JP2018102721A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suitably distributing game balls by distribution means.SOLUTION: For a rotary part 610, when a distribution part 640 is in a first distribution state and game balls enter a ball entry part 612 communicating with a distribution passage 621, a movable part operates along with the distribution part 640. The movable part also operates when the distribution part 640 is in the first distribution state and game balls enter a ball entry part 613 not communicating with the distribution passage 621. Therefore, when game balls are allowed to enter either the ball entry part 612 or the ball entry part 613, entries (namely, the ball entry parts 612, 613) communicating with the distribution passage 621 can be changed visually by operation of the rotary part 610, such that fun can be added to a game for distributing game balls to the distribution part 640 and a change in the distribution destination can be simply shown to a player, thus suppressing monotonicity in a game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

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

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In recent years, a distribution unit that distributes game balls to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations is provided, and a plurality of start ports (for example, two 2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine that distributes to any one of starting ports is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-22214

  However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines that distribute gaming balls using sorting means, such as the above-described conventional gaming machines.

  Accordingly, an object of the gaming machine according to the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably distributing gaming balls using a distribution means.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention
A distribution unit that changes a distribution destination of game balls that have entered from a predetermined distribution entry unit, wherein the first distribution state distributes game balls to a predetermined first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations When a game ball enters from the predetermined distribution entry section, the operation is performed to shift to a second distribution state in which the game ball is distributed to a predetermined second distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations. Sorting means;
A plurality of entrances including a first entrance that allows a game ball to enter, and a second entrance that allows a game ball to enter from an entry portion different from the predetermined sorting entry portion; A movable part that operates together with the allocating means, and a movable part that allows a game ball to enter from at least one of the plurality of inlets by mechanically moving the positions of the plurality of inlets when operated; With
When the allocating means is in the first allocating state, the movable portion is in a first inlet arrangement state corresponding to the first allocating state;
When a game ball enters the second entrance from the another entry portion in the first entrance arrangement state, the sorting means shifts to the second sort state, and the movable portion is It is characterized by operating together with the allocating means and shifting to the second inlet arrangement state corresponding to the second allocating state.

  With the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably allocating game balls using the sorting means.

Front side perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine Perspective view showing pachinko machine in open state Perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in yet another open state Front view of pachinko machine Front view of the pachinko machine with the front block removed Front view of game board Rear perspective view of pachinko machine Rear view of pachinko machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine Flow chart showing an example of main control main processing Flow chart showing an example of main control interrupt processing (A) is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus seen from the front side, (b) is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus seen from the rear side. (A) is a front view of the sorting device with the rotating part in the first position, (b) is a front view of the sorting device with the rotating part in the second position, and (c) is the rotating device. It is a rear view for demonstrating the flow-down path | route of a game ball when a game ball approachs from a ball-entry part in the state in which a part is in a 1st position, (d) is a state in which a rotation part is in a 1st position. It is a rear view for demonstrating the flow path | route of a game ball when a game ball approachs from an entrance part. (A) is a disassembled perspective view of the sorting apparatus of 2nd Embodiment seen from the front side, (b) is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus of 2nd Embodiment seen from the rear side. (A) is a front view of the sorting device with the rotating part in the first position, (b) is a front view of the sorting device with the rotating part in the second position, and (c) is the rotating device. It is a rear view of the distribution apparatus for demonstrating the flow path of a game ball when a game ball approachs from a ball entrance part in the state where a part is in the 1st position, (d) is a rotation part in the 1st position. It is a rear view of the distribution apparatus for demonstrating the flow-down path | route of a game ball when a game ball approachs from a ball-entry part in a state in a. (A) is a disassembled perspective view of the sorting apparatus of 3rd Embodiment seen from the front side, (b) is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus of 3rd Embodiment seen from the rear side. (A) is a front view of the sorting device with the rotating part in the first position, (b) is a front view of the sorting device with the rotating part in the second position, and (c) is the rotating device. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the sorting device for explaining the flow path of the game ball when the game ball enters the ball entering part in a state where the part is at the first position. Front view of a game board as an example of a game board in which the left and right game areas with respect to the central structure are substantially symmetrical

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the game board 400 is below the central structure 420 and above the left and right middle start winning devices 431A and 431B, the game ball is placed on the right middle start winning device 431A or the left middle start winning device. A distribution device 600 that distributes to 431B is arranged. The sorting apparatus 600 includes two ball entering portions 612 and 613, and game balls flowing down the game area can enter the sorting device 600 from these ball entering portions 612 and 613.

  Although details will be described later, the ball entering portions 612 and 613 are configured to be capable of rotating around the shaft 660. With this configuration, the entrance portions 612 and 613 of the entrance portion of the entrance portion 612 on one side (clockwise direction around the axis 660) face upward, and the other side (counterclockwise around the axis 660). The entrance portion of the incoming ball portion 613 faces diagonally upward to the left (that is, the location shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 14A), or the entrance portion of the incoming ball portion 612 faces diagonally upward to the right. An arrangement in which the entrance portion of the sphere 613 faces upward (that is, the arrangement shown in FIGS. 7 and 14B) can be taken.

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

  Further, the game board 400 is provided with various sensors for preventing fraud (see FIG. 10), and an abnormality occurring in the pachinko machine 100 can be detected. For example, a magnetic sensor 491, a vibration sensor 492, a radio wave sensor 493, and the like are installed on the game board 400.

  The entrance portion of the game ball of the central structure 420 and the starter 436 constitutes a ball entrance, and the game ball that has entered each ball entrance is discharged into the game area. When a game ball enters a ball entrance 421 formed on the left side of the central structure 420, the game ball passes through a ball passage (not shown) formed in the central structure 420. It is guided to a stage 422 formed on the lower side. The game balls guided to the stage 422 roll while reciprocating in the left-right direction on the stage 422, and then a plurality (for example, three) of the game balls formed so as to be discharged toward the front of the stage 422. It falls down from one of the exits and falls. One of the plurality of outlets is provided so as to be located above the center of the sorting apparatus 600, and is configured such that a game ball rolling on the stage 422 easily enters the sorting apparatus 600.

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

  Each of the right middle start winning device 431A related to the first special symbol, the left middle start winning device 431B related to the second special symbol, and the general winning device 439A and the general winning device 439B each has an entrance probability of the game ball to them. Without changing, the entered game ball is guided to the back side of the base body 401. Further, the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the entrance probability of the game ball into the inside. The mechanism for changing the probability of entering the game ball need not be provided only in the starting device related to the second special symbol. Instead of or in addition to that, the starting device and the general winning device related to the first special symbol. It may be provided in any one or a plurality of 439A and 439B. In addition, the mechanism for changing the entrance probability of the game ball may be constituted by a drive means such as an electrically driven solenoid, and is represented by a mechanism that operates by the weight of the game ball that has entered the predetermined area. You may comprise by the mechanism which operate | moves mechanically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the game board 400 includes a board surface light emitting device 490 (see FIG. 10) provided on the back side of various structures, and the board surface light emitting device 490 accompanies the progress of the game based on the control by the sub control board 940. Various light emission effects and state notifications by light emission are executed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Here, the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery match the jackpot winning probability setting and the jackpot type setting that combines the number of rounds and the gaming state to be shifted to after the special gaming state. It may be controlled as a thing, or it may be controlled as a different thing. Below, the winning probability of the jackpot is the same for both, and the type of jackpot is the player in the second special symbol lottery than the first special symbol lottery An advantageous case will be described as an example.

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

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

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

  Next, the playability of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

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

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

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

  Here, with respect to the sorting apparatus 600, three approach parts A1 to A3 are provided as the approach parts into which the game balls can enter into the sorting apparatus 600 through the two ball entering parts 612 and 613. Specifically, on the upper side of the sorting apparatus 600, an entry unit that can enter the sorting apparatus 600 from the upper side with respect to the sorting apparatus 600 (enters the sorting apparatus 600 along the route indicated by the arrow A1 in FIG. 7). An entrance portion of a possible game ball, hereinafter also referred to as an upper entry portion A <b> 1) is formed by a plurality of nails 411. Further, on the left side of the sorting device 600, an entry portion (in the sorting device 600 along the path indicated by the arrow A2 in FIG. 7) into which the game ball can enter the sorting device 600 from the left side with respect to the sorting device 600. Is an entrance portion of a game ball that can enter the lane (hereinafter also referred to as a left-side entry portion A2), and is formed by two nails 411. An entry portion through which a game ball can enter the distribution device 600 (an entrance portion of a game ball that can enter the distribution device 600 through a route indicated by an arrow A3 in FIG. 7, and is also referred to as a right entry portion A3 hereinafter). Is formed by two nails 411. The upper entry portion A1, the left entry portion A2, and the right entry portion A3 exemplify a case where each inlet portion is constituted by the nail 411. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each inlet is formed by a resin molded part. The inlet portion may not necessarily be formed separately from the sorting device 600, and the inlet portion may be configured by a part of the sorting device 600.

  As described above, the sorting device 600 allows the game ball to enter from the left entry portion A2 along the path indicated by the arrow A2 with the entrance portion of the entry portion 613 facing leftward, and the entrance of the entry portion 612. A state in which the portion is directed upward and a game ball can enter from the upper entry portion A1 along the path indicated by the arrow A1 (for example, the state shown in FIGS. 7 and 14A). It can also be called “minute state”. In addition, the sorting device 600 allows the game ball to enter from the right entry portion A3 along the path indicated by the arrow A3 with the entrance portion of the entrance portion 612 facing right, while the entrance portion of the entrance portion 613 is upward. A state in which a game ball can enter along the route indicated by arrow A1 from the upper entry portion A1 along the route indicated by arrow A1 (for example, the state shown in FIG. 14B). It can also be referred to as a “distributed state”.

  Thereby, in the first sorting state in which the entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 612 faces upward and the entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 613 faces leftward, for example, from the upper side to the lower side with respect to the sorting device 600 (that is, A game ball that flows down (in the direction of the solid arrow A1 in FIG. 7) can enter the sorting device 600 from the incoming ball portion 612. Further, for example, a game ball that flows from the left side to the right side with respect to the sorting device 600 (that is, in the direction of the solid arrow A2 in FIG. 7) enters the sorting device 600 from the ball entering portion 613. Can do.

  Specifically, in the first distribution state in which the entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 612 faces upward and the entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 613 faces leftward, the entrance portion enters the entrance ball portion 612 facing upward. A possible game ball rolls mainly on the stage 422 (see FIG. 7) and falls from an exit formed directly above the entrance ball portion 612, or on the entrance portion 612 without passing through the stage 422. It is a game ball that has reached the upper entry portion A1 by flowing down from the upper left side. In addition, game balls that can enter the entrance ball portion 613 with the entrance portion facing left are mainly game balls that have reached the left entrance portion A2 through the lower side from the left side of the central structure 420, or the upper entrance portion A1. It is a game ball that has reached the left entry portion A2 by drifting to the left side and flowing down at the entrance portion. On the other hand, game balls that have flowed off the right side at the entrance portion of the upper entry portion A1 or have flowed down in the game area due to the right-handed game technique are guided to the right entry portion A3 side. It is impossible to enter the sorting apparatus 600. Therefore, in the first state in which the entrance portion of the incoming ball portion 612 faces upward and the entrance portion of the incoming ball portion 613 faces leftward, the player can play a game ball by playing a game using the left-handed game technique. Can be made to enter either the entrance part 612 or the entrance part 613 efficiently.

  On the other hand, in the second sorting state in which the entrance portion of the entrance portion 612 faces right and the entrance portion of the entrance portion 613 faces upward, for example, while moving from the right side to the left side with respect to the sorter 600 A game ball that has flowed down (that is, in the direction of the two-dot chain line arrow A3 in FIG. 7) and has reached the right entry portion A3 can enter the sorting device 600 from the entry portion 612. Further, for example, a game ball that has flowed from the upper side to the lower side with respect to the sorting device 600 (that is, in the direction of the solid arrow A1 in FIG. Can enter.

  Specifically, in the second sorting state in which the entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 612 faces right and the entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 613 faces upward, the entrance portion enters the entrance ball portion 613 where the entrance portion faces upward. The possible game balls roll mainly on the stage 422 and fall from the exit formed directly above the ball-entry unit 613, or the stage, as in the case where the entrance portion of the ball-entry unit 612 faces upward. A game ball that has reached the upper entry portion A1 by flowing down from the upper left side of the incoming ball portion 612 without passing through 422. In addition, game balls that can enter the entrance ball portion 612 whose entrance portion faces right are mainly game balls that have reached the right entrance portion A3 from the right side of the central structure 420 through the lower side, and the upper entrance portion A1. This is a game ball that has reached the right entry portion A3 by flowing to the right at the entrance portion. On the other hand, when a game is played using the left-handed game technique, a large number of game balls flow down on the left side of the sorting device 600, and many game balls are guided to the left entry portion A2. However, it is not possible to enter the sorting device 600 from the left side entry portion A2.

  Therefore, in the second distribution state in which the entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 612 faces rightward and the entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 613 faces upward, the player plays a game using the left-handed game technique, A game ball can be caused to enter the ball entering unit 613 with substantially the same probability as the ball entering unit 612 in the first distribution state, and on the right side with a lower probability than the ball entering unit 613 in the first distribution state. A game ball can enter the entrance portion 612 from the entrance portion A3. Further, in the second distribution state, when a game is played using the right-handed gaming technique, the game ball is placed at the right approach portion A3 with a higher probability than when a game is played using the left-handed gaming technique. It is possible to make it reach, and it is possible to make the game ball enter the ball entering section 612 with a high probability.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  After the start-up standby process S1003, a determination process S1004 of the output state of the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 of the power supply / emission control board 900, a determination process S1005 of the value of the power failure information (part of the RAM), and storage Information storage state determination processing S1007 is performed, and it is determined based on these determination results whether the stored information in the RAM is to be deleted. Here, the stored information is information necessary for returning to the state of the game before the power failure, and corresponds to a part of the RAM that has been updated according to the progress of the game before the power failure. The counter value related to the unit game in the middle, the counter value stored by the start winning, and the like are exemplified.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<Distributing apparatus 600>
Next, the configuration and operation of the sorting apparatus 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. First, the structural configuration of the sorting apparatus 600 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus 600 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 13B is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus 600 viewed from the rear side. In FIG. 13, left and right middle start winning devices 431A and 431B and left and right middle start winning switches 441A and 441B for detecting game balls that have entered the middle start winning devices 431A and 431B are shown together. Yes. Further, in FIG. 13, illustrations of a fixing member such as a screw for assembling the sorting apparatus 600 and an attaching portion for attaching the sorting apparatus 600 to the base body 401 of the game board 400 are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the sorting apparatus 600 includes a rotating unit 610, a front cover 620, a partition plate 630, a sorting unit 640, a back cover 650, and a shaft 660.

  The front cover 620 is a resin component configured in a symmetrical shape when viewed from the front (that is, viewed from the front side). In the center of the upper portion of the front cover 620, a U-shaped distribution passage 621 is provided that guides a game ball that has entered the ball entry portion 612 or the ball entry portion 613 in the rotation portion 610 to the distribution portion 640. Yes.

  On the front side of the front cover 620, as shown in FIG. 13A, a game ball that has entered the ball entering portion 612 or the ball entering portion 613 is placed at a position below the distribution passage 621 to the back side of the front cover 620. Two openings 622 and 623 for guiding are formed. More specifically, on the front side of the front cover 620, an opening 622 is formed on the left side when viewed from the front, and an opening 623 is formed on the right side when viewed from the front. An opening 624 and an opening 625 are formed on the front side of the front cover 620 below the openings 622 and 623, respectively.

  Immediately below the opening 624, a left middle starting prize-winning device 431B is provided in the form of a pocket that protrudes from the base plate 611 to the front surface side and opens on the upper side as an entrance portion. Thereby, the game ball discharged from the opening 624 basically enters the left middle start winning device 431B and is detected by the left middle start winning switch 441B provided inside the left middle start winning device 431B.

  Similarly, immediately below the opening 625, a right middle starting prize winning device 431A is provided in a pocket-like shape that projects from the base plate 611 to the front side and opens on the upper side as an entrance portion. Thereby, the game ball discharged from the opening 625 basically enters the right middle start winning device 431B, and is detected by the right middle start winning switch 441A provided inside the right middle start winning device 431A.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the nail 411 disposed around the sorting device 600 is separated from the openings 624 and 625 so that a game ball can pass through on the left side of the opening 624 and on the right side of the opening 625. A part of the discharged game balls can be discharged with a very low probability without entering the middle start winning devices 431A and 431B. The probability that the game balls discharged from the openings 624 and 625 are discharged from between the nails 411 without entering the right middle start winning device 431A or the left middle start winning device 431B is, for example, approximately 1/100 or less. The probability may be approximately 1/1000 or less.

  A configuration in which a part of the game balls discharged from the openings 624 and 625 is discharged at a very low probability without entering the middle start winning devices 431A and 431B on either side is as in this embodiment. This is not limited to the arrangement of the nail 411, and is realized by providing a resin wall on the left side of the opening 624 and the right side of the opening 625 so that a game ball can pass therethrough on the front side of the sorting device 600. May be.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, a groove 626 is formed on the back side of the front cover 620. The groove 626 functions as a flow-down passage that connects the opening 622 located at the upper right and the opening 624 located at the lower right in the front view. In addition, a groove 627 that functions as a flow-down passage that connects the opening 623 located at the upper left and the opening 625 located at the lower left in the front view is formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, at a position slightly above the opening 624 in the groove portion 626, from the bottom side of the groove portion 626 (that is, the front side of the front cover 620) to the opening side of the groove portion 626 (that is, the front side). , A plate-like guide portion 628 erected toward the back side of the sorting apparatus 600 is disposed. Similarly, at a position slightly above the opening 625 in the groove portion 627, a plate-like guide portion 629 that is erected from the bottom side of the groove portion 627 toward the opening side of the groove portion 627 is disposed.

  Since the upper surfaces of the guide portions 628 and 629 are both inclined surfaces that are inclined downward from the bottom side of the groove portions 626 and 627 toward the opening side, the guide portions 628 and 629 enter the openings 622 and 623 and enter the groove portions 626 and 626. The game ball flowing down the downflow passage by 627 is once guided to the back side by the guide portions 628 and 629.

  A through hole is formed below the distribution passage 621 and between the opening 622 and the opening 623. The through hole is formed through the front cover 620 in the front-rear direction on the left-right symmetry axis. A metal shaft 660 is rotatably passed through the through hole.

  The rotating portion 610 includes a base plate 611, pocket-shaped entrance portions 612 and 613 (see FIG. 13A) that protrude from the base plate 611 to the front surface side and have an outer peripheral side of the base plate 611 opened as an entrance portion. This is a resin part provided with a shaft hole 614 (see FIG. 13B) that protrudes from the center of the back surface side of the base plate 611 and walls 615 to 617.

  The rotating unit 610 is made of a colorless and transparent or colored transparent resin so that the direction of the distributing unit 640 disposed on the rear side can be viewed from the front side. In addition, the front surface of the base plate 611 corresponding to the front surface side of the rotating portion 610 and the front surfaces of the two entrance portions 612 and 613 are decorated with images (for example, star-shaped marks) corresponding to the gaming machine manufacturer or model. Is applied by painting or printing. The decoration to be applied to the front side of the rotating part 610 may be provided on either of the two ball entering parts 612, 613 and the base plate 611, and two three-dimensional decorations having a thickness in the front-rear direction are provided. It may be provided so as to protrude forward with respect to either the front surface of the ball portions 612 and 613 or the front surface of the base plate 611.

  The two ball entering portions 612 and 613 are disposed so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the base body 401 (see FIG. 3) constituting the rear plane portion of the game area. In addition, the front part as a part of the two entrance parts 612 and 613 is a game so that a game ball flowing down the game area and entering the sorting device 600 can enter the rear side of the front part. It arrange | positions so that it may face the back board 223 (refer FIG. 3) of the center panel 220 which comprises the plane of the front side of an area | region, and adjoins.

  On both the left and right sides of the inlet peripheral portions of the two entrance portions 612 and 613, wall portions 615 to 617 are continuous in a plate shape in which an arc shape centering on the shaft hole 614 extends in the front-rear direction.

  When viewed from the front, the right wall 615 is configured so that the game ball that has reached the right entry portion A3 is distributed to the distribution device 600 in the first distribution state in which the ball entry portion 612 is not positioned in the right entry portion A3 (see FIG. 7). The right entry portion A3 is closed so as to flow down the game area without entering the game side. In the second distribution state where the ball entry portion 613 is not located at the left entry portion A2 (see FIG. 7), the left wall portion 616 enters the distribution device 600 side when the game ball reaches the left entry portion A2. The left entry portion A2 is closed so as to flow down the game area without doing so. The central wall portion 617 blocks between the two ball entering portions 612 and 613 so that a part of the game ball does not enter between the two ball entering portions 612 and 613 while the rotating portion 610 rotates. Thus, the operation of the rotating unit 610 functions smoothly.

  When the exit part of one entrance part is connected to the distribution passage 621 in the front cover 620, the exit part of the other entrance part is the front cover 620. Are arranged so as to be connected to one of the opening 622 and the opening 623.

  The rotating portion 610 is pivotally attached to the shaft 660 by inserting the front end side of the shaft 660 into the shaft hole 614, and thereby is rotatably attached to the front of the front cover 620. More specifically, in the rotating part 610, the exit part of the ball entry part 612 connects to the sorting passage 621 in the front cover 620, while the exit part of the ball entry part 613 connects to the opening 622 in the front cover 620. A position (hereinafter, this position is referred to as a “first position”) and a position where the exit portion of the entrance portion 613 is connected to the sorting passage 621 while the exit portion of the entrance portion 613 is connected to the opening 623. (Hereinafter, this position is referred to as a “second position”), a clockwise rotation from the first position toward the second position, and a second position in the opposite direction to the first position. It is attached so as to be able to turn counterclockwise when viewed from the front. In addition, although mentioned later for details, the rotation part 610 rotates synchronizing with the operation | movement in which the distribution part 640 distributes a game ball.

  When the rotating part 610 is in the first position, the base plate 611 has a notch part 611A that engages with a step part 620A formed above the opening 624 in the front cover 620, and the rotating part 610 in the second position. In some cases, a notch 611B that engages with a step 620B formed above the opening 625 in the front cover 620 is formed. As a result, the rotating unit 610 is restricted from rotating counterclockwise in front view beyond the first position, and is restricted from rotating clockwise in front view beyond the second position.

  The partition plate 630 is a resin plate that covers the opening side of the groove portions 626 and 627 in the front cover 620, more specifically, the upstream side portion that communicates with the opening 622 and the opening 623 in the groove portions 626 and 627. The partition plate 630 is configured to have a substantially U shape in front view having a recess 630 </ b> A for avoiding the sorting passage 621 and the shaft 660.

  The partition plate 630 has a function of preventing a game ball that has entered from the opening 624 or the opening 625 from coming into contact with the distribution unit 640, and thereby, the distribution unit 640 by the game ball that has entered from the opening 624 or the opening 625. It is possible to prevent the malfunction of the operation. In addition, the partition plate 630 has a function of preventing the game balls that have passed through the sorting passage 621 from falling forward when they are sorted by the sorting unit 640, and are thereby sorted by the sorting unit 640. The flow direction of the game balls can be adjusted.

  The distributing portion 640 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 641 having a shaft hole 641A formed on the front side, and three plate-like arms extending radially in three directions with respect to the shaft portion 641 on the rear end side of the shaft portion 641. 642, 643, and 644 are resin parts.

  The arm 643 and the arm 644 are arranged so as to extend in directions substantially orthogonal to the left side and the right side of the arm 642 when viewed from the front (viewed from the front side). A connecting portion 645 is provided between the arm 642 and the arm 643 so as to be inclined downwardly in the lower left direction when viewed from the front when the arm 642 is directed directly upward. The arm 642 is directly above the arm 642 and the arm 644. A connecting portion 646 is provided that is inclined downward in the lower right direction when viewed from the front.

  The allocating portion 640 is pivotally attached to the shaft 660 by inserting the rear end side of the shaft 660 into the shaft hole 641A, so that the distributing portion 640 is rotatably attached to the front cover 620 behind the partition plate 630. Is done. As described above, the rotating portion 610 is pivotally attached to the front end side of the shaft 660, and the sorting portion 640, the shaft 660, and the rotating portion 610 operate in an integrated state. For this reason, when one part rotates, the other part 640 and the rotation part 610 also rotate simultaneously, and rotate synchronously.

  As described above, the rotation unit 610 is restricted from rotating counterclockwise in front view beyond the first position. Therefore, when the rotation unit 610 is in the first position, the distribution unit 640 is also Further, it cannot rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front. Similarly, since the rotation unit 610 is restricted from rotating clockwise in front view beyond the second position, when the rotation unit 610 is in the second position, the distribution unit 640 also has a front view. It cannot rotate clockwise.

  The distribution unit 640 is attached to the shaft 660 so that the arm 642 is disposed between the entrance part 612 and the entrance part 613 of the rotation part 610 in front view with respect to the rotation part 610 (FIG. 14 ( c)). Thereby, when the rotation part 610 is in the first position, that is, when the exit part of the ball entry part 612 is connected to the distribution passage 621, each surface of the arm 642, the coupling part 646, and the arm 644 is provided. The concave ball receiving portion formed by is directed to the distribution passage 621. Therefore, when the rotating part 610 is in the first position, the game ball discharged from the sorting passage 621 enters a concave ball receiving part formed by the arm 642, the connecting part 646, and the arm 644. When a game ball enters the concave portion, the weight of the game ball is applied to the arm 644, so that the sorting unit 640 rotates clockwise in front view and distributes the game ball to the right side in front view.

  On the other hand, when the rotating part 610 is in the second position, that is, when the outlet part of the ball-entry part 613 is connected to the sorting passage 621, the axes of the arm 642, the connecting part 645, and the arm 643 Each surface facing away from the portion 641 is directed to the distribution passage 621. Therefore, when the rotating part 610 is in the second position, the game ball discharged from the sorting passage 621 enters a concave ball receiving part formed by the arm 642, the connecting part 645, and the arm 643. When a game ball enters the ball receiving unit, the weight of the game ball is applied to the arm 643, so that the distribution unit 640 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the front, and the game ball is viewed from the front of the distribution unit 640. Sort to the left.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the back cover 650 is located on the back side (rear side) of the partition plate 630 and is located on the back side of the recessed portion 651 for accommodating the distributing portion 640 and the downstream portion of the groove portion 626. Accordingly, the game ball that has entered the sorting device 600 is opened on the back side of the recess 652 that constitutes the flow-down passage for guiding the game ball that has entered the sorting device 600 to the opening 624 and the downstream portion of the groove portion 627. This is a resin part provided with a recess 653 constituting a flow-down passage guided to 625.

  Each of the recess 652 and the recess 653 has a curved inclined surface in which the slope gradually decreases toward the opening 624 or the opening 625 (that is, toward the front). Therefore, the game balls distributed by the distribution unit 640, the game balls entered from the opening 622 and guided to the back side by the guidance unit 628, or entered from the opening 623 and guided to the back side by the guidance unit 629. The played game ball smoothly flows down to the opening 624 or the opening 625 by the inclined surface in the recess 652 or the recess 653.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the operation of the sorting device 600 when a game ball enters the sorting device 600 and the flow down path of the game ball that has entered the sorting device 600 will be described. FIG. 14A is a front view of the sorting apparatus 600 with the rotating unit 610 in the first position, and FIG. 14B is a front view of the sorting apparatus 600 with the rotating unit 610 in the second position. is there. 14 (a) and 14 (b), the nail 411 disposed around the sorting apparatus 600 is also illustrated.

  FIG. 14C illustrates the flow path of the game ball when the game ball enters from the ball entry unit 612 with the rotating unit 610 in the first position (that is, the state of FIG. 14A). Specifically, it is a rear view of the sorting apparatus 600 with the back cover 650 removed. FIG. 14D is a diagram for explaining the flow path of the game ball when the game ball enters from the ball entry unit 612 with the rotating unit 610 in the first position. Specifically, FIG. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the sorting apparatus 600 with the back cover 650 and the partition plate 630 removed.

  In the sorting apparatus 600, one ball-opening portion is opened so as to be continuous with the upper approach portion A1 formed by the nail 411, and the other ball-entering portion is continuous with the left-hand approach portion A2 or the right-hand approach portion A3. It arrange | positions in the position to open. As shown in FIG. 14A, when the rotating part 610 is in the first position, the entrance part of the entrance part 612 faces upward out of the two entrance parts 612 and 613 formed in the rotation part 610. The entrance portion of the ball entry portion 613 faces to the left. Therefore, when the rotation unit 610 is in the first position, the game ball passing through the upper approach portion A1 provided on the upper side with respect to the sorting device 600 or the left approach portion provided on the left side with respect to the sorting device 600. It is possible to allow a game ball passing through A2 to enter the sorting apparatus 600 from the ball entering unit 612 or the ball entering unit 613.

  In addition, when the rotation unit 610 is in the first position, the entrance portion of the game ball provided in the sorting device 600 is not continuous with the right entry portion A3, and the game ball from the right entry portion A3 to the front is not continuous. Ingress is blocked by the wall 615 of the rotating part 610. For this reason, the game ball flowing down to the right of the sorting apparatus 600 cannot enter the sorting apparatus 600.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the rotating part 610 is in the second position, the entrance part of the entering part 612 out of the two entering parts 612 and 613 formed in the rotating part 610. Is directed to the right, and the entrance portion of the ball entry portion 613 is directed upward. Therefore, when the rotating unit 610 is in the second position, the game ball passing through the upper approach portion A1 provided on the upper side with respect to the sorting device 600 or the right approach portion provided on the right side with respect to the sorting device 600. It is possible for a game ball passing through A3 to enter the sorting device 600 from the ball entering portion 612 or the ball entering portion 613.

  In addition, when the rotating unit 610 is in the second position, the entrance portion of the game ball provided in the sorting device 600 is not continuous with respect to the left entry portion A2, and the game ball from the left entry portion A2 to the front is not continuous. The entry is blocked by the wall 616 of the rotating part 610. For this reason, a game ball flowing down to the left of the sorting device 600 cannot enter the sorting device 600.

  When a game ball enters from the ball entry unit 612 in the first distribution state (the state shown in FIG. 14A) in which the rotation unit 610 is at the first position, the game ball is indicated by an arrow shown in FIG. It flows down in the sorting apparatus 600 by the route of Q1. That is, the game ball that has entered from the ball entering portion 612 passes through the sorting passage 621 and enters the concave ball receiving portion formed by the arm 642, the connecting portion 646, and the arm 644. When the game ball enters the ball receiving unit, the sorting unit 640 is rotated clockwise in front view (that is, counterclockwise as viewed from the back side) by the weight of the game ball. It is distributed to the right side (left side when viewed from the back side). The game balls distributed to the right in front view by the distribution unit 640 flow down between the partition plate 630 and the back cover 650 to the opening 625 and are discharged from the opening 625.

  As the game ball enters the ball entry portion 612 of the rotation portion 610 in the first position, the sorting portion 640 is rotated in the direction of arrow B, which is clockwise when viewed from the front (ie, counterclockwise when viewed from the back side). In this case, the rotating unit 610 also rotates in the direction of the arrow B (that is, clockwise when viewed from the front and counterclockwise when viewed from the back side) in synchronization with the rotation of the distributing unit 640. Thereby, the rotation part 610 moves to the 2nd position shown to FIG.14 (b) from the 1st position shown to Fig.14 (a).

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters from the ball entry unit 613 with the rotating unit 610 in the first position, the game ball moves through the distribution device 600 along the route indicated by the arrow Q2 shown in FIG. Flow down. In other words, the game ball that has entered from the entrance portion 613 through the opening 623 flows down between the front cover 620 and the partition plate 630 to the guide portion 628 and is guided to the back side (back side) by the guide portion 628. Then, it flows down toward the opening 624.

  When a game ball enters the ball entry unit 613 with the rotation unit 610 in the first position, the distribution unit 640 is not rotated by the game ball, so the rotation unit 610 is also rotated. Absent. That is, when a game ball enters the ball entry unit 613 with the rotation unit 610 in the first position, the rotation unit 610 is held in the first position.

  Although not shown, when a game ball enters from the ball entry unit 613 in the second distribution state (the state of FIG. 14B) in which the rotation unit 610 is at the second position, the game ball is It passes through the distribution passage 621 and enters a concave ball receiving portion formed by the arm 642, the connecting portion 645, and the arm 643. As a result, the allocating unit 640 rotates counterclockwise in front view (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side) by the weight of the game ball that has entered the ball receiving unit. To the right).

  The game balls distributed to the left in the front view by the distribution unit 640 flow down between the partition plate 630 and the back cover 650 to the opening 624. In such a case, the rotating unit 610 rotates counterclockwise in front view in synchronization with the rotation of the allocating unit 640. Therefore, from the second position illustrated in FIG. 14B, the second unit illustrated in FIG. Move to 1 position.

  In addition, when a game ball enters from the ball entry portion 612 through the opening 623 with the rotating portion 610 in the second position, the game ball flows down between the front cover 620 and the partition plate 630 and is guided to the guidance portion. 629, and after being guided to the back side (back side) by the guide portion 629, it flows down to the opening 625 and is discharged from the opening 625. In such a case, since the distribution unit 640 does not rotate, the rotation unit 610 also does not rotate. That is, when a game ball enters the ball entry unit 612 with the rotation unit 610 in the second position, the rotation unit 610 is held in the second position.

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

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, every time the sorting unit 640 rotates and distributes the game balls, the rotating unit 610 rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the sorting unit 640, thereby The positions of the entrance part 612 and the entrance part 613 that become the entrance of the game ball to the minute device 600 change. Therefore, every time the distribution unit 640 distributes the game balls, the positions of the entrances of the game balls to the distribution device 600 (that is, the incoming ball unit 612 and the incoming ball unit 613) change in appearance, so the distribution unit Interesting can be added to the game that distributes the game balls by 640, and thereby monotonization of the game can be suppressed.

  In particular, since the rotating unit 610 and the distributing unit 640 are integrally attached to both ends of the shaft 660, the rotating unit 610 can be operated in synchronization with the rotation of the distributing unit 640. Therefore, monotonization of a game in which game balls are distributed by the distribution unit 640 can be suppressed while preventing an increase in power consumption.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the game distributed by the distribution unit 640 according to which entrance part of the entrance part 612 or the entrance part 613 faces upward. Whether the ball enters the right middle start winning device 431A (that is, the first special symbol starts winning) or the left side middle start winning device 431B (that is, the second special symbol starts winning) Or) is different. Therefore, the player pays attention to the entrance portion of the entrance portion 612 or the entrance portion 613 where the entrance portion opens upward, so that the allocating portion 640 moves the game ball to the left and right middle start winning devices. It is possible to predict which of the starting devices 431A and 431B is allocated.

  In the conventional gaming machine, in general, the configuration is such that it is difficult for a player to determine to which distribution destination a game ball that has entered from a predetermined entrance is distributed by a distribution unit. In the pachinko machine 100, as described above, the player plays the game by the allocating unit 640 from the appearance of the rotating unit 610 (more specifically, the entrance direction of each entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 612 and the entrance ball portion 613). You can predict the destination of the ball. Therefore, the player can determine the degree of expectation, in particular, the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, depending on which ball entry portion the entrance portion opens in a specific direction such as upward. It is possible to perform a game ball launch operation while changing the degree of expectation for which lottery is performed. Accordingly, also in this respect, monotonization of the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distribution unit 640 can be suppressed.

  In addition, even if it is difficult to visually recognize the sorting unit 640 disposed on the rear side of the rotating unit 610 that is decorated on the front side of the base plate 611, the appearance of the rotating unit 610 (more specifically, the entrance unit 612). The distribution destination of the game balls by the distribution unit 640 can be predicted from the opening direction of each entrance portion of the ball entry unit 613. For example, a dark-colored decoration is provided on the front side of the base plate 611 in the rotating unit 610 so that the rear side is difficult to visually recognize, and the sorting unit 640 becomes difficult to visually recognize via the base plate 611, so Even when the confirmation becomes difficult, the player can predict the game ball distribution destination by the distribution unit 640 from the appearance of the rotation unit 610. For this reason, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of decoration corresponding to the gaming machine manufacturer and model by reducing the color and shape restrictions on the decoration of the rotating unit 610, and to make the game monotonous to distribute the game balls by the distribution unit 640 It can suppress suitably.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the player can play a right-handed game technique so that the game ball enters the lower prize-winning device 433 or the upper prize-winning device 434 in the special gaming state. I do. In the game area on the right side of the game board 400, a right start winning device 432, which is a start device related to the second special symbol, is provided, so that the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is reserved in the special game state. Although it is easy to be held, the right to reserve the unit game related to the second special symbol is limited to a maximum of 4 times, so that the game ball is placed in the right start prize-winning device 432 while playing the right-handed game technique. Even if a unit game right related to the second special symbol that has entered is generated, if the reserved right reaches the maximum (that is, four times), the generated right cannot be reserved, and the right Will be wasted.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, by setting the rotating unit 610 to the second position, a game ball launched by the right-handed gaming technique can be caused to enter the entering unit 612. Since the game ball that has entered the ball entering unit 612 when the rotating unit 610 is in the second position can enter the right middle start winning device 431A and generate a unit game right related to the first special symbol, While playing a game using the right-handed game technique, it is possible to suppress only the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol from being generated and wasting the right.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the game ball that has entered the ball entering unit 613 when the rotating unit 610 is at the first position is not used for sorting by the sorting unit 640 and is started in the middle on the left side. It is possible to enter the winning device 431B. Similarly, a game ball that has entered the ball entering unit 612 when the rotating unit 610 is in the second position can enter the right middle start winning device 431A without being distributed by the sorting unit 640.

  Accordingly, the player can enter the entrance portion of the entrance portion 612 or the entrance portion 613 as necessary, such as when it is necessary to continue the left-handed game method or the right-handed game method for a certain period of time. Since the position of the rotating part 610 (that is, the opening direction of each entrance part of the incoming ball part 612 and the incoming ball part 613) can be maintained by aiming at the incoming ball part facing left or right, It is possible to suppress a situation in which it is difficult for a game ball launched by the game technique being executed to enter the sorting apparatus 600 because the position has changed.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. In the pachinko machine 100 of the second embodiment, a sorting apparatus 700 is provided instead of the sorting apparatus 600 of the above-described embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “first embodiment”). In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the sorting apparatus 600 according to the first embodiment, the entrance ball of the entrance ball portion 612 or the entrance ball portion 613 has an entrance portion facing upward (that is, the exit portion is connected to the sort passage 621). , The direction of each entrance portion of the entrance portion 612 and the entrance portion 613 changes, while the other entrance portion faces left or right (that is, the exit portion is open). When a game ball enters the entrance portion (connected to 622 or the opening 623), the orientation of the entrance portions of the entrance portion 612 and the entrance portion 613 is maintained (does not change).

  On the other hand, the sorting apparatus 700 according to the second embodiment is used when a game ball enters from either the entrance part 612 or the entrance part 613 regardless of the direction of each entrance part of the entrance parts 612, 613. Also, the direction of each entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 612 and the entrance ball portion 613 is configured to change.

  First, the structural configuration of the sorting apparatus 700 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15A is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus 700 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 15B is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus 700 viewed from the rear side. In FIG. 15, left and right middle start winning devices 431A and 431B and left and right middle start winning switches 441A and 441B for detecting game balls that have entered the middle start winning devices 431A and 431B are shown together. Yes. Also, in FIG. 15, illustrations of a fixing member such as a screw for assembling the sorting apparatus 700 and a mounting portion for mounting the sorting apparatus 600 to the base body 401 of the game board 400 are omitted.

  The sorting apparatus 700 includes the same parts 610 to 660 as the sorting apparatus 600 (that is, the rotating section 610, the front cover 620, the partition plate 630, the sorting section 640, the back cover 650, and the shaft 660), and the front cover. The distribution direction changing unit 670 is provided between the 620 and the partition plate 630.

  In addition, in the sorting apparatus 700, by adding the sorting direction changing unit 670, the shape of the front cover 620 (for example, the shape of the peripheral walls of the groove portions 626 and 627), the shape of the concave portion 630A in the partition plate 630, and the like. The distribution direction changing unit 670 is changed to a shape that can be operated and accommodated.

  The distribution direction changing unit 670 is operated by a game ball that has entered from the opening 622 or the opening 623, thereby rotating the distribution unit 640 even though the distribution unit 640 does not distribute game balls. Thus, the distribution direction of the game balls by the distribution unit 640 is changed.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (a) or FIG. 15 (b), the distribution direction changing portion 670 includes a shaft portion 671 and plate-like disk portions 672 and 673 having an opening through which the shaft portion 671 can be inserted. The first lever portions 674, 675 extending radially from the respective disc portions 672, 673, and the first lever portions 674, 675 extending radially from the respective disc portions 672, 673, respectively. Second lever portions 676 and 677 are provided. The distribution direction changing portion 670 is attached to a support portion (not shown) formed on the front cover 620 by the shaft portion 671 being axially fixed in the horizontal direction.

  The disc part 672 is inserted into the central opening of one end side of the shaft part 671 (more specifically, the right side as viewed from the front in the attached state of the distribution direction changing part 670) and is pivotable with respect to the shaft part 671. Be supported. The disc portion 673 is inserted into the central opening of the other end side of the shaft portion 671 (more specifically, the left side as viewed from the front in the attached state of the distribution direction changing portion 670), and the disc portion 672 is inserted into the shaft portion 671. It is pivotally supported so that it can rotate independently of the rotation.

  The first lever portion 674 extending from the disc portion 672 includes an arm portion fixed to the disc portion 672 and the right side in a front view when the distribution direction changing portion 670 is attached to the arm portion (that is, FIG. 15A). And a claw portion bent in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the direction of arrow R).

  The second lever portion 676 extending from the disc portion 672 has a wide arm portion fixed to the disc portion 672 and the right side of the front view when the distribution direction changing portion 670 is attached to the arm portion (that is, in the direction of arrow R) ) And a wide claw portion that bends in a clockwise direction when viewed from the side.

  The arm portion of the second lever portion 676 extends downward substantially perpendicular to the arm portion of the first lever portion 674 when viewed from the front right side in the attached state of the distribution direction changing portion 670. Accordingly, the first lever portion 674 can abut on the arm 643 of the allocating portion 640, while the second lever portion 676 abuts on the game ball that enters the allocating device 700 from the opening 622 and flows down. It becomes possible.

  In the first lever portion 674, the distributing portion 640 is counterclockwise when viewed from the front by a game ball that has entered the concave ball receiving portion formed by the arm 642, the connecting portion 645, and the arm 643 through the distributing passage 621 ( That is, when it is rotated clockwise as viewed from the back side, the claw portion of the first lever portion 674 is disposed at the standby position where it is lowered to the position where it is pushed down by the arm 643 of the distribution portion 640.

  That is, the first lever portion 674 is disposed at the standby position when the distribution portion 640 distributes the game balls that have passed through the distribution passage 621 to the left side when viewed from the front (right side when viewed from the back side), and the distribution direction When the change unit 670 is attached, the operation is on standby so that the shaft 671 can be rotated in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front right side (that is, in the direction of arrow R).

  In a state where the first lever portion 674 is disposed at the standby position, the second lever portion 676 is disposed at the standby position where the game ball that enters the distribution device 700 from the opening 622 and flows down can come into contact. . When a game ball enters the sorting device 700 from the opening 622 in a state where the second lever portion 676 is disposed at the standby position, the game ball comes into contact with the second lever portion 676 and the second lever portion 676 is moved. It moves to the rear side and shifts to the activated state. That is, the second lever portion 676 rotates in the counterclockwise direction around the shaft portion 671 when viewed from the front right side (that is, in the direction of arrow R) when the distribution direction changing portion 670 is attached.

  The first lever portion 674 and the second lever portion 676 are configured by one component integrally molded with a resin via a disk portion 672. For this reason, when one lever part operates, the other lever part operates in synchronization with the movement of the one lever part via the disk part 672. That is, the first lever portion 674 rotates around the shaft portion 671 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front right side (that is, in the direction of arrow R) when the distribution direction changing unit 670 is attached by the rotation of the distribution unit 640. When rotated (actuated), the second lever portion 676 also rotates in the same direction as viewed from the same direction as the first lever portion 674 (ie, in the direction of arrow R).

  Similarly, the second lever portion 676 rotates (actuates) around the shaft portion 671 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front right side in the attached state of the distribution direction changing portion 670 by the game ball that has entered from the opening 622. In this case, the first lever portion 674 also rotates in the same direction as viewed from the same direction as the second lever portion 676.

  When the second lever portion 676 is operated by a game ball that has entered from the opening 622, the first lever portion 674 operates in synchronization with the movement of the second lever portion 676, and lowers the arm 643 of the distributing portion 640 on the lower side. Push up from. Thereby, the distribution part 640 rotates clockwise in front view (that is, counterclockwise as viewed from the back side).

  The first lever portion 675 and the second lever portion 677 extending from the disk portion 673 are configured to be bilaterally symmetric with the first lever portion 674 and the second lever portion 676 described above, respectively. Further, the arm portion of the second lever portion 677 extends downward substantially orthogonally to the arm portion of the first lever portion 675 when viewed from the front right side when the distribution direction changing portion 670 is attached. Accordingly, the first lever portion 675 can abut on the arm 644 of the allocating portion 640, while the second lever portion 677 abuts on the game ball that enters the allocating device 700 from the opening 623 and flows down. It becomes possible.

  In the first lever portion 675, the sorting portion 640 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the front by a game ball that has entered the concave ball receiving portion formed by the arm 642, the connecting portion 646, and the arm 644 via the sorting passage 621 (that is, When it is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the back side), the arm 644 of the distributing unit 640 is disposed at a standby position where the claw portion of the first lever unit 675 is lowered to a position where it is pushed down.

  That is, the first lever portion 675 is disposed at the standby position when the distribution portion 640 distributes the game balls that have passed through the distribution passage 621 to the right side when viewed from the front (left side when viewed from the back side). When the change unit 670 is attached, the operation is on standby so that the shaft 671 can be rotated in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front right side (that is, in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 15A). .

  In a state where the first lever portion 675 is disposed at the standby position, the second lever portion 677 is disposed at the standby position where the game ball that enters the distribution device 700 through the opening 623 and flows down can contact. . When a game ball enters the sorting device 700 from the opening 623 in a state where the second lever portion 677 is disposed at the standby position, the game ball comes into contact with the second lever portion 677 and the second lever portion 677 is moved. It moves to the rear side and shifts to the activated state. That is, the second lever portion 677 rotates in the counterclockwise direction around the shaft portion 671 when viewed from the front right side (that is, the arrow R direction) when the distribution direction changing portion 670 is attached.

  The first lever portion 675 and the second lever portion 677 are formed of a single part integrally molded with a resin via a disk portion 673. For this reason, when one lever part act | operates, the other lever part act | operates synchronizing with the motion of the said one lever part via the disc part 673. That is, the first lever portion 675 rotates around the shaft portion 671 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front right side (that is, in the direction of the arrow R) when the distribution direction changing unit 670 is attached by the rotation of the distribution unit 640. When rotated (actuated), the second lever portion 677 also rotates in the same direction as viewed from the same direction as the first lever portion 675 (ie, in the direction of arrow R).

  Similarly, the second lever portion 677 is rotated (actuated) around the shaft portion 671 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front right side in the attached state of the distribution direction changing portion 670 by the game ball that has entered from the opening 623. In this case, the first lever portion 675 also rotates in the same direction as viewed from the same direction as the second lever portion 677.

  When the second lever portion 677 is actuated by a game ball that has entered from the opening 623, the first lever portion 675 is actuated in synchronization with the movement of the second lever portion 677, and the arm 644 of the sorting portion 640 is moved downward. Push up from. Thereby, the distribution part 640 rotates counterclockwise in front view (that is, clockwise as viewed from the back side).

  In addition, the rotation range of the first lever portion 674 and the second lever portion 676 (that is, the rotation range of the disk portion 672 provided with these lever portions 674 and 676), and the first lever portion 675 and the second lever portion 676. The rotation range of the lever portion 677 (that is, the rotation range of the disk portion 673 provided with these lever portions 675 and 677) is that the first lever portions 674 and 675 or the second lever portions 676 and 677 are the partition plates 630. It is limited by contacting with. Accordingly, both the second lever portion 676 and the second lever portion 676 are disposed at positions where the game balls that have entered from the opening 622 or the opening 623 can contact.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the operation of the sorting device 700 when a game ball enters the sorting device 700 and the flow down path of the game ball that has entered the sorting device 700 will be described. FIG. 16A is a front view of the sorting apparatus 700 with the rotating unit 610 in the first position, and FIG. 16B is a front view of the sorting apparatus 700 with the rotating unit 610 in the second position. is there. In FIGS. 16A and 16B, a nail 411 disposed around the sorting apparatus 700 is also illustrated.

  FIG. 16C illustrates the flow path of the game ball when the game ball enters from the ball entry unit 612 with the rotating unit 610 in the first position (that is, the state of FIG. 16A). Specifically, it is a rear view of the sorting apparatus 700 with the back cover 650 removed. FIG. 16D is a diagram for explaining the flow path of the game ball when the game ball enters from the ball entry unit 612 with the rotating unit 610 in the first position. Specifically, FIG. It is a rear view of the distribution apparatus 700 which removed the back cover 650 and the partition plate 630. FIG. 16 (c) and 16 (d) show a state in which the first lever portion 675 on the left side as viewed from the back side is operated by pushing up the allocating portion 640. In FIG. 16 (d), A game ball P entering and flowing down from the opening 622 is shown for reference.

  The appearance of the sorting apparatus 700 in front view is the same as the sorting apparatus 600 in the first embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16A, when the rotating unit 610 is in the first position, the entrance portion of the entrance portion 612 faces upward, and the entrance portion of the entrance portion 613 faces left. Therefore, when the rotating unit 610 is at the first position, a game ball that flows down from the upper side with respect to the sorting device 700 along the route indicated by the arrow A1 or a game ball that flows down from the left side with respect to the sorting device 700 along the route indicated by the arrow A2 enters. It is possible to enter the sorting apparatus 700 from the ball part 612 or the ball entry part 613. On the other hand, when the rotating unit 610 is in the first position, a game ball flowing down to the right of the sorting apparatus 700 cannot enter the sorting apparatus 700.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the rotating part 610 is in the second position, the entrance part of the entrance part 612 faces rightward and the entrance part of the entrance part 613 faces upward. Therefore, when the rotation unit 610 is in the second position, the game ball passing through the upper approach portion A1 provided on the upper side with respect to the sorting device 700 or the right approach portion provided on the right side with respect to the sorting device 700. It is possible for a game ball passing through A3 to enter the sorting apparatus 700 from the ball entering portion 612 or the ball entering portion 613.

  In addition, when the rotating unit 610 is in the second position, the entrance portion of the game ball provided in the sorting device 600 is not continuous with respect to the left entry portion A2, and the game ball from the left entry portion A2 to the front is not continuous. Ingress is blocked by the wall of the rotating part 610. For this reason, a game ball flowing down to the left of the sorting device 700 cannot enter the sorting device 700.

  In the sorting apparatus 700, when a game ball enters from the ball entering unit 612 in the first sorting state (the state of FIG. 16A) in which the rotating unit 610 is at the first position, the game ball is sorted. Similarly to the device 600, the flow is made to flow down in the sorting device 700 along the route indicated by the arrow Q1 shown in FIG. That is, in such a case, the allocating unit 640 rotates in the direction of arrow B, which is clockwise when viewed from the front (that is, counterclockwise when viewed from the back side) by the weight of the game ball. Is distributed to the right side of the front view (left side when viewed from the back side) and flows down to the opening 625.

  When the sorting unit 640 rotates in the direction of arrow B due to the game ball entering the ball entering unit 612 of the rotating unit 610 at the first position, the rotating unit 610 is also synchronized with the rotation of the sorting unit 640. Then, it rotates in the direction of arrow B (that is, clockwise when viewed from the front and counterclockwise when viewed from the back side). Thereby, the rotating part 610 moves from the first position shown in FIG. 16A to the second position shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the sorting unit 640 rotates in the direction of arrow B due to the game ball entering the ball entering unit 612 of the rotating unit 610 at the first position, the first lever unit of the sorting direction changing unit 670 is used. The claw portion 675 is in contact with the sorting portion 640 at a position where it is pushed down by the arm 644 of the sorting portion 640. In other words, the first lever portion 675 is in a standby state in which the first lever portion 675 is rotated to the maximum extent in the clockwise direction around the shaft portion 671 (see FIG. 15) when viewed from the arrow R direction on the right side (left side when viewed from the back side). Placed in position. Since the second lever portion 677 rotates in synchronization with the movement of the first lever portion 675, the second lever portion 677 is disposed at a standby position where the second lever portion 677 rotates to the maximum in the same direction when viewed from the same direction as the first lever portion 675. The game ball that has entered through the opening 623 from the incoming ball portion 612 of the rotating portion 610 at the position is arranged at a position where it can come into contact.

  When a game ball enters the ball entry unit 613 in the first distribution state in which the rotation unit 610 is at the first position, the game ball enters the distribution device 700 along the route indicated by the arrow Q2 shown in FIG. Flow down. In other words, the game ball that has entered from the entrance portion 613 through the opening 622 flows down between the front cover 620 and the partition plate 630 to the guide portion 628 and is guided to the back side (back side) by the guide portion 628. Then, it flows down toward the opening 624.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 16D, the game ball (for example, game ball P) flowing down toward the guide portion 628 abuts on the second lever portion 676 of the sorting direction changing portion 670, and the second The lever portion 676 is pushed back toward the rear side (the front side in FIG. 16D). As a result, the second lever portion 676 moves to the rear side and shifts to the operating state in which the second lever portion 676 is operated, and the shaft portion 671 as viewed from the arrow R direction on the right side when viewed from the front (left side when viewed from the back side). Turn around (see) counterclockwise. The first lever portion 674 operates in synchronization with the movement of the second lever portion 676 and rotates in the same direction as viewed from the same direction as the first lever portion 674.

  When the first lever portion 674 rotates in the counterclockwise direction around the shaft portion 671 when viewed from the arrow R direction, the arm 643 of the sorting portion 640 is pushed up from below by the first lever portion 674. Thereby, the distribution part 640 rotates in the arrow B direction that is counterclockwise when viewed from the front (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side).

  As described above, in the sorting apparatus 700, when a game ball enters from the ball entering portion 613 through the opening 622 while the rotating portion 610 is in the first position, the ball entering portion that leads to the sorting passage 621 is also provided. As in the case where a game ball enters 612, the rotating unit 610 moves from the first position to the second position.

  In addition, even when the game ball enters from the opening 622 and flows down without being distributed by the distribution unit 640, the distribution direction of the game ball by the distribution unit 640 is changed by the distribution direction change unit 670. .

  Although not shown, when a game ball enters the ball entry unit 613 with the rotation unit 610 in the second position (that is, the state shown in FIG. 16B), the distribution unit 640 Is rotated counterclockwise in front view (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side) due to its own weight, so that the game balls are distributed to the left side (right side as viewed from the back side) by the distributing unit 640 and opened. Flow down to 625.

  When the distribution unit 640 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front (that is, viewed clockwise from the back side) due to the entry of the game ball into the ball entry unit 613 of the rotation unit 610 at the second position, the rotation unit 610 Also, it rotates counterclockwise in front view (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side) in synchronization with the rotation of the allocating unit 640. Thereby, the rotation unit 610 moves from the second position shown in FIG. 16B to the first position shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the game ball enters the ball entry portion 613 of the rotation portion 610 at the second position, the sorting portion 640 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side). The claw portion of the first lever portion 674 of the distribution direction changing portion 670 contacts the distribution portion 640 at a position where it is pushed downward by the arm 643 of the distribution portion 640, and the first lever portion 674 is viewed from the front. It is disposed at a standby position where the shaft portion 671 (see FIG. 15) is rotated to the maximum in the clockwise direction when viewed from the arrow R direction on the right side (left side when viewed from the back side). The second lever portion 676 operates in synchronization with the movement of the first lever portion 674, rotates in the same direction as viewed from the same direction as the first lever portion 674, and enters the rotating portion 610 in the first position. The game ball that has entered from the portion 613 through the opening 622 is disposed at a position where it can abut.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters from the ball entry portion 612 through the opening 623 with the rotating portion 610 in the second position, the game ball passes between the front cover 620 and the partition plate 630 and is guided to the guide portion 629. After being guided to the back side (back side) by the guide portion 629, it flows down toward the opening 625.

  At this time, the game ball flowing down toward the guiding portion 629 contacts the second lever portion 677 of the sorting direction changing portion 670, and the second lever portion 677 is located on the rear side (the front side in FIG. 16D). Push away. As a result, the second lever portion 677 moves to the rear side and shifts to the activated state, and the shaft portion 671 (see FIG. 15) viewed from the arrow R direction on the right side (left side when viewed from the back side). Turn around (see) counterclockwise. The first lever portion 675 operates in synchronization with the movement of the second lever portion 677 and rotates in the same direction as viewed from the same direction as the second lever portion 677.

  When the first lever portion 675 rotates in the counterclockwise direction around the shaft portion 671 when viewed from the arrow R direction, the arm 644 of the sorting portion 640 is pushed up from below by the first lever portion 675. Thereby, the distribution part 640 rotates clockwise in front view (that is, counterclockwise as viewed from the back side).

  As described above, in the sorting apparatus 700, when a game ball enters from the ball entering portion 612 through the opening 623 while the rotating portion 610 is in the second position, the ball entering portion that leads to the sorting passage 621 is also provided. Similar to the case where a game ball enters 613, the rotating unit 610 moves from the second position to the first position.

  In addition, even when a game ball enters the opening 623 and flows down without being distributed by the distribution unit 640, the distribution direction of the game ball by the distribution unit 640 is changed by the distribution direction change unit 670. .

  Next, operations and effects of the pachinko machine 100 including the sorting device 700 according to the second embodiment described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the second embodiment, every time the distribution unit 640 distributes and rotates the game ball, the rotation unit 610 can be rotated in synchronization with the rotation of the distribution unit 640. The rotating unit 610 can be rotated by operating the sorting direction changing unit 670 by the game ball that has entered from the opening 622 or the opening 623.

  That is, according to the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the game ball enters the sorting device 700 through the upper entry portion A1 communicating with the sorting passage 621 in the incoming ball portion 612 or the incoming ball portion 613. Even if the game ball enters the sorting device 700 through the left approach portion A2 and the right approach portion A3 communicating with the opening 622 or the opening 623, the game to the sorting device 700 is not limited thereto. The positions of the entrance part 612 and the entrance part 613 that serve as the entrance of the sphere can be changed.

  Therefore, regardless of whether the rotating unit 610 is in the first position or the second position, the rotating unit 610 can be changed regardless of whether the game ball enters the ball entering unit 612 or the ball entering unit 613. As a result, the positions of the entrances of the game balls to the sorting device 700 (that is, the ball entry unit 612 and the ball entry unit 613) change each time they appear, so the game in which the game balls are distributed by the sort unit 640 is interesting. In addition, monotonousness of the game can be suppressed.

  In particular, the distribution direction changing unit 670 that operates the rotating unit 610 can be mechanically operated by a game ball flowing down the groove 626 or the groove 627, and the rotating unit 610 is operated by the distributed direction changing unit 670. It rotates in conjunction with the movement of the machine. Therefore, monotonization of a game in which game balls are distributed by the distribution unit 640 can be suppressed while preventing an increase in power consumption.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the third embodiment, a sorting device 800 is provided instead of the sorting device 600 according to the first embodiment described above. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment, a game ball that has entered the ball entering portions 612 and 613 of the sorting device 600 can enter (win) the left middle start winning device 431B or the right middle start winning device 431A. there were.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the third embodiment, the rotation unit 610 of the sorting device 800 is provided as an entrance that allows a player to enter the right middle start winning device 431A or the left middle start winning device 431B. In addition to the incoming ball portions 612 and 613, the inlets 801 and 802 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower portion of the sorting apparatus 800. The entrance portions of the entrances 801 and 802 are provided with left and right movable pieces 688 and 689 that change the entrance probability of the game ball to the entrances 801 and 802 in accordance with the posture. Are changed in conjunction with the distribution of game balls by the distribution unit 640.

  First, the structural configuration of the sorting apparatus 800 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17A is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus 800 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 17B is an exploded perspective view of the sorting apparatus 800 viewed from the rear side. In FIG. 17, left and right middle start winning devices 431A and 431B and left and right middle start winning switches 441A and 441B for detecting game balls that have entered the middle start winning devices 431A and 431B are shown together. Yes. Further, in FIG. 17, illustration of a fixing member such as a screw for assembling the sorting apparatus 800 and a mounting portion for mounting the sorting apparatus 600 to the base body 401 of the game board 400 is omitted.

  The sorting device 800 includes the same components 610 to 660 as the sorting device 600 (that is, the rotating portion 610, the front cover 620, the partition plate 630, the sorting portion 640, the back cover 650, and the shaft 660), and the front cover. An entry restricting mechanism 680 disposed between 620 and the partition plate 630 is provided.

  In addition, in the sorting apparatus 800, the addition of the entry restriction mechanism 680 allows the shaft portion 684 of the entry restriction mechanism 680 to be pivotally supported on the back side (back side) of the front cover 620. The shaft hole 1621 is provided. In addition, the shape of the front cover 620 (for example, the length from the openings 624 and 625 to the lower end, the shape of the peripheral wall of the grooves 626 and 627), the shape of the recess 630A in the partition plate 630, and the like operate the distribution direction changing unit 670. It has been changed to a shape that can be accommodated.

  The entry restricting mechanism 680 operates in conjunction with the rotation of the distribution unit 640 (that is, distribution of game balls), and is disposed at the entrance portion of the entrances 801 and 802 (see FIGS. 18A and 18B). The left and right movable pieces 688 and 689 are independently shifted between the approach allowance posture and the approach prohibition posture.

  As shown in FIG. 17A or FIG. 17B, the entry restriction mechanism 680 includes a first link portion 681, a second link portion 682, a left arm 683, a shaft portion 684, a right arm 685, and the like. The left movable piece actuating part 686, the right movable piece actuating part 687, the left movable piece 688, the right movable piece 689, the left movable piece rotating shaft 691, and the right movable piece rotating shaft 692 are provided. .

  One end of the first link portion 681 is fixed to the shaft portion 641 of the sorting portion 640 so that the first link portion 681 is substantially parallel to the arm 644 of the sorting portion 640 on the front side (front cover 620 side) of the partition plate 630. A common pin shaft is mounted on the other end of the first link portion 681 that is not fixed and on the upper end side of the second link portion 682, whereby each link portion 681, 682 is relatively centered about the front-rear direction. Are pivotally connected.

  One end side of the shaft portion 684 is inserted into the shaft hole 1621 of the front cover 620 so that the shaft portion 684 is pivotally supported by the front cover 620 about the front-rear direction. On the other end side of the shaft portion 684, one end sides of a left arm 683 and a right arm 685 extending in a substantially horizontal direction are continuous. A common pin shaft is axially mounted on one end side of the left arm 683 close to the shaft portion 684 and on the lower end side of the second link portion 682, whereby the left arm 683 and the second link portion 682 are moved in the front-rear direction. It is connected so as to be relatively rotatable about the center.

  The other end side of the left arm 683 (that is, the end side away from the shaft portion 684) is a recess 686A formed on the rear side of the inner side surface (that is, the surface facing the shaft portion 684) of the left movable piece actuating portion 686. It is formed to a length that enters the inside of the. On the front end side of the left movable piece actuating portion 686, a U-shaped actuating portion 686B is formed in a side view, and the actuating portion 686B is a rod-like projecting portion 688A that projects rearward from the left movable piece 688 (FIG. ))).

  A shaft portion 686C (see FIG. 17B) protrudes from the outer surface of the left movable piece actuating portion 686 at a position in front of the recessed portion 686A and behind the actuating portion 686B. The shaft portion 686 </ b> C is pivotally supported by a support member (not shown) fixed to the game board 400.

  A shaft hole for inserting the left movable piece rotating shaft 691 is provided on the left side of the protrusion 688A of the left movable piece 688. The left movable piece 688 is pivotally supported by inserting the left movable piece rotation shaft 691 into the shaft hole. The other end side of the left movable piece rotating shaft 691 (the end side away from the left movable piece 688) is fixed to a support member (not shown) fixed to the game board 400.

  The left movable piece 688 has a lever portion 688B extending radially with respect to the left movable piece rotating shaft 691 in the right direction when viewed from the front when the left movable piece 688 is opened (the state shown in FIG. 18B). Is provided.

  The other end side of the right arm 685 (that is, the end side away from the shaft portion 684) is a recess 687A formed on the rear side of the inner side surface (that is, the surface facing the shaft portion 684) of the right movable piece operating portion 687. It is housed and fixed. On the front end side of the right movable piece actuating part 687, a U-shaped actuating part 687B is formed in a side view, and the actuating part 687B is a rod-like projecting part projecting rearward from the right movable piece 689 (in the left movable piece 688). A portion corresponding to the protruding portion 688A) is gripped.

  A shaft portion 687C (see FIG. 17A) projects from the outer surface of the right movable piece operating portion 687 at a position in front of the recess 687A and behind the operating portion 687B. The shaft portion 687C is pivotally supported by a support member (not shown) that is fixed to the game board 400 and supports the entry restriction mechanism 680.

  A shaft hole for inserting the right movable piece rotating shaft 692 is provided on the right side of the protruding portion of the right movable piece 689. The right movable piece 689 is pivotally supported by inserting the right movable piece turning shaft 692 into the shaft hole. The other end side of the right movable piece rotating shaft 692 (the end side away from the right movable piece 689) is fixed to a support member (not shown) fixed to the game board 400.

  The right movable piece 689 has a lever portion 689B extending radially with respect to the right movable piece rotating shaft 692 in the left direction when viewed from the front when the right movable piece 689 is opened (the state shown in FIG. 18A). Is provided.

  According to the entry restriction mechanism 680 configured as described above, for example, when the game ball has entered the concave ball receiving portion formed by the arm 642, the connecting portion 645, and the arm 643, the sorting portion 640 is moved. When rotating counterclockwise in front view, the first link portion 681 pulls up the second link portion 682 by the rotation.

  When the second link portion 682 is pulled up, the left arm 683 is pulled up in conjunction with it, so that an upward force acts on the rear side of the left movable piece actuating portion 686 by the left arm 683. The operation part 686 rotates in a direction in which the rear side rises with the shaft part 686C as the center. As a result of the rotation, the position of the operating portion 686B is lowered, and the protruding portion 688A to which power is transmitted is lowered by the operating portion 686B.

  By pulling down the protruding portion 688A, a counterclockwise force when viewed from the front centering on the left movable piece rotation shaft 691 acts on the left movable piece 688. Therefore, the left movable piece 688 rotates around the left movable piece rotation shaft 691 counterclockwise when viewed from the front, thereby shifting from the entry restriction posture to the entry permission posture. When the left movable piece 688 is in the approach allowing posture, the entrance 801 (see FIG. 18) is opened so that the game ball can enter, so that the game ball can enter from the entrance 801.

  When the left movable piece 688 is in the allowed entry posture, the game ball that has entered from the entrance 801 basically enters the left middle start winning device 431B, and is the middle of the left side, like the game ball discharged from the opening 624. This is detected by the left middle start winning switch 441B provided inside the start winning device 431B.

  On the other hand, when the left arm 683 is pulled up in conjunction with the pulling up of the second link portion 682, the right arm 685 rotates clockwise around the shaft portion 684, so that the right arm 685 moves the right movable piece actuating portion. A downward force acts on the rear side of 687, whereby the right movable piece actuating portion 687 rotates about the shaft portion 687C in a direction in which the rear side descends. As a result of the rotation, the position of the operating portion 687B is raised, and the protruding portion (not shown) of the right movable piece 689 to which power is transmitted by the operating portion 687B is pulled up.

  By pulling up the protruding portion of the right movable piece 689, a counterclockwise force in front view around the right movable piece rotating shaft 692 acts on the right movable piece 689. Accordingly, when the right movable piece 689 is in the approaching allowable posture, the right movable piece 689 rotates around the right movable piece rotating shaft 692 counterclockwise when viewed from the front. Transition to posture.

  When the right movable piece 689 is in the entry restriction posture, the entrance 802 (see FIG. 18) is narrowed (or closed) so that the game ball cannot enter, so the game ball cannot enter from the entrance 802. . When the right movable piece 689 is in the entry restriction posture, even if a counterclockwise force centering on the right movable piece rotation shaft 692 acts on the right movable piece 689, the posture of the right movable piece 689 is The entry restriction posture is maintained without change.

  Further, according to the entry restriction mechanism 680, for example, when the game ball has entered the concave ball receiving portion formed by the arm 642, the connecting portion 646, and the arm 644, the sorting portion 640 is rotated clockwise in front view. When it rotates, the 1st link part 681 pushes down the 2nd link part 682 by the said rotation.

  When the second link portion 682 is pushed down, the left arm 683 is pushed down in conjunction with it, and thus the left arm 683 exerts a downward force on the rear side of the left movable piece actuating portion 686, thereby causing the left movable piece to move. The operating part 686 rotates in a direction in which the rear side descends with the shaft part 686C as the center. As a result of the rotation, the position of the operating portion 686B rises, so that the protruding portion 688A of the left movable piece 688 to which power is transmitted by the operating portion 686B is pulled up.

  By pulling up the protruding portion 688A, a force in a clockwise direction around the left movable piece rotation shaft 691 acts on the left movable piece 688. Therefore, when the left movable piece 688 is in the approach permitting posture, the left movable piece 688 rotates around the left movable piece rotating shaft 691 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the front. Migrate to

  When the left movable piece 688 is in the entry restriction posture, the entrance 801 (see FIG. 18) is constricted (or closed) so that the game ball cannot enter, so the game ball cannot enter from the entrance 801. . When the left movable piece 688 is in the entry restriction posture, the posture of the left movable piece 688 changes even if a clockwise clockwise force around the left movable piece rotation shaft 691 acts on the left movable piece 688. The entry restriction posture is maintained without doing so.

  On the other hand, when the left arm 683 is pushed down in conjunction with the depression of the second link portion 682, the right arm 685 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front centering on the shaft portion 684. An upward force acts on the rear side of 687, whereby the right movable piece actuating portion 687 rotates about the shaft portion 687C in a direction in which the rear side rises. As a result of the rotation, the position of the operating portion 687B is lowered, and the protruding portion of the right movable piece 689 to which power is transmitted by the operating portion 687B is pulled down.

  When the protruding portion of the right movable piece 689 is pulled down, a clockwise clockwise force about the right movable piece rotation shaft 692 acts on the right movable piece 689. Therefore, the right movable piece 689 rotates around the right movable piece rotation shaft 692 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the front, thereby shifting from the entry restriction posture to the entry permission posture. When the right movable piece 689 is in the approach allowing posture, the entrance 802 (see FIG. 18) is opened so that the game ball can enter, so that the game ball can enter from the entrance 802.

  When the right movable piece 689 is in the approaching allowable posture, the game ball that has entered from the entrance 802 basically enters the right middle start winning device 431A, and is the right middle in the same manner as the game ball discharged from the opening 625. This is detected by the right middle start winning switch 441A provided inside the start winning device 431A.

  It should be noted that the nail 411 disposed around the sorting apparatus 800 includes a right side between the opening 625 and the right middle start winning device 431A and an opening 624, as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b). And the left side between the left middle start winning device 431B and the game balls are separated so as to be able to pass through, so that the game balls discharged from the openings 624 and 625 and the game balls entered from the entrances 801 and 802 With a very low probability (for example, a probability of about 1/100 or less, preferably a probability of about 1/1000 or less) without entering a middle start winning device 431A or 431B. Discharged.

  At this time, the game balls discharged from the openings 624 and 625 and part of the game balls that have entered from the entrances 801 and 802 do not enter the middle start winning devices 431A and 431B, either of the left and right sides, and the probability is very low. The structure for discharging is made of resin in which a game ball is opened so that a game ball can pass through the right side between the opening 625 and the right middle start winning device 431A and the left side between the opening 624 and the left middle starting winning device 431B. You may implement | achieve by providing a wall part in the front side of the sorting apparatus 800. FIG.

  When the left movable piece 688 is in the allowed entry posture and a game ball enters from the entrance 801, the game ball comes into contact with the lever portion 688B of the left movable piece 688, thereby centering the left movable piece rotation shaft 691. The force in the clockwise direction as seen from the above acts on the left movable piece 688. As a result, the left movable piece 688 rotates around the left movable piece rotation shaft 691 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the front, and shifts from the entry allowance posture to the entry restriction posture.

  In addition, when the right movable piece 689 is in the approach permitting posture and the game ball enters from the entrance 802, the game ball comes into contact with the lever portion 689B of the right movable piece 689 and the right movable piece rotation shaft 692 is the center. The counterclockwise force when viewed from the front acts on the right movable piece 689. As a result, the right movable piece 689 rotates about the right movable piece rotation shaft 692 counterclockwise when viewed from the front, and shifts from the entry allowance posture to the entry restriction posture.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the operation of the sorting device 800 when a game ball enters the sorting device 800 and the flow down path of the game ball that has entered the sorting device 800 will be described. FIG. 18A is a front view of the sorting apparatus 800 with the rotation unit 610 in the first position, and FIG. 18B is a front view of the sorting apparatus 800 with the rotation unit 610 in the second position. is there.

  18A and 18B, for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the drawings, the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689 and the left and right movable piece rotating shafts 691 and 692 in the entry restriction mechanism 680 are not included. The part of is omitted. 18A and 18B also show a nail 411 disposed around the sorting apparatus 800. FIG.

  FIG. 18C shows the flow of the game ball when the game ball enters the ball entry unit 612 in the first distribution state (the state of FIG. 18A) where the rotating unit 610 is at the first position. It is a figure for demonstrating a path | route, Specifically, it is a rear view of the distribution apparatus 800 which removed the back cover 650 and the partition plate 630. FIG.

  In the sorting apparatus 800, one ball-opening portion is opened so as to be continuous with the upper approach portion A1 formed by the nail 411, and the other ball-filling portion is continuous with the left-hand approach portion A2 or the right-hand approach portion A3. It arrange | positions in the position to open. As shown in FIG. 18A, in the sorting device 800, when the rotating unit 610 is in the first position, the entrance portion of the ball entering unit 612 is upward as in the sorting device 600 of the first embodiment. And the entrance portion of the ball entry portion 613 faces to the left. Therefore, when the rotation unit 610 is in the first position, the game ball passing through the upper approach portion A1 provided on the upper side with respect to the sorting device 800 or the left approach portion provided on the left side with respect to the sorting device 800 It is possible to allow a game ball passing through A2 to enter the sorting apparatus 800 from the ball entering unit 612 or the ball entering unit 613.

  On the right side of the lower part of the sorting apparatus 600, the sorting unit 800 sorts along the path indicated by the arrow A4 in FIG. 18 (a) where the game ball can enter the sorting apparatus 600 from the lower right side. An entrance portion of a game ball that can enter the apparatus 600, and hereinafter referred to as a lower right entry portion A4) is formed by a nail 411 and a right movable piece 689.

  When the rotating portion 610 is in the first position, a concave ball receiving portion formed by the arm 642, the connecting portion 646, and the arm 644 is disposed so as to be able to receive the game ball that has passed through the distribution passage 621. Therefore, of the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689, the right movable piece 689 can be allowed to enter by the entry restriction mechanism 680. Therefore, when the rotating part 610 is in the first position and the right movable piece 689 is in the approaching allowable posture, the game that passes through the lower right approach part A4 provided on the lower right side with respect to the sorting device 800. A sphere can enter from the entrance 802.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18B, in the sorting device 800, when the rotating unit 610 is in the second position, the ball entering unit 612 is similar to the sorting device 600 of the first embodiment. The entrance portion faces rightward, and the entrance portion of the entrance ball portion 613 faces upward. Therefore, when the rotation unit 610 is in the second position, the game ball passing through the upper approach portion A1 provided on the upper side with respect to the sorting device 800 or the right approach portion provided on the right side with respect to the sorting device 800. It is possible to allow a game ball passing through A2 to enter the sorting apparatus 800 from the ball entering unit 612 or the ball entering unit 613.

  On the lower left side of the sorting device 600, the sorting device 800 is sorted by a path indicated by an arrow A5 in FIG. 18B where a game ball can enter the sorting device 600 from the lower left side. An entrance portion of a game ball that can enter the device 600, and hereinafter referred to as a lower left entry portion A5) is formed by the nail 411 and the right movable piece 689.

  When the rotating portion 610 is in the second position, the concave ball receiving portion formed by the arm 642, the connecting portion 645, and the arm 643 is disposed so as to be able to receive the game ball that has passed through the distribution passage 621. Therefore, of the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689, the left movable piece 688 can be in the approach allowing posture by the entry restriction mechanism 680. Therefore, when the rotating unit 610 is in the second position and the left movable piece 688 is in the approaching allowable posture, the game ball that passes through the lower left side entrance portion A5 provided on the lower left side with respect to the sorting device 800. Can be entered from the entrance 801.

  In the sorting device 800, when a game ball enters the ball entering unit 612 in a state where the rotating unit 610 is in the first position (that is, the state of FIG. 18A), the game ball is connected to the sorting device 600. Similarly, it flows down in the sorting apparatus 800 along the route indicated by the arrow Q1 shown in FIG. That is, in such a case, the allocating unit 640 rotates in the direction of arrow B, which is clockwise when viewed from the front (that is, counterclockwise when viewed from the back side) by the weight of the game ball. Is distributed to the right side of the front view (left side when viewed from the back side) and flows down to the opening 625.

  When the sorting unit 640 rotates in the direction of arrow B due to the game ball entering the ball entering unit 612 of the rotating unit 610 at the first position, the rotating unit 610 is also synchronized with the rotation of the sorting unit 640. Then, it rotates in the direction of arrow B (that is, clockwise when viewed from the front and counterclockwise when viewed from the back side). As a result, the rotating unit 610 moves from the first position shown in FIG. 18A to the second position shown in FIG.

  When the distribution unit 640 rotates in the direction of the arrow B because the game ball has entered the ball entry unit 612 of the rotation unit 610 at the first position, the entry restriction mechanism 680 is activated and the left movable piece 688 is in front. It rotates in the direction of arrow C1 that is counterclockwise (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side). As a result, the left movable piece 688 shifts from the entry restriction posture to the entry permission posture.

  Further, when the allocating unit 640 rotates in the direction of arrow B, if the right movable piece 689 is in the approaching allowable posture, the right movable piece 689 is counterclockwise when viewed from the front (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side). It rotates in the direction of the arrow C2. Thereby, the right movable piece 689 shifts from the approach allowing posture to the approach restricting posture.

  Although not shown, when a game ball enters the ball entry unit 613 in a state where the rotation unit 610 is in the second position (that is, the state shown in FIG. 18B), the distribution unit 640 includes the distribution device. As in the case of 600, the game ball that has entered the concave ball receiving portion formed by the arm 642, the connecting portion 645, and the arm 643 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side). Thereby, the game balls are distributed to the left side of the front view (right side as viewed from the back side) by the distribution unit 640 and flow down to the opening 624.

  When the distribution unit 640 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front (that is, viewed clockwise from the back side) due to the entry of the game ball into the ball entry unit 613 of the rotation unit 610 at the second position, the rotation unit 610 Also, it rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front in synchronization with the rotation of the allocating unit 640. As a result, the rotating unit 610 moves from the second position shown in FIG. 18B to the first position shown in FIG.

  When the distribution unit 640 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side) due to the game ball entering the ball entering unit 613 of the rotating unit 610 at the second position, the entrance restriction mechanism 680 is operated, and the right movable piece 689 is rotated clockwise in front view (that is, counterclockwise as viewed from the back side). Thereby, the right movable piece 689 shifts from the entry restriction posture to the entry permission posture.

  Further, when the allocating unit 640 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front (that is, clockwise when viewed from the back side), if the left movable piece 688 is in the approaching allowable posture, the left movable piece 688 is viewed from the front view. Rotate around (that is, counterclockwise when viewed from the back side). As a result, the left movable piece 688 shifts from the approach allowing posture to the approach restricting posture.

  When a game ball enters the ball entry unit 613 with the rotation unit 610 in the first position, the game ball flows down between the front cover 620 and the partition plate 630 to the guide unit 628, After being guided to the back side (back side) by the guide portion 628, it flows down toward the opening 624. Therefore, in such a case, the rotating unit 610 is held in the first position.

  On the other hand, when a game ball enters the ball entry unit 612 with the rotating unit 610 in the second position, the game ball flows down between the front cover 620 and the partition plate 630 and reaches the guide unit 629. Then, after being guided to the back side (back side) by the guide portion 629, it flows down to the opening 625 and is discharged from the opening 625. Therefore, in such a case, the rotating unit 610 is held in the second position.

  Next, operations and effects of the pachinko machine 100 including the sorting device 800 according to the third embodiment described above will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the third embodiment, when the distributing unit 640 distributes and rotates the game balls, the rotating unit 610 not only rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the distributing unit 640 but also the left One of the movable piece 688 or the right movable piece 689 shifts to the approaching allowable posture in conjunction with the rotation of the distribution unit 640. Therefore, each time the distribution unit 640 distributes the game balls, not only the position of the game ball entrance to the distribution device 600 (that is, the ball entry unit 612 and the ball entry unit 613), but also the left and right movable pieces 688, 689. Since the attitude of the game also changes from time to time, it is possible to add interest to the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distribution unit 640, thereby suppressing monotonization of the game.

  In particular, the entry restricting mechanism 680 that changes the postures of the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689 can be operated mechanically in conjunction with the rotation of the allocating unit 640, so the game balls are distributed by the allocating unit 640. The monotonization of the game can be suppressed while preventing an increase in power consumption.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, when the rotating unit 610 moves from the first position to the second position by the rotation of the distributing unit 640, the ball entering unit 612 faces right and is movable to the left. The piece 688 shifts to the approach allowable posture. On the other hand, when the rotating unit 610 shifts from the second position to the first position due to the rotation of the allocating unit 640, the ball entering unit 613 turns to the left and the right movable piece 689 shifts to the approaching allowable posture.

  Thereby, when the rotation unit 610 moves from the first position to the second position, the player can easily enter the game ball into the ball entry unit 612 by firing the game ball using the right-handed game technique. It is possible to easily enter the game ball from the left entrance 801 by launching the game ball using the left-handed game technique. On the other hand, when the rotating unit 610 moves from the second position to the first position, it is possible to make the game ball enter the ball entering unit 613 easily by launching the game ball using the left-handed game technique. By launching the game ball by the game technique, the game ball can be easily entered from the right entrance 802. Therefore, since variations in how to launch the game ball can be made, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous in a normal game state or the like.

  In particular, when the rotating unit 610 is at the first position, a game ball that has entered from the ball entering unit 613 can enter the left middle start winning device 431B, which is a starting device according to the second special symbol, from the entrance 801. The entered game ball can enter the right middle start winning device 431A which is the start device according to the first special symbol. Similarly, when the rotating unit 610 is in the second position, a game ball that has entered from the ball entering unit 612 can enter the right middle start winning device 431A that is a starting device according to the first special symbol, and the entrance 802 Can enter the left middle start winning device 431B, which is the start device according to the second special symbol. Therefore, the player can efficiently enter the game ball in the starting device related to the first special symbol (right middle starting winning device 431A) or the starting device related to the second special symbol (left middle starting winning device 431B). It is possible to hit the game balls to the left and right with the aim of the entry portion to the medium start winning device desired by the player.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the player can play a right-handed game technique so that the game ball enters the lower prize-winning device 433 or the upper prize-winning device 434 in the special gaming state. I do. In the game area on the right side of the game board 400, a right start winning device 432, which is a start device related to the second special symbol, is provided, so that the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is reserved in the special game state. Although it is easy to be held, the right to reserve the unit game related to the second special symbol is limited to a maximum of 4 times, so that the game ball is placed in the right start prize-winning device 432 while playing the right-handed game technique. Even if a unit game right related to the second special symbol that has entered is generated, if the reserved right reaches the maximum (that is, four times), the generated right cannot be reserved, and the right Will be wasted.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, regardless of whether the rotating unit 610 is in the first position or the second position, a game ball launched by the right-handed gaming technique is used as the entrance part 612 or the entrance 802. You can enter either of these. Since the game ball that has entered from the entrance part 612 and the entrance 802 enters the right middle start winning device 431A and generates a unit game right according to the first special symbol, the game ball is played while using the right-handed game technique. In addition, it is possible to prevent only the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol from being generated and wasting the right.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the movable pieces 688 and 689 that have shifted to the approaching allowable posture in conjunction with the rotation of the allocating unit 640 are the lever portions when the game ball enters from the entrances 801 and 802. 688B and 689B operate to shift to the entry restriction posture again. Therefore, the number of game balls that can enter the entrances 801 and 802 can be limited to one ball each time the left movable piece 688 or the right movable piece 689 shifts to the entry allowable posture. Of the ball entering portions 612 and 613, the ball entering portion communicating with the opening 622 or the opening 623 can enter the game ball at any time unless the sorting portion 640 is rotated by the distribution of the game balls. Differentiation of the entrances 801 and 802 with respect to the sphere can be achieved.

  In addition, the approach restricting mechanism 680 that changes the posture of the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689 is mechanically interlocked with the rotation of the allocating unit 640, so that the allocating unit 640 distributes the game balls. Monotonization can be suppressed while preventing an increase in power consumption.

  In addition, this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, For example, you may deform | transform and implement as described below. In this case, each configuration described below may be applied to the above embodiment, or a plurality of configurations described below may be combined and applied to the above embodiment.

  (1) In each of the above embodiments, as the entrance of the game ball to the sorting device 600, 700, 800, it is configured to provide the two ball entering portions 612, 613 in the rotating portion 610, but The number of entrances of the rotating unit 610 serving as the entrance need not be limited to two, and three or more entrances may be provided.

  (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the positions of the ball entering portions 612 and 613 are changed by rotating the ball entering portions 612 and 613 by the rotation of the rotating portion 610. The openings are arranged in the same direction on the plate material, and the plate material is changed in the left-right direction by converting the rotation of the distributing unit 640 into a linear motion, and one of the incoming balls functions in the same manner as the distribution path 621. It is good also as a structure which is made to communicate with the distribution channel | path to perform and connects the other entrance part to the opening which functions similarly to the opening 622,623.

  (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the distribution unit 640 that rotates to the left and right is used to distribute the game balls that have entered from the entry unit provided in the game area to the left and right passages (grooves 626 and 627). However, the configuration of the game balls to which the game balls are distributed is not limited to the aisle, but may be a stage, a croon, or the like, and a winning lottery such as a right start winning device 432 or a big winning device 433, 434 has been won. One of the distribution devices 600, 700, and 800 is provided inside the winning device in which the entry probability is increased, and a game ball that has entered the winning device reaches the distribution unit 640 through the entry unit and makes a plurality of distributions. For example, the information may be distributed to a non-specific passage and a specific passage that is more advantageous to the player than the non-specific passage.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the distribution unit 640 distributes the game balls alternately one by one to either of the left and right passages (grooves 626 and 627). However, the passage is a distribution destination by the distribution unit. The number of game balls may be three or more, and it is not always necessary to distribute the game balls one by one to different distribution destinations. A plurality of predetermined game balls are assigned to one distribution destination. When the game balls are distributed, the game balls may be distributed to another distribution destination.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, the right middle start winning device 431A or the left middle start winning device 431B is provided at the end of the passage (groove portions 626, 627) of the distribution destination by the distribution unit 640. Even if it was distributed to any passage by the part 640, it was the structure which a start prize produces.

  On the other hand, at least a part of the distribution destination path by the distribution unit 640 may be a path that guides to an advantageous area in which a privilege is given to the player without generating a start prize. For example, the distribution destination passage by the distribution unit 640 may be a passage leading to a winning opening where a certain number of game balls are paid out as winning balls without satisfying the lottery condition, and a gaming state advantageous to the player is given. It may be a specific passage.

  Alternatively, of the distribution destination paths by the distribution unit 640, only a part of the paths where the start winning prize is generated, a path other than the part of the paths may be a path for discharging the entered game ball to the game area, or a collection discharge It may be a passage that guides a passage (not shown).

  (6) In each of the embodiments described above, the allocating unit 640 is configured to distribute the game balls by mechanically rotating using the weight of the game balls. However, the distribution unit 640 distributes the game balls. May be configured such that the shaft 621 is controlled and rotated using power such as a motor.

  (7) In each of the above embodiments, the rotating unit 610 and the distributing unit 640 are respectively attached to both ends of the shaft 660 so that the rotating unit 610 rotates integrally with the distributing unit 640. The rotating unit 610 and the distributing unit 640 may be mechanically linked to each other, or the rotating unit 610 is rotated by using the power of a motor or the like. It is good also as a structure rotated independently. In such a case, the sorting unit 640 can move the game ball to the left or the like, such as a sensor that can detect the rotation direction of the sorting unit 640 or a sensor that can detect the game ball that the sorting unit 640 has sorted into the groove 626 or the groove 627. A sensor that can detect that the distribution is performed on the right side may be provided, and the rotation unit 610 may be rotated based on the detection results of these sensors.

  (8) In the second embodiment, the distribution direction changing unit 670 is operated by the game ball that has entered from the opening 622 or the opening 623 to mechanically rotate the distribution unit 640, and the distribution unit 640 The distribution destination is changed. The distribution direction changing unit 670 is not necessarily provided. For example, a sensor that can detect a game ball that has entered from the opening 622 or the opening 623 may be provided, and the distribution unit 640 may be rotated using power such as a motor based on a detection result of the sensor.

  (9) In the third embodiment, the entry restricting mechanism 680 is operated mechanically in conjunction with the rotation of the distribution unit 640 (that is, the distribution of game balls by the distribution unit 640). The posture of the movable pieces 688 and 689 is changed. The entry restriction mechanism 680 is not necessarily provided. For example, the distribution unit 640 detects the game ball left or right, such as a sensor that can detect the rotation direction of the distribution unit 640, or a sensor that the distribution unit 640 can detect a game ball distributed to the groove 626 or the groove 627. It is also possible to provide a sensor capable of detecting the distribution of the left and right movable pieces and to change the posture of the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689 using the power of a motor or the like based on the detection results of these sensors.

  (10) In the third embodiment, when the left and right movable pieces 688, 689 are in the approaching allowable posture, when a game ball enters from the entrances 801, 802, the lever of each movable piece 688, 689 is caused by the game ball. When the parts 688B and 689B are actuated, the movable pieces 688 and 689, which are allowed to enter, are moved to the entry restricting posture. Instead, a sensor capable of detecting a game ball that has passed through the entrances 801 and 802 is provided, and the posture of the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689 is controlled to enter using the power of a motor or the like based on the detection result of the sensor. It may be configured to shift to a posture.

  In addition, the posture change of the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689 is changed only when the distributing unit 640 is rotated, and the posture of the movable pieces 688 and 689 is changed even when a game ball enters from the entrances 801 and 802. It is good also as a structure which does not change.

  (11) In the third embodiment, when the rotating unit 610 is in the first position and the entrance portion of the ball-entry unit 613 faces leftward, the right movable piece 689 is in the approaching allowable posture, and the rotating unit 610 is In the second position, the left movable piece 688 is configured to be allowed to enter when the entrance portion of the ball entry portion 612 faces rightward. That is, of the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689, the side of the movable piece in the approaching allowable posture is not communicated with the sorting passage 621 among the incoming ball portions 612 and 613 (that is, communicated with the opening 622 or the opening 623). The direction in which the entrance portion of the incoming ball portion faces is opposite to the direction to the left and right.

  Instead, of the left and right movable pieces 688 and 689, the movable piece side in the approach permitting posture is the entrance portion of the incoming ball portion of the incoming ball portions 612 and 613 that does not communicate with the sorting passage 621. You may comprise so that it may become the same direction in the direction and left-right direction.

  According to such a modified example, when the rotating unit 610 is in the first position, the game ball that has entered from either the ball entering unit 613 or the entrance 801 is a left middle start winning device that is a starting device according to the second special symbol. 431B can be entered. Similarly, when the rotating unit 610 is in the second position, a game ball that has entered from either the ball entering unit 612 or the entrance 802 is caused to enter the right middle start winning device 431A that is the starting device according to the first special symbol. be able to. Therefore, when playing a game using the left-handed game technique, the number of entrances that can enter the left-side middle start winning apparatus 431B increases, and when playing a game using the right-handed game technique, it is possible to enter the right-side middle start winning apparatus 431A. As the number of entrances increases, the probability of entering the left middle start winning device 431B or the right middle start winning device 431A is improved, so that the game ball can efficiently enter the left middle start winning device 431B or the right middle start winning device 431A. Can be done.

  (12) In each of the above embodiments, the left middle start winning device 431B is provided immediately below the opening 624, and the right middle start winning device 431A is provided directly below the opening 625. In other words, the game balls distributed to the left side of the front view by the distribution unit 640 enter the starting device related to the second special symbol (that is, the left middle starting winning device 431B), and are distributed to the right side of the front view by the distribution unit 640. The game ball is configured to enter the starting device related to the first special symbol (that is, the right middle starting winning device 431A). Instead, a starting device related to the first special symbol similar to the right middle start winning device 431B is provided immediately below the opening 624, and a second special symbol similar to the left middle starting winning device 431A is provided directly below the opening 625. It is good also as a structure which provides a starting device.

  In the distribution device 700 of the second embodiment, the right start winning device 432 including the right entry restriction mechanism 452 that changes the probability of entering the game ball inside, the distribution device 700, and the start winning device. As a combination of the start winning switch, the following configuration is preferable. That is, in the gaming state in which the game ball easily enters the right start winning device 432 having the entry restriction mechanism 452 (short-time state), the sorting device 700 is applied by the right-handed game technique in which the game ball easily enters the right start winning device 432. The game ball that has entered the right entry portion A3 that makes it easy for a game ball to enter, generates a start prize of the second special symbol that is the same as the start prize of the second special symbol related to the right start prize-winning device 432. The game ball that has entered the left entry portion A2 on the opposite side to the right entry portion A3 in the sorting apparatus 700 preferably generates a start prize of the first special symbol. As a result, when the right-handed gaming technique is finished and returned to the left-handed gaming technique and the normal gaming state is started, the second special symbol starting prize is likely to be maximized due to many winnings in the right-handed gaming technique. Since it is possible to easily generate start winnings of the first special symbol different from the above, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of useless starting winnings even if the game is started early.

  (13) In the first embodiment, the right start winning device 432 and the upper and lower big winning devices 433 and 434 are arranged on the right side of the central structure 420, and the left and right regions with respect to the central structure 420 are asymmetrical. However, the left and right game areas with respect to the central structure may be symmetrical or substantially configured.

  FIG. 19 is a front view of a game board 400X as an example of a game board in which left and right game areas with respect to the central structure are configured substantially symmetrically. In FIG. 19, the outline of some structures such as the central structure 420X disposed on the game board 400X is simply illustrated. In the following description, the same components as those of the gaming board 400 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 19, entrance holes are formed on the left and right sides of the central structure 420X disposed substantially at the center of the base body 401, and when a game ball enters any of the entrances, the game ball Is guided to a stage 422 formed on the lower side of the central structure 420X through a spherical passage (not shown) formed in the central structure 420X.

  An opening 422A is formed at the substantially center back side of the stage 422. When a game ball rolling on the stage 422 enters the opening 422A, the game ball passes through a passage not shown and the entrance portion faces upward. The ball is discharged from an opening 406 formed above the ball entrance 612 or the ball entrance 613. Therefore, the game ball that rolls on the stage 422 and enters the opening 422A flows down in the direction of the arrow A1, and can enter the entrance portion of the entrance portion 612 or the entrance portion 613 with the entrance portion facing upward. .

  In the game board 400 </ b> X, a right start winning device 432 </ b> X that functions in the same manner as the right start winning device 432 is disposed on the right side of the distributing device 600, and the lower large winning device 433 is disposed below the distributing device 600. A large winning device 433X is provided which functions. Further, two general winning devices 439B are provided on the right side of the right middle start winning device, and two general winning devices 439A are provided on the left side of the left middle starting winning device. Further, in the game board 400X, a gate-like device that serves as both the combination actuating device 435 and the starting device 436 is provided on the right side with respect to the central structure 420X.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the game board 400X is configured so that the left and right game areas with respect to the central structure 420X are substantially symmetrical. By providing the sorting device 600 on the game board 400X, the game ball can be caused to enter the upper entry portion A1 of the sorting device 700 by any of the left-handed gaming method and the right-handed gaming method. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the difference in the probability of entry of the game ball into the upper approach portion A1 when the left-handed game technique and the right-handed game technique are made different. For this reason, even in a normal gaming state, it is possible to actively switch between a left-handed gaming method and a right-handed gaming method, and provide a gameability in which an operation method can be easily switched aiming at an entry portion desired by a player. Can do. For example, the player performs a left-handed game method or a right-handed game method with the entrance portion facing the left side or the right side (the incoming ball portion 612 or the incoming ball portion 613), and a start prize is generated. When the player feels free, such as when the player feels that the game has decreased, the left-handed gaming method and the right-handed gaming method can be appropriately switched to facilitate the game. Therefore, the player can change his / her mood by changing the left-handed game method and the right-handed game method, making it difficult for the player to get bored with the game, and continuing the game for a long time. be able to.

  (14) In the pachinko machine 100 according to the first to third embodiments, the game ball that has entered the sorting device 700 from the right side entry portion A3 starts the second special symbol based on the winning to the right start winning device 432 The configuration for generating the winning to the right middle starting winning device 431A for generating the starting winning of the first special symbol which is different from the winning has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game balls distributed from the distributing device 700 are For example, the same configuration as the combination of the right middle start winning device 431A and the right middle start winning switch 441A has the same configuration as the left middle start winning device 431B and the left middle start winning so as to generate a winning of the starting winning device receiving the same lottery. It may be applied instead of the combination of the switches 441B.

  (15) In each of the above embodiments, when a game ball can enter from three locations of the upper approach portion A1, the right approach portion A2, and the left approach portion A3 with respect to the rotating portion 610 of the sorting devices 600, 700, and 800. However, the number of entry portions is not limited to the number described above, and may be a different number. For example, although the upper entry portion A1 is provided for the sorting devices 600, 700, and 800 of each embodiment, At least one of the entry portions may be blocked by a nail 411 or the like so that the game ball cannot always enter so as not to include either or both of the right entry portion A2 and the left entry portion A3.

  (16) In each of the above embodiments, when a game ball enters the upper part A1 from the upper approach part A1 with respect to the rotating part 610 of the sorting devices 600, 700, and 800, the sorting part 640 always changes the sorting destination. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a game ball enters from the upper entry unit A1, the sorting unit 640 may not change the distribution destination. For example, an entry unit other than the upper entry unit A1 (for example, When the game ball enters the left entry portion A2 or the right entry portion A3), the distribution direction changing unit 670 acts on the distribution unit 640 to change the distribution destination, and the upper entry unit A1. When a game ball enters, the distribution unit 640 may maintain the state before entering without changing the distribution destination.

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

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

<Feature 10>
A distribution unit that changes a distribution destination of game balls that have entered from a predetermined distribution entry unit (upper entry unit A1), and distributes game balls to a predetermined first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations A second distribution state in which game balls are distributed to a predetermined second distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations when a game ball enters from the predetermined distribution entry portion in the first distribution state A sorting means (sorting unit 640) that operates to shift to
A first entrance (entrance portion 613) that allows a game ball to enter from at least one entry portion (upper entry portion A1, left entry portion A2, right entry portion A3) including the predetermined sorting entry portion. ) And a second inlet (entrance portion 612), and a movable part that operates together with the sorting means, and when operated, the positions of the plurality of inlets move mechanically A movable portion (rotating portion 610) that allows a game ball to enter from at least one of the plurality of entrances,
When the allocating means is in the first allocating state, the movable portion is in a first inlet arrangement state (a state in which the rotating unit 610 is in the first position) corresponding to the first allocating state. ,
In the first entrance arrangement state, when a game ball enters the first entrance from the predetermined sorting entry portion, the sorting means shifts to the second sorting state, and the movable portion However, the game machine moves to a second entrance arrangement state (a state in which the rotating portion 610 is in the second position) corresponding to the second distribution state by operating together with the distribution means.

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In recent years, a distribution unit that distributes game balls to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations is provided, and a plurality of start ports (for example, two A gaming machine that distributes to any of the starting ports is known (see, for example, JP-A-2016-22147).

  However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines that distribute gaming balls using sorting means, such as the above-described conventional gaming machines. For example, since the distribution means in a general gaming machine simply has a configuration in which game balls that have entered from a predetermined entrance are distributed to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations, a game in which game balls are distributed by the distribution means. Sometimes felt monotonous.

  On the other hand, the gaming machine described in the feature 10 includes a distribution unit that changes a distribution destination of game balls that have entered from a predetermined distribution entry unit, and the distribution unit includes a plurality of distribution destinations. When a game ball enters from a predetermined sorting entry portion in a first sorting state in which game balls are sorted to a predetermined first sorting destination, a predetermined second of the plurality of sorting destinations It operates to shift to the second distribution state in which the game balls are distributed to the distribution destination.

  On the other hand, a movable part having a plurality of entrances that allow a game ball to enter from at least one entry part including a predetermined assignment entry part is configured to operate together with the distribution means. By moving the position of the entrance mechanically, it is possible to enter the game ball from at least one of the plurality of entrances. That is, when the distribution unit is operated and the distribution destination by the distribution unit is changed, the movable unit operates together with the distribution unit and the positions of the plurality of inlets are mechanically moved. Therefore, since the arrangement of the plurality of entrances in the movable portion changes in appearance, it is possible to add fun to the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distributing means, and the change of the distribution destination can be easily shown to the player. Since this is possible, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game by encouraging the player to perform an aggressive launch operation.

  In addition, in the gaming machine according to the feature 10, the plurality of entrances in the movable portion are configured such that the first entrance of the plurality of entrances is in a predetermined direction when the distribution unit is in the first distribution state. When opening and allowing a game ball to enter from a predetermined sorting entry portion and the sorting means is in the second sorting state, the second entrance of the plurality of entrances opens in a given direction. Then, the game ball may be allowed to enter from a predetermined sorting entry portion. Thereby, the player can easily determine the distribution state of the distribution means by paying attention to the inlet opening in a predetermined direction among the plurality of inlets in the movable portion. In other words, in the conventional gaming machine, in general, compared to the configuration in which the player is difficult to determine to which distribution destination the game ball that has entered from a predetermined entrance is distributed by the distribution means, The player can predict the distribution destination of the game balls by the distribution means based on the appearance of the movable part. Therefore, the player can perform the launch operation while changing the degree of expectation depending on which entrance is the entrance that opens in a predetermined direction, and monotonize the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distribution means. Can be suppressed.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the feature 10, the “movable part that operates together with the allocating unit” may be one in which the movable unit operates in conjunction with the operation of the allocating unit. And the movable part may operate (synchronize) together with the allocating means. When the allocating means operates, the movable part is driven by the power of a motor or the like based on the operation. It may operate independently of the sorting means.

<Feature 11>
The gaming machine according to the feature 10, wherein when the allocating means is in the first allocating state, the allocating means enters the first entrance from the predetermined allocating entry portion, and the allocating means Provided on the downstream side of the first flow path (groove 626) through which the game balls distributed to the first distribution destination flow down, and when a game ball flowing down the first flow path enters the predetermined privilege The first entrance (left middle start winning device 431B),
When the distribution means is in the second distribution state, a game that enters the second entrance from the predetermined distribution entry section and is distributed to the second distribution destination by the distribution means When a game ball that is provided on the downstream side of a second downflow passage (groove portion 627) that is a downflow passage through which the ball flows down and is different from the first downflow passage enters the second downflow passage And a second entrance for discharging the game ball without granting the privilege (right middle start winning device 431A).

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 11, when the distribution unit is in the first distribution state, the first distribution unit enters the first entrance from the predetermined distribution entry unit and performs the first distribution by the distribution unit. A predetermined privilege is given when the game ball distributed first flows down the first flow path and enters the first entrance. On the other hand, when the allocating means is in the second allocating state, a game ball that enters the second entrance from the predetermined allocating entry section and is distributed to the second allocating destination by the allocating means. However, when the second downflow passage different from the first downflow passage is flowed into the second entrance, a privilege different from the predetermined privilege is given or a privilege is given. The game ball is discharged without doing. Therefore, since the granting status of the privilege varies depending on the game ball distribution destination by the distribution means, the degree of expectation for the privilege that the player can acquire depends on which entrance is open in a predetermined direction It is possible to perform the launch operation while changing the game, and to appropriately suppress monotonization of the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distribution means.

  Examples of the “privilege” in the feature 11 include lottery conditions, a lottery probability, a special game state that occurs when a lottery is won, and the number of game balls to be paid out. In addition, “a privilege different from a predetermined privilege” is not limited to a case where all privileges are different from each other when a plurality of privileges are granted, and at least some of the privileges are mutually different when a plurality of privileges are granted. It only has to be different.

<Feature 12>
12. The gaming machine according to feature 10 or 11, wherein the allocating means is mechanically operated by a game ball that has entered from the predetermined allocating entry section when the allocating means is in the first allocating state. Configured to move to the second distribution state by operating
A connecting means (shaft 660) provided between the allocating means and the movable part and mechanically interlocking or synchronizing the operation of the movable part with the operation of the allocating means; A featured gaming machine.

  In the gaming machine according to feature 12, the allocating means is mechanically operated by a game ball that has entered from a predetermined allocating entry section when the allocating means is in the first allocating state. To shift to the second distribution state. Between the allocating means and the movable part, there is provided a connecting means for mechanically interlocking or synchronizing the operation of the movable part with the operation of the allocating means, so that the mechanical operation of the allocating means is performed. Since the movable part can be operated by mechanically interlocking or synchronizing with each other, monotonization of the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distributing means can be suppressed while preventing an increase in power consumption.

<Feature 20>
A distribution unit that changes a distribution destination of game balls that have entered from a predetermined distribution entry unit (upper entry unit A1), and distributes game balls to a predetermined first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations An allocating means (allocation unit 640) that operates to shift from a first allocation state to a second allocation state in which game balls are allocated to a predetermined second allocation destination among the plurality of allocation destinations;
A second entrance that allows a game ball to enter from a first entrance that allows a game ball to enter (the entrance portion 613) and an entrance portion that is different from the predetermined distribution entry portion (the left entrance portion A2). A movable portion having a plurality of inlets including an inlet (incoming ball portion 612) and operating together with the allocating means. When operated, the plurality of inlets move mechanically to move the plurality of inlets. A movable part (a rotating part 610 of the sorting apparatus 700) that allows a game ball to enter from at least one of the entrances of
When the allocating means is in the first allocating state, the movable portion is in a first inlet arrangement state (a state in which the rotating unit 610 is in the first position) corresponding to the first allocating state. ,
When a game ball enters the second entrance from the another entry portion in the first entrance arrangement state, the sorting means shifts to the second sort state, and the movable portion is A gaming machine that operates together with the allocating means and shifts to a second inlet arrangement state (a state in which the rotating portion 610 is in the second position) corresponding to the second allocating state.

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In recent years, a distribution unit that distributes game balls to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations is provided, and a plurality of start ports (for example, two A gaming machine that distributes to any of the starting ports is known (see, for example, JP-A-2016-22147).

  However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines that distribute gaming balls using sorting means, such as the above-described conventional gaming machines. For example, since the distribution means in a general gaming machine simply has a configuration in which game balls that have entered from a predetermined entrance are distributed to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations, a game in which game balls are distributed by the distribution means. Sometimes felt monotonous.

  On the other hand, the gaming machine described in the feature 20 includes a distribution unit that changes a distribution destination of game balls that have entered from a predetermined distribution entry unit, and the distribution unit includes a plurality of distribution destinations. A transition from a first distribution state in which game balls are distributed to a predetermined first distribution destination to a second distribution state in which game balls are distributed to a predetermined second distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations. Operate.

  On the other hand, a movable having a plurality of entrances including a first entrance that allows a game ball to enter and a second entrance that allows a game ball to enter from an entry portion different from the predetermined sorting entry portion. The unit is configured to operate together with the distributing means, and when operated, the positions of the plurality of inlets move mechanically. That is, when the distribution unit is operated and the distribution destination by the distribution unit is changed, the movable unit operates together with the distribution unit and the positions of the plurality of inlets are mechanically moved. Therefore, since the arrangement of the plurality of entrances in the movable portion changes in appearance, it is possible to add fun to the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distributing means, and the change of the distribution destination can be easily shown to the player. Since this is possible, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game by encouraging the player to perform an aggressive launch operation.

  In addition, the movable portion can enter the game ball from an entry portion different from a predetermined assignment entry portion that changes a distribution destination of the assignment device when the distribution device is in the first distribution state. It operates when a game ball enters the second entrance. For this reason, even in a situation where the sorting destination of the sorting means is changed by a game ball that will not be sorted by the sorting means, the change is made by looking at the arrangement of the plurality of entrances by the operation of the movable part. It can be changed and presented to the player. Therefore, it is possible to add interest to the game where the game balls are distributed by the distribution means, and to show the player the change of the distribution destination in an easy-to-understand manner. Can be suppressed.

  In the feature 20, the “movable part operating together with the allocating means” may be one in which the movable part operates in conjunction with the operation of the allocating means, or the allocating means and the movable part are integrated. Therefore, the movable part may operate (synchronize) together with the allocating means, and when the allocating means operates, the movable part is defined as the allocating means by the power of a motor or the like based on the operation. It may operate independently.

<Feature 21>
A gaming machine according to feature 20, wherein
The first entrance enters a game ball from two or more entry parts (upper entry part A1, left entry part A2, right entry part A3) including the predetermined sorting entry part and the another entry part. Made possible
In the first entrance arrangement state, when a game ball enters the first entrance from the predetermined sorting entry portion, or a game ball enters the second entrance from the other entry portion In addition, the distribution means shifts to the second distribution state, and the movable part operates together with the distribution means and is in a second inlet arrangement state (rotating part) corresponding to the second distribution state. A game machine in which 610 is shifted to a second position).

  In the case of the gaming machine according to the feature 20, when the distribution unit is in the first distribution state, the movable unit receives the game ball from a predetermined distribution entry unit that changes a distribution destination of the distribution unit. It also operates when a game ball enters the first entrance that allows entry. For this reason, even in the situation where the distribution destination of the distribution means is changed by the game ball to be distributed by the distribution means, the change is changed to the appearance of the plurality of entrances by the operation of the movable part. Can be presented to the player. Therefore, it is possible to add interest to the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distribution means, and more reliably indicate the change of the distribution destination to the player. Monotonization can be suppressed.

<Feature 22>
The gaming machine according to feature 20 or 21,
When the allocating means is in the first allocating state, the allocating means is mechanically operated by a game ball that has entered from the second entrance through the second entry portion, so that the allocating means is An operation means (distribution direction changing unit 670) for shifting from the distribution state to the second distribution state;
The movable portion operates together with the allocating means when a game ball enters the first entrance when the allocating means is in the first allocating state, and the allocating means is A gaming machine that operates together with the allocating means even when a game ball enters the second entrance in the first allocating state.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 22, even when the game ball enters from the second entrance when the distribution unit is in the first distribution state, the distribution unit is operated by the operation unit by the game ball. Mechanically operated. Therefore, even if the game ball enters either the first entrance or the second entrance, the distribution destination of the game ball by the sorting means can be changed, so that the player simply enters from the predetermined sorting entry portion. Compared to the configuration in which game balls are distributed, monotonization of the game in which game balls are distributed by the distribution means can be suppressed. Further, since the operation of the distributing means by the operating means is mechanically performed by the game balls, monotonization of the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distributing means can be suppressed while preventing an increase in power consumption.

<Feature 23>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 20 to 22,
When the distribution means is in the first distribution state, a game that enters the first entrance from the predetermined distribution entry section and is distributed to the first distribution destination by the distribution means A first entrance (provided with a predetermined privilege when a game ball entering the first downflow passage (groove 626) flows down the first downflow passage is provided downstream of the first downflow passage (groove 626). The left middle start winning device 431B),
When the distribution means is in the first distribution state, it is a flow-down passage through which game balls that have entered the second entrance from the separate entry portion flow down, and are different from the first flow-down passage When a game ball that is provided on the downstream side of the second downflow passage (groove 627) and flows down the second downflow passage enters, a privilege different from the predetermined privilege or a privilege is not granted. A gaming machine, comprising: a second entrance for discharging game balls (right middle start winning device 431A).

  In the case of the gaming machine according to the feature 23, when the distribution unit is in the first distribution state, the distribution unit enters the first entrance through the predetermined distribution entry unit, and the distribution unit performs the first distribution. A predetermined privilege is given when the game ball distributed first flows down the first flow path and enters the first entrance. On the other hand, when the distribution means is in the first distribution state, a game ball that has entered the second entrance from another entry portion has flowed down the second flow path and entered the second entrance. In some cases, a privilege different from the predetermined privilege is given, or the game ball is discharged without giving the privilege.

  Therefore, when the distribution means are in the same distribution state (that is, the first distribution state), the privilege granting status depends on whether the entrance enters the first entrance or the second entrance. Since it is different, the player can perform the launch operation aiming at one of the entrances while changing the degree of expectation for the privilege that can be obtained, so it is preferable to monotonize the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distribution means Can be suppressed.

  Examples of the “privilege” in the feature 23 include a lottery condition, a lottery probability, a special game state that occurs when a lottery is won, and the number of game balls to be paid out. In addition, “a privilege different from a predetermined privilege” is not limited to a case where all privileges are different from each other when a plurality of privileges are granted, and at least some of the privileges are mutually different when a plurality of privileges are granted. It only has to be different.

<Feature 24>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 20 to 23,
When the allocating means is in the first allocating state, the allocating means is mechanically operated by the game ball that has entered from the predetermined allocating entry portion, so that the second allocating state Configured to migrate to
A connecting means (shaft 660) provided between the allocating means and the movable part and mechanically interlocking or synchronizing the operation of the movable part with the operation of the allocating means; A featured gaming machine.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 24, the allocating means is mechanically operated by a game ball that has entered from a predetermined allocating entry section when the allocating means is in the first allocating state. To shift to the second distribution state. Between the allocating means and the movable part, there is provided a connecting means for mechanically interlocking or synchronizing the operation of the movable part with the operation of the allocating means, so that the mechanical operation of the allocating means is performed. Since the movable part can be operated by mechanically interlocking or synchronizing with each other, monotonization of the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distributing means can be suppressed while preventing an increase in power consumption.

<Feature 30>
A distribution unit that changes a distribution destination of game balls that have entered from a predetermined distribution entry unit (upper entry unit A1), and distributes game balls to a predetermined first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations A second distribution state in which game balls are distributed to a predetermined second distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations when a game ball enters from the predetermined distribution entry portion in the first distribution state A sorting means (sorting unit 640) that operates to shift to
A plurality of flow-down paths provided in the first distribution destination and the second distribution destination from which the game balls that have entered the distribution means from the predetermined distribution entry portion can flow down;
An approach permitting posture that is provided in an entrance portion (entrance 801, entrance 802) that communicates with one of the plurality of flow-down passages, is operable with the sorting means, and allows the game ball to enter the entrance portion. And an entry movable portion (left movable piece 868, right movable piece 869) that can be switched between an entry restriction posture that restricts the entry of the game ball into the entry portion as compared to the entry allowable posture,
In a state where the distribution means is in the first distribution state and the entry movable portion is in the entry restriction posture, when the game ball enters the first entrance, the distribution means is The gaming machine is shifted to the second distribution state, and the movable moving portion shifts to the allowed entry posture.

  A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when entering a start opening provided in a game area, a lottery is performed according to the entry, and when a big win is won in the lottery, a special gaming state is entered. A configuration is known in which a large number of game balls can enter a winning opening. In recent years, a distribution unit that distributes game balls to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations is provided, and a plurality of start ports (for example, two A gaming machine that distributes to any of the starting ports is known (see, for example, JP-A-2016-22147).

  However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines that distribute gaming balls using sorting means, such as the above-described conventional gaming machines. For example, since the distribution means in a general gaming machine simply has a configuration in which game balls that have entered from a predetermined entrance are distributed to any one of a plurality of distribution destinations, a game in which game balls are distributed by the distribution means. Sometimes felt monotonous.

  On the other hand, the gaming machine described in the feature 30 includes a distribution unit that changes a distribution destination of the game balls that have entered the predetermined distribution entry unit, and the distribution unit includes a plurality of distribution destinations. When a game ball enters a predetermined sorting entry portion in a first sorting state in which game balls are sorted to a predetermined first sorting destination, a predetermined second of the plurality of sorting destinations It operates to shift to the second distribution state in which the game balls are distributed to the distribution destination.

  An entrance movable portion is provided at the entrance portion of the entry portion that leads to any of the plurality of flow-down passages through which the game balls that have entered the plurality of entry passages can flow down. The approach movable unit operates together with the sorting unit when the game ball enters from the predetermined sorting entry unit and shifts to the second sorting state when the sorting unit is in the first sorting state. Then, it is configured to switch from an entry restriction posture that restricts the entry of the game ball to the entry portion to an entry allowance posture that permits the entry of the game ball to the entry portion.

  As a result, when the sorting means in the first sorting state is operated and the sorting destination by the sorting means is changed, the approach movable provided at the entrance portion of the approach section that leads to any of the plurality of flow-down passages Since the unit operates together with the sorting means and switches from the entry restriction posture to the entry permission posture, it is possible to allow the game ball to enter the flow-down passage from the entry portion. Then, the situation in which the sorting destination of the sorting means is changed can be presented to the player by an operation that is advantageous for the player who switches the approaching movable portion to the approaching allowable posture. Therefore, it is possible to add interest to the game where the game balls are distributed by the distribution means, and to show the player the change of the distribution destination in an easy-to-understand manner. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, in the gaming machine described in the feature 30, the “entry movable part that operates together with the distribution unit” may operate in conjunction with the operation of the distribution unit, or may be integrated with the distribution unit. May operate (synchronize) together with the distributing means, and when the distributing means operates, it operates independently of the distributing means by the power of a motor or the like based on the operation. It may be.

<Feature 31>
The gaming machine according to feature 30, wherein
A first entrance (entrance portion 613) and a second entrance (entrance portion) that allow a game ball to enter from at least one entry portion (upper entry portion A1, left entry portion A2, right entry portion A3). 612), and a movable part that operates together with the allocating means, and when operated, the position of the plurality of inlets is mechanically moved so that at least one of the plurality of inlets It has an entrance movable part (rotating part 610) that allows game balls to enter from
A first inlet arrangement in which the inlet movable portion corresponds to the first distribution state in a state where the distribution means is in the first distribution state and the entry movable portion is in the entry restriction posture. A state (a state where the rotating unit 610 is in the first position),
In the first entrance arrangement state, when a game ball enters at least one or more predetermined entrances among the plurality of entrances, the sorting means shifts to the second sort state, and the entrance movable A part moves to a second entrance arrangement state corresponding to the second distribution state (a state where the rotating unit 610 is in the second position) by operating together with the distribution means.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 31, the entrance movable portion having a plurality of entrances is configured to operate together with the distributing means, and when operated, the plurality of entrances move mechanically to move the plurality of entrances. A game ball can enter from at least one of the entrances. That is, when the sorting unit is operated and the sorting destination by the sorting unit is changed, the inlet movable unit operates together with the sorting unit, and the positions of the plurality of inlets are mechanically moved. Therefore, since the arrangement of the plurality of entrances in the entrance movable portion changes visually, it is possible to add fun to the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distributing means, and more reliably show the player the change of the distribution destination. Therefore, monotonization of the game can be further suppressed.

  In addition, in the gaming machine described in the feature 31, the “inlet movable portion that operates together with the distribution unit” may operate in conjunction with the operation of the distribution unit, or may be integrated with the distribution unit. It is possible to operate (synchronize) together with the allocating means, and when the allocating means operates, by controlling the driving means such as a motor and a solenoid based on the operation, May operate independently.

<Feature 32>
A gaming machine according to feature 31, wherein
The inlet movable portion has a first inlet (incoming ball portion 613) of the plurality of inlets when the distribution means shifts from the first distribution state to the second distribution state. In the second direction in which the second entrance (entrance portion 612) of the plurality of entrances faces at least the left or right side when viewed from the front. Open and communicate with an entry portion different from the predetermined entry portion,
The entry movable portion is provided at an entrance of the entry portion opened in a third direction at least facing a side different from the second direction on the left or right side when viewed from the front, and the distribution means is the first A gaming machine that switches to the allowed entry posture when the state is shifted from one distribution state to the second distribution state.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 32, when the distribution unit shifts from the first distribution state to the second distribution state, the first entrance is the first among the plurality of entrances in the entrance movable portion. The second entrance opens in the second direction at least facing the left or right side when viewed from the front, and is different from the predetermined sorting portion. Communicate.

  On the other hand, the entrance movable part is provided at the entrance portion of the entrance part opened in the third direction at least facing the side different from the second direction on the left or right side when viewed from the front, and the distribution means is the first When the distribution state shifts to the second distribution state, the posture is switched to the approaching allowable posture.

  As a result, when the allocating means shifts from the first allocating state to the second allocating state, one of the second entrance or the approaching portion where the approaching movable portion is allowed to enter On the other hand, a game ball can be entered from the left side of the front view, and a game ball can be entered from the right side of the front view. Therefore, the player can cause the game ball to enter the second entrance or the entry portion in which the entry movable portion is allowed to enter by striking the game ball left and right. Therefore, variations can be made in the manner in which the game balls are launched, so that the game can be prevented from becoming monotonous.

<Feature 33>
A gaming machine according to feature 32,
A first entrance (left middle start winning device 431B) to which a predetermined privilege is given when a game ball enters,
When a game ball enters, a privilege different from the predetermined privilege, or a second entrance (right middle start winning device 431A) that discharges the game ball without granting a privilege,
When the game ball enters the second entrance opening in the second direction because the distribution means has shifted from the first distribution state to the second distribution state, the game ball is Enter the first entrance,
When a game ball enters the entry portion in which the approach movable portion has switched to the entry allowable posture due to the distribution means shifting from the first distribution state to the second distribution state, the game A gaming machine characterized in that a ball enters the second entrance.

  In the case of the gaming machine according to feature 33, the game ball has entered the second entrance that opens in the second direction because the sorting means has shifted from the first sorting state to the second sorting state. In this case, the game ball enters the first entrance. On the other hand, when the game ball enters the entry portion where the approach movable portion has switched to the entry allowable posture due to the distribution means shifting from the first distribution state to the second distribution state, the game ball is the second Enter the entrance. The first entrance is given a predetermined privilege when a game ball enters, and the second entrance provides a privilege different from the predetermined privilege or a privilege when a game ball enters. Since the game ball is discharged without any change, the player can divide the game ball into the right and left with the aim of the entrance of the first entrance or the second entrance where the game ball is desired to enter. .

  Examples of the “privilege” in the feature 32 include a lottery condition, a lottery probability, a special gaming state that occurs when a lottery is won, and the number of game balls to be paid out. In addition, “a privilege different from a predetermined privilege” is not limited to a case where all privileges are different from each other when a plurality of privileges are granted, and at least some of the privileges are mutually different when a plurality of privileges are granted. It only has to be different.

<Feature 34>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 31 to 33,
The inlet movable portion has a first inlet (incoming ball portion 613) of the plurality of inlets when the distribution means shifts from the first distribution state to the second distribution state. In the second direction in which the second entrance (entrance portion 612) of the plurality of entrances faces at least the left or right side when viewed from the front. Open and communicate with an entry portion different from the predetermined assignment entry portion among the plurality of entry passages,
The entrance movable portion is provided at an entrance portion of the entrance portion that is opened in a third direction at least facing the same side as the second direction of the left or right side when viewed from the front. A gaming machine that switches to the allowed entry posture when the state is shifted from one distribution state to the second distribution state.

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 34, when the distribution unit shifts from the first distribution state to the second distribution state, the first entrance is the first among the plurality of entrances in the entrance movable portion. The second entrance opens in the second direction at least facing the left or right side when viewed from the front, and is different from the predetermined sorting entry portion. Communicate with the department.

  On the other hand, the approach movable part is provided at the entrance portion of the approach part opened in the third direction at least facing the same side as the second direction on the left or right side when viewed from the front, and the distribution means is the first oscillating means. When the minute state shifts to the second distribution state, the approaching posture is switched.

  As a result, when the allocating means shifts from the first allocating state to the second allocating state, the player can move the second entrance or approach without slashing the game balls to the left and right. A game ball can be allowed to enter an entry portion in which the entry portion is in an allowed entry posture. Therefore, since it is possible to easily make the game launch method constant, it is possible to efficiently perform a game for allowing the game ball to enter the second entrance or the entry portion where the entry movable portion is in the entry allowable posture. Can do.

<Feature 35>
A gaming machine according to feature 34,
Provided with a first entrance (left middle start winning device 431B) to which a predetermined privilege is granted when a game ball enters,
When a game ball enters the second entrance that opens in the second direction because the distribution means has shifted from the first distribution state to the second distribution state; and In any case, the game ball enters the entry portion where the entry movable portion has been switched to the entry allowable posture due to the minute means shifting from the first assignment state to the second assignment state. The game machine is characterized in that the game ball enters the first entrance.

  In the case of the gaming machine according to the feature 35, the game ball has entered the second entrance that opens in the second direction because the distribution means has shifted from the first distribution state to the second distribution state. In both cases, and when the game ball enters the entry portion where the entry movable portion has switched to the entry allowable posture due to the distribution means shifting from the first distribution state to the second distribution state, The entered game ball enters the first entrance. Therefore, the number of entrances for allowing the game balls to enter the first entrance is increased, so that the probability of entering the first entrance is improved, and the game balls enter the first entrance efficiently. Can do.

<Feature 36>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 30 to 35,
The entry movable section operates such that when a predetermined number of game balls enter from the entry section provided with the entry movable section, the entry allowable position is switched to the entry restriction attitude. Machine.

  In the case of the gaming machine according to the feature 35, when the game ball enters from the entry part provided with the entry movable part, the entry movable part is switched from the entry allowable attitude to the entry restriction attitude, so the entry from the entry part. The possible game balls can be easily limited to a predetermined number every time the movable moving part moves into the permitted entry posture. Thereby, as long as the distribution state of the distribution means is not changed, the entry portion can be differentiated from the second entrance where game balls can always enter.

<Feature 37>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 30 to 36,
When the allocating means is in the first allocating state, the allocating means is mechanically operated by the game ball that has entered from the predetermined allocating entry portion, so that the second allocating state Configured to migrate to
A gaming machine comprising a connecting means (an entry restricting mechanism 680) that mechanically interlocks the action of the entry movable part with the action of the sorting means.

  In the gaming machine according to feature 36, the allocating means is mechanically operated by a game ball that has entered from a predetermined allocating entry section when the allocating means is in the first allocating state. To shift to the second distribution state. Since the connecting means for mechanically interlocking the operation of the entering movable part with the operation of the distributing means is provided, the movable part can be operated by mechanically interlocking the mechanical operation of the distributing means. Therefore, the monotonization of the game in which the game balls are distributed by the distribution means can be suppressed while preventing an increase in power consumption.

  Note that at least one feature described in the features 10 to 37 may be applied in combination with any other feature or a plurality of features. The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above-described features can be applied is shown below.

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

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Game machine, 431A ... Right middle start winning device, 431B ... Left middle start winning device, 610 ... Rotating part, 612, 613 ... Pitching part, 621 ... Distribution path, 626, 627 ... Groove part, 640 ... Swing Minute part, 660... Shaft, 670... Distribution direction changing part, 686... Left movable piece, 689.

Claims (2)

A distribution unit that changes a distribution destination of game balls that have entered from a predetermined distribution entry unit, wherein the first distribution state distributes game balls to a predetermined first distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations When a game ball enters from the predetermined distribution entry section, the operation is performed to shift to a second distribution state in which the game ball is distributed to a predetermined second distribution destination among the plurality of distribution destinations. Sorting means;
A plurality of entrances including a first entrance that allows a game ball to enter, and a second entrance that allows a game ball to enter from an entry portion different from the predetermined sorting entry portion; A movable part that operates together with the allocating means, and a movable part that allows a game ball to enter from at least one of the plurality of inlets by mechanically moving the positions of the plurality of inlets when operated; With
When the allocating means is in the first allocating state, the movable portion is in a first inlet arrangement state corresponding to the first allocating state;
When a game ball enters the second entrance from the another entry portion in the first entrance arrangement state, the sorting means shifts to the second sort state, and the movable portion is A gaming machine that operates together with the allocating means and shifts to a second entrance arrangement state corresponding to the second allocating state.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine.