JP2018102685A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suitably improving a level of attention to games.SOLUTION: A game area PE is provided on the front face of a game board unit 80. The game area PE is divided into a left route passing through the left side of a variable display unit 525 arranged at the center of the game board unit 80 and a right route passing through the right side. In the right route, at a portion becoming an upstream of a first variable winning device 82, an upstream side guide passage 360 for guiding game balls to the first variable winning device 82 and a bypass passage 370 for guiding game balls to a position becoming a downstream side of the first variable winning device 82 so as to avoid a ball entrance to the first variable winning device 82 are arranged side by side in a juxtaposed manner. Game balls that have passed through the upstream side guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 are guided to a right operation ball entrance unit 85 through a downstream side guide passage 306 provided below the first variable winning device 82.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are provided with a game board in which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When the game ball launched from the game ball launching unit enters the entrance part provided in the game area, a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2002-78904 A

  In the type of gaming machine described above, there is still room for improvement in the configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to gaming.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably improving the degree of attention to a game.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the above problems will be described.

The invention described in claim 1
A game board in which a game area is formed;
Game state transition means for transitioning the gaming state to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition;
A variable pitching portion that is provided in the gaming area and is switchable between an accepting state in which a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state in which entering is impossible;
Switching means for switching the variable pitching portion to the acceptance state when the special gaming state is established;
It is provided so as to branch on the upstream side of the variable pitching portion, so that the upstream guide passage for guiding the game ball to the variable pitching portion and the pitching into the variable pitching portion are avoided. A detour path for detouring the variable entry section,
Of the game balls that are provided on the downstream side of the variable pitching portion and are guided to the variable pitching portion by the upstream guide passage, the game balls that have not entered the variable pitching portion are predetermined in the gaming area. A downstream guide passage capable of guiding to a position,
The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is guided to the predetermined position through the downstream guide passage,
The detour path can be switched between a relatively short period and a relatively long period of time required for the detour path to pass through the detour path,
In the special gaming state, when the variable pitching portion is in the receiving state, the required period of the bypass path is configured to be in the long state.

  The degree of attention to the game can be preferably improved.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in a 1st form. It is the perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is the schematic which shows the internal structure of a lower action | operation entrance ball unit. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a front view which shows a back pack unit. It is the elements on larger scale of the game board shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between the frame of a front door frame, and the partition wall part of a game board. It is the schematic which shows the flow path in a right route. (A) Schematic showing the probability of entering the through gate, (b) Schematic showing the relationship between the operation amount and the flow path. (A) Schematic showing the movement of the game ball in the inclined passage, (b) Schematic showing the speed change in the passage direction of the game ball passing through the inclined passage. (A) It is the schematic which shows the distance relationship between game balls, (b) It is the schematic which shows the mode of dispersion | distribution and aggregation of game balls. (A) Schematic diagram showing changes in density of game balls, (b) (c) Schematic diagram showing how game balls are distributed. It is the elements on larger scale of the game board which show a downstream guide passage and its circumference. It is the schematic which shows the motion of a game ball. It is the elements on larger scale of the game board in 2nd Embodiment. (A) Horizontal cross-sectional view of downstream guide passage, (b) Schematic showing changes in game ball density for each section. It is the elements on larger scale of the game board in 3rd Embodiment. (A) Schematic of lower extension part, (b) It is a figure which shows the relationship between a left bypass path and a right bypass path. It is the elements on larger scale of the game board in 4th Embodiment. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the relationship between a lamp | ramp part and a detour passage. It is the schematic which illustrated the light emission aspect of the lamp part. (A) The flowchart which shows the setting process for the light emission control performed by MPU of an alerting | reporting / production control apparatus, (b) The timing chart which illustrated the mode of the light emission control of a light-emitting body. It is the elements on larger scale of the game board in 6th Embodiment. (A) Timing chart showing movement of shutter and regulating member in opening / closing execution mode, (b) Schematic showing flow of game balls. It is the schematic which shows the 1st variable prize-winning apparatus and detour path in 7th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the 1st variable winning apparatus and detour path in 8th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the 1st variable winning apparatus and detour path in 9th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the lower side expansion part and its periphery in 10th Embodiment. It is a front view of a passage unit. (A) AA line fragmentary sectional view of Drawing 32, (b) It is a BB line fragmentary sectional view of Drawing 32. It is the schematic which shows the relationship of the flow path in a guide channel and a detour channel. It is the schematic which shows the lower side expansion part and its periphery in 11th Embodiment. It is a front view of a passage unit. (A) CC sectional view taken on the line in FIG. 36, (b) DD sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the relationship of the flow path in a guide channel and a detour channel. It is the schematic which shows the modification of a right route. It is the schematic which shows the modification of the relationship between the entrance part of a detour passage, and a lamp part. It is the schematic which shows the modification of a right route. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an upstream guide channel and a detour channel.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the main configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in an exploded manner. In FIG. 3, the configuration in the game area in the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main part 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 11 is formed by connecting plate members to four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. By attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. In the pachinko machine 10, the outer frame 11 is not an essential configuration, and the outer frame 11 may be provided on the island facility of the game arcade.

  The gaming machine main part 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. Specifically, the upper support bracket 17 is fixed to a connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further, a lower portion is connected to the connection portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. Side support fittings 18 are provided. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 form a support mechanism. The support mechanism causes the gaming machine main unit 12 to turn the left side of the pachinko machine 10 in the front view with respect to the outer frame 11. The right side can be turned to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 with the turning tip side (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gaming machine main part 12 is disposed at the inner frame 13 as a base body, the front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and the rear of the inner frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is provided. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation front end side in a front view of the gaming machine.

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 and can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view of the gaming machine. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can be rotated rearward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view of the gaming machine. Yes.

  Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. Yes. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that a substantially entire game area PE described later can be viewed from the front. The window portion 21 is formed by the glass unit 22. The front door frame 14 is closed from the back side.

  The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of glass panels 23 having transparency and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition portion for partitioning the holding region of the glass panel 23 in the front-rear direction, and the two glass panels 23 face each other in the front-rear direction with the partition portion interposed therebetween. That is, by securing a predetermined gap between the glass panels 23, the gaming area PE is covered by the glass panels 23 from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 while avoiding interference between the glass panels 23. It is in a state.

  Note that it is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, in view of safety and security improvement, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and to make the glass panels face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to employ a synthetic resin panel member having transparency instead of the glass panel.

  Around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21), light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. For example, an annular illumination part (lamp part 26) including a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window part 21. The lamp unit 26 is turned on or blinked according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp unit 27 is provided at the center of the lamp unit 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10 to be turned on when a malfunction such as an error occurs. A prize ball lamp unit 28 is provided. In addition, a speaker unit 29 is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 28 to output sound effects, BGM, and the like according to the gaming state (see FIG. 3).

  Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 that bulge toward the front side are arranged side by side. An upper pan 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower pan 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32 (see FIG. 2). The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later and guiding them to a game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 34 has a function of storing game balls that become surplus in the upper tray 33.

  A game ball launching handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to protrude toward the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, a game ball is launched from a game ball launch mechanism described later. The game ball firing speed increases as the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle 41 increases, and the player adjusts the amount of operation to separate the game balls into the right route and the left route, which will be described later. Is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is formed of a synthetic resin and includes a front door side upper tray passage that leads to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage that leads to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving port portion that protrudes rearward and is opened upward is formed at the upper corner of the passage forming unit 45, and the entrance portion of the front door side upper plate passage is formed by dividing the receiving port portion into left and right by a partition wall. The portion and the entrance portion of the front door side lower dish passage are partitioned. The upstream side of the front door side upper dish path and the front door side lower dish path are connected to a game ball distributing section described later, and the game balls that have entered the front door side upper dish path are guided to the upper plate 33 and are moved to the lower side of the front door. The game ball that has entered the dish passage is guided to the lower dish 34.

  Projecting shafts are provided at the upper end and the lower end of the rotation base end side of the back surface of the front door frame 14. These projecting shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of metal fittings 63 extending rearward are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction on the rotating front end side of the back surface of the front door frame 14. These hooks 63 constitute a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

  Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the inner frame 13. In FIG. 5, as in FIG. 3, the configuration in the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 70 whose outer shape is substantially rectangular like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 70 is set slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The resin base 70 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 70. A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close the gap. The curtain plate is disposed below the resin base 70 (specifically, the lower end portion thereof). When the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the resin base 70 is placed on the curtain plate. . A slight clearance may be provided between the curtain plate and the resin base 70 for the purpose of preventing mutual interference.

  Support metal fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 3) on the front surface of the resin base 70. Although illustration is omitted, the support fittings 71 and 72 have shaft portions, and a bearing portion provided on the front door frame 14 is inserted into these shaft portions, so that the front door frame with respect to the inner frame 13 is inserted. 14 is rotatably supported.

  A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is disposed on the front side of the rotation of the resin base 70 (on the right side in FIG. 5). The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end portion of the resin base 70, and the front door frame 14 is attached to the inner frame 13 by the hook metal fitting 63 being locked to the front door hook receiving member 76. On the other hand, it is locked so that it cannot be opened. The locking device 75 has an inner frame collar member 77 that extends to the rear side of the inner frame 13 through a slit formed in the resin base 70 (see FIG. 4). When these inner frame hook members 77 are hooked on the hook receiving member 19 fixed to the outer frame 11, the gaming machine main part 12 is locked in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11.

  A cylinder lock 78 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device 75 is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 70 (locking device 75). The cylinder lock 78 is integrated with the locking device 75. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the right, the lock of the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13 is released, and the cylinder lock 78 is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 78. The locking device 75 is configured such that when the key is turned counterclockwise, the locking of the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released.

  A housing recess 73 for housing the game board unit 80 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 70. The housing recess 73 is recessed to the rear of the gaming machine according to the outer shape of the game board unit 80, and the game board unit 80 is fixed by a manual lock mechanism while being fitted in the housing recess 73. A substantially rectangular window hole 74 is formed at the bottom of the housing recess 73, and the rear configuration of the game board unit 80 projects rearward of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 74. The window hole 74 is almost entirely covered from the front of the gaming machine by the game board unit 80 attached to the resin base 70.

  The game board unit 80 is provided on the back side of the game board 80a formed mainly of a plate made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and various game parts (variable display devices, control devices, movable effects). A back block 80b in which a mechanism, a light-emitting decorative member, and the like are mounted on the base body 251 are integrated, and the front portion of the back block 80b is visible through the game board 80a.

  On the front surface of the game board 80a, the above-described game area PE in which game balls flow down is formed. As already described, the game area PE is covered with the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23). In the glass unit 22, the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game board 80a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game balls flowing down the game area PE are the same in the game area PE. It is arranged so that it is not lined up back and forth at a point. Thereby, the ball blockage in the game area PE is suppressed. Note that the game board 80a is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, and may be made of wood.

(Game board unit 80)
Hereinafter, the game board unit 80 (particularly, various configurations arranged in the game area PE of the game board 80a) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of the game board unit 80.

  The game board 80a is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its own thickness direction (front-rear direction). As shown in FIG. 6, a general winning opening 81, variable winning devices 82 and 83, operating ball entering units 84 and 85, etc. are disposed in each opening. When game balls enter the general winning opening 81, the variable winning devices 82 and 83, and the operating ball entering units 84 and 85, the game balls are detected by detection sensors (not shown) provided corresponding to the respective ball entering portions. Based on the detection result, a privilege such as payout (prize ball) of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area PE, and game balls that have not entered the various entrances are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 89. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the out port 89, the game ball entering the general game port 81, the variable game devices 82 and 83, and the operation ball units 84 and 85 will be described. Also expressed as "winning".

  The game board 80a is provided with a variety of game parts (acts) such as a game nail and a windmill in order to appropriately distribute and adjust the flow path of the game balls. The flow path of the game ball is differentiated by various configurations such as these game nails and windmills, and is adjusted so that a winning to the above-described general winning opening 81 or the like occurs with an appropriate probability.

  A central opening is formed at the center of the game board 80a, and a transparent opening cover is attached so as to cover the central opening. The variable display unit 252 and the like belonging to the back block 80b is located behind the central opening, and the variable display unit 252 and the like can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine through the central opening and the opening cover.

  The operating ball entry units 84 and 85 are a lower operation ball entry unit 84 disposed below the variable display unit 252, and a right operation ball entry unit 85 disposed on the right side of the lower operation ball entry unit 84. It is constituted by.

  The right actuated entrance unit (lottery opportunity entrance portion) 85 is provided with an electric accessory 85b as an entrance assist device (entrance assist means). The electric accessory 85b includes a slide-type movable piece and a solenoid-type drive unit that drives the movable piece. The movable piece is movable from the front surface of the game board 80a to a protruding position that protrudes into the game area PE and to a retracted position where the protrusion to the game area PE is avoided. By being arranged, it becomes a receiving state (assist state) in which it is possible to enter the right working port 85a, and it becomes a non-accepting state (non-assisting state) in which it is impossible to enter the ball by placing it in the retracted position. It is the composition which changes as follows.

  When the electric accessory 85b is in the accepting state, the flow path is cut off by the movable piece arranged at the protruding position, and the game ball that has reached the right operation ball entry unit 85 in this situation is the movable piece. Is guided to the right working port 85a. On the other hand, when the electric accessory 85b is in a non-accepting state, the game ball that has reached the right actuated entry unit 85 passes through the front of the right actuating port 85a and goes to the out port 89. Become.

  The above-described through gate 86 is disposed at a position upstream of the right action entry unit 85 in the game area PE (specifically, a position at the side of the variable display unit 252 in the right route). If the winning combination is a lottery triggered by the passing of the game ball through the through gate 86, the electric accessory 85b is temporarily switched from the non-accepting state to the accepting state.

  In the pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of support modes are set with different modes of support by the electric accessory 85 b. Specifically, in the support mode, there is a frequency at which the electric accessory 85b is in an accepting state per unit time when compared with a situation in which a game ball is continuously launched in the same manner with respect to the game area PE. The low frequency support mode (or low frequency guide state) and the high frequency support mode (or high frequency guide state) are set so as to be relatively high and low.

  In the high frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize to the right operation port 85a is higher than in the low frequency support mode. When a winning is made to the right operation port 85a, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. For this reason, in the high frequency support mode, the player can play a game while suppressing consumption (investment) of the ball by launching the game ball aiming at the right route.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 7, a supplementary description will be given of the lower operation entrance unit 84 and the right operation entrance unit 85. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the lower operation entrance unit 84.

  The lower operation ball entry unit 84 is formed with a guide passage 84c for guiding the game ball flowing into the lower operation port 84a to a collection passage provided on the back side of the game board 80a. The guide passage 84c branches into a first branch passage 84d and a second branch passage 84e at a midway position.

  The branch position in the guide passage 84c can be switched between a first guide state in which the game ball that has reached the branch position is guided to the first branch passage 84d and a second guide state in which the game ball is guided to the second branch passage 84e. Means 84g are provided. The distribution means 84g is configured to switch from one guidance state to the other guidance state based on the guidance of the game ball. For this reason, the game balls that have flowed into the lower operation port 84a are alternately distributed to the first branch passage 84d and the second branch passage 84e.

  The right action entry unit 85 (right action opening 85a) is connected to the second branch path 84e via the communication path 84f, and the game ball that has flowed into the right action opening 85a flows into the second branch path 84e. That is, the game ball that has flowed into the lower working port 84a flows into both the branch passages 84d and 84e, while the game ball that has flowed into the right working port 85a flows into only the second branch passage 84e.

  A detection sensor 261 for detecting a game ball is disposed in the first branch passage 84d (hereinafter also referred to as the first ball entry portion 84d), and in the second branch passage 84e (hereinafter also referred to as the second ball entry portion 84e). A detection sensor 262 for detecting a game ball is disposed at a position downstream of the communicating portion of the communication passage 84f. These detection sensors 261 and 262 are connected to the main control unit, and the main control unit enters the branch passages 84d and 84e based on detection information (detection signals) from the detection sensors 261 and 262, that is, the operation port 84a. , 85a.

  In the present embodiment, a difference is provided so that the lottery based on the ball entering the second branch passage 84e is more advantageous to the player than the lottery based on the ball entering the first branch passage 84d. . In the normal gaming state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, the lower operation port 84a (specifically, the first operation is performed while firing the game ball to the right route and generating the right operation port 85a → the second entry unit 84e). By avoiding entering the ball portion 84d), the game is advantageously advanced for the player.

  The pachinko machine 10 is a lottery (win / no lottery) for entering and closing execution mode (special game state) based on the entrance to the operation entrance units 84 and 85 (the first entrance portion 84d and the second entrance portion 84e). ) Is executed. In the lottery mode, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) having a higher winning probability than the low probability mode are set. In any of the lottery modes, when the lottery is won, the open / close execution mode is entered and the variable winning devices 82 and 83 can be entered.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 6 again, the variable winning device (special winning device or special winning means) 82 and 83 will be supplementarily described. The variable winning devices 82 and 83 have large winning ports 82a and 83a through which game balls can pass, and shutters 82b and 83b as opening / closing members (opening / closing means) for opening and closing the large winning ports 82a and 83a. Is provided. The shutters 82b and 83b are connected to a variable winning drive unit (specifically, a solenoid or the like) provided on the back side of the game board 80a. The variable winning drive unit is connected to the main control device and operates based on a drive signal from the main control device. As a result, the shutters 82b and 83b are switched between an open state (allowed state) in which a game ball can be entered or allowed to enter and a closed state (blocked state) in which the entrance ball is impossible or difficult.

  In normal times, the shutters 82b and 83b are kept closed, and when winning the opening / closing execution mode (opening / closing execution state) in the internal lottery (big hit: a special advantage more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state) When the game state is won, it can be switched to the open state. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 82 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined time (specifically, 30 sec) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) winnings is defined as one round, and a plurality of rounds (specifically, 16 rounds) are set as upper limits. The opening and closing of the open / close door is set to be repeated.

  During the opening / closing execution mode, the upper first variable winning device 82 of the upper and lower variable winning devices is mainly subject to release, and the lower second variable winning device 83 is subject to release in a predetermined round (for example, the seventh round). It becomes. The second variable winning device 83 is provided with an advantageous winning portion 83c and a flow path switching member 83d for switching the inflow destination of the game ball that has entered the big winning opening 83a to the advantageous winning portion 83c. The flow path switching member 83d is connected to the main control device and operates based on a signal from the main control device. About the operation | movement aspect of a flow-path switching member, according to the result of the said lottery, it sets in detail according to a win type.

  In the case where the entrance into the advantageous entry portion 83c occurs during the opening / closing execution mode, after the opening / closing execution mode (special game state) is finished, the normal game corresponding to the high-frequency support mode in the support mode and the high-probability mode in the lottery mode Transition to the state. This provides an opportunity to acquire a large amount of game balls. On the other hand, when the entrance to the advantageous entrance portion 83c does not occur during the opening / closing execution mode, the lottery mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends becomes the low probability mode.

  Here, the variable display unit 252 will be supplementarily described. The variable display unit 252 has a symbol display device 253 that variably displays (variably displays) symbols triggered by winnings in the activated ball entering units 84 and 85 (specifically, the ball entering portions 84d and 84e). The symbol display device 253 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later.

  On the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, for example, symbols are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right, and these symbols are variably displayed as they are scrolled up and down. When a big win is won, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, and the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode (special game state or big win). Note that the symbol display device 253 is not necessarily a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix or 7-segment display device.

  A center frame 92 is provided on the game board 80a so as to surround the central opening. The center frame 92 is fixed to the game board 80a (specifically, a plate) from the front side. In such a fixed state, the center frame 92 stands up from the front surface of the game board 80a, and the gap dimension between the center frame 92 and the glass unit 22 is configured to be smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. ing. This prevents the game ball flowing down the game area PE from colliding with the symbol display device 253, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is on the right side of the variable display unit 252 (specifically, the center frame 92). The route is divided into the right route detouring from the left and the left route detouring from the left side.

  The above-described right action entry unit 85, variable winning devices 82 and 83, and through gate 86 are all arranged on the right route, and the lower action entry unit 84 is arranged on the left route. The game balls flowing down the left route can win the lower operating ball entering unit 84, while winning to the right operating ball entering unit 85, the variable winning devices 82 and 83 and the through gate 86 is avoided. On the other hand, the game ball flowing down the right route can win the right operating ball entering unit 85, the variable winning devices 82 and 83, and the through gate 86, while avoiding winning the lower operating ball entering unit 84. Is done. When the electric accessory 85b of the right action entry unit 85 is in the high-frequency support mode (normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode) or in the open / close execution mode, the game ball is moved to the right route. The game can be advantageously advanced by firing, and the game can be advantageously advanced by firing the game ball to the left route in the normal game state corresponding to the low frequency support mode. That is, the player can advantageously advance the game by selecting the flow path of the game ball from the right route / left route according to the game situation.

  On the upper surface of the frame portion constituting the lower portion of the center frame 92, a stage portion is formed on which the game ball can roll to the left and right. The game ball that has flowed in from the inflow port formed in the left frame portion of the center frame 92 is discharged onto the stage portion through a warp passage similarly formed in the left frame portion of the center frame 92. The stage portion is configured such that the game ball that has reached the stage portion is relatively easy to flow into the lower operation port 84a, and the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the stage portion is improved. Contributing to

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the central opening is covered by the transparent opening cover, and the game ball that has reached the stage portion is restricted from moving toward the back block 80b (variable display unit 252). ing.

  A game area partition member 93 that partitions the game area PE together with a guide rail 100 described later is disposed at the right end of the game board 80a. Near the upper end of the game area partition member 93, a return rubber 94 is disposed that weakens the momentum of a game ball moving on the right route along the guide rail 100. The game ball that has collided with the return rubber 94 is weakened and is restricted so as not to move on the right route with excessive force.

  A rail cover 95 that covers the guide rail 100 from the outside of the game area PE is disposed at the left end of the game board 80a. The rail cover 95 is fixed to the game board 80a so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the game board 80a, and faces the guide rail 100 with a slight gap therebetween. By protecting the guide rail 100 with the rail cover 95, for example, it is possible to suppress interference between the frame body 20 and the guide rail 100 when the game board unit 80 is mounted on the frame body 20 of the inner frame 13. It has become.

  A main display unit 96 is embedded in a portion of the rail cover 95 facing the glass unit 22, and the main display unit 96 is visible from the front of the gaming machine through the glass unit 22. The main display unit 96 is provided with a main display portion D on which a pattern or the like is displayed. The main display unit 96 is electrically connected to a main controller described later, and the display content of the main display unit D is controlled by the main controller.

  The main display unit D displays a lottery result based on a winning result for the first winning part 84d and a lottery result performed based on a winning result for the second winning part 84e. And a display unit for a second incoming ball part.

  In the display unit for the first pitching part, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the first pitching part 84d as a trigger, and based on the winning of the first pitching part 84d as a stop result of the variation display. The result of the internal lottery performed will be specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on winning in the first pitching portion 84d is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the first pitching portion display unit, After a predetermined pattern is displayed as a stop result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the display unit for the second pitching part, the variation display of the pattern is performed by using the winning in the second pitching part 84e as a trigger, and based on the winning in the second pitching part 84e as a stop result of the variation display. The result of the internal lottery performed will be specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on winning in the second pitching part 84e is a winning result corresponding to the jackpot, the variable display is stopped on the second pitching part display unit, After the picture is displayed, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode according to the result.

  Here, based on the winning in any of the pitching portions 84d and 84e, the variation display is started on the corresponding pitching portion display unit, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the variation display is stopped. (For details, until the confirmation display is completed) corresponds to one game time. However, the number of game times is not limited to the above-mentioned contents. For example, a single display area is provided, and any single winning area 84d, 84e may be won. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the above-mentioned variable display is stopped in a state where the predetermined stop result is displayed. It is also possible to make it times.

  Further, the main display unit D of the main display unit 96 is provided with a through-gate display unit for displaying a lottery result based on winning through the through-gate 86 in addition to the two display units. In the through-gate display unit, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the through-gate 86 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through-gate 86 is clearly shown as a result of stopping the variation display. Is done. If the result of the internal lottery based on winning through the through gate 86 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit, and the change display is displayed. After being stopped, the state shifts to the electric power open state. In the electric combination open state, the electric combination 85b provided in the right action entry unit 85 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times that a game ball has entered the first ball entering portion 84d, the second ball entering portion 84e, and the through gate 86 is held up to four times. The main display portion D of the display unit 96 is provided with a hold number display portion for displaying the hold numbers.

  The configuration of the inner frame 13 will be described again with reference to FIG. 5. A game in which a game ball is launched into the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 below the game board unit 80 in the resin base 70. A ball launching mechanism 110 is provided.

  The game ball launching mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball placed at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying a ball and a base plate 114 on which the various configurations 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 70, whereby the resin base 70 is integrated.

  The firing rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the game board 80a. The firing rail 112 is formed with a groove portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section, and the front and rear positions of the game ball are defined by fitting the game ball into the groove portion.

  A ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 at the above-described firing standby position is disposed at a position closer to the downstream end portion (that is, the lower end portion) of the firing rail 112. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

  The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power source / launch control device described later. Based on the output of the electrical signal from the power supply / launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion / contraction direction, so that the game ball placed at the launch standby position is on the game board 80a side, more specifically, the game. It is driven toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 80a. When the game ball launching handle 41 is operated and the game balls are continuously fired, the solenoid 111 is driven at a predetermined cycle (specifically, every 0.6 sec). That is, game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle.

  The guide rail 100 partitions the game area PE together with the game area partition member 93 fixed to the game board 80a (specifically, the front surface of the plate) so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. In addition, the guide rail 100 includes an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 that are arranged so as to face each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a single guide passage 103 is formed by both the rails 101 and 102. Has been. The guide passage 103 includes an inlet portion 104 that is opened to the tip side (obliquely downward) of the firing rail 112, and an outlet portion 105 that is located above the gaming area PE. The game ball fired based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the firing rail 112 → the guide rail 100 (the entrance portion 104 → the exit portion 105). In the game board 80a, on the front side of the exit portion 105, specifically, in the vicinity of the front end of the inner rail 101, a reversal prevention member 106 for preventing the reversal of the game ball reaching the game area PE into the guide passage 103 is attached. Thus, it is possible to prevent the subsequent launch of the game ball from being hindered by the game ball that has reached the game area PE first.

  Each of the rails 101 and 102 constituting the guide rail 100 has an arc shape centered at a substantially central portion of the game area PE. For this reason, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (slide or roll) along the outer rail 102, that is, in contact with the outer rail 102 due to the centrifugal force generated by itself. That is, when a game ball is launched so as to be delivered to the game area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guide passage 103 substantially constitutes a pass area (passage path) through which the game ball passes. However, the area along the inner rail 101 is an area through which the game ball does not pass.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board 80a. Has been. That is, both the rails 100 and 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the firing rail 112 are shifted left and right in the vicinity of the lower end edge of the game board 80a. Thus, a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the firing rail 112 while bringing both rails 100 and 112 close to the lower end edge of the game board 80a.

  A foul ball passage is disposed below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball path is formed integrally with the path forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return to the inside of the guide passage 103 as foul balls, the foul balls enter the foul ball passage through the gap. Become. The foul ball path leads to the front door side lower dish path, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball path are discharged to the lower dish 34 shown in FIG. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

  A through hole that penetrates the resin base 70 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the firing rail 112 in the resin base 70 (specifically, the side that supports the front door frame 14). A passage forming member is formed in the through hole. 121 is disposed. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 70 and has a main body side upper dish path 122 and a main body side lower dish path 123. The upstream side of the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 communicates with a game ball distributing section described later. In addition, a receiving portion of a passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming member 121, and a front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side upper plate passage 122, A front door side upper dish passage is disposed below the main body side lower dish passage 123.

  An opening / closing member 124 that opens and closes the main body side upper dish path 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 is attached below the passage forming member 121 in the resin base 70. The opening / closing member 124 is urged to a front position that closes the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123. When the front door frame 14 is opened, each opening / closing member 124 is urged by this urging force. By being in the closed state, falling off of the game balls from the passages 122 and 123 is avoided. On the other hand, in a state where the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper dish path 122 and the front door side upper dish path communicate with each other, and the main body side lower dish path 123 and the front door side lower dish path communicate with each other.

  Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (the resin base 70 and the game board unit 80) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (the right side of FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 70. A bearing portion 133 is formed on the bearing bracket 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. A plurality of fixing levers 134 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the resin base 70 in the closed state are provided on the back surface of the resin base 70.

  As already described, a window hole 74 penetrating in the thickness direction of the resin base 70 and opened to the back side of the resin base 70 is formed in the bottom portion of the housing recess (game board housing portion) 73 in the resin base 70. The window hole 74 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board unit 80 housed in the housing recess 73. Various components such as a control device are mounted on the back of the game board unit 80 (rear block 80 b), and these various components are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the window holes 74. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board unit 80 will be described.

  The back block 80b provided on the back side of the game board 80a has a substantially box-shaped base body 251 opened to the game board 80a side, and the base body 251 is fixed to the back side of the game board 80a. Thus, the game board 80a and the back block 80b are integrated.

  The front side of the base body 251 is an arrangement area for a movable production mechanism, a decorative member capable of emitting light, and the like, and the back side thereof is a control device for controlling these various components and the variable display unit 252 (design display device). 253).

  More specifically, a part of the base body 251 protrudes toward the back side of the resin base 70, and the above-described symbol display device 253 (see FIG. 6) and the symbol display device 253 are connected to the protruding portion. A display control device for driving is attached. The symbol display device 253 and the display control device 254 are arranged so that the symbol display device 253 is on the front side and the display control device 254 is on the rear side in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the resin base 70). Furthermore, a notification / production control device 255 is mounted on the back surface of the base body 251 so as to be positioned behind the display control device.

  The notification / production control device 255 includes a notification / production control board that controls sound output, lamp display, and control of the display control device in accordance with instructions from the main control device described later. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box made of a resin material or the like.

  A main controller unit 160 is provided below the notification / production control device 255 so as to cover the base body 251 from behind. The main controller unit 160 includes a synthetic resin mounting base 161 fixed to the back of the game board unit 80 (specifically, the back block 80b), and a main control unit 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. Yes. The main controller 162 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that controls the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power source, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 163 made of, for example.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be unsealed by a box sealing portion 164 as sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions 164 are provided on the short side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used for sealing processing.

  Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. However, by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole that forms the box sealing portion 164, the box sealing portion 164 can be applied. The base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. The sealing process by the box sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. Even after opening, the sealing process can be performed again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking pin into at least one locking hole portion among the plurality of box sealing portions 164. When the substrate box 163 is opened, such as when a failure occurs in the accommodated main control board or when the main control board is inspected, a connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the substrate box 163 main body. Disconnect. As a result, the box base and the box cover of the substrate box 163 are separated, and the internal main control substrate can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, a locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If the history of opening the substrate box 163 is left in the substrate box 163, it can be easily found that the unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate box 163.

  The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected by a base seal part 165 so that they cannot be opened. Specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has a locking hole portion and a locking pin similarly to the box sealing portion 164, and the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole portion so that the board box 163 and The mounting base 161 is coupled so as not to be separable. This makes it easier to grasp the fact that the substrate box 163 has been illegally removed.

  The portion of the front surface of the base body 251 facing the lower back of the game board 80a corresponds to the game board opening of the general winning port 81, variable winning devices 82 and 83, and actuating ball units 84 and 85. In addition, a collection passage (not shown) that gathers in one place on the downstream side is formed. Thereby, all the game balls won in the general winning opening 81 etc. are gathered below the game board unit 80 through the collection passage. That is, the base body 251 is provided with a function of collecting game balls won in various winning ports.

  A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board unit 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board unit 80 by the collection passage are led out into the discharge passage. Similarly, the out port 89 leads to the discharge passage, and a game ball that has not won any winning port is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 89.

  In addition, the base body 251 constituting the back block 80b includes, as a detection sensor for each of the above-described entry parts, a general winning opening detection sensor that detects a game ball won in the general winning opening 81, and a first entry. An operating port detection sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the ball portion 84d and the second ball entry portion 84e is mounted, and a winning detection mechanism is configured by these various detection sensors. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main controller 162, and detection information (detection signals) is output from the respective detection sensors to the main controller 162.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the inner frame 13 is covered from behind by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201 as a main body of the back pack unit 15, and a payout mechanism portion 202, a discharge passage board 203, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. Yes.

  The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and as shown in FIG. 9, a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. 212. The protective cover 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 252 (see FIG. 4).

  The base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10. By inserting the latch pins 214 into the bearing portion 133 provided on the inner frame 13, The pack unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner frame 13. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions through which the fixing levers 134 provided on the inner frame 13 are inserted. The base portion 211 is inserted into the insertion portion 215 from the rear side in a state where the fixing levers 134 are inserted through the insertion portion 215. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by contact.

  In the base portion 211, a payout mechanism portion 202 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is arranged at the top of the back pack 201 and that opens upward, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. The A tank rail 222 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224.

  The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any one of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, and a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the main body described above. It is formed so that it communicates with the upper plate 33 through the side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening communicates with the lower plate 34 through the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage. Has been.

  An external terminal board serving as a relay means for connecting the pachinko machine 10 (specifically, the main control device 162) and the management control device (hall computer) on the game hall side at a position above the payout mechanism portion 202 in the base portion 211. A unit is provided. The external terminal board unit is provided with various output terminals, and through these output terminals, various signals such as a signal indicating that the hall computer has been won and a signal indicating that an abnormality such as a ball clogging has occurred are provided. Is output. The hall computer is configured to grasp the state of the gaming machine based on these signals.

  A discharge passage board 203 and a control device collective unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion in the front-rear direction. In the discharge passage board 203, a discharge passage opened rearward is formed on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and an open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game ball led to the discharge passage from the recovery passage described above passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Discharged.

  The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and a payout control device 242 and a power supply / launch control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

  In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is accommodated in the board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box 244. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is eliminated.

  The power / fire control device 243 has a power / fire control board accommodated in a board box 246. A predetermined power source required by various control devices and the like is generated and output by the power source / launch control board, and further, control of launching of the game ball accompanying the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 by the player is performed. Specifically, drive control of the solenoid 111 constituting the game ball launching mechanism 110 and drive control of the ball feeding device 113 are executed.

  Further, the power source / launch control device 243 is provided with a power switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched to the on state (on state) or the shut off state (off state).

  Here, this pachinko machine 10 has a function for storing various data, and even if a power failure occurs, it retains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure. It can be done. For example, when the power supply is shut down by a normal procedure as in the case of a game hall being closed, the state before the shutdown is stored and held. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166 provided in the main controller 162, the RAM data is initialized.

(Right route)
As described above, the game area PE formed on the game board 80a includes a left route that bypasses the center frame 92 from the left side and a right route that bypasses the right side by the center frame 92 disposed in the center of the game board 80a. It is divided roughly. In the present embodiment, the configuration relating to the right route is characteristic. Hereinafter, a supplementary description will be given of the configuration relating to the right route based on FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the game board unit 80 showing the right route.

  A branch portion of the left route / right route is provided at a position at the center upper portion of the game area PE, and a single inflow passage that forms an inlet portion of the right route in the section to the branch rubber portion and the above-described return rubber 94 ( Hereinafter, the inflow portion 301 is formed. The passage width of the inflow portion 301 is defined by the outer rail 102 and the center frame 92 facing the outer rail 102 with a gap slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball. The game ball cannot pass at the same time. The portion of the outer rail 102 and the center frame 92 forming the passage wall surface of the inflow portion 301 has a smooth curved surface that is convex upward, and the behavior of the game ball passing through the inflow portion 301 Disturbance is suppressed.

  On the downstream side of the inflow portion 301, a bifurcated portion 302 that bifurcates is provided. In the branching portion 302, an area sandwiched between the center frame 92 and the game area partition member 93 is a flow area of the game ball, and a partition wall formed between the center frame 92 and the game area partition member 93 is used. It is divided into two right and left (inner and outer) branch passages 311 and 312. Both branch passages 311 and 312 are configured such that the passage width is slightly larger than the diameter size of the game ball, and a plurality of game balls cannot pass through the same portion at the same time.

  The game ball that has reached the branch portion 302 via the inflow portion 301 flows into one of the two branch passages 311 and 312. Although details will be described later, an inner branch passage 311 (hereinafter referred to as an inner branch passage 311) and an outer branch passage according to the moving speed or the like when reaching the branch portion 302 for a game ball launched to the right route 312 (hereinafter referred to as the outer branch passage 312). In the following description, “moving speed” when the direction is not specified indicates the moving speed in the direction in which the game ball is moving, and “moving speed” when the direction is specified is Indicates the velocity component in the specified direction.

  A large number of game nails are arranged on the downstream side of the branch portion 302 and on the side of the symbol display device 253, that is, the portion between the branch portion 302 and the first variable winning device 82. In addition, diversification of the flow path (flow path) of game balls has been attempted. The lateral width of the flow-down area is defined by the outer peripheral surface (side surface) of the center frame 92 and the game area partition member 93 as in the case of the branch portion 302, and changes from the upstream side toward the downstream side. Specifically, after the lateral width is expanded from the branching portion 302 in the upper portion, the lateral width is reduced in the middle portion, and the lateral width is expanded again in the lower portion. In the following description, the upper part is referred to as “upper extension part 303”, the middle part is referred to as “intermediate part 304”, and the lower part is referred to as “lower extension part 305”.

  The above-described through gate 86 and a large number of game nails 321 are disposed in the upper extension portion 303, and a part of the game balls flowing down the upper extension portion 303 enters the through gate 86. Although details will be described later, when a game ball that has flowed into the upper extension portion 303 via the inner branch passage 311 and a game ball that has flowed into the upper extension portion 303 via the outer branch passage 312 are compared with each other, The flow path is formed so that the former has a higher probability of entering the through gate 86. Both the game ball that has entered the through gate 86 and the game ball that has not entered the ball pass through the intermediate portion 304 to the lower extension portion 305.

  The lower extended portion 305 is divided into right and left by a partition wall portion 350. Of the flow-down areas divided by the partition wall 350, the central area of the game area PE constitutes a guide passage 360 for guiding the game ball to the first variable winning device 82, and the outside (periphery side of the game board 80a). This area constitutes a bypass path 370 that bypasses the first variable winning device 82.

  The game balls that have flowed into the detour passage 370 are located downstream of the first variable winning device 82 on the right route, specifically, the first variable winning device 82 and the second variable winning device 83 that are arranged in parallel vertically. Guided to a position between. For this reason, a game ball that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is prevented from entering the first variable winning device 82.

  The first variable winning device 82 has a horizontally long shape, and the lateral width of the guide passage 360 is expanded to be equal to the lateral width of the first variable winning device 82. A plurality of game nails 361 are scattered in the guide passage 360, and diversification of the flow path (flow path) toward the first variable winning device 82 is achieved by these game nails 361. In addition, the above-described general winning opening 81 is disposed in the middle of the guide passage, and a game ball that has passed through a predetermined flow path wins the general winning opening 81.

  Unlike the through gate 86, the general winning opening 81 is configured such that the game balls that have entered the general winning opening 81 are directly discharged from the gaming area PE. For this reason, not all the game balls that have flowed into the guide passage 360 are guided to the first variable winning device 82, but only the game balls that have been prevented from entering the general winning port 81 are the first variable winning game. Guided to device 82.

  In the guide passage 360, the game nail 361 is located on a straight line connecting the entrance portion (the notches 336 and 337) of the guide passage 360 and the first variable winning device 82, and flows down the guide passage 360. Regarding the game ball to be played, the momentum is weakened by colliding with the game nail 361 from above, and the flow direction is changed.

  As described above, not all the game balls fired to the right route reach the first variable winning device 82, but a part of the game balls pass through the bypass passage 370 to reach the first variable winning device 82. Reach is avoided. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, various contrivances are made to make the detour passage 370 and the game ball passing through the detour passage 370 less noticeable. A general winning port 81 is disposed between the branching point of the guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 and the first variable winning device 82, and part of the game balls that have flowed into the guiding passage 360 are also directed to the first variable winning device 82. Is to avoid the exposure of the presence of the bypass passage 370 due to the state of entering the first variable winning device 82, that is, the mismatch between the number of shots and the number of balls entered. is there.

  The big winning opening 82a of the first variable winning device 82 is open to the front of the gaming machine, and is covered from the front of the gaming machine by the shutter 82b when the shutter 82b is disposed at the closed position. When the shutter 82b is disposed at the closed position, the shutter 82b is positioned on the same plane as the front surface of the game board 80a, and a game ball can pass therethrough. When the shutter 82b is displaced from the closed position to the open position, the outflow path from the lower extended portion 305 is broken by the shutter 82b, and a large game ball flows out from the lower extended portion 305 toward the second variable winning device 83. It will be guided to the winning opening 82a.

  The game balls that have passed through the first variable prize apparatus 82 without flowing into the big prize opening 82a and the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 are directed to the second variable prize apparatus 83. The second variable winning device 83 protrudes from the front surface of the game board 80a, and the upper surface portion thereof constitutes a rolling surface that guides the game ball to the center side of the game area PE. A large winning opening 83a is formed in a portion of the upper surface portion located immediately below the first variable winning device 82. The big prize opening 83a faces the first variable prize winning device 82 side (upward), and has a horizontally long shape extending to the left and right like the big prize winning opening 82a of the first variable prize winning device 82.

  The shutter 83b covering the big prize opening 83a is also horizontally long like the big prize opening 83a. The shutter 83b is slidable in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the game board 80a. The shutter 83b protrudes from the front surface of the game board 80a and covers the grand prize opening 83a, and the front surface of the game board 80a. Is moved to the open position (retracted position) where the large winning opening 83a is opened. The shutter 83b has a flat plate shape, and forms a part of the rolling surface together with the housing of the variable winning device 83 in a state where the shutter 83b is disposed at the closed position.

  For a game ball that has reached the second variable prize-winning device 83 in a situation where the shutter 83b is placed at the closed position, it collides with the shutter 83b and the flow direction changes from vertical to horizontal, along the shutter 83b. It will roll to the center side of game area PE. A right-acting ball entering unit 85 is arranged at the guidance destination of the game ball by the rolling surface, and the game ball passing through the second variable winning device 83 goes to the right-acting ball entering unit 85. In the following description, of the right route, a route that goes to the right actuated winning unit 85 via the first variable winning device 82 and the second variable winning device 83 is referred to as a main route.

  In the normal gaming state corresponding to the above-described high-frequency support mode, the electric accessory 85b of the right actuated entry unit 85 is frequently used when the game ball launched toward the right route passes through the through gate 86. Operate. Since the variable winning devices 82 and 83 are kept closed in the normal gaming state, most of the game balls flowing down the right route (avoiding the general winning port 81) pass through the variable winning devices 82 and 83. Head to the right-handed entry unit 85.

  When a ball enters the right actuated ball unit 85, a prize ball is awarded to the player. For this reason, in the normal gaming state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, it is possible to advance the game while suppressing the decrease of the holding ball by firing the game ball to the right route as compared with the case of firing the game ball to the left route. . Then, when the normal gaming state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode (special gaming state), the variable winning devices 82 and 83 are switched to the open state, and the main destination is the variable winning prize from the right actuated winning unit 85. Changes to devices 82 and 83. That is, in the special game state, most of the game balls launched on the right route flow into the variable winning devices 82 and 83.

  In the gaming machine of the type shown in the present embodiment, for example, all the game balls fired on the right route in a situation where the first variable winning device 82 is opened by shifting to the opening / closing execution mode are the first variable winning device. If the player wins 82, the increase speed of the ball and the progress speed of the game are dramatically increased. However, when all the launched game balls enter the first variable winning device 82, the superiority of the open / close execution mode (special game state) with respect to the normal game state is extremely biased toward the player side. It becomes. For this reason, when the balance of the advantage in the whole game is taken into consideration, the uneven wrinkle tends to reach the normal gaming state. It is feared that the game in the normal gaming state due to this beating is excessively unfavorably biased toward the player side is a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play.

  On the other hand, in order to prevent the game in the normal gaming state from being unduly disadvantageous for the player, the game ball heading toward the first variable prize winning device 82 is configured to generate an appropriate spill (inflow into the bypass passage 370). In such a case, such a spill does not occur, which hinders the refreshing feeling in the special gaming state (opening / closing execution mode) from being improved as compared with a configuration in which all the game balls enter the first variable winning device 82. Become. In other words, the occurrence of spilling hinders the improvement of the player's satisfaction and, consequently, the degree of attention to the game. For the above reasons, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of the gaming machine in order to improve the player's satisfaction while suppressing an excessive bias in the advantage. One of the features of the present embodiment is that the device is devised in consideration of such circumstances. Specifically, a bypass path 370 that avoids entering the first variable winning device 82 that is the main destination in the opening / closing execution mode is provided, and the probability of entering the bypass path 370 is reduced, and A device that makes it difficult to visually recognize a game ball that bypasses the first variable winning device 82 and makes it appear that most of the game balls flowing down the right route can flow into the first variable winning device 82 (a device that does not make spilling stand out) ) Is one of the features. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the bypass passage 370 and the configuration related thereto will be described supplementarily. FIG. 11 is a schematic view (partially enlarged view of FIG. 10) showing the bypass passage 370 and its peripheral structure in the right route.

(Bypass passage 370)
The detour passage 370 extends in the vertical direction (the direction in which the first variable winning device 82 and the second variable winning device 83 are arranged) along the right end of the game board 80a. The ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 overlaps the bypass passage 370 (see dot hatching in FIG. 11). The lamp unit 26 includes a light emitting board and a lamp cover that covers the light emitting board from the front of the gaming machine, and the bypass passage 370 is visible through the lamp cover. Although the lamp cover is light transmissive so as to transmit light from the light emitting substrate, the lamp cover overlaps with the right route because it is formed using a colored and opaque synthetic resin material. Regarding the portion (overlapping region), the visibility of the game ball is lower than the region where the overlapping is avoided (non-overlapping region). As a result, it is difficult to visually recognize the bypass passage 370 compared to the guide passage 360, and it is difficult to visually recognize the game ball passing the bypass passage 370 compared to the game ball passing the guide passage 360. There is a difference in sex.

  The bypass passage 370 is defined by a partition wall portion 350 and an opposing wall portion 375 that faces the partition wall portion 350 with a game ball passage area therebetween. The partition wall portion 350 and the opposing wall portion 375 are formed using a light adsorbing material that adsorbs light, and light irradiated to the bypass passage 370 is absorbed by the partition wall portion 350 and the opposing wall portion 375. It has a configuration. Thereby, irradiation of light (direct light or reflected light) to the bypass passage 370 and the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 is suppressed, and the difference in visibility is remarkable.

  The distance (passage width) between the partition wall portion 350 and the opposing wall portion 375 constituting the passage inner wall is such that a plurality of game balls cannot simultaneously pass through the same location, that is, slightly larger than the diameter size of the game balls. It is stipulated in. That is, the passage width of the bypass passage 370 is smaller than the passage width of the guide passage 360 parallel to the bypass passage 370. The guide passage 360 is provided with a plurality of game nails 361 for branching the flow path, whereas the bypass passage 370 is not provided with game nails for branching the flow path. The number of flow paths in the bypass passage 370 is limited to one. Although the detour passage 370 and the guide passage 360 have the same overall length (see FIG. 10), the required time required for the bypass passage 370 to pass is shorter than the required time required for the guide passage 360 to pass. In other words, the detour path 370 is shorter in the required period from the branch point of the intermediate part 304 to the second variable winning device 83. For this reason, the game ball that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is guided to the second variable winning device 83 more quickly than the game ball that has flowed into the guide passage 360.

  In the opening / closing execution mode, a waiting period until the transition to the normal gaming state after the end of the 16 round games in total, specifically an ending period for displaying an ending display or the like, is provided. In such a configuration, there is a case where a game ball launching operation is refrained in accordance with the transition of the ending display in order to avoid unnecessary investment. In such a situation, if a game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 is returned to the non-overlapping area (main route), there is a concern that this may cause confusion for the player. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 quickly returns to the main route. For this reason, the subsequent game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 can be mixed with another game ball (specifically, the preceding game ball) that is flowing down the main route. For example, it is possible to lengthen the required period by, for example, delaying the movement of the game ball in the bypass passage 370, but in such a configuration, it precedes the game ball that has returned to the main route under the above-described circumstances. It is assumed that the distance from the group of game balls increases and the subsequent game balls stand out. For the above reasons, it is technically significant to make the required time required for passing the bypass passage 370 shorter than the required time required for passing the guide passage 360.

  As already described, in the opening / closing execution mode, the first variable winning device 82 is mainly targeted for opening, and the second variable winning device 83 is targeted for opening only in a specific round. The second variable winning device 83 is provided with an advantageous ball portion 83c. When a ball enters the advantageous ball portion 83c, a normal game state (high probability mode and high frequency support mode) is achieved. Transition to gaming state. The transition to the highly probable gaming state not only dramatically increases the expectation of a big hit again, but also the high probability gaming state is continued until at least the next big hit, thus providing an opportunity to increase the number of balls. That is, the privilege given to the player based on the entrance to the second variable winning device 83 is larger than the privilege given to the player based on the entrance to the first variable winning device 82. Yes.

  Here, the period during which the second variable winning device 83 is maintained in the open state, more specifically, the period during which the player can enter the advantageous ball portion 83c is limited. For this reason, when the second variable winning device 83 is opened, it is necessary to promptly enter the second variable winning device 83. Under such circumstances, the game ball passing through the guide passage 360 moves while changing the flow direction by the game nail 361, so that it takes a long time to reach the second variable winning device 83. When the second variable winning device 83 is not an object to be released, tracking the movement of such a game ball with the eyes itself is one of the pleasures of the game. However, the slow movement of the game ball under time-constrained conditions can cause not only the player's impatience but also the loss of benefits that should be originally obtained. Therefore, it is not preferable for improving the satisfaction of the player.

Here, the passing area of the game ball in the detour passage 370 is a non-arranged area for game nails, and is also an unarranged area for other ball-entry portions such as the general winning opening 81. That is, all the game balls that have entered the detour path 370 go to the second variable winning device 83. As will be described in detail later, about 1/10 of the game balls flowing down the right route will flow into the bypass passage 370. As long as the second variable winning device 83 is opened and the game ball continues to be fired on the right route, the game ball passing through the guide passage 360 cannot successfully reach the second variable winning device 83. Even if the game balls that have passed through the detour passage 370 are supplied to the second variable prize-winning device 83, the above-mentioned privilege overshooting is avoided in most cases.
In this regard, as described above, the configuration in which the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 promptly goes to the second variable prize-winning device 83 can suitably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience.

  Referring to FIG. 11 again, the partition wall portion 350 that partitions the lower extended portion 305 into the guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 is located outside the window portion 21 (opening edge) of the front door frame 14. The ramp portion 26 overlaps the guide passage 360 side. That is, a part of the guide passage 360 is included in the overlapping area. In a gaming machine, parallax occurs depending on the posture during the game. Therefore, by increasing the overlap amount G by moving the partition wall 350 away from the opening edge, it is possible to suppress the presence of the bypass passage 370 when the game area PE is viewed obliquely from the front.

  The overlap amount G is set to be smaller than the diameter D of the game ball. For this reason, for example, the entire game ball that moves along the guide wall 360 along the partition wall portion 350 does not enter the overlapping region, and at least a part of the game ball remains visible. Thereby, it can be made difficult to give the player the impression that another flow path exists in the non-overlapping region. In other words, it is easy to give the player the impression that there is a wall or the like that restricts further rightward movement at the right limit position of the guide passage 360. This is preferable for hiding the presence of the bypass passage 370.

  As described above in detail, if the game ball flowing down the detour path 370 is made inconspicuous, even if a part of the game ball heading to the first variable winning device 82 is escaped, it may be difficult for the player to notice it. It is possible to make it appear as if all the game balls that have been launched are heading to the first variable winning device 82. However, no matter how the detour passage 370 is hidden, if the presence of the detour passage 370 is suggested by the behavior of the inlet portion 372 and the outlet portion 373 of the detour passage 370, the above-described concealment function can be performed well. I am concerned that it will not be done. One of the features of the present embodiment is that measures are taken in consideration of such circumstances. Hereinafter, the countermeasure will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 is directed diagonally upward to the left, and is constituted by a pair of game nails 331U and 331L that are spaced apart from each other. More specifically, the game nails 331U and 331L are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the passage direction of the inclined passage described later, and the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 faces the same direction as the passage direction of the inclined passage. It is configured.

  Generally, when two game nails are opposed to each other with a gap larger than the diameter size of the game ball, it is easy to recognize that the game nail passage area is between them. For this reason, when such a pair of game nails are present in a non-overlapping area at a position close to the boundary with the overlapping area, these gaming nails are the inlets (gates) to the overlapping area. It is assumed that it is easy to be recognized. There is a concern that this may be a factor that suggests the existence of the bypass passage 370. In this regard, in the present embodiment, one of the pair of game nails 331U and 331L (the upper game nail 331U in the present embodiment) is arranged in the overlapping region (specifically, behind the ramp portion 26). It is difficult to see. Thus, by hiding one of the game nails 331U, the lower game nail 331L disposed in the non-overlapping region is kept away from the image of the inflow port.

  The upstream portion including the inlet portion 372 in the bypass passage 370 extends in the same direction as the inclined passage, and the distance (full length) to reach the vertical portion is larger than twice the diameter size of the game ball. Is formed. Thus, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has passed through the entrance portion 372 from being easily noticed by the player in the vicinity of the entrance of the bypass passage 370.

  Another game nail is disposed above the upper game nail 331U, more specifically in the overlap region, and the game ball toward the overlap region is located at a position that is separated from the opening edge by a distance smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. A barrier that prevents the movement of is formed. In other words, among the game balls heading toward the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370, the game balls that have bounced upward are bounced back to the barrier, and are directed to the guide passage 360. In this way, the game balls heading for the overlapping area that deviate from the entrance portion 372 are rebounded to the non-overlapping area side, thereby separating both areas at the boundary between the overlapping area and the non-overlapping area. It can be impressed that there are walls. This is preferable in hiding the fact that a game ball channel is separately provided in the overlapping region.

  Next, with reference to FIG.12 and FIG.13 (a), it demonstrates supplementarily about the upper side expansion part 303, and the structure which concerns on distribution of the game ball to the guidance channel | path 360 and the detour channel | path 370 is demonstrated after that. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the flow path in the upstream portion of the right route, and FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram showing the distribution probability of the game balls.

  As already explained, the right route is branched into two routes, the inner route (inner branch passage 311) and the outer route (outer branch passage 312) in the upstream part, and the upper route is expanded via the inner route. The probability of entering the through gate 86 differs between the game ball that has flowed into the portion 303 and the game ball that has flowed into the upper extension portion 303 via the outer route.

  Specifically, the upper extension 303 is provided with a game nail 321 so that the route A and route B bypassing the through gate 86 from the inner side (left side), and the route C passing through the through gate 86, Route D and route E 5 that bypass the through gate 86 from the right side (outside) are formed. Game balls that have passed the inner route are routed to 50% for route A, 30% for route B, 15% for route C, 5% for route D, and 0% for route E. The game balls that have passed the route are sorted so that route A is 15%, route B is 20%, route C is 10%, route D is 50%, and route E is 5% (see FIG. 13B). . In other words, in order to generate a prize for the through gate 86, it is more advantageous to aim for the inner route than for the outer route.

  Incidentally, the entrance portion of the inner route and the entrance portion of the outer route are arranged in the passage direction of the inflow portion 301 so that the former is on the upstream side and the latter is on the downstream side. The entrance portion of the outer route is located immediately below the return rubber 94, and the game ball depressed by the return rubber 94 flows into the outer route. On the other hand, in order for the game ball to flow into the right route, it is necessary to adjust the firing speed of the game ball to be a predetermined speed. Hereinafter, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 13B, a supplementary description will be given of the relationship between the game ball launch destination and the operation amount of the game ball launch handle 41 (the rotation operation member 44).

  When the rotation operation amount of the rotation operation member 44 is gradually increased, the firing speed of the game ball is gradually increased, and when the rotation operation amount exceeds the lower limit amount (20 ° in the present embodiment), the game ball is The game area PE is reached via the guide passage 103. Thereafter, when the amount of rotation operation is increased, the rotation amount of the game ball exceeds the threshold value (69 ° in the present embodiment), so that the launch destination of the game ball is changed from the left route to the right route.

  After the rotation operation amount exceeds the threshold value, the range until the rotation operation amount becomes larger and reaches a predetermined range (80 to 100 °) (70 to 79 °), the game ball launch destination becomes the inner route. . About 15% of the game balls flowing into the inner route enter the through gate 86. On the other hand, when the amount of rotation operation has reached the predetermined range, the launch destination of the game ball becomes the outer route. Approximately 10% of the game balls flowing into the outer route enter the through gate 86.

  When the rotation operation amount is 90 to 100 °, the launched game ball reaches the branch point of the inner route and the outer route while maintaining the state in contact with the outer rail 102. At this time, since the game ball is pressed against the outer rail 102 by the centrifugal force, the behavior is stabilized. On the other hand, when the rotation operation amount is in the range of 70 to 89 °, the game ball moving along the outer rail 102 moves away from the outer rail 102 and moves toward the center frame 92 side. The behavior of the game ball moving along the center frame 92 is likely to be disturbed due to the influence upon contact with the center frame 92 or the like. Therefore, even if the amount of rotation operation is in the range of 70 to 79 ° and the inner rail is aimed, a part thereof flows into the outer route.

  In order to enter the right operation port 85a, it is necessary to first enter the through gate 86, and in order to enter as many game balls as possible into the through gate 86, it is necessary to allow the game balls to flow into the inner route. For the above reasons, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the launch destination of the game ball in order to efficiently generate a ball entering the right working port 85a.

  The game ball groups distributed to the respective routes by the branching unit 302 and the upper expansion unit 303 are aggregated (joined) again at the intermediate unit 304. Here, a configuration related to the set will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 14. FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram showing a passage structure, and FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram showing a change in moving speed in the horizontal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 12, an inclined passage 333 is formed in the intermediate portion 304 so as to incline downward from the center side of the game area PE. The inclined passage 333 is formed so that the inclination angle is smaller than 45 ° (specifically, about 30 °), and a position (joining point X1) immediately below the route A located on the innermost side in the upper extended portion 303. ) To a position (joining point X4) immediately below the route D. The inclined passage 333 is opened upward in almost the whole area, and the game ball flowing down each route falls into the inclined passage 333. The game ball that has fallen into the inclined passage 333 changes its direction in the direction of the inclined passage 333 by colliding with the bottom of the inclined passage 333 and moves to the lower extension 305 via the inclined passage 333 (intermediate portion 304). To do.

  The specific structure of the bottom portion (rolling surface) of the inclined passage 333 differs between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. Specifically, the upstream portion is constituted by a flat inclined portion 334 formed on the outer peripheral portion of the center frame 92, and the downstream portion is a plurality of game nails 331 (game nail row) arranged in the same direction as the inclined portion 334. 331S). The portion formed by the inclined portion 334 at the bottom is smooth, whereas the portion formed by the game nail row 331S at the bottom has a small uneven shape. For this reason, the game ball moving along the game nail row 331S is likely to jump upward as compared with the game ball moving along the inclined portion 334, and the change in the behavior causes the direction of the passage. The degree of acceleration at becomes smaller. That is, in the inclined passage 333, the upstream portion is a high acceleration zone and the downstream portion is a low acceleration zone (see FIG. 14B).

  As shown in FIG. 14A, an inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 is formed at the tip of the inclined passage 333. In other words, the inclined passage 333 is formed to be inclined downward toward the inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370. More specifically, the inclined passage 333 is formed so as to straddle the non-overlapping region and the overlapping region, and the portion located at the boundary between the non-overlapping region and the overlapping region constitutes the inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370. doing. The game ball that has moved to the inclined passage 333 is accelerated by moving along the inclined passage 333 and moves toward the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 while increasing the speed.

  A plurality of recesses 336 and 337 are formed in the middle of the inclined passage 333 so as to be aligned in the passage direction of the inclined passage 333. The notches 336 and 337 are arranged not in the inclined portion 334 that is a high acceleration section but in the game nail row 331S that is a low acceleration section. The notches 336 and 337 allow game balls to pass therethrough and are connected to the lower extension 305. That is, these recesses 336 and 337 constitute the entrance portion of the guide passage 360, and the game ball moving in the inclined passage 333 can flow into the guide passage 360 through the recesses 336 and 337. Yes.

  Most of the game balls that move along the inclined passage 333 (approximately 90% in the present embodiment) flow into the recesses 336 and 337. However, the behavior of the game balls moving along the game nail row 331S may change due to the unevenness in the game nail row 331S, and some of the game balls jump over the notches 336 and 337 and bypass the path. Will flow into the inlet portion 372 of 370.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (a), the game ball passing position via route C (joining point X3) is located immediately above the notch 336 on the upstream side, and the game passing via route D and route E. The falling position of the sphere (joining point X4) is located immediately above the recess 337 on the downstream side. For this reason, game balls that have passed through route C to route E may directly flow into the recesses 336 and 337.

  Here, the moving speed of the game ball will be supplementarily described. In the inflow portion 301 described above, the moving speed of the game ball depends on the firing speed of the game ball, and the moving speed is extremely high. However, when the flow direction flows into the branch portion 302, the flow direction changes vertically, so that the momentum of the game ball is weakened and the moving speed is reduced. Since the branch portion 302 extends vertically, the game balls are accelerated downward in the process of passing through the branch portion 302, but these game balls are decelerated again via the upper extension portion 303.

  In the upper extension 303, the distance between the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball is reduced as the moving speed of the game ball decreases. In particular, the downward movement of the game ball that has passed through the upper extension 303 and reached the inclined passage 333 is restricted by the inclined passage 333. The game ball landing on the inclined passage 333 not only weakens the momentum but also greatly reduces the moving speed in the vertical direction. That is, in the intermediate part 304, not only the momentum of the game ball is weakened, but also the moving speed in the vertical direction is reduced as compared with the branch part 302 and the upper extension part 303.

  As for the game ball that is launched to the right route, the moving speed decreases when the game ball passes through the upper extension portion 303 and reaches the intermediate portion 304. The distance between game balls when game balls are continuously fired on the right route depends on the movement speed of the game balls, so if there is a place where the movement speed of the game balls is low, The distance between game balls is reduced in the vicinity of the location, and the number of game balls existing in the vicinity is increased.

  As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 15A, the distance Da between game balls becomes large at the inflow portion 301 and the branch portion 302 set so that the moving speed of the game balls is relatively high, and the game ball group The density (density) of the slab becomes low ("sparse"). On the other hand, in the intermediate part 304, the game balls are greatly decelerated, so that the distance Db between the game balls is reduced in the vicinity of the intermediate part 304, and the density (density) of the game ball group is increased (" Dense "). In particular, even in view of the fact that the moving speed in the vertical direction decreases at the intermediate portion 304, the degree of crowding of the game balls in the vertical direction increases at the intermediate portion 304 and its surroundings.

  When the distance between the game balls is large and the game balls are sparse, the game that enters the player's view compared to the case where the distance between the game balls is small and the game balls are crowded The number of spheres decreases. In such a situation where the number of game balls entering the field of view is small, it becomes easier to watch the movement of each game ball, so that the flow of game balls into the detour path 370, that is, movement from the non-overlapping area to the overlapping area It is assumed that (when the above-mentioned escape is made) is easily noticeable. For example, when 10 game balls are in view and one game ball is missed, and when 2 game balls are in view and one game ball is missed It is assumed that the latter is easier to see than the former.

  In the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the inflow of game balls into the guide passage 360 by increasing the degree of crowding of the game ball groups at the intermediate portion 304 that is a branching portion to the guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 ( It is possible to make it difficult to notice.

  When following the movement of a game ball with eyes, the slower one is more likely to be noticed than the one with a faster moving speed. Here, while the game ball heading toward the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 continues to move along the inclined passage 333, the game ball flowing into the guide passage 360 through the notches 336 and 337 is a game. The flow direction of the sphere changes greatly. That is, the moving speed of the game ball flowing into the bypass passage 370 is configured to be higher than the moving speed of the game ball flowing into the guide path 360. Thus, by changing the moving speed of the game ball according to the inflow destination and providing a difference so as to increase the inflow speed to the bypass path 370, the game ball flowing into the guide path 360 is easily noticeable. Yes.

  If the number of game balls entering the field of view is increased simply by slowing down the moving speed of the game balls, the moving speed of the game balls is slow, so that there is room for gazing at the individual game balls. For this reason, it is assumed that the effect of making the escape inconspicuous is not exhibited well. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the occurrence of the above-described inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by adopting a configuration in which the game ball is accelerated by the intermediate portion 304 that performs escape.

  In addition, if the movement of the game ball becomes slow in the vicinity of the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370, it is easy to notice how the game ball moves to the bypass passage 370 (overlapping area). In this regard, as described above, the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 is disposed at the tip of the slope passage 333, thereby facilitating the inflow of game balls into the bypass passage 370. Thereby, it is suppressed that the state of the movement of the game ball to the detour passage 370 is noticeable.

  In the present embodiment, a horizontally long inclined passage 333 is provided in the intermediate portion 304 so that a region where the density of game balls is high is not horizontally long but horizontally long. In view of the fact that the human field of view is wider than the vertical, it is advantageous to increase the number of game balls that enter the field of view by making the area where the density of the game ball group is high horizontally. By increasing the number of game balls that enter the field of view, it is possible to reduce the chance that only a specific game ball is watched and to make the effect of making the inflow into the bypass passage 370 less noticeable.

  Here, the distance between the game balls fired continuously in a predetermined cycle based on the player's launch operation is regular until reaching the inflow portion 301 via the guide passage 103, and the inflow The regularity of the part 301 and the branching part 302 is generally maintained. If the regularity of the distance between the game balls becomes strong, it is assumed that when some of the game balls move out of the regularity, it becomes easier to notice. In other words, when any game ball is missed from a group of game balls that are regularly arranged and when any game ball is missed from a group of game balls that are irregularly arranged, a blank is generated due to the miss. The conspicuousness of the portions (the portions where the distance between the game balls is open) may be different. One of the features of the right route shown in this embodiment is that the device is devised in consideration of such circumstances. Hereafter, the said device is demonstrated with reference to FIG.15 (b) and FIG.16 (a). FIG. 15B is a schematic diagram showing a flow path of game balls, and FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram showing a distance between game balls passing through the intermediate portion.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (b), the flow path of the right route is a single line at the inflow portion 301, but is branched into a plurality at the branch portion 302 and the upper extension portion 303. These branched flow paths merge at the intermediate portion 304 and branch again when moving from the intermediate portion 304 to the lower extended portion 305.

  About the route A-route E provided in the upper side expansion part 303, the required period when a game ball passes is different. Specifically, for game balls that have flowed into the upper expansion unit 303 via the inner route, the required period becomes longer in the order of route A <route B <route C <route D, and the upper expansion is performed via the outer route. For game balls that have flowed into the unit 303, the required period becomes longer in the order of route D <route E <route C <route B <route A. Further, when comparing the case of passing through the inner route and the case of passing through the outer route, the required period (average) is shorter in the latter than in the former. It should be noted that the maximum difference in the required period when passing through each route is the same as the game ball firing cycle (0.6 sec).

  Incidentally, the outer route (outer branch passage 312) is formed with a projection 315 protruding inward of the passage at a midway position. By colliding with the protrusion 315, the game ball flowing down the outer branch passage 312 is decelerated. The required period of the game ball that reaches the inclined passage 333 via the outer route is longer than the required period of the game ball that reaches the inclined passage 333 via the inner route, and the difference between them is maximum, 0.6 sec).

  Due to such a device for the flow path, an event occurs in which the subsequent game ball catches up with the preceding game ball or passes the preceding game ball before reaching the inclined passage 333. That is, the regularity regarding the distance between the game balls maintained in the most upstream part of the right route is broken in the intermediate portion 304, and the distance between the game balls varies (see FIG. 16A). By adopting a configuration in which a part of the game balls flows into the bypass passage 370 at a portion where the distance between the game balls is varied, it is possible to suppress the blank from being noticeable when the escape occurs.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the probability of inflow into the bypass passage 370 is increased by increasing the number of game balls present in the intermediate portion 304 at the same time. That is, it is configured such that the probability of inflow into the bypass passage 370 is higher when the number of game balls constituting the game ball group is small than when the number of game balls is small. Here, the movement of the game ball in the inclined passage 333 will be supplementarily described with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIGS.

  As for the manner of entering the detour passage 370 via the inclined passage 333, the game ball alone goes to the detour passage 370 while avoiding the recess portions 336 and 337, and the notch portion with the assistance of the preceding game ball It is divided roughly into the mode which avoids 336,337 and goes to the detour passage 370.

  A game ball that has reached the inclined passage 333 through the route A to the route C is accelerated by moving along the inclined passage 333. However, as shown in FIG. 16 (b1) → FIG. 16 (b2), the speed does not reach a speed sufficient to jump over the notches 336 and 337, and many of them jump over the notches 336 and 337. It cannot flow and flows into the notches 336 and 337. In other words, although some of the game balls that bounce upward in the game nail row 331S may jump over the notches 336 and 337 on their own, most of the game balls flow into the notches 336 and 337, Movement to the bypass path 370 is restricted.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 16 (c1), when the succeeding game ball B3 reaches the inclined passage 333 while the two preceding game balls B1 and B2 are flowing down the inclined passage 333, the following events occur. Occurs. That is, when the succeeding game ball B3 reaches the recesses 336, 337 in a situation where the recesses 336, 337 are in the preceding game balls B1, B2, the recess of the subsequent game ball B3 Inflow to 336 and 337 is hindered by the preceding game balls B1 and B2, and the subsequent game ball B3 avoids the recesses 336 and 337 and moves toward the bypass passage 370.

  The greater the number of preceding game balls, the higher the probability of inflow into the bypass passage 370, so that it can be made inconspicuous as compared to the case where a small number of game balls are escaped. For the reasons described above, it is technically significant to increase the number of game balls that pass at the same time, and to increase the number of game balls that are more likely to escape.

(Exit portion 373 of detour passage 370)
In the present embodiment, a game ball that has passed through the lower extension 305, that is, a game ball that has passed through the guide passage 360 and that has not entered the first variable winning device 82, and a game that has passed through the bypass passage 370. The ball joins at a position between the first variable winning device 82 and the second variable winning device 83 located immediately below, and the lower part of the game area PE, specifically, the right operation is performed through the downstream guide passage 306. The player is guided to the area where the winning unit 85 and the general winning opening 81 are provided. The game balls that have not entered the first variable winning device 82 are not discharged from the game area PE as they are, but by providing the game balls with an opportunity to enter the right-handed entry unit 85 or the like, The player's attention to the game ball that has not entered the first variable prize-winning device 82 is prevented from rapidly decreasing.

  Increasing the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball is preferable for enhancing the enjoyment inherent in the gaming machine. However, the game balls headed toward the right operation entry unit 85 include the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370. Therefore, it is preferable to take into consideration that a high degree of attention to the game ball can be a factor that makes the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 easily visible. Specifically, as described above, the movement of the game ball flowing into the bypass passage 370 and the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 are less noticeable. This is advantageous for improving the player's satisfaction by making an impression that the winning device 82 is entered. However, when the movement of the game ball flowing out from the exit portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 is noticed, it is assumed that such an effect is not exhibited well. In the present embodiment, in consideration of such circumstances, one feature is that the game ball flowing out from the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 is made inconspicuous. Hereinafter, the device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit 80 showing the first variable winning device 82 and its periphery.

  First, a supplementary description will be given of the flow in the case where the game ball that has passed through the guide passage 360 passes through the first variable winning device 82. A plurality of game nails 361 are disposed in the guide passage 360, and a plurality of flow paths for game balls are formed. Thereby, monotonization of the movement of the game ball is suppressed. Moreover, it is possible to generate a certain kind of bias in the timing of entering the first variable winning device 82 by making the time required for passing for each flow path different.

  A plurality of game nails 361 are arranged horizontally at the exit portion of the guide passage 360. The gap between the game nails 361 is larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the game nails 361 are formed so that a plurality of gates 362a to 362c are arranged side by side at the exit portion of the guide passage 360. The game ball that reaches the exit portion while avoiding the general winning opening 81 passes through one of the gates 362a to 362c and falls to the first variable winning device 82. Between the gates 362a to 362c and the first variable prize-winning device 82 is a non-arrangement area of game parts such as game nails (specifically, game parts that protrude forward of the game board 80a and can affect the behavior of the game ball). The game balls that have passed through the gates 362a to 362c travel to the first variable winning device 82 while accelerating.

  When the shutter 82b of the first variable winning device 82 is disposed at the closed position, the falling game ball passes through the front of the big winning port 82a and proceeds to the second variable winning device 83. The area between the first variable winning device 82 and the second variable winning device 83 is also a non-arranged area for the gaming parts, and the game ball passing through the first variable winning device 82 continues to accelerate.

  The big winning opening 83a and the shutter 83b of the second variable winning device 83 protrude from the front surface of the game board 80a in the state of being placed in the closed position, and the game ball passing through the first variable winning device 82 lands on the shutter 83b. To do. That is, the shutter 83b has not only a function as a bottom surface (rolling surface) of the downstream side guide passage 306 but also a function as a ball receiving portion that receives a falling game ball. The shutter 83b has a thin plate shape and is cantilevered at the rear end. When the dropped game ball collides, the shutter 83b is slightly bent, so that the momentum of the fall can be weakened. That is, disturbance of behavior such as rebound when the game ball moves from the upstream guide passage 360 to the downstream guide passage 306 is suppressed. Focusing on such a function, the shutter 83b can also be referred to as a “ball receiving portion”, a “depressing portion”, or a “bounce rebound restricting portion”.

  In the present embodiment, the falling game ball is configured to land on the shutter 83b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient if at least the moving speed of the game ball can be reduced and its moving direction can be changed, and a ball receiving portion may be provided separately.

  The second variable winning device 83 (shutter 83b) is horizontally long like the first variable winning device 82, and its horizontal width is the horizontal width of the region where the gates 362a to 362c are arranged (the exit portion of the upstream guide passage 360). It is equivalent to. The game ball that has reached the second variable winning device 83 is decelerated by the collision with the shutter 83b, and then changes its direction in the longitudinal direction (inclination direction) of the shutter 83b, that is, in the guide direction by the downstream guide passage 306. After that, it moves along the downstream guide passage 306 and heads toward the right action entry unit 85 etc. while gradually accelerating.

  In the upstream guide passage 360, the game balls are divided into the respective downflow paths, so that the density of the game balls is reduced. However, in the upstream portion of the downstream guide passage 306, the downflow path of the game balls is When the number of the game balls is limited to one and the flow-down speed of the game balls is significantly reduced, the density of the game balls at the junction CP is increased. In the following description, the upstream portion of the downstream guide passage 306 (that is, the portion sandwiched between the two variable winning devices 82 and 83) is referred to as a merge point CP where the game balls merge.

  The exit portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 is located in the vicinity of the junction point CP. Specifically, the downstream side guide passage 306 extends to the right side (opposite to the guide direction) from the junction point CP, and an outlet portion 373 is connected to the end thereof. The game ball that has flowed out from the outlet portion 373 flows into the junction point CP. By guiding the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 to the junction CP where the density of the game balls is increased, the game balls can be mixed into a group of game balls via the upstream guide passage 360. ing.

  The bypass passage 370 is cranked at a midway position (specifically, at a position that is substantially the same height as the gates 362a to 362c), and a portion downstream of the crank portion is the second variable winning device 83. Is vertically extended toward a portion (hereinafter, referred to as a right upper surface portion 412) on the right side of the big prize winning opening 83a. Although the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 accelerates after passing through the crank portion, the momentum is weakened by colliding with the right upper surface portion 412. The right upper surface portion 412 is a part of the housing of the second variable winning device 83 and is not cantilevered like the shutter 83b. For this reason, the de-energizing function is lower than that of the shutter 83b, and rebound is likely to occur at the time of landing. However, since the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 is slightly larger than the outer shape of the game ball, at least when passing through the outlet portion 373, the disturbance of behavior is eliminated.

  The right upper surface portion 412 is located on substantially the same plane as the shutter 83b, and is inclined downward toward the center of the game area PE so that the inclination thereof is the same as the inclination of the shutter 83b. The game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 is depressurized when it reaches the right upper surface portion 412, and moves from the right upper surface portion 412 to the outlet portion 373 → shutter 83b in a state where the momentum is weakened.

  The moving direction of the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 and reached the junction CP is the same as the moving direction of the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360, and the moving speed is also substantially the same as those game balls ( FIG. 18 (a)). For this reason, after reaching the junction CP, it is possible to identify whether the game ball has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 or the bypass passage 370 from the behavior of the game ball. It becomes difficult.

  For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 18B, the game ball that has flowed out from the outlet portion 373X of the bypass passage 370X joins the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360X in the downstream guide passage 306X. Even if there is a configuration in which the moving path of the game ball flowing out from the exit portion 373X and the moving path of the game ball falling from the upstream guide passage 360X intersect, the game is caused by the difference in the moving direction of the game ball. Can easily identify which of the upstream guide passage 360X and the bypass passage 370X has passed. Furthermore, there is a speed difference between the game ball falling from the upstream guide passage 360X and the game ball flowing out from the detour passage 370X, and the above identification is facilitated from this speed difference. In this case, the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370X is inserted into the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360X, so that the effect of making it difficult to understand the source is not exhibited well.

  For the above reasons, as shown in the present embodiment, the moving direction of the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 and reached the junction CP is the same as the moving direction of the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360. It is clear that the moving speed is almost the same as those of the game balls.

  According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects can be expected.

  A difference is provided between the visibility of the game ball heading to the first variable winning device 82 (corresponding to “variable winning portion”) and the visibility of the game ball not facing the first variable winning device 82, and the first variable winning device 82. For example, a game ball launched aiming at the first variable prize-winning device 82 does not enter the first variable prize-winning device 82 and the investment is wasted. This makes it difficult to give the player an impression of the game and contributes to an increase in the degree of attention to the game. In other words, at least most of the launched game balls that have flowed into the guide passage 360 will reach the first variable prize-winning device 82, and the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

  In such a configuration, if the player sees the movement of the game ball toward the detour path 370 where entry to the first variable prize-winning device 82 is avoided, the above-described effect is not exhibited well. Concerned. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, at the entrance portion (the notches 336 and 337) of the guide passage 360, the game balls are changed by slowing the movement of the game balls by changing the moving direction of the game balls. By making the ball easily visible to the player, the game ball moved along the inclined passage 333 in the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 can easily and quickly flow into the bypass passage 370 while flowing. It is possible to make it difficult for people to see. Thus, by providing a difference in the visibility of the game balls distributed to the guide passage 360 / the detour passage 370 using the inclined passage 333, the above-described effect of improving the degree of attention can be suitably exhibited.

  As for the game ball heading toward the guide passage 360, the flow-down direction changes in a direction crossing the passage direction of the inclined passage 333, so that the moving speed at the time of inflow can be reduced. On the other hand, since the direction of the inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 is the same as the direction of the inclined passage 333, there is no need to reduce the moving speed when flowing into the inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370. For example, a game ball heading for the bypass passage 370 can pass through the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 at a high moving speed. In this way, by creating a clear speed difference between the game ball flowing into the guide passage 360 and the game ball flowing into the bypass passage 370, the above-described difference in visibility can be suitably enhanced.

  It is preferable to make the game balls that have been prevented from entering the first variable prize-winning device 82 less noticeable in order to improve the degree of attention to the game by improving the satisfaction of the player. Here, when the configuration for reducing the visibility of the bypass passage 370 becomes overtly, a spilling ball is generated from the configuration (the game ball is being released). It will be exposed. In game machines, various configurations such as the symbol display device 253 are arranged in the center of the game area PE, and the player's attention is often easily directed to the center of the game area. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the guide passage 360 is arranged side by side so that the detour passage 370 becomes the outer side, and the inclined passage 333 is inclined downward from the center side of the game area PE, The detour passage 370 and the game balls flowing down the detour passage 370 can be made inconspicuous.

  If the bypass passage 370 is disposed in a portion of the front door frame 14 (corresponding to the “door body”) that covers the gaming board unit 80 from the front of the gaming machine and overlaps the ramp portion 26, the bypass passage 370 is covered by the ramp portion 26. Accordingly, it is possible to make it difficult or impossible to visually recognize the bypass passage 370 and the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370. Thereby, it can suppress suitably that the game ball which detours the 1st variable prize-winning apparatus 82 is conspicuous of a player.

  Further, if the bypass passage 370 is arranged along the end of the game board 80a in such a configuration that the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 is used to conceal the bypass passage 370, the presence of the bypass passage 370 is determined in the game area PE. It can avoid becoming a factor of pressure. In particular, as described above, the inclined passage 333 is inclined downward to guide the game ball toward the end of the game board 80a, thereby making it easier to bring the detour passage 370 toward the edge of the game board 80a. Therefore, in forming the bypass passage 370, it is possible to suppress an increase in the overlap between the ramp portion 26 and the game area PE, thereby realizing a practically preferable configuration.

  From the relationship with the inclined passage 333, in order to realize smooth movement of the game ball, it is technically significant that a part including the inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 extends in the same direction as the inclined passage 333. However, in the configuration in which the bypass passage 370 is hidden by using the portion where the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 overlaps with the game area PE, it is not preferable that the overlapping area increases in order to realize the above-described passage structure. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if the entrance portion 372 is configured using game nails (a pair of game nails) scattered in the game area PE, and one of these game nails is arranged in the overlapping area, It can be made difficult to give an impression that the pair of game nails constitute the entrance portion 372. That is, compared to the case where both of the pair of game nails are arranged in the overlapping area, the overlapping area can be prevented from being unnecessarily bulky, and compared to the case where both of the pair of game nails are arranged in the non-overlapping area. Can make it difficult to give the impression that it forms the entrance portion 372.

  The game ball moving along the inclined passage 333 is gradually accelerated by its own weight. The inclined passage 333 is provided with a low acceleration section and a high acceleration section, and a difference is provided in the degree of acceleration. By providing the recessed portions 336 and 337 as the entrance portion of the guide passage 360 in the low acceleration section, it is possible to prevent the movement of the game ball when flowing into the recessed portions 336 and 337 from becoming excessively fast. Thereby, the movement of the game ball toward the detour path 370 can be made difficult to catch the eye while making the movement of the game ball toward the guide path 360 easy to catch.

  Since the right route extends in the vertical direction, the main flow of game balls flowing down the right route is from top to bottom. The inclined passage 333 is formed so as to cross this flow, and the game ball flowing down the right route is slightly weakened by changing the direction in the inclined passage to a direction along the inclined passage 333. It becomes. When the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle, the distance (interval) between the game balls is reduced in the vicinity of the inclined passage 333, and the density of the game ball group is increased. A configuration in which a part of the game balls flows into the bypass path from a part where the degree of crowding of the game ball group is low, for example, by encouraging the traffic jam of the game balls and causing a part of the game balls to flow into the bypass path 370 In comparison, the escape (spilling) of the game ball can be made inconspicuous.

  In order to increase the degree of crowding of the game balls, the moving speed of the game balls may be reduced rapidly. As the speed of the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball increases, the degree of crowding also increases. However, if the moving speed of the game ball simply slows down, it becomes easy to follow the movement with the eyes, and it is easily exposed that the escape has occurred. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the main movement direction of the game balls is changed to the passage of the inclined passage while the moving speed of the game balls in the vertical direction is reduced to increase the density of the game balls in the vicinity of the inclination passage. By changing the direction, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the moving speed of the game ball itself. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the said problem can be suppressed suitably.

  Note that the inclination angle of the inclined passage 333 with respect to the horizontal line is smaller than 45 °. This is preferable for exerting the functions as a depressing portion and a ball receiving portion that weaken the momentum of the game ball that has reached the inclined passage 333. In view of the fact that the human field of view is longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, it is preferable that a plurality of game balls gathered in the inclined passage 333 are arranged side by side in order to keep the game ball group in the field of view. If the number of game balls that can fit in the field of view increases, attention to each game ball is weakened, so that it is possible to suitably suppress the game balls flowing into the bypass passage 370 from being noticeable.

  As described above, the game balls that have flowed into the bypass passage 370 are prevented from entering the first variable winning device 82. For this reason, it is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage 370 and gets in the eyes of the player, it will be easy to give the player an impression that unnecessary investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, in this embodiment, the upper expansion unit 303, the intermediate unit 304, and the lower expansion unit 305 have different configurations of game balls, and bypass the intermediate unit 304 with the highest concentration. An inlet portion 372 of the passage 370 is formed.

  By adopting a configuration in which game balls are allowed to escape to the bypass passage 370 at a location where the density of game balls is high, the following effects can be expected. That is, since individual game balls can be watched at places where the game balls are sparse, it is easy to notice the escape of the game balls. On the other hand, even if game balls are escaped at places where game balls are densely packed, it becomes difficult to notice. In addition, when one game ball is released from a crowded game ball group as compared to the case where one game ball is released from a sparse game ball group, the game ball after the game ball has escaped Since it can suppress that the blank in between becomes large too much, the uncomfortable feeling produced when seeing the game ball group after escape can be eased suitably. In this way, it is possible to make it seem as if the game ball launched to the right route has entered the first variable winning device 82 efficiently by making the escape of the game ball difficult to see. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  The intermediate portion 304 is provided with not only an inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 but also an inlet portion of the guide passage 360 (recessed portions 336 and 337). In this manner, by keeping the entrance portions of the passages 360 and 370 close to each other, it is possible to suitably suppress the decrease in the game balls in the intermediate portion 304 that suggests the inflow into the bypass passage 370. In particular, when the guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 are compared, the inflow rate into the former is extremely high. For this reason, the inflow to the bypass passage 370 can be confused as if it is an inflow to the guide passage 360.

  The number of flow-down paths formed in the guide passage 360 is larger than that of the intermediate portion 304 that is a branching point. Thereby, the crowded degree of the game ball group in the guide passage 360 is lower than that of the intermediate portion 304. By reducing the degree of crowding of the game ball groups in the guide passage 360, it is possible to make the blank between the game balls expanded by the escape less conspicuous.

  In a game machine in which a game ball flows down the game area PE, it is one of the pleasures to follow the movement of the game ball. Therefore, in many cases, the movement of game balls is varied to suppress monotonization. Although limiting the flow path at the intermediate portion 304 can contribute to improving the degree of crowding of the game ball group, there is a concern that the original interest of the gaming machine will be weakened. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the intermediate portion 304 that narrows the flow path has a vertical width that is at least smaller than that of the region other than the intermediate portion 304 (expansion portions 303 and 305), thereby suppressing the above-described extension. The occurrence of inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  In a configuration in which game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle based on a game ball launch operation, a certain regularity in the relationship between game balls tends to occur. In the configuration in which the game balls are allowed to escape to the detour path at a location where the relationship between the game balls is regular, the above-described regularity is lost, and the portion where the regularity is lost stands out. This is assumed to be a factor that is noticed by the player when the game ball is released. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the flow path of the game ball is divided into a plurality of branches → merge, and an entrance portion of the detour passage is formed at this junction. A group of game balls gather via different branch routes. Since each branch route has a different period of time required for passage, the regularity at the junction can be suitably reduced. Thus, by letting the game ball escape at a place where regularity is weak, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. Also, since the distance between the game balls can be varied, the blanks between the game balls after the game balls have passed can be made inconspicuous. Can be relaxed. In this way, it is possible to make it seem as if the game ball launched to the right route has entered the first variable winning device 82 efficiently by making the escape of the game ball difficult to see. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  When game balls are released at the junction, the escape is less noticeable when the density of game balls is higher than when the density is low. Here, when the irregularity becomes large when the regularity is lowered as described above, the escape occurs in a situation where the degree of congestion is low, which is easily noticed by the player. It is a concern. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, by making the difference in the required period shorter than the launch period of the game balls, the opportunity for the subsequent game balls to overtake the preceding game balls can be reduced. Excessive bias can be suitably suppressed.

  The game ball that has passed the branch route flows into the inclined passage 333. Since the inflow location of the game balls is shifted in the direction of the passage of the inclined passage 333, as a result, the positional relationship between the game balls after joining can be further diversified. Thereby, the regularity mentioned above can be reduced more suitably.

  When a game ball is released at the junction, the number of game balls present at the junction decreases (changes) due to the escape. Here, by providing the entrance portion of the guide passage 360 at the junction, the factor that the game balls are reduced is not only the inflow to the bypass passage 370. Therefore, it can suppress that the game ball decreasing becomes a foothold which specifies the inflow to the detour passage 370. In addition, the game balls are not supplied in the same manner each time, but the supply locations are divided into a plurality of parts, so that the game balls can be diversified with respect to the increase modes. Since the entrance portion of the guide passage 360 is positioned around the inflow location, the number of game balls can be changed quickly. This is advantageous in obfuscating the number of game balls existing at the junction, and as a result, when the number of game balls changes due to inflow into the bypass passage 370, it can be easily confused. .

  In the case where the regularity is lowered by using a plurality of branch routes together, it is not preferable that the variation width of the required period for each branch route becomes excessively large. On the other hand, in order to ensure the diversity of the required period within a predetermined range, it is necessary to secure a certain number of branch routes. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment (see FIG. 12), such a problem can be suitably solved if the game ball can be moved between the branch routes.

  The bypass ball 370 is used to avoid entering the first variable prize-winning device 82, and the game balls that have passed through both the upstream guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 merge in the downstream guide passage 306 and reach a predetermined position. If it is configured to go to (arrangement area of the right actuated entry unit 85 or the like), a function of guiding the game ball to a predetermined position while avoiding excessive entry to the first variable winning device 82 is provided. It can be suitably secured. However, in a configuration in which entering the first variable winning device 82 is avoided when passing through the detour passage 370, a player who expects to enter the first variable winning device 82 that a detouring game ball stands out It can be a factor to reduce the game motivation.

  In particular, if the difference in the behavior of the game balls at the joining point becomes large, it becomes easy to specify which of the upstream guide passage 360 and the detour passage 370 is routed from the difference, and it is assumed that the above inconvenience becomes remarkable. The In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the moving direction of the game ball that passes through the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 matches the moving direction of the game ball in the downstream guide passage 306 (joining point CP). This makes it difficult to specify the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball heading to the first variable prize winning device 82 less noticeable, the game ball launched to the first variable prize winning device 82 efficiently enters the first variable prize winning device 82. It can appear as if you are doing. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  As described above, if the moving direction of the game ball at the junction CP is made uniform, the behavior of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage 306 may be routed through either the upstream guide passage 360 or the bypass passage 370. It becomes difficult to specify whether or not there is (the discriminating ability decreases). However, if a significant difference occurs in the moving speed, it is assumed that the function of reducing the discriminating power cannot be performed well even if the moving directions are made uniform. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 82 decelerates when it reaches the downstream guide passage 306, and the game ball that passes through the bypass passage 370 also It is decelerated just before the outlet part 373. By reducing the speed difference of the game balls at the junction, it can be difficult to specify from the speed difference (behavior) which of the upstream guide path 360 and the detour path 370 has passed.

  If a plurality of flow paths (flow paths) toward the first variable winning device 82 are formed in the upstream guide passage 360 that guides the game ball to the first variable winning device 82, a game directed toward the first variable winning device 82 Various effects such as suppression of monotonic movement of the sphere can be expected. However, when the flow path is divided into a plurality of parts, the degree of crowding of game balls decreases accordingly. When the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 are to be joined to a place where the density of the game balls is low, it is assumed that the game balls that join from the bypass passage 370 are easily noticeable. Therefore, by providing an exit portion (gate 362c) of the flow path through which the game ball is most frequently passed among the plurality of flow paths in the vicinity of the exit portion 373 of the bypass passage 370, a game directed to the first variable winning device 82 While diversifying the movements of the balls, it is possible to prevent the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 from being easily noticed due to a decrease in the degree of congestion at the junction.

  Setting the joining point CP at a position close to the first variable winning device 82 (for example, the most upstream portion) in the downstream guide passage 306 is based on, for example, which channel has passed, for example, a predetermined position (for example, right action entry) This is advantageous for suppressing the difference in the arrival probability to the unit 85). However, in such a positional relationship, the joining point CP can easily enter the field of view while gazing at the first variable prize-winning device 82, and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 has an opportunity to enter the player's eyes. Become more. A practically preferable configuration can be realized by applying the above technical idea to such a configuration.

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the configuration relating to the merge of the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 and the game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20A, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described focusing on this difference. FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit 80 showing the downstream side guide passage 306 and its peripheral structure, and FIG. 20A is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the downstream side guide passage 306.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the above-mentioned first is that the rolling surface of the game ball in the upstream portion of the downstream guide passage 306 is constituted by the upper surface portions 412 and 413 of the housing of the second variable winning device 83 and the shutter 83b. The configuration is the same as that of the embodiment. A pair of front and rear wall portions 417 and 418 are formed on the upper portion of the housing so as to stand upward from the rolling surface. The front side wall 418 (hereinafter referred to as the front side wall 418) and the back side wall 417 (hereinafter referred to as the back side wall 417) face each other across the passing area of the game ball in the downstream guide passage 306. The side wall portion 418 forms a front passage wall surface in the downstream guide passage 306, and the rear side wall portion 417 forms a rear passage wall surface in the downstream guide passage 306.

  Although the merge point CP of the game balls in the downstream side guide passage 306 is covered by the front side wall portion 418, the game ball that is transparent on the near side wall portion 418 and passes through the downstream side guide passage 306 (the merge point CP). Is visible through the front side wall portion 418.

  The back side wall 417 is embedded in an opening formed in the game board 80a, and the rear side wall surface formed by the back side wall 417 is located on the same plane as the front surface of the game board 80a. The front side wall portion 418 is located between the back side wall portion 417 and the glass panel 23, and the passage area of the downstream side guide passage 306 is reduced in the thickness direction of the game board 80a. That is, as compared with the first embodiment, the position variation in the front-rear direction of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage 306 is limited.

  The standing amount of the front side wall part 418 and the back side wall part 417 is larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball. For the game ball passing between the front side wall portion 418 and the back side wall portion 417, specifically, the junction point CP, exposure to the upper side (first variable winning device 82 side) is avoided. The upper end edges of the front side wall part 418 and the rear side wall part 417 reach the lower end part of the first variable winning device 82, and the front side wall portion 418 is also between the first variable winning device 82 and the junction CP. Is covered from the front of the gaming machine. For this reason, the game ball flowing down the upstream guide passage 360 flows into a region sandwiched between the front side wall portion 418 and the rear side wall portion 417 immediately after passing through the first variable winning device 82. In the present embodiment, the upper end edge of the front side wall portion 418 and the upper end edge of the rear side wall portion 417 form an inlet portion (an inlet portion to the downstream guide passage 306) that is open above the gaming machine. I can say that.

  The front side wall portion 418 has a horizontally long shape extending so as to straddle the fall position (a junction point CP) where the game balls from the upstream guide passage 360 fall and the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370. More specifically, the right side end portion of the front side wall portion 418 extends to an overlapping area with the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14, and enters between the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 and the ramp portion 26. It is out.

  The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 and has flowed out of the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 moves behind the front side wall portion 418 and reaches the junction point CP. A gap slightly larger than the diameter size of the game ball is provided between the junction point CP and the outlet portion 373. This gap prevents the game ball from flowing out of the exit portion 373 from being blocked by the preceding game ball, and realizes a smooth movement to the junction point CP of the game ball flowing out from the exit portion 373. For example, immediately after the game ball that has flowed out from the upstream guide passage 360 reaches the junction point CP, even if the game ball goes from the bypass passage 370 to the junction point CP, the preceding game ball becomes an obstacle and the bypass passage It is possible to prevent the game ball from stopping at the exit portion 373 of 370.

  In the front surface portion of the front side wall portion 418, decoration is applied in the range from the inlet portion of the downstream guide passage 306 to the junction point CP to the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 (see the dot hatched portion in FIG. 19). This decoration is also transparent (translucent), and the visibility of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage 306 is ensured. However, the visibility behind the portion where the decoration is formed is lower than the visibility behind the portion where the decoration is not formed. That is, with respect to the downstream side guide passage 306, in the upstream portion where the front side wall portion 418 is arranged, the passage region and the game ball passing through the passage region are visually recognized as compared with the downstream portion where the front side wall portion 418 is not arranged. The sex is decreasing.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the behavior of the game ball that has reached the junction CP through the upstream guide passage 360 and the behavior of the game ball that has reached the junction CP through the bypass passage 370 By reducing the difference, it is difficult to identify which passage the game ball has passed from the behavior of the game ball. However, even if such measures are taken, there is still room for improvement in avoiding the above identification. As shown in the present embodiment, if the configuration is such that the visibility of the game ball is reduced within a predetermined range including the junction point CP, for example, a range in which the behavior may vary, occurrence of such inconveniences is suitably suppressed. it can.

  In the upstream part of the downstream guide passage 306 (part with low visibility: semi-transparent region), the passage is formed as a single line, and all the game balls going to the downstream part pass through the same flow path. Yes. On the other hand, the downstream portion of the downstream guide passage 306 (the portion with high visibility: transparent region) is branched into a flow path toward the right action entry unit 85 and a flow path toward the general winning opening 81. . By adopting a configuration in which the merged game balls are again divided into a plurality of flow paths, the difference in the number of game balls passing through the highly visible downstream portion and the game balls passing through the upstream guide passage 360 is less noticeable. ing. In other words, reducing the visibility in the upstream part where there is no branching in the flow path and the difference in the number of game balls is conspicuous reduces the above difference from causing discomfort to the player. It is.

  It is the same as the first embodiment in that the density of game balls is increased by changing the moving direction of the game balls at the junction point CP and lowering the moving speed. In the present embodiment, in order to further increase the degree of congestion, the “deceleration” reduces the moving speed of the game ball in the passage direction of the downstream guide passage 306 at the upstream portion (specifically, the junction point CP) of the downstream guide passage 306. Part "is provided. Here, with reference to FIG. 20A, a specific configuration of the “decelerator” will be described.

  On the back side wall portion 417 and the front side wall portion 418 of the second variable winning device 83, ridge portions 417a and 418a projecting inward of the passage are formed. The protrusions 417a and 418a extend in the vertical direction, and the rising of the game ball when the game ball collides with the protrusions 417a and 418a is suppressed.

  The gap dimension D1 between the back side wall part 417 and the protrusion part 418a (front side protrusion part 418a) of the front side wall part 418 is set to be larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. The gap dimension D2 between the side wall part 417 and the protrusion 417a is also set to be larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. A plurality of (two in the present embodiment) rear ridges 417a are arranged in the passage direction of the downstream guide passage 306 with a gap larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball, and these rear ridges 417a. The front ridge 418a is arranged so as to be positioned in the middle of the portion 417a. Thereby, it is devised that the flow path of the game ball at the junction CP snakes back and forth with respect to the inclination direction of the downstream guide passage 306.

  In addition, when the protrusion amount of the back side protrusion 417a, the protrusion amount of the front protrusion 418a, and the diameter D of the game ball are added, the passage width is larger than the passage width in the front-rear direction of the downstream guide passage 306. (D3 <D). This prevents the game ball from running through the junction CP so as to avoid collision with the ridges 417a and 418a.

  The game ball that has passed through the junction CP and has moved to the upper surface portion 414 on the downstream side is accelerated by the inclination of the upper surface portion 414. As described above, the downstream guide passage 306 has a deceleration section for decelerating the game ball in the passage direction of the downstream guide passage 306 and an acceleration section for acceleration so that the former is upstream and the latter is downstream. Is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 20B, the game ball is rapidly decelerated at the junction CP of the downstream guide passage 306, and a certain period of time is required to pass through the deceleration zone. Thereby, the density of game balls can be improved more suitably around the junction point CP.

  Here, as already described, a plurality of flow paths are formed in the upstream guide passage 360, and the time required for the game ball to pass is different for each flow path. For this reason, variation also occurs in the timing of passing through the upstream guide passage 360 and flowing into the junction CP. If there is no game ball preceding the merge point CP (game ball that has passed through the upstream guide path 360) at the timing when the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 flows into the merge point CP, The game ball cannot be mixed. In the present embodiment, the period required for passing through the deceleration zone is 2 seconds, more specifically, longer than the period in which the variation of the passage period for each flow path is added to the game ball firing interval period (0.6 sec). Thus, it is difficult to cause an event such that a game ball does not exist at the junction CP. Thereby, the occurrence of the inconvenience is suppressed.

  In addition, the section from the exit portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 to the junction point CP is a non-arranged section of the ridges 417a and 418a constituting the speed reduction portion. That is, the game ball that has flowed out from the exit portion 373 does not contact the protrusions 417a and 418a until at least the junction point CP is reached. Thereby, the quick movement of the game ball that has flowed out from the exit portion 373 to the joining point CP is realized, and the play of the game ball in the vicinity of the exit portion 373 is suppressed.

  According to the second embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be expected.

  In the configuration in which the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 are merged in the downstream guide passage 306, the game ball has passed through the bypass passage 370 due to the behavior of the game ball at the junction CP. If the game ball becomes conspicuous, it may be easy to specify how much game ball has passed through the bypass passage 370. The ease of identifying the game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 is a factor that gives the player an impression that wasteful investment is increased, and there is a concern that it will hinder the improvement of the degree of attention to the game. The

  In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the downstream guide passage 306 is provided with two areas with different visibility (transparent area / translucent area), and the game ball is placed in a semi-transparent area with relatively low visibility. If the structure flows out of the bypass passage 370, it is difficult to specify the origin of the game ball when the game balls are merged. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball heading to the first variable prize winning device 82 less noticeable, the game ball launched to the first variable prize winning device 82 efficiently enters the first variable prize winning device 82. It can appear as if you are doing. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the portion straddling the junction point CP and the exit portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 is the translucent region, the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 is moved to the upstream guide passage. When joining the game balls that have passed through 360, it can be made more difficult to determine which game ball has passed through the bypass passage 370.

  In the case where game balls divided into a plurality of flow-down paths in the upstream guide passage 360 are combined in the downstream guide passage 306, the density of the game balls can be increased at the junction. If the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 is inserted into the junction CP, the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 at a portion where the visibility has decreased. Thus, it becomes more difficult to specify which passage the game ball that has escaped from the translucent region has passed through.

  If such a structure is uniquely constructed, it can cause unnaturalness and make the player feel uncomfortable. However, as shown in the present embodiment, the first variable winning device 82 is formed in a horizontally long shape, and a plurality of game balls flowing down toward the first variable winning device 82 are provided, so that the first variable winning device 82 can be entered. According to the combination with the configuration that diversifies the sphere mode, the above-described unnaturalness can be preferably alleviated.

  If the game balls moving from the translucent area to the transparent area are divided into a plurality of flow paths, the number of game balls that have passed through the downstream guide passage 306 while showing the movement of the game balls toward a predetermined position can be specified. It becomes difficult. Thereby, it is possible to suppress how much game balls are passing through the bypass passage 370 from being calculated or estimated.

  If the game ball that has not entered the first variable winning device 82 is guided to the right actuated winning unit 85, attention to the game ball from which the first variable winning device 82 has been avoided is rapidly attracting attention. Can be suppressed. Here, in the case where the behavior of the game ball moving toward the right actuated entry unit 85 greatly varies depending on the path through which the game ball passes, how much of the game ball is from the entry mode to the first variable winning device 82. It is possible to specify whether the route passes through the bypass passage 370. This is assumed to be an obstacle to exerting the various effects described above. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if the upstream portion of the downstream side guide passage 306 is a semi-transparent region and the downstream portion is a transparent region, the distance that the game ball moves in the same way after merging can be obtained. , The difference in the behavior of the game ball due to the route through can be suitably mitigated.

  In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, it is one of the pleasures to follow the movement of the game ball with the eyes. For this reason, it is preferable to make the semi-transparent region, which originally has low visibility, as small as possible. However, in order to merge the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 inconspicuously with the game balls that have passed through the upstream guide passage 360, it is preferable to secure as many game balls as possible at the junction CP. If such functions are emphasized, there is a concern that the translucent area will become large. In this regard, a configuration in which a speed reduction portion (ridge portion 417a, 418a) is formed in a portion located in the semi-transparent region in the downstream guide passage 306, and the movement of the game ball along the downstream guide passage 306 is prevented. By doing so, it is possible to increase the density of game balls at the junction CP. Thereby, when enjoying the various effects described above, it is possible to suppress the widening of the semi-transparent region and suitably suppress the original interest of the gaming machine from being lowered.

  Further, if the visibility of the game ball is ensured in the downstream guide passage 306, it is possible to suppress a decrease in work efficiency when performing a check operation such as a ball clogging. However, ensuring the visibility makes it possible for the player to follow the game ball with the eyes, so that it is easy to visually identify the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370. In view of such circumstances, as shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of crowding of game balls by using a speed reducing portion and to suppress the stand-out of individual game balls while ensuring visibility. There is a technical significance that it is possible to prevent the spilling sphere from being noticed.

  In view of the fact that the player's line of sight varies to some extent depending on the physique, posture, etc., the allowance for adding to the semi-transparent area increases as the distance from the game board 80a to the configuration that defines the semi-transparent area (front side wall portion 418) increases. It needs to be bigger. However, in view of the fact that following the movement of the game ball with the eyes as already described is one of the pleasures, it is preferable to make the semitransparent region as small as possible. In consideration of such circumstances, for example, a configuration (a front side wall portion 418) that defines a translucent region is disposed on the game board 80a. For example, the front door frame 14 or the like corresponds to the front side wall portion 418. Compared with the case where it arrange | positions, the useless expansion of a translucent area | region can be avoided suitably.

  In the second variable winning device 83 of the type that opens and closes the big winning opening 83a by the shutter 83b that moves in the front-rear direction, the game ball pushed by the shutter 83b when the shutter 83b moves to the closed position moves forward in the gaming machine. Can move. In general, the gaming machine is provided with a glass panel 23, and the pushed game ball generally hits the glass panel 23 to avoid detachment from the gaming area PE. Here, at the locations where the game balls that have passed through the plurality of flow paths merge, the behavior of the game balls is likely to be disturbed due to the collision of the game balls. In particular, when the range in which the game ball can move in the thickness direction of the game board 80a is large, the disturbance of the behavior becomes large. This contributes to clogging of balls. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the front side wall portion 418 constituting the second variable prize-winning device 83 is extended to the first variable prize-winning device 82 side so that the position variation of the game balls at the junction CP (in the front-rear direction) If the (positional variation) is reduced, the occurrence of ball clogging or the like at the junction CP can be suitably suppressed. Then, by applying a process (specifically, decoration) or the like that lowers the visibility of the extended portion, it is possible to avoid an excessively complicated configuration disposed in the game area PE.

  In the configuration in which the density of game balls at the junction point CP is increased by using the speed reducing portions (projection portions 417a, 418a), the unnatural change in the flow of game balls at the junction point CP becomes a factor of unnaturalness. obtain. In this regard, if the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage 306 is configured to be decelerated in the vicinity of the large winning opening 83a of the second variable winning device 83, the large winning opening 83a of the second variable winning device 83 is caused by the deceleration. The inflow rate when is opened is increased. Thus, unlike the configuration in which the game ball is simply decelerated at the junction point CP, the flow of the game ball is not increased by adding the function as a ball entry assisting unit to the second variable winning device 83 to the deceleration unit. Even when it changes naturally, it is possible to suppress the player's attention from being easily directed to a specific position.

<Third Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a specific configuration for making it difficult for a player to catch a game ball fired on the right route is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a partial enlarged view of the game board 80a showing the periphery of the lower extension 305 of the right route. Note that a description of the configuration common to the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the lower extension 305, the right route flows down to a portion on the opposite side of the detour passage 370 across the upstream guide passage 360, that is, a portion closer to the center of the game area PE than the upstream guide passage 360. A detour path 380 that detours the game balls so as to avoid entering the first variable winning device 82 is formed. In the following description, for convenience, the bypass passage 370 located on the right side (outside) of the upstream guide passage 360 is referred to as “right bypass passage 370”, and the bypass passage 380 located on the left side (center side) of the upstream guide passage 360 is referred to as “left”. This will be referred to as a bypass path 380 ".

  The entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 communicates with the upstream guide passage 360 at a position midway of the upstream guide passage 360, and a part of the game ball flowing down the upstream guide passage 360 enters the entrance portion 382. Inflow is possible. The exit portion 383 of the bypass passage 380 is located on the left side of the first variable winning device 82. The game ball that has flowed out from the exit portion 383 flows into the downstream guide passage 306 at a portion downstream of the junction point CP, and the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 or the bypass passage 370. At the same time, it is configured to be guided to the right action entry unit 85 and the like.

  The left bypass passage 380 guides the inflowing game ball to the downstream guide passage 306 so as to bypass the first variable winning device 82, and is bypassed to the right in order to avoid entering the first variable winning device 82. Although it has the same function as the passage 370, the specific configuration for exhibiting the function is different from the right bypass passage 370. Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 22, the difference between the right bypass passage 370 and the left bypass passage 380 will be supplementarily described.

  Whereas the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370 is disposed near the entrance portion of the upstream guide passage 360, the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 is near the exit portion of the upstream guide passage 360, that is, 1 is arranged in the vicinity of the variable winning device 82. That is, the distance L2 from the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 to the first variable winning device 82 is shorter than the distance L1 from the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370 to the first variable winning device 82. For this reason, in a state where attention is paid to the first variable winning device 82, the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 is more easily visible than the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370. In particular, a first variable prize-winning device 82 and a general prize-winning port 81 are disposed at the lower part of the lower expansion portion 305, and an entrance of the left bypass passage 380 is provided in the vicinity of the first variable prize-winning device 82 and the general prize-winning port 81. By arranging the portion 382, the player's line of sight is easily directed to the three.

  Whereas the size (W1) of the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370 is suppressed to be slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball, the size (W2) of the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 Is set to be slightly smaller than twice the diameter of the game ball. When compared only in size, it is easier for the game ball to pass through the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 than the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370.

  The right route extends in the vertical direction, and the game ball moves from above to below due to its own weight. The entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370 faces obliquely upward, while the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 faces obliquely downward. More specifically, the inclination angle (ANG2) with respect to the horizontal line of the inlet portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 is smaller than the inclination angle (ANG1) of the inlet portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370 with respect to the horizontal line. In addition, the main flow path (inclined passage 333) in the right route is formed around the upstream portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370, whereas the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 is on the right side. It is disposed at a position away from the main flow path of the route (upstream guide passage 360). Specifically, the flow path H with the highest passing frequency of game balls in the upstream guide passage 360 is formed in the right region of the upstream guide passage 360 (position close to the partition wall 350), and the upstream guide Of the game balls that have flowed into the passage 360, the number of game balls that pass through the flow path in which the inlet portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 is formed is also reduced.

  In general, the probability of entering the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 is lower than the probability of entry of the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370. Incidentally, the entrance probability 372 of the right bypass passage 370 has a pitch probability of approximately 1/10, and approximately one game ball enters every round during the opening / closing execution mode. On the other hand, the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 has a probability of entering a ball of about 1/500, and one game ball enters in one opening / closing execution mode (special game state). It is about to sphere. Thus, when the right bypass passage 370 and the left bypass passage 380 are compared, a clear difference in the probability of entering is provided. That is, in the present embodiment, although two bypass passages 370 and 380 are used in combination, the main escape depends on the right bypass passage 370, and the left bypass passage 380 has a function of escape. However, the contribution rate is extremely low.

  The game balls that have flowed into the bypass passages 370 and 380 are prevented from entering the first variable winning device 82. When comparing the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370 and the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380, the probability of entering the former is higher than that of the latter. However, the entire left bypass passage 380 with a low probability of entry is located in a non-overlapping region (transparent region), whereas most of the right bypass passage 370 with a high probability of entry is an overlap region ( It is located in the low recognition area. More specifically, the entire area of the right bypass passage 370 is located at a position (overlapping area) where it overlaps with the lamp portion 26 of the front door frame 14. For this reason, although the right bypass passage 370 is visible through the lamp portion 26, the visibility is reduced compared to the non-overlapping area not covered by the lamp portion 26, and the right bypass passage 370 is difficult to see. It has become. Further, in the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370, one of the pair of game nails 331U and 331L constructing the entrance portion 372 is hidden by the ramp portion 26, and the other game nail 331L that is not hidden is provided. In combination with other game nails 331, it is difficult to identify the entrance portion 372. On the other hand, the entire area of the left bypass passage 380 is located in the non-overlapping region, and the visibility is high. If there is a place where the spilling is likely to occur on the channel (the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380), it is assumed that the player who is worried about the spilling will pay attention there. However, since the spilling is actually suppressed at the place where the spilling is likely to occur (the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380) at first glance, the player is given an impression that the investment is wasted. Can be difficult. That is, by guiding the player's line of sight to the left bypass path 380 where spilling is unlikely to occur in practice, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. As a result, it is possible to make it appear as if the game ball launched to the right route (the first variable winning device 82) is efficiently entering the first variable winning device 82, and the player's satisfaction level can be increased. Can contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

  In embodying the technical idea described above, for example, a separate entrance portion may be provided and the bypass passage itself may be shared. However, in such a configuration, the game ball passes through the detour passage in a situation where the player is paying attention to the vicinity of the entrance where it is difficult for the ball to enter (apparently, the ball is likely to enter). By doing so, there is a concern that the eyes will easily turn to the fact that many balls have entered the other entrance portions. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, by providing the right bypass passage 370 and the left bypass passage 380 separately, such inconvenience can be made difficult to occur.

  By arranging the two bypass passages 370 and 380 apart on the left and right sides of the upstream guide passage 360, the right bypass passage 370 is placed under the situation where the player is paying attention to the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380. When the game ball passes, it is possible to suitably suppress the game ball from being noticed by the player.

  Of the right bypass passage 370 and the left bypass passage 380 having different passing frequencies of game balls, the left bypass passage 380 having a low passing frequency is disposed in the non-overlapping region and the right bypass passage 370 having a high passing frequency is set to the overlapping region. By arranging, it is possible to suppress the player's attention from turning to the right bypass passage 370. By making the escape of the game ball inconspicuous in this way, the above various effects can be suitably exhibited.

  In the configuration in which a payout of a prize ball (privilege) is given to a player by entering the first variable prize-winning device 82, the player's attention that is expected to obtain the bonus is likely to be directed to the pitching section and its surroundings. If the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 is provided in the vicinity of the first variable winning device 82 (specifically, the upstream side) and the entrance to the entrance portion 382 is prevented from entering the entrance portion, It is assumed that the player's attention tends to be directed to the first variable winning device 82 and the entrance portion 382. The entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 has a lower probability of entering the ball than the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370, and many game balls go to the first variable winning device 82. Thereby, it is possible to make it appear that most of the game balls heading for the first variable winning device 82 are directly entering the first variable winning device 82, and the escape can be made inconspicuous.

  In the case where the two bypass passages 370 and 380 are used in combination, it is assumed that the various effects described above are not exhibited well by the entrance portions 372 and 382 entering the field of view at the same time. For example, if both the inlet portions 372 and 382 are arranged largely apart from each other, such inconvenience can be suppressed, but the restriction on the positional relationship (distance relationship) of the inlet portion becomes stronger. Since it becomes a factor which reduces a freedom degree, it is not preferable. Here, when compared vertically and horizontally, the field of view of a person is narrower vertically than horizontally. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, by disposing the inlet portions 372 and 382 apart in the vertical direction, the above-described various types can be achieved while suppressing restrictions on the positional relationship (distance relationship) between the inlet portions 372 and 382. The effect can be suitably exhibited.

  In a gaming machine of the type in which the symbol display device 253 is arranged in the center of the game area PE, the player's attention tends to be directed to the symbol display device 253. Here, as shown in the present embodiment, a detour path for guiding the line of sight (left detour path 380) is arranged on the center side of the gaming machine, and a detour path (right detour path 370) for main escape is arranged outside. In this case, when the line of sight is moved between the symbol display device 253 and the first variable prize-winning device 82, the entrance portion 382 of the detour passage 380 and the vicinity thereof can be easily entered into the player's field of view. At this time, it is possible to make it difficult for the detour passage 370 and its surroundings to enter the player's view.

  The right route is bent so that it protrudes to the side (right side) of the gaming machine, and the game ball that has not entered the first variable winning device 82 moves toward the right actuated entering unit 85 or the like on the center side of the gaming machine In this configuration, as shown in the present embodiment, a detour path for guiding the line of sight (left detour path 380) is arranged on the center side of the game area, and a detour path (right detour path 370) for performing the main escape is on the outside. If arranged, the entrance portion 382 of the detour passage 380 and its surroundings can be easily entered into the player's field of view when moving the line of sight between the right action ball entering unit 85 and the first variable winning device 82. When the line of sight moves, the detour path 370 and its surroundings can be made difficult to enter the player's view.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the third embodiment, among the plurality of flow paths formed in the upstream guide path 360, the main flow path H with a high passing frequency of the game ball is formed along the right bypass path 370, and the opposite is the case. An inlet portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 is disposed at a position on the side. In the present embodiment, the relationship between the main flow path with a high passing frequency of game balls in the upstream guide path 360 and the inlet portion 382 of the left bypass path 380 is different from that in the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference from the third embodiment will be mainly described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  Although the configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment in that a plurality of flow paths are formed in the upstream guide path 360, the arrangement of the game nails 361 is changed, and the main flow path of the game ball is changed. Are collected in the left half (left region) of the upstream guide passage 360. Specifically, the upstream guide passage 360 has a plurality of downward slopes from the recesses 336 and 337 constituting the inlet portion of the upstream guide passage 360 toward the inlet portion 382 side of the left bypass passage 380. The game nails 361S are arranged, and the flow path F is formed by these game nails 361S.

  The flow path F is branched into a flow path toward the first variable winning device 82 and a flow path toward the inlet portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 at the most downstream portion. Most of the game balls that have flowed into the upstream guide passage 360 pass through the flow path F, and are divided into a portion toward the first variable winning device 82 and a portion toward the left bypass passage 380 at the branch position.

  The game balls that have flowed into the bypass passages 370 and 380 are prevented from entering the first variable winning device 82. If such a movement of the game ball is caught by the player's eyes, it is assumed that it will be easy to give the player an impression that wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370 has a configuration in which game balls can flow more easily than the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380, whereas the relationship is reversed in appearance, that is, the right bypass passage 370. The entrance portion is substantially less recognized as the entrance portion, and the entrance portion of the left bypass passage 380 is easily recognized as the substantial entrance portion. If there is a place where the spilling is likely to occur on the channel (the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380), it is assumed that the player who is worried about the spilling will pay attention there. However, since the spilling is actually suppressed at the place where the spilling is likely to occur (the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380) at first glance, the player is given an impression that the investment is wasted. Can be difficult. That is, by guiding the player's line of sight to the bypass passage 380 where spilling is unlikely to occur in practice, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. As a result, it is possible to make it appear as if the game ball launched to the right route (the first variable winning device 82) is efficiently entering the first variable winning device 82, and the player's satisfaction level can be increased. Can contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

  The game ball that passes through the flow path F moves away from the right bypass passage 370 as it moves downstream. With such a flow, it is possible to suitably suppress the attention of the player watching the variable winning device 82 and the left bypass passage 380 from being directed to the right bypass passage 370.

  By forming the inlet portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 at a position along the flow path F where the game ball mainly flows down, it is possible to prompt the player to pay attention to the flow path F and the inlet portion 382. In this way, the third embodiment can be achieved by suppressing the movement of the game ball from being noticeable at a location where the escape of the game ball can actually occur (the entrance portion 372 of the right bypass passage 370). The various effects shown can be suitably exhibited.

<Fifth embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the right bypass passage 370 is disposed behind the ramp portion 26 provided so as to surround the window portion 21 of the front door frame 14 so that the game ball passing through the right bypass passage 370 is visually recognized. It was set as the structure which reduces property. In game machines, visual confirmation work may be performed for reasons such as maintenance and crime prevention. For example, when a ball clogging or the like occurs in the game area PE, it is possible to favorably suppress the game hall or the player from suffering a disadvantage by finding / dissolving it at an early stage. If the visibility of the detour passage 370 is low when performing such a confirmation work, there is a concern that it will hinder the improvement of work efficiency. In other words, as shown in the first embodiment and the like, it is possible to improve the satisfaction of the player by making the escape of the game ball less noticeable and to improve the efficiency of the confirmation work and the like. Then there is room for improvement in the composition. One of the features of the present embodiment is that the device is devised in view of such circumstances. Hereinafter, the device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a horizontal sectional view showing the relationship between the ramp portion 26 and the game board unit 80. In addition, description is used about the various structures which are common in 1st Embodiment.

  The lamp portion 26 is a combination of a substantially flat base body 450 and a lamp cover 460 formed so as to protrude forward of the gaming machine, and the base body 450 is fixed to the frame body 20 of the front door frame 14. Thus, the frame body 20 is integrated.

  The lamp cover 460 is opened to the rear of the gaming machine, and this open portion is covered from the rear by the base body 450. In a region surrounded by the base body 450 and the lamp cover 460, a light emitting substrate 453 on which a plurality of light emitting bodies 454 (LEDs) are mounted is accommodated. The light-emitting board 453 is offset and arranged so as to be biased to the side (outside) of the gaming machine, and the overlap with the bypass passage 370 described above is avoided in the front view of the gaming machine. That is, when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, the bypass passage 370 and the light emitting board 453 are arranged such that the former is on the center side of the gaming machine and the latter is on the outside. Since the base body 450 and the lamp cover 460 are light transmissive, the light emitting substrate 453 is not light transmissive. It avoids obstructing visual recognition.

  Here, the attachment structure of the light emitting substrate 453 will be supplementarily described. The base body 450 is formed by laminating a holder member 451 for the lamp cover 460 and a pedestal 452 for the light emitting substrate 453. A light emitting substrate 453 is fixed to the back surface portion of the base 452, and in this fixed state, the element mounting surface of the light emitting substrate 453 faces the front side of the gaming machine. A plurality of through holes are formed in the pedestal 452, and the light emitting body 454 protrudes forward through these through holes.

  More specifically, the pedestal 452 is inclined so as to incline forward from the center side of the gaming machine toward the outside, and the element mounting surface of the light emitting board 453 fixed to the pedestal 452 is the front side of the gaming machine and the game. It is inclined diagonally so that it faces the center of the machine. As described above, the size and arrangement of the light emitting substrate 453 are limited by the relationship with the bypass path 370 inside the lamp unit 26. By disposing the light emitting substrate 453 obliquely forward, restrictions on the size and the like of the light emitting substrate 453 are relaxed.

  A lens 455 serving as a light guide is attached to the front surface of the pedestal 452. The light emitters 454 are arranged side by side, and the lens 455 corresponds to a part of the light emitters 454 and has a function of restricting the light irradiation direction to the front of the gaming machine.

  The lamp cover 460 has a double structure in which an inner cover member 471 and an outer cover member 481 are overlapped. The inner cover member 471 includes an inner side wall portion 475 facing the center side of the gaming machine, a front surface portion 476 facing the front side of the gaming machine, and an outer side wall portion 477 facing the side of the gaming machine. 481 includes an inner side wall portion 485 facing the center side of the gaming machine, a front surface portion 486 facing the front side of the gaming machine, and an outer side wall portion 487 facing the side of the gaming machine. A step portion 478 is formed on the outer peripheral portion (side wall portions 475 and 477) of the inner cover member 471, and the strength of the lamp cover 460 is improved.

  On the side wall portions 475 and 477 of the inner cover member 471, a light diffusion portion 479 made of fine irregularities is formed as a diffusion means for diffusing light from the light emitter 454. Since the light from the light emitter 454 is diffused by irradiating the light diffusion portion 479, the side wall portions 475 and 477 appear to emit light. Note that the front surface portion 476 is a non-arranged region of the light diffusion portion. For this reason, the intensity of the light passing through the front surface portion 476 is higher than the intensity of the light passing through the side wall portions 475 and 477.

  The inner side wall portions 475 and 485 are curved (inclined) so as to face obliquely forward. When the longitudinal dimension (L) and the lateral dimension (W) of the side wall portions 475 and 485 are compared, the former is larger than the latter. That is, the inner side wall portions 475 and 485 are formed such that the component facing the game machine center side is larger than the component facing the game machine front.

  A detour passage 370 is located behind the inner side wall portions 475 and 485 in a front view of the gaming machine. When light from the illuminant 454 is applied to the inner side wall portions 475 and 485, a predetermined range including the specific region SE overlapping with the detour passage 370 in the front and rear is emitted from the inner side wall portion 475. .

  The light emitters 454 are arranged in the order of the light emitters 454A → the light emitters 454B → the light emitters 454C → the light emitters 454D from the center side of the gaming machine, and the light emission target is switched according to the game situation. The light emitters 454A and 454B on the center side are configured to irradiate light on the inner side wall portions 475 and 485, the front surface portions 476 and 486, and the outer side wall portions 477 and 487, and the specific region SE has its irradiation range. Included. On the other hand, the outer light emitters 454C and 454D are limited by the lens 455 so that the irradiation range is mainly the front portions 476 and 486, and the specific region SE is out of the light irradiation range.

  As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 25A, in the state where the light emitters 454C and 454D emit light, light is emitted mainly from the front surface portions 476 and 486, and thus the light emission intensity is increased. In the case of such a light emission mode, light emission of the specific area SE is avoided. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 25B, in a state where the light emitters 454A and 454B emit light, the light is irradiated onto the specific region SE. As a result, a light wall appears in front of the bypass passage 370, and the reflected light of the bypass passage 370 is mixed with the light from the specific area SE, thereby reducing the visibility of the bypass passage 370.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitter 454 that is the light emission target is switched according to the gaming situation. Hereinafter, a setting process for light emission control executed by the MPU of the notification / production control device 255 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The light emission control setting process is a process executed as part of the regular process in the MPU.

  In the light emission control setting process, first, in step S101, it is determined whether it is the end timing of the opening / closing execution mode toe or the high frequency support mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is the timing at which the game is advantageously advanced by firing a game ball toward the former of the left route and the right route. If a positive determination is made in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, emission target control is executed. Thereby, in the normal gaming state corresponding to the low frequency support mode, the light emitters 454A to 454B out of the light emitters 454A to 454D are excluded from the light emission target. In other words, in the normal gaming state corresponding to the low frequency support mode, irradiation of light to the specific area SE is avoided.

  When a negative determination is made in step S101, that is, when it is stable that the opening / closing execution mode or the high frequency support mode is finished, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, it is determined whether it is the start timing of the opening / closing execution mode or the high frequency support mode. If a negative determination is made in step S103, the main light emission control setting process is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S103, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, a restriction release process is executed. Thereby, in the normal game state corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode or the high-frequency support mode, all the light emitters 454A to 454D become light emission targets.

  With respect to the lamp unit 26 in the present embodiment, the player is given a privilege (based on the effect function of performing a light emission effect as the game progresses, and the entry to the activated entry units 84 and 85 and the variable winning devices 82 and 83 ( An award function for notifying a prize ball is given. Here, with reference to FIG.26 (b), the light emission aspect of the lamp | ramp part 26 is illustrated.

  In the normal gaming state corresponding to the low frequency support mode, the light emission target is limited to the light emitters 454C to 454D. In this gaming state, the light emitters 454C to 454D are lit / flashed when a specific effect such as reach display is performed or when a ball enters the operation ball unit 84 or 85 occurs.

  A lottery result based on the entrance to the operation entrance unit 84, 85 results in a big hit, and when the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode, the light emission target is switched to the light emitters 454A to 454D. Under this situation, the light emitters 454C to 454D are lit / flashed when a ball enters the variable winning devices 82 and 83 occurs. Further, during the opening / closing execution mode, the light emitters 454A and 454B are alternately lit, whereby a light emission effect corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode is executed. The detailed light emission modes of the light emitters 454A to 454B are differentiated from the normal gaming state corresponding to the high frequency support mode.

  The lighting period of the illuminant 454A and the lighting period of the illuminant 454B partially overlap, and the supply of light to the specific area SE continues. Specifically, although the light irradiation range by the light emitter 454A is different from the light irradiation range by the light emitter 454B, the specific region SE is included in any irradiation range. For this reason, the supply of light to the specific area SE is prevented from being interrupted during the opening / closing execution mode.

  According to the fifth embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  In a situation where the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state (opening / closing execution mode), the game can be advantageously advanced by firing the game ball aiming at the first variable winning device 82. Under such circumstances, the fact that a game ball (spill) that does not enter the first variable prize-winning device 82 is noticeable can be a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play. During the opening / closing execution mode, the light emission effect for the opening / closing execution mode is executed, and the specific area SE of the lamp unit 26 emits light, thereby reducing the visibility of the bypass passage 370 through the lamp cover 460. Thereby, it becomes difficult to see the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370, and the spilling can be made inconspicuous. Since the game ball fired toward the first variable winning device 82 (the right route) can be efficiently shown as if it is entering the first variable winning device 82, the satisfaction of the player is increased. , Can contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

  In order to make the spilled ball difficult to see, it is possible to take measures such as making the bypass passage 370 completely invisible. However, there is a concern that making the bypass passage 370 invisible is a factor that reduces the work efficiency of confirmation work such as clogged balls. In this regard, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the visibility of the bypass passage 370 is improved by the normal gaming state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode and the light emission mode of the lamp unit 26 becoming the light emission mode for the normal gaming state. Recovers. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress a decrease in workability due to the improvement in the degree of attention to the game.

  The lamp cover 460 is convex forward of the gaming machine, and the side wall portion 475 on the center side of the gaming machine faces obliquely forward and is positioned in front of the bypass passage. If the bypass path 370 is viewed from the front side of the gaming machine through the side wall portion 475, light (reflected light) that passes through the side wall portion 475 and reaches the player's eyes is likely to be diffused as the optical path in the side wall portion 475 becomes longer. Become. Here, when light is emitted from the light emitters 454A to 454B to the side wall portion 475, the above-described reflected light becomes difficult to understand due to the light from the light emitters 454A to 454B. Since light from the light emitters 454A to 454B only has to be lost at any position in the optical path, the effect of reducing visibility can be suitably exhibited even when variations such as parallax occur.

  In particular, since the side wall portion 475 faces obliquely forward, for example, compared with a configuration in which the side wall portion 475 is perpendicular to the front surface of the game board 80a, the above-described reduction effect is achieved while reducing the thickness of the side wall portion 475. It can be demonstrated. The light diffusing portion 479 is easier to form on the surface portion than the flesh portion of the side wall portion 475 and the degree of freedom of arrangement becomes higher, and the arrangement of the light diffusing portion 479 on the surface portion can be promoted by making it thinner. An upper preferable configuration can be realized.

  A step portion 478 is formed on the side wall portion 475 (specific region SE) of the inner cover member 471, and the inner cover member 471 is disposed so that the step portion 478 is positioned in front of the bypass passage 370. In the step 478 for reinforcement formed in the side wall part 475, light is easily refracted and diffused by a change in the shape of the side wall part 475. Therefore, if the stepped portion 478 is disposed in front of the bypass passage 370 as described above, the effect of lowering the visibility of the bypass passage 370 located behind by emitting the specific region SE can be more suitably exhibited. .

  The lamp cover 460 is configured by stacking a plurality of cover members 471 and 481 on the front and rear, and the inner cover member 471 is an object on which the step portion 478 is disposed. Since the outer cover member 481 is a part that is directly touched by a player or the like and is also a part that is directly connected to the appearance, restrictions are likely to occur in providing a reinforcing step. Further, it is not preferable that the position of the lamp cover 460 is restricted in realizing the reduction in visibility. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, if the step portion 478 is provided on the inner cover member 471, the occurrence of various inconveniences can be suitably suppressed.

  Since the light emitting board 453 is disposed outside the game machine with respect to the bypass passage 370, it is possible to avoid the light emitting board 453 itself from hindering the visibility of the bypass passage 370. Light from the light emitting substrate 453 is irradiated to the center side of the gaming machine so as to cross the front of the bypass passage 370. A light diffusing portion 479 is disposed in front of the bypass passage 370, and light is diffused by the light diffusing portion 479 so that the above reduction effect is exhibited. With such a configuration, it is possible to suitably suppress the presence of the light emitting substrate 453 from interfering with the confirmation work.

  In the case where the visibility of the bypass passage 370 is reduced by light emission, for example, the light emitters 454A to 454B may be constantly turned on. However, in such a configuration, the light emission effect function is degraded. In this regard, if the light irradiation is continued so that a part of the light emission periods of the plurality of light emitters 454A to 454B overlap, the diversion passage 370 is made inconspicuous while diversifying the light emission effects. An effect can be exhibited suitably.

  When the light emission target is switched using a plurality of light emitters, the amount of light applied to the specific region SE may be biased. It is assumed that the function of lowering the visibility of the bypass path behind can not be performed satisfactorily because the light emission level is lowered in a portion where the amount of light is small. Such a situation is likely to occur when the light emission target is switched for a plurality of light emitters arranged in the direction of the bypass passage 370. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the light emitters 454A to 454B are arranged in a direction intersecting the passage direction of the bypass passage 370, and in the normal gaming state corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode or the high frequency support mode, The light emission control is performed so that the light emission periods of the plurality of light emitters 454A to 454B arranged in the direction to overlap partially overlap each other. With such a configuration, the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Also in the present embodiment, as with the gaming machine shown in the first embodiment, part of the game balls launched to the right route (first variable winning device 82) is transferred to the first variable winning device 82. On the way, it flows into the detour passage 370 and avoids entering the first variable winning device 82. The bypass passage 370 is disposed at a position (overlapping region) that overlaps with the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 from behind, and prevents the game balls passing through the bypass passage 370 from being noticed by the player. ing. The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 flows into the downstream guide passage 306, and is guided to the right operation ball entering unit 85 together with the game ball that has passed through the guide passage 360 (the game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 82). Is done. By combining the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 with the game balls that have passed through the guide passage 360, that is, by being mixed with the game balls that have passed through the guide passage 360, It is difficult to specify the source.

  During the opening / closing execution mode, the first variable winning device 82 is switched between the accepting state and the non-accepting state. When the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-accepting state, the game ball that has reached the first variable winning device 82 passes through the first variable winning device 82 as it is and proceeds to the junction point CP. For this reason, even if a game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 in such a situation reaches the junction CP, it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the bypass passage 370 or the guide passage 360 It will be difficult to do. On the other hand, when the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, most of the game balls that have passed through the guide passage 360 enter the first variable winning device 82. There is almost no going to CP. Under such circumstances, the game ball that has flowed out of the bypass passage 370 reaching the joining point CP is a factor that makes the player who is not conscious of the bypass passage 370 feel uncomfortable.

  In the present embodiment, in view of such circumstances, it has been devised to adjust (delay) the outflow timing of the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 according to the movement of the first variable winning device 82. This is one of the features. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 27 (partially enlarged view of the game board unit 80), a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. Note that the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the middle of the bypass passage 370, there is a restriction member 505 (“regulation section”) that can be switched between a restriction state that restricts the movement of the game ball toward the exit portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 and a release state that does not perform the restriction. Is equivalent). The regulating member 505 is held so as to be slidable in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the game board 80a, and moves in and out of the slit 501 formed in the game board 80a by moving in the thickness direction. Specifically, when the restriction member 505 is retracted into the slit 501 (released state), the passage of the bypass passage 370 is allowed, and the game ball flowing down the bypass passage 370 passes through the restriction position by the restriction member 505. It flows out from the outlet portion 373. On the other hand, in a state where the restricting member 505 protrudes from the slit 501 (restricted state), the flow path of the bypass passage 370 is cut off at the restricting position, and the game ball cannot move downstream from the restricting position. It becomes. In the restricted state, the game ball flowing down the bypass passage 370 is placed on the restriction member 505, and the game ball stops on the restriction member 505 until the movement restriction by the restriction member 505 is released.

  When the movement restriction by the restriction member 505 is released, the game ball that has been stopped at the restriction member 505 (restriction position) until then resumes movement along the detour path 370. However, the predetermined range including the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 is bent so that the passage direction is horizontal. For this reason, the game ball that has passed the restriction position is once decelerated immediately before the outlet portion 373. The game ball that has passed through the bent portion moves along the downstream guide passage 306, thereby turning to acceleration and moving toward the junction CP while increasing the speed.

  As with the bypass passage 370, the restriction member 505 is located behind (overlapping area) the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14, and is difficult to see compared to the guide passage 360 and the first variable winning device 82. ing. In particular, as described above, the movement direction of the regulating member 505 is defined to be the thickness direction of the game board 80a. For this reason, it is difficult to specify the front and rear positions of the restricting member 505, that is, the operating state from the appearance.

  The regulating member 50 is connected to the shutter 82b of the first variable winning device 82 through a link mechanism 506 disposed on the back side of the game board 80a, and is configured to be interlocked with the shutter 82b. Specifically, when the shutter 82b is disposed at the closed position, the regulating member 50 stands by at the retracted position, and when the shutter 82b is displaced to the opened position, the regulating member 50 moves to the protruding position. Here, with reference to FIG. 28, the state of interlocking between the shutter 82b and the regulating member 50 will be described. FIG. 28A is a timing chart showing the game flow in the opening / closing execution mode, and FIG. 28B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the first variable winning device 82 and the regulating member 505.

  The lottery based on the entry into the operation entry units 84 and 85 results in a big win, and the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode (see timing ta1). After shifting to the opening / closing execution mode, the first variable winning device 82 is switched from the non-accepting state to the accepting state after a predetermined opening period, and entry into the first variable winning device 82 is allowed. Specifically, output of a drive signal to the drive unit (solenoid) of the first variable winning device 82 is started at the timing ta2, and the drive unit is switched from the non-excitation state to the excitation state. As a result, the shutter 82b starts moving from the retracted position toward the maximum protruding position. When the shutter 82b starts moving to the maximum protruding position at the timing ta2, the regulating member 505 starts moving to the maximum protruding position in synchronization (interlocking) with it.

  The shutter 82b is pivotally supported at the lower end thereof. For this reason, the increase rate of the protrusion amount is small at the initial stage of rotation, and the increase rate of the protrusion amount increases as the rotation angle approaches 90 °. On the other hand, since the regulating member 505 is configured to slide back and forth, the rate of increase of the protrusion amount is constant regardless of the rotation angle of the shutter 82b. Due to such a difference in operation mode, the period from when the shutter 82b and the regulating member 505 start moving toward the maximum projecting position until the first variable winning device 82 switches to the receiving state, and the regulating member 505 regulates. The period until switching to the state is different. Specifically, the restricting member 505 is switched to the restricted state prior to switching the first variable winning device 82 to the accepting state (see timings ta3 to ta5). In FIG. 28A, for convenience of explanation, the change in the protrusion amount of the shutter 82b is shown linearly, but actually, it has a curved shape in which the change amount of the protrusion amount increases with time. .

  The restricting member 505 is arranged at a position on the side of the first variable winning device 82 in the bypass passage 370 so as to be side by side with the first variable winning device 82. As a result, the link mechanism 506 is reduced in size and simplified. However, the regulating member 505 is separated from the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370, and the separation distance is larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball. For this reason, even if the restricting member 505 is switched to the restricted state, the game ball located between the restricting member 505 and the outlet portion 373 at that time is excluded from the restriction. That is, the game ball that has flowed out of the bypass passage 370 can reach the junction CP even after switching to the restricted state. Therefore, as described above, by switching the restricting member 505 to the restricted state so as to precede the switching of the first variable winning device 82 to the accepting state, the detour is made after the first variable winning device 82 is switched to the accepting state. Opportunities for the game ball from the passage 370 to reach the junction CP are reduced.

  When the number of balls entered into the first variable winning device 82 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10) or the like, and the round end condition is satisfied, the driving signal to the drive unit (solenoid) of the first variable winning device 82 Output is stopped. Thereby, at the timing of ta6, the shutter 82b starts to move toward the retracted position by the urging force of the urging member attached to the first variable winning device 82. In conjunction with this, the restriction member 505 also starts to move toward the retracted position.

  When the shutter 82b and the regulating member 505 start moving toward the retracted position, first, the first variable winning device 82 is switched to the non-accepting state at the timing ta7, and the regulating member 505 is switched to the regulating state at the subsequent timing ta8. . That is, the first variable winning device 82 is switched to the non-accepting state prior to the switching of the restricting member 505 to the restricted state.

  When the restriction by the restriction member 505 is released, the game ball waiting on the restriction member 505 immediately heads to the joining point CP. For this reason, the period until the game ball that has flowed out after the release of the regulation reaches the junction CP is extremely short. Here, in a situation where the outflowed game ball can reach the merge point CP, if the game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 82 prior to that has not reached the merge point CP, the merge point CP It is easily specified that the source of the game ball that has reached is the bypass passage 370. With this, there is a concern that the above-described escape of the game ball will be easily noticeable. In this regard, the occurrence of such inconvenience is suppressed by delaying the switching of the restricting member 505 to the released state.

  After the first variable winning device 82 is switched to the non-accepting state at the timing ta7, the drive signal to the drive unit (solenoid) of the first variable winning device 82 is again at the timing ta10 after a predetermined interval period has elapsed. Output begins. Thereby, the regulating member 505 is switched to the regulated state at the timing ta11, and the first variable winning device 82 is switched to the receiving state at the subsequent timing ta12.

  Here, the required period T3 required for the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 to reach the junction CP from the restricted position is required until the game ball passing through the first variable winning device 82 reaches the junction CP. It is longer than the required period T2. Further, the switching of the first variable winning device 82 to the non-accepting state is configured to slightly precede the switching of the restricting member 505 to the non-regulating state. Therefore, after the first variable winning device 82 is switched from the accepting state to the non-accepting state and the restricting member 505 is switched from the unregulated state to the restricting state, the game ball from the bypass passage 370 becomes the game ball from the guide passage 360. It is possible to reduce the opportunity to reach the junction CP first.

  The required period T3 is shorter than the interval period T3 between rounds (2 sec in the present embodiment). Thereby, the game ball that has flowed out of the bypass passage 370 due to the switching of the regulating member 505 to the non-regulated state can easily reach the joining point CP before the first variable winning device 82 returns to the accepted state again. .

  According to the sixth embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

  When shifting to the opening / closing execution mode, the first variable winning device 82 is switched between the accepting state and the non-accepting state. In the accepting state, the game ball that has reached the first variable winning device 82 is likely to enter the first variable winning device 82 in comparison with the non-accepting state. When a large number of game balls flow out of the bypass passage 370 under such circumstances, the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 are easily noticed by the player. A game ball that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is prevented from entering the first variable winning device 82. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage 370 and catches the player's eyes, it will be easy to give the player an impression that the useless investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, as shown in the present embodiment, according to the configuration in which the required period (timing to flow out) required to pass through the bypass passage 370 can be changed, for example, the game ball is flowing out of the bypass passage 370. In a situation where it is difficult to see, the outflow can be suppressed by extending the time required for passing the bypass passage 370. Further, for example, in a situation where there are many game balls passing through the first variable winning device 82, the detour passage 370 is passed to the game ball passing through the first variable winning device 82 by shortening the time required for passing the bypass passage 370. The game ball that has passed through can be lost. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience and contribute to an improvement in the degree of attention to the game.

  If the bypass passage 370 is disposed in the overlapping area where the front door frame 14 and the ramp portion 26 overlap, the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 can be made inconspicuous. In such a configuration, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls launched to the first variable winning device 82 are efficiently entering the first variable winning device 82. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  However, even if the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 is made inconspicuous, there is a concern that if the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 becomes easily noticeable, the above effect will not be exhibited well. Therefore, according to the combination with the above configuration (a configuration in which the required passage period and the outflow timing can be changed), it is possible to make it easy to mix the game ball that has flowed out of the bypass passage 370 into the game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 82. And the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  In the configuration in which the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 are merged in the downstream guide passage 306, the movement of the first variable winning device 82 and the game balls at the junction CP The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 can be identified from the behavior or the like. Specifically, most of the game balls that have reached the first variable winning device 82 in a state where the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state enter the first variable winning device 82. Thus, the movement to the downstream guide passage 306 is prevented by the first variable winning device 82. Therefore, there is a possibility that the game ball that has flowed into the downstream guide passage 306 (specifically, the junction point CP) in the situation where the first variable prize winning device 82 is in the accepting state has passed through the bypass passage 370. Get higher. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, when the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the time required for passing the bypass passage 370 is lengthened, and the game from the bypass passage 370 is increased. By adopting a configuration that suppresses the outflow of the balls, it is possible to make the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 easily fall into the game balls that have passed through the first variable winning device 82.

  When the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, by restricting the outflow of the game ball from the detour passage 370 using the restricting member 505, the detour passage to the game ball passing through the first variable winning device 82 is provided. When the game balls that have passed through 370 are merged, it is possible to suitably suppress the source of the game balls from being easily identified. Here, when the movement of the regulating member 505 enters the eyes of the player, the movement of the regulating member 505 can be a foothold for identifying the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, by arranging the regulating member 505 together with the detour passage 370 in the overlapping region with low visibility, occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  In a configuration in which a game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 (a game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 82) and a game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 merge in the downstream guide passage 306, a junction CP The game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 in a situation where there is no game ball (game ball from the upstream guide passage 360) preceding the game route reaches the junction CP, so that the detour passage to the preceding game ball It becomes difficult to distract the game ball that has passed through 370. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the period until the game ball that has passed through the restricting member 505 reaches the merge point CP until the game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 82 reaches the merge point CP. By making it longer than this period, it is possible to reduce the chance that the game ball that has flowed out of the bypass passage 370 in the situation where the game ball does not exist at the merge point CP reaches the merge point CP. As a result, the game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 can be suitably mixed with the game ball from the upstream guide passage 360.

  In addition, for example, when the joining point CP is located immediately below the first variable winning device 82, the positional relationship is such that the joining point CP enters the field of view while paying attention to the first variable winning device 82. If the first variable winning device 82 is in a non-accepting state, the game ball (the game ball that has passed through the detour path 370) reaches the joining point CP. Expected to stand out. In consideration of such circumstances, if the merging point CP is moved away from the first variable winning device 82, the restriction on the return position of the game ball that has passed through the detour path 370 becomes stronger. In this respect, if the technical idea shown in the present embodiment is applied, the restriction on such arrangement can be preferably relaxed.

  Under the situation where the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the game ball from the bypass passage 370 reaching the joining point CP can be an indication of the origin of the game ball (passing through the bypass passage 370). . Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the first variable winning device 82 is configured so that the restricting member 505 is switched from the non-restricted state to the restricted state prior to switching from the non-accepted state to the accepted state. 1 The chance that the game ball from the detour passage 370 reaches the junction CP can be suitably reduced under the situation where the variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state. Thereby, it can suppress that the game ball which passed the detour channel | path 370 is visible to a player.

  In the configuration in which the restricting member 505 is switched between the restricted state and the non-restricted state, when a plurality of game balls located in the bypass passage 370 are directed to the joining point CP at the same time as the restricting member 505 is switched to the unrestricted state. In addition, it is assumed that such movement of the game ball is likely to be noticed by the player. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the game balls are decelerated once in the vicinity of the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370, and then the game balls are accelerated in the downstream guide passage 306, so that the game balls can be accelerated. Can earn speed difference and distance. Thereby, it can be avoided that the plurality of game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 are collectively (at once) heading to the joining point CP, and the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage 370 can be prevented from being easily noticed by the player.

  Here, in order to increase the speed difference and distance between the game balls, it is not always necessary to provide a deceleration section near the exit portion 373 of the bypass passage 370, but the game ball from the bypass passage 370 is played from the upstream guide passage 360. In order to suppress reaching the junction point CP before the ball, it is preferable to suppress the movement of the game ball on the downstream side of the regulating member 505. For example, it is possible to earn time until reaching the joining point CP by disposing the restricting member 505 away from the outlet portion 373, but such measures increase restrictions on the disposition of the restricting member 505. . In view of such circumstances, it is technically significant to set a deceleration zone near the exit portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 and provide an acceleration zone downstream thereof.

<Seventh embodiment>
In the detour passage 370 shown in the sixth embodiment, a bent portion (deceleration portion) is formed immediately before the exit portion 373, and after the game ball is decelerated once (specifically, variation in the moving speed of the game ball is detected). The structure is such that the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball are separated by re-acceleration toward the meeting point CP (after the reduction). For this reason, even if a plurality of game balls are parked in a row with the game balls placed on the restriction member 505 at the head, they flow out from the outlet portion 373 when the restriction is released (joining) When the point CP is reached), the distance between the game balls is increased, and a plurality of game balls are prevented from moving toward the joining point CP at the same time as the restriction is released. In the present embodiment, one of the features is that it is further devised to more suitably suppress the plurality of game balls from moving toward the joining point CP at the same time as the restriction is released. Hereafter, the said device is demonstrated with reference to the schematic of FIG.

  The regulating member 505 has a substantially flat plate shape, and its upper surface 505a is inclined downward toward the center side (partition wall 350 side) of the game area PE. With the restricting member 505 in a restricted state, the game ball placed on the upper surface 505a of the restricting member 505 is stopped in a state of being biased toward the partition wall 350.

  A discharge passage 411 is provided at a position upstream of the regulating member 505 in the bypass passage 370 so as to branch from the bypass passage 370. The discharge passage 411 is located on the opposite side of the guide passage 360 across the bypass passage 370, and the opposing wall portion 375 forming the bypass passage 370 also serves as the passage wall portion of the discharge passage 411. An inlet portion 412 of the discharge passage 411 is formed in a portion of the opposing wall portion 375 above the restriction member 505, and the game ball that has passed through the inlet portion 412 passes through the discharge passage 411 on the back side of the game board 80a. To the collection passage provided in

  Similarly to the bypass passage 370, the discharge passage 411 is located behind (overlapping area) the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14, and moves to the collection passage through the discharge passage 411 (discharged from the game area PE). It is difficult to see game balls.

  As described above, the passage width of the bypass passage 370 is formed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a plurality of game balls cannot pass through the same portion at the same time. When the subsequent game ball B2 flows into the detour passage 370 in a situation where the preceding game ball B1 is stopped by the restricting member 505, the subsequent game ball B2 collides with the preceding game ball B1. At this time, the trajectory of the subsequent game ball B2 is shifted toward the discharge passage 411 with respect to the preceding game ball B1. For this reason, also about the collision location of both game balls B1 and B2, it will shift | deviate to the discharge channel | path 411 side with respect to the center of the preceding game ball B1. The succeeding game ball B2 changes its direction to the inlet portion 412 side of the discharge passage 411 by colliding with the preceding game ball B1, and flows into the inlet portion 412.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls that can be stopped on the regulating member 505 is limited, and game balls that exceed the predetermined number are discharged from the game area PE as they are. Under the situation where the game ball is stopped on the restriction member 505, the movement of the stopped game ball toward the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370 is started when the restriction member 505 is switched from the restriction state to the release state. To do. Since the number of game balls that can be stopped is limited to a predetermined number (one in the present embodiment), a plurality of game balls flow out of the outlet portion 373 at the same time as the restriction is released, and the joining points It is possible to favorably suppress going to the CP.

<Eighth Embodiment>
In the sixth embodiment, when the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the game ball from the bypass passage 370 is in the accepting state by restricting the passage of the game ball in the bypass passage 370. The arrival at the confluence CP was suppressed. The present embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment in that the game ball from the bypass passage 370 is prevented from reaching the joining point CP while the first variable winning device 82 is being received. However, the specific configuration is different from that of the fifth embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 30, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the fifth embodiment. Note that the description of the configuration common to the fifth embodiment is omitted.

  The bypass passage 370 is bifurcated at a midway position. Specifically, the bypass passage 370 includes a first bypass passage 370a located on the center side (upstream guide passage 360 side) of the game area PE and a second bypass passage 370b located on the outside in parallel. . At the branch point of the first bypass passage 370a and the second bypass passage 370b, the game ball that has flowed into the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 is guided to the first bypass passage 370a and the second bypass passage 370b is guided. A flow path switching member 525 that can be switched to the second guiding state is provided.

  The flow path switching member 525 is connected to the shutter 82b of the first variable winning device 82 via the link mechanism 526, and is linked to the first variable winning device 82 (shutter 82b) in the first guide state / second guide state. Switch to Specifically, when the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-accepting state, the flow path switching member 525 is maintained in the first guiding state, and the game ball that has flowed into the detour path 370 is in the first detour path 370a. Led to. On the other hand, when the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the flow path switching member 525 is in the second guiding state, and the game ball that has flowed into the detour path 370 is guided to the second detour path 370b. It is burned.

  Here, the difference between the first bypass passage 370a and the second bypass passage 370b will be described. Although the first bypass passage 370a and the second bypass passage 370b are common in that they are formed to be vertically long, the latter is longer than the former with respect to the passage length. The passage wall surface forming the first bypass passage 370a is smooth, whereas the second bypass passage 370b is provided with a plurality of protrusions 377 that project from the passage wall surface to the passage region. Since the game ball passing through the second bypass passage 370b flows down while meandering to the left and right, the flow velocity is lower than that of the game ball flowing down through the first bypass passage 370a. With these configurations, for the required period T6 when the game balls distributed to the second bypass passage 370b pass through the bypass passage 370, the game balls distributed to the first bypass passage 370a pass through the bypass passage 370. Longer than the required period T5.

  The required period T5 is shorter (approximately 1 sec) than the interval period (2 sec) in which the first variable winning device 82 is maintained in the non-accepting state during the opening / closing execution mode. For this reason, game balls that have flowed into the bypass passage 370 immediately after the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-accepting state reach the joining point CP during the period in which the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-accepting state. Can do. When the first variable winning device 82 is in a non-accepting state, the game ball flows into the bypass passage 370 by quickly moving to the junction CP via the first bypass passage 370a having a short required period. The game balls that have been played are easily lost to the game balls that have passed through the upstream guide passage 360 at the junction CP.

  For the required period T6, an interval period (2 sec) during which the first variable winning device 82 is maintained in the non-accepting state during the opening / closing execution mode, and the game ball passing through the first variable winning device 82 reaches the junction CP. It is set to have the same length as the sum of the required period T2 (0.5 sec). For this reason, for the game ball that has flowed into the second bypass passage 370b at the timing when the first variable winning device 82 shifts from the non-accepting state to the receiving state, the first variable winning device 82 is again in the receiving state and is guided upstream. The game ball reaches the merge point CP before there is no game ball reaching the merge point CP via the passage 360.

  According to such a configuration, the game balls that have flowed into the bypass passage 370 out of the game balls fired to the right route during the opening / closing execution mode are changed according to the state of the first variable winning device 82. It will be distributed to the second detour passage 370b, and in the situation where the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, it joins compared to the situation where the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-accepting state The possibility that the game ball reaches the point CP is reduced.

  In addition, you may comprise so that required period T6 may become below the said interval period. In view of the fact that most of the game balls fired to the right route reach the first variable winning device 82, when the supply of game balls to the right route continues at a predetermined period (0.6 sec). A required period of time until a predetermined number (10) of winnings, which are round end conditions, is generated is determined. For example, the second bypass passage 370b may be configured such that the required period T6 is longer than the required required period.

<Ninth embodiment>
In the sixth embodiment, when the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the game ball from the bypass passage 370 is in the accepting state by restricting the passage of the game ball in the bypass passage 370. The arrival at the confluence CP was suppressed. The present embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment in that the game ball from the bypass passage 370 is prevented from reaching the joining point CP while the first variable winning device 82 is being received. However, the specific configuration is different from that of the fifth embodiment. In the following, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 31, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the fifth embodiment. Note that the description of the configuration common to the fifth embodiment is omitted.

  The vertical portion of the bypass passage 370 has an upstream portion 377 formed so that the passage width is slightly larger than the diameter size of the game ball, and a downstream portion 378 expanded so that the passage width is larger than the upstream portion 377. It is roughly divided into In the downstream portion 378, the opposing wall portion 375 is offset so as to move away from the partition wall portion 350, and a plurality of protrusions 379 are disposed in a region expanded by the offset. These protrusions 379 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and any protrusion to the region that is an extension of the upstream portion 377 is avoided.

  An opening 355 that connects the bypass passage 370 and the upstream guide passage 360 is formed in the partition wall portion 350, and the opening 355 is blocked by the plate-like member 515. The plate-like member 515 is held in a state in which it can slide in the thickness direction (left-right direction) of the partition wall 350. The movement range of the plate-like member 515 is such that the plate surface facing the detour passage 370 side from the first position retracted to the left of the partition wall portion 350 is flush with the plate surface on the detour passage 370 side in the partition wall portion 350. It is prescribed | regulated so that it may become the 2nd position located in.

  The plate-like member 515 is connected to the first variable winning device 82 (shutter 82b) via the link mechanism 526, and is linked to the first variable / non-receiving state of the first variable winning device 82 in conjunction with the first position / Move to the second position. Specifically, when the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-accepting state, it waits at the first position, and when the first variable winning device 82 is in the receiving state, it moves to the second position.

  A plurality of protrusions 516 are also formed on the plate surface of the plate-like member 515 that faces the opposing wall portion 375 and protrudes toward the bypass passage 370. The protrusion 516 is accommodated in the opening 355 when the plate-like member 515 is arranged at the first position, and the game ball in the bypass passage 370 is arranged by arranging the plate-like member 515 at the second position. It will be in the state which protruded to the passage area.

  The protrusions 516 are disposed so as to alternate with the protrusions 379 in the passage direction (height direction) of the bypass passage 370, and the plate-like member 515 is disposed at the second position, thereby the downstream portion 378. The flow path in the meanders to the left and right. That is, the flow path in the downstream portion 378 is vertical when the plate-like member 515 is disposed at the first position, whereas the flow path at the downstream portion 378 is left and right when the plate-shaped member 515 is disposed at the second position. Meander. As the flow path meanders, the moving speed of the game ball decreases, the flow path becomes longer, and the time required for passing the bypass passage 370 becomes longer. Thus, in view of the point that the game ball is decelerated by the plate-like member 515, the plate-like member 515 can also be referred to as “deceleration means”.

  When the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-accepting state, the plate-like member 515 is waiting at the first position, and the game ball that has flowed into the detour path 370 quickly moves to the joining point CP. To do. When the first variable winning device 82 is switched to the accepting state, the plate-like member 515 moves to the second position, and the outflow of game balls from the bypass passage 370 is delayed. When the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, most of the game balls that have passed through the upstream guide passage 360 enter the first variable winning device 82 and join the meeting point CP from the upstream guide passage 360. The flow to will be interrupted. At this time, the game ball from the bypass passage 370 reaching the junction CP is a factor that gives the player a sense of discomfort. Therefore, when the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by delaying the outflow of the game ball from the bypass passage 370.

  When the first variable winning device 82 is switched from the accepting state to the non-accepting state, the plate-like member 515 is returned from the second position to the first position in conjunction therewith. When the plate-like member 515 returns to the second position, the deceleration of the game ball is released, and the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 flows out of the bypass passage 370 quickly.

  Here, when the game balls from the detour passage 370 move toward the joining point CP at once, such a movement is easily noticed by the player. In the present embodiment, even when a plurality of game balls are to be decelerated, the movement in the direction of the passage is continued, so the interval (interval) between the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball Can be suppressed from becoming extremely small. Thereby, the timing at which the preceding game ball reaches the junction point CP can be suitably shifted from the timing at which the subsequent game ball reaches the junction point CP, and the player's attention is paid to the game ball that has flowed out of the bypass passage 370. Can be prevented from being easily oriented.

  The plate-like member 515 (corresponding to the “movable body”) protrudes into the passage region and the flow path meanders, so that the moving speed of the game ball is reduced and the required time required for the bypass passage 370 to pass is increased. With such a configuration, it is possible to suitably suppress that the area occupied by the bypass passage 370 becomes large and the arrangement area such as the upstream guide passage 360 is compressed. In the first place, when the upstream guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 are used in combination, it is preferable to encourage the player's attention to face the upstream guide passage 360 side. In view of such circumstances, the increase in the size of the bypass passage 370 hinders attention to the upstream guide passage 360. For the above reason, it is technically significant to lengthen the required time period for passing the game ball by meandering the flow path using the plate-like member 515.

  In view of the point of gaining the distance between the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball, when the plate member 515 is returned to the first position, the movement of the upper end portion of the plate member 515 is the movement of the lower end portion. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that is slower or later than that. With such a configuration, the deceleration of the game ball preceding the subsequent game ball is released earlier. Therefore, the distance between the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball can be earned, and it can be suitably suppressed that a plurality of game balls move to the joining point CP at a stretch.

<Tenth Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, a game that bypasses the first variable winning device 82 by reducing the visibility of a game ball that is disposed behind the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 and passes through the bypass passage 370. Made the sphere less noticeable. Also in the present embodiment, although a device for making the game ball that bypasses the first variable winning device 82 less noticeable has been made, its specific configuration is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the device will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit 80, FIG. 33 is a front view of the passage forming unit, FIG. 34 (a) is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG. 32, and FIG. 34 (b) is B- in FIG. It is a B line fragmentary sectional view.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the middle portion 304 of the right route is provided with an inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370, and the game ball passing through the right route passes through the upstream guide passage 360 at the middle portion 304. And those that pass through the detour passage 370. The bypass passage 370 moves along the back surface of the game board 80a, the upstream portion 621 that guides the game ball flowing into the entrance portion 372 to the back side of the game board 80a, and the game ball guided to the back side of the game board 80a. It is divided roughly into the middle flow part 631 and the downstream part 641 to be made. The game ball that has passed through the downstream portion 641 moves to the front side of the game board 80 a and joins the downstream guide passage 306.

  On the back side of the game board 80a, a passage forming unit 600 that forms a bypass passage 370 together with the back of the game board 80a is disposed (see FIG. 33). The main body 610 of the passage forming unit 600 has a box shape opened to the front of the gaming machine, and a region surrounded by the game board 80a and the passage forming unit 600 constitutes a bypass passage 370. The game board 80a is formed using a colorless and transparent synthetic resin, and a game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 is visible through the game board 80a (specifically, the upstream guide passage 360 and the downstream guide passage 306). Yes.

  The passage forming unit 600 is formed such that the midstream portion 631 of the bypass passage 370 is located behind the upstream guide passage 360 and the downstream portion 341 is located behind the downstream guide passage 306. As shown in FIG. 34, a movable plate 660 is arranged in the middle portion 631 at the rear portion (the most downstream portion) of the first variable winning device 82 so as to overlap the shutter 82b of the first variable winning device 82. It is installed. The movable plate 660 has a horizontally long shape like the shutter 82b, and is attached to the main body 610 so that the plate surface faces upward.

  The movable plate 660 is held by the main body 610 so as to be slidable in the direction in which the upstream guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 are juxtaposed (front-rear direction), and a game ball from the midstream portion 631 to the downstream portion 641. It is possible to move to a blocking position where the movement of the game ball is blocked and a standby position where the movement of the game ball from the midstream portion 631 to the downstream portion 641 is allowed. The movable plate 660 is connected to the shutter 82b of the first variable winning device 82 through a link mechanism, and moves to the blocking position / standby position in conjunction with the shutter 82b. Specifically, the movable plate 660 is positioned at the blocking position when the first variable winning device 82 is in the receiving state, and stands by when the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-receiving state. Configured to move to a position.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the movable plate 660 is slightly inclined downward toward the overlapping region, and the game ball whose flow into the downstream portion 641 is blocked by the movable plate 660 is along the movable plate 660. Move to the overlap area side. A discharge passage 651 for guiding the game ball moved along the movable plate 660 to the collection passage is formed in a portion of the main body 610 located behind the overlapping region.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 34 (b), the relationship between the moving direction of the game ball moving along the movable plate 660 and the ball path formed in the first variable winning device 82 will be supplementarily described. The housing 82c of the first variable winning device 82 is formed with a ball passage 82d for guiding the game ball flowing into the big winning opening 82a to the collection passage on the back side of the game board 80a. The most upstream part of the ball passage 82d is horizontally long like the prize winning opening 82a, and the game ball that has flowed into the prize winning opening 82a is moved to the center side of the game area PE, and then positioned rearward. It is the structure which guides to the detection sensor to perform. That is, the direction of the game ball guided by the movable plate 660 and the direction of the game ball guided in the uppermost stream portion of the ball passage 82d are both substantially horizontal, but the directions are opposite. The portion located in front of the detection sensor on the front surface portion of the housing 82c has a colored and opaque decoration, and the detection sensor cannot be visually recognized by this decoration.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 35, the movement of the game ball fired to the right route will be described. FIG. 35A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of game balls when the first variable winning device 82 is in a non-accepting state and the movable plate 660 is disposed at the standby position, and FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of a game ball when a variable winning device 82 is in a receiving state and a movable plate 660 is disposed at a blocking position. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 35 (a), the game balls launched into the right route that flow into the upstream guide passage 360 strike the game nails 361 disposed in the upstream guide passage 360 and change their orientations. It flows down toward the first variable winning device 82. When the first variable winning device 82 is in a non-accepting state, the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 passes through the front of the first variable winning device 82 toward the downstream guide passage 306. The game ball that has arrived at the downstream guide passage 306 changes its direction and moves to the lower operation entrance unit 84.

  On the other hand, of the game balls launched to the right route, the one that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is guided to the back side of the game board 80a and passes behind the upstream guide passage 360. Here, a plurality of protrusions 635 are arranged in the detour passage 370 (middle flow portion 631), imitating the game nail 361 of the upstream guide passage 360, and contact the protrusions 635 to change the direction to the movable plate 660. Flow down. Since the movable plate 660 is disposed at the standby position, the game ball that has passed through the midstream portion 631 moves to the downstream portion 641 as it is.

  At this time, the game ball passes behind the first variable winning device 82. The shutter 82b and the housing 82c of the first variable winning device 82 are formed using a colorless and transparent synthetic resin. For this reason, the game ball passing behind the first variable winning device 82 can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine through the shutter 82b and the housing 82c.

  The game ball passage passing through the midstream portion 631 of the bypass passage 370 and the game ball passage passing through the upstream guide passage 360 are overlapped in a front view of the gaming machine to pass through the bypass passage 370. It is possible to make the game ball appear to pass through the upstream guide passage 360.

  The downstream portion 641 has a passage direction that is the same as the passage direction of the downstream guide passage 306, and is positioned behind the downstream guide passage 306. For this reason, in the front view of the gaming machine, the flow path of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage 306 and the flow path of the game ball passing through the downstream portion 641 overlap in almost the entire area. This is a device that makes it appear as if the game ball passing through the downstream portion 641 passes through the downstream guide passage 306.

  As shown in FIG. 35 (b), the game balls launched into the right route that have flowed into the upstream guide passage 360 strike the game nail 361 disposed in the upstream guide passage 360 and change the direction. It flows down toward the first variable winning device 82. When the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 flows into the first variable winning device 82, and movement to the downstream guide passage 306 is avoided. The

  On the other hand, of the game balls launched to the right route, the one that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is guided to the back side of the game board 80a and passes behind the upstream guide passage 360. Here, a plurality of protrusions 635 are arranged in the detour passage 370 (middle flow portion 631), imitating the game nail 361 of the upstream guide passage 360, and contact the protrusions 635 to change the direction to the movable plate 660. Flow down. Since the movable plate 660 is disposed at the blocking position, the game ball that has flowed down the middle flow portion 631 hits the movable plate 660 and changes its direction, and the rear of the first variable winning device 82 is the longitudinal direction of the first variable winning device 82. Move in the direction.

  The shutter 82b and the housing 82c of the first variable winning device 82 are formed using a colorless and transparent synthetic resin. For this reason, the game ball passing behind the first variable prize-winning device 82 does not disappear from the player's view at the timing when the direction is changed, and the lateral movement is forward of the game machine through the shutter 82b and the housing 82c. It becomes visible from.

  The game ball passage passing through the midstream portion 631 of the bypass passage 370 and the game ball passage passing through the upstream guide passage 360 are overlapped in a front view of the gaming machine to pass through the bypass passage 370. It is possible to make the game ball appear to pass through the upstream guide passage 360.

  According to the tenth embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are achieved.

  A game ball heading for the first variable winning device 82 is divided into an upstream guide passage 360 that leads to the first variable winning device 82 and a bypass passage 370 that bypasses the first variable winning device 82. The bypass passage 370 overlaps the upstream guide passage 360 from behind the gaming machine, and the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 (the game ball from which the first variable winning device 82 is avoided) is upstream. It is visible through the guide passage 360. Therefore, the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 can appear as if it is passing through the bypass passage 370, that is, as if it is heading toward the first variable winning device 82. With such a configuration, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls launched toward the first variable winning device 82 are efficiently entering the first variable winning device 82. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  In the case where the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 is made inconspicuous by causing the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 to be mixed with the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360, the game ball passes through the bypass passage 370 (back side). If the difference between the movement of the game ball and the movement of the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360 (front side) becomes significant, there is a concern that the visual effect will not be exhibited well. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, by making the flow path of the bypass passage 370 overlap with any of the flow paths of the upstream guide passage 360, the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 and the upstream guide The difference from the movement of the game ball passing through the passage 360 can be reduced, and the visual effect can be preferably exhibited.

  In particular, in the case where a plurality of flow paths having different game ball passage frequencies are formed in the upstream guide passage 360, a flow path having a high game ball passage frequency is selected from the plurality of flow paths. This makes it easier for the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 to be mixed into the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360. Thereby, the said visual effect can be exhibited more suitably.

  When the game ball that passes through the bypass passage 370 deviates from the flow path to the first variable winning device 82 on the upstream side of the first variable winning device 82, the gaming ball that passes through the upstream guide passage 360 The difference between the movement of the game ball and the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 becomes remarkable. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if the game ball flowing down the bypass passage 370 passes behind the first variable winning device 82, the movement of the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360 And the difference can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 from becoming easily noticeable.

  If a game ball passing behind the first variable winning device 82 is out of the player's field of view behind the first variable winning device 82, the difference from the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360 is different. It becomes easy to see, and the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 can be easily identified. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the bypass ball 370 is made visible by allowing the game ball passing behind the first variable winning device 82 to be visible through the first variable winning device 82 (the shutter 82b and the housing 82c). It is difficult to discriminate between a game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360 and a game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 from the movement of the game ball. Thereby, the said various effects can be exhibited suitably.

  When the first variable winning device 82 is in a non-accepting state, the game ball that has reached the first variable winning device 82 through the upstream guide passage 360 cuts through the front of the first variable winning device 82. The game balls passing through the bypass passage 370 can be made difficult to distinguish between the game balls passing through the upstream guide passage 360 and the game balls passing through the bypass passage 370 by matching with such movement. In such a configuration, when the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 passes through the back of the first variable winning device 82 even though the first variable winning device 82 is in the receiving state, There is a concern that the difference between the movement of the game ball and the movement of the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 becomes remarkable, and the game ball that passes through the detour passage 370 becomes more noticeable. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, when the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the movement of the game ball that traverses the rear of the first variable winning device 82 is restricted. By doing so, the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  By disposing the movable plate 660 for switching the flow path behind the movable first variable winning device 82, the movement of the movable plate 660 when switching the flow channel can be made inconspicuous. That is, when switching the first variable prize-winning device 82 between the accepting state and the non-accepting state, the shutter 82b and the like operate, and therefore the movable plate 660 is disposed behind the shutter 82b so as to be interlocked with the movement of the shutter 82b. This makes it difficult to specify that this is a movement for switching the flow path in the bypass passage 370. Further, if the movable plate 660 is configured to slide in the thickness direction of the game board 80a, the operation area in the front view of the gaming machine is reduced. Accordingly, when the movable plate 660 is disposed behind the first variable winning device 82, it is possible to suitably suppress the operation area from expanding to a position where the overlap with the first variable winning device 82 is avoided.

  The upstream guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 are overlapped in the front-rear direction, and the bypass passage 370 (specifically, a game ball passing through the bypass passage 370) is made visible through the upstream guide passage 360, thereby passing through the bypass passage 370. The game ball can be confused with the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360. Here, in the configuration in which the movement of the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360 is changed by the collision with the game nail 361 or the like, when the movement of the game ball passing through the detour passage 370 is far from that, , The above effect will not be exhibited well. Accordingly, when the movement of the game ball is changed using the protrusions 635 also in the bypass passage 370, the movement of the game balls passing through the upstream guide path 360 is arranged by arranging the protrusions 635 behind the game nail 361. And the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 can be reduced. This is preferable when the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 is confused with the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360.

<Eleventh embodiment>
As shown in the tenth embodiment, the movement of the game ball moving on the front side of the game board 80a and the movement of the game ball moving on the back side of the game board 80a around the first variable winning device 82. The game balls passing through the bypass passage 370 can appear as if passing through the upstream guide passage 360, the downstream guide passage 306, and the like. Here, when making it possible to visually recognize the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 through the housing 82c and the shutter 82b of the first variable winning device 82, the visibility changes slightly due to the presence of a plurality of members. That is, a difference in appearance may occur between the game ball on the front side of the game board 80a and the game ball on the back side of the game board 80a. One of the features of the present embodiment is that the device is devised in consideration of such circumstances. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 36 to FIG. 38, a configuration according to the device will be described focusing on differences from the ninth embodiment. 36 is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit 80, FIG. 37 is a front view of the passage forming unit, FIG. 38 (a) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 36, and FIG. It is a D line fragmentary sectional view.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the horizontal width of the upstream guide passage 360 is larger than that of the big winning opening 82a and the shutter 82b, and a part of the game balls that have passed through the upstream guide passage 360 are awarded big prizes. It can pass through the side of the mouth 82a (the side on the center side of the game area PE). That is, regardless of whether the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state or the non-accepting state, a part of the game balls passing through the upstream guide passage 360 moves the first variable winning device 82 from the left side. It is configured to bypass and flow into the downstream guide passage 306. Note that the probability of passing through such a flow path is smaller than the probability of game balls flowing into the bypass passage 370, and the bypass passage 370 is responsible for the main function of the escape.

  As shown in FIG. 37, a part of the passage forming unit 600 that forms the bypass passage 370 is also changed in accordance with the flow of the game ball described above. Specifically, a plate-like partitioning portion 637 that partitions the midstream portion 631 and the downstream portion 641 is formed at the position where the movable plate 660 is disposed. The partition 637 has a width that is the same as that of the big winning opening 82a and the shutter 82b, and an opening 638 that connects the midstream portion 631 and the downstream portion 641 is formed in the rear portion of the left bypass. Has been. Of the game balls that have passed through the midstream portion 631, those that have reached the partition portion 637 are prevented from flowing into the downstream portion 641 and discharged to the collection passage through the discharge passage 651, and those that have reached the opening 638. Will flow into the downstream portion 641 through the opening 638.

  The middle flow portion 631 is provided with a flow path switching means for switching the flow path of the game ball passing through the middle flow portion 631 between the first flow path following the partitioning portion 637 and the second flow path following the opening 638. Has been. This flow path switching means is formed by combining a fixed passage forming member 636 that forms an inclined passage portion and a movable passage forming member 680 such that the former is on the upstream side and the latter is on the downstream side. In the upstream guide passage 360, a plurality of game nails 361 are arranged in a row to form an inclined passage (see FIG. 36), and the passage forming members 636 and 680 overlap with the game nails 361. It is arranged. More specifically, in the upstream guide passage 360, the arrangement of the game nails 361 is devised to provide a difference in the passing frequency of the game balls for each flow path. And the flow path in the detour passage 370 is formed in accordance with the flow path where the passing frequency of game balls is high among the plurality of flow paths.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the movable passage forming member 680 is held in a state in which it can slide in the juxtaposed direction (front-rear direction) of the upstream guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 by the main body 610, The fixed passage forming member 636 is movable to a protruding position where the first flow path is formed and a retracted position where the first flow path is not formed. The passage forming member 680 is connected to the shutter 82b of the first variable winning device 82 through a link mechanism, and moves to the protruding position / retracted position in conjunction with the shutter 82b. Specifically, the passage forming member 6800 is positioned at the retracted position when the first variable winning device 82 is in the receiving state, and when the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-receiving state. It is comprised so that it may be located in a protrusion position.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the movement of the game ball fired to the right route will be described. FIG. 39A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of game balls when the first variable winning device 82 is in a non-accepting state and the passage forming member 680 is disposed at the protruding position, and FIG. It is the schematic which shows the flow of the game ball | bowl when the 1st variable prize-winning apparatus 82 is in the acceptance state, and the channel | path formation member 680 is arrange | positioned in the retracted position.

  As shown in FIG. 39 (a), the game balls launched into the right route that flow into the upstream guide passage 360 strike the game nail 361 disposed in the upstream guide passage 360 and change the direction. It flows down toward the first variable winning device 82. In the upstream guide passage 360, the game nails 361 are arranged in a row, thereby forming an inclined passage that is inclined downward toward the center of the game area PE. Most of the game balls that pass through the upstream guide passage 360 leave the inclined passage (recessed portion) and go to the first variable winning device 82, but some of the game balls move along the inclined passage. Then head for the detour. The game ball heading for the detour passes through the side of the first variable winning device 82 and moves to the downstream guide passage 306.

  When the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-accepting state, the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360 and heading for the first variable winning device 82 passes through the front of the first variable winning device 82. Then, it reaches the downstream guide passage 306. The game ball that has arrived at the downstream guide passage 306 changes its direction and moves to the lower operation entrance unit 84.

  On the other hand, of the game balls launched to the right route, the one that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is guided to the back side of the game board 80a and passes behind the upstream guide passage 360. Here, a plurality of protrusions 635 are arranged in the detour passage 370 (middle flow portion 631), imitating the game nail 361 of the upstream guide passage 360, and contact the protrusions 635 to change the direction to the movable plate 660. Flow down. The fixed passage forming member 636 is located on the extension of the outlet portion of the upstream portion 621, and the game ball flowing out from the outlet portion rolls on the fixed passage forming member 636 to form a movable passage. Head to member 680.

  In the example shown in FIG. 39A, the movable passage forming member 680 is located at the protruding position, and the second flow path is formed together with the fixed passage forming member 636. The game ball that has moved along the fixed passage forming member 636 goes to the opening 638 via the movable passage forming member 680. Thereby, the movement toward the partition part 637 is avoided.

  The game ball moving along the second flow path passes through a position on the side of the first variable winning device 82 in the front view of the gaming machine and moves to the downstream portion 641. The game ball that has passed through the downstream portion 641 is guided to the front side of the game board 80a and passes through the first variable winning device 82 via the game ball that passes through the downstream guide passage 306, that is, the upstream guide passage 360. Join the game ball.

  The game ball passage passing through the midstream portion 631 of the bypass passage 370 and the game ball passage passing through the upstream guide passage 360 are overlapped in a front view of the gaming machine to pass through the bypass passage 370. It is possible to make the game ball appear to pass through the upstream guide passage 360.

  The downstream portion 641 has a passage direction that is the same as the passage direction of the downstream guide passage 306, and is positioned behind the downstream guide passage 306. For this reason, in the front view of the gaming machine, the flow path of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage 306 and the flow path of the game ball passing through the downstream portion 641 overlap in almost the entire area. This is a device that makes it appear as if the game ball passing through the downstream portion 641 passes through the downstream guide passage 306.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 39 (b), a case where the first variable winning device 82 is in the receiving state will be described. Most of the game balls launched into the right route that flow into the upstream guide passage 360 strike the game nail 361 disposed in the upstream guide passage 360 and change the direction toward the first variable winning device 82. Flow down. When the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 flows into the first variable winning device 82, and movement to the downstream guide passage 306 is avoided. The

  On the other hand, of the game balls launched to the right route, the one that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is guided to the back side of the game board 80a and passes behind the upstream guide passage 360. The game ball that has moved from the upstream portion 621 to the midstream portion 631 is directed to the movable passage forming member 680 via the fixed passage forming member 636, but the movable passage forming member 680 is located at the retracted position. Therefore, it reaches the partition 637 via the first flow path. The game ball that has reached the partition 637 moves behind the first variable winning device 82 in the longitudinal direction of the first variable winning device 82.

  The shutter 82b and the housing 82c of the first variable winning device 82 are formed using a colorless and transparent synthetic resin. For this reason, the game ball passing behind the first variable prize-winning device 82 does not disappear from the player's view at the timing when the direction is changed, and the lateral movement is forward of the game machine through the shutter 82b and the housing 82c. It becomes visible from.

  The game ball passage passing through the midstream portion 631 of the bypass passage 370 and the game ball passage passing through the upstream guide passage 360 are overlapped in a front view of the gaming machine to pass through the bypass passage 370. It is possible to make the game ball appear to pass through the upstream guide passage 360.

  In the case where the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 is made inconspicuous by causing the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 to be mixed with the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360, the game ball passes through the bypass passage 370 (back side). If the difference between the movement of the game ball and the movement of the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360 (front side) becomes significant, there is a concern that the visual effect will not be exhibited well. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, by making the flow path of the bypass passage 370 overlap with any of the flow paths of the upstream guide passage 360, the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 and the upstream guide The difference from the movement of the game ball passing through the passage 360 can be reduced, and the visual effect can be preferably exhibited.

  In particular, in the case where a plurality of flow paths having different game ball passage frequencies are formed in the upstream guide passage 360, a flow path having a high game ball passage frequency is selected from the plurality of flow paths. This makes it easier for the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 to be mixed into the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360. Thereby, the said visual effect can be exhibited more suitably.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of each embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or some of the various configurations shown in the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects to be exerted) of the components to be combined is ensured. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration that is a combination of the embodiments, or a part or all of the configurations may be applied in combination.

  (1) In each of the above embodiments, a part of the game balls is caused to flow into the bypass passage 370 in the region (intermediate portion 304) in which the density of the game balls is increased by slowing the flow of the game balls. The configuration. In realizing such a configuration, the intermediate portion 304 is a junction where a plurality of flow paths merge (the number of flow paths is increased to a small number), but is not limited thereto. . It is sufficient if a region with a high degree of crowding of game balls can be formed in the vicinity of the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 by reducing the moving speed of the game balls. You don't have to.

  In the above embodiment, a part of the game balls is allowed to flow into the bypass passage 370 in the region where the flow path on the right route decreases (intermediate portion 304). In order to realize such a configuration, the structure has a passage structure (inclined passage 333) that decelerates the game balls at the confluence of the flow paths, but at least the distance between the game balls can be varied by reducing the number of flow paths. It is sufficient that the game ball can be decelerated at the meeting point.

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, the game balls that have flowed down the upper expansion portion 303 fall into the inclined passage 333 at a plurality of positions shifted in the passage direction of the inclined passage 333. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something. As for the inclined passage 333, it is sufficient if the function of distributing the game balls to the guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 is provided, and the function as a ball receiving portion that receives the game balls at a plurality of positions in the passage direction is sufficient. It can be omitted. For example, the inflow location when the game ball flowing down the upper extension 303 moves to the inclined passage 333 may be unified so as to be a predetermined location (for example, the most upstream portion of the inclined passage).

  In the branch part 302 and the upper extension part 303, there is a difference in the required passage time required for the game ball to pass through each flow path, and when the game ball is reassembled in the inclined passage 333, Although it is configured to generate overtaking or the like, it is sufficient if at least the distance between game balls can be changed (preferably reduced), and the above-described catch-up and overtaking are not essential.

  (3) The branch portion 302 is configured by the inner branch passage 311 (inner route) and the outer branch passage 312 (outer route), and a game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 to the right route is one of the branch passages 311, 312 flows into 312. The game balls launched toward the inner branch passage 311 do not necessarily flow into the inner branch passage 311, and some game balls may enter the outer branch passage 312 due to variations in the movement of the game balls, variations in the operation amount, and the like. Although the distance between the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball can be changed variously by adopting a structure that can flow in, in order to strengthen such a function, the inner branch passage 311 and the outer branch passage 312 are used. It is also possible to arrange the distribution member 501 at the branching location and to change the state of the distribution member 501 so that the inflow destination of the game ball is switched (see the schematic diagram in FIG. 40A). . FIG. 40A illustrates a configuration in which the distribution destination is alternately switched to the inner branch passage 311 / outer branch passage 312 as the game ball passes, but the drive unit for the distribution member 501 is illustrated. (Motor) or the like may be provided separately, and the distribution destination may be switched by the distribution member 501 operating at a predetermined cycle.

  Incidentally, the number of branch passages in parallel is not limited to two. It is sufficient if there is a difference in the required passage time, and it is possible to use three or more. In this case, for example, the required period may be configured to be different between “long”, “medium”, and “short”, and the game balls may be distributed in the order of “long”, “medium”, and “short”.

  In addition, the specific configuration for making the required period of passage through each branch passage different is arbitrary. For example, the flow speed of the game ball is unified in each branch passage, while the required length varies depending on the passage length. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a difference occurs in the period.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the inner branch passage 311 and the outer branch passage 312 are compared, the game ball that has passed through the inner branch passage 311 is a through gate than the game ball that has passed through the outer branch passage 312. The winning probability to 86 is configured to be higher, but this is changed so that the game ball that has passed the outer branch passage 312 has a higher probability of winning the through gate 86 than the game ball that has passed the inner branch passage 311. It is good also as a structure so that it may become high.

  (4) In each of the above embodiments, the game balls flow into the detour passage 370 when a plurality of game balls pass through the inclined passage 333 as compared to the case where only one game ball passes through the inclined passage 333. It was configured to increase the possibility of spilling. Specifically, when the preceding game ball reaches the notches 336 and 337 at the timing when the preceding game ball flows into the guide passage 360 through the notches 336 and 337, the preceding game ball becomes an obstacle. Thus, the inflow into the recesses 336 and 337 can be avoided. In such a configuration, the behavior of the succeeding game ball is prevented from being excessively disturbed by the previous game ball being pushed downward at the time of the collision of the succeeding game ball, and moved along the inclined passage 333. Can be made smooth. However, in the configuration in which the preceding game ball assists the movement of the subsequent game ball in this way, the above action is exhibited if the movement of the preceding game ball through the recesses 336 and 337 becomes a moment. Less chances.

  In view of such circumstances, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 40 (b), the game ball is placed in a notch by facing the gap below the notches 336 and 337 with a gap through which the game ball can pass. Guide portions 505 and 506 that guide in a direction intersecting the portions 336 and 337 are formed, and the game balls that have flowed into the recess portions 336 and 337 are moving along the guide portions 505 and 506. It is preferable that the inflow of game balls to the portions 336 and 337 is restricted. Thereby, compared with the structure shown in the said embodiment, the period when assistance by the preceding game ball is made can be lengthened.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, the inclined passage 333 for guiding the game ball to the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 is formed by the wall surface of the center frame 92 and the game nail 331, but the specific configuration thereof is arbitrary. is there. For example, the inclined passage may be formed using a resin ridge protruding from the front surface of the game board 80a and extending in the guide direction.

  In the detour passage 370 in the above embodiment, the upstream portion is set as the high acceleration section and the downstream portion is set as the low acceleration section, but the degree of acceleration is set. However, whether or not the difference in acceleration is set for each section is arbitrary. It is.

  (6) In each of the above embodiments, the inclined passage 333 for guiding the game ball to the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 is formed so as to be inclined downward from the center side of the game area PE. The reverse is also possible. For example, when the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 is located on the center side of the game area PE, the inclined passage 333 may be configured to be inclined downward toward the center side of the game area PE.

  (7) In each of the above embodiments, the bypass passage 370 extends across the intermediate portion 304 and the lower extension portion 305, and the inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 is disposed in the intermediate portion 304. The specific position of the entrance portion 372 is arbitrary as long as the position is upstream of the first variable winning device 82. For example, the inlet portion 372 may be disposed in the upper extended portion 303 further upstream than the intermediate portion 304, or the inlet portion 372 may be disposed in the lower extended portion 305.

  However, in the expansion parts 303 and 305 in which many flow paths (flow paths) of game balls are set, the game balls move apart, and the density of the game ball group becomes low (sparse). For this reason, when a part of game balls flows into the bypass passage 370, it is assumed that it is conspicuous. Further, since the main flow of the game ball is directed from the top to the bottom in the expansion portions 303 and 305, there is a concern that it is difficult to quickly flow the game ball into the entrance portion of the bypass passage 370 located on the side. In view of these circumstances, it is technically significant to provide the entrance portion of 370 so as to bypass the intermediate portion 304 having a small number of flow paths and a downward flow direction.

  (8) In each of the above embodiments, a part of the inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 overlaps the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 (corresponding to the “door body”). As shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the entire inlet portion 372 overlaps the lamp portion 26, that is, a configuration positioned in the overlapping region.

  (9) In each of the above embodiments, the first configuration is such that the game ball that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is guided to the downstream side of the first variable winning device 82 (corresponding to the “variable pitching portion”). Although winning to the variable winning device 82 is avoided, it is sufficient if at least winning to the first variable winning device 82 can be avoided. For example, a game ball that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is changed to the second variable. It is good also as a structure guided between the prize-winning apparatus 83 and the right action | operation ball entering unit 85, and it is good also as a structure discharged | emitted from game area PE as it is.

  (10) In each of the embodiments described above, regarding the guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 constituting the lower extension 305, the visibility of the game ball flowing down the bypass passage 370 is the visibility of the game ball flowing down the guide passage 360. However, as long as the visibility is at least lower than that of the guide passage 360, for example, it is possible to make a game ball flowing down the bypass passage 370 invisible.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the structure which covers the detour channel | path 370 by the ramp part 26 of the front door frame 14, when making visibility low compared with the guide channel 360, the specific structure is arbitrary. . For example, a decorative member (cover member) that covers the bypass passage 370 from the front of the gaming machine may be provided on the resin base 70 of the inner frame 13 so that the visibility of the bypass passage 370 is reduced by the decoration member.

  (11) In the first embodiment, the bypass passage 370 is disposed on the left side of the guide passage 360. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, guide passages may be provided on both the left and right sides of the guide passage 360.

  (12) In each of the above embodiments, the upstream portion including the inlet portion 372 in the bypass passage 370 extends in the same direction as the inclined passage 333, and the length of the upstream portion is twice the diameter of the game ball. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the game ball is allowed to flow into the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 vigorously, the upstream portion is longer than the diameter of the game ball in order to prevent the inflowing game ball from shaking inside the bypass passage 370 (near the entrance). If it is, it is enough. For example, when the game balls are continuously directed to the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370, it is easier for the player to catch the eye than when one game ball is directed. Therefore, when the length of the upstream portion is set slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball and the preceding game ball is present in the upstream portion, the subsequent game ball hits the preceding game ball and is depressed. It is good to be the structure bounced back to the part 337. With such a configuration, the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 can be suitably hidden by functioning as a barrier that does not originally exist in the preceding game ball.

  (13) In each of the above embodiments, the entrance portion of the bypass passage 370 is configured by the pair of game nails 331U and 331L, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 42A, it is possible to form an opening in the partition wall portion 350 that constitutes the bypass passage 370 and use the opening as an inlet portion 372.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 42A, it is also possible to arrange a partition wall portion 350 that partitions the upstream guide passage 360 and the bypass passage 370 on the boundary between the overlapping region and the non-overlapping region. By forming barriers that prevent the movement of the game ball toward the bypass passage 370 above and below the entrance portion 372, it is possible to make the entry portion 372 more difficult to identify.

  (14) In the third and fourth embodiments, two bypass passages 370 and 380 are provided, and one of them is disposed in the overlapping region. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient if the bypass path with the highest probability of entering the ball is arranged in the overlapping region, and the number of bypass paths is arbitrary. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 42B, three bypass passages 370, 380, and 390 are provided, and the entrance probability of these bypass passages is such that the bypass passage 380 <the bypass passage 390 <the bypass passage 370. If formed, the bypass passage 370 may be disposed in the overlapping region, and the other bypass passages 380 and 390 may be disposed in the non-overlapping region.

  (15) In the third and fourth embodiments, the entrance portion 382 of the left bypass passage 380 is configured to be inclined downward, but the orientation of the entrance portion 382 is as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. It is also possible to point up. That is, in the configuration in which it is recognized that the player can easily enter the ball when compared with the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370, the entrance portion 372 is the entrance portion by covering the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370. It is not always necessary to make it difficult to be noticed, and even if both the bypass passages 370 and 380 are recognized by the player, the entrance portions 372 and 382 are compared and the bypass portion 370 bypasses the entrance portion 372. It suffices if the entrance portion 382 of the passage 380 is configured to recognize that the probability of entering a game ball is high. If the player's attention is directed to the one of the two bypass passages 370 and 380 that has a substantially low probability of entering the ball, the impression of escape can be weakened. In the example shown in FIG. 43, the direction of the entrance portion 382 of the bypass passage 380 faces upward from the entrance portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 and the size thereof is larger than the entrance portion 372, so that the game ball can enter. It makes it easier to give the player the impression that the ball is tall.

  (16) In the sixth to ninth embodiments, the detour path is when the first variable winning device 82 is in the non-accepting state compared to when the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state during the opening / closing execution mode. The restricting member 505 and the like are operated so that the probability that the game ball from 370 reaches the joining point CP is high, but when the first variable winning device 82 is in the accepting state, the game from the detour passage 370 The restriction member 505 or the like may be operated so that the sphere cannot reach the joining point CP.

  (17) In the sixth to ninth embodiments, the restricting member 505 and the like are arranged behind the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 (overlapping region), but the restricting member 505 is arranged in a non-overlapping region. Is also possible.

  (18) In the sixth to ninth embodiments, for example, the shutter 82b of the first variable winning device 82 and the regulating member 505 are connected by the link mechanism 506, and the shutter 82b and the regulating member 505 are interlocked. . A specific configuration for interlocking the regulating member 505 with the shutter 82b is arbitrary, and a link mechanism is not necessarily used. For example, the restricting member 505 can be directly driven by the drive unit for the first variable winning device 82 (shutter 82b), or the shutter 82b and the restricting member 505 can be integrated. In the case of such a configuration, it is preferable that the operation direction of the shutter 82b and the operation direction of the regulating member 505 are aligned. It is also possible to link the shutter 82b and the regulating member 505 by providing a driving unit for the regulating member 505 separately from the driving unit for the shutter 82b and linking the driving control of each driving unit.

  (19) In the sixth embodiment, when the regulating member 505 is switched to the regulated state, the game balls stopped at the regulated position are sequentially discharged. In order to prevent a plurality of game balls from moving to the joining point CP of the downstream guide passage 306 at a stretch, the restricting member 505 is configured such that the game balls that are stopped are discharged one by one with the release of the movement restriction of the game balls. It is good also as a structure which operates. For example, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the regulating member 505 is maintained in the released state after being switched to the restricted state / released state multiple times.

  (20) In the sixth to seventh embodiments, when the first variable winning device 82 is switched from the non-accepting state to the receiving state, the switching of the restricting member 505 to the restricting state is preceded. Whether or not to provide such a time difference is arbitrary. In addition, the first variable winning device 82 can be switched to the receiving state before the switching of the restricting member 505 to the restricted state. However, in a configuration in which a game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage 360 and a game ball that has passed through the bypass passage 370 can join at the junction CP of the downstream guide passage 306, the first variable winning device 82 is in the receiving state. It can be a factor that makes it easy to specify the origin of the game ball when the game ball from the bypass passage 370 reaches the joining point CP after switching to. In view of such circumstances, it is technically significant that the switching of the regulating member 505 precedes the switching of the first variable winning device 82 to the receiving state as described in the above embodiment.

  (21) In the sixth to seventh embodiments, the regulating member 505 is disposed in the vicinity of the outlet portion 373 of the bypass passage 370. However, the outflow of game balls from the bypass passage 370 can be restricted. It suffices to place the restriction member 505 in the bypass passage 370 at any position. For example, the regulating member 505 can be disposed in the outlet portion 373 or can be disposed in the inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370.

  Here, as shown in the fifth embodiment, in a configuration in which a plurality of game balls can be stopped on the restricting member 505 (upper surface 505a), the stopped game balls can be detoured at once as the restriction is released. It can flow out of 370 outlet portion 373. Such a movement of the game ball is easily noticeable by the player, and there is a concern that such a movement will be a foothold for identifying the origin of the game ball. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, a bent portion is provided as a speed reducing portion for decelerating the game ball between the restriction position and the outlet portion 373, and the game ball decelerated at the bent portion is directed to the joining point CP. And re-accelerated. As a result, even when a plurality of game balls flow out of the bypass passage 370 due to the release of the restriction, it is possible to separate the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball and suppress the occurrence of the above inconvenience. It has become. As described above, it is technically significant that the restriction position is set at a position away from the outlet portion 373 and the speed reduction portion can be disposed between the restriction position and the outlet portion 373.

  (22) In the eighth to ninth embodiments, the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 is decelerated according to the situation, thereby changing the required time required for the passage of the bypass passage 370. It is sufficient if the required period can be changed, and it is not always necessary to decelerate the game ball. For example, by changing the length of the bypass passage 370, the time required for passing the bypass passage 370 may be changed.

  (23) In the eighth to ninth embodiments, the short required period of the two required periods when passing through the detour passage 370 is the interval period between the rounds in the open / close execution mode (the first variable prize). (The period during which the device 82 is maintained in the non-acceptance state) is configured to be shorter, but it is sufficient if a difference is provided in the required period, and the length of the short required period is arbitrary. It is.

  (24) In the eighth embodiment, the first bypass passage 370a and the second bypass passage 370b are arranged side by side, but this may be changed as follows. In other words, the first bypass passage 370a and the second bypass passage 370b may be arranged side by side so that one side is the front side of the game board 80a and the other side is the back side of the game board 80a. Thereby, even if it is a case where a plurality of passages are formed, it is possible to suitably suppress the upstream guide passage 360 and the like from being pressed due to the restriction on the lateral width of the game board 80a.

  (25) The restriction member 505 shown in the sixth embodiment is used in combination with at least one of the flow path switching structure shown in the eighth embodiment and the speed reduction structure shown in the ninth embodiment. It is also possible.

  (26) In the tenth and eleventh embodiments, by providing the projection 635 or the like in the midstream portion 631 of the bypass passage 370, the flow path formed in the upstream guide passage 360 is formed in the bypass passage 370. Although it is compounded on the back side of the board 80a, it is not limited to this. The bypass passage 370 (the middle flow portion 631) has one flow path, and the flow path overlaps with any one of a plurality of flow paths formed in the upstream guide path 360 in a front view of the gaming machine. That's fine. However, when the flow path in the midstream portion 631 of the bypass passage 370 is limited, it becomes easier for the player to recognize that the game ball passing through the flow path passes through the bypass passage 370. This may reduce the effect of causing the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 to be lost to the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360. Therefore, it is preferable to duplicate a plurality of flow paths formed in the upstream guide path 360 by the bypass path 370.

  (27) In the tenth and eleventh embodiments, among the game balls that pass through the bypass passage 370, the game balls that have flowed into the discharge passage 651 are configured to flow into the collection passage, but this is not limitative. It is not a thing. That is, the game ball that has moved laterally along the first variable winning device 82 in the bypass passage 370 is returned to the downstream guide passage 306 and the like through the back of the second variable winning device 83 (for example, a region that is difficult to see). It is good also as a structure.

  (28) In the tenth and eleventh embodiments, the game ball that has flowed into the bypass passage 370 is guided to the back side of the game board 80a. The upstream portion 621 including the inlet portion 372 of the bypass passage 370 does not necessarily need to be disposed behind (the overlapping region) the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14. It is also possible to arrange the upstream portion 621 in a non-overlapping region.

  (29) In the tenth and eleventh embodiments, the moving direction of the game ball immediately after flowing into the big winning opening 82a of the first variable winning device 82 and the movable plate 660 of the bypass passage 370 move. Although the direction of movement of the game ball is reversed, this is changed, and the direction of movement of the game ball immediately after flowing into the big prize opening 82a and the direction of movement of the game ball moving along the movable plate 660 of the bypass passage 370 Can be in the same direction. By aligning the direction of movement of the game ball moving along the movable plate 660 with the direction of movement of the game ball flowing into the big prize opening 82a, the game ball flowing into the big prize opening 82a and the game ball passing through the bypass path 370 Can be difficult to identify.

  (30) In the eleventh embodiment, the detour passage 370 (the middle flow portion 631) is overlapped with the one of the plurality of flow passages formed in the upstream guide passage 360 that is set to have a high passing frequency. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the flow path of the detour path 370 (the midstream portion 631) may be formed so as to overlap with a plurality of flow paths formed in the upstream guide path 360 that are set with a low passing frequency. Thereby, the front and back overlap of the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage 360 and the game ball passing through the bypass passage 370 can be suitably suppressed.

  (31) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiments, such as pachinko machines in which an electric accessory is released a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or games in a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a big hit when a ball enters, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and the like.

  Also, a non-ball-type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reel by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line visible from the display window after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has passed, a privilege such as paying out medals is given to the player The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine.

  Further, the gaming machine main body supported by the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is provided with a storage unit and a capture device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capture device. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, which starts rotating the reel.

<Invention Group Extracted from the Embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

<Feature A group>
The following group A of features is: “A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball to the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature A1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A variable pitching portion provided in the gaming area and capable of switching between an accepting state (open state) in which game balls flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entry is impossible (for example, A first variable winning device 82);
Switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state when the special gaming state is set,
A portion upstream of the variable pitching portion in the game area includes a first region (guide passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the variable pitching portion, and a pitch entering the variable pitching portion. A second region (a bypass passage 370) in which a game ball that is avoided and flows down is more difficult to visually recognize than the first region;
The game area is provided with an inclined passage (inclined passage 333) inclined downward toward the entrance portion (inlet portion 372) of the second region, and the inclined passage has an entrance portion to the first region. A gaming machine characterized in that a recessed portion (recessed portion 336, 337) is formed.

  As shown in feature A1, there is a difference between the visibility of the game ball heading toward the variable pitching portion and the visibility of the game ball not heading toward the variable pitching portion, so as to attract attention to the game ball heading toward the variable pitching portion. If it is configured, it makes it difficult to give the player an impression that the game ball launched aiming at the variable entry part does not enter the variable entry part well and the investment is wasted, etc. It can contribute to the improvement of attention. In other words, all or almost all of the launched game balls that have flowed into the first area reach the variable entry portion, and the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

  In such a configuration, if the player sees the movement of the game ball toward the second region where entry into the variable ball entry portion is avoided, there is a concern that the above-described effects will not be exhibited well. The In this regard, according to this feature, at the entrance to the first area (the notch), the direction of movement of the game balls is changed to slow down the movement of the game balls, so that the player's eyes are deliberately drawn. It is possible to make it easier for the player to catch the game by moving the game ball that has moved along the inclined passage quickly and smoothly into the second area while flowing. It has become. Thus, by providing a difference in the visibility of the game balls distributed to the first area / second area using the inclined passage, the above-described effect of improving the degree of attention can be suitably exhibited.

Feature A2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Game state transition means for shifting the game state to a special game state (open / close execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition (transition of the game state by the MPU of the main controller 162) Function)
A variable pitching portion provided in the gaming area and capable of switching between an accepting state (open state) in which game balls flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entry is impossible (for example, A first variable winning device 82);
Switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state when the special gaming state is set,
A guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the variable ball entry portion and a ball entry into the variable ball entry portion are avoided in a portion upstream of the variable ball entry portion in the game area. As described above, the bypass ball (the bypass passage 370) guides the game ball to a position downstream of the variable ball entry portion and makes it difficult for the game ball being guided to be visually recognized than the game ball passing through the guide passage. ) And
In the game area, an inclined passage (inclined passage 333) is provided on the upstream side of the guide passage and the bypass passage so as to straddle the guide passage and the bypass passage.
The inclined passage is downwardly inclined toward the entrance portion (entrance portion 372) of the bypass passage, and the inclined passage includes notches (notches 336 and 337) that form the entrance portion to the guide passage. ) Is formed.

  As shown in feature A2, there is a difference between the visibility of the game ball heading toward the variable pitching portion and the visibility of the game ball not heading toward the variable pitching portion, so as to attract attention to the game ball heading toward the variable pitching portion. If it is configured, it makes it difficult to give the player an impression that the game ball launched aiming at the variable entry part does not enter the variable entry part well and the investment is wasted, etc. It can contribute to the improvement of attention. In other words, at least all of the fired game balls that have flowed into the guide passage will reach the variable pitching portion, so that the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

  In such a configuration, if the player sees the movement of the game ball toward the detour path where the entry to the variable entry portion is avoided, there is a concern that the above-described effects will not be exhibited well. . In this regard, according to this feature, at the entrance portion (recessed portion) of the guide passage, the movement direction of the game ball is changed to slow down the movement of the game ball so that the game ball can be easily noticed by the player. However, at the entrance portion of the bypass passage, it is possible to make the game balls that have moved along the inclined passage flow easily and smoothly into the bypass passage while remaining in the flow, thereby making it difficult for the player to notice. . Thus, by providing a difference in the visibility of the game balls distributed to the guide passage / detour passage using the inclined passage, the above-described effect of improving the degree of attention can be suitably exhibited.

Feature A3. The notched portion faces a direction intersecting the passage direction of the inclined passage,
The gaming machine according to Feature A2, wherein an entrance portion of the bypass passage is formed so as to face a passage direction of the inclined passage.

  As for the game ball heading for the guide passage, the flow direction changes in a direction intersecting the passage direction of the inclined passage, so that the moving speed at the time of inflow can be reduced. On the other hand, since the direction of the entrance portion of the bypass passage is the same as the passage direction of the inclined passage, it is not necessary to reduce the moving speed when flowing into the entrance portion of the bypass passage, for example, toward the bypass passage. The game ball can pass through the entrance portion of the bypass passage with a high moving speed. In this way, by producing a clear speed difference between the game ball flowing into the guide passage and the game ball flowing into the bypass passage, the effect shown in the feature A2 can be preferably exhibited.

  Feature A4. The gaming machine according to Feature A3, wherein a part of the bypass passage including an entrance portion of the bypass passage extends in the same direction as the inclined passage.

  As shown in feature A3, when a game ball is vigorously flowed into the entrance portion of the bypass passage, if the inflowing game ball hits the inside of the bypass passage (near the entrance), the game ball is moved to the next game ball. This hinders inflow. If such stickiness is caught in the eyes of the player, if the flow into the detour passage is avoided as a result, the movement becomes more noticeable if it flows into the detour passage through the play. If such an event catches the eyes of the player, there is a concern that the presence of the detour path will be exposed, and this will be a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play. In this regard, with the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned shading near the entrance of the detour passage, and to effectively exhibit the effects shown in the feature A2 and the like.

  In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is “a part of the bypass passage including the entrance portion of the bypass passage extends in the same direction as the inclined passage, and the total length of the extended portion is equal to the diameter dimension of the game ball. The gaming machine according to Feature A3, which is configured to be larger than twice. "

Feature A5. The guide passage and the bypass passage are formed so as to be vertically oriented, and are arranged side by side so that the guide passage is closer to the center in the game area than the bypass passage,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A4, wherein the inclined passage is inclined downward from the center side of the gaming area to the outside.

  As shown in the feature A2 and the like, it is preferable to make the game ball in which the entry into the variable entry portion is inconspicuous, in order to improve the degree of attention to the game by improving the satisfaction of the player. . Here, when the configuration for reducing the visibility of the detour passage has been revealed, it is revealed that a spilling ball is generated from the configuration (the game ball is being released) Resulting in. In game machines, various configurations such as a picture display device (symbol display device 253) are arranged in the center of the game area, and the player's attention is often easily directed to the center of the game area. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the guide passages are arranged side by side so that the bypass passages are on the outside, and the inclined passages are inclined downward from the inside to the outside, thereby flowing down the bypass passages and the bypass passages. The sphere can be made inconspicuous.

Feature A6. A door body (front door frame 14) covering the gaming board from the front of the gaming machine;
The door body has a main body portion (frame body 20 and lamp portion 26) in which an opening (window portion 21) is formed in the center, and a panel portion (glass panel 23) that covers the opening, and through the panel portion. The gaming area is configured to be visible,
The end of the gaming board is provided with an overlapping area where the main body overlaps from the front of the gaming machine,
Any of the features A2 to A5, wherein the guide passage is located in a non-overlapping region where the overlap with the main body portion is avoided, and at least a part of the bypass passage is located in the overlapping region. A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  As shown in this feature, if a bypass passage is provided in a portion that overlaps the main body of the door body, the bypass passage is covered by the main body, so that the bypass passage and the game ball passing through the bypass passage can be visually recognized. It can be difficult or impossible. Thereby, it can suppress suitably that the game ball which detours a variable pitching part is conspicuous for a player.

  Further, if the bypass passage is arranged at the end of the game board in a configuration in which the bypass passage is concealed using the main body of the door body, it is possible to avoid the presence of the bypass passage from being a factor of pressure on the game area. In particular, in combination with the feature A5, the door and the game area are overlapped when the detour path is formed by guiding the game ball to the end side of the game board by tilting the tilt path outward. And a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

  For example, the bypass passage may be formed along the outer edge of the game board.

Feature A7. The guide passage and the bypass passage are formed so as to be vertically oriented, and are arranged side by side so that the guide passage is closer to the center in the game area than the bypass passage,
The inclined passage is inclined downward from the center side of the game area to the outside,
A door body (front door frame 14) covering the gaming board from the front of the gaming machine;
The door body has a main body portion (frame body 20 and lamp portion 26) in which an opening (window portion 21) is formed in the center, and a panel portion (glass panel 23) that covers the opening, and through the panel portion. The gaming area is configured to be visible,
The end of the gaming board is provided with an overlapping area where the main body overlaps from the front of the gaming machine,
The guide passage is located in a non-overlapping region where the overlap with the main body portion is avoided, and the bypass passage is at least partially located in the overlapping region,
A part of the bypass passage including the entrance portion of the bypass passage extends in the same direction as the inclined passage,
The entrance portion of the bypass passage is constituted by a pair of upper and lower game nails (game nails 331),
One of the pair of upper and lower game nails is located in the overlapping region, and the gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A6.

  In the case where game balls are vigorously flowed into the entrance portion of the bypass passage, if the inflowing game balls reach inside the bypass passage (near the entrance), the game balls interfere with the inflow of subsequent game balls. If such stickiness is caught in the eyes of the player, if the flow into the detour passage is avoided as a result, the movement becomes more noticeable if it flows into the detour passage through the play. If such an event catches the eyes of the player, there is a concern that the presence of the detour path will be exposed, and this will be a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play. In this regard, with the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned shading near the entrance of the detour passage, and to effectively exhibit the effects shown in the feature A2 and the like.

  From the relationship with the inclined passage, in order to realize smooth movement of the game ball, although it is technically significant that the part including the entrance portion of the bypass passage extends in the same direction as the inclined passage, the door body In the configuration in which the bypass passage is hidden by using the portion where the main body portion overlaps with the game area, it is not preferable that the overlapping area increases in order to realize the above-described passage structure. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the entrance portion is configured using game nails (a pair of game nails) scattered in the game area and one of the game nails is arranged in the overlapping area, the pair of game nails It is possible to make it difficult to give an impression that forms an entrance portion. That is, compared to the case where both of the pair of game nails are arranged in the overlapping area, the overlapping area can be prevented from being unnecessarily bulky, and compared to the case where both of the pair of game nails are arranged in the non-overlapping area. It is possible to make it difficult to give an impression that forms an entrance portion.

Feature A8. In the inclined passage, the acceleration acceleration of the game ball in the passage direction of the inclination passage is relatively low (the interval where the game nail row 331S is disposed) and the acceleration acceleration is relatively high. And a high acceleration section (section where the inclined portion 334 is disposed),
The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A7, wherein the recess is arranged in the low acceleration section.

  The game ball moving along the inclined passage is gradually accelerated by its own weight. The inclined passage is provided with a low acceleration section and a high acceleration section, and there is a difference in the degree of acceleration. By providing the recess portion in the low acceleration section, it is possible to prevent the movement of the game ball when flowing into the recess portion from becoming excessively fast. Thereby, it is possible to make the movement of the game ball toward the bypass passage difficult to catch the eye while making the movement of the game ball toward the guide passage easy to catch the eye.

Feature A9. Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball at a predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) based on a player's launch operation;
Guidance means (for example, the outer rail 102) for guiding the game ball launched by the game ball launching means to a predetermined flow path (right route) provided with the inclined passage;
The predetermined flow path extends in a longitudinal direction;
The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A8, wherein the inclined passage is formed to cross the predetermined flow path.

  According to the feature A9, the inclined passage is formed so as to cross a predetermined flow path. Since the predetermined flow path extends in the vertical direction, the main flow of the game ball flowing down the predetermined flow path is from the upper side to the lower side, but the direction of the game ball changes in the direction along the inclined path. As a result, the momentum will be slightly reduced. When the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle, the distance (interval) between the game balls is reduced in the vicinity of the inclined passage, and the density of the game ball group is increased. Compared to a configuration in which some game balls flow into the detour passage from a location where the degree of congestion of the game ball group is low, for example, by encouraging the game balls to flow and causing some game balls to flow into the detour passage from the congestion location Thus, the escape (spilling) of the game ball can be made inconspicuous.

  In order to increase the degree of crowding of the game balls, the moving speed of the game balls may be reduced rapidly. As the speed of the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball increases, the degree of crowding also increases. However, if the moving speed of the game ball simply slows down, it becomes easy to follow the movement with the eyes, and it is easily exposed that the escape has occurred. In this respect, in the configuration shown in this feature, the main movement direction of the game balls is changed to the passage direction of the inclined passage while the moving speed of the game balls in the vertical direction is reduced to increase the density of the game balls in the vicinity of the inclined passage. By changing to, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the moving speed of the game ball itself. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the said problem can be suppressed suitably.

  Feature A10. The gaming machine according to Feature A9, wherein an inclination angle of the inclined passage with respect to a horizontal line is smaller than 45 °.

  If the inclination angle of the inclined passage is smaller than 45 °, the function as a depressing portion or a ball receiving portion that weakens the momentum of the game ball that has reached the inclined passage can be suitably exhibited.

  In view of the fact that the human field of view is longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, it is preferable that a plurality of game balls gathered in the inclined passage are arranged side by side in order to keep the game ball group in the field of view. If the number of game balls that can be accommodated in the field of view increases, attention to each game ball is weakened, so that it is possible to suitably suppress the game balls flowing into the detour passage from being noticeable.

  The technical idea shown in the features A3 to A10 can be applied to the feature A1.

<Feature B group>
The following feature B group is: “A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball to the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature B1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball at a predetermined period (0.6 sec) based on a player's launch operation;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A variable pitching portion provided in the gaming area and capable of switching between an accepting state (open state) in which game balls flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entry is impossible (for example, A first variable winning device 82);
Switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state when the special gaming state is set,
In a predetermined flow path (right route) through which the game balls flow toward the variable pitching section, a first predetermined area (for example, the branching section 302 and the upper extension section 303) and the degree of congestion of the game balls that are flowing down And a second predetermined region (intermediate portion 304) that is higher than the first predetermined region,
An gaming machine, wherein an entrance portion (entrance portion 372) of a bypass passage (a bypass passage 370) that avoids entering the variable entrance portion is formed in the second predetermined area.

  A part of the game balls launched toward the variable entry part flows into the detour path and avoids entry into the variable entry part. By providing such a detour passage, excessive entry into the variable entry portion can be suppressed. This is preferable in order to improve game health and the like.

  According to the configuration shown in the feature B1, the game ball that has flowed into the detour path is prevented from entering the variable ball entry section. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, in this feature, the entrance portion of the detour passage is formed in the second predetermined area where the density of game balls is high. The following effects can be expected by allowing the game balls to escape to the detour passage at locations where the density of game balls is high. That is, since individual game balls can be watched at places where the game balls are sparse, it is easy to notice the escape of the game balls. On the other hand, even if game balls are escaped at places where game balls are densely packed, it becomes difficult to notice. In addition, when one game ball is released from a crowded game ball group as compared to the case where one game ball is released from a sparse game ball group, the game ball after the game ball has escaped Since it can suppress that the blank in between becomes large too much, the uncomfortable feeling produced when seeing the game ball group after escape can be eased suitably. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball difficult to see, it is possible to make it appear as if the game ball launched into the predetermined flow path (variable entrance part) is entering the variable entrance part efficiently. be able to. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  “High density” shown in this feature means that game balls are likely to gather, that is, a group of game balls is likely to become dense, and “exists per unit area in the game area. It is possible to replace it with “the number of game balls is large”.

Feature B2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball at a predetermined period (0.6 sec) based on a player's launch operation;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A variable pitching portion provided in the gaming area and capable of switching between an accepting state (open state) in which game balls flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entry is impossible (for example, A first variable winning device 82);
Switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state when the special gaming state is set,
In a predetermined flow down path (right route) where the game ball flows down toward the variable pitching portion,
A first predetermined area (for example, the branching section 302 and the upper extension section 303), and
A second predetermined region (intermediate portion 304) that is located downstream of the first predetermined region and through which game balls that have passed through the first predetermined region pass;
The second predetermined area is configured to have a higher density of game balls than the first predetermined area,
An gaming machine, wherein an entrance portion (entrance portion 372) of a bypass passage (a bypass passage 370) that avoids entering the variable entrance portion is formed in the second predetermined area.

  According to the configuration shown in the feature B2, the game ball that has flowed into the detour path is prevented from entering the variable pitch portion. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, in this feature, the entrance portion of the detour passage is formed in the second predetermined area where the density of game balls is high. The following effects can be expected by allowing the game balls to escape to the detour passage at locations where the density of game balls is high. That is, since individual game balls can be watched at places where the game balls are sparse, it is easy to notice the escape of the game balls. On the other hand, even if game balls are escaped at places where game balls are densely packed, it becomes difficult to notice. In addition, when one game ball is released from a crowded game ball group as compared to the case where one game ball is released from a sparse game ball group, the game ball after the game ball has escaped Since it can suppress that the blank in between becomes large too much, the uncomfortable feeling produced when seeing the game ball group after escape can be eased suitably. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball difficult to see, it is possible to make it appear as if the game ball launched into the predetermined flow path (variable entrance part) is entering the variable entrance part efficiently. be able to. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  “High density” shown in this feature means that game balls are likely to gather, that is, a group of game balls is likely to become dense, and “exists per unit area in the game area. It is possible to replace it with “the number of game balls is large”.

Feature B3. In the second predetermined area, entrance portions (recessed portions 336 and 337) of a guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding a game ball to the variable pitching portion are formed,
The game according to Feature B1 or Feature B2, wherein the bypass passage is configured such that a game ball passing through the bypass passage is more difficult to see than a game ball passing through the guide passage. Machine.

  As shown in feature B3, there is a difference between the visibility of the game ball heading toward the variable pitching portion and the visibility of the game ball not heading toward the variable pitching portion, so as to attract attention to the game ball heading toward the variable pitching portion. If it is configured, it makes it difficult to give the player an impression that the game ball launched aiming at the variable entry part does not enter the variable entry part well and the investment is wasted, etc. It can contribute to the improvement of attention. In other words, at least all of the fired game balls that have flowed into the guide passage will reach the variable pitching portion, so that the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

  Even when the game ball passing through the detour passage is made inconspicuous, if the game ball moves toward the detour passage, it is feared that the above-mentioned effects will not be exhibited well. In this regard, if the entrance portion of the guide passage is provided in the second predetermined area and the number of game balls in the second predetermined area is reduced by inflow into the guide passage, the decrease of game balls in the second predetermined area is reduced. It can suppress suitably that it becomes the suggestion of the inflow to a detour passage.

  In order to exert the above effect, it is preferable that the inflow rate into the former is higher than the inflow rate into the latter by comparing the guide passage and the bypass passage.

  Feature B4. The guide passage is configured such that the number of flow paths of the formed game balls is greater than that of the second predetermined area, and the degree of crowding of the game balls is lower than that of the second predetermined area. The gaming machine according to Feature B3, wherein

  In the guide passage, the flow path of the game balls branches variously, so that the degree of crowding of the game balls group decreases. Thereby, the blank between the game balls expanded by the escape can be made inconspicuous.

  Feature B5. The game area is provided with a depressing part (an inclined part 334, a game nail row 331S, etc.) for depressing a game ball that has reached the second predetermined area. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  The distance between the game balls depends on the speed difference between the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball. Therefore, the speed difference can be increased by reducing the momentum of the game ball by providing a lowering portion in the second predetermined area. Thereby, the crowding degree of the game ball group in the second predetermined area can be suitably increased.

Feature B6. The first predetermined area and the second predetermined area are arranged vertically,
In the game area, a flow path forming part (an inclined part 334 or a game nail row 331S that reduces the movement speed in the vertical direction by changing the movement direction of the game ball that has reached the second predetermined area from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction). ) Is provided. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B4.

  The distance between the game balls depends on the speed difference between the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball. Therefore, by changing the moving direction of the game ball from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction in the second predetermined area, the speed difference in the vertical direction (the arrangement direction of the first predetermined area and the second predetermined area) can be increased. Thereby, the crowding degree of the game ball group in the second predetermined area can be suitably increased.

  In order to increase the degree of crowding of the game balls, the moving speed of the game balls may be reduced rapidly. As the speed of the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball increases, the degree of crowding also increases. However, if the moving speed of the game ball simply slows down, it becomes easy to follow the movement with the eyes, and it is easily exposed that the escape has occurred. In this respect, in the configuration shown in this feature, the main movement direction of the game balls is changed to the passage direction of the inclined passage while the moving speed of the game balls in the vertical direction is reduced to increase the density of the game balls in the vicinity of the inclined passage. By changing to, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the moving speed of the game ball itself. Since the moving speed of the game ball flowing into the detour passage can be reduced and the chance that the movement is noticeable by the player can be reduced, the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature B7. The predetermined flow path extends in a longitudinal direction;
The game machine according to Feature B6, wherein the flow path forming portion forms an inclined passage that crosses the predetermined flow-down path.

  The flow path forming part is formed so as to cross a predetermined flow path. Since the predetermined flow path extends in the vertical direction, the main flow of the game ball flowing down the predetermined flow path is from the upper side to the lower side, but the direction of the game ball changes in the direction along the inclined path. As a result, the momentum will be slightly reduced. When the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle, the distance (interval) between the game balls is reduced in the vicinity of the inclined passage, and the density of the game ball group is increased. Compared to a configuration in which some game balls flow into the detour passage from a location where the degree of congestion of the game ball group is low, for example, by encouraging the game balls to flow and causing some game balls to flow into the detour passage from the congestion location Thus, the escape (spilling) of the game ball can be made inconspicuous. As described above, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the technical idea shown in the feature B6 can be preferably realized by a simple configuration.

  Feature B8. In the section where the game ball passes through the second predetermined area, the game ball is decelerated in the deceleration section where the game ball is decelerated (the section where the game ball falling on the inclined passage 333 collides and changes its direction) and in the deceleration section An acceleration section for accelerating the game ball (a section in which the game ball moves along the inclined passage 333) is provided, and an entrance portion of the bypass passage is provided in the acceleration section. Thru | or the game machine as described in any one of characteristics B7.

  If the above-mentioned escape is made at a place where the game balls are regularly arranged, for example, a place where the distance between the game balls is constant, it becomes easy to notice. Therefore, if the configuration is such that once the game is decelerated and the degree of congestion is increased, it is accelerated again and re-accelerated to allow the game balls to escape at locations where the distance between the game balls is diversified. Generation | occurrence | production can be suppressed suitably.

Feature B9. The predetermined flow path extends in a longitudinal direction;
The first predetermined area is located upstream of the second predetermined area,
The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B8, wherein a width of the second predetermined region is smaller than a width of the first predetermined region.

  As shown in the present feature, if the width of the flow path is narrowed in the second predetermined area, the passing positions of the game balls are limited, and thus the degree of density of the game balls in the lateral direction can be suitably increased. .

  Feature B10. The gaming machine according to Feature B9, wherein the vertical width of the second predetermined area is configured to be shorter than the vertical width of the first predetermined area.

  In a game machine in which a game ball flows down in a game area, it is one of the pleasures to follow the movement of the game ball. Therefore, in many cases, the movement of game balls is varied to suppress monotonization. If the technical idea shown in the feature B9 is applied, it can contribute to an increase in the degree of crowding of game balls, but there is a concern that the original interest of the gaming machine described above will be weakened. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the occurrence of the above-described inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by suppressing the extension of the second predetermined area in which the flow path is narrowed to be at least smaller than the first predetermined area.

  The technical ideas shown in the features A1 to A10 may be applied to the features B1 to B10.

<Feature C group>
The following group C is: “A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature C1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball at a predetermined period (0.6 sec) based on a player's launch operation;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A variable pitching portion provided in the gaming area and capable of switching between an accepting state (open state) in which game balls flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entry is impossible (for example, A first variable winning device 82);
Switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state when the special gaming state is set,
In a predetermined flow down path (right route) where the game ball flows down toward the variable pitching portion,
A single upstream passage (inflow portion 301) into which the game ball launched by the game ball launching means flows;
A distribution unit (branch unit 302) that has a plurality of branch routes (for example, the inner branch passage 311 and the outer branch passage 312) and distributes the game balls that have passed through the upstream passage to the plurality of branch routes;
A single downstream passage (inclined passage 333 of the intermediate portion 304), which is located downstream of the branch portion and through which each game ball passes through the branch route, is provided,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an inlet portion (an inlet portion 372) of a bypass passage (a bypass passage 370) that avoids entering the variable entrance portion is formed in the downstream passage.

  According to the configuration shown in the feature C1, the game ball that has flowed into the detour path is prevented from entering the variable ball entry section. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, in a configuration in which game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle based on a game ball launch operation, a certain kind of regularity in relation to the game balls tends to occur. In the configuration in which the game balls are allowed to escape to the detour path at a location where the relationship between the game balls is regular, the above-described regularity is lost, and the portion where the regularity is lost stands out. This is assumed to be a factor that is noticed by the player when the game ball is released. In this respect, in this feature, the flow path of the game ball is divided into a plurality of branches and merges, and an entrance portion of the detour passage is formed at the merge point. Since the game ball groups gather via different branch routes, the regularity can be weakened. Thus, by letting the game ball escape at a place where regularity is weak, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. Also, since the distance between the game balls can be varied, the blanks between the game balls after the game balls have passed can be made inconspicuous. Can be relaxed. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball difficult to see, it is possible to make it appear as if the game ball launched into the predetermined flow path (variable entrance part) is entering the variable entrance part efficiently. be able to. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

Feature C2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball at a predetermined period (0.6 sec) based on a player's launch operation;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A variable pitching portion provided in the gaming area and capable of switching between an accepting state (open state) in which game balls flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entry is impossible (for example, A first variable winning device 82);
Switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state when the special gaming state is set,
In a predetermined flow down path (right route) where the game ball flows down toward the variable pitching portion,
A branch part (for example, the branch part 302 or the upper extension part 303) in which a plurality of branch routes (for example, the route A to the route E) are formed;
A merging portion (intermediate portion 304) that is located downstream of the divergence portion and where the game balls that have passed through the divergence route merge,
2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an entrance portion (inlet portion 372) of a bypass passage (the bypass passage 370) in which the entrance into the variable entrance portion is avoided is formed in the junction portion.

  According to the configuration shown in the feature C2, the game ball that has flowed into the bypass path is prevented from entering the variable ball entry portion. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, in a configuration in which game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle based on a game ball launch operation, a certain kind of regularity in relation to the game balls tends to occur. In the configuration in which the game balls are allowed to escape to the detour path at a location where the relationship between the game balls is regular, the above-described regularity is lost, and the portion where the regularity is lost stands out. This is assumed to be a factor that is noticed by the player when the game ball is released. In this respect, in this feature, the flow path of the game ball is divided into a plurality of branches and merges, and an entrance portion of the detour passage is formed at the merge point. Since the game ball groups gather via different branch routes, the regularity can be weakened. Thus, by letting the game ball escape at a place where regularity is weak, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. Also, since the distance between the game balls can be varied, the blanks between the game balls after the game balls have passed can be made inconspicuous. Can be relaxed. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball difficult to see, it is possible to make it appear as if the game ball launched into the predetermined flow path (variable entrance part) is entering the variable entrance part efficiently. be able to. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

Feature C3. An entrance portion (recessed portion 336, 337) of a guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the variable entry portion is formed in the junction portion.
The game according to Feature C1 or Feature C2, wherein the bypass passage is configured such that a game ball passing through the bypass passage is more difficult to see than a game ball passing through the guide passage. Machine.

  As shown in feature C3, there is a difference between the visibility of the game ball toward the variable entry portion and the visibility of the game ball that does not go toward the variable entry portion, and encourages attention to the game ball toward the variable entry portion. If it is configured, it makes it difficult to give the player an impression that the game ball launched aiming at the variable entry part does not enter the variable entry part well and the investment is wasted, etc. It can contribute to the improvement of attention. In other words, at least all of the fired game balls that have flowed into the guide passage will reach the variable pitching portion, so that the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

  Even if the game ball passing through the detour passage is inconspicuous, there is a concern that if the movement of the game ball toward the detour passage is caught by the player's eyes, the above-mentioned effect will not be exhibited well. . In this regard, if the entrance portion of the guide passage is provided in the second predetermined area and the number of game balls in the second predetermined area is reduced by inflow into the guide passage, the decrease of game balls in the second predetermined area is reduced. It can suppress suitably that it becomes the suggestion of the inflow to a detour passage.

  In order to exert the above effect, it is preferable that the inflow rate into the former is higher than the inflow rate into the latter by comparing the guide passage and the bypass passage.

  Feature C4. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C3, wherein the plurality of branch routes are configured to have different durations required for a game ball to pass.

  According to the feature C4, the regularity at the joining point can be suitably reduced, and the effect shown in the feature C1 can be suitably exhibited.

  Note that the configuration shown in this feature is “any one of the features C1 to C3, wherein the plurality of branch routes have different durations from the branch location to the junction location. It is also possible to use “the gaming machine described in the above”.

Feature C5. The branch route has a first branch route and a second branch route,
The feature C4 is characterized in that a difference between a required period for passing through the first branch route and a required period for passing through the second branch route is shorter than the predetermined period. The gaming machine described.

  As described above, when game balls are released at the junction, the escape is less noticeable when the density of game balls is higher than when the density is low. Here, as shown in the feature C1, etc., when the regularity is reduced, if the bias of density is increased, the escape is generated in the situation where the degree of congestion is low, There is concern that it will be easily noticed by players. In this regard, as shown in this feature, by making the difference in the required period shorter than the launching period of the game balls, the opportunity for the succeeding game balls to overtake the preceding game balls can be reduced, and the excessive bias described above. Can be suitably suppressed.

Feature C6. A ball passage (inclined passage 333) capable of guiding a game ball to the entrance portion of the bypass passage is formed in the junction.
The inflow location where the game ball that has passed through the plurality of branch routes flows into the ball passage is located upstream of the entrance portion of the bypass passage in the ball passage and is shifted in the passage direction of the ball passage. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C5, characterized in that:

  The game balls that have passed through the branch route flow into the ball passage at the junction. Since the inflow locations of the game balls are shifted in the direction of the ball passage, as a result, the positional relationship between the game balls after joining can be further diversified. Thereby, the effect shown to the characteristic C1 etc. can be exhibited more suitably.

Feature C7. An entrance portion (recessed portion 336, 337) of a guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the variable entry portion is formed in the junction portion.
The gaming machine according to Feature C6, wherein at least one of the inflow portions is located around the entrance portion.

  When game balls are released at the junction, the number of game balls present at the junction decreases (changes) due to the escape. Here, by providing the entrance portion of the guide passage at the junction, the factor of reducing the game balls is not only the inflow to the bypass passage. Therefore, it can suppress that the game ball decreasing becomes a foothold which specifies the inflow to a detour path. In addition, if the game balls are not supplied in the same manner each time, but the supply locations are divided into a plurality of portions, the game balls can be diversified in terms of the increase modes. And if it is set as the structure where the entrance part of a guide passage is located in the circumference | surroundings of an inflow location, the number of game balls can be changed rapidly. This is advantageous in obfuscating the number of game balls existing in the junction, and as a result, even if the number of game balls changes due to inflow into the detour path, it can be confused.

  Feature C8. Any one of features C1 to C7, wherein a plurality of branch passages arranged in parallel are formed in the branch portion, and a game ball can move between the branch passages. The gaming machine described in 1.

  In the case where the regularity is lowered by using a plurality of branch routes together, it is not preferable that the variation width of the required period for each branch route becomes excessively large. On the other hand, in order to ensure the diversity of the required period within a predetermined range, it is necessary to secure a certain number of branch routes. Therefore, as shown in this feature, such a problem can be suitably solved if the game ball can be moved between the passages by a plurality of branch passages constituting the branch portion. For example, even if there are two passages, it is possible to secure four or more branch routes if game balls can be passed.

  Feature C9. Any of the features C1 to C8, wherein the branching portion is provided with sorting means (sorting member 501) for sorting the game balls that have reached the branching portion into the plurality of branch routes. The gaming machine according to one.

  If the firing speed is constant under the situation where game balls are continuously fired, even if a plurality of branch routes are provided, the route through which the game balls actually pass is biased. In this case, it is assumed that the above-described effect of diversifying the required period is weakened. In this regard, the occurrence of such inconveniences can be suitably suppressed by providing a distribution unit at the branching portion and performing the distribution of the flow paths by the distribution unit.

  The technical ideas shown in the features A1 to A10 and the features B1 to B10 may be applied to the features C1 to C9.

<Feature D group>
The following feature group D is “a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball to the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature D1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball at a predetermined period (0.6 sec) based on a player's launch operation;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
An accepting state (open state) in which a game ball that is provided on a predetermined flow path (right route) in the gaming area and flows down the gaming area can enter, and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entering is impossible A first variable winning portion (for example, a first variable winning device 82) and a second variable winning portion (second variable winning device 83) that can be switched to,
Switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching one of the first variable pitching portion and the second variable pitching portion to the receiving state when in the special gaming state;
Provided with a privilege granting means (for example, a payout device 224) for granting a privilege to the player according to the destination when the first variable pitching portion and the second variable pitching portion are entered. ,
The second variable ball entry portion is less likely to be in the receiving state than the first variable ball entry portion, and a privilege (for example, a prize ball) that is given when a ball enters the second variable ball entry portion. Is configured to be advantageous to the player as compared to a privilege (for example, a transition to the high probability mode) that is given when a ball enters the first variable ball portion,
The first variable pitching portion is located upstream of the second variable pitching portion,
The predetermined flow-down path includes a guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding a game ball to the first variable entry portion at a position upstream of the first variable entry portion, and the first variable entry portion. Branch to a detour path (detour path 370) where entry to the club is avoided,
The game ball that has passed through the detour passage is configured to be discharged to a position between the first variable ball entering portion and the second variable ball entering portion along the predetermined flow path. To play.

  According to the feature D1, a game ball launched toward a predetermined flow path is directed to the first variable ball entering part and the second variable ball entering part via the guide path, and to the first via the detour path. It is divided into 2 heading to the variable entrance. Although the second variable pitching portion is less likely to be in the receiving state than the first variable pitching portion, since the privilege given to the player based on the pitching is large, the second timing at the appropriate timing is required to advance the game advantageously. It is necessary to aim at the variable entry part. Here, the game balls that have passed through the detour path will go directly to the second variable pitching portion, and suitably prevent the first variable pitching portion from interfering with the second variable pitching portion. it can. And, if the detour passage that makes it impossible to enter the first variable entry portion is made to function as an auxiliary passage that assists entry into the second variable entry portion, the investment is unnecessarily increased. It is possible to make it difficult to give an impression to the player. This is preferable in order to improve the degree of attention to the player's game.

  Feature D2. The gaming machine according to Feature D1, wherein a required period required to pass through the bypass path is shorter than a required period required to pass through the guide path.

  The game ball passing through the detour passage reaches the second variable ball entry portion more quickly than in the case of passing through the guide passage. The second variable ball entry part, which is more important than the first variable ball entry part and has a small chance of entry, will be played if the ball does not enter well under the circumstances where the ball entry should occur. There is concern that the willingness to play will decrease. For example, when the period during which the second variable pitching portion is in an accepting state is limited, the original enjoyment of the gaming machine that would otherwise follow the movement of the gaming ball is a factor that causes the player to become impatient. . In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the game ball that has passed through the detour path is promptly directed to the second variable pitching portion, such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  Feature D3. The gaming machine according to Feature D1 or Feature D2, wherein the gaming ball passing through the bypass passage is configured to be more difficult to visually recognize than the gaming ball passing through the guide passage.

  As shown in the feature D1, etc., when the second variable pitching portion is in the receiving state, the bypass passage is an advantageous passage for the player, but under other circumstances, the bypass passage is merely a passage for escape. There is concern that the impression that it is. Therefore, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suppressed by devising the detour passage so that the visibility is lower than that of the guide passage and the detour passage is not conspicuous. In addition, when the second variable pitching portion is in the accepting state, it is difficult to visually recognize the game ball that passes through the bypass passage, and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage suddenly jumps into the second variable pitching portion. It can make it look like this, and can enhance the unexpectedness of the game. For the above reasons, it is technically significant to provide a difference in visibility between passages as described above.

  The technical ideas shown in the features A1 to A10, the features B1 to B11, and the features C1 to C9 may be applied to the features D1 to D3.

<Feature E group>
The following group E is: “A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball to the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature E1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pitching portion (for example, a first variable winning device 82) provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area;
An upstream guide passage (guide passage 360) that guides the game ball to the entrance portion and the entrance to the entrance portion is avoided by being provided so as to branch on the upstream side of the entrance portion. In this way, a detour path (detour path 370) that detours the variable pitching portion,
Of the game balls that are provided on the downstream side of the entrance portion and are guided to the entrance portion by the upstream side guide passage, game balls that have not entered the entrance portion are placed at predetermined positions in the game area (for example, A downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306) for guiding to the right working entrance unit 85),
The downstream guide passage is provided with a defining portion (shutter 83b and upper surface portions 412 and 414) for defining the flow direction of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage to be a predetermined direction.
The exit portion (exit portion 373) of the bypass passage is such that the game ball passing through the exit portion flows into the downstream guide passage and the moving direction of the game ball passing through the exit portion is the same as the predetermined direction. A gaming machine characterized by being formed as follows.

  As shown in the feature E1, the bypass ball is used to avoid entering the variable ball entry portion, and the game balls that have passed through both the guide channel and the bypass channel merge in the downstream guide channel and reach a predetermined position. If it is the structure which heads, the function which guides a game ball to a predetermined position can be ensured suitably, avoiding that the amount of entrance to a variable entrance part increases excessively. However, in a configuration in which entry to the variable entry portion is avoided when passing through the bypass passage, the conspicuousness of the detour game ball reduces the player's willingness to enter the variable entry portion. Can be a factor.

  In particular, if the difference in the behavior of the game balls at the junction is increased, it becomes easy to specify which of the upstream guide passage and the detour passage has passed through the difference, and it is assumed that the inconvenience becomes significant. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the moving direction of the game ball passing through the exit portion of the bypass passage matches the moving direction of the game ball in the downstream guide passage (merging portion), it passes through the bypass passage. It becomes difficult to specify the played game ball. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball heading to the variable ball entry part less noticeable, it is as if the game ball launched into the variable ball entry part is efficiently entering the variable ball entry part. Can show. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  The configuration shown in this feature is “a game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and a game ball that is provided in the game area and flows down the game area can enter. A pitching portion (for example, the first variable winning device 82), an upstream guide passage (guide passage 360) provided upstream of the pitching portion and guiding the game ball to the pitching portion; Among the game balls provided on the downstream side of the ball portion and guided to the ball entrance portion by the upstream guide passage, game balls that have not entered the ball entrance portion are placed at predetermined positions in the game area (right operation input). Sphere unit 85) is provided so as to straddle the downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306) and the guide passage and the downstream guide passage so as to avoid entering the entrance portion. The detour passage (the detour passage) 370), and the downstream guide passage is provided with a defining portion (shutter 83b and upper surface portions 412 and 414) for defining the flow direction of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage to be a predetermined direction. The exit portion (exit portion 373) of the bypass passage is such that the game ball passing through the exit portion flows into the downstream guide passage and the moving direction of the game ball passing through the exit portion is the predetermined direction. It is also possible to use a gaming machine characterized by being formed so as to be in the same direction.

Feature E2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A pitching portion (for example, a first pitching portion) that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched between an accepting state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which the entering is impossible. 1 variable winning device 82),
A switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the pitching unit to the receiving state when in the special gaming state;
An upstream guide passage (guide passage 360) that guides the game ball to the entrance portion and the entrance to the entrance portion is avoided by being provided so as to branch on the upstream side of the entrance portion. In this way, a detour path (detour path 370) that detours the entrance part,
Of the game balls that are provided on the downstream side of the entrance portion and are guided to the entrance portion by the upstream side guide passage, game balls that have not entered the entrance portion are placed at predetermined positions in the game area (for example, A downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306) for guiding to the right working entrance unit 85),
The downstream guide passage is provided with a defining portion (shutter 83b and upper surface portions 412 and 414) for defining the flow direction of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage to be a predetermined direction.
The exit portion (exit portion 373) of the bypass passage is such that the game ball passing through the exit portion flows into the downstream guide passage and the moving direction of the game ball passing through the exit portion is the same as the predetermined direction. A gaming machine characterized by being formed as follows.

  As shown in the feature E2, the bypass ball is used to avoid entering the variable ball entry portion, and the game balls that have passed through both the guide channel and the bypass channel are merged in the downstream guide channel to a predetermined position. If it is the structure which heads, the function which guides a game ball to a predetermined position can be ensured suitably, avoiding that the amount of entrance to a variable entrance part increases excessively. However, in a configuration in which entry to the variable entry portion is avoided when passing through the bypass passage, the conspicuousness of the detour game ball reduces the player's willingness to enter the variable entry portion. Can be a factor.

  In particular, if the difference in the behavior of the game balls at the junction is increased, it becomes easy to specify which of the upstream guide passage and the detour passage has passed through the difference, and it is assumed that the inconvenience becomes significant. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the moving direction of the game ball passing through the exit portion of the bypass passage matches the moving direction of the game ball in the downstream guide passage (merging portion), it passes through the bypass passage. It becomes difficult to specify the played game ball. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball heading to the variable ball entry part less noticeable, it is as if the game ball launched into the variable ball entry part is efficiently entering the variable ball entry part. Can show. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is “a game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed” and a game state is changed from a normal game player based on a predetermined transition condition being established. A game state transition means (function for performing a transition of the game state in the MPU of the main control device 162) for shifting to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) advantageous to the game area, and the game area And a special game state (a first variable winning device 82) that can be switched between an accepting state (open state) in which a game ball to enter can be entered and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entry is impossible. Switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the incoming ball portion to the receiving state, and provided upstream of the incoming ball portion, Upstream plan to guide the ball Of the game balls that are provided on the downstream side of the passage (guide passage 360) and the entrance portion and are guided to the entrance portion by the upstream side guide passage, game balls that have not entered the entrance portion are A downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306) that guides to a predetermined position (right-handed entry unit 85) in the game area, the guide passage, and the downstream guide passage are provided so as to straddle the ball A detour path (detour path 370) that detours the ball section so as to avoid entering the game section, and the downstream guide path includes a flow of game balls passing through the downstream guide path A defining portion (shutter 83b and upper surface portions 412 and 414) that regulates the direction to be a predetermined direction is provided, and the exit portion (exit portion 373) of the bypass passage has a game ball that has passed through the exit portion. Downstream guide Gaming machine wherein the moving direction of the game balls passing through and the outlet portion flows into the road is formed so as to have the same direction as the predetermined direction. "And may be.

  Incidentally, in view of the fact that the “entrance portion” shown in this feature is variable, the “entrance portion” can also be referred to as “variable entrance portion”.

  Feature E3. The detour passage is configured such that a game ball passing through the detour passage is configured to be difficult or impossible to see compared to a game ball passing through the upstream guide passage. A gaming machine according to E2.

  As shown in feature E3, by making it difficult or impossible to see the game ball passing through the detour passage, even if the escape as shown in feature E1 or the like is performed, it may be less noticeable. it can. However, even if the game ball passing through the bypass passage is less noticeable, if the difference in behavior from the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage becomes noticeable when moving to the downstream guide passage, the effect of the above device It is assumed that will not be demonstrated well. In this regard, according to the combination with the technical idea shown in the feature E1, etc., when a game ball that has passed through the bypass passage flows into the downstream guide passage, it is identified as a game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage. It becomes difficult. In this way, it is preferable to make the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage less noticeable in order to suppress a decrease in the player's willingness to play.

Feature E4. The moving direction of the game ball passing through the entrance part without entering the entrance part via the guide path intersects the predetermined direction,
In the most downstream part including the exit part of the bypass path in the bypass path, the flow direction of the game ball is formed so as to intersect the flow direction in the part upstream of the downstream part. The gaming machine described in the feature E2 or the feature E3.

  As shown in the feature E1 and the like, if the moving direction of the game ball at the junction is made uniform, the behavior of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage may be passed through either the upstream guide passage or the bypass passage. It becomes difficult to specify whether or not there is (the discriminating ability decreases). However, if a significant difference occurs in the moving speed, it is assumed that the function of reducing the discriminating power cannot be performed well even if the moving directions are made uniform. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the game ball that has passed through the entrance portion is decelerated when it reaches the downstream guide passage, and the game ball that passes through the detour passage is also decelerated at the exit portion. By reducing the speed difference of the game balls at the junction, it can be difficult to specify from the speed difference (behavior) which of the upstream guide path and detour path the game ball has passed.

  Feature E5. The upstream guide passage and the bypass passage extend in the vertical direction, and a joining portion where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage merges in the downstream guide passage is lateral. The gaming machine according to any one of features E2 to E4, wherein the gaming machine extends in a direction.

  As shown in the feature E1 and the like, if the moving direction of the game ball at the junction is made uniform, the behavior of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage may be passed through either the upstream guide passage or the bypass passage. It becomes difficult to specify whether or not there is (the discriminating ability decreases). However, if a significant difference occurs in the moving speed, it is assumed that the function of reducing the discriminating power cannot be performed well even if the moving directions are made uniform. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the game ball that has passed through the entrance portion is decelerated when it reaches the downstream guide passage, and the game ball that passes through the detour passage is also decelerated at the exit portion. By reducing the speed difference of the game balls at the junction, it can be difficult to specify from the speed difference (behavior) which of the upstream guide path and detour path the game ball has passed.

Feature E6. The inlet of the entrance is formed to be horizontally long,
In the upstream guide passage, a plurality of downflow paths having different arrival positions to the entrance portion are formed,
The upstream guide passage is formed such that a game ball that is closest to the outlet portion of the detour passage among the outlet portions of the plurality of flow-down paths is more likely to pass the game ball than the outlet portions of other flow-down paths. The gaming machine according to Feature E5, wherein

  In the configuration in which the flow path (flow path) toward the entrance part is branched into a plurality of parts, various effects such as suppression of monotonous movement of the game ball can be expected. However, when the flow path is divided into a plurality of parts, the degree of crowding of game balls decreases accordingly. When the game balls that have passed through the detour passage are to be joined to a place where the density of the game balls is low, it is assumed that the game balls from the detour passage are easily noticeable. Therefore, the movement of the game ball toward the entrance portion is provided by providing the exit portion of the passage with the highest rate (frequency) of the plurality of passages in the vicinity of the exit portion of the bypass passage. While diversifying the game balls, it is possible to prevent the game balls that have passed through the detour passage from being easily noticeable due to a decrease in the degree of congestion at the junction.

  Feature E7. In the downstream guide passage, the moving speed in the predetermined direction is reduced at a junction (a junction CP) where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and the game ball that has passed through the detour passage merge. The gaming machine according to any one of features E2 to E6, wherein a speed reduction portion (a speed reduction section in which the ridge portions 417a and 418a are formed) is formed.

  As shown in this feature, if the speed reducing portion is provided at the joining location to prevent movement in a predetermined direction, the degree of crowding of the game balls at the joining location can be increased. When game balls passing through different flow paths are merged, the greater the number of game balls present at the merge point (the higher the density of game balls at the merge point), the more Newly joined game balls can be made inconspicuous.

  Feature E8. The gaming machine according to Feature E7, wherein the downstream guide passage is configured such that a distance dimension from an exit portion of the bypass passage to the speed reduction portion is larger than a diameter dimension of the game ball.

  As shown in feature E7, in the configuration in which the density of the game balls is changed using the speed reducer, when the game balls are decelerated at the position related to the exit portion of the detour path, the detour path passes. It becomes easy to understand that it is a game ball. Therefore, in the case of providing a speed reducing portion, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience by adopting a configuration in which the speed reducing function does not act on the game ball passing through the exit portion of the bypass passage as shown in this feature. it can.

  Note that the configuration shown in this feature is “the speed reduction portion is configured such that a distance dimension from the exit portion of the bypass passage to the speed reduction portion in the predetermined direction is larger than twice the diameter size of the game ball. It is also possible to use “a gaming machine described in feature E7,”. When game balls that have passed through the detour passage merge in a situation where there is a game ball that has passed through the entrance portion, if the preceding game ball prevents the subsequent game ball from moving, It becomes easy to understand that it is a game ball. As shown in the above configuration, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by setting the distance from the exit portion of the bypass passage to the speed reduction portion to be larger than twice the diameter of the game ball.

Feature E9. The entrance part is a first variable entrance part,
A second variable pitching portion (second variable winning device 83) disposed below the first variable pitching portion;
The second variable pitching portion has an opening / closing body (shutter 83b) that opens and closes an inflow port (large winning port 83a) of the second variable pitching portion,
When the opening / closing body is disposed at a closed position, the opening / closing body is configured to form a part of the defining portion,
The gaming machine according to Feature E7 or Feature E8, wherein the speed reduction portion is configured to decelerate a game ball passing through the downstream guide passage along the opening / closing body.

  As shown in the feature E7 and the like, in the configuration in which the degree of crowding of the game balls at the joining position is increased by using the speed reducer, the unnatural change in the flow of the gaming balls at the joining position can be a factor of unnaturalness. . In this regard, if the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage is decelerated in the vicinity of the inlet of the second variable entrance ball portion, when the inlet of the second variable entrance portion is opened by the deceleration, The inflow rate becomes higher. In this way, unlike the configuration in which the game ball is simply decelerated at a specific position by giving the deceleration unit a function as a ball entry assisting means for the second variable ball entry unit, the flow of the game ball is unnatural. Even if it is a case where it changes, it can suppress that a player's attention tends to turn to a specific position.

  The “first variable pitching portion” and the “second variable pitching portion” shown in this feature are configured such that when one is in the receiving state, the other is maintained in the non-receiving state. Is preferred.

  Feature E10. In the downstream guide passage, a joining point (joining point CP) where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is located immediately below the ball-entrant portion. The gaming machine according to any one of features E1 to E8, characterized by:

  In the downstream side guide passage, setting the joining location at a position close to the entrance portion (for example, the most upstream portion) is, for example, depending on which passage has passed to the predetermined position (for example, the right operation entrance unit 85). This is advantageous in suppressing the difference in arrival probability. However, such a positional relationship makes it easy for the joining point to enter the field of view while gazing at the entrance, and the game ball that has passed through the detour passage has more opportunities to be seen by the player. A practically preferable configuration can be realized by applying the technical idea shown in the feature E1 or the like to such a configuration.

  The technical idea shown in this feature can be applied to the feature E9. In this case, the “entrance portion” in this feature may be the “first variable entrance portion”.

Feature E11. In the downstream guide passage, a relatively high visibility of the game ball passing through the downstream guide passage is relatively high with a first region (non-overlap region with the front side wall portion 418 (specifically, a decorative portion)). A low second region (an overlapping region with the front side wall portion 418 (specifically, a decorative portion)) is juxtaposed in the passage direction,
In the downstream guide passage, a joining point (joining point CP) where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is provided in the second region. The gaming machine according to any one of features E1 to E10.

  As shown in feature E11, when the first and second regions having different visibility are arranged side by side in the passage direction in the downstream guide passage, they are relatively in comparison with the second region having relatively low visibility. In particular, the player's attention tends to be directed to the first region with high visibility. Therefore, if a joining point is set in the second region having low visibility as shown in this feature, it is possible to make it difficult to identify the game ball that has passed through the detour path. Thereby, the effect shown to the feature E2 grade | etc., Can be exhibited more effectively.

  In order to prompt the player to pay attention to the first area instead of the second area, the second area is set to the upstream side, the first area is set to the downstream side, and the branching of the flow path is avoided in the second area. It is preferable that all the game balls that have passed through the second area are guided to the first area.

  Incidentally, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature D group may be applied to the feature E1 to the feature E11.

<Feature F group>
The following feature F group is: “A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball to the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature F1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pitching portion (for example, a first variable winning device 82) provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area;
A guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding a game ball to the entrance portion and a entrance to the entrance portion are avoided so as to be branched upstream of the entrance portion. And detour passages (detour passages 370 and 380) for detouring the pitching part,
As an inlet to the bypass path, the first inlet (inlet portion 382) and the second inlet (inlet portion 372) provided to be spaced apart from each other,
The second inflow port is easier for game balls to flow in than the first inflow port,
The gaming machine is characterized in that an appearance of the first inlet is formed so that a player can recognize that it is easier to enter the ball than the second inlet.

  According to the configuration shown in the feature F1, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage is prevented from entering the entrance portion. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, the first inflow port and the second inflow port are provided as the inflow ports, and the second inflow port is configured to allow the game ball to flow more easily than the first inflow port, but in terms of appearance, The relationship is reversed (that is, the first inflow port is recognized as being more likely to generate a ball than the second inflow port). If there is a place (first inlet) where spilling is likely to occur at first glance on the flow path, it is assumed that the player who is concerned about spilling will pay attention there. However, since the spilling is actually suppressed at the place where the spilling is likely to occur (first inlet) at first glance, it may make it difficult to give the player an impression that the investment is unnecessarily large. it can. That is, by guiding the player's line of sight to the inflow port where it is difficult for spilling to actually occur, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. As a result, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls launched into the predetermined flow path (entrance part) are entering the entrance part efficiently, increasing the satisfaction of the player, It can contribute to the improvement of attention.

  Note that “the appearance of the first inlet is formed so that the player can recognize that it is easier to enter the ball than the second inlet” means that both are recognized as inlets. In such a case, the first inflow port includes a structure that is more likely to flow in than the second inflow port, and further, in the first place, the second inflow port is not easily recognized as an inflow port. Including.

Feature F2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A pitching portion (for example, a first pitching portion) that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched between an accepting state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which the entering is impossible. 1 variable winning device 82),
A switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the pitching unit to the receiving state when in the special gaming state;
A guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding a game ball to the entrance portion and a entrance to the entrance portion are avoided so as to be branched upstream of the entrance portion. And detour passages (detour passages 370 and 380) for detouring the pitching part,
As an inlet to the bypass path, the first inlet (inlet portion 382) and the second inlet (inlet portion 372) provided to be spaced apart from each other,
The second inflow port is easier for game balls to flow in than the first inflow port,
The gaming machine is characterized in that an appearance of the first inlet is formed so that a player can recognize that it is easier to enter the ball than the second inlet.

  According to the configuration shown in the feature F2, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage is prevented from entering the entrance portion. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, the first inflow port and the second inflow port are provided as the inflow ports, and the second inflow port is configured to allow the game ball to flow more easily than the first inflow port, but in terms of appearance, The relationship is reversed (that is, the first inflow port is recognized as being more likely to generate a ball than the second inflow port). If there is a place (first inlet) where spilling is likely to occur at first glance on the flow path, it is assumed that the player who is concerned about spilling will pay attention there. However, since the spilling is actually suppressed at the place where the spilling is likely to occur (first inlet) at first glance, it may make it difficult to give the player an impression that the investment is unnecessarily large. it can. That is, by guiding the player's line of sight to the inflow port where it is difficult for spilling to actually occur, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. As a result, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls launched into the predetermined flow path (entrance part) are entering the entrance part efficiently, increasing the satisfaction of the player, It can contribute to the improvement of attention.

  Note that “the appearance of the first inlet is formed so that the player can recognize that it is easier to enter the ball than the second inlet” means that both are recognized as inlets. In such a case, the first inflow port includes a structure that is more likely to flow in than the second inflow port, and further, in the first place, the second inflow port is not easily recognized as an inflow port. Including.

  Incidentally, in view of the fact that the “entrance portion” shown in this feature is variable, the “entrance portion” can also be referred to as “variable entrance portion”.

Feature F3. The first inlet has the entire first inlet visible from the front of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine according to Feature F1 or Feature F2, wherein at least a part of the second inlet is covered from the front of the gaming machine by a cover part (ramp part 26).

  As shown in this feature, it is difficult to understand that the second inflow port functions as an entrance to the detour passage by configuring a part of the second inflow port to be hidden by the cover. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the player's attention from being directed to the second inlet where the escape occurs more than the first inlet, and it is possible to appropriately exert the effects shown in the feature F1 and the like.

Feature F4. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pitching portion (for example, a first variable winning device 82) provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area;
A guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding a game ball to the entrance portion and a entrance to the entrance portion are avoided so as to be branched upstream of the entrance portion. And detour passages (detour passages 370 and 380) for detouring the pitching part,
As an inlet to the bypass path, the first inlet (inlet portion 382) and the second inlet (inlet portion 372) provided to be spaced apart from each other,
The second inflow port is easier for game balls to flow in than the first inflow port,
The first inlet has the entire first inlet visible from the front of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine, wherein at least a part of the second inlet is covered from the front of the gaming machine by a cover part (ramp part 26).

  According to the configuration shown in the feature F4, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage is prevented from entering the entrance portion. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, the first inflow port and the second inflow port are provided as the inflow ports, and the second inflow port is configured to allow the game ball to flow more easily than the first inflow port, but in terms of appearance, The relationship is reversed (that is, it is difficult to understand that the second inlet functions as an inlet to the bypass passage compared to the first inlet by hiding a part of the second inlet by the cover). It has become. If there is a place (first inlet) where spilling is likely to occur at first glance on the flow path, it is assumed that the player who is concerned about spilling will pay attention there. However, since the spilling is actually suppressed at the place where the spilling is likely to occur (first inlet) at first glance, it may make it difficult to give the player an impression that the investment is unnecessarily large. it can. That is, by guiding the player's line of sight to the inflow port where it is difficult for spilling to actually occur, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. As a result, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls launched into the predetermined flow path (entrance part) are entering the entrance part efficiently, increasing the satisfaction of the player, It can contribute to the improvement of attention.

Feature F5. The second inflow port is constituted by a pair of game nails (game nails 331U, 331L) provided apart from each other,
The game machine according to Feature F3 or Feature F4, wherein the cover portion covers one of the pair of game nails.

  When the second inflow port is configured by a pair of game nails as shown in this feature, it is possible to make it difficult to identify the second inflow port by covering one of the pair of game nails. That is, it can be confused with other game nails arranged in the game area. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the attention to the second inflow port without excessively enlarging the cover part, and in order to enjoy the effects shown in the feature F3 and the like, the visibility in the game area It can suppress suitably that the area | region where is high is pressed.

Feature F6. The guide passage extends in the vertical direction,
The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F5, wherein the first inflow port is configured such that a component facing upward is larger than the second inflow port.

  When the inflow ports are compared in that direction, it is easier to give the player an impression that the game ball is more likely to enter as the component facing upward (upstream side of the flow path) increases. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the above-mentioned escape is generated more than the first inflow by making the inclination of the inflow port different so that the component facing upward is larger in the inflow port where the game ball is difficult to enter. It is possible to suppress the player's attention from being directed to the second inflow port, and to appropriately exhibit the effects shown in the feature F1 and the like.

Feature F7. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pitching portion (for example, a first variable winning device 82) provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area;
A guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding a game ball to the entrance portion and a entrance to the entrance portion are avoided so as to be branched upstream of the entrance portion. And detour passages (detour passages 370 and 380) for detouring the pitching part,
As an inlet to the bypass path, the first inlet (inlet portion 382) and the second inlet (inlet portion 372) provided to be spaced apart from each other,
The second inflow port is easier for game balls to flow in than the first inflow port,
The guide passage extends in the vertical direction,
The gaming machine, wherein the first inflow port is configured such that a component facing upward from the second inflow port is larger.

  According to the configuration shown in the feature F7, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage is prevented from entering the ball entry portion. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, the first inflow port and the second inflow port are provided as the inflow ports, and the second inflow port is configured to allow the game ball to flow more easily than the first inflow port, but in terms of appearance, The relationship is reversed (that is, the first inflow where the game ball is less likely to enter is larger in the component facing the upper side than the second inflow, so that the first inflow is more game ball than the second inflow. It is easy to give the player the impression that is easy to enter. If there is a place (first inlet) where spilling is likely to occur at first glance on the flow path, it is assumed that the player who is concerned about spilling will pay attention there. However, since the spilling is actually suppressed at the place where the spilling is likely to occur (first inlet) at first glance, it may make it difficult to give the player an impression that the investment is unnecessarily large. it can. That is, by guiding the player's line of sight to the inflow port where it is difficult for spilling to actually occur, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. As a result, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls launched into the predetermined flow path (entrance part) are entering the entrance part efficiently, increasing the satisfaction of the player, It can contribute to the improvement of attention.

Feature F8. The guide passage extends in the vertical direction,
The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F7, wherein the first inflow port is configured to have a larger inclination with respect to a horizontal plane than the second inflow port.

  When the inflow ports are compared in their orientations, it is easier to give the player an impression that the greater the inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, that is, the greater the component facing the upper side (upstream side of the flow path), the easier the game ball can enter. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the above-mentioned escape occurs more than the first inflow port by changing the direction of the inflow port so that the inflow port where the game ball is difficult to enter has a larger inclination with respect to the horizontal plane. It is possible to suppress the player's attention from being directed to the second inflow port, and to appropriately exhibit the effects shown in the feature F1 and the like.

Feature F9. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pitching portion (for example, a first variable winning device 82) provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area;
A guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding a game ball to the entrance portion and a entrance to the entrance portion are avoided so as to be branched upstream of the entrance portion. And detour passages (detour passages 370 and 380) for detouring the pitching part,
As an inlet to the bypass path, the first inlet (inlet portion 382) and the second inlet (inlet portion 372) provided to be spaced apart from each other,
The second inflow port is easier for game balls to flow in than the first inflow port,
The guide passage extends in the vertical direction,
The gaming machine, wherein the first inflow port is configured to have a larger inclination with respect to a horizontal plane than the second inflow port.

  According to the configuration indicated by the feature F9, the game ball that has flowed into the bypass passage is prevented from entering the entrance portion. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, the first inflow port and the second inflow port are provided as the inflow ports, and the second inflow port is configured to allow the game ball to flow more easily than the first inflow port, but in terms of appearance, The relationship is reversed (that is, the first inflow where the game ball is less likely to enter is inclined more with respect to the horizontal plane than the second inflow, so that the first inflow is less in the game than the second inflow. It is easy to give the player the impression that it is easy to enter. If there is a place (first inlet) where spilling is likely to occur at first glance on the flow path, it is assumed that the player who is concerned about spilling will pay attention there. However, since the spilling is actually suppressed at the place where the spilling is likely to occur (first inlet) at first glance, it may make it difficult to give the player an impression that the investment is unnecessarily large. it can. That is, by guiding the player's line of sight to the inflow port where it is difficult for spilling to actually occur, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to escape. As a result, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls launched into the predetermined flow path (entrance part) are entering the entrance part efficiently, increasing the satisfaction of the player, It can contribute to the improvement of attention.

  Feature F10. The bypass path includes a first bypass path (left bypass path 380) having the first inlet as an entrance and a second bypass path (right bypass path 370) having the second inlet as an entrance. The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F9, wherein

  In embodying the technical idea shown in the feature F1 or the like, for example, the detour passage itself can be shared. However, in such a configuration, the game ball is placed in the bypass path under a situation where the player is paying attention to the vicinity of the first inflow port where it is difficult for the ball to enter (apparently the ball is likely to occur). It is feared that the passing of the ball makes it easier for the eyes to turn to the fact that many balls have entered the second inflow port. In this regard, as shown in the present feature, by providing the first bypass passage and the second bypass passage separately, such inconvenience can be made difficult to occur.

  Feature F11. The ball-entry portion has a horizontally long shape, the first bypass passage is disposed at one end side of the ball-entry portion, and the second bypass passage is disposed at the other end side of the ball-entry portion. The gaming machine according to F10.

  As shown in this feature, by arranging the detour passages on both sides of the entrance part, the second detour passage is played under the situation where the player is paying attention to the first inflow port and the first detour passage. When the ball passes, it is possible to suitably suppress the game ball from being noticed by the player.

Feature F12. The gaming area is provided with a first area and a second area in which it is more difficult to visually recognize the game ball than the first area,
The gaming machine according to Feature F10 or Feature F11, wherein the first bypass passage is disposed in the first region, and the second bypass passage is disposed in the second region.

  Of the first bypass passage and the second bypass passage, the passing frequencies of the game balls are different from each other, the first bypass passage having a low passing frequency is disposed in the first area, and the second bypass path having a high passing frequency is provided in the second area. By arranging in, it can suppress that a player's attention goes to a 2nd bypass path. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball inconspicuous, the effects shown in the feature F1 and the like can be suitably exhibited.

  Note that the configuration shown in this feature is “the game area is provided with a first area and a second area in which it is more difficult to see the game ball than the first area. The gaming machine according to the feature F10 or the feature F11, which is arranged in the second region.

Feature F13. The guide passage is an upstream guide passage,
A downstream guide passage that guides a game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and has not entered the entrance portion to a predetermined position in the game area (for example, the right operation entrance unit 85);
The game ball that has flowed out from the exit portion of the second bypass passage flows into the downstream guide passage upstream of the inflow position where the game ball that has passed through the guide passage flows in the downstream guide passage, The game balls flowing out from the outlet portion of the first bypass passage are configured to flow into the downstream guide passage in the downstream guide passage downstream of the inflow position. The gaming machine according to any one of features F12.

  The game balls that have passed through the second bypass passage merge with the game balls that have passed through the entrance portion via the guide passage, and then pass near the exit of the first bypass passage. As a result, in the state where the player's attention is directed to the first bypass passage, the game ball that has passed through the second bypass passage is prevented from passing alone near the exit of the first bypass passage, This makes it possible to make the game balls that have been missed out of the game stand out.

Feature F14. In the guide passage, a plurality of flow paths for game balls are formed,
As the flow-down path, it has a first flow-down path and a second flow-down path having a higher passing frequency of game balls than the first flow-down path,
The game according to any one of features F1 to F13, wherein the first inlet is in communication with the second downstream path, and the second inlet is in communication with the first downstream path. Machine.

  By forming the first inflow port at a position along the second downflow path where the game ball flows down, it is possible to prompt the player to pay attention to the second downflow path and the first inflow port. In this way, the effects shown in the feature F1 are preferably exhibited by suppressing the movement of the game ball from being noticeable on the first flow path and the second flow inlet where the escape of the game ball can occur frequently. be able to.

Feature F15. Provided with a privilege granting means (such as a payout device 224) for granting a privilege to the player based on the entrance to the entrance part,
The distance from the entrance part to the first inlet is shorter than the distance from the entrance part to the second entrance, according to any one of features F1 to F14, The gaming machine described.

  In a configuration in which benefits such as payout of prize balls are given to the player by entering the entrance, the player's attention that is expected to obtain the benefits is likely to be directed to the entrance and the surrounding area. If the first inlet is provided near the entrance (specifically upstream) and the entrance to the entrance is avoided by the inflow to the first entrance, the player's attention will be increased. It is assumed that it becomes easier to face the sphere and the first inlet. The first inflow port has a lower inflow probability than the second inflow port, and a lot of game balls go to the entrance portion. As a result, most of the game balls heading for the entrance part can appear as if they are entering the entrance part as they are, and the escape can be made inconspicuous.

  In order to attract attention to the first inlet and the entrance part, the first entrance may be disposed so as to overlap the position directly above the entrance part.

Feature F16. The guide passage extends in the vertical direction,
The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F15, wherein the first inlet and the second inlet are separated in a vertical direction.

  When the first inlet and the second inlet are used in combination, it is assumed that the effects shown in the feature F1 and the like are not exhibited well by both entering the field of view at the same time. For example, if the first inlet and the second inlet are arranged far apart, such inconvenience can be suppressed, but the restriction on the positional relationship (distance relationship) of the inlet becomes stronger. It is not preferable because it causes a reduction in the degree of freedom of arrangement.

  Here, when compared vertically and horizontally, the field of view of a person is narrower vertically than horizontally. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the first inlet and the second inlet are arranged apart from each other in the up-down direction, and the restriction on the positional relationship (distance relationship) between the two inlets is suppressed. The effects can be suitably exhibited.

  The feature shown in this feature is “the guide passage extends in the vertical direction, and the first inflow port and the second inflow port have a separation distance in the vertical direction larger than a separation distance in the left and right direction. The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F15, which is characterized in that the game machine is arranged in the above.

Feature F17. The bypass path includes a first bypass path (left bypass path 380) having the first inlet as an entrance, and a second bypass path (right bypass path 370) having the second inlet as an entrance,
The first bypass passage, the second bypass passage, and the guide passage are arranged side by side,
The gaming area is provided with a first area and a second area in which it is more difficult to visually recognize the game ball than the first area,
The first bypass passage is disposed in the first region, and the second bypass passage is disposed in the second region;
The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F16, wherein the first inflow port and the second inflow port are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

  Since the human field of view is wider to the left and right than to the top and bottom, when the first bypass path, the second bypass path, and the guide path are arranged side by side (in parallel), the first bypass path enters the field of view. The second bypass passage easily enters the field of view in the state where Therefore, the second bypass passage is used by arranging the second bypass passage in the second region where it is difficult to visually recognize, and by separating the inlet of each bypass passage in the vertical direction. It can be preferably suppressed that making the escape difficult to see becomes a factor of pressing the game area.

Feature F18. In the center of the game board, a variable display unit (design display device 253) for variably displaying the pattern is disposed,
The first inflow port is disposed in a portion that becomes the center side of the game region in the flow-down region toward the entrance portion, and the second inflow port is disposed in a portion that is on the outer side in the flow-down region. The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F17, wherein:

  In a type of gaming machine in which a variable display unit is provided in the center of the game area, the player's attention tends to be directed to the variable display unit. Here, as shown in this feature, if the first inflow port is disposed at the center of the game area and the second inflow port is disposed outside the game area, the line of sight moves between the variable display portion and the ball entry portion. In this case, the first inlet and the vicinity thereof can easily enter the player's field of view, and the second inlet and the vicinity thereof can hardly enter the player's field of view when moving the line of sight. Thereby, the effect shown to the characteristic F1 etc. can be exhibited suitably.

Feature F19. The entrance portion is a first entrance portion, and the guide passage is an upstream guide passage,
A game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and has not entered the ball entrance portion, and a game ball that has passed through the detour passage are provided in a second ball entrance portion (for example, a right-acting ball entry unit provided on the center side of the game area). 85) and a downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306) for guiding to
The downstream guide passage is inclined downward toward the center side, and the guide passage (right route) including the upstream guide passage and the downstream guide passage is bent so as to protrude outward from the game area,
The game according to any one of features F1 to F17, wherein the first inlet is disposed in an inner portion of the guide path, and the second inlet is disposed in an outer portion of the guide path. Machine.

  In a configuration in which the guide path is bent so as to protrude outward from the game area, the game ball that has not entered the first ball entry part moves toward the second ball entry part on the game area center side. By providing an opportunity to enter the second entrance for the game balls that did not enter the first entrance, the degree of attention to the movement of the game balls will not rapidly enter the first entrance. It can suppress that it falls.

  Here, as shown in this feature, if the first inflow port is disposed on the center side of the game area and the second inflow port is disposed on the outer side of the game area, the space between the first entrance portion and the second entrance portion. When moving the line of sight, the first inlet and the vicinity thereof can easily enter the player's field of view, and when moving the line of sight, the second inlet and the vicinity thereof can hardly enter the player's field of view. . Thereby, the effect shown to the characteristic F1 etc. can be exhibited suitably.

  Feature F20. The guide passage is formed with an inclined passage (inclined portion 361S) inclined downward toward the first inflow port, and the most downstream portion of the inclined passage is provided with a path toward the entrance portion, and the first passage The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F19, wherein the game machine branches off to a path toward one inflow port.

  According to the feature F20, an inclined passage that is inclined downward toward the first inflow port is formed, and the game ball that has passed through the inclined passage is, for example, a path toward the first inflow port immediately before the entering portion, and the incoming ball Branch to the route to the department. With such a configuration, it is possible to urge the player to pay attention to the inclined passage, the branch, the first inlet, and the entrance part. Thereby, the chance that the inflow of the game ball to the second inflow port is noticeable can be reduced.

  Feature F21. The game machine according to Feature F20, wherein the inclined passage is configured to move the game balls away from the second inflow port by moving the game balls along the inclined passage.

  As shown in feature F21, if the game ball is configured to move away from the second inflow port by passing through the downstream guide passage (inclined passage), the effect shown in feature F20 can be more suitably exhibited.

  Incidentally, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature E group may be applied to the feature F1 to the feature F21.

<Feature G group>
The following group G is: “A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball to the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature G1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pitching portion (for example, a first variable winning device 82) provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area;
An upstream guide passage (guide passage 360) that guides the game ball to the entrance portion and the entrance to the entrance portion is avoided by being provided so as to branch on the upstream side of the entrance portion. In this way, a detour path (detour path 370) that detours the entrance part,
Of the game balls that are provided on the downstream side of the entrance portion and are guided to the entrance portion by the upstream side guide passage, game balls that have not entered the entrance portion are placed at predetermined positions in the game area (for example, A downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306) capable of being guided to the right operation entrance unit 85),
The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is guided to the predetermined position through the downstream guide passage,
The downstream guide passage passes through a first region (non-overlap region with the front side wall portion 418) configured so that the visibility of the game ball passing therethrough is relatively high, and through the first region. A second region (overlapping region with the front side wall portion 418) configured so that the visibility of the game ball is relatively low is provided,
A gaming machine, wherein an exit portion (exit portion 373) of the bypass passage is disposed in the second region.

  As shown in the feature G1, using the detour path to avoid entering the ball section, the game balls that have passed through both the guide path and the detour path merge in the downstream guide path and go to a predetermined position. If it is set as a structure, the function which guides a game ball to a predetermined | prescribed position can be ensured suitably, avoiding that the ball | bowl to a ball-entry part increases too much. However, in a configuration in which entry to the entrance part is avoided when passing through the bypass path, the conspicuousness of the bypassed game ball is a factor that reduces the game motivation of a player who expects to enter the entrance part Can be.

  In particular, in a configuration in which a game ball that has passed through the guide passage and a game ball that has passed through the bypass passage are merged in the downstream guide passage, the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is conspicuous due to the behavior of the game ball at the junction. In other words, it may be easy to specify how many game balls have passed through the bypass path. Easier identification of game balls that have passed through the detour path is a factor that gives players an impression that wasteful investment increases, and is concerned that it will hinder the improvement of the degree of attention to the game. .

  In this regard, as shown in this feature, the first and second regions having different visibility are provided in the downstream guide passage, and the game ball flows out from the bypass passage in the second region having relatively low visibility. This makes it difficult to specify the source of the game ball when the game ball is merged. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball heading to the entrance part difficult to see, it is possible to make the game ball launched into the entrance part appear as if it is entering the entrance part efficiently. it can. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

Feature G2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A pitching portion (for example, a first pitching portion) that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched between an accepting state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which the entering is impossible. 1 variable winning device 82),
A switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the pitching unit to the receiving state when in the special gaming state;
An upstream guide passage (guide passage 360) that guides the game ball to the entrance portion and the entrance to the entrance portion is avoided by being provided so as to branch on the upstream side of the entrance portion. In this way, a detour path (detour path 370) that detours the entrance part,
Of the game balls provided on the downstream side of the ball entrance portion and guided to the ball entrance portion by the upstream guide passage, the game balls that have not entered the ball entrance portion are guided to a predetermined position in the game area. A possible downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306),
The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is guided to the predetermined position through the downstream guide passage,
The downstream guide passage passes through a first region (non-overlap region with the front side wall portion 418) configured so that the visibility of the game ball passing therethrough is relatively high, and through the first region. A second region (overlapping region with the front side wall portion 418) configured so that the visibility of the game ball is relatively low is provided,
A gaming machine, wherein an exit portion (exit portion 373) of the bypass passage is disposed in the second region.

  As shown in the feature G2, the detour passage is used to avoid entering the ball entry section, and the game balls that have passed through both the guide passage and the detour passage merge together in the downstream guide passage and go to a predetermined position. If it is set as a structure, the function which guides a game ball to a predetermined | prescribed position can be ensured suitably, avoiding that the ball | bowl to a ball | bowl entrance part increases too much. However, in a configuration in which entry to the entrance part is avoided when passing through the bypass path, the conspicuousness of the bypassed game ball is a factor that reduces the game motivation of a player who expects to enter the entrance part Can be.

  In particular, in a configuration in which a game ball that has passed through the guide passage and a game ball that has passed through the bypass passage are merged in the downstream guide passage, the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is conspicuous due to the behavior of the game ball at the junction. In other words, it may be easy to specify how many game balls have passed through the bypass path. Easier identification of game balls that have passed through the detour path is a factor that gives players an impression that wasteful investment increases, and is concerned that it will hinder the improvement of the degree of attention to the game. .

  In this regard, as shown in this feature, the first and second regions having different visibility are provided in the downstream guide passage, and the game ball flows out from the bypass passage in the second region having relatively low visibility. This makes it difficult to specify the source of the game ball when the game ball is merged. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball heading to the entrance part difficult to see, it is possible to make the game ball launched into the entrance part appear as if it is entering the entrance part efficiently. it can. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  In view of the fact that the “entrance part” shown in this feature is variable, the “entrance part” can also be referred to as “variable entrance part”.

  Incidentally, although the “second region” shown in the feature G1 and the feature G2 is a region where the visibility of the game ball is lower than that of the first region, it may be a region where the game ball cannot be visually recognized.

  Feature G3. The detour passage is configured such that the game ball passing through the detour passage is more difficult to visually recognize than the game ball passing through the upstream guide passage. The gaming machine described in 1.

  As shown in the feature G3, if it is difficult to visually recognize the game ball passing through the detour path, the chance of seeing the game ball that is a target of escape can be reduced. This is effective in making it appear as if the game balls launched toward the entrance portion are entering the entrance portion efficiently. However, even if such a contrivance is taken, there is a concern that if the game ball flowing out from the detour passage is caught in the eyes of the player, the effect of the contrivance will not be exhibited well. In this respect, if it is difficult to visually recognize the game ball in the detour path to the joining point by combining with the feature G1 or the like, occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  For example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience by setting the joining point at a position far from the entrance part where the player's attention is likely to be directed. Constraints related to the positional relationship of are increased. In this regard, according to the feature G1 or the combination of the feature G2 and the feature G3, it is possible to promote the arrangement of the joining point to the most upstream portion in the downstream guide passage, that is, to bring the entrance part and the joining point closer. The effect can be expected.

  Feature G4. In the downstream guide passage, a game ball that has flowed into the downstream guide passage through the upstream guide passage and a game ball that has flowed into the downstream guide passage through the bypass passage (joining point CP), The gaming machine according to any one of features G1 to G3, wherein a portion straddling the exit portion of the bypass passage is located in the second region.

  According to the feature G4, when the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage are merged with the game balls that have passed through the upstream guide passage, it is difficult to determine which game ball has passed through the bypass passage.

  Feature G5. The gaming machine according to Feature G4, wherein a portion of the downstream guide passage that straddles the ball entering portion and the joining location is located in the second region.

  Of the game balls that have passed through the upstream guide passage, those that have entered the entrance portion will flow into the downstream guide passage. If a game ball that has not entered the entrance area gets caught in the eyes of the player when moving to the second area, the detour path is determined from the difference between the game ball that has entered the second area and the game ball that has exited the second area. There is a concern that it will be easy to understand how much game balls are going through. Therefore, as shown in this feature, not only the joining location, but also the portion connecting the entrance and the joining location in the second region, the game ball moving to the second region is made inconspicuous, The occurrence of inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature G6. The entrance part has a horizontally long shape,
In the upstream guide passage, a plurality of flow down paths are formed in which the arrival position of the game ball to the ball entrance portion is different,
In the downstream guide passage, a portion spanning a portion where the game balls that have passed through the plurality of flow-down paths meet and an exit portion of the bypass passage is located in the second region. The gaming machine according to any one of G5.

  When game balls divided into a plurality of flow-down paths in the upstream guide passage are merged in the downstream guide passage, the density of game balls can be increased at the junction. If the configuration is such that the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage are mixed into the junction, the game balls that have passed through the upstream guide passage and the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage will be mixed in a portion where visibility is reduced. It can be made more difficult to specify which passage the game ball that has escaped from the second region has passed through.

  If such a structure is uniquely constructed, it can cause unnaturalness and make the player feel uncomfortable. However, as shown in this feature, the entrance part has a horizontally long shape, and a plurality of flow paths of game balls toward the entrance part are provided, thereby combining with a configuration that diversifies the entrance mode to the entrance part. According to this, the above-described unnaturalness can be preferably alleviated.

  Feature G7. The downstream guide passage is a single line in the merged portion, and the downstream portion of the merged portion and located in the first region is branched into a plurality of flow-down paths. The gaming machine according to Feature G6, characterized by:

  As shown in the feature G7, if the game ball moving to the first region with high visibility is divided into a plurality of flow-down paths, the game ball passes through the downstream guide passage while showing the movement of the game ball toward a predetermined position. It becomes difficult to specify the number of game balls. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the calculation or estimation of how much game balls are passing through the bypass passage.

Feature G8. The entrance part is a first entrance part,
The predetermined position is provided with a second entrance portion (for example, a right operation entrance unit 85) into which a game ball can enter,
In the downstream guide passage, a portion on the predetermined position side is located in the first region, and a portion on the first ball entry side is located in the second region. Thru | or the game machine as described in any one of characteristics G7.

  If the game ball that has not entered the first ball entrance part is guided to the second ball entrance part, attention to the game ball in which the ball enters the first ball drop part is rapidly reduced. This can be suppressed. Here, in the case where the behavior of the game ball moving toward the second entrance portion is greatly different depending on the route through which it passes, how much of the game ball is detoured from the entrance mode to the first entrance portion. It is possible to specify whether the route is via. This is assumed to be an obstacle to exerting the effect shown in the feature G1 and the like. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the upstream portion of the downstream side guide passage is the second region and the downstream portion is the first region, and if the game ball travels after merging, the game through the passage The difference in the behavior of the sphere can be mitigated suitably.

Feature G9. The downstream guide passage is provided with a defining portion (shutter 83b and upper surface portions 412 and 414) that defines the moving direction of the game ball to be a predetermined direction.
A speed reduction portion (cantilever shutter 83b) for reducing the moving speed of the game ball in the predetermined direction is formed in a portion of the downstream guide passage located in the second region. The gaming machine according to any one of features G1 to G8.

  In the gaming machine of the type shown in the feature G1, it is one of the pleasures to follow the movement of the game ball with the eyes. For this reason, it is preferable to make the second region, which would otherwise have low visibility, as small as possible. However, since it is preferable to secure as many game balls as possible at the merging point in order to merge the game balls that have passed the detour passage with the game balls that have passed the upstream guide passage inconspicuously, If importance is attached to the function, there is a concern that the second area will increase. In this regard, if the speed reducing portion is formed in the portion located in the second region in the downstream guide passage to prevent the movement of the game balls along the downstream guide passage, the game balls are densely packed at the junction. The degree can be increased. Thereby, when enjoying the effect shown in the feature G1, widening of the second region can be suppressed, and the original interest of the gaming machine can be suitably suppressed from decreasing.

  In addition, if the visibility of the game ball is ensured in the downstream guide passage, it is possible to suppress a decrease in work efficiency when performing a check operation such as a clogged ball. However, ensuring the visibility makes it possible for the player to follow the game ball with the eyes, so that it is easy to visually identify the game ball that has passed through the detour path. In view of such circumstances, as shown in this feature, the degree of crowding of the game balls is increased by using the speed reduction unit, and suppressing the stand-alone of the individual game balls is to ensure that the spilled ball is secured while ensuring the visibility. There is a technical significance that it can be suppressed from being noticed. In other words, the effects shown in the feature G1 and the like can be suitably exhibited by using the technical idea shown in this feature together with the reduction in visibility.

Feature G10. The game board is provided with a wall surface portion (front side wall portion 418) that forms a front passage wall surface in the downstream side guide passage and has light transmissivity, and an area covered by the wall surface portion is It is configured to be the second area,
The wall surface portion extends to the exit portion side so as to straddle the inflow portion where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage flows in the downstream guide passage and the exit portion of the bypass passage. The gaming machine according to any one of features G1 to G9.

  In view of the fact that the player's line of sight, etc. varies to some extent depending on the physique, posture, etc., it is necessary to increase the allowance added to the second area as the distance from the game board to the configuration defining the second area increases. However, as described above, it is preferable to make the second region as small as possible in view of the fact that following the movement of the game ball with eyes is one of the pleasures. In consideration of such circumstances, the wall surface part defining the second region is disposed on the game board, for example, compared to the case where the wall panel is provided with a structure corresponding to the wall surface part. Thus, there is a technical significance that it is possible to favorably avoid useless expansion of the second region.

  Moreover, since the wall surface portion extends so as to straddle the inflow portion where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage flows and the exit portion of the detour passage, the portion where the visibility is lowered (second region) Connected at the inlet and outlet. Therefore, it is possible to make the game balls (spilled balls) heading from the exit portion to the joining point in the downstream side guide passage less noticeable.

Feature G11. The entrance part is a first variable entrance part,
Below the first variable pitch, a second variable pitch portion (second variable winning device 83) is provided,
The second variable pitching portion is
The entrance (open prize opening 83a) opened upward,
An opening / closing plate (shutter 83b) provided to be movable in the thickness direction of the game board and opening and closing the entrance.
Having a wall surface portion (front side wall portion 418) opposed to the front end portion of the gaming machine from the front side of the gaming machine;
In the state where the opening / closing plate is disposed at the closed position, a part of the bottom surface of the downstream guide passage is configured by the opening / closing plate,
The wall surface portion extends toward the first variable ball entry portion, and constitutes a front wall surface of the downstream guide passage,
The gaming machine according to any one of features G1 to G10, wherein a region covered by the wall surface portion is the second region.

  According to the feature G11, in a variable ball entry portion (second variable ball entry portion) of a type in which the entrance is opened and closed by an opening and closing plate that moves in the front-rear direction, the opening and closing plate is moved when the opening and closing plate moves to the closed position. The game ball pushed by can move forward in the gaming machine. The gaming machine is generally provided with a panel member such as a glass panel, and the pressed game ball generally hits the panel member to avoid detachment from the gaming area.

  Here, at the locations where the game balls that have passed through the plurality of flow paths merge, the behavior of the game balls is likely to be disturbed due to the collision of the game balls. In particular, when the range in which the game ball can move in the thickness direction of the game board is large, the disturbance of the behavior becomes large. This contributes to clogging of balls. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the wall surface portion constituting the second variable ball entry portion is extended to the first variable ball entry portion side to reduce the position variation (position variation in the front-rear direction) of the game ball at the junction. If it does so, generation | occurrence | production of the ball clogging etc. in the said joining location can be suppressed suitably. The wall surface portion (extension portion) is processed in such a manner as to reduce the visibility, thereby avoiding an excessively complicated structure disposed in the game area, and is shown in the feature G1 and the like. Technical ideas can be realized.

Feature G12. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A pitching portion (for example, a first pitching portion) that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched between an accepting state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which the entering is impossible. 1 variable winning device 82),
A switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the pitching unit to the receiving state when in the special gaming state;
An upstream guide passage (guide passage 360) that guides the game ball to the entrance portion and the entrance to the entrance portion is avoided by being provided so as to branch on the upstream side of the entrance portion. In this way, a detour path (detour path 370) that detours the entrance part,
Of the game balls provided on the downstream side of the ball entrance portion and guided to the ball entrance portion by the upstream guide passage, the game balls that have not entered the ball entrance portion are guided to a predetermined position in the game area. A possible downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306),
The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is guided to the predetermined position through the downstream guide passage,
The downstream guide passage passes through a first region (non-overlap region with the front side wall portion 418) configured so that the visibility of the game ball passing therethrough is relatively high, and through the first region. A second region (overlapping region with the front side wall portion 418) configured so that the visibility of the game ball is relatively low is provided,
A joining point (joining point CP) of a game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and a game ball that has passed through the bypass passage in the downstream guide passage is provided in the second region. Gaming machine.

  As shown in feature G12, the bypass path is used to avoid entering the entrance section, and the game balls that have passed through both the guide path and the bypass path merge in the downstream guide path and go to a predetermined position. If it is set as a structure, the function which guides a game ball to a predetermined | prescribed position can be ensured suitably, avoiding that the ball | bowl to a ball | bowl entrance part increases too much. However, in a configuration in which entry to the entrance part is avoided when passing through the bypass path, the conspicuousness of the bypassed game ball is a factor that reduces the game motivation of a player who expects to enter the entrance part Can be.

  In particular, in a configuration in which a game ball that has passed through the guide passage and a game ball that has passed through the bypass passage are merged in the downstream guide passage, the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is conspicuous due to the behavior of the game ball at the junction. In other words, it may be easy to specify how many game balls have passed through the bypass path. Easier identification of game balls that have passed through the detour path is a factor that gives players an impression that wasteful investment increases, and is concerned that it will hinder the improvement of the degree of attention to the game. .

  In this regard, as shown in this feature, if a first area / second area with different visibility is provided in the downstream guide passage, and the game balls are merged in a second area with relatively low visibility, When joining game balls, it is difficult to specify the origin of the game balls. In this way, by making the escape of the game ball heading to the entrance part difficult to see, it is possible to make the game ball launched into the entrance part appear as if it is entering the entrance part efficiently. it can. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  In view of the fact that the “entrance part” shown in this feature is variable, the “entrance part” can also be referred to as “variable entrance part”. Further, the “second region” shown in the feature G1 and the feature G2 is a region in which the visibility of the game ball is lower than that of the first region, but may be a region in which the game ball cannot be visually recognized.

  Incidentally, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature F group may be applied to the features G1 to G11.

<Feature H group>
The following group H is characterized in that a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball to the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature H1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pitching portion (for example, the first variable winning device 82) provided in the game area;
An upstream guide passage (guide passage 360) that guides the game ball to the entrance portion and the entrance to the entrance portion is avoided by being provided so as to branch on the upstream side of the entrance portion. In this way, a detour path (detour path 370) that detours the entrance part,
A door body (front door frame 14) covering the gaming board from the front of the gaming machine;
The door body has a main body portion (frame body 20 and lamp portion 26) in which an opening (window portion 21) is formed in the center, and a panel portion (glass panel 23) that covers the opening, and through the panel portion. The gaming area is configured to be visible,
The main body portion is provided with a light emitting portion (light emitting substrate 453) and a cover portion (lamp cover 460) formed so as to overlap the light emitting portion and the bypass passage from the front of the gaming machine. The passage is visible,
A light emission control means (notification / production control device 255) for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit;
The light emission control means includes means for lowering the visibility of the bypass passage through the cover part by setting the light emission aspect of the light emission part to a predetermined aspect when a predetermined gaming state is established. A gaming machine characterized by

  If the game ball is flowing into the detour passage while the game ball is being launched aiming at the entrance part and there are many opportunities to avoid entering the entrance part, it is easy to notice the game ball spilling Become. This can be a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play. During a predetermined game state (for example, a special game state to be described later), the light emission mode of the light emitting unit becomes the predetermined mode, so that the visibility of the bypass path through the cover unit is reduced, and the game ball passing through the bypass path is visible. It becomes difficult. Thereby, the spilling can be made inconspicuous. The game ball launched into the ball club can be seen as if it is entering the ball club efficiently, so that the player's satisfaction is increased and the game's attention is improved. Can do.

  In order to make the spilling ball difficult to see, it is possible to take measures such as making the bypass passage completely invisible. However, it is feared that making the detour path invisible is a factor that reduces the work efficiency of confirmation work such as clogged balls. In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, the visibility can be temporarily lowered by setting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit to the predetermined mode in a predetermined game state. For the above reasons, it is possible to suitably suppress a decrease in workability resulting from an improvement in the degree of attention to the game.

  Note that the “predetermined gaming state” includes a gaming state in which the game can be advantageously advanced by launching the game ball with the aim of the entrance portion.

Feature H2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A pitching portion (for example, a first pitching portion) that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched between an accepting state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which the entering is impossible. 1 variable winning device 82),
A switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the pitching unit to the receiving state when in the special gaming state;
An upstream guide passage (guide passage 360) that guides the game ball to the entrance portion and the entrance to the entrance portion is avoided by being provided so as to branch on the upstream side of the entrance portion. In this way, a detour path (detour path 370) that detours the entrance part,
A door body (front door frame 14) covering the gaming board from the front of the gaming machine;
The door body has a main body portion (frame body 20 and lamp portion 26) in which an opening (window portion 21) is formed in the center, and a panel portion (glass panel 23) that covers the opening, and through the panel portion. The gaming area is configured to be visible,
The main body portion is provided with a light emitting portion (light emitting substrate 453) and a cover portion (lamp cover 460) formed so as to overlap the light emitting portion and the bypass passage from the front of the gaming machine. The passage is visible,
A light emission control means (notification / production control device 255) for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit;
The light emission control means includes means for lowering the visibility of the bypass passage through the cover portion by setting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit to a predetermined mode when the special gaming state is set. A gaming machine characterized by

  In a situation where the variable pitching part is in an accepting state (special game state), the game can be advantageously advanced by launching the gaming ball aiming at the pitching part. Under such circumstances, the spilling of game balls can be a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play. During the special game state, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit becomes a predetermined mode, so that the visibility of the bypass passage through the cover portion is reduced, and the game ball passing through the bypass passage becomes difficult to see. Thereby, the spilling can be made inconspicuous. The game ball launched into the ball club can be seen as if it is entering the ball club efficiently, so that the player's satisfaction is increased and the game's attention is improved. Can do.

  In order to make the spilling ball difficult to see, it is possible to take measures such as making the bypass passage completely invisible. However, it is feared that making the detour path invisible is a factor that reduces the work efficiency of confirmation work such as clogged balls. In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, the visibility can be temporarily lowered by setting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit to the predetermined mode in a predetermined game state. For the above reasons, it is possible to suitably suppress a decrease in workability resulting from an improvement in the degree of attention to the game.

  In view of the fact that the “entrance part” shown in this feature is variable, the “entrance part” can also be referred to as “variable entrance part”.

Feature H3. The cover portion is light transmissive, and a light diffusion portion (light diffusion portion 479) for diffusing light is provided in a predetermined portion in front of the bypass path in the cover portion,
The gaming machine according to Feature H1 or Feature H2, wherein the light emission mode of the light emission unit is the predetermined mode so that light from the light emission unit is irradiated onto the light diffusion unit .

  When the light emission mode of the light emitting unit becomes a predetermined mode, when light from the light emitting unit is irradiated on the light diffusing unit, the light is diffused in the light diffusing unit, and the light diffusing unit appears to emit light. be able to. Since the light diffusing portion is provided in a predetermined portion in front of the detour passage at the cover portion, the detour passage positioned behind the light diffusing portion is difficult to see by being hidden by the light from the light diffusing portion. Thereby, visibility can be lowered not only for the bypass passage but also for the game ball passing through the bypass passage.

Feature H4. The cover portion is convex forward of the gaming machine,
A side wall portion (side wall portions 475 and 485) on the center side of the game area in the cover portion is located in front of the bypass passage, and the light diffusion portion is formed in the side wall portion. A gaming machine according to Feature H3.

  According to the configuration indicated by the feature H4, it is possible to suitably earn a moving distance of light passing through the side wall portion. That is, if an attempt is made to view the detour path from the front side of the gaming machine through the side wall, light (reflected light) that passes through the side wall and reaches the player's eyes is likely to be diffused due to the longer optical path in the side wall. Here, when light is irradiated from the light emitting part to the side wall part, the reflected light described above becomes difficult to understand due to the light from the light emitting part. Since light from the light emitting unit only needs to be lost at any position in the optical path, the effect of reducing visibility can be suitably exhibited even when variations in parallax or the like occur.

Feature H5. The cover portion is convex forward of the gaming machine,
A side wall portion (side wall portions 475 and 485) on the center side of the game area in the cover portion faces obliquely forward and is located in front of the bypass path, and the light diffusion portion is formed on the side wall portion. The gaming machine according to Feature H3.

  According to the structure shown in the characteristic H5, the moving distance of the light which passes a side wall part can be earned suitably. That is, if an attempt is made to view the detour path from the front side of the gaming machine through the side wall, light (reflected light) that passes through the side wall and reaches the player's eyes is likely to be diffused due to the longer optical path in the side wall. Here, when light is irradiated from the light emitting part to the side wall part, the reflected light described above becomes difficult to understand due to the light from the light emitting part. Since light from the light emitting unit only needs to be lost at any position in the optical path, the effect of reducing visibility can be suitably exhibited even when variations in parallax or the like occur.

  In particular, since the side wall portion faces obliquely forward, for example, the reduction effect can be exhibited while reducing the thickness of the side wall portion as compared with a configuration in which the side wall portion is perpendicular to the front surface of the game board. it can. The light diffusing portion is easier to form on the surface portion than the meat portion of the side wall portion, and the degree of freedom of arrangement is increased, and the arrangement of the light diffusing portion on the surface portion can be promoted by thinning, so a practically preferable configuration Can be realized.

  Feature H6. A step portion (step portion 478) is formed on the side wall portion of the cover portion, and the cover portion is disposed so that the step portion is positioned in front of the bypass passage. The gaming machine according to H4 or feature H5.

  According to the feature H6, the strength of the cover member can be suitably improved by forming the stepped portion (folded portion) on the side wall portion. Furthermore, light is easily refracted and diffused at such a stepped portion. Therefore, if the step portion is disposed in front of the detour passage, the effects shown in the feature H1 and the like can be preferably exhibited.

Feature H7. The cover portion is configured by stacking a plurality of cover members (cover members 471, 481) in the front-rear direction,
A step portion (step portion 478) is formed on the side wall portion of the inner cover member constituting the plurality of cover members,
The gaming machine according to Feature H4 or Feature H5, wherein the inner cover member is disposed such that the stepped portion is positioned in front of the bypass passage.

  According to the feature H7, the strength of the cover member can be suitably improved by forming the stepped portion (folded portion) on the side wall portion. Furthermore, light is easily refracted and diffused at such a stepped portion. Therefore, if the step portion is disposed in front of the detour passage, the effects shown in the feature H1 and the like can be preferably exhibited.

  Since the outer cover member is a part that is directly touched by a player or the like and is also a part that is directly connected to the appearance, restrictions are likely to occur in providing a reinforcing step. In addition, it is not preferable that the position of the cover member is restricted in order to exhibit the effects shown in the feature H1 and the like. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if a step portion is provided on the side wall portion of the inner cover member, occurrence of these various inconveniences can be suitably suppressed.

Feature H8. The light emitting unit is located on the outer side of the gaming machine than the bypass passage,
The gaming machine according to any one of features H1 to H7, characterized in that light from the light-emitting portion is irradiated to the center side of the gaming machine so as to cross the front of the bypass passage .

  Since the light emitting unit is disposed outside the gaming machine with respect to the bypass passage, it can be avoided that the light emitting unit itself obstructs the visual recognition of the bypass passage. Light from the light emitting unit is irradiated to the center side of the gaming machine so as to cross the front of the bypass passage. A light diffusing portion is disposed in front of the bypass passage, and light is diffused in the light diffusing portion, so that the reduction effect is exhibited. By setting it as such a structure, it can suppress suitably that presence of a light emission part obstructs the said confirmation operation | work.

Feature H9. The light emitting unit includes a light emitting substrate (light emitting substrate 453) on which a plurality of light emitting bodies (light emitting bodies 454A to 454D) are mounted, and a base (pedestal 452) that holds the light emitting substrate.
Any of the features H1 to H8, wherein the light emitting substrate is inclined with respect to the game board so that the plate surface of the light emitting substrate faces obliquely forward when the light emitting substrate is disposed on the pedestal. The gaming machine according to one.

  In the case where the light emitting substrate is arranged so as to avoid the overlap with the detour path, restrictions on the arrangement of the light emitting substrate become strong. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the light emitting board is inclined and arranged, the area of the light emitting board is secured while avoiding the overlap between the detour path and the light emitting board in a front view of the gaming machine. can do. Thereby, the restrictions concerning the light emission range and the amount of light can be relaxed suitably.

  Feature H10. The bypass passage and the light emitting portion are arranged in a front view of the gaming machine such that the bypass passage is on the center side of the game area and the light emitting portion is on the outside, and the light emitting substrate is mounted on the light emitting body. The gaming machine according to Feature H9, wherein the gaming machine is arranged in a tilted state so as to face the center side.

  In the gaming machine of the type having the gaming area, various gaming parts are arranged on the assumption that the player's face is located at the center front of the gaming area. Therefore, if the light emitting substrate is inclined inward, the light emission direction can be easily directed to the player side, and the effect of reducing the visibility due to light can be suitably exhibited.

Feature H11. The light emitting unit includes a light emitting substrate (light emitting substrate 453) on which a plurality of light emitters (light emitters 454A to 454D) are mounted.
The plurality of light emitters include a first light emitter (light emitters 454A to 454B) that irradiates light to the light diffusion portion in the cover portion, and a portion other than the light diffusion portion (for example, a front portion 476, 476) in the cover portion. 486) a second light emitter (light emitters 454C to 454D) for irradiating light,
The light emission control means includes means for causing the second light emitter to emit light when the special gaming state is not established, and means for causing the first light emitter to emit light when the special gaming state is established. The gaming machine according to any one of features H1 to H10, wherein:

  According to the feature H11, the light emitting substrate is provided with the first light emitter and the second light emitter that are different in light irradiation destination. In the special gaming state, the first light emitter emits light, and the light from the first light emitter is applied to the light diffusion portion. In this way, by making the light diffusing section emit light, the visibility of the bypass path located behind the light diffusion section can be reduced.

Feature H12. The cover part has an inner side wall part facing the center side of the gaming machine, an outer side wall part facing the outside of the gaming machine, and a front part facing the front side of the gaming machine, and the front part is a front view of the gaming machine. It is configured to avoid overlapping with the bypass passage,
The light diffusion part is formed on the inner side wall part,
The gaming machine according to Feature H11, further comprising a light guide (lens 455) that guides light from the second light emitter to at least one of the front surface and the outer side wall.

  When the game state is not in a special game state, a light emission effect or the like may be performed by light from the second light emitter. If the light from the second light emitter is irradiated to the light diffusing portion when the detour path is confirmed, the light interferes with the confirmation work. If the configuration is such that the light emitting effect or the like by the second light emitter is refrained when it is not in the special gaming state, such inconvenience can be suppressed, but it is not preferable for improving the appearance of the gaming machine. Therefore, as shown in this feature, when the light from the second light emitter is irradiated to at least one of the front surface portion and the outer side wall portion of the cover portion, the front surface portion and the outer side wall portion are bypassed. Since it is arranged at a position where overlap with the passage is avoided, even if a light emission effect or the like is performed using light from the second light emitter, it can be suitably avoided that it becomes a factor that hinders workability. .

Feature H13. A plurality of the first light emitters;
When the light emission mode of the light emitting unit is a predetermined mode, the light emission control unit performs light emission control so as to partially overlap the light emission periods of the first light emitters, thereby providing the light diffusion unit with the light emission unit. The gaming machine according to Feature H11 or Feature H12, characterized in that the supply of light is continued.

  In the case where the visibility of the bypass path is lowered by light emission, for example, a configuration in which a light emitter (first light emitter) is always lit can be used. However, in such a configuration, the light emission effect function is degraded. In this regard, if a plurality of first light emitters are provided and light irradiation is continued so that a part of the light emission periods of the first light emitters overlaps, a diversion is achieved while diversifying the light emission effects. The effect of making the passage inconspicuous can be suitably exhibited.

Feature H14. The plurality of first light emitters are arranged in a direction intersecting with the bypass passage,
The gaming machine according to Feature H13, wherein the light emission control means is configured to perform light emission control so as to partially overlap the light emission periods of the plurality of first light emitters arranged in the intersecting direction. .

  When the light emission target is switched using a plurality of first light emitters, the amount of light applied to the light diffusion portion may be biased. It is assumed that the function of lowering the visibility of the bypass path behind can not be performed satisfactorily because the light emission level is lowered in a portion where the amount of light is small. Such a situation is likely to occur when the light emission target is switched for a plurality of first light emitters arranged in the direction of the bypass passage. In this respect, if it is configured to switch the light emission target for the plurality of first light emitters arranged in the direction intersecting the passage as shown in the feature, such inconvenience can be made difficult to occur.

  Incidentally, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature G group may be applied to the feature H1 to the feature H14.

<Feature I group>
The following feature group I states that “a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board on which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature I1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A variable pitching portion provided in the gaming area and capable of switching between an accepting state (open state) in which game balls flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entry is impossible (for example, A first variable winning device 82);
Switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state when the special gaming state is set;
A guide passage (upstream guide passage 360) that guides a game ball to the variable entrance portion and is provided to branch to the upstream side of the variable entrance portion, and entrance to the variable entrance portion. A detour path (a detour path 370) that circumvents the variable pitching portion so as to be avoided;
Means for switching the detour passage between a relatively short state and a relatively long state required for passing the detour passage in the special game state. Gaming machine.

  In the special game state, the variable pitching portion is switched between the accepting state and the non-accepting state. Compared to the non-acceptance state in the accepting state, the game ball that has reached the variable entry portion is more likely to enter the variable entry portion. When a large number of game balls flow out of the bypass path under such circumstances, the game balls that have passed through the bypass path are easily noticed by the player. The game balls that have flowed into the bypass path are prevented from entering the entrance. It is assumed that if the player enters the detour passage, it will be easy to give the player the impression that a wasteful investment will increase. This can be a hindrance in improving the degree of attention to the game. Here, as shown in this feature, according to the configuration in which the required time required to pass through the bypass passage can be changed, for example, in a situation where it is difficult to notice that game balls are flowing out of the bypass passage, The outflow can be suppressed by extending the time required for passage through the passage. In addition, for example, in a situation where there are many game balls that pass through the variable entry portion, a game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is reduced to a game ball that passes through the variable entry portion by shortening the time required for passing the bypass passage. Can be confused. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience and contribute to an improvement in the degree of attention to the game.

Feature I2. The gaming area is provided with a first area and a second area in which it is more difficult to visually recognize the game ball than the first area,
The gaming machine according to claim I1, wherein the guide passage is disposed in the first region, and the bypass passage is disposed in the second region.

  As shown in feature I2, if the first area / second area having different visibility is provided and the bypass path is provided in the second area having relatively low visibility, a game passing through the bypass path The sphere can be made inconspicuous. In such a configuration, it is possible to make it appear as if the game ball launched into the variable pitching part is efficiently entering the variable pitching part. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

  However, even if the game balls passing through the bypass passage are made inconspicuous, there is a concern that if the game balls passing through the bypass passage are easily noticeable, the above-mentioned effect will not be exhibited well. Therefore, according to the combination with the configuration shown in the feature I1, it is possible to easily mix the game ball that has flowed out of the detour passage into the game ball that has passed through the variable pitching portion, and the above-described inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  The “second region” shown in this feature is a region in which the visibility of the game ball is lower than that of the first region, but may be a region in which the game ball cannot be viewed.

Feature I3. The guide passage is an upstream guide passage,
Of the game balls that are provided on the downstream side of the variable pitching portion and are guided to the variable pitching portion by the upstream guide passage, the game balls that have not entered the variable pitching portion are predetermined in the gaming area. A downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306) capable of guiding to a position;
The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is guided to the predetermined position through the downstream guide passage,
The game according to Feature I1 or Feature I2, wherein when the variable pitching portion is in the receiving state, the required period of the bypass path is in a relatively long state Machine.

  As shown in the characteristic I3, in the configuration in which the game ball that has passed through the guide passage and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage are merged in the downstream guide passage, the movement of the variable entry portion and the behavior of the game ball at the junction location Thus, it is possible to identify the game ball that has passed through the bypass path. Specifically, most of the game balls that have reached the variable ball entry part in a situation where the variable ball entry part is in an accepting state will enter the variable ball entry part. The movement to the downstream guide passage is prevented by the portion. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the game ball that has flowed into the downstream guide passage (specifically, the junction) in the state where the variable ball entry portion is in the receiving state is via the detour passage. Therefore, as shown in this feature, when the variable pitching portion is in the receiving state, the required time required to pass the detour passage is lengthened and the outflow of game balls from the detour passage is suppressed. By doing so, it is possible to easily cause the game ball that has passed through the detour path to be confused with the game ball that has passed through the variable pitching portion.

  In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is “a game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed” and a game state is changed from a normal game player based on a predetermined transition condition being established. A game state transition means (function for performing a transition of the game state in the MPU of the main control device 162) for shifting to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) advantageous to the game area, and the game area A variable pitching portion (for example, the first variable winning device 82) that can be switched between an accepting state (open state) in which a game ball to be entered can be entered and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entry is impossible, and the special game When the state is in the state, the switching means (the opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state, and branching upstream from the variable pitching portion. Provided, said An upstream guide passage (upstream guide passage 360) that guides the game ball to the variable ball portion, and a bypass passage that bypasses the variable ball portion so as to avoid entering the variable ball portion (detour) A path 370) and a game ball that is provided on the downstream side of the variable pitching portion and guided to the variable pitching portion by the upstream guide path and that has not entered the variable pitching portion. A downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306) capable of guiding to a predetermined position in the game area, and a game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is guided to the predetermined position through the downstream guide passage. The detour path is switchable between a relatively short period and a relatively long period of time required for the detour path to pass through the detour path, and is variable in the special game state. The entrance part is in the receiving state Gaming machine the required period of the bypass passage if Tsu is characterized by being configured such that the long state. "And may be.

Feature I4. A regulation part (regulation member 505 or the like) that can be switched between a regulation state that regulates the outflow of game balls from the bypass passage and a non-regulation state that does not carry out the regulation
And a switching means (MPU of the main controller 162) for switching the restricting portion so that the restricting portion is in the restricted state when the variable pitching portion is in the receiving state. The gaming machine according to any one of features I1 to I3.

  As shown in feature I4, when the variable ball entry part is in the receiving state, the restriction part is used to restrict the outflow of the game ball from the detour path, thereby bypassing the game ball passing through the variable ball entry part. When the game balls that have passed through the passage are merged, it is possible to suitably suppress the source of the game ball from being easily identified.

Feature I5. The gaming area is provided with a first area and a second area in which it is more difficult to visually recognize the game ball than the first area,
The guide passage is disposed in the first region, and the bypass passage is disposed in the second region;
A restricting portion (such as a restricting member 505) that can be switched between a restricting state that restricts the outflow of game balls from the guide passage and a non-regulating state that does not restrict the game ball;
Switching means (MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the restriction part so that the restriction part is in the restriction state in the special gaming state;
The gaming machine according to any one of features I1 to I3, wherein the restricting portion is disposed in the second region.

  As shown in feature I4, when the variable ball entry part is in the receiving state, the restriction part is used to restrict the outflow of the game ball from the detour path, thereby bypassing the game ball passing through the variable ball entry part. When the game balls that have passed through the passage are merged, it is possible to suitably suppress the source of the game ball from being easily identified. Here, when the movement of the restricting part enters the eyes of the player, the movement of the restricting part can be a starting point for identifying the game ball that has passed through the bypass path. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by disposing the restricting portion together with the bypass path in the second region having relatively low visibility.

Feature I6. The variable pitching portion has a pitching entrance (large winning opening 82a), a guide position for guiding the game ball to the entrance and a movable body (shutter 82b) that is displaced to a non-guided position that does not guide.
The restricting portion includes a shutter (a restricting member 505 or the like) that moves in a direction intersecting with the flow path of the bypass passage, and the restricting state and the unregulated state are detected when the shutter is displaced to a restricting position and an unregulating position. It is configured to switch to the state,
The switching means is for displacing the shutter to the restriction position in accordance with the displacement of the movable body to the guide position,
The game machine according to Feature I4 or Feature I5, wherein the variable pitching portion is arranged to be side by side with the bypass passage.

  As shown in this feature, if the variable pitching portion and the bypass passage are arranged side by side, the interlocking between the variable pitching portion (movable body) and the restricting portion (shutter) is simplified (for example, a link). Mechanism). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the configuration from becoming excessively complicated in realizing the technical idea shown in the feature I1 or the like.

Feature I7. The downstream guide passage is provided with a merging point (merging point CP) where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage are merged,
The period until the game ball that has passed through the restricting portion reaches the joining location is configured to be longer than the period until the game ball that has passed through the variable entry portion reaches the joining location. The gaming machine according to Feature I5 or Feature I6.

  In a configuration in which a game ball that has passed through the guide passage (a game ball that has passed through the variable entry portion) and a game ball that has passed through the detour passage are merged in the downstream guide passage, the game ball that precedes the junction (the guide passage) Game balls that have passed through the detour passage in a situation where there is no game ball that has passed through), it is difficult for the preceding game balls to be confused with the game balls that have passed through the detour passage. Become. Therefore, as shown in this feature, by making the period until the game ball that has passed through the restricting portion reaches the joining location longer than the period until the game ball that has passed through the variable entrance portion reaches the joining location The chance that the game ball that has flowed out from the detour passage in a situation where no game ball is present at the junction can reach the junction. Thereby, it is possible to cause the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage to be lost to the game ball that has passed through the guide passage.

  Also, for example, when the joining point is positioned directly below the variable entry part, such as when the joining part enters the field of view while paying attention to the variable entry part, It is assumed that the game ball is conspicuous when the game ball (the game ball that has passed through the detour path) arrives at the joining point under the situation where the variable pitching portion is in the non-acceptance state. In consideration of such circumstances, if it is attempted to keep the joining location away from the variable entry portion, the restrictions on the return location of the game ball that has passed through the detour path become stronger. In this respect, if the technical idea shown in the present feature is applied, the restriction relating to such an arrangement can be preferably relaxed.

Feature I8. The downstream guide passage is provided with a merging point (merging point CP) where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage are merged,
When the variable pitching portion changes from the non-accepting state to the accepting state, the restricting portion switches from the non-regulating state to the restricting state prior to switching of the variable pitching portion. The gaming machine according to any one of features I4 to I7, wherein:

  The arrival of the game ball from the detour passage in the situation where the variable ball entry portion is in the accepting state can be an indication of the origin of the game ball (passing through the detour passage). Therefore, as shown in this feature, the variable entry part is in the acceptance state by adopting a configuration in which the restriction part is switched from the non-restriction state to the restriction state prior to switching the non-acceptance state → the acceptance state of the variable entry part. Under such circumstances, it is possible to suitably reduce the chance that the game ball from the detour passage reaches the junction. Thereby, it can suppress that the game ball which passed the detour passage is visible to a player.

Feature I9. The guide passage is an upstream guide passage,
Of the game balls that are provided on the downstream side of the variable pitching portion and are guided to the variable pitching portion by the upstream guide passage, the game balls that have not entered the variable pitching portion are predetermined in the gaming area. A downstream guide passage (downstream guide passage 306) capable of guiding to a position;
The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is guided to the predetermined position through the downstream guide passage,
The predetermined section including the exit portion of the bypass path in the bypass path is a deceleration section that reduces the moving speed of the game ball,
The section from the exit portion of the detour path to the junction point in the downstream path is an acceleration section for accelerating the game ball, according to any one of features I4 to I8, Gaming machine.

  In the configuration where the restricting unit is switched between the restricted state and the non-restricted state, when a plurality of game balls located in the bypass passage are moved to the joining point at once in accordance with the change of the restricting unit to the unrestricted state, It is assumed that the movement of a game ball is easily noticed by the player. Therefore, as shown in this feature, after the game ball is decelerated once near the exit of the bypass passage, the game ball is accelerated in the downstream guide passage, thereby increasing the speed difference and distance between the game balls. be able to. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a plurality of game balls that have passed through the bypass passage from being gathered together (at a stroke) toward the joining location, and to prevent the game balls that have passed through the bypass passage from being easily noticed by the player.

  Here, in order to earn a speed difference and distance between game balls, it is not always necessary to provide a deceleration section at the exit portion of the bypass passage, but the game balls from the bypass passage meet before the game balls from the guide passage. It is preferable to suppress the movement of the game ball on the downstream side of the restricting portion. For example, it is possible to increase the time until the junction is reached by disposing the restricting portion away from the exit portion. However, with such a measure, restrictions on the disposition of the restricting portion become strong. In view of such circumstances, it is technically significant to set a deceleration zone near the exit portion of the bypass passage and to provide an acceleration zone downstream thereof.

Feature I10. Delay means switchable between a first state in which the movement of the game ball toward the exit portion of the bypass passage is delayed and a second state in which the delay is not performed;
One of the characteristics I1 to I3, further comprising switching means for switching the delay means between the first state and the second state when the special gaming state is set. Game machines.

  According to the feature I10, the movement of the game ball toward the exit portion of the bypass passage is delayed by the delay means switching from the second state to the first state. With such a configuration, the technical idea shown in the feature I1 can be suitably realized.

Feature I11. The detour passage is formed with a first flow path and a second flow path having a longer period of passage than the first flow path,
The gaming machine according to Feature I10, wherein the flow path of the game ball is switched from the first flow path to the second flow path when the delay means is in the second state.

  According to the feature I11, the delay means is in the second state and the flow path is switched from the first flow path to the second flow path, thereby increasing the required time period for the game ball to pass through the bypass passage. However, since the game balls continue to move even when the flow path is switched, it is possible to suppress the distance between the game balls passing through the bypass path from becoming extremely small. For this reason, when the delay means is in the first state and the flow path is returned to the first flow path, it is possible to avoid a plurality of game balls from flowing out from the outlet portion of the detour passage at once. Thereby, it can suppress that the game ball which passed the detour passage is visible to a player.

  Feature I12. In the bypass path, when the flow path of the bypass path is the second flow path, the time required for passing the bypass path is set to be in the special gaming state and the variable pitching portion is in the receiving state. The gaming machine according to Feature I11, wherein the gaming machine is longer than a maintained period.

  According to the characteristic I12, when the flow path of the bypass passage is the second flow path, the required time required for passing the bypass passage is maintained in the special game state and the variable pitching portion is maintained in the reception state. It is longer than the period (for example, the shortest period). By delaying the movement of the game ball that passes through the bypass passage by setting the delay means as the first state when the variable entrance portion is in the reception state, the game ball that has flowed out from the exit portion of the bypass passage during the reception state is merged Opportunities to reach places and the like can be suitably reduced.

  Feature I13. The detour path is such that when the flow path of the detour path is the first flow path, the time required for the detour path to pass is the special game state and the variable pitching portion is in the non-accepting state. The gaming machine according to Feature I11 or Feature I12, wherein the gaming machine is shorter than a period of time maintained.

  Compared to the case where the variable pitching portion is in an acceptance state, the case where the variable pitching portion is in a non-acceptance state is less noticeable when the game balls that have passed through the detour path are merged. . Therefore, as shown in this feature, when the flow path of the detour passage is the first flow path, the required time required to pass through the detour passage is set to the non-acceptance state in the variable entry portion in the special game state. By making it shorter than the maintained period, it becomes easy to join the game ball that has passed the detour passage to the game ball that has passed the guide passage. This is effective in making the game ball that has passed through the detour path less noticeable.

  Feature I14. The delay means is a movable body that is movable in a direction intersecting the passage direction of the bypass passage, and in the first state, the movable body protrudes into a game ball passing region in the bypass passage, whereby the bypass passage The gaming machine according to I10, wherein the flow path is meandering in the intersecting direction.

  According to the feature I14, the movable body protrudes into the passage region and the flow path meanders, so that the moving speed of the game ball is lowered and the required period for passing through the detour path is increased. With such a configuration, it is possible to suitably suppress that the area occupied by the bypass passage becomes large and the placement area such as the guide passage is compressed. In the first place, when the guide passage and the bypass passage are used in combination, it is preferable to encourage the player's attention to be directed to the guide passage. In view of such circumstances, an increase in the size of the bypass path is an obstacle to attracting attention to the guide path. For the above reason, it is technically significant to lengthen the required time period for passing the game ball by meandering the flow path using the movable body.

  Incidentally, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature H group may be applied to the feature I1 to the feature I14.

<Feature J group>
The following group J is characterized in that “a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by a player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. As for the background art “see (for example, Patent Document 1)”, there is an invention that “the gaming machine of the type described above still has room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game”. It was made with a problem to be solved.

Feature J1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A pitching portion (for example, a first variable winning device 82) provided on the front side of the gaming board and capable of entering a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area;
A guide passage (upstream guide passage 360) that guides a game ball to the entrance portion and the entrance to the entrance portion is avoided by being provided so as to be branched upstream of the entrance portion. In this way, it is provided with a detour path (detour path 370) that detours the pitching part,
The bypass path is
An inflow passage portion (upstream portion 621) having an inflow port (inlet portion 372) provided on the front side of the game board and guiding the game ball flowing into the inflow port to the back side of the game board;
A back side passage portion (for example, a midstream portion 631) provided on the back side of the game board and guiding a game ball moved to the back side of the game board along the back side of the game board;
The back-side passage portion overlaps the guide passage from behind the gaming machine, and a game ball passing through the back-side passage portion is visible from the front of the gaming machine through the guide passage. To play.

  According to the feature J1, the game ball heading for the entrance portion is divided into a guide passage that leads to the entrance portion and a bypass passage that bypasses the entrance portion. The detour passage overlaps with the guide passage from behind the gaming machine, and a game ball passing through the detour passage (a game ball in which entry into the entrance portion is avoided) is visible through the guide passage. For this reason, the game ball passing through the detour path can be seen as if it is passing through the detour path, that is, as if it is heading for the ball entry section. With such a configuration, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls launched toward the entrance part are entering the entrance part efficiently. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

Feature J2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode) more advantageous to the player than usual, Migration function), and
A pitching portion that is provided on the front side of the gaming board and can be switched between an accepting state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state (closed state) in which entering is impossible. (For example, the first variable winning device 82),
A switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the pitching unit to the receiving state when in the special gaming state;
A side guide passage (upstream guide passage 360) that guides the game ball to the entrance portion and the entrance to the entrance portion are avoided. And a detour path (detour path 370) that detours the pitching part,
The bypass path is
An inflow passage portion (upstream portion 621) having an inflow port (inlet portion 372) provided on the front side of the game board and guiding the game ball flowing into the inflow port to the back side of the game board;
A back side passage portion (for example, a midstream portion 631) provided on the back side of the game board and guiding a game ball moved to the back side of the game board along the back side of the game board;
The backside passage portion is located behind the guide passage, and a game ball passing through the backside passage portion is visible from the front of the gaming machine through the guide passage. .

  According to the feature J2, the game ball heading for the entrance portion is divided into a guide passage that leads to the entrance portion and a bypass passage that bypasses the entrance portion. The detour passage overlaps with the guide passage from behind the gaming machine, and a game ball passing through the detour passage (a game ball in which entry into the entrance portion is avoided) is visible through the guide passage. For this reason, the game ball passing through the detour path can be seen as if it is passing through the detour path, that is, as if it is heading for the ball entry section. With such a configuration, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls launched toward the entrance part are entering the entrance part efficiently. Thereby, a player's satisfaction can be raised and it can contribute to the improvement of the attention degree to a game.

Feature J3. A plurality of game ball flow paths are formed in the guide passage,
The flow path of the back side passage section and the one flow path in the guide path each have a flow path forming section extending along a predetermined path in a front view of the gaming machine,
The back side passage portion and the guide passage are configured such that the flow path forming portion of the back side passage portion and the flow path forming portion of the guide passage overlap in a front view of a gaming machine. The gaming machine according to feature J1 or feature J2.

  In the case where the game ball passing through the bypass passage is made inconspicuous by causing the game ball passing through the bypass passage to be mixed with the game ball passing through the guide passage, the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage (back side) If the difference from the movement of the game ball passing through the guide passage (front side) becomes significant, there is a concern that the visual effect will not be exhibited well. In this regard, as shown in this feature, by overlapping the flow path of the bypass passage with one of the flow paths of the guide passage, the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage and the movement of the game ball passing through the guide passage are A difference can be made small and the said visual effect can be exhibited suitably.

  Note that the structure shown in this feature is “a plurality of game ball flow paths are formed in the guide passage, and the back-side passage section is connected to the back-side passage section in the front view of the gaming machine. The gaming machine according to the feature J1 or the feature J2, which is configured to overlap with any one of the passages of the passage.

Feature J4. The guide passage is provided with a first front side flow path and a second front side flow path having a higher passing frequency of game balls than the first front side flow path,
The flow path of the back side passage section and the second front side flow path in the guide path each have a flow path forming section extending along a predetermined path in a front view of the gaming machine,
The back side passage portion and the guide passage are configured such that the flow path forming portion of the back side passage portion and the flow path forming portion of the guide passage overlap in a front view of a gaming machine. The gaming machine according to feature J1 or feature J2.

  In the case where the game ball passing through the bypass passage is made inconspicuous by causing the game ball passing through the bypass passage to be mixed with the game ball passing through the guide passage, the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage (back side) If the difference from the movement of the game ball passing through the guide passage (front side) becomes significant, there is a concern that the visual effect will not be exhibited well. In this regard, as shown in this feature, by overlapping the flow path of the bypass passage with one of the flow paths of the guide passage, the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage and the movement of the game ball passing through the guide passage are A difference can be made small and the said visual effect can be exhibited suitably.

  In particular, when a plurality of flow paths having different game ball passage frequencies are formed in the guide passage, the second front side flow path having a high game ball passage frequency is selected from the plurality of flow paths. By making it a duplication object, it becomes easy to mix the game ball which passes a detour path into the game ball which passes a guidance path. Thereby, the said visual effect can be exhibited more suitably.

  In addition, the structure shown in this feature is “the guide passage is provided with a first front side flow path and a second front side flow path having a higher passing frequency of game balls than the first front side flow path. The gaming machine according to any one of features J1 to J2, wherein the side passage portion is configured such that a flow path of the rear side passage portion overlaps with the second front-side flow path in a front view of the gaming machine. Can also be used.

Feature J5. The guide passage is provided with a first front side flow path and a second front side flow path having a higher passing frequency of game balls than the first front side flow path,
The flow path of the back side passage section and the first front side flow path in the guide path each have a flow path forming section extending along a predetermined path in a front view of the gaming machine,
The back side passage portion and the guide passage are configured such that the flow path forming portion of the back side passage portion and the flow path forming portion of the guide passage overlap in a front view of a gaming machine. The gaming machine according to feature J1 or feature J2.

  The said back side passage part is comprised so that the flow path of the said back side passage part may overlap with the said 2nd front side flow path by game machine front view, The characteristics J1 thru | or the characteristic J2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Gaming machine.

  In the case where the game ball passing through the bypass passage is made inconspicuous by causing the game ball passing through the bypass passage to be mixed with the game ball passing through the guide passage, the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage (back side) If the difference from the movement of the game ball passing through the guide passage (front side) becomes significant, there is a concern that the visual effect will not be exhibited well. In this regard, as shown in this feature, by overlapping the flow path of the bypass passage with one of the flow paths of the guide passage, the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass passage and the movement of the game ball passing through the guide passage are A difference can be made small and the said visual effect can be exhibited suitably.

  In particular, when a plurality of flow paths with different game ball passage frequencies are formed in the guide passage, among the plurality of flow paths, a first front-side flow path with a low game ball passage frequency is connected to the back side passage portion. By making it a duplication object, the overlap of the game ball which passes a guidance passage and the game ball which passes a detour passage can be suppressed suitably.

Feature J6. The game ball that has reached the entrance through the guide passage under the situation where the entrance is in the non-acceptance state passes through the front of the entrance.
The game according to any one of features J1 to J5, wherein the back side passage portion is configured such that a portion of the back side passage portion passes behind the entrance portion. Machine.

  If the game ball passing through the bypass passage (rear side passage portion) deviates from the flow path to the entrance ball portion upstream from the entrance portion, the movement and detour of the game ball passing through the guide passage The difference from the movement of the game ball passing through the passage becomes remarkable. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the game ball flowing down the back side passage passes behind the entrance portion, the difference from the movement of the game ball passing through the guide passage can be reduced. . Thereby, it can suppress that the motion of the game ball which passes a detour passage becomes easy to see.

Feature J7. The pitching portion has a housing (housing 82c) in which a pitching entrance (big winning opening 82a) opened in front of the gaming machine is formed, and a shutter (shutter 82b) for opening and closing the entrance. Become
The housing and the shutter are transparent so that at least when the shutter is closed, a game ball passing behind the entrance portion can be visually recognized through the shutter and the back wall portion of the housing. The gaming machine according to Feature J6, wherein the gaming machine is configured.

  If a game ball that passes behind the entrance part is out of the player's field of view behind the entrance part, the difference from the game ball that passes through the guide passage becomes noticeable and passes through the detour passage. The game ball can be easily specified. Therefore, as shown in this feature, a game ball passing through the bypass passage is made visible through the entrance portion (shutter and housing) so that the game ball passing through the detour passage and the game passage passing through the guide passage. It is difficult to distinguish the ball from the ball, and it is possible to prevent the game ball passing through the detour path from being identified from the movement of the game ball. Thereby, the effect shown to the characteristic J6 can be exhibited suitably.

Feature J8. The ball-entry portion has a horizontally long entrance portion (large winning opening 82a) that is open to the front of the gaming machine, and an opening / closing body (shutter 82b) that covers the entrance portion from the front of the gaming machine,
When the incoming ball portion is in the non-accepting state, the game ball that has reached the incoming ball portion through the guide passage is configured to cut through the front of the opening / closing body,
The back-side passage portion includes a restricting means for restricting the movement of the game ball so as to vertically traverse the rear of the incoming ball portion when the incoming ball portion is in the receiving state. The gaming machine according to any one of features J1 to J7.

  When the ball entering part is in a non-accepting state, the game ball that has reached the ball entering part through the guide passage passes through the front of the ball entering part. The game balls passing through the bypass passage can be made difficult to distinguish between the game balls passing through the guide passage and the game balls passing through the bypass passage by matching with such movement. In such a configuration, if a game ball passing through the detour passage passes through the rear of the entrance portion even though the entrance portion is in an acceptance state, the movement of the game ball and the guide passage There is a concern that the difference from the movement of the game ball that has passed through becomes prominent, and that the game ball that passes through the detour passage becomes conspicuous. In this regard, as shown in this feature, when the ball-entering portion is in the receiving state, the above-mentioned inconvenience is caused by restricting the movement of the game ball that traverses the rear of the ball-entry portion. It can suppress suitably.

Feature J9. On the front side of the game board, there is provided a branch passage that is branched from the guide passage and formed so that the game ball passes through the side of the entrance portion,
The back side passage portion is formed with a first back side flow passage toward the entrance portion and a second back side flow passage passing behind the branch passage,
The second back side flow path is visible from the front of the gaming machine through the branch passage,
It is characterized by further comprising a flow path switching means for switching the flow path of the back side passage section so as to become the second back side flow path when the incoming ball portion is in the non-accepting state. The gaming machine according to any one of features J1 to J8.

  According to the feature J9, a part of the game ball that passes through the guide passage flows into the branch passage and passes through the side of the ball entrance portion. When the entrance ball part is in a non-accepting state, the game ball flowing down the bypass passage (the back side passage part) passes through the second back side flow path, so that the game ball passes through the branch passage. You can make it appear as if you are passing. By switching the flow path so that game balls passing through the bypass passage do not go to the entrance portion when the entrance portion is in an unaccepted state, the game balls passing through the bypass passage pass through the guide passage. It can be confused with the game ball that is.

Feature J10. The entrance part is horizontally long, and is formed so that a game ball that has entered the entrance part of the entrance part can move sideways.
The rear-side passage portion has a vertical passage portion that intersects the entrance portion in a front view of the gaming machine, and a lateral passage portion that branches from the longitudinal passage portion and extends laterally along the entrance portion. And
Flow path switching means for switching the flow path of the back-side passage section to the vertical passage section and the horizontal passage section;
The flow path switching means has a configuration in which the flow path of the back-side passage portion is used as the lateral passage portion when the incoming ball portion is in the receiving state. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  In the detour passage (rear side passage portion), a lateral passage portion that is horizontally long is provided at the rear portion of the ball entry portion in the same manner as the ball entry portion. The game ball that has reached the back of the entrance can be released to the side. The direction of movement of the game ball that has entered the entrance ball portion also changes in the horizontal direction, and the direction of movement of the game ball that has moved to the side passage portion of the detour passage also changes in the horizontal direction. In this way, by aligning the movement of the game ball that has entered the entrance part and the movement of the game ball behind the entrance part, the game ball that has passed through the guide passage is flowing into the entrance part. It is possible to suppress the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage from being seen as if passing through the entrance portion.

Feature J11. The flow path switching means has a movable body that is slidable in the thickness direction of the game board,
The back-side passage portion moves the game ball along the longitudinal passage when the movable body is disposed at the first position, and cuts the longitudinal passage when the movable body is disposed at the second position. And the movable body is configured to form the bottom surface of the lateral passage portion,
The flow path switching means includes: a means for arranging the movable body at the second position when the incoming ball portion is in the receiving state; and a case where the incoming ball portion is in the non-receiving state. The game machine according to Feature J10, further comprising means for disposing the movable body at the first position.

  As shown in the characteristic J11, by disposing the movable body for switching the flow path behind the movable entrance portion, the movement of the movable body when switching the flow path can be made inconspicuous. In other words, since the opening / closing member and the like operate when switching the entrance part to the accepting state / non-accepting state, a movable body is arranged behind it and interlocked with the movement of the opening / closing member. However, it is difficult to specify that the movement is for switching the flow path in the detour path (back side path section). Further, if the movable body is configured to slide in the thickness direction of the game board, the operation area in the front view of the gaming machine is reduced. Thereby, when arrange | positioning a movable body behind a ball entrance part, it can suppress suitably that the operation area | region expands to the position where the overlap with a ball entrance part is avoided.

Feature J12. The guide passage is provided with a front-side distribution portion (for example, a game nail 361) that changes the flow direction of the game ball by hitting a game ball passing through the guide passage
A rear side distribution unit (for example, a protrusion 635) that changes the flow direction of the game ball by hitting a game ball that passes through the bypass channel at a position behind the front side distribution unit in the rear side channel. The gaming machine according to any one of features J1 to J11, wherein:

  A game ball that passes through the guide passage through the guide passage by overlapping the guide passage and the bypass passage in the front and back and making the bypass passage (specifically, a game ball that passes through the bypass passage) visible through the guide passage. Can be confused. Here, in the configuration in which the movement of the game ball that passes through the guide passage is changed by the front-side distribution unit, the above effect is exhibited well when the movement of the game ball that passes through the bypass passage is far from that. Disappear. Therefore, in the case of changing the movement of the game ball using the back side distribution unit also in the bypass path, the game passing through the guide path is arranged by arranging the back side distribution unit behind the front side distribution unit. The difference between the movement of the ball and the movement of the game ball passing through the bypass path can be reduced. This is preferable when the game ball passing through the bypass passage is confused with the game ball passing through the guide passage.

  Incidentally, the technical ideas shown in the feature A group to the feature I group may be applied to the feature J1 to the feature J12.

  The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko machine: operation means (game ball launching handle 41) operated by a player, game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired A ball passage (guidance rail 100) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area and game parts (game nails, etc.) arranged in the game area, and a predetermined passing portion (general prize) among these game parts A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through the mouth 81 or the like.

  Slot machine, etc .: A variable display means that displays a symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then stops and displays the symbol sequence. Special game advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stoppage or when a predetermined time elapses and the final stop symbol at the time of stoppage is a specific symbol A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

  Ball-use spinning-type gaming machine: equipped with variable display means for variably displaying a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols, and finally stopping and displaying the symbol string, and the variation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the starting operation means, Due to the operation of the stop operating means or after a lapse of a predetermined time, the variation of the symbol is stopped, and a special game state advantageous to the player (required that the final stop symbol at the time of stoppage is a specific symbol) Bonus game, etc.), a ball receiving tray is provided, a loading device for performing a loading process for taking a game ball from the ball tray, and a paying device for paying out the game ball to the ball tray, A gaming machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means is made effective when a game ball is inserted by the apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 14 ... Front door frame, 20 ... Frame body, 22 ... Glass unit, 23 ... Glass panel, 26 ... Annular lighting part (lamp part), 41 ... Game ball launch handle, 80 ... Game board unit, 80a ... game board, 82 ... first variable winning device, 82a ... large winning port, 82b ... shutter, 83 ... second variable winning device, 83a ... large winning port, 83b ... shutter, 85 ... right operation input Ball unit, 86 ... through gate, 162 ... main control device, 242 ... dispensing device, 255 ... notification / production control device, 301 ... inflow portion, 302 ... branching portion, 303 ... upper expansion portion, 304 ... intermediate portion, 305 ... Lower extended portion, 306 ... downstream guide passage, 311 ... inner branch passage, 312 ... outer branch passage, 333 ... inclined passage, 334 ... inclined portion, 336, 337 ... recessed portion, 350 ... partition wall portion, 360 ... Inner passage, 370 ... right bypass passage, 372 ... inlet portion, 373 ... outlet portion, 380 ... left bypass passage, 382 ... inlet portion, 383 ... outlet portion, 450 ... pedestal, 453 ... light emitting substrate, 454A to 454D ... light emitter 455: Lens, 460 ... Cover, 471 ... Cover member, 475 ... Side wall part, 476 ... Front part, 477 ... Side wall part, 478 ... Step part, 479 ... Light diffusion part, 485 ... Side wall part, 486 ... Front part, 487 ... Side wall part, 505 ... Restriction member, 505a ... Upper surface, 600 ... Passage forming unit, 610 ... Main body part, 631 ... Middle stream part, 635 ... Projection, 641 ... Downstream part, 651 ... Discharge passage, 660 ... Movable plate, 680 ... path forming member, CP ... confluence, PE ... game area, SE ... specific area.

Claims (6)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
Game state transition means for transitioning the gaming state to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition;
A variable pitching portion that is provided in the gaming area and is switchable between an accepting state in which a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state in which entering is impossible;
Switching means for switching the variable pitching portion to the acceptance state when the special gaming state is established;
It is provided so as to branch on the upstream side of the variable pitching portion, so that the upstream guide passage for guiding the game ball to the variable pitching portion and the pitching into the variable pitching portion are avoided. A detour path for detouring the variable entry section,
Of the game balls that are provided on the downstream side of the variable pitching portion and are guided to the variable pitching portion by the upstream guide passage, the game balls that have not entered the variable pitching portion are predetermined in the gaming area. A downstream guide passage capable of guiding to a position,
The game ball that has passed through the bypass passage is guided to the predetermined position through the downstream guide passage,
The detour path can be switched between a relatively short period and a relatively long period of time required for the detour path to pass through the detour path,
A gaming machine, wherein the required period of the bypass path is in the long state when the variable pitching portion is in the receiving state in the special gaming state. The gaming area is provided with a first area and a second area in which it is more difficult to visually recognize the game ball than the first area,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the guide passage is disposed in the first region, and the bypass passage is disposed in the second region. A regulation unit capable of switching between a regulation state for regulating the outflow of game balls from the bypass passage and a non-regulation state in which the regulation is not performed;
2. A switching means for switching the restricting portion so that the restricting portion is in the restricted state when the variable pitching portion is in the receiving state. Item 3. The gaming machine according to Item 2. The variable pitching portion has a pitching entrance and a movable body that is displaced to a guidance position that guides the game ball to the pitching entrance and a non-guided position that does not guide,
The restricting portion includes a shutter that moves in a direction intersecting the flow path of the bypass passage, and is configured to switch between the restricted state and the unrestricted state when the shutter is displaced to a restricted position and a non-restricted position. And
The switching means is for displacing the shutter to the restriction position in accordance with the displacement of the movable body to the guide position,
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the variable pitching portion is arranged so as to be side by side with the bypass passage. The downstream guide passage is provided with a junction where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage are joined together,
The period until the game ball that has passed through the restricting portion reaches the joining location is configured to be longer than the period until the game ball that has passed through the variable entry portion reaches the joining location. The gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by that. The downstream guide passage is provided with a junction where the game ball that has passed through the upstream guide passage and the game ball that has passed through the bypass passage are joined together,
When the variable pitching portion changes from the non-accepting state to the accepting state, the restricting portion switches from the non-regulating state to the restricting state prior to switching of the variable pitching portion. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that:

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