantially the same timing.

  The game board 400 includes a board surface light emitting device 490 (see FIG. 10) provided on the back side of various structures. Various light emission effects and state notifications by light emission are executed.

  Here, various game states and transitions between game states will be described. The normal game state (hereinafter abbreviated as “normal game state”) is a state in which the variable display time of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is long (hereinafter also referred to as “non-short state”). Correspond.

  When a big win is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game ball enters the specific passage (the internal passage of the lower grand prize winning device 433) during the special game state that shifts based on the win. Depending on whether or not, the game state to be transferred after the special game state is different. If the game ball does not enter the specific passage during the special game state, the variation display time of the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is shorter than the non-short-time state (hereinafter referred to as the “short-time state”). And a gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as a “low-probability state”) in which the jackpot winning probability in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as the normal gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as “low probability state”). In the following, it is also referred to as “time saving gaming state”. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the specific passage during the special game state, the game is in a short-time state and the winning probability of the big hit in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than the normal game state. The game state (hereinafter also referred to as “probability game state”) is changed to a game state (hereinafter also referred to as “high probability state”).

  The short-time gaming state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), but thereafter returns to the normal gaming state. In addition, the probability variation gaming state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), but thereafter returns to the normal gaming state.

  Note that the transition between the gaming state and the gaming state is not necessarily configured as described above. For example, the high probability state may be continued until the next big win, or the gaming state may be changed depending on other contents. At least one may be configured, a configuration in which a gaming state different from the above-described gaming states is further included, or a configuration in which the gaming state is shifted by a condition different from the above-described conditions may be employed.

  Next, the operation of the main devices of the game board 400 will be described in chronological order. In the main control board 920, winning random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, stop pattern random numbers, various variation pattern random numbers related to special symbols (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol) are generated, and various game states are generated. When a game ball that has entered the left middle start winning device 431A) that is the starting device related to the first special symbol is detected by the left middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10), the first special symbol start winning is achieved. . At the time of starting winning the first special symbol, if the unit game right related to the first special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times, the winning random number, jackpot symbol random number and stop pattern random number relating to the special symbol are acquired, It is stored in a predetermined area of the main control board 920 RAM.

  The unit game with random numbers acquired based on the start winning of the first special symbol is not in the special game state, and is not in the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, but the first special symbol and the second special game. If the unit game right related to the symbol is not reserved, it starts immediately after storing the random numbers. In addition, even when the game is not in a special game state, when the unit game right related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reserved during the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The unit game based on the current start winning is started after the end of the unit game relating to all the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) held before the current winning. If each random number is acquired based on the start winning of the first special symbol during the special gaming state, the unit game based on the random number is all of the units that were held before the current starting winning prize after the special gaming state. It starts after a unit game related to a special symbol.

  In addition, the unit game based on the random number acquired based on the start winning of the first special symbol is started after the end of the unit game related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol in which the start winning occurs before the start winning. The That is, the unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol are executed in the order of the start winning prize.

  Note that it is not always necessary that the unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol are executed in the order of the start winning prize, and one of the special symbols is executed in preference to the other special symbols. For example, the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol may be executed in preference to the unit game related to the first special symbol. In other words, during a unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, if the first special symbol starts winning, and then the second special symbol starts winning, the starting prize is later A configuration in which the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is preferentially executed may be used. Further, the two special symbols may not be alternative but may be configured to change at the same time.

  In the case of winning a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery based on the start winning of the first special symbol, the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot winning in the first special symbol lottery is further based on the acquired jackpot symbol random number ( The type of jackpot symbol) is determined. The types of stop symbols correspond to the types of jackpots, for example, the number of rounds corresponding to the number of times the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the entry allowable posture (for example, 6 rounds and 16 rounds), A plurality of types of jackpots are set corresponding to the type of gaming state such as a gaming state that shifts after the special gaming state (whether or not to shift to the probability variation gaming state), and a jackpot symbol is set for each type. In the first special symbol lottery, when a big win is not won, a lost symbol different from the big win symbol is set as a stop symbol.

  After the first special symbol lottery, based on the current gaming state, lottery result, stop pattern random number value, various variation pattern random number values, and the number of reserved unit rights related to the first special symbol, the first special symbol The design variation display time is determined, and the design variation pattern is selected. Thereafter, the first special symbol variation display on the special symbol display device 471 relating to the first special symbol and the decorative symbol variation display (variation effect) on the decoration symbol display device 479 are started, and the first special symbol variation is started. Variation display according to a certain pattern is continued over the display time, and variation display according to the variation pattern is continued over the variation display time in the decorative design. Thereafter, as the variable display time elapses, the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is fixedly displayed, and the symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol is fixedly displayed as a decorative symbol. The final display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol is continued for at least a predetermined time.

  When the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the gaming state shifts to the special gaming state after the final display of the first special symbol. In the special gaming state, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 of the lower prize winning device 433 are allowed to enter the prescribed number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of the big hit. . When a predetermined number (for example, 8) of game balls are detected by the big winning switches 443 and 444 in each of the allowed entry postures in the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, or a predetermined maximum When the allowable entry time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 shifts to the entry prohibition posture. Thereafter, after a predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed, either the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 returns to the entry allowable posture again. This entry restriction operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of jackpot.

  The lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 are configured such that only one of them takes an entry allowable posture during the special game state, and after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the start of the special game state (after the opening period) ) Will shift to the first allowed entry posture. In addition, the special gaming state ends after a predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed since the last return to the prohibition posture and a predetermined standby time has elapsed thereafter (after the ending period). After the end of the special gaming state, as described above, the state shifts to the short-time gaming state or the probability variation gaming state.

  In various gaming states, the game ball that has entered the right middle start winning device 431B or the right start winning device 432, which is the starting device related to the second special symbol, is the right middle start winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10) or the right start winning switch. When it is detected by 442 (refer to FIG. 10), the start special prize of the second special symbol is obtained. The control of the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times when starting the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is acquired and the unit game based on the start winning is executed. Is done. Also, stop symbol determination according to the second special symbol lottery, decoration symbol variation pattern selection, variation display execution, game state transition control, etc. are executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol. Is done.

  In various gaming states, when a game ball that has entered the starter 436 is detected by the start switch 446, the winning random number for the normal symbol is acquired unless the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times. Then, it is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 920. At this time, if the unit game related to the normal symbol is not in progress, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is started immediately after the storage. On the other hand, if the unit game related to the normal symbol is in progress, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is started after the unit game based on the right of the unit game related to the already obtained normal symbol.

  In the unit game related to the normal symbol, it is determined whether or not the winning game is won based on the value of the winning random number, and when winning, a predetermined winning symbol is set as the stop symbol. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a predetermined lose symbol is set as the stop symbol. After the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 473 starts the variable display of the normal symbol. In the non-time-short state, the variable pattern is continuously displayed over a predetermined variable display time, and in the time-short state. The variable display by a fixed pattern is continued over a predetermined variable display time shorter than the non-time-short state. As the predetermined time corresponding to the gaming state elapses, the stop symbol related to the normal symbol is fixedly displayed over a certain period of time.

  When the stop symbol related to the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 of the right start winning device 432 shifts to the entry allowable posture at least once after the normal symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, when winning in a non-time-saving state (normal game state and special game state), the right start winning device 432 allows entry for a predetermined maximum entry allowable time (for example, approximately 0.1 seconds). In the case of winning in the time-short state (time-short game state and probability variable game state), the predetermined maximum entry allowable time (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds) is longer than that in the case where the right start winning device 432 is in the non-time-short state. ) Intermittently (for example, divided into three times) to allow the approach allowable posture. However, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected by the right start winning switch 442, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 shifts to the entry prohibition posture without waiting for the maximum allowable entry time to elapse. In addition, even if the number of times of transition to the permissible approach posture has not reached the predetermined number of times, the operation of the right start winning device 432 in the unit game related to the current normal symbol ends.

  Next, the structure regarding the game play of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  In order to receive the second special symbol lottery (hereinafter, this lottery may be referred to as “right special symbol lottery”) based on the start winning to the right start prize winning device 432, first, the normal symbol lottery must be won. In addition, the game ball must enter the right start winning device 432 in a state where the right start winning device 432 is allowed to enter based on the winning. The winning probability of winning for the normal symbol in the normal gaming state is the same as the winning probability in the short-time gaming state, but the staying time (for example, approximately) 0.1 seconds) is set to be extremely short compared to the time spent in the short-time state (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds), so in the normal gaming state, the opportunity per unit time for receiving the right special symbol lottery is Per unit time for receiving the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery (hereinafter, these lotteries may be referred to as “center side special symbol lottery”) based on the start winning to the middle start winning device 431 It is much smaller than the opportunity. On the other hand, in the short-time state such as the short-time gaming state and the probability variation gaming state, the opportunity per unit time for receiving the right special symbol lottery is significantly larger than the opportunity per unit time for receiving the central special symbol lottery. ing.

  Accordingly, the player plays a game aiming at a transition to a probability-changing game state by winning a big hit in the central special symbol lottery and then allowing the game ball to enter the specific passage in the special game state thereafter. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state and the probability variation gaming state, the game is played aiming to win a big win in the right special symbol lottery before each gaming state ends.

  Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a central structure 420 in the center of the game area where the game balls flow down, and a game technique (left-handed game) in which the game balls flow down mainly from the left side of the central structure 420. Method) and a game method (right-handed game method) in which a game ball flows down mainly from the right side of the central structure 420 can be selectively performed. A player plays a game using the left-handed gaming method in the normal gaming state, and plays a game using the right-handed gaming method in the short-time gaming state and the probability-changing gaming state. Further, since the lower prize-winning device 433 and the upper prize-winning device 434 are arranged on the right side with respect to the central structure 420, the game is played by the right-handed game technique even in the special game state.

  Next, the rear block 104 will be described. 8 and 9 are a rear perspective view and a rear view showing the pachinko machine 100, respectively. In FIG. 8, the outer frame 101 is omitted for easy understanding.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is configured by attaching other members and devices to the base 501. By connecting the base body 501 and the intermediate block 103 by the rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, the rear block 104 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the intermediate block 103.

  The rear block 104 has a game ball tank 510 serving as a ball storage unit for storing game balls, and rectifies the game balls (for example, in one row) continuously on the downstream side of the game ball tank 510 and aligns them in one row. A tank rail 520 as a ball alignment portion, a case rail 530 as a ball guiding portion for guiding a game ball flowing in from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the tank rail 520, and a game ball payout on the downstream side of the case rail 530 A payout device 540 that lends out game balls, and guidance as a ball guide unit that guides game balls that have flowed out of the payout device 540 downstream of the payout device 540 to a guide passage (not shown) formed in the base 501. A member 550, a payout control device 560 for controlling the payout of game balls and the lending of game balls by the payout device 540, and external power A function as a power supply means for converting and outputting power of a predetermined voltage required for various types of devices and the like, and a game ball ejection based on a launch operation on the launch operation device 250 are controlled in cooperation with the main control board 920. A power supply / launch control device 570 having a function as a launch control means, a payout control device 560, a game ball lending device 290 (see FIG. 1), and a card unit (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 100 And a relay device 950 that relays signals between them.

  The base body 501 is integrally formed of resin (for example, ABS resin), and includes a base portion 502 corresponding to the front side portion and a protective cover portion 503 positioned behind the base portion 502. The upper portion of the base portion 502 is formed in a substantially frame shape along the outer shape of the rear block 104, and the lower portion is formed in a substantially flat shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. It has a function as a mounted part.

  The protective cover portion 503 is formed in a substantially plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. The protective cover 503 is not shaped to cover the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103, but a part of the back surface of the intermediate block 103 that requires frequent inspection and confirmation, such as a part of the main controller 370, is attached to the back surface of the pachinko machine 100. It is set to a size that forms a window portion for exposure to the window. A large number of air holes 503 </ b> A having a function of improving the heat dissipation of heat generation in the main control device 370 and the sub control device 390 are formed on the back surface of the protective cover portion 503.

  The game ball tank 510 is a horizontally long box-shaped container that opens upward, and game balls supplied from a ball circulation device (not shown) of the island facility are sequentially supplied to one end side in the longitudinal direction. An opening (not shown) is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction different from the side where the game ball is supplied in the game ball tank 510. The bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is gently inclined in the longitudinal direction, and the game ball supplied to the game ball tank 510 moves to the opening side by its own weight. Further, the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is inclined in a direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as compared with the longitudinal direction, and guides the game ball to the side where the opening is provided (for example, the front side). . Further, a metal antistatic plate (not shown) is attached to the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 so as to overlap the game ball tank 510, and the antistatic plate is connected to the ground potential so that the inside of the game ball tank 510 and The static electricity of the game ball on the downstream side is removed.

  The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and the game ball flows through the opening of the game ball tank 510. The tank rail 520 gradually increases in height as a passage forming member 521 that forms a passage for a substantially bowl-shaped gaming ball having a width through which game balls pass in a row, and an upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521. And a rectifying member 522 that rectifies the game balls flowing down the passage from the height of the top and bottom to the first level gradually. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and guides the game ball to the side opposite to the game ball tank 510.

  The case rail 530 is formed in a vertically long shape so as to continue to the lower side of the tank rail 520, and a game ball from the tank rail 520 flows in. The case rail 530 continues downward while curving left and right so that game balls do not flow vigorously. In addition, a ball break detector 539 for detecting a ball break is provided in the middle portion of the ball path of the case rail 530. The ball breakage detection unit 539 includes a storage ball switch 591 (see FIG. 10). The storage ball switch 591 causes ball clogging or the like on the case rail 530 or the upstream side thereof, and a game ball is placed in the case rail 530. Detects out-of-ball condition that is not replenished normally.

  The payout device 540 includes a payout mechanism for sending out the game ball, a payout motor 542 (see FIG. 10) as a driving means for driving the payout mechanism, and a payout counting switch 592 (see FIG. 10). In accordance with the operation of the payout motor 542 based on the control by the payout control device 560, the game balls stored in the ball passage are released downstream. The passage of the released game ball through the ball passage is detected by a payout counting switch 592, whereby the payout control device 560 (payout control board 930) counts the number of payout of game balls.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 are attached so as to overlap the lower back surface of the base portion 502 of the base body 501 so as to be positioned at the lower back side of the rear block 104. It has been. The rear block 104 including the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 can be continuously used even when the game board 400 is replaced with another game board in a model change or the like.

  The payout control device 560 includes a payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the payout control board 930, and the payout control board 930 does not leave any trace of opening, like the main control board 920. The substrate case is sealed so that it cannot be opened.

  The power / fire control device 570 includes a power / fire control board 900 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the power / fire control board 900. The power / fire control board 900 is the same as the main control board 920. Are accommodated in a sealed substrate case.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG. 10, the pachinko machine 100 includes control circuit devices such as a power supply / launch control board 900, a power supply monitoring board 910, a main control board 920, a payout control board 930, and a sub control board 940. In FIG. 10, a relay circuit device that only relays various signals is omitted. Hereinafter, these main control circuit devices will be individually described in detail.

  The power supply / launch control board 900 includes a power supply unit 901 that supplies power of a predetermined voltage to each part of the pachinko machine 100 via a power supply path (broken line in the figure), and a launcher according to the operation of the launcher 250. A launch control unit 902 that controls the driving of 330, and a signal relay unit 903 that relays an initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 and a ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249.

  The power supply unit 901 takes in external power (for example, AC 24 volts) supplied from the outside and converts it into internal power (for example, DC 24 volts), and generates various types of power from the internal power. The power generated by the power supply unit 901 is power of driving voltage (for example, DC 12 volts) for driving devices such as various solenoids and various motors, drives various switches, and executes control processing. Power of control voltage (for example, DC 5 volts) for backup, power of backup voltage for holding the contents of the RAM of the main control board 920, and the like.

  The power supply unit 901 supplies various power generated from the internal power to the power supply monitoring board 910, the main control board 920, the payout control board 930, the sub control board 940, and the like. Specifically, internal power, driving voltage, control voltage, and backup voltage power are supplied to the power monitoring board 910. The main control board 920 is supplied with power of a driving voltage, a control voltage, and a backup voltage, and these powers are supplied via the power supply monitoring unit 911 of the power supply monitoring board 910. The payout control board 930 is supplied with driving voltage and control voltage power. The sub-control board 940 is supplied with driving voltage and control voltage power. The firing control unit 902 and the signal relay unit 903 are supplied with driving voltage and control voltage power.

  A power switch 909 is connected to the power supply unit 901. When the power switch 909 is in an off state, the external power capture is stopped. It is to be noted that the power switch 909 is turned off or a power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply unit 901 via the power switch 909 is removed from an external power supply outlet (not shown). A state where the supply of power to the inside of the machine 100 is stopped and a state where the supply of external power itself is stopped are collectively referred to as a “power failure state”.

  The power supply unit 901 is configured to normally output the control voltage power over a predetermined period even after the transition to the power failure state. As a result, the main control board 920 can save the state and finish the control so that the current control state can be restored.

  The firing control unit 902 controls the driving of the ball feed solenoid 332 and the firing solenoid 334 of the launching device 330 in cooperation with the main control board 920. The ball feed solenoid 332 and the firing solenoid 334 are permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, it is detected that the player is touching the firing handle 252 (see FIG. 1) based on a contact sensor signal from the contact sensor 254, and a launch stop switch 255 for stopping the launch is provided. On the condition that it is not operated, the firing control unit 902 outputs a firing permission signal in an on state to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 outputs a firing solenoid control signal and a ball feed solenoid control signal to the firing control unit 902 based on the firing permission signal and the firing abnormality signal. The firing control unit 902 activates the ball feed solenoid 332 based on the ball feed control signal in the on state, and activates the launch solenoid 334 based on the reception of the launch solenoid control signal in the on state and the resistance value of the variable resistor 253. Let As a result, the game balls are sequentially fired from the launching device 330 with a strength corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor 253 (the rotational operation amount of the firing handle 252).

  The signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state initialization signal to the main control board 920 when the initialization switch 907 is pressed. In the main control board 920, the storage information stored in the RAM of the main control board 920 is initialized in response to the reception of the ON state initialization signal. The initialization switch 907 is not necessarily configured to output a signal to the main control board 920 via the signal relay unit 903. For example, the initialization switch 907 is directly mounted on the main control board 920. The initialization switch 907 may be accommodated in the substrate case 371, and thus illegal signal input targeting a section in which a signal is transmitted can be suppressed.

  Further, when the ball overflow switch 249 detects a game ball, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state ball overflow signal to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the ON state, and the payout control board 930 that has received the low-speed payout signal receives the rotation speed of the payout motor 542 (payout). The game ball payout speed from the device 540 is reduced. The main control board 920 outputs a high-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the off state, and the payout control board 930 that has received the high-speed payout signal controls the rotation speed of the payout motor 542. Make it faster.

  The power monitoring board 910 is a power monitoring section 911 that monitors the power supply status from the power / fire control board 900, and supplies power and transmits various signals between the power / fire control board 900 and the main control board 920. And a signal relay unit 912 for relaying. The power monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power failure signal to the main control board 920 in response to the transition to the power failure state, and monitors the voltage of 24 VDC which is the maximum voltage output from the power source unit 901. When the state where the voltage is less than 22 volts continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the state is a power failure, and an on-state power failure signal is output to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 recognizes the transition to the power failure state by receiving the power failure signal in the on state.

  The main control board 920 comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100. On the main control board 920, an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer is mounted. The MPU includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (not shown) storing various control programs and fixed data executed by the CPU, and various data temporarily during execution of the control program. And a RAM (not shown) for storing and the like. In addition, various circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are mounted on the main control board 920. Yes. The RAM of the main control board 920 is configured to be able to maintain (back up) internal data by supplying a backup voltage from the power / fire control board 900 even after the transition to the power failure state.

  The payout control board 930 controls a game ball payout operation by the payout apparatus 540 according to an instruction from the main control board 920 and a game ball lending operation by the payout apparatus 540 according to an operation of the game ball lending apparatus 290. As with the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 is an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (not shown), ROM (not shown), and RAM (not shown), a timer circuit. Various circuits such as (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are mounted. The payout control board 930 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so as to be able to communicate information. For example, the main control board 920 and the relay device 950 can perform bidirectional information input / output communication. The open / close detection switches 108 and 109, the storage ball switch 591 and the payout counting switch 592 are connected so that only information input communication in only one direction is possible, and the payout motor 542 has information in only one direction. Only output communication is possible. Note that the RAM of the payout control board 930 may be configured to have a backup function that allows internal data to be maintained over a certain period in a power failure state, like the RAM of the main control board 920, or the RAM of the main control board 920. Unlike the case, the internal data may not be maintained in a power failure state.

  The sub control board 940 controls operations of various rendering devices, various light emitting devices, various acoustic devices, and the like based on instructions from the main control board 920. The sub-control board 940 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so as to be able to communicate information. For example, the sub-control board 940 is connected to the main control board 920 so that only information input communication in only one direction is possible. The input operation device 260 is connected to be capable of information communication in both directions, and the decorative symbol display device 479 is connected to be capable of only one-way information output communication.

<Various control processes>
Next, various control processes executed by the main control board 920 will be described. The control processing in the main control board 920 can be broadly divided into main processing that is started upon recovery from a power failure state, and periodic execution (in this embodiment, with a cycle of 2 ms (milliseconds)). Timer interrupt processing.

  First, the main process executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main process of the main control board 920 (abbreviated as “main control main process” in FIG. 11).

  In the main process of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processes (program start process S1001 to random number initial setting process S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information are executed only once. After that, the interrupt prohibition processing S1020 for prohibiting the interrupt, the winning random number initial value counter (partial area of the RAM), the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter (partial area of the RAM) and the normal symbol related to the special symbol Random initial value update processing S1021 for updating the value of the winning random number initial value counter (part of the RAM) and the first variation type counter to the fourth variation type for determining the variation time, variation pattern, etc. Fluctuation counter update processing S1022 for updating the value of the counter (part of the RAM), and interrupt permission processing S for permitting interrupts 023 and is repeatedly executed. When a timer interrupt request is generated before the interrupt permission process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt permission process S1023.

  In a series of control start processes, a program start process S1001 for setting an initial value to a stack pointer (part of the RAM) for controlling the execution of a program, an interrupt mode setting process S1002 for setting an interrupt mode, and a payout control board A stand-by standby process S1003 that waits for a predetermined time until 930, the sub-control board 940, and the like stand up is executed.

  After start-up standby process S1003, determination process S1004 of the output state of the initialization signal from initialization switch 907 of power supply / emission control board 900, determination process S1005 of the value of power failure information (part of RAM), storage Information storage state determination processing S1007 is performed, and it is determined based on these determination results whether or not to save the stored information in the RAM. Here, the stored information is information necessary for returning to the state of the game before the power failure, and corresponds to a part of the RAM that has been updated according to the progress of the game before the power failure. The counter value related to the unit game in the middle, the counter value stored by the start winning, and the like are exemplified.

  The storage state of the stored information is determined as follows. First, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM is calculated (checksum calculation process S1006), and the current checksum value and a power failure monitoring process S1202 (see FIG. 12) accompanying the transition to the previous power failure state. It is determined whether or not the exclusive OR with the RAM determination value that is the 2's complement of the checksum value calculated in (0) is “0” (determination processing S1007), and thereby the current checksum value and It is determined whether or not the checksum value at the time of transition to the power failure state is the same.

  When the initialization signal is in the on state (S1004: Y), when the power failure information is not a predetermined power failure value indicating that the stored information is stored and terminated when the transition to the power failure state is completed (S1005: N), or saved If the information is not normally held (S1007: N), a RAM clear process S1008 for erasing the stored information in the RAM is executed. After it is determined that the stored information is normally held (S1007: Y), or after the RAM clear process S1008 is executed, hardware for initializing various devices connected to the main control board 920 A hardware initialization process S1009 is executed.

  After the hardware initialization process S1009, a determination process S1010 of whether or not the power failure information is a power failure value is executed. When the power failure information is a power failure value (S1010: N), a RAM recovery setting process S1011 for initial setting of various types of information including a return of stored information and a recovery command indicating completion of the setting are set (return command). Output processing S1012). By returning the stored information in the RAM return setting process S1011, the control state of the main control board 920 is returned to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state.

  On the other hand, when the power failure information is not a power failure value (S1010: Y), various types of information are initialized without returning the retained information (RAM initial setting processing S1013), and an initialization command indicating the completion of the setting is output. (Initialization command output processing S1014).

  In the RAM recovery setting process S1011 and the RAM initial setting process S1013, the power failure information is set to a predetermined energization value different from the power failure value, and various error states such as fraud detection errors immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state. Even if has occurred, all those error states are cleared. Further, either the return command or the initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940, and the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940 that have received the return command or the initialization command. In each of these, a predetermined initialization process is executed.

  After the initial setting of the RAM according to the situation at the time of start-up (determination process S1004 to initialization command output process S1014), if the condition device is operating at the time of transition to the previous power failure state, the special gaming state is set. Preparation for returning is performed (special gaming state return preparation processing S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation process S1015, the operating states of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are determined, and a process corresponding to the game situation in the power failure state is executed in the sub-control board 940. The

  After the special game state return preparation process S1015, it is determined whether or not the time-short state flag is set to determine whether it is a time-short state or a non-time-short state (determination process S1016). In the case (S1016: Y), a time reduction command is output (time reduction command output processing S1017). On the other hand, if it is in the non-time-short state (S1016: N), a non-time-short command is output (non-time-short command output processing S1018). Thereafter, the value of the winning random number counter (part of the RAM) related to the special symbol is initialized (random number initial setting process S1019).

  Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing (abbreviated as “main control interrupt processing” in the figure) executed by the main control board 920.

  In the timer interrupt process of the main control board 920, first, an interrupt start process S1201 for starting a timer interrupt is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the interrupt control register. As a result, interrupts other than this timer interrupt are prohibited. Thereafter, a power failure monitoring process S1202 to an external information output process S1221 related to substantial control such as game progress control of the pachinko machine 100 and monitoring of various sensors are sequentially executed. However, when the game progress is stopped based on various fraud detections (S1207: Y), the control signal output process S1208 to the external information output process S1221 are not executed. Finally, an interrupt permission process S1222 that permits the next timer interrupt is executed, and the current timer interrupt process ends. In the following, various main processes will be described individually.

  In the power failure monitoring process S1202, the value of the power failure information (part of the RAM) is updated based on the output state of the power failure signal output from the power monitoring unit 911 of the power monitoring board 910. Specifically, the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, and when the on state is detected at all three times, it is determined that the power failure state is present. If it is not determined in this determination that the power is out, the power outage information is maintained at the energization value.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the power failure monitoring process S1202 that the power is out, the following process is executed. First, the value of the power failure information is changed from the energization value set in the RAM recovery setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see FIG. 11) to a predetermined power failure value. Also, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM is calculated, and the 2's complement of the checksum value is set as the RAM determination value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop that does not perform substantial control such as game progress or monitoring of various sensors, and the state of the RAM after the RAM determination value is set is held based on the backup power. The Since the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, each process of timer interruption is executed twice after the first reception of the power failure signal is detected.

  In the random number update process S1203, the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the big hit symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter related to the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, when the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is a value different from the specified maximum value (for example, “576”), the value is changed by “1” larger than the current value, and the special symbol is changed. When the value of the winning random number counter relating to is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). However, if the value after the change is the same as the cyclic initial value for the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is the same as the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol. The cyclic initial value is also set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter.

  The jackpot symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter related to the normal symbol are also updated in the same manner as the winning random number counter related to the special symbol. However, as the update range determined by the specified maximum value and specified minimum value of each counter, a unique value is set for each counter, and a plurality of counters are updated asynchronously. Is referred to an initial value counter unique to each counter. For example, the winning random number counter related to the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol have the same value range, and the big hit symbol random number counter and the big hit symbol random number initial value counter have the same value range, The winning random number counter related to the normal symbol and the winning random number initial value counter related to the normal symbol have the same value range.

  In the random number initial value update process S1204, the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol, the big hit symbol random number initial value counter, and the winning random number initial value counter related to the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, if the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, “576”), the value is changed to a value “1” larger than the current value, When the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the symbol is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). The initial random number counter for the special symbol and the initial random number counter for the normal symbol are also the initial random numbers for the special symbol, except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are unique to those counters. It is updated in the same way as the value counter.

  In the variation counter update processing S1205, the values of the first variation type counter to the fourth variation type counter for determining the variation time, variation pattern, and the like are updated. Specifically, when the value of the first variation type counter is a value different from a specified maximum value (for example, “187”), the value is changed to a value that is larger by “1” than the current value, and the first variation When the value of the type counter is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). The second variation type counter to the fourth variation type counter are also updated in the same manner as the first variation type counter except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are values unique to those counters. Is done.

  Note that each winning random number counter, jackpot symbol random number counter, stop pattern selection counter and each variation type counter related to special symbols and normal symbols are not necessarily configured as described above, and at least a part of the counters as other configurations. For example, it may be configured to update from a constant initial value without using an initial value counter, or may be configured by a random number generating IC without using a program and refer to a value as necessary. .

  In the game stop determination process S1206, when the fraud detection information is a fraud detection value, it is updated to the game stop value and various information for stopping the progress of the game is set. On the other hand, if the fraud detection information is not a fraud detection value or if it is already a game stop value, the game stop determination process S1206 ends without executing each process for stopping the game progress. The fraud detection information is set to a fraud detection value when occurrence of various frauds is detected in the fraud detection processing S1211. In the determination process S1207, whether or not the game is stopped is determined based on whether or not the fraud detection information is a game stop value.

  In the control signal output process S1208, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, and the normal symbol related A signal for controlling various notification devices such as the normal symbol display device 473 is output. Based on the control data stored in the output buffer, various actuators such as a ball feed solenoid 332, a firing solenoid 334, a right entry restriction solenoid 462, a lower entry restriction solenoid 463, an upper entry restriction solenoid 464, and a switching solenoid 465 are provided. A control signal is output.

  In the switch reading process S1209, the middle start winning switch 441A, 441B, the right starting winning switch 442, the lower large winning switch 443, the upper large winning switch 444, the combination operation switch 445, the starting switch 446, the non-specific passage switch 447, the specific The signal state from each of the passage switch 448 and the general winning switches 449A and 449B is read, and a change in the detection state of the game ball by various switches is detected.

  Specifically, in the switch reading process S1209, signal states from various switches are read into the input buffer (part of the RAM) twice at predetermined time intervals, and signals from the various switches are read. Each time, the signal state read for the first time (hereinafter abbreviated as “first signal state”) and the signal state read for the second time (hereinafter abbreviated as “second signal state”) Based on the detection state detected by the previous timer interrupt (hereinafter abbreviated as “previous detection state”), changes in the detection state of various switches are detected. For each switch, when the previous detection state is the off state, the first signal state is the on state, and when the second signal state is the on state, it is determined that the switch is on. Thus, a detection flag (a partial area of the RAM) corresponding to the type of switch is set. As described in the power failure monitoring process S1202, even if the power supply is stopped, each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice, so that the various switches are turned on immediately after the power supply is stopped. Even when it is started, detection flags of various switches can be set accurately.

  In the timer update process S1210, various timers (predetermined areas of the RAM) used for special symbol and normal symbol variation display, control of each gaming state, fraud monitoring, and the like are updated.

  In the fraud detection process S1211, an illegal act such as forcibly entering a game ball into various winning devices or forcibly operating various winning devices is detected. Specifically, the right start winning device 432, the lower grand prize winning device 433, and the upper grand prize winning device 434 are forced to move into the allowable approaching posture, and the game ball is guided to a specific passage of the lower major prize winning device 433 by vibration. , The right start winning device 432 by radio waves, the lower winning device 433 and the upper winning device 434 are forcibly triggered, the game balls are guided to various winning devices by magnetic attraction, the left middle starting winning device 431A, Occurrence of a situation where there is a high possibility that an illegal act such as guiding a game ball at an abnormal timing to the right middle start winning device 431B, the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 occurs. Is detected.

  In the winning detection response process S1212, control based on detection of a game ball by various switches provided in the game board 400 is executed. Specifically, when the middle start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the left middle starting winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) and the right middle start winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10). The middle start winning counter (a predetermined area in the RAM) and the first payout counter (a predetermined area in the RAM) are updated. Further, when the right start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. Further, when the lower prize winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the lower prize winning switch 443 (see FIG. 10), or when the game ball is detected by the upper prize winning switch 444 (see FIG. 10). If the upper prize winning switch detection flag is set on the basis, the big prize counter (predetermined area of the RAM) and the second payout counter (predetermined area of the RAM) are updated.

  In the launch control process S1213, launch related information for controlling the launch of the game ball by the launch device 330 is updated. Specifically, the operation flag of the ball feed solenoid 332 that drives the ball feed mechanism 331 and the operation flag of the firing solenoid 334 that drives the firing mechanism 333 are updated.

  In the input signal monitoring process S1214, based on the output state of the signal from the open / close detection switch 108 (see FIG. 10) via the payout control board 930, an intermediate block is provided for the outer frame 101 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). It is detected whether 103 (refer FIG.1 and FIG.2) is closed. Further, based on the output state of the signal from the open / close detection switch 109 via the payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10), the front block 102 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). 3) is detected.

  In the payout state monitoring process S1215, information indicating the payout control state output from the payout control board 930 is monitored, and various payout state commands corresponding to the payout control state are set as necessary. The sub-control board 940 that has received the payout state command causes the decorative symbol display device 479, the upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 to perform notification according to the type of the payout state command.

  In the payout signal output process S1216, various prize ball commands are set based on the values of the first payout counter and the second payout counter as necessary, and output to the payout control board 930. The first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated according to the setting of the prize ball command. For example, the first payout counter is incremented by 1 each time a game ball corresponding to one winning is detected, and decremented by 1 each time a winning ball command based on the winning is set. Each time the payout control board 930 executes control for paying out the number of game balls (for example, 3) corresponding to the winning (specifically, shortly before the payout is completed), the main control board 920 is awarded. In a situation where a ball command is requested and the payout of a prize ball is continuing, a further prize ball command is output from the main control board 920. The second payout counter is a counter that is updated in response to a winning (for example, 13) that has a different number of prize balls than the first payout counter, and outputs a prize ball command based on the value of the second payout counter. When the 930 is received, the payout control board 930 executes control for paying out a number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command.

  In the special symbol-related process S1217, control for holding the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol and control of the unit game related to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, operation control of the special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed in the hold control of the unit game right related to the first special symbol. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol is executed, and if the big win is won in the first special symbol lottery, Operation control of 433 and the top prize winning device 434 is further executed.

  Further, in the special symbol related process S1217, the unit game right holding control related to the second special symbol and the unit game control related to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, the operation control of the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed in the hold control of the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is executed, and when the big win is won in the second special symbol lottery, Operation control of 433 and the top prize winning device 434 is further executed.

  In the normal symbol related process S1218, the unit game right holding control related to the normal symbol and the unit game control related to the normal symbol are executed. Specifically, the operation control of the normal symbol hold display device 478 is executed in the hold control of the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol. Further, in the control of the unit game related to the normal symbol, the operation control of the normal symbol display device 473 related to the normal symbol is executed, and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the operation control of the right start winning device 432 is further executed. .

  In the display control processing S1219, the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, the special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol in the special symbol related processing S1217, and Based on various information updated to control the operation of the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol, output data for specifically operating these devices is synthesized. The synthesized output data is output to each device in the control signal output process S1208 based on the next timer interrupt.

  In the motor control process S1220, operation control of various motors is executed. In the external information output process S1221, output data to be output to an external device such as a data display device (not shown) or a management device (not shown) electrically connected to the pachinko machine 100 is set.

<Medium start winning device 431>
Next, the middle start winning device 431 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a structural configuration of the middle start winning device 431 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the middle start winning device 431 as viewed from the front side. In addition, in FIG. 13, illustration of the screw for assembling the middle start prize-winning device 431 is omitted. FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view for explaining the structure between the front cover 610 and the base plate 630. Specifically, FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the middle start winning device 431 with the front plate portion of the front cover 610 cut away.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the middle start winning device 431 includes a front cover 610, a sorting unit 620, a base plate 630, a middle start winning switch 441 (441 </ b> A, 441 </ b> B), and a back cover 640. .

  The base plate 630 is a resin member for attaching the middle start winning device 431 to the game board 400, and an attachment hole 631 through which a screw (not shown) can be inserted is formed at the periphery thereof. The middle start winning device 431 is inserted into the through hole formed in the game board 400 from the front, and is fixed to the game board 400 with a screw inserted through the attachment hole 631 from the front. As a result, the middle start winning device 431 is attached to the game board 400 with the front portion exposed from the base plate 630 (see FIGS. 16A and 17).

  On the front surface of the base plate 630, an accommodating portion 632 capable of accommodating the sorting portion 620 from the front is formed in the upper center. A shaft hole 633 for inserting the rear end side of the shaft 621 of the distributing unit 620 is provided inside the housing unit 632.

  A projection 634 that protrudes forward from the front surface is formed on the front surface of the base plate 630 below the housing portion 632. The protrusion 634 is formed at a position on the path of main ball passages 652A and 652B (see FIG. 15) described later formed in the middle start winning device 431. That is, the protrusion 634 is formed at a position where a game ball flowing down the left main sphere passage 652A or the right main sphere passage 652B can collide.

  The base plate 630 penetrates the base plate 630 through which a game ball that enters from the entrance 611 and passes (flows down) through the left main ball passage 652A or the right main ball passage 652B passes from the front side to the back side of the base plate 630. A hole 635 is formed below the protrusion 634.

  The middle start winning switch 441 disposed on the back side of the base plate 630 is a proximity sensor that detects a game ball, which is a metal ball, that has passed through the through hole 635 in a non-contact manner. In the present embodiment, as the middle start winning switch 441, a left middle start winning switch 441A for detecting a game ball that has passed through a through hole 635 provided in a continuous manner with the left main ball passage 652A (see FIG. 15), and a right main ball passage. A right middle start winning switch 441B for detecting a game ball that has passed through a through-hole 635 provided continuously to 652B (see FIG. 15) is provided.

  The middle start winning switch 441 (441A, 441B) includes a detection unit J1 including a detection coil (not shown) for detecting a game ball, and a circuit board (not shown) connected to the detection coil. The included circuit portion J2 is configured in a substantially plate shape arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. The detection part J1 is formed with an opening J1a through which a game ball can pass, and the detection coil is wound around the outer periphery of the opening J1a.

  When the game ball passes through the opening J1a, the circuit board included in the circuit unit J2 outputs a detection signal indicating that the game ball has been detected to the main controller 370 based on the output from the detection coil. The middle start winning switch 441 (441A, 441B) is installed with the detection portion J1 facing downward and the circuit portion J2 facing upward so that the opening J1a communicates with the through hole 635 of the base plate 630.

  The back cover 640 is a resin cover that is attached to the back side of the base plate 630 via the middle start winning switch 441. The back cover 640 is formed with an opening 641 for allowing the game ball that has passed through the opening J1a of the left middle start winning switch 441A or the right middle start winning switch 441B to pass to the back side of the back cover.

  The distribution unit 620 includes a metal shaft 621 and a resin main body 622 that can swing around the shaft 621. As shown in FIG. 14, the distribution unit 620 inserts the rear end side of the shaft 621 into the shaft hole 633 of the base plate 630 and inserts the front end side into the shaft hole formed on the back side of the front cover 610. The shaft is mounted between the front cover 610 and the base plate 630.

  The main body 622 has a substantially semi-cylindrical base 622A having a flat front surface, and a shaft insertion portion 622B that protrudes forward from the vicinity of a linear portion on the outer periphery of the base 622A and has a shaft hole through which the shaft 621 can be inserted. And a left arm 622C, a right arm 622D, and an upper arm 622E, which are provided upright on the front surface of the base 622A and are connected to the outer periphery of the shaft insertion portion 622B.

  The left arm 622C and the right arm 622D extend to the left side and the right side, respectively, along the straight portion of the base 622A. On the other hand, the upper arm 622E extends in a direction orthogonal to the left and right arms 622C and 622D. A space in front of the base 622A, which is formed between the left arm 622C and the upper arm 622E, constitutes a left ball receiving portion 622F. On the other hand, the space in front of the base 622A formed between the right arm 622D and the upper arm 622E constitutes the right ball receiving portion 622G.

  In a state where the distribution unit 620 is pivoted between the front cover 610 and the base plate 630, the base 622 </ b> A is stored in the storage unit 632 of the base plate 630. As a result, the distribution unit 620 swings (rotates) around the shaft 621 in the left or right direction within a range limited by the shape of the inner wall of the storage unit 632. As will be described in detail later, the game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431 from the entrance 611 enters one of the ball receiving portions 622F and 622G of the sorting portion 620, whereby the left main ball passage 652A (see FIG. 15). Or it distributes to either of the right main sphere passage 652B (refer to Drawing 15).

  The front cover 610 is a resin cover that is attached to the front surface side of the base plate 630 via the distribution unit 620. The front cover 610 has a transparent or translucent front surface, so that the player passes through a passage portion formed in the middle start winning device 431 such as the main ball passages 652A and 652B. The sphere can be viewed through the front cover 610. Thereby, since the player can visually recognize the whereabouts of the game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431, the interest of the game accompanied by the distribution by the distribution unit 620 is improved.

  An opening constituting the inlet 611 is formed on the upper side of the front cover 610. On the back side of the front cover 610, a rib, a notch, or the like is formed that forms a passage portion through which a game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431 from the entrance 611 passes. Such ribs and notches, together with the front surface of the base plate 630, serve as the passage portion, as a guide passage 651 (see FIG. 15), main ball passages 652A and 652B (see FIG. 15), and follower ball passages 653A, 653B, and 653C (see FIG. 15), and inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2 of the secondary ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C branched from the main ball passages 652A, 652B. In addition, these channel | path parts are comprised by the channel width a little wider than the diameter of a game ball, and two or more game balls cannot pass simultaneously.

  In addition, on the back side of the front cover 610, a guide portion 612 is provided at a position on the path of the main ball passages 652A and 652B. Although the details will be described later, the guiding portion 612 moves the game ball flowing down the left main sphere passage 652A or the right main sphere passage 652B downward from the upper side to the back side where the through holes 635 for the respective main sphere passages 652A and 652B are provided. Has the function of guiding to the back.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 15 to FIG. 17, a passing path (flowing path) of a game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431 from the entrance 611 will be described. FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the middle start winning device 431 shown in FIG. 14 as viewed from the front. In FIG. 15A, cross-sectional hatching is omitted. FIG. 15B is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the middle start winning device 431 cut along a plane passing through the secondary ball passages 653A, 653B, and 653C.

  FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the middle start winning device 431 along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 16B is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the game ball flowing down along the guide portion 612. Specifically, the middle start winning device at the position of arrow C in FIG. It is a schematic sectional view of the left main sphere passage 652A viewed from the upper side when 431 is cut in the front-rear direction. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the middle start winning device 431 along the line BB in FIG. 16A and 17 show all of the front cover 610 that is partially cut in FIG. 15A.

  A game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431 from the entrance 611 enters the guide passage 651. The game ball that has entered the guide passage 651 enters the ball receiving portion that faces the entrance 611 among the left and right ball receiving portions 622F and 622G in the sorting portion 620.

  When the game ball enters the ball receiving portions 622F and 622G, the distribution weight of the game ball is applied to the left arm 622C or the right arm 622D, so that the sorting unit 620 is limited to the range limited by the storage unit 632 around the shaft 621. Rotate left or right. As a result, the game balls are distributed to either the left main sphere passage 652A or the right main sphere passage 652B.

  That is, in the example shown in FIG. 15A, the game ball that has entered the guide passage 651 from the entrance 611 enters the left ball receiving portion 622F, and the distribution portion 620 rotates in the left direction due to its own weight. By moving, it is distributed to the left main sphere passage 652A. In the situation where the left ball receiving portion 622F faces the entrance 611 side, the sorting portion 620 is restricted from further clockwise rotation by the accommodating portion 632, and therefore the game that has entered the left ball receiving portion 622F. The sphere does not enter the right main sphere passage 652B because the upper arm 622E becomes an obstacle.

  When the game ball enters the left ball receiving portion 622F or the right ball receiving portion 622G and the sorting portion 620 rotates in the left or right direction, the ball receiving portion facing the entrance 611 is the current game ball. Is switched to a ball receiving portion different from the ball receiving portion that has entered. Accordingly, the next game ball that has entered from the entrance 611 enters a ball receiving portion that is different from the ball receiving portion that has entered this time, of the left ball receiving portion 622F or the right ball receiving portion 622G. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 15A, the next game ball that has entered from the entrance 611 enters the right ball receiving portion 622G.

  Thereby, in the left main sphere passage 652A or the right main sphere passage 652B, the main sphere passage to which the game balls are distributed by the allocating unit 620 is a main sphere passage different from the main sphere passage entered this time. That is, the game balls that have entered from the entrance 611 are alternately distributed to the left main sphere passage 652A or the right main sphere passage 652B by the distribution unit 620. Therefore, the game balls that have entered the middle start winning device 431 from the entrance 611 are distributed by the sorting unit 620 to either the left main ball passage 652A or the right main ball passage 652B with a probability of 50%.

  The left main ball passage 652A guides the game ball from the top downward (in the direction of arrow Q1), and then guides it back (in the direction of arrow Q3) where the through hole 635 and the left middle start winning switch 441A are located. The left main sphere passage 652A is a game ball in the flow direction change portion at a portion where the guidance direction of the game ball changes from downward to back (hereinafter, this portion may be referred to as “flow direction change portion”). Branch in the left-right direction of the gaming machine front view, which is a direction intersecting with the flow-down direction (vertical direction and front-rear direction).

  The left follower passage 653A is a ball passage branched from the left main sphere passage 652A to the left in the front view of the gaming machine, and the central follower passage 653C is a ball branched from the left main sphere passage 652A to the right in the front view of the game machine. It is a passage.

  As indicated by an arrow Q5, a game ball that has entered the left secondary ball passage 653A from the left main ball passage 652A via the inlet portion 654A1 enters the middle start winning device 431 on the game board 400 from the outlet of the left secondary ball passage 653A. Is discharged to the game area on the left side. Similarly, as indicated by an arrow Q7, a game ball that has entered the central secondary ball passage 653C from the left main ball passage 652A via the inlet 654A2 is started on the game board 400 from the outlet of the central secondary ball passage 653C. It is discharged to the game area below the winning device 431.

  As described above, even if the game ball is distributed to the left main ball passage 652A by the distribution unit 620, when it enters the left follower passage 653A or the central follower passage 653C, It is discharged from the middle start winning device 431 without being detected by the start winning switch 441A (that is, without winning).

  The game balls flowing down the left main ball passage 652A without entering the follower ball passages 653A and 653C are guided to the left middle start winning device 431A and discharged from the left middle start winning device 431A. In this embodiment, the boundary position at which the game ball flowing down the left main ball passage 652A is always detected by the left middle start winning switch 441A without entering the left follower ball passage 653A or the central follower ball passage 653C. 17, this is the entrance of the left middle start winning device 431A (hereinafter, referred to as “left middle start winning port 431Aa”).

  In the middle start prize winning device 431 of the present embodiment, the entrance portions 654A1 and 654A2 from the left main ball passage 652A to the slave ball passages 653A and 653C are partially configured by the front surface of the base plate 630. (See FIG. 17), the left middle start winning opening 431Aa corresponds to the opening end on the front side of the through hole 635 formed in the base plate 630.

  Therefore, after entering the left main ball passage 652A, the game ball that has advanced through the left main ball passage 652A without proceeding to the side of the follower ball passages 653A, 653C is the entrance portion of the left middle start winning device 431A (that is, When entering the left middle start winning opening 431Aa), the game ball is detected by the left middle start winning switch 441A, thereby generating a start winning according to the first special symbol.

  Therefore, in the middle start winning device 431, the downstream side of the left middle start winning port 431Aa functions as the left middle start winning device 431A, and includes the left middle start winning switch 441A. As shown in FIG. 16 (a), by placing the left middle start winning switch 441A with the circuit portion J2 facing upward, the circuit portion J2 is moved to the back after the game ball is guided downward from above. In the left main sphere passage 652A that guides in the direction, it can be accommodated in a dead space formed on the back side (back side) of the passage portion in the vertical direction.

  The right main ball passage 652B guides the game ball downward (in the direction of the arrow Q2), and then guides it backward (in the direction of the arrow Q4) where the through hole 635 and the right middle start winning switch 441B are located. The right main ball passage 652B is a portion where the guiding direction of the game ball changes from downward to back (that is, the flow direction changing portion), and the flow direction of the game ball in the flow direction changing portion (vertical direction and longitudinal direction). Branches in the left-right direction of the gaming machine front view, which is a direction intersecting with

  The right follower ball passage 653B is a ball passage branched from the right main ball passage 652B to the right side in the front view of the gaming machine, and the central follower ball passage 653C is a ball branched from the right main ball passage 652B to the left side in the front view of the game machine. It is a passage.

  As indicated by an arrow Q6, a game ball that has entered the right follower ball passage 653B from the right main ball passage 652B via the inlet portion 654B1 enters the middle start winning device 431 on the game board 400 from the outlet of the right follower ball passage 653B. Is discharged to the game area on the right side. Similarly, as indicated by an arrow Q8, a game ball that has entered the central secondary ball passage 653C from the right main ball passage 652B via the inlet portion 654B2 is started on the game board 400 from the outlet of the central secondary ball passage 653C. It is discharged to the game area below the winning device 431.

  Thus, even if the game ball is distributed to the right main ball passage 652B by the distribution unit 620, when it enters the right secondary ball passage 653B or the central secondary ball passage 653C, It is discharged from the middle start winning device 431 without being detected by the start winning switch 441B (that is, without winning).

  The game balls flowing down the right main ball passage 652B without entering the follower ball passages 653B and 653C are guided to the right middle start winning device 431B and discharged from the right middle start winning device 431B. In this embodiment, the boundary position at which the game ball flowing down the right main ball passage 652B is always detected by the right middle start winning switch 441B without entering the right follower passage 653B or the central follower passage 653C. 17 is an entrance of the right middle start winning device 431B (hereinafter referred to as “right middle start winning port 431Ba”), as shown in FIG.

  In the middle start prize winning device 431 of the present embodiment, the entrance portions 654B1 and 654B2 from the right main ball passage 652B to the follower ball passages 653B and 653C are partially configured by the front surface of the base plate 630. (See FIG. 17), the right middle start winning opening 431Ba corresponds to the opening end on the front side of the through hole 635 formed in the base plate 630.

  Therefore, after entering the right main ball passage 652B, the game ball that has advanced through the right main ball passage 652B without moving toward the follower ball passages 653B, 653C becomes the entrance portion of the right middle start winning device 431B (that is, When the player enters the right middle start winning opening 431Ba), the game ball is detected by the right middle start winning switch 441B, thereby generating a start winning according to the second special symbol.

  Accordingly, in the middle start winning device 431, the downstream side of the right middle start winning port 431Ba functions as the right middle start winning device 431B, and includes the right middle start winning switch 441B. The right middle start winning switch 441B arranged with the circuit portion J2 facing upward is also facing rearward after the circuit portion J2 guides the game ball downward from the top, like the left middle start winning switch 441A. The right main sphere passage 652B that guides to the left is stored in a dead space formed on the back side (back side) of the passage portion in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, in the left main sphere passage 652A, the guide portion 612 is provided in the flow direction changing portion. Similarly, for the right main sphere passage 652B, the guide portion 612 is provided in the flow direction changing portion. As shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 16 (a), the guide portion 612 is formed at a width narrower than the width of the guide portion 612 at the center of the main sphere passages 652A and 652B. An inclined surface 612A that is an outer edge is a convex portion that extends along the flow-down direction of the game ball.

  In the flow direction changing portion, a part of the boundary that constitutes a space through which the game ball can substantially pass is defined by the outer shape of the game ball supported by the guide portion 612. In the present embodiment, “main sphere passages 652A and 652B” are spaces surrounded by a wall surface formed by the back surface of the front cover 610, the side surface of the rib formed on the back side of the front cover 10, and the front surface of the base plate 630. It corresponds to a space through which game balls can substantially pass.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16A, the guiding portion 612 gradually increases from the inclination in the substantially gravitational direction to the inclination in the substantially horizontal direction as the inclined surface 612A changes from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow direction of the game ball. It is configured in a curved shape in which the inclination becomes gentle (that is, the inclination angle becomes gradually smaller). In other words, the guiding unit 612 gradually decreases the guiding angle of the gaming ball flowing down the flow direction changing unit as the guiding angle of the gaming ball with respect to the horizontal direction changes from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flowing direction of the gaming ball by the inclined surface 612A. I will guide you.

  Since the guiding portion 612 configured as described above is provided in the flow direction changing portion of the main ball passages 652A and 652B, the game balls that flow into the main ball passages 652A and 652B flow down. , The downward flow direction changes toward the back while gradually losing the downward component by the guiding portion 612. Thus, the guiding unit 612 has a function of rectifying the flow of the game ball so that the game ball flowing downward flows smoothly backward in the flow direction changing portion.

  In addition, when the left main sphere passage 652A and the entrance 654A1 (the entrance to the left follower passage 653A) are viewed from the right side (the front side of the paper in FIG. 16A), the inclined surface 612A of the guide portion 612 is: It is located outward with respect to the peripheral edge of the inlet portion 654A1. Similarly, when the left main sphere passage 652A and the entrance portion 654A2 (inlet portion to the central follower passage 653C) are viewed from the left side (the back side of the paper in FIG. 16A), the inclined surface 612A of the guide portion 612 is , Located outward with respect to the peripheral edge of the inlet portion 654A2.

  In addition, regarding the inlet portions 654B1 and 654B2 of the right follower ball passage 635B, when the inlet portion 654B1 or the inlet portion 654B2 and the right main ball passage 652B are viewed from the left or the right side, the inclined surfaces 612A of the guide portion 612 are The inlet portions 654A2, 654B1, and 654B2 are located outward with respect to the periphery.

  Since the guide portion 612 is erected with a width narrower than the passage width of the main sphere passages 652A and 652B, as shown in FIG. 16B, the guide portion 612 is interposed between the entrance portion 654A1 or the entrance portion 654A2 and the guide portion 612. Are formed with two recesses 662 having the installation surface of the guiding portion 612 as a bottom. The right main sphere passage 652B also has two recesses (hereinafter referred to as the bottom of the installation surface of the guide portion 612) between the entrance portion 654B1 or the entrance portion 654B2 and the guide portion 612, similar to the recess 662. The concave portion is also referred to as a concave portion 662 for convenience. Hereinafter, the recess 662 formed in the left main sphere passage 652A will be described, but the same applies to the recess 662 formed in the right main sphere passage 652B.

  Since the width of the concave portion 662 is narrower than the diameter of the game ball, when the game ball flowing down the flow direction change portion approaches the entrance portion 654A1 or the entrance portion 654A2, the game ball is located at the entrance portion 654A1 or the entrance portion 654A2. It is supported by the periphery and the guiding portion 612. For example, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the game ball P approaches the entrance portion 654A1, the game ball P is supported by the periphery of the entrance portion 654A1 and the guide portion 612. When the game ball is supported only by the guide portion 612, the game ball does not fall into the recess 662, whereas when the game ball is supported by the peripheral edge of the entrance portion 654A1 and the guide portion 612, the game ball A part falls into the recess 662.

  When a game ball that is supported only by the guide portion 612 and flows down without falling into the recess 662 approaches the entrance portion 654A1 or the entrance portion 654A2, the game ball is connected to the periphery of the entrance portion 654A1 or the entrance portion 654A2 and the guide portion. Until it is supported by 612, it moves into the recess 662, that is, moves toward the bottom of the recess 662.

  Since the peripheral edge of the entrance portion 654A1 or the entrance portion 654A2 is higher than the outer edge (the inclined surface 612A) of the guide portion 612, the game ball supported by the entrance portion 654A1 or the peripheral edge of the entrance portion 654A2 and the guide portion 612 is In order to enter the left secondary ball passage 653A or the central secondary ball passage 653C via the portion 654A1 or the inlet portion 654A2, the game ball needs to move to the side away from the bottom of the recess 662.

  That is, in order for a game ball supported only by the guiding portion 612 and flowing down the flow direction changing portion to enter the left secondary ball passage 653A or the central secondary ball passage 653C via the inlet portion 654A1 or the inlet portion 654A2, the game As indicated by an arrow in FIG. 16B, the sphere needs to move away from the bottom after reaching the bottom of the recess 662 once.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the protrusion 634 is provided on the back wall (that is, the wall formed by the front surface of the base plate 630) in the left main sphere passage 652A. Note that the protrusion 634 is also provided on the back wall of the right main sphere passage 652B in the right main sphere passage 652B. Hereinafter, the protrusion 634 formed in the left main sphere passage 652A will be described, but the same applies to the protrusion 634 formed in the right main sphere passage 652B.

  When the game ball flowing down the left main sphere passage 652A collides with the protrusion 634, the game ball is bounced forward (that is, in the protruding direction of the protrusion 634) by the protrusion 634. For example, the game ball is bounced forward in the trajectory indicated by the arrow R by colliding with the protrusion 634. A guiding portion 612 is provided on the downstream side of the protruding portion 634, and the game ball bounced by the protruding portion 634 is guided to the guiding portion 612.

  In the present embodiment, the protrusion 634 is configured such that the game ball is inclined by a predetermined angle (for example, approximately 80 degrees). ) Configured to guide to larger parts. As described above, the game ball is guided to a portion where the guide angle of the game ball in the guide unit 612 is larger than the predetermined angle by the collision with the protrusion 634, and thus the guide of the game ball by the guide unit 612 is preferably performed. Can function.

  The protrusion 634 may guide the game ball to a portion of the guide portion 612 where the guide angle of the game ball (that is, the tilt angle of the inclined surface 612A) is greater than approximately 45 degrees, from approximately 70 degrees. It is preferable to guide to a large part, and it is preferable to guide to a part larger than approximately 85 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, in the left main sphere passage 652A, the inlet 654A1 to the left follower passage 653A is formed on the downstream side of the protrusion 634. In addition, the entrance 654A1 has a peripheral edge of the left main sphere passage 652A when the entrance 654A1 and the left main sphere passage 652A are viewed from the right side of the left main sphere passage 652A (the front side in FIG. 16A). (That is, the boundary of the virtual left main ball passage 652A in the space through which the game ball can substantially pass, which is defined by the outer shape of the game ball supported by the guide portion 612). It is formed at a position offset to the inside (that is, the back side).

  In this way, the inlet portion 654A1 is located on the side where the protrusion 634 is provided with respect to the peripheral edge of the left main sphere passage 652A when the inlet 654A1 and the left main sphere passage 652A are viewed from the right side (that is, It is offset to the back side. Similarly to the inlet portion 654A1, the inlet portion 654A2 is also formed on the downstream side of the projection 634, and when the inlet portion 654A2 and the left main sphere passage 652A are viewed from the left side, The peripheral edge is offset to the side where the protrusion 634 is provided.

  That is, the game ball bounced forward by the collision with the protrusion 634 is the left main ball passage 652A when the left main ball passage 652A is not formed with the inlet 654A1 (that is, when viewed from the same direction). In the left main sphere passage 652A and the side that does not overlap the inlet portions 654A1 and 654A2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, the left follower ball passage 653A supports the bottom surface of the passage (that is, the game ball) from the inlet 654A1 toward the downstream side (left side in FIG. 15B). The support surface is configured by an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the downstream side (the direction of the arrow Q5). For this reason, it is prevented that the game ball travels in the reverse direction (the direction opposite to the arrow Q5) from the game area side corresponding to the downstream side with respect to the left follower ball passage 653A, and the game ball does not enter the left main ball passage 652A. Has been. As a result, the probability that a game ball flowing down the game area without going through the entrance 611 of the middle start winning device 431 enters the left middle start winning port 431Aa is suppressed, and the game ball enters the entrance 611 of the middle start winning device 431. The winning amount to the left middle starting winning port 431Aa can be easily proportional to the amount, and the winning probability of the game ball to the left middle starting winning port 431Aa can be easily set. The length of the inclined surface constituting the bottom surface of the left follower passage 653A is preferably set longer than the radius of the game ball, and more preferably set longer than the diameter. Note that the inlet surface 654B1 of the right follower ball passage 653B and the inlet portions 654A2 and B2 of the central follower ball passage 653C also have an inclined surface in which the bottom surface of each passage is inclined downward (downward in the direction of arrows Q6 to Q8). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the game balls that have traveled in the reverse direction in the right follower ball passage 653B and the central follower ball passage 653C from entering the left main ball passage 652A and the right main ball passage 652B.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, the left follower passage 653A is the length between the upper surface (top surface) and the bottom surface in the direction from the inlet 654A1 toward the downstream side (left side in FIG. 15B). As described above, the upper surface side continues longer than the bottom surface side toward the downstream side. The right follower ball passage 653B has the same configuration, so that the game ball flowing down from the game area from the upper side to the left follower ball passage 653A and the right follower ball passage 653B is left and left main ball passage 652A and right side It is possible to prevent entry into the follower ball passage 653B.

  Further, on the upper side with respect to the outlet portion of the left follower ball passage 653A, a wall portion that is continuous toward the center side (inlet 611 side) in an arc shape when viewed from the front due to the outer shape of the front cover 610 is provided. The game ball supported by the wall and guided downward is guided so as to be separated outward (left side in FIG. 15B) with respect to the outlet portion of the left follower ball passage 653A. The outer shape of the front cover 610 on the upper side with respect to the outlet portion of the right follower ball passage 653B is configured in the same manner, so that the game ball guided while being supported on the lower side by the outer shape of the front cover 610 is on the left side. Preventing entry into the main ball path 652A and the right side secondary ball path 653B, and a game ball entering the left middle start winning port 431Aa and the right middle start winning port 431Ba without passing through the inlet 611 of the middle start winning device 431 Can be prevented.

  Next, the operation and effect of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the main ball passages 652A and 652B of the middle start winning device 431 are configured as ball passages that guide the game balls from the top to the bottom and then back to the middle start winning prize. The switches 441A and 441B are provided at positions where the game balls guided backward in the main ball passages 652A and 652B can be detected. Therefore, the size in the vertical direction of the middle start winning device 431 can be reduced as compared with the case where detection means such as the middle start winning switches 441A and 441B are provided below the passage extending downward. As the vertical start size of the middle start winning device 431 is reduced, it is possible to secure a large game area where the game balls flow down.

  Further, by disposing the middle start winning switches 441A and 441B with the circuit portion J2 facing upward, the main ball passage 652A for guiding the circuit portion J2 to the back after guiding the game ball from the top to the bottom. In 652B, it can fit in the dead space formed in the back side (back side) of the channel | path part of an up-down direction. Thereby, the size of the middle start winning device 431 can be suitably reduced not only in the vertical direction but also in the depth direction.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the flow direction changing portion of the main ball passages 652A and 652B (the portion where the guiding direction of the game ball changes from the downward direction to the deep direction) flows down the flow direction changing portion. A guiding portion 612 is provided for guiding the game ball to be gradually decreased as the guidance angle of the game ball with respect to the horizontal direction decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow direction of the game ball.

  By providing the guiding portion 612 in the flow direction changing portion, the game ball that enters the left main ball passage 652A or the right main ball passage 652B and flows downward by the sorting by the sorting portion 620 is changed to the flow direction changing portion. , The flow direction changes toward the back while gradually losing the downward component by the guiding portion 612. Thus, the guiding unit 612 has a function of rectifying the flow of the game ball so that the game ball flowing downward flows smoothly backward in the flow direction changing portion.

  The game balls flowing down the flow direction changing portion are smoothly flown to the back side by the guide portion 612, and are thus distributed to the left main ball passage 652A or the right main ball passage 652B by the sorting portion 620. The time lag until the game ball is detected by the middle start winning switch 441A, 441B can be suitably shortened. Accordingly, in the middle start winning device 431 including the main ball passages 652A and 652B for guiding the game ball downward from the upper side, the game ball is placed on the left main ball passage 652A or the right main ball. It can be suitably suppressed that the time lag from the distribution to the passage 652B to the detection by the middle start winning switch 441A, 441B increases and the game tempo deteriorates.

  In the flow direction changing portion of the main ball passages 652A and 652B, the follower ball passages 653A, 653B, and 653C branch from the main ball passages 652A and 652B in a direction intersecting with the flow direction of the game ball. As described above, the game ball flowing down the changing portion smoothly flows to the back side by the guide portion 612, so that the game ball is hardly discharged from the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, and 654B2. Thereby, it is suppressed that the game ball which flows down the flow direction change part enters into the follower ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C.

  In particular, a protrusion 634 is provided on the back wall of the main ball passages 652A and 652B at a position upstream of the guide portion 612, and a game ball flowing down the main ball passages 652A and 652B is brought into the protrusion 634. In the case of a collision, the game ball is guided to a portion where the guide angle of the game ball in the guide portion 612 is larger than a predetermined angle due to the collision with the protrusion 634. Thereby, the game ball that flows downward is preferably suppressed from rapidly changing in the downward direction in the downward direction in the downward direction changing portion. Therefore, the guidance of the game ball by the guide unit 612 can be suitably functioned, and thereby the entry of the game ball into the follower ball passages 653A, 653B, and 653C can be more preferably suppressed.

  In addition, the inclined surface 612A of the guide portion 612 is outside the periphery of the inlet portions 654A2, 654B1, 654B2 when the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2 and the ball passages 652A, 652B are viewed from the left or right side. Located in the direction. That is, the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, and 654B2 are the peripheral edges of the main spherical passages 652A and 652B when the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, and 654B2 and the main spherical passages 652A and 652B are viewed from the left or right side. That is, with respect to the virtual ball boundary in the space through which the game ball can substantially pass, which is defined by the outer shape of the game ball supported by the guide portion 612, the inner side of each main ball passage 652A, 652B (that is, the back). Side).

  Thus, the positional relationship between the inclined surface 612A of the guiding portion 612 and the peripheral edges of the inlet portions 654A2, 654B1, 654B2 is set, so that these inlet portions 654A2, 654B1, 654B2 and the main ball passages 652A, 652B, When the game ball flowing down the main ball passages 652A and 652B enters the follower ball passages 653A, 653B and 653C when viewed from the left or the right side, the follower ball passages 653A and 653A with respect to the main ball passages 652A and 652B In addition to the movement of 653B and 653C in the branch direction (that is, leftward or rightward), the direction in which the inlet portions 654A2, 654B1, and 654B2 are offset (that is, the movement to the inside of the main sphere passages 652A and 652B is required) Therefore, also in this respect, the middle start winning device 431 has the main ball paths 652A and 652A. Game ball flowing down the B is 従球 passages 653A, 653B, it is configured difficulties entering 653c.

  In particular, the protrusion 634 formed on the upstream side of the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, and 654B2 connects the inner side of the main ball passage 652A, that is, the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2, and the main ball passages 652A, 652B. This is the same as the offset direction of the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2 with respect to the main sphere passages 652A, 652B when viewed from the left or right side. Therefore, the game ball bounced forward (in the direction opposite to the offset direction) by the collision with the protrusion 634 is the side where the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2 are not formed in the main ball passages 652A, 652B. Be guided to. Therefore, also in this point, the possibility that the game balls flowing down the main ball passages 652A and 652B may enter the slave ball passages 653A, 653B, and 653C from the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, and 654B2 can be preferably reduced.

  Note that when the game ball flows down the back side of the main ball passages 652A and 652B, and the game ball falls to a portion where the inclination angle of the inclined surface 612A of the guide portion 612 is close to the horizontal, the game ball moves upward. The possibility of jumping up and entering the follower ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C through the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2 is increased. However, the protrusion 634 is formed on the main ball passages 652A and 652B on the side where the entrance 654A1 is offset (that is, the back side), so that the angle of the inclined surface 612A of the game ball is almost horizontal. The possibility of falling into the water is suppressed. Therefore, also in this respect, the possibility that the game balls flowing down the main ball passages 652A and 652B enter the sub ball passages 653A, 653B, and 653C from the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, and 654B2 is reduced.

  In addition, between the entrance portion 654A1 or the entrance portion 654A2 and the guide portion 612, and between the entrance portion 654B1 or the entrance portion 654B2 and the guide portion 612, a game ball is located at the periphery of the entrance portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, and 654B2. When supported by the guiding portion 612, a recess 662 into which a part of the game ball falls is formed. As described above, in order for the game ball supported only by the guide portion 612 and flowing down the flow direction changing portion to enter the follower ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C via the inlet portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2, Since the game ball needs to move away from the bottom after once approaching the bottom of the recess 662, the game start ball 431 also flows down the main ball passages 652A and 652B in this respect. However, it is difficult to enter the secondary ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C.

  The middle start winning device 431 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, so that a part of the game ball that has entered from the entrance 611 does not enter any of the middle start winning devices 431A and 431B. It has a function of discharging from the medium start winning device 431 with a low probability.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, all the game balls flowing down the main ball passages 652A, 652B win a prize by providing the secondary ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C branched from the main ball passages 652A, 652B. In addition, unexpectedness can be imparted to a game in which a game ball is made to enter the middle start winning device 431, thereby suppressing the game from becoming monotonous. Further, since the secondary ball passages 653A, 653B, and 653C are provided, the secondary ball passages 653A, 653B, and 653C serve as escape routes, and the occurrence of clogging in the main ball passages 652A and 652B can be suppressed.

  However, when many of the game balls that have entered the main ball passages 652A and 652B enter the secondary ball passages 653A, 653B, and 653C, the probability of entering the left and right middle start winning devices 431A and 431B (that is, the probability of occurrence of a prize) ) Becomes lower, the player who expected the winning by entering the middle start winning device 431 may be discouraged, thereby reducing the interest of the game.

  On the other hand, according to the middle start prize winning device 431 of the present embodiment, as described above, the approach probability to the follower ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C is configured with a very low probability, so the entrance from the entrance 611 is performed. Most of the game balls that have entered the left and right middle start winning holes 431Aa and 431Ba (that is, the entrance portion of the left and right middle start winning devices 431A and 431B), the start winnings related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol Will occur. Therefore, it is possible to suitably secure the probability of entering the left and right middle start winning devices 431A and 431B (that is, the probability of occurrence of a win) while suppressing the monotonization of the game in which the game ball enters the middle start winning device 431. it can.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the pachinko machine 100 of the second embodiment, an intermediate start winning device 731 is provided instead of the intermediate start winning device 431 of the above-described embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “first embodiment”). In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the middle start winning device 431 is configured such that the inlet portions 654A1 and 654B1 of the follower ball passages 653A and 653B are arranged at positions where the peripheral edges thereof are substantially in contact with the front surface of the game board 400 (FIG. 16). , See FIG. That is, in the middle start winning device 431 of the first embodiment, when the inlet portions 654A1, 654B1 of the follower ball passages 653A, 653B are viewed from the left or right side, the inlet portions 654A1, 654B1 and the main ball passages 652A, 652B are viewed. In addition, the game board 400 is arranged with no offset with respect to the front surface.

  On the other hand, in the middle start winning device 731 of the second embodiment, the inlet portions 754A and 754B of the follower ball passages 753A and 753B are front surfaces of the game board 400 when the inlet portions 754A and 754B are viewed from the left or right side. It is characterized by being arranged offset to the back side.

  FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the middle start winning device 731 of the second embodiment, as viewed from above, taken along a plane passing through the inlet portions 754A and 754B. The middle start winning device 731 includes one main ball passage 752. That is, unlike the middle start winning device 431, the middle start winning device 731 is a single starting device according to a predetermined special symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

  Similarly to the left and right main ball passages 652A and 652B in the first embodiment, the main ball passage 752 guides the game ball P from the top to the bottom and then guides the game ball to the back (the direction of the arrow Q13). It is a passage. When a game ball flowing down the main ball passage 752 is detected by the middle start winning switch 741 without entering the follower ball passages 753A and 753B, either the first special symbol or the second special symbol A start-up prize related to the special symbol that has been decided is generated. The intermediate start winning switch 741 is a switch having the same configuration and function as the intermediate starting winning switches 441A and 441B.

  Therefore, in the middle start winning device 731, the game ball flowing down the main ball passage 752 does not enter the left and right slave ball passages 753 </ b> A and 753 </ b> B and is always downstream from the boundary position Z where the middle start winning switch 741 is detected. The side functions as an “advantageous region that gives a predetermined specification by passing”.

  As with the left and right main ball passages 652A and 652B, a guide portion 612 is provided in the flow direction changing portion of the main ball passage 752 (the portion where the guidance direction of the game ball changes from downward to back). In the flow direction changing portion, the game ball flowing downward is configured to smoothly flow backward.

  The main ball passage 752 is in a direction that intersects the flow direction (vertical direction and front-rear direction) of the game ball in the flow direction changing portion at the flow direction changing portion (that is, the left and right main ball passages 652A and 652B) (that is, Branches to the left and right of the game machine front view. The left follower passage 753A is a spherical passage that branches from the main sphere passage 752 to the left, and the right follower passage 753B is a spherical passage that branches from the main sphere passage 752 to the right.

  The inlet portions 754A and 754B of the follower ball passages 753A and 753B are offset from the front surface of the game board 400 when viewed from the left or right side when the inlet portions 754A and 754B are viewed from the left or right side. Therefore, the game ball P that has entered the left follower passage 753A from the main ball passage 752 via the left inlet 754A passes through a movement route including a route moving from the back side to the front side as indicated by an arrow Q15. From the exit of the left follower passage 753A, the game board 400 is discharged to the left game area with respect to the middle start winning device 731.

  Also, the game ball P that has entered the right follower passage 753B from the main ball passage 752 through the right inlet 754B passes through a movement route including a route moving from the back side to the front side as indicated by an arrow Q16. From the exit of the right follower passage 753B, the game board 400 is discharged to the game area on the right side with respect to the middle start winning device 731.

  Next, operations and effects of the pachinko machine 100 including the medium start winning device 731 described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the entrance portions 754A and 754B of the follower ball passages 753A and 753B look at the entrance portions 754A and 754B from the left or right side in the middle start winning device 731, the game board 400 It is arranged offset from the front side of the back side. Therefore, the game ball that branches off from the main ball passage 752 and passes through the follower ball passages 753A and 753B needs to move at least from the back side to the front side.

  Here, when it is considered that the game ball flowing down the game board 400 enters the follower ball passages 753A and 753B from the exits of the follower ball passages 753A and 753B, the game balls 400 flow backward in the follower ball passages 753A and 753B (that is, In order for the game ball to move in the direction opposite to the arrows Q15 and Q16) to join the main ball passage 752, the game ball needs to move from the near side to the far side. Therefore, it is difficult for a game ball flowing down the game board 400 to enter the main ball passage 752 via the follower ball passages 753A and 753B. Thereby, it can suppress suitably that a game ball will not generate | occur | produce, without going through the entrance of the middle start prize-winning apparatus 731 (namely, through the path | route which is not intended).

  The above-described middle start winning device 731 is configured to include one main ball path 752, but, like the middle start winning device 431 of the first embodiment, includes a plurality of main ball paths 752 and enters from the entrance. A configuration may be adopted in which game balls are distributed to any of the plurality of main ball passages 752.

  Further, the number of entrances (not shown) of the middle start winning device 731 is not limited to one, and a plurality of entrances may be provided. When a plurality of entrances of the middle start winning device 731 are provided, the game balls that have entered from the plurality of entrances merge with the main ball passage 752 through the passages connected to the entrances.

  At this time, it may be configured such that whether or not to enter one entrance or a plurality of entrances is changed by moving the entrance position or opening and closing the lid. In such a case, it is possible to enter the entrance depending on the timing, so that the number of game balls flowing down around the middle start winning device 731 increases due to the failure to enter the entrance. Therefore, in such a case, the configuration of the middle start winning device 731 of the second embodiment, that is, the inlet portions 754A and 754B of the follower ball passages 753A and 753B are viewed from the left or the right side of the inlet portions 754A and 754B. A configuration that is sometimes provided at a position offset to the back side with respect to the front surface of the game board 400 is particularly preferable.

  Further, like the middle start winning device 731 of the second embodiment, the entrance portions 754A and 754B of the follower ball passages 753A and 753B have the front surface of the game board 400 when the entrance portions 754A and 754B are viewed from the left or right side. In the configuration provided at a position offset to the back side, the position where the follower ball passage branches off from the main sphere passage (that is, the position where the inlet portion of the follower ball passage is formed) changes in the flow direction. This is not limited to the portion of the passage where the guiding direction of the game ball changes from downward to back, such as the portion of the passage, but is simply the portion of the passage that faces the back side downstream from the portion where the flow direction changes. May be.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the middle start winning device 431 according to the first embodiment, every time a game ball enters from the entrance 611, the distribution destination of the distribution unit 620 is alternately switched between the left main ball passage 652A and the right main ball passage 652B. Met. That is, according to the middle start winning device 431 according to the first embodiment, the start related to the first or second special symbol by the game ball distributed to the left or right main ball passages 652A and 652B by the distribution unit 620. Regardless of whether or not a winning has occurred, the distribution destination of the distribution unit 620 is alternately switched between the left main sphere passage 652A and the right main sphere passage 652B.

  On the other hand, in the middle start winning device 431 according to the third embodiment, the game balls that have entered from the entrance 611 are distributed to the left main ball passage 652A by the distribution unit 620, but have entered the left follower passage 653A. As a result, when the opportunity to start the start prize related to the first special symbol is lost, the next allocation destination by the allocation unit 620 is changed to the same left main sphere path 652A as the current allocation destination. . In the following description, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic front cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the follower ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C in the middle start winning device 431 of the third embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 19A illustrates a case where the distribution destination change lever 810 is in an inoperative state, and FIG. 19B illustrates a state where the distribution destination change lever 810 is operated. .

  In FIG. 19, the distribution destination change lever 810 and the parts that change based on the operation of the distribution destination change lever 810 (that is, a link mechanism 820 and a distribution unit 620 described later) are shown in an emphasized manner. In addition, portions related to the ball passages (that is, the main ball passages 652A and 652B and the secondary ball passages 653A to 653C) in the middle start winning device 431 are illustrated by thin lines. In FIG. 19, cross-sectional hatching is omitted.

  The distribution destination changing lever 810 includes a plate-shaped lever portion 811 and a shaft portion 812 that protrudes rearward from the rear upper end side of the lever portion 811. The distribution destination changing lever 810 is attached to the middle start winning device 431 by inserting the shaft portion 812 through an insertion opening (not shown) formed through the base plate 630. As shown in FIG. 19A, in the non-actuated state, the allocation destination changing lever 810 is such that the lever portion 811 hangs down with the shaft portion 812 as the upper side, thereby covering the outlet side in the left follower ball passage 653A.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, when a game ball P that has entered the middle start winning device 431 from the entrance 611 enters the left ball receiving unit 622F in the distribution unit 620, the game ball P is distributed. The portion 620 is distributed to the left main sphere passage 652A by turning counterclockwise (counterclockwise in FIG. 19). As the game balls P are distributed to the left main ball passage 652A, the distribution unit 620 has the right ball receiving unit 622G directed toward the entrance 611.

  The game balls P distributed to the left main sphere passage 652A are guided downward (from the arrow Q1 direction) through the left main sphere passage 652A. At this time, if the game ball P that is guided downward in the left main sphere passage 652A is guided backward through the flow direction changing portion without entering the follower passages 653A and 653C, the left middle start This is detected by the winning switch 441A, and thereby, the starting winning according to the first special symbol is generated.

  On the other hand, when the game ball P guided downward from the left main ball passage 652A enters the left follower passage 653A (that is, in the direction of the arrow Q5), the game ball P is It abuts on the lever portion 811 at the exit of the passage 653A. The lever portion 811 is pushed in the left direction as the game ball P advances, and as a result, as shown in FIG. R1 direction). Thereby, the allocation destination change lever 810 operates.

  Although details will be described later, a link mechanism 820 described later is provided between the shaft portion 812 of the sorting destination changing lever 810 and the shaft 621 of the sorting portion 620. In the present embodiment, the shaft 621 of the sorting unit 620 is fixed to the main body 622 and is configured to rotate with the rotation of the main body 622. When the distribution destination changing lever 810 is operated (that is, the lever portion 811 is rotated together with the shaft portion 812), the link mechanism 820 is operated, and as shown in FIG. The distributing unit 620 is rotated so that the ball receiving unit 622F faces the inlet 611 side.

  Therefore, when the distribution unit 620 distributes the game balls P to the left main ball passage 652A, the right ball receiving portion 622G is directed to the entrance 611 side. When the vehicle enters the link mechanism 820, the link mechanism 820 is operated based on the operation of the sorting destination changing lever 810, whereby the left ball receiving portion 622F is directed again toward the inlet 611.

  That is, when the game ball P distributed to the left main ball passage 652A in the current distribution by the distribution unit 620 enters the left follower ball passage 653A without going backward through the flow direction change portion, The unit 620 distributes the game ball that has entered next from the entrance 611 to the left follower passage 653A again, not to the right main ball passage 652B.

  The sorting destination changing lever 810 also includes a weight 813 embedded in an end side different from the shaft portion 812 in the lever portion 811. Thereby, when the game ball P is discharged from the left follower ball passage 653A and is separated from the lever portion 811, the distribution destination changing lever 810 in the operating state is returned to the non-operating state by the biasing force generated by the weight 813. To do.

  20 (a) is a front view of the link mechanism 820, and FIG. 20 (b) is a side view of the link mechanism 820 viewed in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 20 (a). In FIG. 20A, the lever portion 811 of the sorting destination changing lever 810 and the main body 622 of the sorting portion 620 that are located on the front side with respect to the link mechanism 820 are illustrated by two-dot chain lines.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the link mechanism 820 includes a first link portion 821 disposed on the distribution destination changing lever 810 side, a second link portion 822 disposed on the distribution portion 620 side, The third link unit 823 is disposed between the first link unit 821 and the second link unit 822.

  The first link portion 821 is an elongated member whose one end is fixed to the shaft portion 812 of the sorting destination changing lever 810. A hole into which the shaft portion 812 can be inserted is formed on one end side of the first link portion 821, and the first link portion 821 is fixed to the shaft portion 812 by inserting the shaft portion 812 into the hole.

  The second link part 822 is a fan-shaped member whose center side is fixed to the shaft 621 of the distribution part 620. A hole into which the shaft 621 can be inserted is formed on the center side of the fan-shaped second link portion 822, and the second link portion 822 is fixed to the shaft 621 by inserting the shaft 621 into the hole.

  The third link portion 823 is a rod-shaped member, and one end side of the third link portion 823 is a back side opposite to the shaft portion 812 in the first link portion 821 (that is, the surface opposite to the surface to which the shaft portion 812 is fixed). The other end side is arranged on the back side of the circular arc side of the fan-shaped second link part 822 (that is, the side opposite to the surface on which the shaft 621 is fixed).

  The pin 823A can be inserted into an end side of the first link portion 821 that is different from the side to which the shaft portion 812 is fixed, so that the first link portion 821 can rotate with respect to the shaft portion of the pin 823A. A hole is formed through. By fixing the pin 823A inserted from the front side of the first link part 821 to the front side of the third link part 823 with respect to the hole, the first link part 821 and the third link part 823 are relative to each other. To be pivotally connected.

  On the other hand, on the arc side of the second link portion 822, a long hole 822A that allows the third link portion 823 to slide relative to the second link portion 822 is formed. The outer peripheral side of the long hole 822 </ b> A (the side close to the arc in the second link portion 822) has an arc shape with a constant distance from the axis of the shaft 621. By fixing the pin 823B inserted from the front side of the second link part 822 to the front side of the third link part 823 with respect to the long hole 822A, the third link part 823 is connected to the second link part 822. On the other hand, it is slidably connected.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the link mechanism 820. In addition, in FIG. 21, while showing the shape of the lever part 811 vicinity of the allocation destination change lever 810 in the middle start prize-winning device 431, the lever part 811 and the main body 622 of the allocation part 620 are illustrated by a two-dot chain line. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 21 (a), when the left ball receiving portion 622F of the distribution portion 620 faces upward (inlet 611 side) and the distribution destination changing lever 810 is in an inoperative state, the link mechanism 820 is kept stationary in a state in which the pin 823B of the third link portion 823 is disposed on the end side away from the first link portion 821 in the long hole 822A.

  As shown in FIG. 21B, when the game ball P enters the left ball receiving portion 622F of the distribution portion 620, the distribution portion 620 (main body) is distributed to distribute the game ball P to the left main ball passage 652A. 622) rotates in the counterclockwise direction (in the direction of the arrow L1) with the shaft 621 as the rotation axis, the second link portion 822 is interlocked with the rotation of the distribution portion 620 and the shaft 621 is the rotation axis. Rotating counterclockwise, thereby causing the long hole 822A to slide to the right with respect to the pin 823B.

  As a result, the link mechanism 820 is in a state where the pin 823B is disposed on the end side closer to the first link portion 821 in the long hole 822A. In addition, the shape of the outer peripheral side in the long hole 822A is an arc shape with a constant distance from the axis of the shaft 621. Therefore, even when the long hole 822A slides with respect to the pin 823B, the distance from the axis of the shaft 621 to the pin 823B does not change. Therefore, in such a case, the third link unit 823 and the first link unit 821 do not operate. Therefore, even if the distribution unit 620 rotates to distribute the game balls P, the distribution destination changing lever 810 is not operated by the link mechanism 820.

  As shown in FIG. 21C, when the game ball P distributed to the left main ball passage 652A enters the left slave ball passage 653A, the game ball P moves the lever portion 811 of the distribution destination change lever 810. The lever portion 811 rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow R1 direction) with the shaft portion 812 as a rotation axis. The first link portion 821 rotates in the clockwise direction with the shaft portion 812 as a rotation axis in conjunction with the rotation of the lever portion 811.

  As the first link portion 821 rotates in the clockwise direction, the link mechanism 820 operates, and the distributing portion 620 (main body 622) rotates clockwise (in the direction of arrow R2) about the shaft 621 as the rotation axis. Move. The third link portion 823 is pulled toward the first link portion 821 because the first link portion 821 rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow R1 direction) with the shaft portion 812 as a rotation axis.

  As a result, the pin 823B of the third link portion 823 pulls the end of the elongated hole 822A closer to the first link portion 821 toward the first link portion 821, so that the second link portion 822 rotates the shaft 621. It rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow R2 direction) as a moving axis. As the second link portion 822 rotates clockwise about the shaft 621 as a rotation axis, the distribution unit 620 (main body 622) rotates the shaft 621 in conjunction with the rotation of the second link portion 822. It rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow R2 direction) as a moving axis. As described above, as a result of the link mechanism 820 being operated based on the operation of the distribution destination changing lever 810, the distribution unit 620 has the left ball receiving unit 622F upward (inlet 611) as shown in FIG. The side of the

  When the game ball P is discharged from the left follower ball passage 653A, the game ball P does not come into contact with the lever portion 811. Therefore, the lever portion 811 is moved to the left with the shaft portion 812 as the rotation axis by the urging force generated by the weight 813. It rotates in the turning direction (arrow L2 direction). As a result, the sorting destination changing lever 810 returns to the non-operating position.

  As the lever portion 811 rotates in the counterclockwise direction with the shaft portion 812 as the rotation axis, the first link portion 821 also rotates in the counterclockwise direction with the shaft portion 812 as the rotation axis. As a result, the third link portion 823 is pushed toward the second link portion 822, but the pin 823B of the third link portion 823 slides to the right with respect to the long hole 822A of the second link portion 822. The second link unit 822 does not operate. As a result of the pin 823B sliding to the right with respect to the long hole 822A of the second link portion 822, the link mechanism 820 returns to the state shown in FIG.

  Note that if the game balls P distributed to the left main ball passage 652A do not enter the left follower passage 653A, for example, proceeding backward through the flow direction changing portion, the distribution destination changing lever 810 does not operate. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21B, the distribution unit 620 is in a state in which the right ball receiving unit 622G faces upward (toward the inlet 611).

  In this state, the next game ball enters from the entrance 611, so that the distributing unit 620 (main body 622) rotates clockwise about the shaft 621 (opposite to the arrow L1 direction in FIG. 21B). When the second link portion 822 rotates in the clockwise direction, the second link portion 822 rotates in the clockwise direction about the shaft 621 as the rotation axis in conjunction with the rotation of the sorting portion 620. However, in this case, since the long hole 822A slides leftward with respect to the pin 823B, the third link portion 823 and the first link portion 821 do not operate. Thereby, the link mechanism 820 returns to the state shown in FIG.

  That is, by forming the long hole 822A in the second link portion 822, the link mechanism 820 can be operated by the operation of the distribution destination changing lever 810, while the link mechanism 820 is operated by the operation (rotation) of the distribution unit 620. It can be disabled.

  Next, operations and effects of the pachinko machine 100 including the link mechanism 820 described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, when the game balls distributed to the left main ball passage 652A by the distribution unit 620 enter the left follower ball passage 653A, the game balls are provided at the exit of the left follower ball passage 653A. The distribution destination change lever 810 is operated, thereby the link mechanism 820 acting on the distribution unit 620 is operated, and the next distribution destination by the distribution unit 620 is the same as the current distribution destination. It is changed to 652A.

  In the middle start winning device 431 of the present embodiment, the sorting unit 620 rotates alternately left and right each time a game ball is distributed, so that the game ball is distributed to the left main ball passage 652A and the right side. The main ball path 652B is alternately switched. Therefore, when all the game balls distributed by the distribution unit 620 are detected by the left middle start winning switch 441A or the right middle start winning switch 441B, the first special symbol start winning and the second special symbol starting are started. Winning will occur alternately.

  However, in the middle start winning device 431 of the present embodiment, the main ball passages 652A and 652B include secondary ball passages 653A to 653C branched from the main ball passages 652A and 652B from the medium start winning switch 441A and 441B. Since it is provided on the upstream side, not all game balls distributed by the distribution unit 620 are detected by the left middle start winning switch 441A or the right middle start winning switch 441B. Therefore, there is a possibility that the start winning generated by the game balls distributed by the allocating unit 620 is biased to the start winning of one special symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

  In particular, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, for each special symbol (the first special symbol, the second special symbol), the right of the unit game related to each special symbol is set to a predetermined maximum number for each special symbol. It is configured to be able to hold as an upper limit. Therefore, if the start prize related to the special symbol is biased to one of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the right of the unit game related to the one special symbol is maximized. It becomes easy to reach the number of times. As a result, even if a start win relating to the one special symbol occurs, if the unit game relating to the one special symbol cannot be held and is wasted, the player may lose the interest of the game.

  In addition, it is designed so that the advantage given to the player (for example, the big hit probability or the number of winning balls in the special symbol lottery) is different between the start winning of the first special symbol and the start winning of the second special symbol. In such a case, if the start winning that occurs in a biased manner has a relatively low advantage, the player may be dissatisfied with the game. In addition, there is a possibility that the player may feel monotonous in the game because the generated start prize is biased toward a specific special symbol.

  On the other hand, as described above, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the game balls that have entered from the entrance 611 are distributed to the left main ball passage 652A by the distribution unit 620, but enter the left follower passage 653A. As a result, when the start winning opportunity related to the first special symbol is lost, the next distribution destination by the distribution unit 620 is changed to the same left main ball passage 652A as the current distribution destination. Therefore, it is possible to obtain again the opportunity to generate the start prize related to the first special symbol. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the start winning of the special symbol generated based on the game balls distributed by the distribution unit 620 from being biased to that of the special symbol.

  In addition, the next allocation destination change by the allocation unit 620 based on the game ball entering the left follower passage 653A includes an allocation destination change lever 810 that operates when the game ball abuts, and an allocation destination change lever. Since it is mechanically performed by the link mechanism 820 that operates based on the operation of 810, the start of a special symbol generated based on the game balls distributed by the distribution unit 620 while suppressing the control load on the main control board 920 and the like It is possible to prevent the prize from being biased toward one of the special symbols.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the third embodiment, game balls that have entered the middle start winning device 431 from the entrance 611 are distributed to the left main ball passage 652A by the sorting unit 620, but enter the left follower passage 653A. As a result, when the start winning opportunity related to the first special symbol is lost, the next distribution destination by the distribution unit 620 is changed to the same left main ball passage 652A as the current distribution destination. The configuration was

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the fourth embodiment, when the start winning according to the second special symbol occurs based on the game ball entering the right start winning device 432, the distribution unit The next allocation destination by 620 is changed to be the same as the left main sphere passage 652A as the current allocation destination. In the following description, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic front view of the game area. In FIG. 22, the outline outline is shown about the main structure provided in a game area. As described above, the game area is generally divided by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 at the outer peripheral portion. Since the central structure 420 is provided at the center of the game area, the player can selectively perform the left-handed game technique and the right-handed game technique by changing the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252. Can do.

  That is, the player can perform the left-handed gaming technique by operating the launch handle 252 with a rotation operation amount such that the game ball does not flow down mainly on the right side of the central structure 420. On the other hand, the player operates the launch handle 252 with a rotational operation amount such that the game ball mainly flows down the right side of the central structure 420, that is, with a stronger rotational operation amount than when playing a left-handed game technique. It is possible to perform a right-handed gaming technique.

  The game area includes a left game area where a game ball flows down only by a left-handed game technique, a right game area where a game ball flows down only by a right-handed game technique, and a bottom where a left-hand game technique or a right-handed game technique can flow down. It can be divided into side game areas.

  The middle start winning device 431 and the general winning device 439A are provided in the left game area. That is, the player can enter the game ball into the middle start winning device 431 and the general winning device 439A by performing the left-handed gaming technique.

  On the other hand, the combination actuating device 435, the starting device 436, the right starting winning device 432, the lower major winning device 433, the upper major winning device 434, and the general winning device 439B are provided in the right game area. That is, the player plays the right-handed game technique to play the combination actuating device 435, the starting device 436, the right starting winning device 432, the lower major winning device 433, the upper major winning device 434, and the general winning device 439B. A ball can be entered.

  In the present embodiment, the ball passage 830 flows down to the downstream side of the right start winning switch 442 in the ball passage 830 that guides the game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 to the collection discharge passage (not shown). There is provided a sorting destination changing lever 850 that comes into contact with the game ball to be operated and operates downward by its own weight. The distribution destination changing lever 850 is connected to the distribution unit 620 via the link mechanism 840.

  Although details will be described later, when the allocation destination changing lever 850 is operated by the game ball flowing down the ball passage 830, the link mechanism 840 is operated, and the game ball that has entered the entrance 611 is distributed to the left main ball passage 652A. That is, the distribution unit 620 is rotated so that the left ball receiving unit 622F faces the inlet 611 side.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of the link mechanism 840. 23, the shape of the ball passage 830 through which the game ball that has entered the start winning device 432 passes is illustrated, and the lever portion 851 and the main body 622 positioned in front of the link mechanism 840 are illustrated by two-dot chain lines. ing.

  The distribution destination changing lever 850 includes a plate-like lever portion 851 and a shaft portion 852 that protrudes rearward from the rear left end side of the lever portion 851. In the non-actuated state, the distribution destination changing lever 850 has the surface of the lever portion 851 as a part of the lower surface of the passage portion that flows from the upper left to the lower right in the ball passage 830 as shown in FIG. So as to be disposed in the ball passage 830.

  When the game ball P enters the right start winning device 432, the game ball P flows down the ball passage 830 and passes over the lever portion 851 in the middle of the flow. When the game ball P passes over the lever portion 851, the lever portion 851 is pushed downward (gravity direction) by the weight of the game ball P, and as a result, as shown in FIG. Using the part 852 as a rotation axis, the part 852 rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow R3 direction) together with the shaft part 852. Thereby, the distribution destination changing lever 850 is operated.

  The allocation destination changing lever 850 includes a spring mechanism (not shown) that generates an urging force for returning the lever portion 851 rotated clockwise by the game ball P to the non-operating position. Yes. Thereby, when the game ball P passes over the lever portion 851, the sorting destination changing lever 810 in the operating state is moved to the non-operating position (ie, FIG. 23A) by the biasing force generated by the spring mechanism. To the state shown).

  As shown in FIG. 23A, the link mechanism 840 includes a first link portion 841 disposed on the distribution destination changing lever 850 side, a second link portion 842 disposed on the distribution portion 620 side, The third link portion 843 is disposed between the first link portion 841 and the second link portion 842.

  The first link portion 841 is an elongated member whose one end is fixed to the shaft portion 852 of the sorting destination changing lever 850. A hole into which the shaft portion 852 can be inserted is formed on one end side of the first link portion 841, and the first link portion 841 is fixed to the shaft portion 852 by inserting the shaft portion 852 into the hole.

  The second link part 842 is a fan-shaped member whose center side is fixed to the shaft 621 of the distribution part 620. A hole into which the shaft 621 can be inserted is formed on the center side of the fan-shaped second link portion 842, and the second link portion 842 is fixed to the shaft 621 by inserting the shaft 621 into the hole.

  The third link portion 843 is a rod-shaped member, and one end side of the third link portion 843 is the back surface side of the first link portion 841 that is different from the shaft portion 852 (that is, the surface opposite to the surface to which the shaft portion 852 is fixed). The other end side is arranged on the back side of the circular arc side of the fan-shaped second link portion 842 (that is, the side opposite to the surface on which the shaft 621 is fixed).

  A pin 843A can be inserted into an end side of the first link portion 841 that is different from the side to which the shaft portion 852 is fixed, so that the first link portion 841 can rotate with respect to the shaft portion of the pin 843A. A hole is formed through. By fixing the pin 843A inserted from the front side of the first link portion 841 to the front side of the third link portion 843 with respect to the hole, the first link portion 841 and the third link portion 843 are relative to each other. To be pivotally connected.

  On the other hand, on the arc side of the second link portion 842, a long hole 842A that allows the third link portion 843 to slide relative to the second link portion 842 is formed. The outer peripheral side of the long hole 842A (the side close to the arc in the second link portion 842) has an arc shape with a constant distance from the axis of the shaft 621. By fixing the pin 843B inserted from the front side of the second link part 842 to the long hole 842A to the front side of the third link part 843, the third link part 843 is connected to the second link part 842. On the other hand, it is slidably connected.

  As shown in FIG. 23 (a), when the right ball receiving portion 622G of the distribution portion 620 faces upward (inlet 611 side) and the distribution destination changing lever 850 is in an inoperative state, the link mechanism 840 is kept stationary in a state where the pin 843B of the third link portion 843 is disposed on the end side away from the first link portion 841 in the long hole 842A.

  As shown in FIG. 23 (b), when the game ball P that has entered the right start winning device 432 passes over the lever portion 851, the lever portion 851 moves downward (gravity direction) depending on the weight of the game ball P. Thus, the shaft portion 852 is rotated in the clockwise direction (arrow R3 direction) together with the shaft portion 852 with the shaft portion 852 as a rotation axis. The first link portion 841 rotates in the clockwise direction with the shaft portion 852 as a rotation axis in conjunction with the rotation of the lever portion 851.

  When the first link portion 841 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the link mechanism 840 is operated, and the distributing portion 620 (main body 622) is rotated in the clockwise direction (arrow R4 direction) with the shaft 621 as the rotation axis. Move. Specifically, the third link portion 823 is pushed toward the second link portion 822 as the first link portion 841 rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow R3 direction) with the shaft portion 852 as a rotation axis. .

  As a result, the pin 843B of the third link portion 843 pushes the end of the long hole 842A away from the first link portion 841 toward the second link portion 842, so that the second link portion 842 rotates the shaft 621. It rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow R4 direction) as a moving axis. As the second link portion 842 rotates clockwise about the shaft 621 as a rotation axis, the distribution portion 620 (main body 622) rotates the shaft 621 in conjunction with the rotation of the second link portion 842. It rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow R4 direction) as a moving axis. As described above, as a result of the link mechanism 840 being operated based on the operation of the distribution destination changing lever 850, as shown in FIG. 23C, the distribution unit 620 has the left ball receiving unit 622F positioned upward (inlet 611). The side of the

  When the game ball P passes over the lever portion 851, the lever portion 851 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft portion 852 as a rotation axis by an urging force generated by a spring mechanism (not shown). As a result, the sorting destination changing lever 850 returns to the inoperative position.

  When the lever portion 851 rotates in the counterclockwise direction with the shaft portion 852 as the rotation axis, the first link portion 841 also rotates in the counterclockwise direction with the shaft portion 852 as the rotation axis. As a result, the third link portion 843 is pulled toward the first link portion 841, but the pin 843B of the third link portion 843 slides to the right with respect to the elongated hole 842A of the second link portion 842. The second link unit 842 does not operate. That is, even when the sorting destination changing lever 850 returns to the non-operating position, the sorting unit 620 does not change with the left ball receiving unit 622F facing upward (toward the inlet 611).

  With the left ball receiving portion 622F facing upward, the next game ball enters from the entrance 611, whereby the sorting portion 620 (main body 622) rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 621 (FIG. 23). When rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow R4 direction in (b), the second link portion 842 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 621 as the rotation axis in conjunction with the rotation of the distributing portion 620. To do. However, in such a case, since the long hole 842A slides to the right with respect to the pin 843B, the third link portion 843 and the first link portion 841 do not operate.

  That is, by forming the long hole 842A in the second link portion 842, the link mechanism 840 can be operated by the operation of the distribution destination changing lever 850, while the link mechanism 840 is operated by the operation (rotation) of the distribution unit 620. It can be disabled.

  Next, the operation and effect of the pachinko machine 100 including the link mechanism 840 described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the right start winning device 432 according to the second special symbol, the game ball is changed to the allocation destination changing lever 850 provided in the passage of the ball passage 830. Accordingly, the link mechanism 840 acting on the allocating unit 620 is activated, and the next allocation destination by the allocating unit 620 is the main ball path capable of generating the start winning of the first special symbol, that is, The left main sphere passage 652A is changed.

  In the middle start winning device 431 of the present embodiment, the sorting unit 620 rotates alternately left and right each time a game ball is distributed, so that the game ball is distributed to the left main ball passage 652A and the right side. The main ball path 652B is alternately switched. Therefore, when all the game balls distributed by the distribution unit 620 are detected by the left middle start winning switch 441A or the right middle start winning switch 441B, the first special symbol start winning and the second special symbol starting are started. Winning will occur alternately.

  However, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is provided separately from the middle start winning device 431. Therefore, the start is biased toward the start winning of the second special symbol. There is a risk of winning a prize.

  In particular, in the right start winning device 432, as described above, in the short time state such as the short time gaming state or the probability variation gaming state, the stay time of the right entry restriction mechanism 452 in the entry allowable state is set longer than that in the normal gaming state. Therefore, the probability of entering the right start winning device 432 is higher than that in the normal gaming state. Therefore, the player plays a game using the right-handed game technique in order to cause the game ball to enter the right start winning device 432 in the short-time game state and the probability variation game state. Therefore, in such a case, the start winning that occurs is likely to be biased to the start winning of the second special symbol.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, for each special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), the unit game right related to each special symbol is set to a predetermined maximum number for each special symbol. It is configured to be able to hold as an upper limit. For this reason, when the start winning relating to the special symbol occurs in a biased manner relative to the starting winning of the second special symbol, the unit game right relating to the second special symbol is likely to reach the maximum number of times. As a result, even if a start prize related to the second special symbol occurs, if the unit game related to the second special symbol cannot be held and is wasted, the player may lose interest in the game.

  In addition, it is designed so that the advantage given to the player (for example, the big hit probability or the number of winning balls in the special symbol lottery) is different between the start winning of the first special symbol and the start winning of the second special symbol. In such a case, if the start winning that occurs in a biased manner has a relatively low advantage, the player may be dissatisfied with the game. In addition, there is a possibility that the player may feel monotonous in the game because the generated start prize is biased toward a specific special symbol.

  On the other hand, as described above, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the game ball enters the right start winning device 432 according to the second special symbol, the next allocation destination by the distribution unit 620 Is changed to the left main sphere passage 652A, that is, the main sphere passage capable of generating the start winning of the first special symbol. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the start winning of the special symbol generated based on the game balls distributed by the distribution unit 620 from being biased to that of the special symbol (that is, the second special symbol). In addition, the next allocation destination change by the allocation unit 620 based on the game ball entering the right start winning device 432 includes an allocation destination change lever 850 that is operated by contact of the game ball, and an allocation destination change. Since it is mechanically performed by the link mechanism 840 that operates based on the operation of the lever 850, a special symbol generated based on the game balls distributed by the distribution unit 620 while suppressing the control load on the main control board 920 and the like. It is possible to suppress the start prize from being biased to that of one special symbol.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, by launching a game ball aiming at the right game area, the game ball can be generated only at the start winning prize of the second special symbol (that is, right start) It is possible to enter the winning device 432). Therefore, by providing the secondary ball passages 653A to 653C branching from the main ball passages 652A and 652B, the start winning device that does not necessarily generate the start winning of the first special symbol and the start winning of the second special symbol necessarily ( That is, in the configuration of the middle start winning device 431), the right-handed game technique is used to generate the start winning of the second special symbol, and the distributing portion change lever 850 and the link mechanism 840 operate by the operation of the distributing portion. Since the next allocation destination by 620 is changed to the left main ball passage 652A that can generate the start winning of the first special symbol instead of the start winning of the second special symbol, the starting winning of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are changed. Can be generated in a well-balanced manner. In this respect as well, it is possible to suppress the start winning of the special symbol generated based on the game balls distributed by the distribution unit 620 from being biased to the one of the special symbols.

  In the above-described fourth embodiment, the game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 is configured to operate the allocation destination changing lever 850. However, the game ball that is scheduled to enter the right start winning device 432 is swung by the game ball. The minute change lever 850 may be operated.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be modified as described below, for example. In this case, each configuration described below may be applied to each of the above embodiments, or a plurality of configurations described below may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments.

(1) Medium start winning device 431
In each of the above embodiments, the middle start winning device 431 includes the middle start winning switches 441A and 441B. However, the middle start winning switch 441A and 441B are not necessarily part of the middle start winning device 431. There is no. The middle start winning switch 441A, 441B is separated from the middle start winning device 431, and when the pachinko machine 100 is assembled, the middle start winning switch 441A, 441B is attached to the back side of the intermediate start winning device 431 so as to be unitized. There may be.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the middle start winning device 431 is configured such that the main ball passages 652A and 652B are ball passages that guide the game balls from the top to the bottom and then to the back. The guiding paths of the passages 652A and 652B are not necessarily the above-described paths.

  For example, the guiding path of the main ball passages 652A and 652B may be simply configured as a path for guiding the game ball from the top to the bottom. In such a case as well, the entry of the game balls flowing down the main ball passages 652A and 652B into the secondary ball passages can be suppressed as in the above embodiments. Therefore, in this modification, the vertical start size of the middle start winning device 431 is larger than that of the middle start winning device 431 exemplified in each of the above embodiments, but the medium start winning prize exemplified in each of the above embodiments. Like the apparatus 431, a suitable interest can be provided.

  Further, for example, the guiding path of the main ball paths 652A and 652B may be configured to be a path that guides the game ball leftward or rightward after guiding the game ball downward from above. In such a modification, the direction changing portion of the main ball passages 652A and 652B is a portion where the guiding direction of the game ball changes from downward to left or right, so that the game that flows downward from above to the direction changing portion. In addition to providing a guiding portion that guides the ball to the right or left, and by providing a secondary ball passage that branches forward or backward from the main ball passages 652A and 652B, the middle start winning device 431 illustrated in the first embodiment can be used. An effect similar to that of the guiding portion 612 can be achieved.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the middle start winning device 431 is attached to the game board 400 with the front portion exposed from the base plate 630 by being attached from the front side of the game board 400. The middle start winning device 431 may be attached from the back side of the game board 400. Further, the middle start winning device 431 may be configured so that at least the entrance 611 is exposed on the front surface of the game board 400.

  In each of the above embodiments, the middle start winning device 431 has a configuration in which the distributing unit 620 distributes the game balls to either the left or right main ball passages 652A, 652, but the configuration in which the game balls are distributed to the main ball passages. In this case, the number of main sphere paths to be distributed to may be three or more as long as it is plural. In addition, the middle start winning device 431 is configured to distribute the game balls to the plurality of main ball passages 652A and 652 to be started winning by the distributing unit 620, but only one main ball passage to be the start winning is provided. The main ball passage may be configured as a discharge ball passage through which game balls are discharged to the game area, and there may be one main ball passage as a distribution destination. In addition, a part of the game balls that are distributed by the distribution unit 620 and travel through the main ball passage do not necessarily have to generate a start prize, and may be another passage that leads to an advantageous area where a privilege is given to the player. For example, it may be a ball passage that leads to a winning opening where a certain number of game balls are paid out as prize balls without satisfying the lottery condition, or may be a specific passage that gives a game state advantageous to the player.

  In each of the above embodiments, the game balls are distributed to the left and right main ball passages 652A and 652 using the distribution unit 620 that swings to the left and right. However, the distribution unit 620 is a configuration that distributes the game balls. It is not limited to such a thing, but may be a stage or a croon.

(2) Guide unit 612
In each of the above embodiments, the guide portion 612 has a curved inclined surface 612A in which the inclination angle gradually decreases, but the inclined surface 612A does not necessarily have a curved shape. For example, the guide portion 612 may have a sloped surface 612A made of broken lines made of straight lines with different slopes, so that the guide angle becomes gradually smaller toward the downstream side.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the guide portion 612 is a convex portion extending with a width narrower than the passage width of the main sphere passages 652A and 652B. However, the guide portion 612 has the entire passage width of the main sphere passages 652A and 652B. It is good also as a structure formed in. That is, the flow direction changing portion may be configured by a wall surface that is inclined in a curved shape with a gradually decreasing inclination angle, and the wall surface may be the guiding portion 612.

  In each of the above embodiments, the guide portion 612 is configured as one convex portion extending with a width narrower than the passage width of the main sphere passages 652A and 652B. However, a plurality of parallel convex portions are guided. The configuration of the unit 612 may be used.

(3) Distribution unit 620
In each of the above embodiments, the allocating unit 620 is configured to distribute the game spheres using a mechanical configuration that uses the weight of the game sphere. It is good also as a structure performed by rotating the axis | shaft 621 controllably using.

(4) Main ball passages 652A and 652B and secondary ball passages 653A to 653C
In each of the above embodiments, the main ball passages 652A and 652B and the secondary ball passages 653A to 653C are made of resin. However, the passages are not necessarily made of resin, and other passage structures such as nails are at least partially formed. It is good also as a structure containing a member.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, entry preventing means for preventing the game ball from proceeding from the side of the secondary ball passages 653A to 653C to the main ball passages 652A and 652B may be provided. For example, a large number of nails may be arranged side by side above the outlet portions of the secondary ball passages 653A to 653C so that the game ball cannot advance from the downstream side to the upstream side of the secondary ball passages 653A to 653C.

  In each of the above embodiments, the configuration where the secondary ball passages 653A to 653C are provided on both the left and right sides of the main ball passages 652A and 652B has been described. It may be provided only on one side in the direction, and the game ball may not advance to the other side.

  For example, as a configuration in which the secondary ball passages 653A and 653B that can output the game balls toward the left and right sides of the middle start winning device 431 are omitted, a wall portion that closes the inlet portions 654A1 and 654B1 of the secondary ball passages 653A and 653B is provided. The game balls may be output from the main ball passages 652A and 652B only from the central follower passage 653C. The central follower ball passage 653C is provided with a distribution portion 620 above it, the upper side of the passage is closed, and a game area is formed in a passage portion that is continuous up and down on the side where the inlet portions 654A2 and 654B2 of the central follower ball passage 653C are opened. It is possible to make it easier to set the winning probability of the game ball to the left middle start winning port 431Aa and the right middle start winning port 431Ba. On the other hand, only the secondary ball passages 653A and 653B that can output game balls toward the left and right sides of the middle start winning device 431 may be provided, and the central secondary ball passage 653C may be omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration where the secondary ball passages 653A to 653C are provided on both the left and right sides of the main ball passages 652A and 652B has been described. The game balls may be output with substantially the same probability, or the game balls may be output with higher probability on one side in the left-right direction than on the other side.

  Here, a discharge port 401A is provided immediately below the central follower ball passage 653C. On the other hand, the game balls output from the left and right follower ball passages 653A and 653B travel downward and then reverse. The path through which the player visually recognizes the game ball that has been output and guided to the discharge port 401A is long, and the player is likely to be discouraged and dissatisfied. For this reason, a game ball may be output with higher probability on the side of the central follower ball passage 653C than on the left and right follower ball passages 653A and 653B. The ball is output again to the game area, and discouragement caused by the player visually recognizing the game ball can be reduced.

  On the other hand, the left and right follower passages 653A and 653B may output a game ball with a higher probability than the central follower passage 653C. Instead of or in addition to this configuration, An advantageous region (for example, the entrance of the general winning devices 439A and 439B) may be provided at a position where a game ball output from the ball passages 653A and 653B can enter. By applying these configurations, it is possible to make it easier for the player to have a sense of expectation for the provision of a privilege with respect to the game ball output from the middle start winning device 431, and has entered the middle start winning device 431. The discouragement caused by the game ball being output to the game area again can be reduced.

(5) Modified example related to change of distribution destination of distribution unit 620 using link mechanisms 820 and 840 In the third and fourth embodiments, the link mechanism is based on the operation of the distribution destination change levers 810 and 850. 820 and 840 actuate, and it was set as the structure by which the distribution part 620 is rotated. In other words, the distribution unit 620 is mechanically rotated by the link mechanisms 820 and 840 based on the operation of the distribution destination changing levers 810 and 850. Instead, a detection unit that electrically detects the operation of the distribution destination change levers 810 and 850 is provided, and when the operation of the distribution destination change levers 810 and 850 is detected by the detection unit, the distribution unit 620 may be configured to be electrically rotated using a drive source such as a motor.

  In the third embodiment, the assignment destination changing lever 810 is provided at the outlet of the left follower ball passage 653B. However, the assignment destination changing lever may be provided in the left follower ball passage 653B.

  In the third embodiment, the distribution destination changing lever 810 is provided only in the left slave ball passage 653B among the slave ball passages branched from the left main ball passage 652A. A distribution destination change lever is provided at a position where a game ball entering the passage 653C can come into contact. Even when the distribution destination change lever is activated, the link mechanism is activated and the distribution unit 620 performs the next distribution. It is good also as a structure which rotates the distribution part 620 so that a tip may become the left main sphere passage 652A.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of secondary ball passages branching from the left main ball passage 652A as in the middle start winning device 431 of the third embodiment, the design is such that the probability of being discharged from the plurality of secondary ball passages is different. In this case, a sorting destination changing lever may be provided in the secondary ball passage that is easily discharged.

  Also, the secondary ball passage branched from the right main sphere passage 652B is also provided with a distribution destination changing lever and a link mechanism that is operated by the operation of the distribution destination changing lever. It is good also as a structure which rotates the distribution part 620 so that the next distribution destination by 620 may become the right main sphere passage 652B. In addition, it is good also as a structure which does not provide an allocation destination change lever in the secondary ball path branched from the left main sphere path 652A, and provides an allocation destination change lever only in the secondary ball path branched from the right main ball path 652B.

  In the middle start winning device 431 of the third embodiment, the game balls that have passed through the left and right main ball passages 652A and 652B are detected by the middle start winning switch 441A or the middle start winning switch 441B. The main ball passage may be branched into a plurality of downstream from the branch with the follower ball passage, and a plurality of start winning switches may be provided for the plurality of branches.

  In such a case, the plurality of start winning switches may be configured only by the starting winning switch related to the first special symbol lottery or the starting winning switch related to the second special symbol lottery, or the start related to the first special symbol lottery. A winning switch and a starting winning switch related to the second special symbol lottery may be mixed. As described above, when a plurality of start winning switches are provided for one main ball passage, the next distribution destination changed by the operation of the distribution destination change lever is the main distribution destination at this time. It is preferable that the main ball passage is provided with a plurality of start winning switches provided in the ball passage.

  In the fourth embodiment, the case where the start winning device (right start winning device 432) according to the second special symbol provided separately from the right middle start winning device 431B is provided in the right game area is illustrated. However, the start winning device according to the second special symbol may be provided, for example, below the middle start winning device 431, that is, in the left game area.

  Or the structure by which the start prize-winning apparatus which concerns on a 2nd special symbol is provided in the lower game area may be sufficient. When the start winning device according to the second special symbol is provided in the lower game area, a distribution destination change lever is provided in the passing path (for example, warp path) of the game ball from the right game area to the lower game area. Also good.

  In the fourth embodiment, the allocation destination changing lever 850 is operated by entering the game ball into the right start winning device 432 provided in the right game area. Regardless of the start winning device related to the second special symbol, a distribution destination changing lever that is actuated by a game ball flowing down the right game area may be provided. For example, a configuration may be provided in which an allocation destination changing lever that is actuated by a game ball that has entered a combination actuating device 435 through which a game ball that has entered the right game area always passes. According to this modification, it is possible to change the next distribution destination by the distribution unit 620 by launching the game ball aiming at the game area where the distribution destination change lever is provided.

  In the fourth embodiment, the game destination ball is entered into the right start prize winning device 432 provided in the right game area, and the distribution destination changing lever 850 is operated. However, the right start prize winning device 432 is entered. It is good also as a structure which provides a distribution destination change lever on the path | route with high possibility of balling.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the long link 822A, 842A is formed in the second link portion 822, 842 of the link mechanism 820, 840, whereby the third link portion 823, 843 is replaced with the second link portion 822. The link mechanism 820, 840 can be operated by the operation of the distribution destination changing levers 810, 850, while the link mechanism 820, 840 is operated by the operation (rotation) of the distribution unit 620. It was configured not to work.

  Instead of this, the third link portions 823 and 843 may rotate without sliding relative to the second link portions 822 and 842. That is, the connection between the third link portions 823 and 843 and the second link portions 822 and 842 is the same as the connection between the third link portions 823 and 843 and the first link portions 821 and 841, and the second link portions 822 and 842 are connected. The pins 823B and 843B inserted from the front side of the second link parts 822 and 842 are fixed to the front side of the third link parts 823 and 843 in the holes through which the pins 823B and 843B can be inserted. Thus, the third link parts 823 and 843 and the second link parts 822 and 842 are connected so as to be relatively rotatable so that the distribution destination changing levers 810 and 850 are operated, Even when the distribution unit 620 operates, the link mechanisms 820 and 840 may be configured to operate.

  In the fourth embodiment, the distribution destination changed by the link mechanism 840 based on the game ball entering the right start winning device 432 is a special symbol that can hold the right of the unit game. Although the left main sphere passage 652A that can generate the starting winning is set as the left main ball passage 652A, the allocation destination changed by the link mechanism 840 based on the game ball entering the right starting winning device 432 is necessarily a holding target. It is not necessary to be a ball passage (main ball passage) capable of generating a special symbol. For example, the distribution destination of the distribution unit 620 changed by the link mechanism 840 may be a ball path that can guide the game ball to a switch related to the occurrence of a winning that is not a holding target, such as the general winning switch 449A. . As described above, even when the distribution destination of the distribution unit 620 changed by the link mechanism 840 is a ball path capable of generating a winning that is not a target to be held, there is a possibility of being biased toward the occurrence of the starting winning of the second special symbol. And the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol even though the start winning of the second special symbol is generated by the game ball distributed to the right main ball passage 652B by the distribution unit 620. Can be prevented from being suspended. That is, the pachinko machine 100 of this modification also has the same effect as the above-described fourth embodiment.

  (6) You may implement this invention in the pachinko machine etc. of a different type from said each embodiment. For example, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine in which the big hit expectation value is increased until the big hit state is generated a plurality of times (for example, twice or three times) including the big hit. Further, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special gaming state on the condition that a ball wins a predetermined area after a big hit symbol is displayed. Moreover, you may implement in the enclosed pachinko machine with which a ball | bowl circulates. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, the present invention may be implemented as various game machines such as an arrangement ball type pachinko machine and a sparrow ball. Further, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko machine and may be applied to a slot machine, or may be applied to a game machine such as a parrot of a type in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated.

<Invention extracted from each of the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing problems and effects as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in each of the above embodiments is appropriately shown in parentheses, etc., but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses. In addition, the meanings and examples of terms described in each feature may be applied as the meanings and examples of terms described in other features described in the same wording.

<Feature 10>
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 100) provided with an advantageous area (left middle starting winning device 431A, right middle starting winning device 431B) that gives a predetermined privilege by passing a game ball,
A distribution unit (distribution unit 620) that is provided upstream of the advantageous region and distributes the game ball to any of a plurality of distribution directions;
The game balls formed between the allocating means and the advantageous area and distributed by the allocating means are guided downward from the upper side in the front view of the gaming machine and then guided in the rear direction in the front view of the gaming machine. A main sphere passage (main sphere passage 652A, 652B, 752) that can be guided to the advantageous region,
A game that branches from the main sphere passage to the left or right in the front view of the gaming machine at a passage portion where the guidance direction of the game ball in the main sphere passage changes from the downward direction to the back direction, and enters the main sphere passage. A follower ball passage (follower ball passage 653A, 653B, 653C, 753A, 753B) for guiding the sphere to a region different from the advantageous region;
Detection means (medium start winning prize) provided at a position where the game ball guided in the depth direction in the main ball passage can be detected, and detecting that the game ball guided by the main ball passage has entered the advantageous area. Switches 441A, 441B, 741),
With
The main ball passage is provided in a passage portion where the guiding direction of the game ball in the main ball passage changes from the downward direction to the back direction, and the guiding angle of the game ball with respect to the horizontal direction becomes smaller toward the downstream side. A gaming machine comprising a guide portion (guide portion 612) having an inclination (an inclined surface 612A) that changes as described above.

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In addition, the pachinko machine includes a display device, and the display device starts the variable display of the symbols based on the fact that the lottery is performed, and displays the final lottery display of the variable display in the lottery result. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

  In addition, in a conventional pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the start opening while the display device is displaying a change in symbol, hit information used for a big win lottery is predetermined. Some are configured to be stored on hold with an upper limit of the number (for example, 4). At this time, the stored winning information is subjected to a lottery for determining whether or not it is a big hit after the symbol variation display is completed, and the next symbol variation display is started accordingly.

  In recent years, there has been known a gaming machine in which a plurality of start ports (for example, two start ports) are provided, and for each start port, hit information can be stored on hold up to an upper limit number allowed for each start port. . In such a gaming machine, there is provided a winning device comprising a plurality of branch passages connected to each of a plurality of start ports, and a distribution means for distributing game balls that have entered from a predetermined entrance to any one of these branch passages. It is known to use (see, for example, JP-A-2016-22147).

  However, there is still room for improvement in a gaming machine having an advantageous area in which a predetermined privilege is given by passing the game balls distributed by the distribution means, like the starting port in the conventional gaming machine. For example, in recent years, display devices and the like tend to be increased in size for the purpose of improving interests, so that various structures arranged in the game area, such as a prize-winning device, can be reduced so that the game area can be sufficiently secured. It is desired. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a winning device including a distribution unit that distributes game balls to any of a plurality of distribution directions is a game winning unit (winning device) disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-22147. Since the detection sensor (detection means) is disposed on the downstream side of the branch passage extending in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the machine, there is a limit to the size reduction in the vertical direction. Further, it is desired that a downsized prize winning device can provide a suitable interest.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine according to the feature 10, the detecting means for detecting that the game ball has entered the advantageous area is a gaming machine in the main ball passage formed between the distributing means and the advantageous area. Since it is provided at a position where it can detect the game ball guided in the depth direction in the front view, the main ball passage and the secondary ball are compared with the case where the detection means is provided below the passage extending in the vertical direction in the front view of the game machine. It is possible to reduce the vertical size of the unit that functions as a winning device including the passage, the distribution unit, the advantageous region, and the detection unit. As the size of the unit is reduced, a large game area can be secured.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the feature 10 includes a secondary ball path that branches from the main ball path and guides the game ball that has entered the main ball path to an area different from the advantageous area. The game balls that have been distributed by the means and entered the main ball passage do not necessarily pass through the advantageous area, can give the game unexpectedness, and can suppress monotonization of the game.

  In particular, in the main ball passage, the guidance direction of the game ball changes from the downward direction to the back direction in the front view of the gaming machine, and the guidance angle of the game ball changes in the horizontal direction so that the guidance angle decreases toward the downstream side. Department. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the main ball passage gradually changes in the downward flow direction toward the back as it flows down the guiding portion in the passage portion. Therefore, the game ball flowing down the main ball passage smoothly flows to the back side in the passage portion where the guiding direction changes from downward to back.

  On the other hand, the follower ball passage is a ball passage that branches from the main ball passage to the left or right in the front view of the gaming machine in a passage portion where the guiding direction of the game ball in the main ball passage changes from downward to back. Therefore, the game ball smoothly flows to the back side by the guiding portion, so that the game ball is prevented from entering the slave ball passage. Therefore, the probability that the game balls distributed to the main ball passage enter the advantageous area is preferably improved.

  Thereby, while suppressing the monotonization of the game by providing a secondary ball passage that branches off from the main ball passage, it is possible to suitably secure the probability of entering the advantageous area despite the provision of the secondary ball passage, The winning device including the main ball passage, the secondary ball passage, the distribution means, the advantageous area, and the detection means can be provided as a downsized device that can be provided with a suitable interest.

  In addition, since the game ball smoothly flows to the back side in the main ball passage, the time lag until the game ball distributed to the main ball passage by the distribution means is detected by the detection means. It can be suitably shortened. Thereby, after guiding the game ball downward from the upper side, in the winning device including the main ball passage for guiding the game ball backward, until the game ball is detected by the detecting means after being distributed to the main ball passage It can be suitably suppressed that the time lag increases and the game tempo deteriorates.

  In the feature 10, the “inclination that changes so that the guidance angle of the game ball with respect to the horizontal direction becomes smaller toward the downstream side” may be a curve that gradually becomes smaller as the guidance angle goes toward the downstream side. Further, it may be a polygonal line composed of straight lines with different inclinations, so that the guiding angle is gradually reduced toward the downstream side.

  Instead of the gaming machine described in the feature 10 described above, a configuration having the following features may be employed.

Advantage of giving a predetermined privilege by passing a game ball (game board 400) in which a game ball flows down the front side and a game ball that has entered from an entrance (entrance 611) provided on the front side of the game plate A gaming machine (pachinko machine 100) having a winning device (medium starting winning device 431, 731) that can be guided to a region (left middle starting winning device 431A, right middle starting winning device 431B),
The winning device is
A distribution unit (distribution unit 620) that distributes game balls that have entered from the entrance of the winning device to any of a plurality of distribution directions;
The game balls distributed by the distribution means are guided downward from the upper side in the front view of the gaming machine, and then guided backwards in the front view of the gaming machine, thereby guiding the main ball passage (main ball) to the advantageous area. Passages 652A, 652B, 752),
A game that branches from the main sphere passage to the left or right in the front view of the gaming machine at a passage portion where the guidance direction of the game ball in the main sphere passage changes from the downward direction to the back direction, and enters the main sphere passage. A follower ball passage (follower ball passage 653A, 653B, 653C, 753A, 753B) for guiding the sphere to a region different from the advantageous region;
With
The gaming machine is
Detection means (medium start winning prize) provided at a position where the game ball guided in the depth direction in the main ball passage can be detected, and detecting that the game ball guided by the main ball passage has entered the advantageous area. Switches 441A, 441B, 741),
The main ball passage is provided in a passage portion where the guiding direction of the game ball in the main ball passage changes from the downward direction to the back direction, and the guiding angle of the game ball with respect to the horizontal direction becomes smaller toward the downstream side. A gaming machine comprising a guide portion (guide portion 612) having an inclination (an inclined surface 612A) that changes as described above.

  According to the gaming machine, the same effects as the gaming machine described in the feature 10 can be achieved.

<Feature 11>
A gaming machine according to feature 10, wherein
The main ball passage is formed on the back side in the passage portion for guiding the game ball downward from the upper side so that the game ball flowing down the passage portion can collide with the collision game ball, A gaming machine comprising a protrusion (protrusion 634) capable of guiding to a portion where the guide angle in the guide is larger than a predetermined angle.

  In a winning device that includes a main ball passage that guides a game ball downward from the upper side and then guides the game ball backward, the game ball that flows downward from the upper side of the main ball passage When the game ball flows down, the game ball that flows down like that falls to the downstream side of the guide part, that is, the part where the guide angle of the game ball is small, so that the guide direction of the game ball moves from the bottom to the back. In the passage portion that changes, the guidance angle of the game ball by the guide portion may suddenly change from the downward direction to the back direction, and the game ball may not flow smoothly to the back side.

  On the other hand, in the case of the gaming machine according to the feature 11, the game ball that flows down the passage portion protrudes in the rear side in the passage portion that guides the game ball in the main ball passage downward from the upper side. A protruding portion is formed. Such a protrusion can guide the game ball that has collided with the protrusion to a portion where the guide angle at the guide is larger than a predetermined angle. Thereby, in the passage portion where the guidance direction of the game ball in the main ball passage changes from the downward direction to the back direction, the guide portion can be suitably functioned so that the game ball smoothly flows to the back side. Therefore, in the passage part where the guidance direction of the game ball changes from the downward direction to the back direction, the occurrence of the situation where the guidance direction of the game ball changes suddenly from the downward direction to the rear side is suppressed, thereby Occurrence of a situation that does not flow smoothly can be suitably suppressed.

<Feature 12>
The gaming machine according to feature 10 or 11,
The inclination of the guide portion is located outward from the peripheral edge of the inlet portion when the inlet portion of the secondary ball passage branched from the main ball passage is viewed from the left or right side of the main ball passage. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 12, when the entrance portion of the secondary ball passage branched from the main ball passage is viewed from the left or right side of the main ball passage, the inclination of the guide portion is Located outward with respect to the periphery. Therefore, when the game ball supported by the guide portion and guided to the back side is viewed from the left or right side of the main ball passage, a part of the game ball is from the periphery of the entrance portion. It will pass outside. Thereby, it can suppress suitably that the game ball which is supported by the guidance | induction part and is guide | induced to a main ball path | route to the back | inner side enters a follower ball path via an entrance part.

<Feature 13>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 10 to 12,
The main sphere passage includes a concave portion (concave portion 662) formed between the inlet portion of the secondary ball passage branched from the main sphere passage and the guide portion.
A game ball that is supported from the guide portion toward the entrance portion and supported by the periphery of the entrance portion and the guide portion is compared to a case where a part of the game ball is supported only by the guide portion. A gaming machine that falls into the recess.

  In the case of the gaming machine according to the feature 13, the main ball passage includes a recess formed between the entrance portion and the guide portion of the secondary ball passage branched from the main ball passage. A game ball that is supported by the periphery of the entrance portion and the guide portion from the guide portion toward the entrance portion side, because a part of the game ball falls into the recess as compared with a case where the game ball is supported only by the guide portion. In order for the game ball supported only by the guide portion to be discharged from the entrance portion to the follower ball passage, it is necessary to move away from the recess portion in order to exceed the entrance portion after the game ball once falls into the recess portion. is there. Therefore, it can suppress suitably that the game ball induced | guided | derived by the guidance | induction part approachs into a secondary ball channel | path via an entrance part.

<Feature 14>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 10 to 13,
A plurality of the main sphere passages are provided on the left and right in the front view of the gaming machine, and each of the main sphere passages is connected to the advantageous area where the privilege of different value can be given,
The distribution means distributes a sphere to any of the plurality of main sphere passages,
The detection means includes a detection unit (detection unit J1) that detects a game ball, and a circuit unit (circuit unit J2) that outputs a detection signal indicating that the game ball has been detected based on an output from the detection unit. And the detection unit and the circuit unit are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction,
The detecting means is disposed in each of the plurality of main sphere passages on the back side with respect to the main sphere passage. In any of the main sphere passages, the detection unit is connected to the back side by the main sphere passage. A passage portion that is arranged at a position where the game ball guided to the position can be detected, and the circuit portion is located on the upper side with respect to the detection portion, and guides the game ball downward from the upper side in the main ball passage A gaming machine that is arranged to be located on the back side of the game.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 14, the detecting means in which the detection unit and the circuit unit are arranged in the longitudinal direction in each of the plurality of main sphere paths to which the distribution unit distributes are the main sphere. It is arrange | positioned in the back | inner side of a channel | path. Specifically, the detecting means disposed in each main sphere passage has a detection unit arranged at a position where a game ball guided to the back side by the main sphere passage can be detected, and the circuit unit is located with respect to the detection unit. And located on the back side of the passage portion for guiding the game ball downward from the upper side in the main ball passage. Therefore, in the structure of the main sphere passage that guides the game balls distributed by the distributing means downward from the upper side and then guides them backward, the space formed on the back side of the passage portion that guides the game balls downward from the upper side In addition, the space can be used effectively by arranging the circuit section in the detection means. Thereby, the size of the unit including the winning device and the detecting means can be suitably reduced not only in the vertical direction but also in the depth direction.

<Feature 20>
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 100) provided with an advantageous area (left middle starting winning device 431A, right middle starting winning device 431B) that gives a predetermined privilege by passing a game ball,
A distribution unit (distribution unit 620) that is provided upstream of the advantageous region and distributes the game ball to any of a plurality of distribution directions;
A main sphere passage (main sphere passage 652A, 652B, 752) formed between the allocating means and the advantageous area and capable of guiding the game balls distributed by the allocating means to the advantageous area;
A branch ball passage (following ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C, branching from the main ball passage to the left or right side in the front view of the gaming machine and guiding the game ball entering the main ball passage to a region different from the advantageous region. 753A, 753B),
Detection means (medium start winning switch 441A, 441B, 741) for detecting that the game ball guided by the main ball passage has entered the advantageous area;
With
When the inlet portion of the secondary ball passage branched from the main sphere passage (entrance portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2, 754A, 754B) is viewed from the left or right side, the entrance portion and the main sphere passage are A gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine is formed at a position offset in a predetermined direction corresponding to the inside of the main sphere passage with respect to a peripheral edge of the main sphere passage for guiding a game ball passing through the main sphere passage.

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In addition, the pachinko machine includes a display device, and the display device starts the variable display of the symbols based on the fact that the lottery is performed, and displays the final lottery display of the variable display in the lottery result. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

  In addition, in a conventional pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the start opening while the display device is displaying a change in symbol, hit information used for a big win lottery is predetermined. Some are configured to be stored on hold with an upper limit of the number (for example, 4). At this time, the stored winning information is subjected to a lottery for determining whether or not it is a big hit after the symbol variation display is completed, and the next symbol variation display is started accordingly.

  In recent years, there has been known a gaming machine in which a plurality of start ports (for example, two start ports) are provided, and for each start port, hit information can be stored on hold up to an upper limit number allowed for each start port. . In such a gaming machine, there is provided a winning device comprising a plurality of branch passages connected to each of a plurality of start ports, and a distribution means for distributing game balls that have entered from a predetermined entrance to any one of these branch passages. It is known to use (see, for example, JP-A-2016-22147).

  However, there is still room for improvement in a gaming machine having an advantageous area in which a predetermined privilege is given by passing the game balls distributed by the distribution means, like the starting port in the conventional gaming machine. For example, it is desired that a winning device including the distribution means and the advantageous area can provide more suitable interest.

  On the other hand, the gaming machine described in the feature 20 includes a slave ball passage that branches from the main ball passage and guides the game ball that has entered the main ball passage to an area different from the advantageous area. The game balls that have been distributed by the distribution means and entered the main ball passage do not necessarily pass through the advantageous area, can give the game unexpectedness, and can suppress monotonization of the game.

  In particular, the entrance portion of the slave ball passage that branches off from the main ball passage has the main ball along the guiding direction of the game ball by the main ball passage when the entrance portion and the main ball passage are viewed from the left or right side. Since it is formed at a position offset in a predetermined direction corresponding to the direction intersecting the guidance direction with respect to the periphery of the ball passage, when viewed from the same direction, the game ball guided by the main ball passage enters the entrance In order to enter the ball path from the club, the game ball moves not only in the branching direction of the slave ball path relative to the main ball path (ie, left or right), but also in a predetermined direction in which the entrance is offset (That is, when the entrance and the main ball passage are viewed from the left or right side, the direction corresponding to the inside of the main ball passage with respect to the peripheral edge of the main ball passage for guiding the game ball passing through the main ball passage. ) Is required. Therefore, it is difficult for game balls flowing down the main ball passage to enter the secondary ball passage via the entrance, so that the game balls allocated to the main ball passage enter the advantageous area without entering the secondary ball passage. The probability of performing is preferably improved.

  Thereby, while suppressing the monotonization of the game by providing a secondary ball passage that branches off from the main ball passage, it is possible to suitably secure the probability of entering the advantageous area despite the provision of the secondary ball passage, A winning device including a main ball passage, a secondary ball passage, a distribution unit, an advantageous area, and a detection unit can be provided as a device that can be given more suitable interest.

  In the feature 20, “periphery of the main ball passage” means a boundary of a space through which the game ball can substantially pass. Therefore, the “periphery of the main ball passage” is not limited to the wall surface surrounding the space through which the game ball passes. That is, when a space through which the game ball can substantially pass is defined by a convex portion such as a rib formed on a wall surface surrounding the space through which the game ball passes, the game ball supported by the convex portion A virtual boundary in a space defined by the outer shape through which a game ball can substantially pass is the “periphery of the main ball passage”.

  Instead of the gaming machine described in the feature 20 described above, a configuration having the following features may be employed.

Advantage of giving a predetermined privilege by passing a game ball (game board 400) in which a game ball flows down the front side and a game ball that has entered from an entrance (entrance 611) provided on the front side of the game plate A gaming machine (pachinko machine 100) having a winning device (medium starting winning device 431, 731) that can be guided to a region (left middle starting winning device 431A, right middle starting winning device 431B),
The winning device is
A distribution unit (distribution unit 620) that distributes game balls that have entered from the entrance of the winning device to any of a plurality of distribution directions;
A main ball path (main ball paths 652A, 652B, 752) for guiding the game balls distributed by the distribution means to the advantageous area;
A branch ball passage (following ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C, branching from the main ball passage to the left or right side in the front view of the gaming machine and guiding the game ball entering the main ball passage to a region different from the advantageous region. 753A, 753B),
With
The gaming machine is
Detecting means (medium start winning switch 441A, 441B, 741) for detecting that the game ball guided by the main ball passage has entered the advantageous area;
When the inlet portion of the secondary ball passage branched from the main sphere passage (entrance portions 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2, 754A, 754B) is viewed from the left or right side, the entrance portion and the main sphere passage are A gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine is formed at a position offset in a predetermined direction corresponding to the inside of the main sphere passage with respect to a peripheral edge of the main sphere passage for guiding a game ball passing through the main sphere passage.

  According to the gaming machine, the same effect as the gaming machine described in the feature 20 can be obtained.

<Feature 21>
A gaming machine according to feature 20, wherein
In the main ball passage, a game ball flowing down the passage portion can collide with the predetermined direction which is an offset direction of the entrance portion when the main ball passage and the entrance portion are viewed from the left or right side. A projecting portion (projecting portion 634) formed on the upstream side of the inlet portion, which can guide the game ball collided and formed in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the entrance portion is formed so as to largely overlap a part of the main sphere passage when the entrance portion and the main sphere passage are viewed from the left or right side.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 21, the main ball passage is upstream of the inlet portion where the secondary ball passage branches from the main ball passage, and the inlet portion and the main ball passage are viewed from the left or right side. On the side of the offset direction (predetermined direction) of the inlet portion in this case, a protrusion is formed that protrudes so that the game ball flowing down the main ball passage can collide. Such a protrusion can guide the game ball that has collided with the protrusion in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (that is, the direction in which the entrance is offset). Thereby, since it becomes more difficult for the game ball to enter the follower ball passage, it is possible to suitably improve the probability that the game ball flowing down the main ball passage enters the advantageous area.

  In particular, the entrance portion is formed so as to largely overlap with a part of the main sphere passage when the entrance portion and the main sphere passage are viewed from the left or right side. The winning device including the passage, the distribution means, the advantageous area, and the detection means can be made compact. Therefore, it is possible to suitably improve the probability that the game ball flowing down the main ball passage enters the advantageous area while making such a winning device compact.

  In the feature 21, the inlet portion is “a main sphere passage overlapping the main sphere passage when the inlet portion and the main sphere passage are viewed from the left or right side” means that the inlet portion and the main sphere passage are left Or when it sees from the right side, it is not restricted to the case where the said entrance part and a main sphere passage overlap, but intends including the case where both overlap substantially. When the main sphere passage is viewed from the left or right side of the entrance portion and the main sphere passage, the ratio of the entrance portion overlapping the main sphere passage is preferably about 70% or more, and preferably about 80% or more. It is preferable that it is about 90% or more.

<Feature 22>
The gaming machine according to feature 20 or 21, wherein
A game board (game board 400) on which a game ball flows down the front side,
The entrance portion is disposed at a position offset to the back side with respect to the front surface of the game board when the entrance portion is viewed from the left or right side.
The game machine, wherein the follower ball guides a game ball to a front surface of the game board.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 22, the entrance portion is disposed at a position offset to the back side with respect to the front surface of the game board when the entrance portion is viewed from the left or right side. Even if a game ball flowing down the front of the game board accidentally enters the follower ball passage, the game ball flows backward from the follower ball passage toward the back side in order to enter the main ball passage from the follower ball passage. It is necessary to go through the entrance part above. Therefore, it is difficult for the game ball flowing down the front of the game board to enter the main ball path via the follower path, and the occurrence of an event that the game ball passes through the advantageous area without passing through the entrance. Can be suppressed.

<Feature 30>
A detection unit (medium start winning switch 441A, 441B) capable of detecting a game ball, and a privilege (first special) according to the detection unit detecting the game ball based on the detection of the game ball by the detection unit A privilege granting means (main control board 920) for granting a symbol lottery, a second special symbol lottery), a gaming machine (pachinko machine 100),
A game ball that has entered a predetermined distribution entrance (entrance 611) is configured to be distributed to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations, and the game balls are distributed to a first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations. A distribution unit (distribution unit 620) that sets a next distribution destination to a second distribution destination different from the first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations,
A main sphere passage (main sphere passage 652A, 652B) provided downstream of the distribution means and at the first distribution destination and extending to at least one of the detection units;
A follower ball passage (following ball passages 653A, 653B, 653C) that branches from the main ball passage upstream of the detection unit in the main ball passage and guides a game ball to a different area from the detection unit;
An actuating portion (allocation destination changing lever 810) that is operated by a game ball that has entered the follower ball passage from the main ball passage;
The allocating unit acts on the allocating unit based on the operation of the operating unit in a state where the game ball is allocated to the second allocating destination, and is a allocating destination different from the second allocating destination. A distribution changing means (link mechanism 820) that can be changed to a distribution destination capable of giving a privilege according to the at least one detection unit that can be entered by the main ball passage;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In addition, the pachinko machine includes a display device, and the display device starts the variable display of the symbols based on the fact that the lottery is performed, and displays the final lottery display of the variable display in the lottery result. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

  In addition, in a conventional pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the start opening while the display device is displaying a change in symbol, hit information used for a big win lottery is predetermined. Some are configured to be stored on hold with an upper limit of the number (for example, 4). At this time, the stored winning information is subjected to a lottery for determining whether or not it is a big hit after the symbol variation display is completed, and the next symbol variation display is started accordingly.

  In recent years, there has been known a gaming machine in which a plurality of start ports (for example, two start ports) are provided, and for each start port, hit information can be stored on hold up to an upper limit number allowed for each start port. . In such a gaming machine, there is provided a winning device comprising a plurality of branch passages connected to each of a plurality of start ports, and a distribution means for distributing game balls that have entered from a predetermined entrance to any one of these branch passages. It is known to use (see, for example, JP-A-2016-22147).

  However, there is still room for improvement with respect to a gaming machine having an advantageous area in which a predetermined privilege is given by passing the game balls distributed by the distributing means like the conventional gaming machine. For example, in the main ball path to which the game balls are distributed by the distribution means, if a secondary ball path for guiding the game balls is provided on the upstream side of the advantageous area and branched to an area different from the game area, the game balls are distributed. Unexpectedness can be imparted to the game because the game ball does not necessarily reach the advantageous area, but the distributed game balls do not necessarily reach the advantageous area, and the benefits that the player can acquire are biased. Cheap. Therefore, the player may feel the game monotonous because the acquired privilege is concentrated on the privilege according to the specific detection unit, or may be dissatisfied with the game because only the privilege with a relatively low advantage is acquired. There is.

  On the other hand, the gaming machine described in the feature 30 is configured to be able to distribute the game ball that has entered the predetermined distribution entrance to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations, When the distribution destination is distributed to the first distribution destination, the next distribution destination is set to a second distribution destination different from the first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations.

  A main ball passage is provided on the downstream side of the distribution means and at the first distribution destination. The main ball path extends to at least one detection unit, and when the game ball that has entered the main ball path by sorting by the sorting unit is detected by the detection unit, the detection of the game ball detected by the privilege grant unit Benefits according to the department are granted.

  On the upstream side of the detection section in the main sphere path, there is provided a slave ball path that branches from the main sphere path and guides the game ball to a different area from the detection section. Therefore, the game balls that have been distributed by the distribution means and entered the main ball passage are not necessarily detected by the detection unit, so that unexpectedness can be imparted to the game and monotonization of the game can be suppressed.

  In addition, when a game ball enters the slave ball passage from the main ball passage, the operation unit is operated by the game ball. When the operating unit is activated in a state in which the distributing unit distributes the game balls to the second distribution destination, the distribution changing unit that acts on the distributing unit based on the operation of the operating unit causes the next time by the distributing unit. The distribution destination is a distribution destination different from the second distribution destination, and can be changed to a distribution destination to which a privilege according to the at least one detection unit that can be entered by the main ball passage can be given.

  As a result, for a privilege that could be acquired by the main ball passage that was the distribution destination (first distribution destination) this time, but the opportunity lost due to the game ball entering the secondary ball passage, the privilege Can be obtained again by the distribution changing means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a bias from occurring in the benefits that a player can acquire while making it possible to give a suitable interest by providing a ball path following the main ball path.

  The “privilege according to the detection unit” described in the feature 30 may be a part of the privilege when a plurality of privileges are granted when detected by the detection unit, There may be. In addition, as a privilege according to the detection unit, the random value storage unit is different in the case where the random number storage unit that can hold and store up to a predetermined upper limit number corresponding to a plurality of detection units is separately provided, This includes cases where other benefits such as lottery conditions are the same. In addition, examples of the privilege according to the detection unit include a lottery condition, a lottery probability, a special gaming state that occurs when a lottery is won, and the number of game balls to be paid out.

  In addition, the “next allocation destination” described in the feature 30 may be a next allocation destination that is set by a mechanical operation by passing a game ball, or based on the fact that a certain time has elapsed. The next allocation destination set by operating regardless of whether or not the game ball has entered may be used.

  Further, the “... distribution changing means that can be changed to the distribution destination” described in the feature 30 is different from the case where the distribution means is activated based on the operation of the operation unit, as compared to the case where the distribution means is not activated. It only needs to be easily changed to the distribution destination. That is, the state may be maintained until the next game ball enters the other distribution destination after changing to another distribution destination by the action, or a certain time elapses after changing to another distribution destination. Even if the next game ball does not enter the other distribution destination due to other conditions being satisfied, the distribution means may be set to another distribution destination different from the other distribution destination.

<Feature 31>
The gaming machine according to feature 30, wherein
The distribution means is configured to be operable to take each state in which a game ball can be distributed to each of the plurality of distribution destinations,
The actuating portion is a movable portion (provided at the outlet of the secondary ball passage) provided to move in the traveling direction of the game ball when the game ball entering the secondary ball passage comes into contact with the primary ball passage. Return lever),
The distribution change means is constituted by mechanical link means (link mechanism) provided so that the distribution means can be operated by the operation of the movable part,
The linking means is arranged so that the state of the allocating means becomes the first allocating destination when the movable part moves based on a game ball that has entered the secondary ball path from the main ball path. A gaming machine that is configured to operate.

  In the case of the gaming machine according to the feature 31, the operating portion is configured as a movable portion provided so as to move in the advancing direction of the game ball when the game ball that has entered the slave ball passage from the main ball passage comes into contact. The When the movable portion moves based on a game ball that has entered the secondary ball passage from the main ball passage, the state is the first assignment destination by the distribution change means constituted by the mechanical link means. The allocating means is operated so as to be the distribution destination. Therefore, since the next distribution destination by the distribution means becomes the first distribution destination (current distribution destination) again, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of bias in the benefits that the player can acquire. Further, since the distribution destination is changed by the mechanical link means, it is possible to suppress the bias in the benefits that the player can acquire while suppressing the control load.

<Feature 40>
A launching unit (launching device 330) capable of launching a game ball with an intensity corresponding to an operation amount of the operation unit (launching handle 252), and a game area (game board 400) in which the game ball launched by the launching unit flows down. , A detection unit (medium start winning switch 441A, 441B, 741) capable of detecting a game ball, and a privilege (first number) according to the detection unit detecting the game ball based on the detection of the game ball by the detection unit A privilege granting means (main control board 920) for granting one special symbol lottery, a second special symbol lottery), and a gaming machine (pachinko machine 100),
A game that has entered a distribution entrance (entrance 611) provided in a first game area (left game area) into which a game ball can enter when the operation amount of the operation unit is the first operation amount in the game area. The ball is configured to be distributed to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations, and when a game ball is distributed to a first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations, the next distribution destination is determined as the plurality of distribution destinations. A distribution unit (distribution unit 620) that sets a second distribution destination that is different from the first distribution destination,
The 1st detection part which is provided in the said 1st distribution place downstream from this distribution means, and a 1st privilege (1st special symbol lottery) is provided by the said privilege provision means among the said detection parts. A first ball passage (main ball passage 652A) extending to
A second privilege (second special symbol lottery) that is provided downstream of the distribution means and provided at the second distribution destination and different from the first privilege by the privilege granting means in the detection unit. A second sphere passage (main sphere passage 652B) extending to the second detection unit to be provided;
A game ball passage provided at a position different from the distribution entrance and detected by the second detection unit or another detection unit (right start winning switch 442) for providing the second privilege. Passing port (the entrance portion of the right start winning device 432),
A distribution destination changing entrance (right start prize winning device 432) provided in a second game area (right game area) into which a game ball can enter when the operation amount of the operation unit in the game area is a second operation amount. Entrance part), and
An actuating portion (allocation destination change lever 850) that is actuated by a game ball that has passed through the distribution destination change entrance;
The allocating unit acts on the allocating unit based on the operation of the operating unit in a state where the game ball is allocated to the second allocating destination, and is a allocating destination different from the second allocating destination. A distribution changing means (link mechanism 840) that can be changed to a distribution destination to which the first privilege can be given,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In addition, the pachinko machine includes a display device, and the display device starts the variable display of the symbols based on the fact that the lottery is performed, and displays the final lottery display of the variable display in the lottery result. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

  In addition, in a conventional pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the start opening while the display device is displaying a change in symbol, hit information used for a big win lottery is predetermined. Some are configured to be stored on hold with an upper limit of the number (for example, 4). At this time, the stored winning information is subjected to a lottery for determining whether or not it is a big hit after the symbol variation display is completed, and the next symbol variation display is started accordingly.

  In recent years, there has been known a gaming machine in which a plurality of start ports (for example, two start ports) are provided, and for each start port, hit information can be stored on hold up to an upper limit number allowed for each start port. . In such a gaming machine, there is provided a winning device comprising a plurality of branch passages connected to each of a plurality of start ports, and a distribution means for distributing game balls that have entered from a predetermined entrance to any one of these branch passages. It is known to use (see, for example, JP-A-2016-22147).

  However, there is still room for improvement with respect to a gaming machine having an advantageous area in which a predetermined privilege is given by passing the game balls distributed by the distributing means like the conventional gaming machine. For example, when an advantageous area for giving a predetermined privilege by passing a game ball is provided separately from an advantageous area through which the game ball distributed by the distribution means can pass, the distribution of the game ball by the distribution means The game can be played by launching a game ball aiming at another advantageous area in addition to the game that acquires the privilege, so that the monotonization of the game can be suppressed, but the privilege that the player can acquire tends to be biased . Therefore, the player may feel the game monotonous because the acquired privilege is concentrated on the privilege according to the specific detection unit, or may be dissatisfied with the game because only the privilege with a relatively low advantage is acquired. There is.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine according to the feature 40, the distribution entrance provided in the first game area into which the game ball can enter when the operation amount of the operation unit is set as the first operation amount in the game area. The game ball that has entered the game can be distributed to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations, and when a game ball is distributed to the first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations, the next distribution destination is determined. Among the plurality of distribution destinations, a second distribution destination different from the first distribution destination is set.

  A first ball passage is provided on the downstream side of the distribution means and at the first distribution destination. The first ball passage extends to the first detection unit, and when the game ball that has entered the first ball passage by the sorting by the sorting unit is detected by the first detection unit, the first grant unit gives the first ball Benefits are granted.

  In addition, a second ball passage is provided on the downstream side of the distribution means and in the second distribution destination. The second ball passage extends to the second detection unit. When the game ball that has entered the second ball passage by the sorting by the sorting unit is detected by the second detection unit, the first grant unit gives the first ball to the first detection unit. A second privilege different from the privilege is granted.

  A game ball passage is provided at a position different from the distribution entrance. When the game ball passes through the passage, the game ball is detected by the second detection unit or another detection unit that gives the second privilege, and thereby the second privilege is given. . Therefore, not only the game that acquires the first or second privilege by distributing the game balls by the distribution means, but also the game that launches the game balls aiming at the passing port can be performed, thereby suppressing monotonization of the game it can.

  A distribution destination changing entrance is provided in the second game area in which a game ball can enter when the operation amount of the operation unit is the second operation amount in the game area. When a game ball passes through the distribution destination changing entrance, the operation unit is operated by the game ball.

  When the operating unit is activated in a state in which the distributing unit distributes the game balls to the second distribution destination, the distribution changing unit that acts on the distributing unit based on the operation of the operating unit causes the next time by the distributing unit. Can be changed to a distribution destination that is different from the second distribution destination and to which the first privilege can be granted.

  By providing a passage opening that can give the second privilege, there is a possibility that the privilege that the player can acquire is biased. On the other hand, according to the gaming machine described in the feature 40, the distribution destination changing entrance can be distinguished from the first game area in which the distribution means is provided by changing the operation amount of the operation unit. Since the player is provided in the second game area, the player can change the amount of operation with respect to the operation unit as necessary, and the first privilege is given to the next distribution destination by the distribution means. It can be changed to a ball passage. Thereby, it becomes possible for a player to take a plurality of privileges in a well-balanced manner, and the occurrence of bias in the privileges that the player can acquire can be suppressed.

  The “privilege according to the detection unit” described in the feature 40 may be a part of the privilege when a plurality of privileges are given when detected by the detection unit, or all of the privileges. There may be. In addition, as a privilege according to the detection unit, the random value storage unit is different in the case where the random number storage unit that can hold and store up to a predetermined upper limit number corresponding to a plurality of detection units is separately provided, This includes cases where other benefits such as lottery conditions are the same. In addition, examples of the privilege according to the detection unit include a lottery condition, a lottery probability, a special gaming state that occurs when a lottery is won, and the number of game balls to be paid out.

  Further, the “next allocation destination” described in the feature 40 may be a next allocation destination that is set by mechanically operating by passing a game ball, or based on a certain period of time. The next allocation destination set by operating regardless of whether or not the game ball has entered may be used.

  In addition, the “second operation amount” described in the feature 40 may be an amount completely different from the “first operation amount”, and a partial range of the “second operation amount” may be “first operation amount”. It may be an amount overlapping with a partial range.

<Feature 41>
The gaming machine according to feature 40,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the distribution destination changing entrance is the passage opening.

  In the case of the gaming machine described in the feature 41, the distribution destination changing entrance is a passage opening to which the second privilege is given by passing, so that when the player acquires the second privilege, The next distribution destination by the distribution means can be changed to a distribution destination to which the first privilege can be given. Thereby, it can suppress suitably that the privilege which a player acquires is biased to the 2nd privilege.

<Feature 42>
A gaming machine according to feature 41,
An approach probability changing means (movable piece of the right start winning device 432, main control) that increases the entrance probability of the game ball to the passing port compared to outside the advantage period in an advantageous period that occurs when a predetermined condition is established. A gaming machine comprising a substrate).

  In the case of the gaming machine according to the feature 42, the probability of entering the game ball into the passage opening is increased by the entry probability changing means during the advantageous period generated when a predetermined condition is satisfied, compared to outside the advantageous period. Thus, when an advantageous period occurs, the player is highly likely to launch a game ball aiming at the second game area provided with a passage opening that also serves as a distribution destination changing entrance. Thus, in a gaming machine in which a situation in which a game ball is launched aiming at the second game area may occur, it is possible to suitably suppress that the privilege acquired by the player is biased to the second privilege.

<Feature 43>
The gaming machine according to feature 41 or 42, wherein
The allocating means is configured to be operable to alternately distribute the first sphere passage and the second sphere passage,
The actuating portion is a weight of a game ball passing through the passage in a passage extending in a direction intersecting with the direction of gravity in a passage in which the game balls that have passed through the passage opening serving as the distribution destination changing entrance flow down. It is composed of a movable part (distribution destination changing lever 850) provided to move downward,
The distribution changing means is configured by a mechanical link unit (link mechanism 840) provided so that the distribution unit can be operated by the operation of the movable unit,
The link unit is configured to operate the distribution unit so that a distribution destination of the distribution unit is the first ball path when the movable unit is moved by a game ball that has passed through the passage port. A gaming machine characterized by

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 43, a game that passes through the passage that extends in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity in the passage in which the game ball that has passed through the passage opening that is the distribution destination changing entrance flows down. It is configured as a movable part provided to move downward with the weight of the sphere. When the movable part moves downward by the weight of the game ball that has passed through the passage port, the distribution change means constituted by the mechanical link means causes the next distribution destination to be the first ball path. The minute means is activated. Therefore, since the change of the distribution destination is performed by the mechanical link means, it is possible to suppress the privilege acquired by the player from being biased to the second privilege while suppressing the control load.

<Feature 44>
The gaming machine according to feature 40,
The passing port is provided in a game area other than the second game area in the game area,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the distribution destination changing entrance is provided at a passing position of a game ball that moves from the second gaming area to the gaming area in which the passing port is provided.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 44, the distribution destination changing entrance is provided at a passing position of a game ball that moves from the second gaming area to a gaming area other than the second gaming area provided with a passage opening. ing. As a result, although the player has launched the game ball aiming at the second game area, there is a possibility that the game ball may enter the passage opening through which the second privilege is granted through the distribution destination changing entrance. In this case, since the next distribution destination by the distribution means is changed to a distribution destination to which the first privilege can be given, it is possible to suppress the privilege acquired by the player from being biased to the second privilege.

<Feature 50>
A detection unit (medium start winning switch 441A, 441B) capable of detecting a game ball, and a privilege (first special) according to the detection unit detecting the game ball based on the detection of the game ball by the detection unit A privilege granting means (main control board 920) for granting a symbol lottery, a second special symbol lottery), a gaming machine (pachinko machine 100),
A game ball that has entered a predetermined distribution entrance (entrance 611) is configured to be distributed to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations, and the game balls are distributed to a first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations. A distribution unit (distribution unit 620) that sets a next distribution destination to a second distribution destination different from the first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations,
The 1st detection part which is provided in the said 1st distribution place downstream from this distribution means, and a 1st privilege (1st special symbol lottery) is provided by the said privilege provision means among the said detection parts. A first ball passage (main ball passage 652A) extending to
A second privilege (second special symbol lottery) that is provided downstream of the distribution means and provided at the second distribution destination and different from the first privilege by the privilege granting means in the detection unit. A second sphere passage (main sphere passage 652B) extending to the second detection unit to be provided;
A game ball passage provided at a position different from the distribution entrance and detected by the second detection unit or another detection unit (right start winning switch 442) for providing the second privilege. Passing port (the entrance portion of the right start winning device 432),
Random value storage means that can store the random number value acquired by the random value acquisition means based on the detection of the game ball by the second detection section or the other detection section up to a predetermined upper limit number ( Main control board 920 RAM),
An actuating portion (allocation destination changing lever 850) that is actuated by a game ball that has passed through the passage opening;
The allocating unit acts on the allocating unit based on the operation of the operating unit in a state where the game ball is allocated to the second allocating destination, and is a allocating destination different from the second allocating destination. A distribution changing means (link mechanism 840) that can be changed to a distribution destination to which the first privilege can be given,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

<Feature 51>
Symbol display means (decorative symbol display device 479) capable of variably displaying symbols, a detection unit (medium start winning switch 441A, 441B) that can detect a game ball and that can detect a game ball, and a game ball by the detection unit Based on the fact that the start condition is established by detecting the game ball, the start condition is established by detecting the game ball, and a random value acquisition means (main control board 920) for acquiring a random number value related to the success / failure, and that the start condition is established Based on the above, the symbol display is a variation display of a type corresponding to the detection unit according to establishment of the start condition (unit game according to the first special symbol, unit game according to the second special symbol). When the fluctuation display is executed by the fluctuation display execution means (main control board 920) executed by the means and the fluctuation display execution means, the previous condition is established based on the establishment of the start condition corresponding to the fluctuation display. Privilege granting means (main control board 920) that stops the variation display being executed in a predetermined manner and gives a predetermined privilege when the random value acquired by the random value acquisition means is a predetermined value; A gaming machine (pachinko machine 100) equipped with
A game ball that has entered a predetermined distribution entrance (entrance 611) is configured to be distributed to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations, and the game balls are distributed to a first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations. A distribution unit (distribution unit 620) that sets a next distribution destination to a second distribution destination different from the first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations,
A first detection unit that is provided downstream of the distribution means and provided at the first distribution destination, and that is related to the execution of the first variation display (unit game related to the first special symbol) among the types of variation display. A first ball passage (main ball passage 652A) extending to
A second that relates to the execution of a second variation display (unit game related to the second special symbol) of a type different from the first variation display, provided downstream of the distribution means and in the second distribution destination. A second sphere passage (main sphere passage 652B) extending to the detection portion of
A game ball passage provided at a position different from the distribution entrance, which is detected by the second detection unit or another detection unit (right start winning switch 442) related to execution of the second variation display. Passing opening (the entrance portion of the right start winning device 432),
For each type of variable display, random number storage means (mainly capable of storing the random number value acquired by the random value acquisition means based on the establishment of the start condition corresponding to the variable display up to a predetermined upper limit number Control board 920 RAM),
An actuating portion (allocation destination changing lever 850) that is actuated by a game ball that has passed through the passage opening;
The allocating unit acts on the allocating unit based on the operation of the operating unit in a state where the game ball is allocated to the second allocating destination, and is a allocating destination different from the second allocating destination. And a distribution changing means (link mechanism 840) capable of changing to a distribution destination provided on the downstream side of the detection unit related to the execution of the first variation display,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In addition, the pachinko machine includes a display device, and the display device starts the variable display of the symbols based on the fact that the lottery is performed, and displays the final lottery display of the variable display in the lottery result. The corresponding stop result is displayed.

  In addition, in a conventional pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the start opening while the display device is displaying a change in symbol, hit information used for a big win lottery is predetermined. Some are configured to be stored on hold with an upper limit of the number (for example, 4). At this time, the stored winning information is subjected to a lottery for determining whether or not it is a big hit after the symbol variation display is completed, and the next symbol variation display is started accordingly.

  In recent years, there has been known a gaming machine in which a plurality of start ports (for example, two start ports) are provided, and for each start port, hit information can be stored on hold up to an upper limit number allowed for each start port. . In such a gaming machine, there is provided a winning device comprising a plurality of branch passages connected to each of a plurality of start ports, and a distribution means for distributing game balls that have entered from a predetermined entrance to any one of these branch passages. It is known to use (see, for example, JP-A-2016-22147).

  However, there is still room for improvement with respect to a gaming machine having an advantageous area in which a lottery of winning information is performed when the game balls distributed by the distributing means have passed as in the conventional gaming machine described above. For example, when an advantageous area for giving a predetermined privilege by passing a game ball is provided separately from an advantageous area through which the game ball distributed by the distribution means can pass, the distribution of the game ball by the distribution means The game can be played by launching a game ball aiming at another advantageous area in addition to the game that acquires the privilege, so that the monotonization of the game can be suppressed, but the privilege that the player can acquire tends to be biased . Since the winning information can be reserved and stored up to the upper limit for each privilege, a situation occurs in which the number of reserved information stored in the winning information for a specific privilege tends to reach the upper limit by biasing the benefits that can be acquired. Even if the player obtains the hit information as a privilege, if the hit information cannot be stored on hold and is wasted, there is a risk that the player will lose the interest of the game.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine according to features 50 and 51, the game balls that have entered the distribution entrance are configured to be distributed to any of a plurality of distribution destinations, and the game balls are When the distribution destination is distributed to the first distribution destination, the next distribution destination is set to a second distribution destination different from the first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations.

A first ball passage is provided on the downstream side of the distribution means and at the first distribution destination. The first ball passage extends to the first detection unit related to the first variation display among the types of variation display, and the game ball that has entered the first ball passage by the sorting by the sorting means is caused by the first detection unit. When detected, the first fluctuation display is executed by the fluctuation display execution means. Further, a second ball passage is provided downstream of the distribution means and at the second distribution destination. The second ball passage extends to the second detection unit related to the execution of the second variation display, and when the game ball that has entered the second ball passage by the sorting by the sorting means is detected by the second detection unit. The game ball passing port is provided at a position different from the distribution entrance where the first variation display is executed by the variation display execution means. When the game ball passes through the passage, the game ball is detected by the second detection unit or another detection unit related to the execution of the second variation display, whereby the variation display execution unit performs the second operation. Fluctuation display is executed. When the game ball passes through the passage opening, the operation unit is operated by the game ball.

  When the operating unit is activated in a state in which the distributing unit distributes the game balls to the second distribution destination, the distribution changing unit that acts on the distributing unit based on the operation of the operating unit causes the next time by the distributing unit. The distribution destination is a distribution destination different from the second distribution destination, and the detection unit for executing the first variation display can be changed to a distribution destination provided on the downstream side.

  Therefore, if the game ball is detected by the second detection unit or another detection unit related to the execution of the second variation display because the game ball has passed through the passage port, Since the next allocation destination can be changed to the allocation destination provided on the downstream side of the detection unit related to the execution of the first variation display, the game balls are detected biased to the detection unit related to the execution of the second variation display. Can be suppressed. Since the random value storage means has an upper limit on the random number value that can be held for each type of variation display, the game ball is detected with a bias toward the detection unit related to the execution of the variation display of a specific type (that is, the second variation display). By suppressing this, it is possible to suppress a situation in which random numbers corresponding to a particular type of variable display cannot be stored on hold.

<Feature 52>
The gaming machine according to feature 51, wherein
An approach probability changing means (movable piece of the right start winning device 432, main control) that increases the entrance probability of the game ball to the passing port compared to outside the advantage period in an advantageous period that occurs when a predetermined condition is established. A gaming machine comprising a substrate 920).

  In the case of the gaming machine according to feature 52, the probability of entry of a game ball into the passageway is increased by an approach probability changing means during an advantageous period that occurs when a predetermined condition is satisfied, compared to outside the advantageous period. Since it is comprised in this way, a game ball is easy to pass a passage opening in an advantageous period. Therefore, the chance that the game ball is detected by the detection unit related to the execution of the second variation display increases in the advantageous period. Thus, in a gaming machine in which the chance that the game ball is detected by the detection unit related to the execution of the second variation display may increase at a specific time (that is, the advantageous period), the game ball is used to execute the second variation display. It can suppress detecting with biasing to such a detection part.

<Feature 53>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 50 to 52,
The allocating means is configured to be operable to alternately distribute the first sphere passage and the second sphere passage,
The actuating portion is provided in a passage extending in a direction intersecting with the direction of gravity in a passage through which the game ball that has passed through the passage opening flows so as to move downward with the weight of the game ball passing through the passage. Part (allocation destination change lever 850),
The distribution changing means is configured by a mechanical link unit (link mechanism 840) provided so that the distribution unit can be operated by the operation of the movable unit,
The link unit is configured to operate the distribution unit so that a distribution destination of the distribution unit is the first ball path when the movable unit is moved by a game ball that has passed through the passage port. A gaming machine characterized by

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 53, the game ball that has passed through the passage opening moves downward in the passage that extends in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity with the weight of the game ball that passes through the passage. The movable part is configured as described above. When the movable part moves downward by the weight of the game ball that has passed through the passage port, the distribution change means constituted by the mechanical link means causes the next distribution destination to be the first ball path. The minute means is activated. Therefore, since the distribution destination is changed by the mechanical link means, it is possible to suppress the detection of the game ball biased to the detection unit related to the execution of the second variation display while suppressing the control load.

  Note that at least one feature described in the features 10 to 53 may be applied in combination with any one or more of the features. The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above-described features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko machine: launch operation means operated by a player, game ball launch means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the launch operation means, a passage section for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, A gaming machine that includes each gaming component arranged in a gaming area, and gives a bonus to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of each gaming component.

  A spinning machine such as a slot machine: the rotation of the circulating body is started based on the operation of the start operation means, the rotation of the circulating body is stopped based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the player is made according to the pattern after the stop. A gaming machine that grants bonuses.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for a gaming machine such as a ball game machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Game machine, 400 ... Game board, 431 ... Medium start prize device, 431A ... Left side middle start prize device, 431B ... Right side middle start prize device, 441 ... Middle start prize switch, J1 ... Detection part, J2 ... Circuit part, 612 ... Guide part, 620 ... Distribution part, 634 ... Projection part, 652A, 652B ... Main ball path, 653A, 653B, 653C ... Secondary ball path, 654A1, 654A2, 654B1, 654B2 ... Inlet part, 810 ... Distribution destination Change lever, 820 ... Link mechanism, 840 ... Link mechanism, 850 ... Destination change lever

Claims (2)

A gaming machine comprising: a detection unit capable of detecting a game ball; and a privilege granting unit for granting a privilege according to the detection unit detecting the game ball based on the detection of the game ball by the detection unit Because
When the game balls that have entered the predetermined distribution entrance are configured to be distributed to any of a plurality of distribution destinations, and when the game balls are distributed to a first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations, A distribution means for setting a next distribution destination to a second distribution destination different from the first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations;
A main sphere passage provided downstream of the distribution means and at the first distribution destination and extending to at least one of the detection units;
A secondary ball path that branches from the main ball path upstream of the detection unit in the main ball path and guides the game ball to a different area from the detection unit;
An actuating part that is actuated by a game ball that has entered the follower ball path from the main ball path;
The allocating unit acts on the allocating unit based on the operation of the operating unit in a state where the game ball is allocated to the second allocating destination, and is a allocating destination different from the second allocating destination. A distribution changing means capable of changing to a distribution destination capable of providing a privilege according to the at least one detection unit that can be entered by the main ball passage;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine.